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Little Museum of Hope
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN B0BW4SZXRQ can be found here
A jar of festival mud, a photo album of family memories, a child’s teddy bear, a book of bell ringing methods, an old cassette tape, a pair of slippers …
These are the items that fill the exhibit shelves in Vanessa Jones’ museum. At first glance, they appear to have nothing in common, but that’s before you find out the stories behind them …
Because Vanessa’s Little Museum of Hope is no ordinary museum – its aim is to help people heal by donating items associated with shattered lives and failed relationships, and in doing so, find a way to move on, perhaps even start again.
The museum soon becomes a sanctuary for the broken hearts in Vanessa’s city, and she’s always on hand to offer a cup of tea, a slice of cake and a listening ear.
But could the bringer of Hope need a little help moving on herself?
A jar of festival mud, a photo album of family memories, a child’s teddy bear, a book of bell ringing methods, an old cassette tape, a pair of slippers …
These are the items that fill the exhibit shelves in Vanessa Jones’ museum. At first glance, they appear to have nothing in common, but that’s before you find out the stories behind them …
Because Vanessa’s Little Museum of Hope is no ordinary museum – its aim is to help people heal by donating items associated with shattered lives and failed relationships, and in doing so, find a way to move on, perhaps even start again.
The museum soon becomes a sanctuary for the broken hearts in Vanessa’s city, and she’s always on hand to offer a cup of tea, a slice of cake and a listening ear.
But could the bringer of Hope need a little help moving on herself?
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2023
307 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Sally Jenkins
10 books13 followersSally Jenkins is based in the West Midlands and writes part-time around her job as a computer programmer. She targets her short stories at a range of competitions and magazines. Sally also produces the odd article on writing-related topics.
When she is not tapping away at a keyboard, Sally enjoys Body Combat classes and church bell-ringing.
She would advise all would-be writers to join a local class or group. Writing is a frustrating, solitary pursuit and meeting other like-minded people is necessary to stop yourself going mad!
When she is not tapping away at a keyboard, Sally enjoys Body Combat classes and church bell-ringing.
She would advise all would-be writers to join a local class or group. Writing is a frustrating, solitary pursuit and meeting other like-minded people is necessary to stop yourself going mad!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 9, 2025
Sweet and light. Good audiobook.
May 30, 2025
I was having nightmares from reading a somewhat violent book, and this was the perfect antidote! Easy to read, nice characters (on the whole) and a happy ending. Not too demanding, but sometimes it’s nice not to have to,think too much when you’re reading!
June 9, 2023
On the surface, this seems like quite a simple and straightforward story of a middle-aged woman, Vanessa, picking up the pieces after her husband’s infidelity and resulting divorce but actually, there’s a lot more to it than that.
Vanessa sets up a café and, later, the Little Museum of Hope, a precarious venture (especially as she buys in the cakes!) and I wondered how she was keeping the business going.
The people who bring their donations – and their stories of loss and loneliness – to the museum, are a varied bunch. My favourites were the elderly couple Polly and Malcolm (that story line was written with particular sensitivity I thought and was very believable) but I also liked Pete and warm-hearted Maxine.
One complaint: all those delicious cake made me want to eat (and drink tea!). It would have been lovely to have had some recipes dotted through the book, as Vanessa learned to bake (my scones are always a disaster so I did pick up one tip about having icy cold butter when you make them!)
I found myself wondering, as I read the story, what I would give to the museum and what story I would like to share. It also made me think about possessions and how, through them, we often cling to the past and to unhappy memories.
This book was a very enjoyable read, which, despite some sad stories, left me feeling ‘uplifted’ and which kept me guessing to the very end. I listened on Audio and the narrator was very good.
Vanessa sets up a café and, later, the Little Museum of Hope, a precarious venture (especially as she buys in the cakes!) and I wondered how she was keeping the business going.
The people who bring their donations – and their stories of loss and loneliness – to the museum, are a varied bunch. My favourites were the elderly couple Polly and Malcolm (that story line was written with particular sensitivity I thought and was very believable) but I also liked Pete and warm-hearted Maxine.
One complaint: all those delicious cake made me want to eat (and drink tea!). It would have been lovely to have had some recipes dotted through the book, as Vanessa learned to bake (my scones are always a disaster so I did pick up one tip about having icy cold butter when you make them!)
I found myself wondering, as I read the story, what I would give to the museum and what story I would like to share. It also made me think about possessions and how, through them, we often cling to the past and to unhappy memories.
This book was a very enjoyable read, which, despite some sad stories, left me feeling ‘uplifted’ and which kept me guessing to the very end. I listened on Audio and the narrator was very good.
November 26, 2023
My second book by Sally Jenkins which I again love for the real life feel of what it means to be a human being – with faults, regret, fear and insecurities, at the same time encouraging us to make the most of life in whatever way feels comfortable for us. An uplifting and feel-good book, and yet... two things:
The silver lining – ooooh, the cliché of it;
The lack of diversity – I can't wrap my head around this with a book with universal themes as mentioned above that there are no people of color, no chronics (I know this is not a proper word, but for me it is), no same-sex relationships, no people with a different cultural or religious background, you name it. It doesn't have to be a theme, but surely there are more flavors of the human kind. And yes, I keep mentioning this in reviews a lot, unfortunately.
The stories and characters are relatable and yet it being this flat makes me feel very frustrated.
The silver lining – ooooh, the cliché of it;
The lack of diversity – I can't wrap my head around this with a book with universal themes as mentioned above that there are no people of color, no chronics (I know this is not a proper word, but for me it is), no same-sex relationships, no people with a different cultural or religious background, you name it. It doesn't have to be a theme, but surely there are more flavors of the human kind. And yes, I keep mentioning this in reviews a lot, unfortunately.
The stories and characters are relatable and yet it being this flat makes me feel very frustrated.
April 1, 2023
This novel has, much like the museum opened by its main character, something special that's bound to intrigue. Vanessa's story is the one that brings all the others together (through the museum and the objects donated to be displayed in it) and makes the whole a real novel. Maxine's, Stephen's and everyone else's are short stories within the longer one, and they all fit in perfectly, all threads combining to make a stronger one. I really enjoyed reading about those people, and seeing some who had skills that Vanessa lacked (be it with social media, accounting or baking) contribute much more than they expected when they arrived with their donation.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2023
A Good Read
Having been made redundant from her teaching job and finding out her husband had been having an affair and was now leaving her, Vanessa needed to find something to keep her occupied and bring a new focus to her life, so she decides to open a tea shop with a little museum, where people can bring something to display, and tells a story of their lives, but disguising their identity. Business is slow, but Vanessa meets new people, and hears some heart breaking stories but will she be able to make a go of it, but then her ex husband decides he wants to come home. I found this a good read although I was surprised someone with no experience and very little knowledge would embark on such an enterprise.
Having been made redundant from her teaching job and finding out her husband had been having an affair and was now leaving her, Vanessa needed to find something to keep her occupied and bring a new focus to her life, so she decides to open a tea shop with a little museum, where people can bring something to display, and tells a story of their lives, but disguising their identity. Business is slow, but Vanessa meets new people, and hears some heart breaking stories but will she be able to make a go of it, but then her ex husband decides he wants to come home. I found this a good read although I was surprised someone with no experience and very little knowledge would embark on such an enterprise.
December 31, 2023
Lots of stories within
Vanessa finds herself diminished when her husband suddenly leaves her for another woman and she loses her teaching job. What starts as a café business soon spreads to a museum of items, discarded so people can move forwards, that offers hope. Vanessa is soon part of a team together with Maxine and Stephen, who have both benefited from making ‘donations’ to the museum, and they make an impact on others.
Sad, heart-warming and sometimes frustrating, there are several individual stories that customers share. The idea of such a museum is different and a useful way of getting their back stories in there. Ignore the improbable and just go with the enjoyable flow .
Vanessa finds herself diminished when her husband suddenly leaves her for another woman and she loses her teaching job. What starts as a café business soon spreads to a museum of items, discarded so people can move forwards, that offers hope. Vanessa is soon part of a team together with Maxine and Stephen, who have both benefited from making ‘donations’ to the museum, and they make an impact on others.
Sad, heart-warming and sometimes frustrating, there are several individual stories that customers share. The idea of such a museum is different and a useful way of getting their back stories in there. Ignore the improbable and just go with the enjoyable flow .
December 19, 2023
I absolutely loved this unique story. The idea of a museum where people can leave objects that relate to a painful time in their lives they want to leave behind is so wonderful. The newly divorced Vanessa who opens the teashop/museum in part to heal her own wounded heart couldn’t predict that it would become a place of hope for others. We hear the often incredibly touching stories behind the donations from the givers point of view, and gradually many of these are woven into the overall story. When Vanessa’s husband begs for a second chance at their marriage she must decide whether to go back with him or move forward to new opportunities and a fresh chance at love.
November 28, 2023
I enjoyed this book from the moment I picked it up. A good, quick and easy read. You begin by meeting Vanessa who at the beginning of the story is devastated when her husband tells her he is leaving her. She moves on with life as people do but then hits upon the idea of opening a cafe. The space she eventually takes on is too big for her needs, but she likes it and goes for it, and in a way is enjoying doing something for herself. After trying to let the extra space without success, she decides to use it herself and open a museum, of sorts. And that's when the real story begins.
May 26, 2025
Two stars is generous - good grief. I'm still not sure what this book is about or the purpose of the museum. What a silly, random concept. If that wasn't bad enough, the writing was abysmal. Towards the end of the book, I nearly choked when I read, "...miscontrued or taken the wrong way." Ummm...that's what misconstrued means. That doesn't even take into account the number of times I had to read, "....made my toes curl..." The main character is NOT a 15 year old girl. Either very poor editing or seriously unsophisticated writing. Either way, I was so glad to be finished.
December 8, 2023
This was not my usual genre of reading but when I unexpectedly found it on my Kindle, with no idea how it got there, I decided to give it a go. It’s a gentle, insightful look at the damage we can unwittingly, or sometimes just thoughtlessly deliberately, do to others and how it affects so many other lives, but it also gives hope for a restoration of equilibrium.
I enjoyed reading it and not just as a break from my usual type of book
I enjoyed reading it and not just as a break from my usual type of book
December 26, 2023
A sweet story
This is a heartwarming story that demonstrates how important hope can be. Everyone has a story of emotional baggage that needs to be addressed in order for growth to happen. A safe place to do that is The Little Museum of Hope. Vanessa has turned her own misfortune into an inspiring business venture to help others unload past regret or misfortune so they can move on.
This is a heartwarming story that demonstrates how important hope can be. Everyone has a story of emotional baggage that needs to be addressed in order for growth to happen. A safe place to do that is The Little Museum of Hope. Vanessa has turned her own misfortune into an inspiring business venture to help others unload past regret or misfortune so they can move on.
February 28, 2025
Feel good story
Okay I have become a sucker for romance. I used to mock the idea of romcom as something I wanted to read. But, now I am addicted to stories like this one where love is hard and not all the women are beautiful, thin, young, and successful. Fun read with lots of the economics of reality and love.
Now I am ready for some action with guns and spies or cops and criminals.
Okay I have become a sucker for romance. I used to mock the idea of romcom as something I wanted to read. But, now I am addicted to stories like this one where love is hard and not all the women are beautiful, thin, young, and successful. Fun read with lots of the economics of reality and love.
Now I am ready for some action with guns and spies or cops and criminals.
April 25, 2023
Recently divorced Vanessa buys a huge building in Birminghams jewellery quarter. The ground floor becomes a café and the upper floors a museum of ordinary people's items , each holding their own stories. I loved some, the jar of mud made me smile, others made me think, some brought tears to my eyes.
It's a book like no other, and I highly recommend you read it.
It's a book like no other, and I highly recommend you read it.
April 25, 2023
This is a very unusual story. The characters are varied but all in need of Vanessa's help. Their stories and the items they donate are so interesting and very believable and added to Vanessa's own story make for a great read. Vanessa's life being in turmoil ends sorting but until the final pages you are still hoping for one outcome but expecting another! A read that holds you.
December 9, 2023
Hope and joy
Didn't think that I would like this book. I was pleasantly surprised. The storyline was good and the characters believable. The only reason for 4 and not 5 stars was because, to me, it didn't grab me to finish it in double quick time. Having said this it was a good thing because I could come back to it when I needed. Overall a very pleasant read.
Didn't think that I would like this book. I was pleasantly surprised. The storyline was good and the characters believable. The only reason for 4 and not 5 stars was because, to me, it didn't grab me to finish it in double quick time. Having said this it was a good thing because I could come back to it when I needed. Overall a very pleasant read.
December 16, 2023
Beautiful and unexpected.
When I began this book I thought it would be boring. And unoriginal. But it was a surprise. As I started reading al the stories with the things donated to the Museum I wanted to know more. When Dave reappeared I wanted to drown him or something. I understood Vanessa’s uncertainty, but come on Dave? I would like to read more books about the museum.
When I began this book I thought it would be boring. And unoriginal. But it was a surprise. As I started reading al the stories with the things donated to the Museum I wanted to know more. When Dave reappeared I wanted to drown him or something. I understood Vanessa’s uncertainty, but come on Dave? I would like to read more books about the museum.
May 26, 2025
The best "feel good book" I have read in many, many years!
I loved reading this novel which I devoured in two days. Like the tea and cakes served at the Cafe, the novel nourished my soul with humor, strength and delicious goodness...something we all need from time to time. Thank you, Sally Jenkins!
I loved reading this novel which I devoured in two days. Like the tea and cakes served at the Cafe, the novel nourished my soul with humor, strength and delicious goodness...something we all need from time to time. Thank you, Sally Jenkins!
November 21, 2023
Sweetest book ever
Well written. Creative plot..delightful characters. Touching story line
So much.more than a novel about romance
Too many words required. Read it...you will love it
Well written. Creative plot..delightful characters. Touching story line
So much.more than a novel about romance
Too many words required. Read it...you will love it
March 2, 2025
A great read
A sweet, uplifting and interesting story. The book has some great characters and some intriguing twists and turns. The book shows that we all sometimes need to reach out and discuss/move on to get a better inner peace.
A sweet, uplifting and interesting story. The book has some great characters and some intriguing twists and turns. The book shows that we all sometimes need to reach out and discuss/move on to get a better inner peace.
May 19, 2025
As advertised.
Was advertised as a feel good book and yes it is. Basically it is one back story filled with several short stories . The concept of The Little Museum of Hope is somewhat unrealistic but this is fiction . An enjoyable women's fiction read.
Was advertised as a feel good book and yes it is. Basically it is one back story filled with several short stories . The concept of The Little Museum of Hope is somewhat unrealistic but this is fiction . An enjoyable women's fiction read.
October 29, 2023
Very sweet story
A museum of hope, if only this were real! This is a thoughtful, beautiful story of love and hope and also includes cake, what's not to love?
A museum of hope, if only this were real! This is a thoughtful, beautiful story of love and hope and also includes cake, what's not to love?
November 21, 2023
Eve Goodreads.
Really good read. Had to keep putting it down to do meals but would pick it up again straight away. Marvellous!!!
Really good read. Had to keep putting it down to do meals but would pick it up again straight away. Marvellous!!!
November 27, 2023
Loved it. A great heart warming read.
December 1, 2023
Hope
I absolutely love this story. It is a fresh book. So different for me to read, I wish the museum existed! The characters would be friends of mine for sure!! Thank you!
I absolutely love this story. It is a fresh book. So different for me to read, I wish the museum existed! The characters would be friends of mine for sure!! Thank you!
December 9, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I read in bed and the light was going off later and later. I was shouting at the book for the main character to dump Dave. Don't do that very often. Every persons story was different. If you want a nice cosy book to read this is it.
December 31, 2023
I did not think that this was,a book I would really enjoy, but I loved it. Such heart warming stories that were collected for the museum. Light reading and very enjoyable. Well worth a read
Want to read
January 14, 2024Recommended by Anne Marie
April 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The concept is brilliant and the stories intertwine making it such a great book. Kept me reading till the end.
Think we all need a Little Museum of Hope in our own lives.
Think we all need a Little Museum of Hope in our own lives.
June 29, 2024
Loved this book. There were lots of characters who I instantly liked and wanted to know their stories. An uplifting book which proves it’s never to late to get a second chance
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews