Never Lose Hope

by Donna McDonald

Her divorce was never finalized because she became a widow instead.

Every time Juniper hoped she had finally survived her nightmare marriage, Nathan’s selfish decisions came back to haunt her. Her dead husband’s twenty-year-old mistress was contesting his will. Juniper might have handled that, but they’d also hidden a baby who looked remarkably like her own son. The kid wasn’t even two yet. How ruthless could she be with someone who could barely walk?

Her membership to The Perfect Date was doing her no good. The brand new life Juniper promised herself to live, the one filled with handsome, fun men to warm her bed, seemed like nothing more than a bunch of foolish hopes and dreams.

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author

I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.

I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.

I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.

Reviews

[lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hot mess! But really is it? Juniper wants to move into her "best life" after her cheating husband passed. So much happens and still she is a freaking saint. Her lawyer wants to protect her and get her all she deserves. His wish is for her to want him.

The twists and turns in this are something else. Loved reading about Juniper and Lane; a fantastic couple.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the exception of one thing, I enjoyed everything else about this book. It was witty and humorous. The way the characters interacted was done smoothly with a good amount of snark, along with kindness and compassion.

I loved Lane and Juniper as a couple. Nathan and Clarissa held excellent adversarial roles. The way things came together with Kellan, Lane, and Juniper was sweet.

I just cannot get past that I had no idea what Juniper or Lane looked like other than Juniper had gray in her hair and long legs. If there was anything else physically descriptive about any of the characters (other than the grandmother), then I missed it. I can't speak for anyone else, but I have a difficulty time completely enjoying a book when I can't create an image in my head.

Considering that may not be an issue for others, I would definitely recommend this book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Lose Hope by Donna McDonald is part of The Perfect Date Series. It has been a while since there has been an addition to the series but book sixteen was worth the wait. Juniper’s ex-husband really did a number on her then it looks as if he started in on the new young woman in his life. You always want to say thank the Lord for his mercy in removing this man here on earth. Sadly this story probably touches more women in reality than we could ever guess. Still, this reader wanted Juniper to be able to live that best life, doing so with grace and dignity.

Perhaps that perfect date is right in front of her. I so wanted her to see that earlier in the story than she did. Juniper is a character I became invested in her future and her decisions to make that best life. A story that will grab your heart, reminding you that compassion is a choice as Juniper shows but so is love. Choose love, Juniper, choose love. Never Lose Hope is a story for us all.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this next installment in The Perfect Date series, attorney Lane Everett gets his story. His heroine is Juniper Jones who was on her way to becoming a divorce` but became a widow instead. Lane is the attorney involved in the owner and lead force of The Perfect Date's divorce (read book 1). Both Lane and Juniper have a lot of emotional baggage but they have also enjoyed flirting with each other. This book is also deals with all of the upheaval caused by Juniper's husband that do not seem to be ending even though the man is now gone. This story includes many interesting characters and several episodes that had me busting out in laughs. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next book in the series. This is a light read that should only take a couple of hours to read and enjoy.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Lose Hope is another book in the Perfect Dating series and it’s a great one! Juniper is a recent widow who at the time of becoming a widow was in the process of divorcing her cheating husband. When he is diagnosed with cancer the woman he was having an affair with dumps him. Juniper agrees to take care of him. He was a horrible husband and father, he disowned his older children. After he dies it is discovered that he had another child from his affair. Now Juniper has to deal with the other woman and a child. Her lawyer Lane has become a friend and offers not only legal advice but friendship. Juniper is working with Mariah trying to find a match with Her perfect dating service. However, she and Lane worked spent time together they grow closer that friendship becomes a relationship.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will make you believe in happily-ever-after’s again. At least it did for me. Juniper is a stellar human – with a snarky sense of humor, a heart of gold, and a sarcastic BFF.

What could have been a run of the mill ‘husband leaves wife for much younger person’ (I can’t really call her a woman and you’ll read why) turns into a showcase of Juniper’s kindness and fun nature. Oh, Juniper has a lot to learn about “good” people and her premier example would be Lane. She just hasn’t figured it out yet. And Lane is spectacular IMHO! And the ‘kids’ in this story? Perfection! I think this is the best of this series.

[April Mollenkopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Lose Hope is book 16 in The Perfect Date series. This entire series is about women finding love/second chances later in life. I think is one of my favorite in the series.

Juniper has a lot to deal with including the death of her cheating spouse, his mistress and their child. Lane is her attorney and would like to be more. Sparks fly but Juniper says she isn’t ready for another man in her life. I loved Lane throughout the book. He was a beautiful person inside and out.

Like all the other books in the series, the book is about getting a second chance at love, family and friends. This series just keeps getting better and better.

I voluntarily reviewed the book.

[Debbie Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the engaging and amazing romance story. After Juniper's faithless husband's death, she decides to join The Perfect Date, but she can't forget her passionate, steamy night with her handsome lawyer, Lane. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and another riveting love story by the phenomenal author, Donna McDonald.

[karn · Rating 5 out of 5]

worth it

Sometimes life is the unexpected and this book proves it. I’ve loved this whole series. Each book gets better and better and I didn’t think it was possible to top her last book but Donna does it every time.

[Stephanie Villere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Lose Hope, book 16 of The Perfect Date series, written by Donna McDonald. This entire series is about the romantic lives of women who are a bit older than the normal dating age, like starting over after divorce or death. Juniper has been through both and has no desire for a man as a permanent fixture in her life. Lane is her lawyer and very much an admirer. Sparks fly, only to become flames, and they both burn! Now to see if it’s together or apart! You will LOVE THIS SERIES!

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author’s characters. Juniper has so much heart, some might think her a doormat or weak but she just can’t be mercenary. The backstory brings us fully into Juniper’s world and all of the feels she is going through. Juniper’s inner peace and light shows through to us and especially her lawyer Lane, who is a surprise as well and a real cream puff. I highly recommend this tale of overcoming and getting the life you deserve even at a later age.