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For The Hope Of It All: A heart-wrenching novel inspired by Taylor Swift's August
For The Hope Of It All is heart wrenching novel inspired by Taylor Swift's August. Perfect for fans of Taylor Swift, slow-burn love stories and emotional journeys.
For The Hope Of It All is a poignant and heartfelt story of love, loss, and the painful journey of healing from broken promises. Scarlett Hamilton and Noah Roy were once inseparable—best friends, confidantes, and secretly in love. But when Noah left for college, their relationship crumbled, leaving Scarlett with a broken heart and unanswered questions. For years, they’ve avoided each other, each holiday a painful reminder of what once was.
When their families reunite for one final summer at the lake house on Silver Birch Lake—a place they’ve both cherished since childhood—Scarlett is faced with the last thing she ever spending three weeks with Noah. As the tension between them simmers beneath the surface, old feelings start to resurface, and the weight of the past becomes impossible to ignore.
But Noah isn’t the same person Scarlett once knew. The handsome, carefree boy she once loved now carries a heavy secret. And as the truth slowly unfolds, Scarlett must decide if she can forgive Noah for his disappearance and the lies that kept them apart. But time is running out and Noah is desperate to make things right before it’s too late.
Set against the idyllic backdrop of a small town in New England, For The Hope Of It All is a touching exploration of second chances, the complexity of love, and the power of forgiveness. Will Scarlett find it in her heart to trust Noah again, or will the truth of the past and what it means for their future be too much to bear?
This emotional, slow-burn romance will have you turning pages late into the night, rooting for two people who must confront their past to take advantage of the present. Perfect for fans of heartfelt love stories, complex relationships, and unforgettable settings.
For The Hope Of It All is a poignant and heartfelt story of love, loss, and the painful journey of healing from broken promises. Scarlett Hamilton and Noah Roy were once inseparable—best friends, confidantes, and secretly in love. But when Noah left for college, their relationship crumbled, leaving Scarlett with a broken heart and unanswered questions. For years, they’ve avoided each other, each holiday a painful reminder of what once was.
When their families reunite for one final summer at the lake house on Silver Birch Lake—a place they’ve both cherished since childhood—Scarlett is faced with the last thing she ever spending three weeks with Noah. As the tension between them simmers beneath the surface, old feelings start to resurface, and the weight of the past becomes impossible to ignore.
But Noah isn’t the same person Scarlett once knew. The handsome, carefree boy she once loved now carries a heavy secret. And as the truth slowly unfolds, Scarlett must decide if she can forgive Noah for his disappearance and the lies that kept them apart. But time is running out and Noah is desperate to make things right before it’s too late.
Set against the idyllic backdrop of a small town in New England, For The Hope Of It All is a touching exploration of second chances, the complexity of love, and the power of forgiveness. Will Scarlett find it in her heart to trust Noah again, or will the truth of the past and what it means for their future be too much to bear?
This emotional, slow-burn romance will have you turning pages late into the night, rooting for two people who must confront their past to take advantage of the present. Perfect for fans of heartfelt love stories, complex relationships, and unforgettable settings.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2025
3 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 2, 2025
Okay first off
The amount of times I cried from this book is really high. But I still loved it! It was a VERY emotional book, probably the most emotional I’ve ever read, but it was overall a good book. I don’t know what happened to Taylor swift because this book was very sad at some points. But I loved seeing Scarlet progress through the book! She is an incredibly strong character. This book also has a lot of good advice and quotes for you! I would definitely recommend but be prepared for an emotional roller coaster.
The amount of times I cried from this book is really high. But I still loved it! It was a VERY emotional book, probably the most emotional I’ve ever read, but it was overall a good book. I don’t know what happened to Taylor swift because this book was very sad at some points. But I loved seeing Scarlet progress through the book! She is an incredibly strong character. This book also has a lot of good advice and quotes for you! I would definitely recommend but be prepared for an emotional roller coaster.
February 28, 2025
This journey hurt my heart, it was tragic, beautiful, devastating and unforgettable.
Scarlett and Noah were best friends that grew up together and spent summers together with their families at the lake house cabin.
One summer shifts their bond from friends to more and they embrace their chance at love. But when Noah starts to become distant, plans fall through, and everything becomes hopeless, Scarlett is left heartbroken, confused, betrayed, and lost without her best friend.
2 years later, she is forced to return to the cabin for a summer reunion, and confront the boy who broke her heart without reason.
With flashbacks to the past, this heartfelt journey explores young love, complex relationships, fears, regrets, and trying to mend mistakes.
Their reconnection is filled with tension, pain, nostalgia and bravery, and a chance to heal and love.
❤️ 'Noah stood there, watching her go, the heaviness of his guilt and regret pressing down on him like a storm he couldn't escape'
❤️ "You already lost me once, Noah, and you can't lose something a seconds time if you don't really have it"
❤️ "You are more than enough. More than anyone else. You don't see it, but I do. I've always seen it"
❤️ "You've always been my light, Scarlett. Even in the darkest moments, you were there, a memory that kept me going"
Scarlett and Noah were best friends that grew up together and spent summers together with their families at the lake house cabin.
One summer shifts their bond from friends to more and they embrace their chance at love. But when Noah starts to become distant, plans fall through, and everything becomes hopeless, Scarlett is left heartbroken, confused, betrayed, and lost without her best friend.
2 years later, she is forced to return to the cabin for a summer reunion, and confront the boy who broke her heart without reason.
With flashbacks to the past, this heartfelt journey explores young love, complex relationships, fears, regrets, and trying to mend mistakes.
Their reconnection is filled with tension, pain, nostalgia and bravery, and a chance to heal and love.
❤️ 'Noah stood there, watching her go, the heaviness of his guilt and regret pressing down on him like a storm he couldn't escape'
❤️ "You already lost me once, Noah, and you can't lose something a seconds time if you don't really have it"
❤️ "You are more than enough. More than anyone else. You don't see it, but I do. I've always seen it"
❤️ "You've always been my light, Scarlett. Even in the darkest moments, you were there, a memory that kept me going"
February 23, 2025
This was one of the most emotional books to read and one of the best. This book had me in a chokehold from page one. I finished it in two sittings, one of which I stayed up until almost 1 AM because I couldn’t let these characters go.
The way that Alanis Winters can transport you into the story with her writing is truly a gift. I felt every joy, every heartache, and every accomplishment. This book wrecked me. It ripped my heart out but then gave it back. It had me sobbing at 12 AM and then again in the middle of the day.
Through all of the tears it had the most beautiful message about love and heartbreak. I knew halfway through this would be a five star read and I was right.
This is my second read from Alanis Winters and I know this wont be the last five star read.
Thank you so much to Alanis Winters for the advance copy of this book!
The way that Alanis Winters can transport you into the story with her writing is truly a gift. I felt every joy, every heartache, and every accomplishment. This book wrecked me. It ripped my heart out but then gave it back. It had me sobbing at 12 AM and then again in the middle of the day.
Through all of the tears it had the most beautiful message about love and heartbreak. I knew halfway through this would be a five star read and I was right.
This is my second read from Alanis Winters and I know this wont be the last five star read.
Thank you so much to Alanis Winters for the advance copy of this book!
April 7, 2025
Of sorrow and loss, no words can accurately describe the effect upon our individual lives. Our souls. Our psyche. We each react, dwell, surrender, and accept grief differently. For me, it was more visceral and physical. I felt like I was choking, and my throat seemed to battle my very effort to breathe. Others may internalize their pain while presenting a stoic façade of quiet indifference. For those who have yet to experience the raw emotion…tragedy, fear, anger, and sorrow…loss—be prepared to have your existential axis tilted.
For The Hope Of It All begins as an awkward reunion between childhood lovers who grew apart. But it quickly immerses the reader in the memories and events surrounding Noah and Scarlet, revealing their upbringing and closeness. It offers a glimpse into their painful separation and the raw emotions that boil up when they reunite years later. The lake house of their childhood is steeped with memories and offers insight into why Noah left her. Everything she thought she knew and understood becomes suspect as the truth is slowly revealed. What Scarlett thought she knew about family, trust, and love goes up in smoke like the beach bonfires of her past.
I enjoyed this book, even though it is not my typical trope. It tugged at my heartstrings in a way I haven't felt since I first watched Where the Red Fern Grows. My only hangup…that nearly cost that last star, was how the story became interminably bogged down by the fourth act, as if the writer were trying to wring one last emotional storm before the end. However, it was so well written that she can be forgiven the excess.
Highly recommended.
For The Hope Of It All begins as an awkward reunion between childhood lovers who grew apart. But it quickly immerses the reader in the memories and events surrounding Noah and Scarlet, revealing their upbringing and closeness. It offers a glimpse into their painful separation and the raw emotions that boil up when they reunite years later. The lake house of their childhood is steeped with memories and offers insight into why Noah left her. Everything she thought she knew and understood becomes suspect as the truth is slowly revealed. What Scarlett thought she knew about family, trust, and love goes up in smoke like the beach bonfires of her past.
I enjoyed this book, even though it is not my typical trope. It tugged at my heartstrings in a way I haven't felt since I first watched Where the Red Fern Grows. My only hangup…that nearly cost that last star, was how the story became interminably bogged down by the fourth act, as if the writer were trying to wring one last emotional storm before the end. However, it was so well written that she can be forgiven the excess.
Highly recommended.
February 23, 2025
This book was a rollercoaster of emotion which alternated from me smiling to me crying. From the book cover , it already stated that second chances don't always look the way you expect but I was like "I'll be fine" but I cried. Scarlett and Noah's story was a blend of nostalgia, unresolved feelings, and the challenge of facing old wounds.
The author was able to weave the past and present together showing us how things were before and how it progresses to the present.
At first, when I was reading this, I was intrigued because of the answers I was desperately trying to find and when I did, I cried. The book was filled with heartfelt moments and important life lessons .
If you enjoy tales where characters must confront their past to move forward, this might just be the book for you . If you like books with themes of love and personal growth, this is for you. And if you've ever lost a loved one, this will definitely resonate with you.
Highly recommended!!!
Enjoy diving into Noah's and Scarlett's story.
P. S : Grab a box of tissues close by.
The author was able to weave the past and present together showing us how things were before and how it progresses to the present.
At first, when I was reading this, I was intrigued because of the answers I was desperately trying to find and when I did, I cried. The book was filled with heartfelt moments and important life lessons .
If you enjoy tales where characters must confront their past to move forward, this might just be the book for you . If you like books with themes of love and personal growth, this is for you. And if you've ever lost a loved one, this will definitely resonate with you.
Highly recommended!!!
Enjoy diving into Noah's and Scarlett's story.
P. S : Grab a box of tissues close by.
March 8, 2025
This was a good book.
Scarlett Hamilton is the main female character and she is currently a college freshman. Noah Roy was her best friend growning up. Their families were very close and had a lake house together where they would spend the summer. Scarlett and Noah had a falling out and she has not seen him or been back to the lake house in 2 years, until now.
It starts out as your typical summer at a lake house book and has a lot of unexpected things happen along the way. The book also flashs back to the past in some chapters, which I enjoyed.
Now why I docked some stars off of this book: The conflict in this book goes on for entirely too many pages. It had me so frustrated and annoyed with the characters that I almost DNFd it because I was getting tired of the conflict and didn't think it was ever going to end. It was just pointless nonsense for far too long for me. Once the conflict was resolved it became a fantastic book. The conflict just should not have lasted as long as it did in the book.
Scarlett Hamilton is the main female character and she is currently a college freshman. Noah Roy was her best friend growning up. Their families were very close and had a lake house together where they would spend the summer. Scarlett and Noah had a falling out and she has not seen him or been back to the lake house in 2 years, until now.
It starts out as your typical summer at a lake house book and has a lot of unexpected things happen along the way. The book also flashs back to the past in some chapters, which I enjoyed.
Now why I docked some stars off of this book: The conflict in this book goes on for entirely too many pages. It had me so frustrated and annoyed with the characters that I almost DNFd it because I was getting tired of the conflict and didn't think it was ever going to end. It was just pointless nonsense for far too long for me. Once the conflict was resolved it became a fantastic book. The conflict just should not have lasted as long as it did in the book.
April 5, 2025
For The Hope Of It All is a heart breaking novel inspired by Taylor Swift's August. If you’re a “Swiftie”, like slow-burn love stories and emotional journeys, then this is the book for you!
For The Hope Of It All is a heartfelt story of love, loss, broken promises and the power of forgiveness.
Will Scarlett be able to trust Noah again after all the broken promises and years apart, or will the truth from the past be too much for her to bear?
Set in a small New England town, For The Hope Of It All is a book about second chances and the complexity of young love. This story will have you rooting for Scarlett & Noah as they are forced to confront their past so that they can move forward in the present. With flashbacks to the past, you explore complex relationships, fears, regrets, and trying to correct mistakes made. This isn’t a normal genre read for me but I truly enjoyed the story and the writing. I’ve only ever cried reading one other book but this one almost got me! The scene where the characters reconnect in the boat shed is full of tension, bravery & nostalgia. This book has a beautiful message of healing & young love. Great read, would definitely recommend 4⭐️
For The Hope Of It All is a heartfelt story of love, loss, broken promises and the power of forgiveness.
Will Scarlett be able to trust Noah again after all the broken promises and years apart, or will the truth from the past be too much for her to bear?
Set in a small New England town, For The Hope Of It All is a book about second chances and the complexity of young love. This story will have you rooting for Scarlett & Noah as they are forced to confront their past so that they can move forward in the present. With flashbacks to the past, you explore complex relationships, fears, regrets, and trying to correct mistakes made. This isn’t a normal genre read for me but I truly enjoyed the story and the writing. I’ve only ever cried reading one other book but this one almost got me! The scene where the characters reconnect in the boat shed is full of tension, bravery & nostalgia. This book has a beautiful message of healing & young love. Great read, would definitely recommend 4⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2025
This story is deeply emotional and heart-breaking. I found myself alternating between smiles and tears throughout. The story skilfully weaves between present-day events and past summers at the lake house. This structure creates a stronger connection to the characters as we witness pivotal moments in their lives, watching them grow together and fall in love.
I cherished the friendship and romance between Scarlett and Noah. The feeling of young first love is captured perfectly.
In my opinion, the story evokes vibes of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" and "Me Before You," blended with Taylor Swift's "August," "The Lakes," and the hopeful elements of "All Too Well."
This captivating book is impossible to put down—a true page-turner.
I cherished the friendship and romance between Scarlett and Noah. The feeling of young first love is captured perfectly.
In my opinion, the story evokes vibes of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" and "Me Before You," blended with Taylor Swift's "August," "The Lakes," and the hopeful elements of "All Too Well."
This captivating book is impossible to put down—a true page-turner.
February 12, 2025
I actually don't know what to say. This ARC absolutely broke me and then kind of pieced me back together at the end. If you like sad books, books about young love, books about loss and grieving, then this is THE book for you. The author did such an amazing job telling the story through different timelines. She focused on the past where the MCs, Scarlett and Noah are children and best friends and eventually fall for each other. And she alternated chapters to focus on the present, why their relationship is broken and how they try to fix it etc. I don't want to give anything away but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read this book!!
February 8, 2025
May be spoilery) Excuse me if this makes no sense because I am ugly crying as I type this. I LOVED this book and I am OBSESSED with the playlist it comes with... I received this as an ARC (tysm) and while I knew the author said it was heartbreaking, I didn't expect it to hit me this hard. I really fell in love with Scarlett and Noah's friendship and it hurt me probably as much as it hurt Scarlett to see it be lost. If you love sad books or books that make you question your life, this is the one for you!!!
February 24, 2025
I had the honour of reading this book before it is officially released, and I must say it was amazing! This book is an emotional, heart breaking read, however it is also a really happy story that will leave you smiling at times. The friendship and romance between Scarlett and Noah was depicted as heart warming flicking between past and present, and it describes the feeling of first love in a way that other authors can’t. I would 100% recommend this to anyone that enjoys a young adult romance and wish this author the best of luck for release!
February 10, 2025
This was a really heartbreaking read for me. I can’t tell you how much I cried but I also loved every second of the story. It is so touching and I love how it emphasizes the importance of connection during and after a loss. I highly recommend anyone who has lost a loved one, especially at a young age, to read this book. I saw so much of myself in Scarlett, which is why I think this book resonated so much.
April 15, 2025
I have been really enjoying this author's work and this is no exception. It has to be my favourite so far. This book was very emotional and a great encapsulation of grief and how it affects young persons. As someone who has experienced my own grief, I very much related to Scarlett. I also enjoyed the playlist that accompanied it. I'm looking forward to reading more from Alanis Winters.
February 25, 2025
This book was amazing made me think of love and happiness and end in the she wrote about their love and not all love story have happy but you should always remember the time you have together it was beautiful and heartfelt book .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2025
I really wanted to love this book bc I love a good friends to lovers troupe. However, I did find myself often dozing off while reading this and didn’t connect with the characters. It was a sad story and I did like the connection that the two main characters had but I just needed more.
April 19, 2025
A story beautifully written about grief , life , and love. Life is like a box of chocolates and you never know what you’re gonna get. This story will definitely get you in the feels but it’s completely about overcoming and continuing to live life despite the most heart breaking things life brings us. Life is worth living. I recommend this book to everyone but definitely read the trigger warnings. Life is what you make of it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews