Chasing Hope: A Story About Finding Family

by Elaina M. Avalos

Dr. Ava Cooper has it all. Scratch that - she had it all. The day she buried her daughter was the beginning of the end. With one fell swoop her ex-husband took what was left of the life they created together. All that is left is a demanding boxer, her worldly possessions, and the SUV she bought as a first year resident. With nothing left of the old life, Ava heads south to help out an old friend.

In the small and quirky coastal town of Beaufort, North Carolina - a tiny hamlet situated on the Southern Outer Banks - Ava quickly learns that her plan to quietly fade into the background to find some semblance of normalcy, is not on her new neighbor's and staff's agenda for her. As she settles into southern small-town living, she meets a family and a baby in the foster care system that threaten to break through her grief-stricken heart. Will Ava be able to let hope in long enough to get back the life she desperately longs for?

149 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2017

Reviews

[Cyndi Moskal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Elaina Avalos and Goodreads for the chance to read this book.

I really liked the concept of the story - the basic story of loss and hope is universal yet this story had some unique pieces and twists. The dialogue felt a little forced and unnatural in parts. Macon's feelings went from 0-60 in one page but the overall development of the relationship was touching and realistic. Similarly, the Thompson's feelings for Ava seemed to jump right in the deep end. But despite jumping into the story quickly, I still felt a good connection to the characters.

[Kassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. I got the chance to read it early, so that I could answer a few questions for the author. I also live in Eastern North Carolina, not far from where the story takes place. Everything about this book felt like I could drive up and MEET the family in the story. I fell in love with the characters and want to be their friend. My favorite fiction stories leave me missing the characters and Chasing Hope did not disappoint--in fact, I've already re-read it just to experience it again and on payday I'll be ordering a paperback so I can read it a third time.

[Kat Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

* GIVEAWAY WINNER*

Received book last night and had planned on reading a couple of pages to see what it was about and if I liked the writing style. Stayed up until it was finished. Great Story and Writing. Refreshingly different than your mass market authors.

*SIDE NOTE*

Sweet note from author in my giveaway copy. Thank you!

[Travis J Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read in ages!!

This book has everything I love! I could picture being on the coast of North Carolina, the love of the family and friends, and the heartache Ava had been through. I can't wait for Elaina's next book!!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. The characters are real and the dialog sounds like people today, unlike some books I read, where the dialog seems fake. I recommend this to anyone who likes clean fiction with a happy ending.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this book written by my old classmate.