Hope

by Fay Lamb

****The author is donating 100% of her royalties from this book to Christian charities. Hope Astor is literally a starving artist, living off the good graces of her friends as she seeks help for the fatigue that has plagued her for over a month. Dr. Daniel Duvall is a noted oncological surgeon whose life hasn’t been the same since losing his sister in a car accident the year before. When Hope receives her diagnosis, she understands that her carefree artist’s lifestyle has left her without any options to save her life, but her friends try to convince her otherwise. They persuade Hope to seek treatment from the best doctor she knows. Trouble is, Hope is the reason Daniel’s sister is dead, and she doesn’t think saving her life is on his list of priorities.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2017

About the author

Fay Lamb is the only daughter of a rebel genius father and a hard-working, tow-the-line mom. She is not only a fifth-generation Floridian, she has lived her life in Titusville, where her grandmother was born in 1899.

Since an early age, storytelling has been Fay’s greatest desire. She seeks to create memorable characters that touch her readers’ hearts. She says of her writing, “If I can’t laugh or cry at the words written on the pages of my manuscript, the story is not ready for the reader.” Fay writes in various genres, including romance, romantic suspense, and contemporary fiction.

Reviews

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book of the series, and I've read all its books but not in order. I'd say each book could stand alone, but if you enjoy one, you will enjoy the others! Hope was particularly interesting to me because it's a Christian romance that addresses a number of serious issues without becoming a depressing read. And what an uplifting ending! The publisher provided me with a copy of this book. I was not obligated to review it or to give it a positive review.

[Kathleen Friesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, the disclaimer: I won this book in a contest and was not required to write a review. I am happy to do so, though, because Hope is a story worth reading and sharing. Some time ago, I’d read the first book of this series, Charisse, so when the chance came to possibly win a copy of this book, I eagerly entered the draw. What a thrill to receive Hope in my mailbox!
With many close friends fighting cancer, I wasn’t sure I could handle entering the world of another cancer victim. But curiosity tugged, and I read the first page. Then the second, and the third. Hope’s courage and humility snagged my attention and my heart. I couldn’t quit on her, and neither would her friends.
Those friends, her chosen family, reminded me of the story told in the second chapter of Mark’s gospel, where friends of a paralyzed man brought him to Jesus. They couldn’t get through the crowd filling the house where Jesus taught, but they would not give up. No matter the odds, they persevered. Like the Biblical friends, Hope’s circle would not allow her to give up. They’d already brought her to Jesus; now they needed to convince the area’s best oncological surgeon to take on her care. And like those men in Mark’s gospel, they would not give up.
Faith is an important part of Hope. I appreciate the way redemption is woven into the fabric of the plot. Hope and her friends all became important to me as I read, and I will keep this book on my shelf to read again—and share. Thank you, Fay Lamb, for writing this story from your heart. It touched mine and earns five stars.

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope, Hope, Hope! Oh, my. What can I say, my how the mighty have fallen!

Fay Lamb’s story of Hope Astor is gut-wrenching, to say the least. Hope is reaping what she sowed, and it definitely isn’t pretty. However, her friends love her and are there for her in every way possible, up to and including providing her a home and covering her medical expenses.

Hope has endured many things in her life, most caused by her own catastrophic mistakes, but she’s facing a situation now that she didn’t create. Her only prospect of things getting better rest in the Lord’s hands. Can she let go and trust in Him and the trials she is facing, or will she give up and give in to her angst and pain.

Fay Lamb’s story of bad girl Hope resonates with faith, expectation, and possibility. In her previous books, Hope was the one you loved to detest. In spite of this, as you read Hope’s story, you begin to ache for the little girl inside her that is hurting so much and start to cheer for her as she grows and matures in her faith.

I received Hope from the author. However, I was under no obligation to write a review.

(I heard a rumor there will be another book written highlighting Judge Delilah James! I can’t wait to read it, yet I dread it too, because I don’t want to leave these wonderful friends!!)

****The author is donating 100% of her royalties from this book to hurricane relief through Samaritan’s Purse.*****

[June Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I am a Fay Lamb fan, I couldn't wait until Hope was released. Hope is number three in her series The Ties That Bind, all set in one of my favorite states, Florida.
All the characters I loved in the previous two books were delightfully woven into the story: Evan and Libby Carter, Judge Delilah, and Charisse and Gideon Tabor.
Hope Astor has now given her life to the Lord, and it shows. Rather than the irresponsible playgirl from her past, Hope has learned to appreciate friends who've come along side her after her parents abandoned her. Love of painting occupies her time, but when she discovers lumps in her breasts, she accepts her need to see a physician.
Dr. Daniel Duvall is a prominent doctor who grew up with wealth and privilege. After he blames his sister's death on her best friend Hope Astor, he and his family want nothing more to do with Hope. He's blind to the change others see in the lovely young woman. Though he objects, Hope's friends persuade him to take her on as a patient.
Hope struck deep emotional chords as a I read the book, my heart cheering for Hope. I found myself reaching for my tissue box several times, both with sadness and joy.
Fay Lamb's research into breast cancer was impeccable and informative.
A few glimpses into the supernatural world set my imagination soaring.
I've heard rumors that there will be a fourth in the series, and I'm anxiously awaiting it's publication.

[Jennifer Hallmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope by Fay Lamb is a wonderful book dealing with grief, sickness, and forgiveness. Wow. I really am amazed how much better each book in this series has been to me. The book, Charisse, started the journey and her second book, Libby, will always have a special place in my heart.

This latest release, Hope, is even stronger.
I'm not going to say a lot more because I don't want to give away the story, but you'll get to see Charisse and Libby again in this third book of the Ties that Bind. I highly recommend this book!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Ties that Bind series, and I loved it every bit as much as I did to the first two book in the series. It can be read as a standalone, but I certainly recommend the first two book in the series for additional background and information about the characters and because they are wonderful books. This a compelling read that follows Hope as she battles breast cancer and in spite of the battles she faces, it is a beautiful story of faith, hope and seeing God work in the lives of the characters. As I tend to do with this author's books, I read it in one setting because I was so engrossed in the story I didn't want to put it down. I was given a copy of this book, but a positive review was not required. The opinions expressed are my own, and this is another one from this author I whole heartedly recommend. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Anne Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's always one thing you can always count on with Fay Lamb's books--okay, two. First, you'd better get a box of Kleenex. Second, expect twists that won't let you put the book down. I'm tellin' ya, folks--this gal can write! This is an inspirational romance of the highest quality.

Hope is the third in the Ties that Bind series. The other two were Charisse and Libby., stories about three friends (really four, plus two hubbies (and a fourth book, Delilah, will be happening soon!).

Hope Astor is the child of wealthy parents--beautiful, spoiled, arrogant, and filled with sarcasm for anyone who disagrees with her. Or at least she used to be. But that was before that lump showed up in her breast. The "C" word has taken over her life, but friends Charisse, Libby, and Delilah won't let her sink in self-pity. They surround her with love and support, but what Hope really wants is Danny--okay, Dr. Daniel Duvall, her oncologist. Brother to the girl whose death is Hope's fault. He's the only one she's ever loved.

Daniel doesn't even like Hope, let alone love her, anymore. Neighbors and playmates from the time they were able to walk, Hope, Danny, and Tiffany were inseparable. He fell in love with her when they were in high school, but he got over that. Now she comes begging for his help. Well, he'd show her. He'd shuffle her off onto his partner. And if she died? Maybe she'd get a taste of her own medicine.

Makes me want to drag out another Kleenex just to think about it. Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

I received this book free from the author in return for an honest review.