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Good Hope #1
Christmas in Good Hope
Ami and Beck would rather forget the past, but this Christmas of love is one to remember.
Amaryllis “Ami” Bloom’s cheerful smile greets everyone in Good Hope, Wisconsin. But her merry facade hides a dark secret she won’t ever forget. Still, she throws herself into celebrating Christmas—and convinces her handsome, and stubborn, new neighbor to join her.
Beckett Cross, however, is determined not to celebrate the holidays. He moved to Good Hope to leave behind reminders of how he’d had it all…and lost everything. But it’s hard to resist adorable Ami, the designated keeper of the small town’s holiday traditions, when she asks for help with the Twelve Nights celebrations. And Ami has a hard time resisting Beck’s soft Southern drawl and gentle eyes. Will a Christmas miracle give them a second chance at love and the hope to heal both of their hearts for good?
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
877 people are currently reading
1399 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Kirk
222 books1,614 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Cindy Kirk is a Booksellers' Best Award Winner, a National Readers' Choice Awards finalist, and a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Cindy launched her Good Hope series with a bang. Christmas in Good Hope hit #1 on the Amazon bestseller list for both Contemporary Romance and Women's Fiction.
A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.
Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.
Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.
A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.
Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.
Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
December 6, 2018
This was very, very by-the-numbers and not so much in a good way. I was very disappointed that Ami was so very weak. She knows her "secret" is going to blow up and determines to tell Beck a couple of times only to wimp out so that the reveal can come in public by someone who wants to hurt her. So sadly formulaic. And the thing with her dad? Why wouldn't you speak up if the father you love is involved with a mean and spiteful woman? How does it make sense not to tell him "hey dad, this woman continually degrades me and calls me out and actively seeks opportunities to belittle and undermine me. Could you maybe not ask me to be nice to her any more?" How bad is your relationship with your father that he wouldn't give you the benefit of the doubt on something like that? He's supposedly a great father and yet his daughter doesn't trust him to believe her about something important to her?
So I didn't like Ami very well and Beck didn't really compensate much, either. He's okay, I guess, but he's not outstanding in any way. Anyway, I don't want to take too much away from the story because Kirk puts the story together competently enough. So call it 2½ stars that I'm rounding up because it fit the holiday theme and was at least consistent with it.
ETA: A note about Audible: I forgot to mention in my original review, but at least part of my problem with this was the audio by Amy McFadden. Her voice for Beck, who was supposed to have a marked Southern accent, was atrocious. Time and again the narration said something like "in his soft Southern drawl" only to have McFadden give a barely-there hint of the South. Worse, Beck comes from a well-to-do Southern family, the type that regularly hires decorators but the subtle hint of accent McFadden inserts is more Appalachian backwoods than it is Southern gentry that would be more appropriate. This may account for some of my apathy for him because I normally love a Southern accent in a protagonist and expecting one and not receiving it was a disconnect that grated throughout.
A note about Steamy:There's some explicit sex but not much. It's on the low side of my steam tolerance but I skimmed it anyway.
So I didn't like Ami very well and Beck didn't really compensate much, either. He's okay, I guess, but he's not outstanding in any way. Anyway, I don't want to take too much away from the story because Kirk puts the story together competently enough. So call it 2½ stars that I'm rounding up because it fit the holiday theme and was at least consistent with it.
ETA: A note about Audible: I forgot to mention in my original review, but at least part of my problem with this was the audio by Amy McFadden. Her voice for Beck, who was supposed to have a marked Southern accent, was atrocious. Time and again the narration said something like "in his soft Southern drawl" only to have McFadden give a barely-there hint of the South. Worse, Beck comes from a well-to-do Southern family, the type that regularly hires decorators but the subtle hint of accent McFadden inserts is more Appalachian backwoods than it is Southern gentry that would be more appropriate. This may account for some of my apathy for him because I normally love a Southern accent in a protagonist and expecting one and not receiving it was a disconnect that grated throughout.
A note about Steamy:There's some explicit sex but not much. It's on the low side of my steam tolerance but I skimmed it anyway.
December 4, 2016
5 - "A star says you're home." Stars!
Loved this one, have been saving it so I could get maximum Christmas satisfaction from it, after falling in love with the people and town of Good Hope while reviewing the second book in the series earlier on this year.
"Good Hope is it's own world."
The Bloom sisters are just an absolute treat to get to know, and I cannot wait for the next book, which is thankfully due in January.
Loved this one, have been saving it so I could get maximum Christmas satisfaction from it, after falling in love with the people and town of Good Hope while reviewing the second book in the series earlier on this year.
"Good Hope is it's own world."
The Bloom sisters are just an absolute treat to get to know, and I cannot wait for the next book, which is thankfully due in January.
February 22, 2017
It's not a work of great literature. Yeah, it's a romance novel. And, as some may feel, it's worse than that: it's a Christmas story.
I could not help but be charmed by this book, however. It was predictable, sure. Sweet. I could picture it being played as a movie on the Hallmark Channel during the Christmas season and I, the softy that I am, would likely be totally taken by it. (I have, after all, watched just about everything the Hallmark Channel, and its like channels, show during Christmas. And then some. I'm a sucker for sap during the Christmas season.)
As such, this was a great book for me to read at the beginning of November while on vacation. I found it delightful and fun.
I must have reached a point in my life where I'm titillated by impossible sex scenes (everyone comes! sex is the best ever, omg). I have never read romances before this point in my life and now I find myself kind of drawn to them, despite their formulaic predictability. I guess I'm an old maid now. Bring on the hot pants stranger guy who has the ability to just magically give the girl the orgasm. Books are all about fantasy anyway. Who am I kidding? Women need porn too!
It titillates without getting offensive. Though I did wiggle a little when a hot scene was interrupted by the female MC asking Mr. Hot Pants if he had protection. Of course he did cuz in a fantasy everyone always keeps some on hand. Even when they aren't looking for a relationship and are just trying to get over their wife and unborn child's untimely death. But just like the situation in real life, that moment of dialog was definitely coitus interruptus. Can't we have sex without consequences in our fantasy worlds, girls??! (I guess it's supposed to be hot that he did bring the protection. So. Ok. Whatever.)
But I find myself giggling like a teenager girl when I read the line, "...he sheathed himself and entered her slowly." Is that how we're calling it these days? Sheathing himself? LOL.
Who am I kidding, I highlighted it in my Kindle. Along with the line "...until she arched toward him and began to rock her hips in a pattern as old as time."
I love it and I cringe at the same time. The writing is ridiculous. However, my face flushed and I got a bit excited reading it. (This is the culminating sex scene, the one you've been waiting eleven chapters for, after all.)
Oh, romance novels.... I'm drawn to them, I snark on them... And I want to read more.
So, yeah, I'm probably going to read Summer in Good Hope (Book 2) when it comes out in June. Cuz. Hot, unrealistic sex!
But, seriously, this was a fun book to read. Not everything has to be deep and meaningful. And it did appeal to the side of me who watches every damned one of those cheesy Hallmark Channel Christmas movies.
I could not help but be charmed by this book, however. It was predictable, sure. Sweet. I could picture it being played as a movie on the Hallmark Channel during the Christmas season and I, the softy that I am, would likely be totally taken by it. (I have, after all, watched just about everything the Hallmark Channel, and its like channels, show during Christmas. And then some. I'm a sucker for sap during the Christmas season.)
As such, this was a great book for me to read at the beginning of November while on vacation. I found it delightful and fun.
I must have reached a point in my life where I'm titillated by impossible sex scenes (everyone comes! sex is the best ever, omg). I have never read romances before this point in my life and now I find myself kind of drawn to them, despite their formulaic predictability. I guess I'm an old maid now. Bring on the hot pants stranger guy who has the ability to just magically give the girl the orgasm. Books are all about fantasy anyway. Who am I kidding? Women need porn too!
It titillates without getting offensive. Though I did wiggle a little when a hot scene was interrupted by the female MC asking Mr. Hot Pants if he had protection. Of course he did cuz in a fantasy everyone always keeps some on hand. Even when they aren't looking for a relationship and are just trying to get over their wife and unborn child's untimely death. But just like the situation in real life, that moment of dialog was definitely coitus interruptus. Can't we have sex without consequences in our fantasy worlds, girls??! (I guess it's supposed to be hot that he did bring the protection. So. Ok. Whatever.)
But I find myself giggling like a teenager girl when I read the line, "...he sheathed himself and entered her slowly." Is that how we're calling it these days? Sheathing himself? LOL.
Who am I kidding, I highlighted it in my Kindle. Along with the line "...until she arched toward him and began to rock her hips in a pattern as old as time."
I love it and I cringe at the same time. The writing is ridiculous. However, my face flushed and I got a bit excited reading it. (This is the culminating sex scene, the one you've been waiting eleven chapters for, after all.)
Oh, romance novels.... I'm drawn to them, I snark on them... And I want to read more.
So, yeah, I'm probably going to read Summer in Good Hope (Book 2) when it comes out in June. Cuz. Hot, unrealistic sex!
But, seriously, this was a fun book to read. Not everything has to be deep and meaningful. And it did appeal to the side of me who watches every damned one of those cheesy Hallmark Channel Christmas movies.
November 30, 2017
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
I have to tell you that it took me forever to figure out a Christmas story to giveaway and review. I spent a good two, maybe three days looking and picking only to disregarded it a pick something new.
See the problem was that since I was giving it away and hadn't yet read it I wanted to be sure to pick something good. But as I mention it was going to be something I hadn't read yet. Scary thought. So after the few days of looking, I went with the book that kept calling to me to read it.
I decided to go with Christmas in Good Hope. Thankfully it was the first in the series and I already had it. So not only had I picked a book to review and giveaway I also got a book cleared off of my shelf. (kindle shelf)
Pluses all around!
It's been a while since I read a book by Cindy Kirk. I remember I liked what I read but since it was so long ago I couldn't tell you how much I liked or what it was that I read. I do remember seeing this book a while back and buying it thinking I'd read it for the holidays and never doing so.
That's the problem with so many good books out there, you just buy, buy, buy and read only a small portion of what you buy. At least I do. I've been trying to do much better but...
Back to the book, I really enjoyed Christmas in Good Hope. I love small-town holiday books. They warm my soul at the holidays. If you could see the inside of my house right now you'd know why I like them. It looks like Christmas threw up in it. What can I say, I 'm Christmas crazy.
Small-town holiday romances have a way of feeling right to me. The town is usually over the top in their decorations and I get that. I am that!
With Christmas in Good Hope you get that along with character that you want to know their story. I really liked Ami, she's a people pleaser like me so I got how she was killing herself for others around her even as she enjoyed it.
I wasn't sure about Beck at first but warmed up to him quickly. You'll feel his pain and am glad that he's finally getting to the point he can move on.
There are many other characters that I liked and some that I didn't. But all of them made for a better story.
Both Ami and Beck have many issues, some easy to get over others not so much but I do like how they were able to help each other move on. Them falling in love was so enjoyable. I usually enjoy humor in my stories and didn't find any in this story at first but then I found myself laughing out loud at certain parts. I was so glad that I finally read Christmas in Good Hope. The bad part is that I now need to read the other books in the series. My wallet isn't going to be happy.
If you are looking for a wonder romance that happens during the holiday then Christmas in Good Hope is the story for you!
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I have to tell you that it took me forever to figure out a Christmas story to giveaway and review. I spent a good two, maybe three days looking and picking only to disregarded it a pick something new.
See the problem was that since I was giving it away and hadn't yet read it I wanted to be sure to pick something good. But as I mention it was going to be something I hadn't read yet. Scary thought. So after the few days of looking, I went with the book that kept calling to me to read it.
I decided to go with Christmas in Good Hope. Thankfully it was the first in the series and I already had it. So not only had I picked a book to review and giveaway I also got a book cleared off of my shelf. (kindle shelf)
Pluses all around!
It's been a while since I read a book by Cindy Kirk. I remember I liked what I read but since it was so long ago I couldn't tell you how much I liked or what it was that I read. I do remember seeing this book a while back and buying it thinking I'd read it for the holidays and never doing so.
That's the problem with so many good books out there, you just buy, buy, buy and read only a small portion of what you buy. At least I do. I've been trying to do much better but...
Back to the book, I really enjoyed Christmas in Good Hope. I love small-town holiday books. They warm my soul at the holidays. If you could see the inside of my house right now you'd know why I like them. It looks like Christmas threw up in it. What can I say, I 'm Christmas crazy.
Small-town holiday romances have a way of feeling right to me. The town is usually over the top in their decorations and I get that. I am that!
With Christmas in Good Hope you get that along with character that you want to know their story. I really liked Ami, she's a people pleaser like me so I got how she was killing herself for others around her even as she enjoyed it.
I wasn't sure about Beck at first but warmed up to him quickly. You'll feel his pain and am glad that he's finally getting to the point he can move on.
There are many other characters that I liked and some that I didn't. But all of them made for a better story.
Both Ami and Beck have many issues, some easy to get over others not so much but I do like how they were able to help each other move on. Them falling in love was so enjoyable. I usually enjoy humor in my stories and didn't find any in this story at first but then I found myself laughing out loud at certain parts. I was so glad that I finally read Christmas in Good Hope. The bad part is that I now need to read the other books in the series. My wallet isn't going to be happy.
If you are looking for a wonder romance that happens during the holiday then Christmas in Good Hope is the story for you!
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October 19, 2019
March 26-27, 2018: I've just spent the last two days (mostly) in my car so I impulsively decided to re-listen to this story and totally fell in love with it all over again. This is a great second chance story-not the kind where a couple gets a second chance at romance, but the kind where people get a second chance at life after life throws hard things their way. This happens to both Ami and Beck, the MCs. This is also one of those small-town, close-knit community stories where the female lead has a group of sisters and they have great relationships. Ami is a baker and Beck owns a cafe, and honestly, I just love it to pieces.
I'm quite sure I'll read it or listen to it again in the future since it is so enjoyable. Also, the first time I read this, the series only had two books-it is much larger now so I'll probably just reread the second book and continue with the rest of the Good Hope Series books since they are new to me and available on audiobook.
***
Sept 10-11, 2016: Christmas in Good Hope is a lot like watching a Christmas movie on TV: comfy and inviting. I liked it and I would totally read it/listen to it again, especially during the holiday season. The story is a little bit predictable, but I actually don't mind that with holiday-themed stories. It makes them safe and that's a good thing.
This first installment in this series features Ami Bloom, a local baker and longtime resident of Good Hope, and Beck Cross, who is new to Wisconsin after relocating from the South. Beck is a former lawyer that owns the cafe next to Ami's bakery. These small-business owners have become good friends lately, so it is no surprise that they agree to help each other out when they are in a pinch and need business favors. leads to spending more time together, which leads to a more-than-friends relationship. The only problem is that both Ami and Beck have something in their past that nags at them, and when they decide to share these things with one another, it could spoil everything.
The strong sisterly bond that Ami has with her sisters is great and seems to be a nice foundation for upcoming companion novels. I also love the sisters' names-they're all named after flowers-such a fun detail.
The small-town feel of this book was one of my favorite parts of the story. However, it also meant that there were several characters to get to know at one time, which made the story feel slow-moving at first. The pacing became more even and picked up as each character gained a more well-rounded personality. I definitely had favorites, and I found that some members of this group helped the town of Good Hope run much more smoothly than others! All of them made the town a desirable setting.
Aside from the budding friends-to-romance between Ami and her good friend Beck, there are some side plots with low drama and good resolution to their conflicts. These even provided help with laying down the backstory of Ami and Beck, which I liked.
Ultimately, Christmas in Good Hope is a typical small-town Christmas contemporary story that begins a new series. It is low on angst with a likable and varied group of secondary characters. The set-up is nice for future installments. I adore this Wisconsin setting as it is here at Christmastime, with the cold weather and the festive atmosphere (Christmas is never Wisconsin-cold where I live in North Carolina). I'm thankful for the way the major conflict resolved at the end (even though it was pretty near-perfect, of course), and I like where these characters seem to be headed as we are looking toward the next installment, titled Summer in Good Hope and already available for purchase.
*This book involves no love triangle and has a friends-to-romance plot with themes of forgiveness, second chances, and neighbors helping out neighbors.
Audiobook Notes: Christmas in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk is 8 hours, 16 minutes, Unabridged, and is produced by Brilliance Audio. It is narrated by Amy McFadden, who is so great at reading heartwarming stories like this one. Her enthusiasm and emotion comes through when she is reading--particularly with this story about the holidays. I loved the characterization that she chose for Ami, as Ami has quite several inner thoughts and decisions that she is wrestling with. I think that Ms. McFadden's choice of voice for Ami was perfect for the themes of second chances and forgiveness, and also to portray Ami's fear over whether or not she would be forgiven after her big secret is revealed. I noticed that Ms. McFadden is narrating the second book in this series, which I have already added to my audiobook library.
I'm quite sure I'll read it or listen to it again in the future since it is so enjoyable. Also, the first time I read this, the series only had two books-it is much larger now so I'll probably just reread the second book and continue with the rest of the Good Hope Series books since they are new to me and available on audiobook.
***
Sept 10-11, 2016: Christmas in Good Hope is a lot like watching a Christmas movie on TV: comfy and inviting. I liked it and I would totally read it/listen to it again, especially during the holiday season. The story is a little bit predictable, but I actually don't mind that with holiday-themed stories. It makes them safe and that's a good thing.
This first installment in this series features Ami Bloom, a local baker and longtime resident of Good Hope, and Beck Cross, who is new to Wisconsin after relocating from the South. Beck is a former lawyer that owns the cafe next to Ami's bakery. These small-business owners have become good friends lately, so it is no surprise that they agree to help each other out when they are in a pinch and need business favors. leads to spending more time together, which leads to a more-than-friends relationship. The only problem is that both Ami and Beck have something in their past that nags at them, and when they decide to share these things with one another, it could spoil everything.
The strong sisterly bond that Ami has with her sisters is great and seems to be a nice foundation for upcoming companion novels. I also love the sisters' names-they're all named after flowers-such a fun detail.
The small-town feel of this book was one of my favorite parts of the story. However, it also meant that there were several characters to get to know at one time, which made the story feel slow-moving at first. The pacing became more even and picked up as each character gained a more well-rounded personality. I definitely had favorites, and I found that some members of this group helped the town of Good Hope run much more smoothly than others! All of them made the town a desirable setting.
Aside from the budding friends-to-romance between Ami and her good friend Beck, there are some side plots with low drama and good resolution to their conflicts. These even provided help with laying down the backstory of Ami and Beck, which I liked.
Ultimately, Christmas in Good Hope is a typical small-town Christmas contemporary story that begins a new series. It is low on angst with a likable and varied group of secondary characters. The set-up is nice for future installments. I adore this Wisconsin setting as it is here at Christmastime, with the cold weather and the festive atmosphere (Christmas is never Wisconsin-cold where I live in North Carolina). I'm thankful for the way the major conflict resolved at the end (even though it was pretty near-perfect, of course), and I like where these characters seem to be headed as we are looking toward the next installment, titled Summer in Good Hope and already available for purchase.
*This book involves no love triangle and has a friends-to-romance plot with themes of forgiveness, second chances, and neighbors helping out neighbors.
Audiobook Notes: Christmas in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk is 8 hours, 16 minutes, Unabridged, and is produced by Brilliance Audio. It is narrated by Amy McFadden, who is so great at reading heartwarming stories like this one. Her enthusiasm and emotion comes through when she is reading--particularly with this story about the holidays. I loved the characterization that she chose for Ami, as Ami has quite several inner thoughts and decisions that she is wrestling with. I think that Ms. McFadden's choice of voice for Ami was perfect for the themes of second chances and forgiveness, and also to portray Ami's fear over whether or not she would be forgiven after her big secret is revealed. I noticed that Ms. McFadden is narrating the second book in this series, which I have already added to my audiobook library.
December 3, 2018
Audio update 12/2018: I listened to the audio version of this story this year, and I still enjoyed it. This is a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. Hokey? Yes. Predictable? Yes. But I loved it. Amy McFadden did a great job creating the right tone for this story. Reading or listening, this is a fun story to read for the Christmas season.
Do you ever find yourself watching those romantic Hallmark Christmas movies? You know that they are predictable, the characters are cliched, and the dialogue is cheesy, but you just can't stop watching them because you always leave with a smile on your face because they just make you feel so happy and in love with being in love? Well, Christmas in Good Hope is like a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. The story is predictable. The characters are cliched. The dialogue can be cheesy at times. But you know what? I really, really liked this story a lot. It is just the sort of romantic holiday story that I like to read during this time of year. I grabbed it because it was a free book of the month on amazon, and I was not disappointed. I couldn't put the story down, and I finished the book with a giant happy smile on my face. For some reason I now have this overwhelming desire to move to a quaint little village in northern Wisconsin and open a book store or something. I really liked this book, and I look forward to continuing along in this new series. Four stars.
Do you ever find yourself watching those romantic Hallmark Christmas movies? You know that they are predictable, the characters are cliched, and the dialogue is cheesy, but you just can't stop watching them because you always leave with a smile on your face because they just make you feel so happy and in love with being in love? Well, Christmas in Good Hope is like a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. The story is predictable. The characters are cliched. The dialogue can be cheesy at times. But you know what? I really, really liked this story a lot. It is just the sort of romantic holiday story that I like to read during this time of year. I grabbed it because it was a free book of the month on amazon, and I was not disappointed. I couldn't put the story down, and I finished the book with a giant happy smile on my face. For some reason I now have this overwhelming desire to move to a quaint little village in northern Wisconsin and open a book store or something. I really liked this book, and I look forward to continuing along in this new series. Four stars.
December 16, 2015
3 1/2 Christmas Stars!!
I enjoyed this story. It was very much like watching a Hallmark Chanel Christmas movie. Both MCs were very likable. They both had a serious issue they were dealing with. The romance was slow building. A little more real life like than lots of the books I read. Though they certainly hit the gas at the end. There wasn't anything overwhelming or especially surprising, but it was a sweet Christmas romance I liked a lot. There were also several side characters that I'd be interested in reading their stories. So there is room for the series to grow.
Happy reading! Merry Christmas!!
I enjoyed this story. It was very much like watching a Hallmark Chanel Christmas movie. Both MCs were very likable. They both had a serious issue they were dealing with. The romance was slow building. A little more real life like than lots of the books I read. Though they certainly hit the gas at the end. There wasn't anything overwhelming or especially surprising, but it was a sweet Christmas romance I liked a lot. There were also several side characters that I'd be interested in reading their stories. So there is room for the series to grow.
Happy reading! Merry Christmas!!
November 14, 2015
It put me in the Christmas spirit, so what the heck, I'm giving it 4 stars! It's a simple read (I read it in one sitting, with a few interruptions) but it's so sweet. What can I say? I guess I'm a sap, or a sucker for small town Christmas romance stories. Even though it was somewhat predictable, it was a nice little escape. Perfect for reading by a fire, with some hot chocolate and a cat purring in your lap (and NO, that's not my life... I don't have a fireplace). It was my free book for November from Amazon Kindle, and now I think I'll have to buy the rest of the books in the series...
December 11, 2015
Christmas in Good Hope by award-winning romance author Cindy Kirk is Book #1 in the new Good Hope series and, if it’s any indication, this is going to be a series every bit as good as a few other popular town-centric heartwarming series I’ve read. I always gravitate toward this kind of series during the holidays and I become nostalgic and sentimental – yes, you caught me - I’m just a big ol’ mush-melon inside. Read the rest of this review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=8767
February 4, 2017
I was a little surprised at this story, and pleasantly so. It was a cute small-town romance, but it also had a realistic feel to it, because of the tragedies that had struck both Beck and Ami. Beck did the tortured hero well, and Ami was a good foil for him. I didn't like how long she kept her secret, but the way it came out was very realistic! I loved all the secondary characters in the book, and am eager to see more of the series!
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December 8, 2017There was a lot that was nice about this book - the main characters were well-fleshed out and there was none of the farcical insta-lust that seems to infect so many 'Christmas' stories. Ami and Beck were interesting and there was an air of 'normality' about their relationship.
However, this is yet another 'small town America book' where a cohort (coven?) of thoroughly obnoxious women decide exactly what everyone else should do. They browbeat, bully, threaten, blackmail and generally ride roughshod over all and sundry because THEY run things in the town.
Really? Seriously? (And this is a genuine question.) Do these sort of 'committees' exist in America? Because sure as eggs is eggs, if any old biddy told me I had to open my house to visitors because they wanted me to do it, I'd tell them where to get off.
I can 'maybe' see it happening in some tiny backwater hamlet, but not in a decent sized town that has huge numbers of visitors. And yes, there are places in the UK where people are not allowed to change the colour of their front door, or make alterations to the exterior, but those are governed by covenants set up by town planners, or by having a 'listed' status. No one should be forced to open their house to strangers simply because on the say-so of a committee who have no legal authority!
This 'small town America' syndrome is a personal loathing of mine which is why I am not going to rate this book.
Other than that, the story dealt with some darker themes which were dealt with sympathetically and realistically. I did however wince at the absolute awfulness of the daughters' names.
I think there were too many unanswered questions at the end though. This is the first book in a series but I felt as if I was left hanging in mid-air instead of getting a satisfying ending with a desire to read more about other characters who had cropped up in the story.
However, this is yet another 'small town America book' where a cohort (coven?) of thoroughly obnoxious women decide exactly what everyone else should do. They browbeat, bully, threaten, blackmail and generally ride roughshod over all and sundry because THEY run things in the town.
Really? Seriously? (And this is a genuine question.) Do these sort of 'committees' exist in America? Because sure as eggs is eggs, if any old biddy told me I had to open my house to visitors because they wanted me to do it, I'd tell them where to get off.
I can 'maybe' see it happening in some tiny backwater hamlet, but not in a decent sized town that has huge numbers of visitors. And yes, there are places in the UK where people are not allowed to change the colour of their front door, or make alterations to the exterior, but those are governed by covenants set up by town planners, or by having a 'listed' status. No one should be forced to open their house to strangers simply because on the say-so of a committee who have no legal authority!
This 'small town America' syndrome is a personal loathing of mine which is why I am not going to rate this book.
Other than that, the story dealt with some darker themes which were dealt with sympathetically and realistically. I did however wince at the absolute awfulness of the daughters' names.
I think there were too many unanswered questions at the end though. This is the first book in a series but I felt as if I was left hanging in mid-air instead of getting a satisfying ending with a desire to read more about other characters who had cropped up in the story.
July 24, 2022
Hallmark with sex scenes
Technically, the story is decently written, but it all feels very cookie-cutter & superficial. The graphic sex scenes were an unpleasant surprise & felt jarringly as if they'd been spliced in. I can't say it was a bad story, but it didn't engage me, & I can't say it was particularly good, either.
Technically, the story is decently written, but it all feels very cookie-cutter & superficial. The graphic sex scenes were an unpleasant surprise & felt jarringly as if they'd been spliced in. I can't say it was a bad story, but it didn't engage me, & I can't say it was particularly good, either.
December 25, 2018
What a sweet Christmas read! The author created some great characters and now that I'm all emotionally invested in the little town of Good Hope, I simply must read the next book. Also, I'm hoping to eventually learn what crawled up Eliza Shaw's butt and made her such a nasty jerk...
April 11, 2017
Typical romantic novel which was well written and had a good story line. With two or three different side issues added into the plot this book was an easy and enjoyable read
August 1, 2020
Great story and with some tweaks (deletions) I could see it as a Hallmark Christmas movie!
December 11, 2015
I received an eARC of this book as a part of Amazon's Kindle First program. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Christmas in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk is a sweet, contemporary romance about grief and second chances. This is such a sweet story about two people from very different backgrounds finding each other and bringing out the other’s best. Ami and Beckett’s story is one that you should not miss!
Ami Bloom is the eldest of four sisters and the only one to stay in the small town of Good Hope, Wisconsin after their mother died. She’s a devoted daughter to her father, filling in the quiet for him and keeping him on his toes. She’s also a successful business owner, having started her own bakery when she moved back to town. I love her! She’s independent, loving, and yet she is still broken. She’s broken over her mom and something I don’t want to reveal as it plays a BIG part in the story (no spoilers here!!!).
Then enters Beckett Cross, the southerner who moved to Good Hope earlier in the year, bought her dream house AND the diner next door to her bakery. Beckett is mysterious, keeps to himself, is a bit of a Scrooge, and very, VERY broken. He loved once, once he was a very different man, but he lost everything. So Beckett ran from his past to the little town of Good Hope. Beckett is…he’s amazing! He’s caring, sweet, but trying to be set in his ways. He’s closed off to everyone except for Ami, who quietly slips into his heart.
The plot of the story revolves around the relationship between Ami and Beckett. At the onset, Ami is asked to get Beckett to decorate his shop for the Twelve Days festival (a Christmas festival in the town) AND to get him to agree to open his house for the Victorian Christmas tour. Ami goes along with it and Beckett pretty much caves to everything she asks. Their relationship is built on the fact that neither of them knows the other. It’s a novelty for Ami who grew up in a small town where everyone knows everyone else and for Beckett because no one looks on him with pity. The question really becomes what will happen to them when they do find out each other’s secret.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It is such an endearing story set during my favorite time of the year. The author gives a great voice for Ami and Beckett as the chapters alternate POV and she brings to life the charm of living in a small town. If you enjoy contemporary romance, the holidays, or you’re looking for a heart-warming read this weekend, grab a copy of Christmas in Good Hope, you won’t regret it!
Christmas in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk is a sweet, contemporary romance about grief and second chances. This is such a sweet story about two people from very different backgrounds finding each other and bringing out the other’s best. Ami and Beckett’s story is one that you should not miss!
Ami Bloom is the eldest of four sisters and the only one to stay in the small town of Good Hope, Wisconsin after their mother died. She’s a devoted daughter to her father, filling in the quiet for him and keeping him on his toes. She’s also a successful business owner, having started her own bakery when she moved back to town. I love her! She’s independent, loving, and yet she is still broken. She’s broken over her mom and something I don’t want to reveal as it plays a BIG part in the story (no spoilers here!!!).
Then enters Beckett Cross, the southerner who moved to Good Hope earlier in the year, bought her dream house AND the diner next door to her bakery. Beckett is mysterious, keeps to himself, is a bit of a Scrooge, and very, VERY broken. He loved once, once he was a very different man, but he lost everything. So Beckett ran from his past to the little town of Good Hope. Beckett is…he’s amazing! He’s caring, sweet, but trying to be set in his ways. He’s closed off to everyone except for Ami, who quietly slips into his heart.
The plot of the story revolves around the relationship between Ami and Beckett. At the onset, Ami is asked to get Beckett to decorate his shop for the Twelve Days festival (a Christmas festival in the town) AND to get him to agree to open his house for the Victorian Christmas tour. Ami goes along with it and Beckett pretty much caves to everything she asks. Their relationship is built on the fact that neither of them knows the other. It’s a novelty for Ami who grew up in a small town where everyone knows everyone else and for Beckett because no one looks on him with pity. The question really becomes what will happen to them when they do find out each other’s secret.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It is such an endearing story set during my favorite time of the year. The author gives a great voice for Ami and Beckett as the chapters alternate POV and she brings to life the charm of living in a small town. If you enjoy contemporary romance, the holidays, or you’re looking for a heart-warming read this weekend, grab a copy of Christmas in Good Hope, you won’t regret it!
November 4, 2015
Is It Love?
A love story is hard to write. Without a doubt, Ms Kirk has figured out how to write a good love story. She has an impressive body of work to prove she knows her way around a successful novel.
Good Hope is a town with a heart. The residents know the secret to happiness: helping others because it's the right thing to do. It's a place where you want to raise your children because you know it's safe. Steven and Sarah Bloom raised four daughters there. I'll let you discover their names. Only one lives in Good Hope and she runs the best bakery in town. She seems happy but there is a secret she holds inside. Now I could tell you what the secret is but it would ruin the story for you.
Beckett Cross is new in town. He's bought the cafe, Muddy Shoes, next door to Blooms Bake Shop and he now owns and lives in the historic Spencer-Shaw home. There is a certain comradiery between these two who share coffee (his) and pastry (hers) each morning. Neither one thinks about making their friendship into anything more.
Will sparks ignite between these two? Beckett does not want to talk about his past. What is he running from? Why did he come to Good Hope? These questions will be answered further on in the story. Part of the fun of reading is exploring relationships and what comes next. I liked the characters who inhabit Good Hope. Since this is designated Book 1, I'm guessing there will be more stories in the Good Hope series. I sure hope so cause I'd like to see what happens in the futures of Beckett and Am I. Hope you do too.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A love story is hard to write. Without a doubt, Ms Kirk has figured out how to write a good love story. She has an impressive body of work to prove she knows her way around a successful novel.
Good Hope is a town with a heart. The residents know the secret to happiness: helping others because it's the right thing to do. It's a place where you want to raise your children because you know it's safe. Steven and Sarah Bloom raised four daughters there. I'll let you discover their names. Only one lives in Good Hope and she runs the best bakery in town. She seems happy but there is a secret she holds inside. Now I could tell you what the secret is but it would ruin the story for you.
Beckett Cross is new in town. He's bought the cafe, Muddy Shoes, next door to Blooms Bake Shop and he now owns and lives in the historic Spencer-Shaw home. There is a certain comradiery between these two who share coffee (his) and pastry (hers) each morning. Neither one thinks about making their friendship into anything more.
Will sparks ignite between these two? Beckett does not want to talk about his past. What is he running from? Why did he come to Good Hope? These questions will be answered further on in the story. Part of the fun of reading is exploring relationships and what comes next. I liked the characters who inhabit Good Hope. Since this is designated Book 1, I'm guessing there will be more stories in the Good Hope series. I sure hope so cause I'd like to see what happens in the futures of Beckett and Am I. Hope you do too.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2016
Exactly what I planned for it to be - a book version of a Hallmark movie. :)
December 14, 2015
Christmas in Good Hope was a sweet, entertaining Christmas book. While the book centers around Ami and Beck it's really a book about the town of Good Hope. Ami is a sweet, glass is half full character who truly loves Christmas and all that it entails. She's struck up a friendship with Beck who moved to Good Hope after a horrible loss and is hoping to avoid all the trappings of Christmas. Ami needs Beck's help and slowly pulls him back into enjoying Christmas and all that the town has to offer.
I really enjoyed both Ami and Beck and thought their relationship was sweet and very believable. They had a friendship that transcended into more while they worked closely together. Although I could see the conflict coming a mile away I still enjoyed how the author handled it. This book is a feel good entertaining Christmas read about a town I'd love to live in (well maybe without all the bad weather).
I really enjoyed both Ami and Beck and thought their relationship was sweet and very believable. They had a friendship that transcended into more while they worked closely together. Although I could see the conflict coming a mile away I still enjoyed how the author handled it. This book is a feel good entertaining Christmas read about a town I'd love to live in (well maybe without all the bad weather).
July 5, 2017
Where do I beginning ... I did find this through Kindle Unlimited, which did come with the option to use Audible ... which I am finding the greatest addition, you can do other chores or take a shower while listening ... such a great new option in my life. i love brushing my teeth and tuning my ears in. so cool!! who ever this reader is just amazing, love her voice and need to figure it out so i can see what else we had done. so great. love her voices and all her funny ways. so perfect. Cindy is new to me, 1st book I have read of hers ... loved it. Such a emotional story ... I mean you learn so much about Amaryllis “Ami” Bloom, (i love all the sister names) her family, her Dad and his new relationship after the death of her mom (dying from cancer) ... such a great read. please check out, I will be looking more into Cindy Kirk's books asap!! ( ;
November 14, 2015
Lovely story of love and friendship
When you need to read something to lift your spirits, to smile and laugh, or to fill good about the world around you; I think you will be pleased if you pick up this book. It was so refreshing to read a story about not only romantic love, but love within a community. People helping people.
I hope there is a sequel; I'm not ready to leave Good Hope or its characters.
When you need to read something to lift your spirits, to smile and laugh, or to fill good about the world around you; I think you will be pleased if you pick up this book. It was so refreshing to read a story about not only romantic love, but love within a community. People helping people.
I hope there is a sequel; I'm not ready to leave Good Hope or its characters.
March 24, 2016
DNF at 48%
I chose this as my free Amazon Prime download back in December and began reading it just before Christmas. Considering it's the end of March and I'm not even halfway through, I don't see myself continuing to read this book.
Essentially, the story just wasn't for me. It was kind of a simple romance plot that took place in a small town, but none of the characters or storylines were all that interesting.
I chose this as my free Amazon Prime download back in December and began reading it just before Christmas. Considering it's the end of March and I'm not even halfway through, I don't see myself continuing to read this book.
Essentially, the story just wasn't for me. It was kind of a simple romance plot that took place in a small town, but none of the characters or storylines were all that interesting.
December 14, 2015
Loved it! I'm an eternal optimist, too!
This book focused on the importance of community and neighbors,helping g neighbors, I loved that! It was,also,a beautiful love story that focused on unconditional love and forgiveness, something we could use a lot more of in our world today. Reading works,like Cindy's help me keep a more positive outlook on life.
This book focused on the importance of community and neighbors,helping g neighbors, I loved that! It was,also,a beautiful love story that focused on unconditional love and forgiveness, something we could use a lot more of in our world today. Reading works,like Cindy's help me keep a more positive outlook on life.
November 24, 2015
Christmas and Hope
Enjoyed the story and the characters The small-town background was charming and I wanted to visit Good Hope Read it in one sitting held my interest till the end !
Enjoyed the story and the characters The small-town background was charming and I wanted to visit Good Hope Read it in one sitting held my interest till the end !
November 17, 2015
This was a nice feel-good Christmas romance.
July 5, 2016
A truly delightful Christmas read. This would make a wonderful Hallmark movie. This is the first book I have read by Cindy Kirk, but it will not be the last. Happy reading!
December 4, 2015
Very well written for an author that was unknown to me until now. A perfectly plotted romantic Christmas novel that's worth the read!
December 4, 2015
Definitely a feel good Christmas story! I can see it as a Hallmark movie :) Do I really have to wait until June for Book 2?
December 27, 2015
I did skim a bit as some info was obviously fluff, however overall it was a cute little Christmas romance.
April 14, 2018
I liked the main characters, Ami and Beck. I liked that both have families that seem close-knit and who are there for family members no matter what they do or what arguments they have with each other.
I like Good Hope, WI where neighbors help neighbors. I'd love to eat at Beck's restaurant (Muddy Boots) or stop in to Ami's bakery for tea and something sweet. Or go to some of the Twelve Nights/Christmas activities. Of course, the downside of small town life is that everyone knows everyone else's business.
Warning: Spoilers may follow!!
Beck moves to Good Hope following the death of his wife and unborn son, wanting to get away. He planned to keep to himself and slowly get to know others, but the small town would have none of that. Ami, whose business is right next to his, is very involved in the community and has received a coveted invitation to join The Cherries. This is a group her mother always wanted to be in but was never invited to. The Cherries assign Ami to convince Beck to open his home for their tour, something he really doesn't want to do.
This story had great potential, but I had to downgrade it by one star because I was disappointed that Ami and Beck gave in to their physical attraction for each other and had sex quite a few times before they had any formal commitment to each other let alone being married. In fact, Ami did so knowing that she had a secret that might change their relationship.
This was doubly surprising because they have a discussion about forgiveness. Beck seems to have a hard edge about forgiving others who deliberately do something that could cause harm to another (driving drunk, believing a live-in boyfriend over a daughter when the daughter says the man is trying to sleep with her, etc.). His wife and unborn son were killed by a drunk driver--a woman that Beck defended in court previously. At first, he's grieving his loss, but after a while he's fallen into the falsehood that forgiving someone means that you think what they did was ok. Contrary to popular belief, you can forgive what someone did without agreeing with what they did.
Ami has revealed that she was driving and had an accident in which her friend Lindsay was hurt. But she has kept a secret all these years--she'd had a wine cooler and a few sips of spiked punch at a party and then driven. Her secret is revealed more publicly than she'd have liked, but Lindsay has already dealt with the forgiveness issue and forgiven Ami.
I was surprised that for all Ami's father's talk of family supporting family that he didn't say anything to Anita (his girlfriend and Lindsay's mom) when she got upset upon the reveal that Ami was driving drunk. To his credit, he did order Eliza (who spilled the beans out of spite that's never quite explained) out of his home.
Eliza's treatment of Ami was never fully explained. At one point Ami does say that Eliza was more Lindsay's friend than hers in high school (though Lindsay makes it sound like all three of them palled around together) so I'm not sure if it's a misguided support of Lindsay coupled with forgiveness issues or something else that happened since then. Another narrative slip occurs near the end when Ami calls Beck James Beckett Cross (his real full name)--as far as I remember, Beck never told her his real first name was James. She found this out by searching the internet after he'd mentioned parts of his past to her. She's always called him Beck or Beckett--shouldn't he wonder how she knew the name James?
I like Good Hope, WI where neighbors help neighbors. I'd love to eat at Beck's restaurant (Muddy Boots) or stop in to Ami's bakery for tea and something sweet. Or go to some of the Twelve Nights/Christmas activities. Of course, the downside of small town life is that everyone knows everyone else's business.
Warning: Spoilers may follow!!
Beck moves to Good Hope following the death of his wife and unborn son, wanting to get away. He planned to keep to himself and slowly get to know others, but the small town would have none of that. Ami, whose business is right next to his, is very involved in the community and has received a coveted invitation to join The Cherries. This is a group her mother always wanted to be in but was never invited to. The Cherries assign Ami to convince Beck to open his home for their tour, something he really doesn't want to do.
This story had great potential, but I had to downgrade it by one star because I was disappointed that Ami and Beck gave in to their physical attraction for each other and had sex quite a few times before they had any formal commitment to each other let alone being married. In fact, Ami did so knowing that she had a secret that might change their relationship.
This was doubly surprising because they have a discussion about forgiveness. Beck seems to have a hard edge about forgiving others who deliberately do something that could cause harm to another (driving drunk, believing a live-in boyfriend over a daughter when the daughter says the man is trying to sleep with her, etc.). His wife and unborn son were killed by a drunk driver--a woman that Beck defended in court previously. At first, he's grieving his loss, but after a while he's fallen into the falsehood that forgiving someone means that you think what they did was ok. Contrary to popular belief, you can forgive what someone did without agreeing with what they did.
Ami has revealed that she was driving and had an accident in which her friend Lindsay was hurt. But she has kept a secret all these years--she'd had a wine cooler and a few sips of spiked punch at a party and then driven. Her secret is revealed more publicly than she'd have liked, but Lindsay has already dealt with the forgiveness issue and forgiven Ami.
I was surprised that for all Ami's father's talk of family supporting family that he didn't say anything to Anita (his girlfriend and Lindsay's mom) when she got upset upon the reveal that Ami was driving drunk. To his credit, he did order Eliza (who spilled the beans out of spite that's never quite explained) out of his home.
Eliza's treatment of Ami was never fully explained. At one point Ami does say that Eliza was more Lindsay's friend than hers in high school (though Lindsay makes it sound like all three of them palled around together) so I'm not sure if it's a misguided support of Lindsay coupled with forgiveness issues or something else that happened since then. Another narrative slip occurs near the end when Ami calls Beck James Beckett Cross (his real full name)--as far as I remember, Beck never told her his real first name was James. She found this out by searching the internet after he'd mentioned parts of his past to her. She's always called him Beck or Beckett--shouldn't he wonder how she knew the name James?
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