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The Choir on Hope Street
The best things in life happen when you least expect them
Nat’s husband has just said the five words no one wants to hear – ‘I don’t love you anymore’.
Picture-perfect Caroline has to welcome her estranged mother into her house after she was forced out of an exclusive nursing home.
Living on the same street these two women couldn’t be more different. Until the local community centre is threatened, galvanising Caroline and the people of Hope Street into action. But when the only way to save the centre is to form a community choir – no one, least of all Nat, expects the results…
This spring, hope is coming!
Nat’s husband has just said the five words no one wants to hear – ‘I don’t love you anymore’.
Picture-perfect Caroline has to welcome her estranged mother into her house after she was forced out of an exclusive nursing home.
Living on the same street these two women couldn’t be more different. Until the local community centre is threatened, galvanising Caroline and the people of Hope Street into action. But when the only way to save the centre is to form a community choir – no one, least of all Nat, expects the results…
This spring, hope is coming!
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2017
83 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Annie Lyons
14 books855 followersDear Reader,
thank you for dropping by to visit my Goodreads page. I am the author of seven novels and one novella. My first book, Not Quite Perfect was a Kindle number one bestseller and my novel featuring octogenarian, Eudora Honeysett was a USA Today bestseller as well as being nominated for the RNA Contemporary Novel Award. My latest book, The Air Raid Book Club is my first historical fiction novel. It tells the story of recently-widowed bookseller, Gertie Bingham and fifteen-year-old Hedy Fischer, who are thrown together by the events of the Second World War and who form a book club to support their community through these dark times. This book is particularly special to me as I’ve spent my life around books, from trips to the library with my mum as a child to my early career as a bookseller on Charing Cross Road and then over ten years in publishing and now as a writer and creative writing teacher. If I’m not writing or reading books, I like nothing more than to lose myself for an hour (or two if I can manage it) in a library or bookshop. I love the quiet calm and the smell of books, old and new. My favourite writers are Anne Tyler, Ruth Hogan, David Nicholls, Rachel Joyce, William Boyd, Katherine Heiny and Maggie O’Farrell but I love anything which makes me laugh and cry. I try to reflect this in my own writing and for me, it begins with the characters. I work to get to know them as well as my own friends and family as I write and allow them to lead the story. My aim is to write stories which are uplifting and ultimately hopeful as these are the books I love to read. My stories feature families, friendship, grief, love, happiness, singing, loss, betrayal, forgiveness, death, hope, books, joy and plenty more besides, and they invariably include a beloved family pet! My favourite thing about being an author is when readers contact me to let me know that a book has touched them, made them laugh or just served as a companion for a while. I recently received a card all the way from New York from eighty-four-year-old Rita in praise of the story of eighty-four-year-old Eudora and that was my week made. If you would like to get in touch, you can also find me on social media (links below) where I mainly talk about books, writing, my garden and my black Labrador, Nelson.
Happy reading!
Annie x
Instagram: @annielyonsauthor
Twitter: @1AnnieLyons
Facebook: www.facebook.com/annielyonswriter
Website: www.annielyons.com
thank you for dropping by to visit my Goodreads page. I am the author of seven novels and one novella. My first book, Not Quite Perfect was a Kindle number one bestseller and my novel featuring octogenarian, Eudora Honeysett was a USA Today bestseller as well as being nominated for the RNA Contemporary Novel Award. My latest book, The Air Raid Book Club is my first historical fiction novel. It tells the story of recently-widowed bookseller, Gertie Bingham and fifteen-year-old Hedy Fischer, who are thrown together by the events of the Second World War and who form a book club to support their community through these dark times. This book is particularly special to me as I’ve spent my life around books, from trips to the library with my mum as a child to my early career as a bookseller on Charing Cross Road and then over ten years in publishing and now as a writer and creative writing teacher. If I’m not writing or reading books, I like nothing more than to lose myself for an hour (or two if I can manage it) in a library or bookshop. I love the quiet calm and the smell of books, old and new. My favourite writers are Anne Tyler, Ruth Hogan, David Nicholls, Rachel Joyce, William Boyd, Katherine Heiny and Maggie O’Farrell but I love anything which makes me laugh and cry. I try to reflect this in my own writing and for me, it begins with the characters. I work to get to know them as well as my own friends and family as I write and allow them to lead the story. My aim is to write stories which are uplifting and ultimately hopeful as these are the books I love to read. My stories feature families, friendship, grief, love, happiness, singing, loss, betrayal, forgiveness, death, hope, books, joy and plenty more besides, and they invariably include a beloved family pet! My favourite thing about being an author is when readers contact me to let me know that a book has touched them, made them laugh or just served as a companion for a while. I recently received a card all the way from New York from eighty-four-year-old Rita in praise of the story of eighty-four-year-old Eudora and that was my week made. If you would like to get in touch, you can also find me on social media (links below) where I mainly talk about books, writing, my garden and my black Labrador, Nelson.
Happy reading!
Annie x
Instagram: @annielyonsauthor
Twitter: @1AnnieLyons
Facebook: www.facebook.com/annielyonswriter
Website: www.annielyons.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
February 11, 2017
I absolutely loved The Choir on Hope Street.
It was heart warming and so easy to read.
It focuses on friendship, loyalty and commitment with a great sense of achievement and Pride.
I believe the biggest message Annie sends is to never give up on your hopes and dreams.
I loved how Annie touched on personal matters within the choir members particularly Natalie and Caroline.
The Breakdown of Natalie's marriage and the Estranged relationship Caroline had with her mother and her Dementia.
This book bought back many personal memories for me .
Natalie and Caroline are the two main characters.
They are both very very different women.
Natalie is a children's Author and has a son called Woody she seems very grounded & Caroline is head of the PTA has a daughter called Matilda and happily married. She also comes across to begin with as very self- obsessed.
Natalie and Caroline meet when Caroline knocks over Natalie by accident outside the school gates.
Unbeknown to Caroline, Natalie's husband Dan has just left her. So she drives her home, realising they both live on the same Street.
The two women soon meet again when Caroline asks Nat to join her meeting to save Hope Street Community Hall.
Natalie is reluctant to attend, but walking into that meeting is about to change her life for the better.
The community decide to form a Choir to help save the hall.
Guy offers to conduct the choir, but there is something mysterious about him. He is very closed and edgey.
Is he hiding something?
The Choir sign up for the National Choir competition and so their journey begins!
I don't want to spoil the book by delving into the story to deep.
Caroline for me was a character I didn't want to like.
She was self- obsessed and rude at times.
She came across like she was using Natalie for her status.
However as the story progresses I can't help warming to Caroline.
The cracks start to form and you see she is vulnerable. She has an estranged relationship with her mother, which you become to see when she visits the dementia care home. It's so sad to see but I can understand why she feels this way.
There are secrets to be uncovered!
I really enjoyed seeing Natalie and Caroline's friendship blossom.
They really didn't want to like each other but they soon became each others crutch.
Annie's style of writing was engaging and she bought the characters to life.
I was able to relate to every character.
I also love that Annie has taken the time to add a playlist along with the book to make your reading more entertaining, you can find this on Spotify.
I highly recommend reading this book
The Choir on Hope Street isn't just about saving a hall, it's about the coming together of a community, it's about the personal journey each member has taken, it's about Family and Friendship, it's about having faith and strength even when you get knocked down.
Annie took me on a feel good emotional journey. There was humour, warmth, sadness, happiness, triumph, Love and strength.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a fair review via NetGalley.
It was heart warming and so easy to read.
It focuses on friendship, loyalty and commitment with a great sense of achievement and Pride.
I believe the biggest message Annie sends is to never give up on your hopes and dreams.
I loved how Annie touched on personal matters within the choir members particularly Natalie and Caroline.
The Breakdown of Natalie's marriage and the Estranged relationship Caroline had with her mother and her Dementia.
This book bought back many personal memories for me .
Natalie and Caroline are the two main characters.
They are both very very different women.
Natalie is a children's Author and has a son called Woody she seems very grounded & Caroline is head of the PTA has a daughter called Matilda and happily married. She also comes across to begin with as very self- obsessed.
Natalie and Caroline meet when Caroline knocks over Natalie by accident outside the school gates.
Unbeknown to Caroline, Natalie's husband Dan has just left her. So she drives her home, realising they both live on the same Street.
The two women soon meet again when Caroline asks Nat to join her meeting to save Hope Street Community Hall.
Natalie is reluctant to attend, but walking into that meeting is about to change her life for the better.
The community decide to form a Choir to help save the hall.
Guy offers to conduct the choir, but there is something mysterious about him. He is very closed and edgey.
Is he hiding something?
The Choir sign up for the National Choir competition and so their journey begins!
I don't want to spoil the book by delving into the story to deep.
Caroline for me was a character I didn't want to like.
She was self- obsessed and rude at times.
She came across like she was using Natalie for her status.
However as the story progresses I can't help warming to Caroline.
The cracks start to form and you see she is vulnerable. She has an estranged relationship with her mother, which you become to see when she visits the dementia care home. It's so sad to see but I can understand why she feels this way.
There are secrets to be uncovered!
I really enjoyed seeing Natalie and Caroline's friendship blossom.
They really didn't want to like each other but they soon became each others crutch.
Annie's style of writing was engaging and she bought the characters to life.
I was able to relate to every character.
I also love that Annie has taken the time to add a playlist along with the book to make your reading more entertaining, you can find this on Spotify.
I highly recommend reading this book
The Choir on Hope Street isn't just about saving a hall, it's about the coming together of a community, it's about the personal journey each member has taken, it's about Family and Friendship, it's about having faith and strength even when you get knocked down.
Annie took me on a feel good emotional journey. There was humour, warmth, sadness, happiness, triumph, Love and strength.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a fair review via NetGalley.
February 21, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins uk and Annie Lyons for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance reader copy of this book.
You can find my review on both Goodreads and Amazon. On goodreads.com/karenwhittard and on Amazon under k.e.whittard from publication date.
Aww I have so much love for this book. If you are a chicklit/romance fan or if you love singing then I seriously suggest that this is a must buy must read for you. I really loved it.
Nats world has just come crashing down around her. Everything that she ever dreamed off gone when her husband tells her he needs a break away from them. She is left hurt, heartbroken and confused.
Walking back from school after dropping their son Noah off. Nat is nearly knocked over when tears streaming down her face doesn't see Carolines car coming. Just clipping Nat, Caroline must make time in her busy schedule to take Nat home and to ensure that she doesn't tell the police or put a claim in. Not that Nat has any desire to do so.
Nat thinks that Carolines world is perfect and to the outside world that is exactly what Caroline wants everyone to believe. Always running around joining the school committee, organising fates and saving the local community is what Caroline is about.
So when Caroline finds out that the local community hall is going to be closed and torn down. Caroline is determined not let this happen, and on discovering that Nat is a famous children's author. Caroline decides that Nat is exactly the kind of person they need on side. If they plan to raise the astronomical amount needed to save the hall.
Nat wants nothing more to be left alone and to try and salvage her marriage. But a chance encounter with her illostrator and Caroline. Finds Natalie going along to the committee meeting and subsequently joining he hope street choir.
Where both woman find friendship and themselves.
However the choir master has some secrets of his own as Carolines life isn't as perfect as she lets on. Quite far from the truth actually. Is there any hope for Dan and Nat to save their marriage?
This is a wonderful story of hope, friendship, love and finding yourself. I loved it.
Happy reading everyone
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance reader copy of this book.
You can find my review on both Goodreads and Amazon. On goodreads.com/karenwhittard and on Amazon under k.e.whittard from publication date.
Aww I have so much love for this book. If you are a chicklit/romance fan or if you love singing then I seriously suggest that this is a must buy must read for you. I really loved it.
Nats world has just come crashing down around her. Everything that she ever dreamed off gone when her husband tells her he needs a break away from them. She is left hurt, heartbroken and confused.
Walking back from school after dropping their son Noah off. Nat is nearly knocked over when tears streaming down her face doesn't see Carolines car coming. Just clipping Nat, Caroline must make time in her busy schedule to take Nat home and to ensure that she doesn't tell the police or put a claim in. Not that Nat has any desire to do so.
Nat thinks that Carolines world is perfect and to the outside world that is exactly what Caroline wants everyone to believe. Always running around joining the school committee, organising fates and saving the local community is what Caroline is about.
So when Caroline finds out that the local community hall is going to be closed and torn down. Caroline is determined not let this happen, and on discovering that Nat is a famous children's author. Caroline decides that Nat is exactly the kind of person they need on side. If they plan to raise the astronomical amount needed to save the hall.
Nat wants nothing more to be left alone and to try and salvage her marriage. But a chance encounter with her illostrator and Caroline. Finds Natalie going along to the committee meeting and subsequently joining he hope street choir.
Where both woman find friendship and themselves.
However the choir master has some secrets of his own as Carolines life isn't as perfect as she lets on. Quite far from the truth actually. Is there any hope for Dan and Nat to save their marriage?
This is a wonderful story of hope, friendship, love and finding yourself. I loved it.
Happy reading everyone
April 3, 2017
*I've got this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review*
When I requested this book from NetGalley, I thought, that it will be yet another eye-roll worthy chick-lit romance book. But actually it was much better, that I expected.
The story begins with to ladies Natalie and Caroline, whose world turns up upside down in an instant and they are forced to became frenemies at first and a real friends later. They both were so different, yet they found some common things to relate. And that is the beauty of this book, that it wasn't focused on the romance, instead it was about loosing old friends and gaining new ones, about finding who you are during tough times and learning to forgive.
I definitely recommend this book. I will for sure read more of Annie Lyons books.
When I requested this book from NetGalley, I thought, that it will be yet another eye-roll worthy chick-lit romance book. But actually it was much better, that I expected.
The story begins with to ladies Natalie and Caroline, whose world turns up upside down in an instant and they are forced to became frenemies at first and a real friends later. They both were so different, yet they found some common things to relate. And that is the beauty of this book, that it wasn't focused on the romance, instead it was about loosing old friends and gaining new ones, about finding who you are during tough times and learning to forgive.
I definitely recommend this book. I will for sure read more of Annie Lyons books.
April 6, 2017
Oh my! This is just a lovely, lovely book! It made me laugh, smile, yearn to be part of a choir and yet at times it also made me struggle to swallow the lump forming in my throat and blink through blurring tears.
The Choir On Hope Street tells the story of two women, Nat and Caroline, in alternating chapters. Both women are going through a time of uncertainty and change, with their family dynamics shifting and the lives they'd grown comfortable with reshaping. Nat's husband has just dropped a bombshell - he doesn't love her anymore and is moving out. In emotional turmoil, she finds herself bumping, quite literally, into Caroline, and before she knows it she's agreed to join a choir in the hope of saving the community hall on the street. But despite her perfect image, Caroline's family is also under great strain, exasperated when her elderly mother's care home states they can no longer meet her needs due to her increasingly challenging behavior. Never a strong relationship, things are even more fraught. But her mum has a secret locked in her diminishing memory that will change everything, if only Caroline can find a way to unlock it.
These two women endeared themselves to me thoroughly, so that I became fully immersed in their stories, feeling as if I knew them myself. I loved Nat - she reminded me of myself in some ways. Chaotic, emotional and a little bit sarcastic. But there's something really likeable about her too, and when she's at her lowest I felt like I just wanted to give her a hug. At other times, I wanted to sit down to a bottle of wine with her, her quick wittedness and outlook making me smile.
Yet it was Caroline's story which I felt most connected to. Caroline is the opposite of Nat - she's the PTA mum, the perfect wife and host, aiming for the higher social circles and everything done in capable and organised precision. At first, I didn't particularly like her but as her story unfolded, it brought tears of understanding to my eyes. Like Caroline's mother, my grandmother had dementia and Annie Lyons perfectly captured this terrible and heartbreaking disease. I saw my own Grandmother when I read her descriptions of the small, unrecognisable lady Caroline saw and recalled the feelings of frustration and grief, at having lost someone who is still there. There's a particularly touching scene that made me choke up completely, and I think Annie Lyons tackled a difficult and emotional subject with true tenderness, understanding and care.
The Choir On Hope Street surprised me by being not as light as I first imagined it would be. Yes there are funny, laugh out loud moments but there's also depth to this story - one of facing change, the real ups and downs of family life and how when what you know and think you want shifts and life takes you in a different direction, it can turn out for the best. I really loved the importance the community held for these two women, and it made me both smile and a little sad and wistful to be part of such a wonderful community myself. But the overall feeling of this book is hope...and that's how I finished it. Smiling, comforted and hopeful, and like I'd just spent a few hours with old friends. An absolute gem of a book.
The Choir On Hope Street tells the story of two women, Nat and Caroline, in alternating chapters. Both women are going through a time of uncertainty and change, with their family dynamics shifting and the lives they'd grown comfortable with reshaping. Nat's husband has just dropped a bombshell - he doesn't love her anymore and is moving out. In emotional turmoil, she finds herself bumping, quite literally, into Caroline, and before she knows it she's agreed to join a choir in the hope of saving the community hall on the street. But despite her perfect image, Caroline's family is also under great strain, exasperated when her elderly mother's care home states they can no longer meet her needs due to her increasingly challenging behavior. Never a strong relationship, things are even more fraught. But her mum has a secret locked in her diminishing memory that will change everything, if only Caroline can find a way to unlock it.
These two women endeared themselves to me thoroughly, so that I became fully immersed in their stories, feeling as if I knew them myself. I loved Nat - she reminded me of myself in some ways. Chaotic, emotional and a little bit sarcastic. But there's something really likeable about her too, and when she's at her lowest I felt like I just wanted to give her a hug. At other times, I wanted to sit down to a bottle of wine with her, her quick wittedness and outlook making me smile.
Yet it was Caroline's story which I felt most connected to. Caroline is the opposite of Nat - she's the PTA mum, the perfect wife and host, aiming for the higher social circles and everything done in capable and organised precision. At first, I didn't particularly like her but as her story unfolded, it brought tears of understanding to my eyes. Like Caroline's mother, my grandmother had dementia and Annie Lyons perfectly captured this terrible and heartbreaking disease. I saw my own Grandmother when I read her descriptions of the small, unrecognisable lady Caroline saw and recalled the feelings of frustration and grief, at having lost someone who is still there. There's a particularly touching scene that made me choke up completely, and I think Annie Lyons tackled a difficult and emotional subject with true tenderness, understanding and care.
The Choir On Hope Street surprised me by being not as light as I first imagined it would be. Yes there are funny, laugh out loud moments but there's also depth to this story - one of facing change, the real ups and downs of family life and how when what you know and think you want shifts and life takes you in a different direction, it can turn out for the best. I really loved the importance the community held for these two women, and it made me both smile and a little sad and wistful to be part of such a wonderful community myself. But the overall feeling of this book is hope...and that's how I finished it. Smiling, comforted and hopeful, and like I'd just spent a few hours with old friends. An absolute gem of a book.
April 17, 2017
This was the first book I’d read by Annie Lyons and it was an ABSOLUTE GEM OF A BOOK! I LOVED every minute of it!
The book begins with words no woman ever wants to hear from her husband “I don’t love you any more” which sends Natalie Garfield into a spin as she never had any inclination her marriage to Dan was even in trouble.
The story alternates between the two main characters Natalie who writes children’s books and Caroline who is coping with an elderly mother who has dementia. The only thing they have in common is they live on Hope Street and their children attend the same school. Their paths having never crossed until the irritating head of the PTA – Caroline (from the posh end of the street) nearly runs over Natalie outside the school gates. When Caroline discovers Natalie is a well-known author, she enlists her to help with her latest cause, saving the local community hall. The campaign heightens when they form a community choir and enter a competition. The two characters couldn’t be any more different, but an unexpected beautiful friendship forms.
Annie Lyons touches on real life issues and writes about them with sensitivity, you can’t help but become involved in each of the characters story. I loved the sense of community of Hope Street and I wanted to be in that choir!
It was a well-paced beautifully written tome with the right amount of humour and guaranteed to brighten up everyone’s day. Feel good fiction at its best.
The book begins with words no woman ever wants to hear from her husband “I don’t love you any more” which sends Natalie Garfield into a spin as she never had any inclination her marriage to Dan was even in trouble.
The story alternates between the two main characters Natalie who writes children’s books and Caroline who is coping with an elderly mother who has dementia. The only thing they have in common is they live on Hope Street and their children attend the same school. Their paths having never crossed until the irritating head of the PTA – Caroline (from the posh end of the street) nearly runs over Natalie outside the school gates. When Caroline discovers Natalie is a well-known author, she enlists her to help with her latest cause, saving the local community hall. The campaign heightens when they form a community choir and enter a competition. The two characters couldn’t be any more different, but an unexpected beautiful friendship forms.
Annie Lyons touches on real life issues and writes about them with sensitivity, you can’t help but become involved in each of the characters story. I loved the sense of community of Hope Street and I wanted to be in that choir!
It was a well-paced beautifully written tome with the right amount of humour and guaranteed to brighten up everyone’s day. Feel good fiction at its best.
July 20, 2020
This is a sweet, but slightly soppy, book about a community trying to save their town hall from being torn down by developers by starting to use it for a community choir.
I am in a community choir myself, and I love it and would highly recommend it to anyone!! Therefore, I could relate to some of the sentiments the characters expressed about singing in the choir, and this made me give the book an extra star than I would otherwise have done!
But anything that gets the word out there about how much fun it is to sing in a choir is OK with me!
I am in a community choir myself, and I love it and would highly recommend it to anyone!! Therefore, I could relate to some of the sentiments the characters expressed about singing in the choir, and this made me give the book an extra star than I would otherwise have done!
But anything that gets the word out there about how much fun it is to sing in a choir is OK with me!
November 30, 2019
Reto Popsugar #17: Libro acerca de un pasatiempo
2.8 stars
not yet 3 stars b/c Caroline character melted at the end and start to get sappy.
This feels like a sitcom. Caroline reminds me of Bree from Desperate Housewives, OCD , perfectionist and control-freak. And Natalie is like Susan, clumsy , charming and with alcohol problems not adressed in the book. Very different women.
(Caroline:) I know some people feel intimidated by me. I can’t blame them. I try to live up to my old school motto, Ad summa nitamur – ‘Let us strive for perfection’. I know this isn’t for everyone. Perfection is such a final word, but I believe you have to try. Anything else is just giving up.
Caroline and Natalie (the 2 POV in the book) are neighboords and their children goes to the same school, but they only met when Caroline start a campaign to save the local community centre. They decide to start a community choir to involve more people with publicity and simpathy.
It revolves around their lives and marriages. And their problems and family relashionship.
Husbands aren’t compulsory but I’m pretty sure that best friends are.
The choir part is very relatable to me (duh is my favorite thing apart from reading).
What were people in my situation called? ‘The sandwich generation.’ Too caught up with raising our children and fretting about our parents to enjoy our lives any more. Stuck in the middle, anxious, tired and never having any fun. But this was fun. This was wonderful fun – singing, entertaining, being part of something joyous and special. I loved it.
Entertaining but too cliche at the end.
---------------
Caroline y Natalie son vecinas que tienen en común solamente el tener sus hijos en la misma escuela, a parte de eso son diferentes en todo. Me hacen recordar fuertemente a las vecinas de Amas de Casa Desesperadas.
Caroline es la presidenta del centro de padres, es control-freak, todo tiene que seguir un horario y agenda, su marido es perfecto, y su hija bueno como que no se lleva muy bien con ella y le hace más caso a papi, pero ella era igual, nunca se llevó con su madre (quien ahora esta internada en un geriatrico carisimo, y sufre de alzeimer)
Natalie, por otra parte es una famosa escritora de libros para niños, y su personaje es muy conocido, el dibujante es su mejor amigo gay, siempre anda quedandose dormida y llegando tarde, anda en ropa comoda pues trabaja en casa, y que le cae mal Caroline pues la miro feo por llevar pasteles comprados a la escuela. Su hijo es un chico tranquilo que adora leer y los videojuegos. Pero de pronto su cómoda vida se le cae cuando su marido de toda la vida le suelta un bombazo: la deja.
(si, como que le gusta mucho su vino)
Es en este momento cuando Caroline se le acerca para pedirle ayuda (porque es famosa) porque el centro comunitario del barrio donde dejan a los nenes pequeños esta a punto de ser derruido, y se les viene la idea de crear un coro para atraer interes de los legisladores y no echen abajo el edificio, y de paso ganar la competencia.
Uh, de esas dos mujeres dispares que luchan con sus matrimonios e hijos, traumas y esperanzas, una luchando contra el caer bajo el peso de su madre, y la otra por atraer de nuevo a su marido, se ven envueltas en este proyecto, conocen nueva gente y encuentran que se sienten mejor cuando cantan. Esa parte me atrae, porque es la que todos los coralistas sienten, olvidar todo y socializar un rato.
Sin embargo, el final del libro es tremendamente cliché, y que hayan amansado a Caroline, de lejos la más interesante , no le viene. Por eso ahi una lectura sin consecuencias.
2.8 stars
not yet 3 stars b/c Caroline character melted at the end and start to get sappy.
This feels like a sitcom. Caroline reminds me of Bree from Desperate Housewives, OCD , perfectionist and control-freak. And Natalie is like Susan, clumsy , charming and with alcohol problems not adressed in the book. Very different women.
(Caroline:) I know some people feel intimidated by me. I can’t blame them. I try to live up to my old school motto, Ad summa nitamur – ‘Let us strive for perfection’. I know this isn’t for everyone. Perfection is such a final word, but I believe you have to try. Anything else is just giving up.
Caroline and Natalie (the 2 POV in the book) are neighboords and their children goes to the same school, but they only met when Caroline start a campaign to save the local community centre. They decide to start a community choir to involve more people with publicity and simpathy.
It revolves around their lives and marriages. And their problems and family relashionship.
Husbands aren’t compulsory but I’m pretty sure that best friends are.
The choir part is very relatable to me (duh is my favorite thing apart from reading).
What were people in my situation called? ‘The sandwich generation.’ Too caught up with raising our children and fretting about our parents to enjoy our lives any more. Stuck in the middle, anxious, tired and never having any fun. But this was fun. This was wonderful fun – singing, entertaining, being part of something joyous and special. I loved it.
Entertaining but too cliche at the end.
---------------
Caroline y Natalie son vecinas que tienen en común solamente el tener sus hijos en la misma escuela, a parte de eso son diferentes en todo. Me hacen recordar fuertemente a las vecinas de Amas de Casa Desesperadas.
Caroline es la presidenta del centro de padres, es control-freak, todo tiene que seguir un horario y agenda, su marido es perfecto, y su hija bueno como que no se lleva muy bien con ella y le hace más caso a papi, pero ella era igual, nunca se llevó con su madre (quien ahora esta internada en un geriatrico carisimo, y sufre de alzeimer)
Natalie, por otra parte es una famosa escritora de libros para niños, y su personaje es muy conocido, el dibujante es su mejor amigo gay, siempre anda quedandose dormida y llegando tarde, anda en ropa comoda pues trabaja en casa, y que le cae mal Caroline pues la miro feo por llevar pasteles comprados a la escuela. Su hijo es un chico tranquilo que adora leer y los videojuegos. Pero de pronto su cómoda vida se le cae cuando su marido de toda la vida le suelta un bombazo: la deja.
(si, como que le gusta mucho su vino)
Es en este momento cuando Caroline se le acerca para pedirle ayuda (porque es famosa) porque el centro comunitario del barrio donde dejan a los nenes pequeños esta a punto de ser derruido, y se les viene la idea de crear un coro para atraer interes de los legisladores y no echen abajo el edificio, y de paso ganar la competencia.
Uh, de esas dos mujeres dispares que luchan con sus matrimonios e hijos, traumas y esperanzas, una luchando contra el caer bajo el peso de su madre, y la otra por atraer de nuevo a su marido, se ven envueltas en este proyecto, conocen nueva gente y encuentran que se sienten mejor cuando cantan. Esa parte me atrae, porque es la que todos los coralistas sienten, olvidar todo y socializar un rato.
Sin embargo, el final del libro es tremendamente cliché, y que hayan amansado a Caroline, de lejos la más interesante , no le viene. Por eso ahi una lectura sin consecuencias.
September 18, 2017
Sometimes music speaks for words. And it creates delightful magic. The magic of bringing back memories.The magic of bringing an entangled relationship to reconciliation. The magic of bringing total strangers together to fight for a big cause.
All of them and many more are found in this book.
Two women living on the same street with very different characters are each going through an issue of their own; one trying to come to terms with a problematic relationship she has with a mother suffering from dementia, and another trying to save a broken marriage.
The two meet when they join the choir group, formed in the attempt to save an old community hall that is about to be torn down. They both share the passion of saving the hall from demolition, as do the members of the choir, all from the same neighborhood.
The members of the choir were amiable with Caroline being my favorite, since I found a lot in common with her. The relationship with her mother is a very meaningful one, and I was so relieved that they got to reconcile before they ran out of time.
As I got deeper into the book, I became more and more connected to the characters I felt as if I were a member of the group, sharing their sorrow, anger, hope and joy. I was hoping the story would go on forever.
I eagerly look forward for the book to turn into a series, so that I can travel along with The Hope Street Choir on their future expeditions. If you're looking for a feel good book with plenty of music playing in the background, this one's for you.
All of them and many more are found in this book.
Two women living on the same street with very different characters are each going through an issue of their own; one trying to come to terms with a problematic relationship she has with a mother suffering from dementia, and another trying to save a broken marriage.
The two meet when they join the choir group, formed in the attempt to save an old community hall that is about to be torn down. They both share the passion of saving the hall from demolition, as do the members of the choir, all from the same neighborhood.
The members of the choir were amiable with Caroline being my favorite, since I found a lot in common with her. The relationship with her mother is a very meaningful one, and I was so relieved that they got to reconcile before they ran out of time.
As I got deeper into the book, I became more and more connected to the characters I felt as if I were a member of the group, sharing their sorrow, anger, hope and joy. I was hoping the story would go on forever.
I eagerly look forward for the book to turn into a series, so that I can travel along with The Hope Street Choir on their future expeditions. If you're looking for a feel good book with plenty of music playing in the background, this one's for you.
May 29, 2017
Wow, this book was so much more than I anticipated. It covers a roller coaster of emotions with real world situations. Each chapter alternates with Natalie and Caroline, the two main characters, telling the story. They are very different women. Natalie is fun, loves to joke around, is a children's author who has a very good relationship with her eight year old son Woody. Unfortunately, her marriage falls apart in the book. Caroline, is a perfectionist. She is very closed emotionally and wants to run everything. She is the president of the PTA and it is her goal to save the Hope Street Community Centre. Her family is well off financially, but she and her daughter Matilda (Tilly) do not have a very close relationship. That is one regret that Caroline has. Caroline is also dealing with her mother who has dimentia.
Even though their children are friends, Caroline and Natalie do not seem to know one another. They meet when Caroline knocks Natalie over by accident outside the school gates. Natalie is thinking about her marriage and not paying attention. Caroline offers to drive Natalie home and they discover they both live on the same street. Shortly after this, Caroline asks/demands/persuades Natalie and her friend Doly to join her committee to save Hope Street Community Centre. When they decide to start a Community Choir to draw attention to the campaign, Guy enters the story. He is the music teacher at their children's school and he agrees to conduct the choir. There is something mysterious about him. He looks familiar to Caroline, yet he is very closed and does not want to discuss his past. The story evolves from there.
I do not want to say anymore about the plot at this point except to say that the story moves quickly and I wanted to keep reading to see what was going to happen next. The author was able to tell the stories of the personal lives and problems the characters were dealing with in an entertaining way, yet not diminishing the emotional impact. Getting to know the characters has me changing my opinions of them throughout the story. I did not like Caroline at the beginning. She seemed very selfish and self-involved. She was rather snobbish and very unlikable. As the story went on, she changed dramatically and became one of my favourite characters. Natalie was likable from the beginning and I continued to feel badly for her, yet not always agree with her decisions. The secondary characters were quirky, kind, loyal and funny. This story focuses on that idea of loyalty and friendship. It also dealt with handling whatever life throws at you, persevering, listening to others and not being afraid to ask or accept help from your friends. The book reminded me that we all deal with different things in life and it is important to remember that and not become too self-involved. The idea of music helping to relax, soothe and assist in finding solutions was wonderful We all need more music in our lives.
I highly recommend reading this book and thank my Goodreads' friend who recommended it to me. As she said, The Choir on Hope Street isn't just about saving a hall, it's about the coming together of a community, it's about the personal journey each member has taken, it's about Family and Friendship, it's about having faith and strength even when you get knocked down. I couldn't have said it better myself. I would like to thank the author and pubisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book, it was a delight.
Even though their children are friends, Caroline and Natalie do not seem to know one another. They meet when Caroline knocks Natalie over by accident outside the school gates. Natalie is thinking about her marriage and not paying attention. Caroline offers to drive Natalie home and they discover they both live on the same street. Shortly after this, Caroline asks/demands/persuades Natalie and her friend Doly to join her committee to save Hope Street Community Centre. When they decide to start a Community Choir to draw attention to the campaign, Guy enters the story. He is the music teacher at their children's school and he agrees to conduct the choir. There is something mysterious about him. He looks familiar to Caroline, yet he is very closed and does not want to discuss his past. The story evolves from there.
I do not want to say anymore about the plot at this point except to say that the story moves quickly and I wanted to keep reading to see what was going to happen next. The author was able to tell the stories of the personal lives and problems the characters were dealing with in an entertaining way, yet not diminishing the emotional impact. Getting to know the characters has me changing my opinions of them throughout the story. I did not like Caroline at the beginning. She seemed very selfish and self-involved. She was rather snobbish and very unlikable. As the story went on, she changed dramatically and became one of my favourite characters. Natalie was likable from the beginning and I continued to feel badly for her, yet not always agree with her decisions. The secondary characters were quirky, kind, loyal and funny. This story focuses on that idea of loyalty and friendship. It also dealt with handling whatever life throws at you, persevering, listening to others and not being afraid to ask or accept help from your friends. The book reminded me that we all deal with different things in life and it is important to remember that and not become too self-involved. The idea of music helping to relax, soothe and assist in finding solutions was wonderful We all need more music in our lives.
I highly recommend reading this book and thank my Goodreads' friend who recommended it to me. As she said, The Choir on Hope Street isn't just about saving a hall, it's about the coming together of a community, it's about the personal journey each member has taken, it's about Family and Friendship, it's about having faith and strength even when you get knocked down. I couldn't have said it better myself. I would like to thank the author and pubisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book, it was a delight.
July 24, 2017
This was a new author for me and I will certainly read more as this was excellent and got me wanting to read more. Such an easy read and has two main characters Nat and Caroline. Nat's husband has just said the four words she didn't want to hear I don't love you and while going to school with her child she was upset and nearly got ran over by Caroline and they became friends trying to save the community centre. Two people you wouldn't put together at all and yet can they work and form a choir to save the community centre. Also can they solve their own problems out Nat with her husband and Caroline with her mum and does she learn family history she's not expecting. Well worth reading.
March 12, 2017
What a super read. Gripping. Moving. Funny. I didn't want to put it down and am now so sad the journey is over. It's a book about finding a sense of community and friends in the most unexpected places. It's a book about self-acceptance and accepting others. The chapters' point of view alternates between snooty Caroline and down-to-earth Natalie, and this works really well. I wish there was a sequel! A story to make your soul sing.
February 22, 2017
Thank you HarperCollins and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
I grew up with parents who both sang in a choir. Our house was always filled with music and because my parents had me and my three brother within six years after their marriage, they could sure do with an 'evening out' for the both of them each week. My parents sang in a classical choir so I grew up not with Something Inside So Strong (one of my favorites by the way!) but with Bach and others. It really makes no difference; I could relate to Caroline and Natalie because of the joy and laughter they shared when being with the other choir members and once more, I regret that I cannot sing at all. Not even to save a community hall ;-)
I think you understand by now I loved the book. Two quite ordinary women, living close and not knowing that within a few short months they will have to come to terms with large changes in their lives. Not knowing that they are more alike then they think. And not knowing that their lives will change forever, although not always in a way the reader may think at the beginning of the book.
There was one little thing I'm wondering about. That is the fact that Caroline's mother had to leave her care home because of her dementia (we call it Alzheimers'). Are there no homes that are especially for people like Carolines' mother? Or is it just that the author wanted Caroline to have to take care of her mother herself, to find out something important?
Anyway, reading this book was like having a nice cup of tea in the company of good friends. For me, it was a resting point in my busy life.
I grew up with parents who both sang in a choir. Our house was always filled with music and because my parents had me and my three brother within six years after their marriage, they could sure do with an 'evening out' for the both of them each week. My parents sang in a classical choir so I grew up not with Something Inside So Strong (one of my favorites by the way!) but with Bach and others. It really makes no difference; I could relate to Caroline and Natalie because of the joy and laughter they shared when being with the other choir members and once more, I regret that I cannot sing at all. Not even to save a community hall ;-)
I think you understand by now I loved the book. Two quite ordinary women, living close and not knowing that within a few short months they will have to come to terms with large changes in their lives. Not knowing that they are more alike then they think. And not knowing that their lives will change forever, although not always in a way the reader may think at the beginning of the book.
There was one little thing I'm wondering about. That is the fact that Caroline's mother had to leave her care home because of her dementia (we call it Alzheimers'). Are there no homes that are especially for people like Carolines' mother? Or is it just that the author wanted Caroline to have to take care of her mother herself, to find out something important?
Anyway, reading this book was like having a nice cup of tea in the company of good friends. For me, it was a resting point in my busy life.
June 18, 2017
A new Annie Lyons book is always a treat and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s an engaging, heart-warming story about a local community coming together to form a choir to save their local hall. Great characters, warm humour and the feel-good factor. A lovely uplifting read!
Read
April 12, 2017Funny, real and full of hope! Annie Lyons makes you feel like you're looking into your neighbours lives and are wrapped up in their stories. Great book.
April 6, 2017
Hope Street is a small neighborhood, like so many in the world, where many of the residents can exist quite neatly within the small area. An aging community center becomes the catalyst for the story, as a developer’s interest may result in changes to the neighborhood, unwelcome changes. We start the story with Natalie: a children’s book author with a husband, son and gay best friend who is also responsible for bringing her books to life. Things are busy, but good and comfortable, at least until Nat’s husband announces he doesn’t love her anymore. Nat’s world is, understandably, upended, and when she is wandering sightlessly in traffic after walking her son to school, she is hit by Caroline, the original “too busy appearing perfectly put together and in control” woman with little patience or liking for those who don’t meet her rather impossible standards. Naturally, Natalie dissolves into an emotional mess much to Caroline’s discomfort, but she has a plan. Well, a plan that is less about Natalie and more about her zealous determination to create a committee to save the Community Center.
Oh this was fun, as Natalie went through a series of emotional moments from barely hanging on to the plot right over into her fun-loving, never quite allow things to get you down wonderful self, she was certainly the easiest to understand. Caroline is that mean girl who can’t abide deep emotion, preferring to compartmentalize her life, her interactions and her friendships are superficial at best, mean girl at worst. Caroline is DESPERATE to be needed, but only in positions where she feels there is some sort of control and admiration for her work. And, the Community Center, with the brilliant idea of starting a choir to compete for a prize that will not only help them to raise much needed funds BUT also get them publicity – she’s all in.
And the community comes together: people from all walks of life who were, at first, simple acquaintances become friends of the best sort: supportive, encouraging and helpful: whether for a quick sitter requirement or a shoulder and a hug. Never a dull moment as they sing, learn and discover, even as lives and trials go on. Most importantly, both Natalie and Caroline come to grow and change. Natalie starts to make changes and become more settled in her own life, with her husband at loose ends. And Caroline, from ignoring and shunting her mother off to a care home to discovering long-held family secrets and finding a new appreciation for her mother, her life and her newly found friends in the community, the story has one memorable moment after another.
Exactly what you’d want from a story about a community banding together, with characters that grow, change and develop in front of your eyes as the story unfolds. A wonderful escape into a story that will leave you smiling.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Oh this was fun, as Natalie went through a series of emotional moments from barely hanging on to the plot right over into her fun-loving, never quite allow things to get you down wonderful self, she was certainly the easiest to understand. Caroline is that mean girl who can’t abide deep emotion, preferring to compartmentalize her life, her interactions and her friendships are superficial at best, mean girl at worst. Caroline is DESPERATE to be needed, but only in positions where she feels there is some sort of control and admiration for her work. And, the Community Center, with the brilliant idea of starting a choir to compete for a prize that will not only help them to raise much needed funds BUT also get them publicity – she’s all in.
And the community comes together: people from all walks of life who were, at first, simple acquaintances become friends of the best sort: supportive, encouraging and helpful: whether for a quick sitter requirement or a shoulder and a hug. Never a dull moment as they sing, learn and discover, even as lives and trials go on. Most importantly, both Natalie and Caroline come to grow and change. Natalie starts to make changes and become more settled in her own life, with her husband at loose ends. And Caroline, from ignoring and shunting her mother off to a care home to discovering long-held family secrets and finding a new appreciation for her mother, her life and her newly found friends in the community, the story has one memorable moment after another.
Exactly what you’d want from a story about a community banding together, with characters that grow, change and develop in front of your eyes as the story unfolds. A wonderful escape into a story that will leave you smiling.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
March 21, 2017
The words no woman ever wants to hear from her husband are " I don't love you any more" but that is just how the book starts, and it sends Nat into a tailspin, as she thought their marriage was rock solid and working really well.
While reeling from this bombshell, she meets Caroline who lives at the "posh" end of Hope Street. Caroline then ropes Nat into the campaign to save the Hope Street Community Centre, which involves them forming a community choir.
Nat is a children's book writer, and has her son Woody to look after. She likes a bit of a drink and generally seems up for a laugh, when she isn't confused as to what is happening between her and Dan. Caroline on the other hand seems to be all about appearances, doesn't have a job outside the home, but does have her mother who suffers from dementia in a care home. However it is becoming harder for the care home to cope with the mother's behaviour, and Caroline is put into a tricky position given she had a troubled relationship with her mum.
I loved the sense of community of Hope Street especially from the choir members, where new friendships are formed, and the members discover just how freeing singing can be. I loved Guy the music teacher who steps up as choirmaster, and Doly who has a wonderful singing voice, and Pamela who provides all the cakey goodness you can need.
The story is told in alternating chapters between Nat and Caroline's view points, and I had a good amount of sympathy for both ladies as neither of their current circumstances are particularly easy, and although they may not see it, it is clear that they could help each other out, if they can get past their differences.
I reckon most people will recognise the music that the choir sings, as there is a mix of songs for all generations, and I could really imagine them singing the songs. I loved the journey of self discovery Caroline especially was one, as she learns more about herself and her family.
The Choir on Hope Street is an uplifting book, guaranteed to brighten up a horrible day. It is an enjoyable story and one I didn't really want to finish.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
While reeling from this bombshell, she meets Caroline who lives at the "posh" end of Hope Street. Caroline then ropes Nat into the campaign to save the Hope Street Community Centre, which involves them forming a community choir.
Nat is a children's book writer, and has her son Woody to look after. She likes a bit of a drink and generally seems up for a laugh, when she isn't confused as to what is happening between her and Dan. Caroline on the other hand seems to be all about appearances, doesn't have a job outside the home, but does have her mother who suffers from dementia in a care home. However it is becoming harder for the care home to cope with the mother's behaviour, and Caroline is put into a tricky position given she had a troubled relationship with her mum.
I loved the sense of community of Hope Street especially from the choir members, where new friendships are formed, and the members discover just how freeing singing can be. I loved Guy the music teacher who steps up as choirmaster, and Doly who has a wonderful singing voice, and Pamela who provides all the cakey goodness you can need.
The story is told in alternating chapters between Nat and Caroline's view points, and I had a good amount of sympathy for both ladies as neither of their current circumstances are particularly easy, and although they may not see it, it is clear that they could help each other out, if they can get past their differences.
I reckon most people will recognise the music that the choir sings, as there is a mix of songs for all generations, and I could really imagine them singing the songs. I loved the journey of self discovery Caroline especially was one, as she learns more about herself and her family.
The Choir on Hope Street is an uplifting book, guaranteed to brighten up a horrible day. It is an enjoyable story and one I didn't really want to finish.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
August 8, 2019
A delightful, touching, easy-to-read book with two main characters, Natalie and Caroline, telling the story of true friendship and the power of community. I loved it!
March 23, 2017
The Choir on Hope Street is a well paced and beautifully written story. Whether you're a forgetful Natalie or an organised Caroline, there's so much to identify with both characters. When I opened the pages I felt immediately transported to the lives of the people on Hope Street. This is an immersive read hitting some difficult topics with just the right amount of humour. A must read this spring!!
March 30, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
I've got to admit, whilst I was looking forward to Annie Lyon's new novel, the cover had me thinking that the storyline was going to be a lot tamer than what it actually was. Don't get me wrong, the storyline wasn't all harsh and completely serious but the cover was rather simple for such a rollercoaster ride of a book. It really was a pleasant surprise.
One of the main characters, Nat, has just been told five words that no wife (or husband), really want to hear; 'I don't love you anymore'. As far as Nat was concerned, everything was fine and their family life with their son was a happy one. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The other main character, Caroline, has a life where anything she requires, she gets. Is her life like the 'Jones's', a way of over compensating for many years of resentment? Both ladies are like chalk and cheese yet they come together to support a community building's closure by starting their very own choir. A contender for the number one spot in the music charts, you think?
Nat's family situation was quite heart wrenching to read as everything she had ever known to be real, now had a big, red question mark looming over its head. Would she have to move out of the family home with her son? How would she explain the split to their son? Rather her than me, I'll be honest. Despite all of that, her attitude to life in general was fantastic. The way she tried to solve her problems with humour had me in hysterics. Yes, sometimes she went over the top but who am I to judge? People deal with things in a different way; her included.
I found Caroline a little bit hit and miss as her personality and attitude drove me up the wall to begin with. However, when the storyline began to unfold a little bit more and we got to see a different side to Caroline, I found myself becoming a little more lenient to the way she came across. You'll need to read the book yourself to find out what I'm meaning!!
To look at Annie Lyons' novel at first, you may assume that all it contains is a choir, when in actual fact, the community starting their own choir just seemed to be the key to unlock a whole chest of drama, secrets and hidden agendas. There is A LOT more to this novel than 'just a choir', and whilst the change in direction caught me by surprise, I found myself respecting the author even more as she was able to completely change my views.
Overall, 'The Choir on Hope Street' is a fabulous, fun and surprising read which covers a lot of topics from serious family matters, to hilarious personal dramas. If you're after a storyline to tickle every single one of your literary taste buds, then my friends, this book is most definitely one to buy. As long as you have support from good friends and family, and your very own choir, what more could you possibly want? After all, it is Hope Street, right?
A heart-warming, cosy read from the wonderful Annie Lyons and The Choir on Hope Street. I wonder if they did get their number one chart position....
Thank you HQ & Netgalley.
(Available to buy from 6th April 2017 - Available to pre-order on Amazon UK now)
I've got to admit, whilst I was looking forward to Annie Lyon's new novel, the cover had me thinking that the storyline was going to be a lot tamer than what it actually was. Don't get me wrong, the storyline wasn't all harsh and completely serious but the cover was rather simple for such a rollercoaster ride of a book. It really was a pleasant surprise.
One of the main characters, Nat, has just been told five words that no wife (or husband), really want to hear; 'I don't love you anymore'. As far as Nat was concerned, everything was fine and their family life with their son was a happy one. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The other main character, Caroline, has a life where anything she requires, she gets. Is her life like the 'Jones's', a way of over compensating for many years of resentment? Both ladies are like chalk and cheese yet they come together to support a community building's closure by starting their very own choir. A contender for the number one spot in the music charts, you think?
Nat's family situation was quite heart wrenching to read as everything she had ever known to be real, now had a big, red question mark looming over its head. Would she have to move out of the family home with her son? How would she explain the split to their son? Rather her than me, I'll be honest. Despite all of that, her attitude to life in general was fantastic. The way she tried to solve her problems with humour had me in hysterics. Yes, sometimes she went over the top but who am I to judge? People deal with things in a different way; her included.
I found Caroline a little bit hit and miss as her personality and attitude drove me up the wall to begin with. However, when the storyline began to unfold a little bit more and we got to see a different side to Caroline, I found myself becoming a little more lenient to the way she came across. You'll need to read the book yourself to find out what I'm meaning!!
To look at Annie Lyons' novel at first, you may assume that all it contains is a choir, when in actual fact, the community starting their own choir just seemed to be the key to unlock a whole chest of drama, secrets and hidden agendas. There is A LOT more to this novel than 'just a choir', and whilst the change in direction caught me by surprise, I found myself respecting the author even more as she was able to completely change my views.
Overall, 'The Choir on Hope Street' is a fabulous, fun and surprising read which covers a lot of topics from serious family matters, to hilarious personal dramas. If you're after a storyline to tickle every single one of your literary taste buds, then my friends, this book is most definitely one to buy. As long as you have support from good friends and family, and your very own choir, what more could you possibly want? After all, it is Hope Street, right?
A heart-warming, cosy read from the wonderful Annie Lyons and The Choir on Hope Street. I wonder if they did get their number one chart position....
Thank you HQ & Netgalley.
(Available to buy from 6th April 2017 - Available to pre-order on Amazon UK now)
October 9, 2017
Yuck. Saccharine sweet and preachy - the characters were not sympathetic, the story was way too far fetched, the plot was totally predictable. I know this has gotten great reviews - it just is not my cup of tea.
June 7, 2017
A fabulous, funny, touching tale of love friendship and the power of community. I with the Hope Street Community Choir was real so I could join it!
November 26, 2024
When their community center is about to be closed and sold for a housing complex, Caroline feels that something must be done and puts together a community choir to help save the center. She recruits Natalie, a fellow mom from her daughter, Matilda's, school. But although Natalie is a famous children's book author and would lend some star quality to the effort, she doesn't have time to participate when her marriage to Dan is crumbling. But she can't tell Caroline no so together they recruit more members and hire Guy as the choirmaster. They join a competition in hopes of winning and kicking off their fundraising efforts with a big payday but they are up against some stiff competition. Caroline's life isn't all roses either when the nursing home kicks her mother out due to her increasing violent reactions to staff, which is a sign that her dementia is worsening. So now she has to care for her mother at home and her stress levels increase when her husband, Oliver, is laid off from his high paying job. Natalie's life isn't getting any easier either. The counseling isn't working and then she catches Dan with her best friend, Edward, and thinks that they are having a gay affair. They aren't but she doesn't give them time to explain. Instead, she rushes into the waiting arms of the council member who is trying to help them save the center, and their kiss is broadcast on the news and social media soon after. Caroline is furious with her because she thinks that it has sunk their chances of saving the center since now the councilman's efforts will be seen as biased. But she soon Caroline has another pressing matter to deal with when she learns that her deceased father wasn't perfect after all and instead had a second family, the result being that Guy is her half-brother. His mother moving in was what had made her mother so angry at the home. Eventually, both women resolve their personal issues by accepting the things that they cannot change and focus on saving the center. Although the choir loses the competition, they remain hopeful that they can save the center until the announcement is made that it will soon be demolished. They all show up on demo day only to learn that the deal fell apart at the last minute and the center is saved after all. They organize a big party to celebrate and everyone, including ex-husbands and new half-brothers, are invited. A cheery, heartwarming story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2017
This is the first book I’ve read by Annie Lyons, but I now want to read all her novels! I loved the premise – a choir trying to save a community hall from developers. I’ve sung in choirs myself and know the joy of singing with like-minded people, so I started reading with anticipation.
What I didn’t expect, however, was how quickly and satisfyingly I would be drawn into the world that the author describes so beautifully and how much I did not want to put this book down. I read it in two days which, for me, is fast.
It is written in the first person, from the point of view of two main characters; Natalie, a children’s author, who has an eight-year-old son called Woody, and who has just been told by her husband that he doesn’t love her anymore. The other voice is Caroline’s. She is a completely different person to Natalie. She is organized, efficient, Chair of the PTA at the primary school and appears to be in control of every aspect of her life. All except one – her relationship with her mother. Caroline has a loving husband and a daughter called Matilda (Tilly).
All the action is seen and interpreted through the eyes of these two different women which gives the reader contrasting perspectives on events.
The activities of the choir and their fight to keep their community hall open, provides humour, pathos and a wonderful background to the personal lives of Natalie and Caroline. They sang some of my favourite songs; ‘Something inside so Strong”, “God Only Knows”, which were inspired choices.
Along with a host of interesting secondary characters, some of whom play an important role in the character developments of both women, this is a feel-good story that deals with serious issues, not least marriage breakdown and parent/child relationships.
This story is about friendship, perseverance, sacrifice, loss and incredible joy. It was a delight to read and I would highly recommend it.
What I didn’t expect, however, was how quickly and satisfyingly I would be drawn into the world that the author describes so beautifully and how much I did not want to put this book down. I read it in two days which, for me, is fast.
It is written in the first person, from the point of view of two main characters; Natalie, a children’s author, who has an eight-year-old son called Woody, and who has just been told by her husband that he doesn’t love her anymore. The other voice is Caroline’s. She is a completely different person to Natalie. She is organized, efficient, Chair of the PTA at the primary school and appears to be in control of every aspect of her life. All except one – her relationship with her mother. Caroline has a loving husband and a daughter called Matilda (Tilly).
All the action is seen and interpreted through the eyes of these two different women which gives the reader contrasting perspectives on events.
The activities of the choir and their fight to keep their community hall open, provides humour, pathos and a wonderful background to the personal lives of Natalie and Caroline. They sang some of my favourite songs; ‘Something inside so Strong”, “God Only Knows”, which were inspired choices.
Along with a host of interesting secondary characters, some of whom play an important role in the character developments of both women, this is a feel-good story that deals with serious issues, not least marriage breakdown and parent/child relationships.
This story is about friendship, perseverance, sacrifice, loss and incredible joy. It was a delight to read and I would highly recommend it.
March 20, 2017
Natalie and Caroline could not be more different. Nat is easy going and has a wicked sense of humour while Caroline is uptight, judgemental and a huge snob. Caroline lives on the “posh end” of Hope Street while Nat lives at the other.
There’s no way that these two women could ever hope to be friends, under normal circumstances. But this is far from normal.
Nat’s husband Dan has just told her that he no longer loves her. She understandably lost her temper and threw him out. Since then she’s really struggling to keep things together for the sake of their son, Woody.
Caroline lives what looks like a perfect life on the outside with a nice house, a cleaner and plenty of money for shopping and cocktails. However, she’s about to have the wonderful life she knows severely challenged when her husband loses his job and her elderly mother comes to live with them.
These two completely different women might live at opposite ends of the street but are on the same page when it comes to saving the local community centre from closure.
Local residents pull together and form a choir in a bid to keep the community centre open. Whether Nat and Caroline like it or not, the music starts to pull them closer together.
“The Choir on Hope Street” is a fantastic read. There is a small dose of romance involved but I would not describe it as a romance. This is a book about true friendship and what it means to be part of a community.
Nat and Caroline both change during the tough experiences they go through and both are better and stronger for it in the end.
The addition of the choir and singing your way through life’s troubles is a really neat one. This book might even encourage you to join a choir or something within your own community if you haven’t already. Highly recommended read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book and have given my honest opinion of it.
There’s no way that these two women could ever hope to be friends, under normal circumstances. But this is far from normal.
Nat’s husband Dan has just told her that he no longer loves her. She understandably lost her temper and threw him out. Since then she’s really struggling to keep things together for the sake of their son, Woody.
Caroline lives what looks like a perfect life on the outside with a nice house, a cleaner and plenty of money for shopping and cocktails. However, she’s about to have the wonderful life she knows severely challenged when her husband loses his job and her elderly mother comes to live with them.
These two completely different women might live at opposite ends of the street but are on the same page when it comes to saving the local community centre from closure.
Local residents pull together and form a choir in a bid to keep the community centre open. Whether Nat and Caroline like it or not, the music starts to pull them closer together.
“The Choir on Hope Street” is a fantastic read. There is a small dose of romance involved but I would not describe it as a romance. This is a book about true friendship and what it means to be part of a community.
Nat and Caroline both change during the tough experiences they go through and both are better and stronger for it in the end.
The addition of the choir and singing your way through life’s troubles is a really neat one. This book might even encourage you to join a choir or something within your own community if you haven’t already. Highly recommended read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book and have given my honest opinion of it.
March 11, 2018
Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Collins UK for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was an uplifting story about how something unexpected that comes along in your life can be the biggest catalyst for change. Natalie is facing the revelation that her husband doesn't love her anymore and what that means for the family she once thought of as so happy. Caroline puts forth an image of perfection, yet she is dealing with her mother who has dementia and a not so perfect family life. When the two of them join forces with other neighbors to save the local community hall by forming a choir, this impacts them both in ways they never anticipated.
This was a enjoyable read even though at times the characters seemed a little one dimensional. Overall the story had a nice balance of humor and emotion.
This was a enjoyable read even though at times the characters seemed a little one dimensional. Overall the story had a nice balance of humor and emotion.
May 26, 2021
I absolutely adored this beautiful book, The Choir On Hope Street.
Down to earth Natalie, is happy enough with her life until her husband Dan, pulls her world apart.
Posh bossy Caroline, has a seemingly perfect life, but that’s all about to change.
In an attempt to save their local hall, the residents of Hope Sreet, join togethet to form a choir.
Natalie and Caroline are polar opposites, but as they both struggle with some of the toughest times in their lives, can they become friends?
This book is full of warmth, friendship, community spirit, heartbreak and positivity.
The story didn’t follow the obvious path. Annie Lyons threw in some twists and turns which take the reader on an enthralling journey, with some truely likeable characters.
This is a book that will definitely stay with me and has truely found a place in my heart.
Down to earth Natalie, is happy enough with her life until her husband Dan, pulls her world apart.
Posh bossy Caroline, has a seemingly perfect life, but that’s all about to change.
In an attempt to save their local hall, the residents of Hope Sreet, join togethet to form a choir.
Natalie and Caroline are polar opposites, but as they both struggle with some of the toughest times in their lives, can they become friends?
This book is full of warmth, friendship, community spirit, heartbreak and positivity.
The story didn’t follow the obvious path. Annie Lyons threw in some twists and turns which take the reader on an enthralling journey, with some truely likeable characters.
This is a book that will definitely stay with me and has truely found a place in my heart.
February 8, 2020
All of us have our burdens to bear but all of us have a choice to turn our situations around through perseverance and hope. And this is what drives this book forward and makes it a story of hope within imperfect situations. This book tackles marital breakdown, loss of trust amongst friends, difficult family dynamics and parenthood with delicacy and care. The driving themes are raw and yet still this book remains uplifting throughout .
The juxtaposition between the two characters engages the reader but it is the underlying need for hope and restoration that links the characters beautifully. The Choir on Hope Street is not just about bringing harmony through song but realising that it just takes one common desire to strengthen a community.
The juxtaposition between the two characters engages the reader but it is the underlying need for hope and restoration that links the characters beautifully. The Choir on Hope Street is not just about bringing harmony through song but realising that it just takes one common desire to strengthen a community.
August 31, 2018
The story was good and had a decent pacing. Natalie was a much better character than Caroline and I liked her from the start. Caroline however took a long time for me to warm to and it was almost to the end of the story before I started liking her even a little. This story is more along the lines of families and responsibilities rather then finding The One. I'm starting to like these more and more as they're more unpredictable a lot of the times then their more romantic counterparts. I'm still liking this author's books so will see how many more books are out there and what ones will interest me.
March 3, 2022
There was a lot packed into this book - marriage issues, infidelity, dementia, caregivers, community outreach, friendships, and more. The book centers mainly around Nat who is told by her husband Dan that he doesn't love her anymore, and Caroline, PTA president, type-A personality, whose relationship with her mother is poor, and with her friends is superficial.
They come together to try to save Hope Street Community Hall and build a choir to bring publicity to their cause. Through this effort, Nat and Caroline learn about themselves, and what true love and friendship really are.
Sweet book, but I wanted something more.
They come together to try to save Hope Street Community Hall and build a choir to bring publicity to their cause. Through this effort, Nat and Caroline learn about themselves, and what true love and friendship really are.
Sweet book, but I wanted something more.
April 17, 2025
A divorce. A mother-daughter estrangement. A mom who’s an adult Mean Girl. A choir competition. “The Choir on Hope Street” features plenty of drama. Chapters cycle through the characters, each bearing their own conflict. Most were flawed, but lovable. “Can we save our community center?” is the umbrella under which the characters interact. There’s plenty of rain, but, often enough, sunshine peers through. I particularly appreciated Natalie, a children’s book author. Despite its overly simplistic plot, “Hope Street” was a worthy listen when I needed a distraction.
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