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Choosing Hope
A broken marriage.
A love affair.
A lie that changes it all…
Hope Sullivan has been with the same man since her freshman year of college. She knows her marriage has its cracks, but she doesn’t realize how much resentment she has buried, or chosen to blame on herself, that is until a family tragedy forces her to reevaluate her long held beliefs.
When her husband isn’t there for her, Hope’s first love steps in and offers her a way out. Adrian, appears to be everything her husband isn’t.
He’s sexy, strong, and fit. He listens to her, sympathizes with her, and makes her feel valued. Best of all, Adrian lives for spending time with his kids.
Hope’s affair is just the beginning. Her journey inward will require untangling her complicated past and surviving an astonishing revelation.
Her lover is not who he pretends to be.
She’s searching for her happily-ever-after, and no matter how painful the journey, she’ll find what she’s been looking for all along—the chance to choose Hope.
A spin-off from the best-selling novel, Kingston Court.
A love affair.
A lie that changes it all…
Hope Sullivan has been with the same man since her freshman year of college. She knows her marriage has its cracks, but she doesn’t realize how much resentment she has buried, or chosen to blame on herself, that is until a family tragedy forces her to reevaluate her long held beliefs.
When her husband isn’t there for her, Hope’s first love steps in and offers her a way out. Adrian, appears to be everything her husband isn’t.
He’s sexy, strong, and fit. He listens to her, sympathizes with her, and makes her feel valued. Best of all, Adrian lives for spending time with his kids.
Hope’s affair is just the beginning. Her journey inward will require untangling her complicated past and surviving an astonishing revelation.
Her lover is not who he pretends to be.
She’s searching for her happily-ever-after, and no matter how painful the journey, she’ll find what she’s been looking for all along—the chance to choose Hope.
A spin-off from the best-selling novel, Kingston Court.
323 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2017
1 person is currently reading
673 people want to read
About the author
Holly Kammier
6 books104 followersHolly Kammier is the international best-selling author of Kingston Court, Choosing Hope, and Lost Girl.
Lost Girl and Choosing Hope are cross-over novels to Kingston Court, with overlapping characters and locations.
Co-Founder of Acorn Publishing, the UCLA honors graduate is an accomplished writing coach and a former journalist who has worked everywhere from CNN in Washington, D.C. and KCOP-TV in Los Angeles, to the NBC affiliate in small-town Medford, Oregon.
The California native and mother of teenage boys, lives in San Diego, California close to her large family (she is one of eight siblings) and friends.
You can visit her online at
HKAMMIER.COM
Lost Girl and Choosing Hope are cross-over novels to Kingston Court, with overlapping characters and locations.
Co-Founder of Acorn Publishing, the UCLA honors graduate is an accomplished writing coach and a former journalist who has worked everywhere from CNN in Washington, D.C. and KCOP-TV in Los Angeles, to the NBC affiliate in small-town Medford, Oregon.
The California native and mother of teenage boys, lives in San Diego, California close to her large family (she is one of eight siblings) and friends.
You can visit her online at
HKAMMIER.COM
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 6, 2017
Choosing Hope is a contemporary romance, but it isn’t your typical romance. It is all sunshine and rainbows, it is a story of a woman who is not happy in her marriage, and reconnect with her high school love. There’s a saying, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and Hope soon find this out.
Hope has been married to Kevin, they have two beautiful sons, one who is autistic. They live in a gorgeous home, have plenty of money, they travel, and from the outside they are the picture perfect family. However, Hope is not happy, and hasn’t been for a long time. There are secrets in that home they share, and the abuse that Hope endures is awful. Reconnecting with Adrian, her high school love, doesn’t help either. She starts to question her marriage even more, and when she has a family crisis, her emotions get the best of her and she puts herself in a situation that will tear her marriage apart. But Hope pushes ahead anyway.
Hope is a woman who wanted feel loved. Yes, her husband provided for her financially, but not emotionally. She took care of her boys, and they were her world, and that I adored her for. But for what she did with the other man, I couldn’t understand, now don’t get me wrong I didn’t like her husband at all. But then I haven’t been in that situation either, so I was curious to see what she would do. Adrian on the other hand, was caring and sweet and well, perfect, almost too perfect. If that makes sense. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something about him was just off to me. Oh, I have to mention Hope’s mother, this woman was just amazing, I loved her to pieces. There are a lot of side characters that played parts in this, and enjoyed them as well. Overall, it really was a good group of people.
While Hope’s affair with Adrian was a button pusher for me, the way that Kammier’s has written this pulled me in, I felt Hope’s loneliness and her sadness, and I couldn’t help to want her to be happy. And at first I did wonder if Adrian was her knight in shining armor coming to save her from her situation she was in. But, over time though, that feeling I had about Adrian was right, there was something off with him. This man had some issues for sure… And things got much worse for Hope and with so many things happening, it too me on a roller coaster ride of emotions and suspense leading up to an ending that was pretty fantastic. The epilogue was wonderful and I was so happy to be able to see how Hope made out after everything and what decisions she had made to do with her children and her life.
Choosing Hope is a captivating story of family issues, love and self discovery. I have to say, I was a little worried at the beginning, but this turned out to be an amazing and inspirational story.
![”Jenea’s]()
Hope has been married to Kevin, they have two beautiful sons, one who is autistic. They live in a gorgeous home, have plenty of money, they travel, and from the outside they are the picture perfect family. However, Hope is not happy, and hasn’t been for a long time. There are secrets in that home they share, and the abuse that Hope endures is awful. Reconnecting with Adrian, her high school love, doesn’t help either. She starts to question her marriage even more, and when she has a family crisis, her emotions get the best of her and she puts herself in a situation that will tear her marriage apart. But Hope pushes ahead anyway.
Hope is a woman who wanted feel loved. Yes, her husband provided for her financially, but not emotionally. She took care of her boys, and they were her world, and that I adored her for. But for what she did with the other man, I couldn’t understand, now don’t get me wrong I didn’t like her husband at all. But then I haven’t been in that situation either, so I was curious to see what she would do. Adrian on the other hand, was caring and sweet and well, perfect, almost too perfect. If that makes sense. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something about him was just off to me. Oh, I have to mention Hope’s mother, this woman was just amazing, I loved her to pieces. There are a lot of side characters that played parts in this, and enjoyed them as well. Overall, it really was a good group of people.
While Hope’s affair with Adrian was a button pusher for me, the way that Kammier’s has written this pulled me in, I felt Hope’s loneliness and her sadness, and I couldn’t help to want her to be happy. And at first I did wonder if Adrian was her knight in shining armor coming to save her from her situation she was in. But, over time though, that feeling I had about Adrian was right, there was something off with him. This man had some issues for sure… And things got much worse for Hope and with so many things happening, it too me on a roller coaster ride of emotions and suspense leading up to an ending that was pretty fantastic. The epilogue was wonderful and I was so happy to be able to see how Hope made out after everything and what decisions she had made to do with her children and her life.
Choosing Hope is a captivating story of family issues, love and self discovery. I have to say, I was a little worried at the beginning, but this turned out to be an amazing and inspirational story.
dnf
November 22, 2017DNF at 20%
My biggest issue with this book is that we are just dropped right into the beginning of Hope's affair. We get one instance of where her husband isn't supportive and then she goes on about this emotional affair she's been having with an old boyfriend and it quickly moves to them going to see each other in person. I felt a strong dislike for Hope (and for Adrian, the "other man"). We don't get a chance to see why she decides to forsake marriage vows and potentially cause upheaval in her children's lives before she embarks on this affair.
My biggest issue with this book is that we are just dropped right into the beginning of Hope's affair. We get one instance of where her husband isn't supportive and then she goes on about this emotional affair she's been having with an old boyfriend and it quickly moves to them going to see each other in person. I felt a strong dislike for Hope (and for Adrian, the "other man"). We don't get a chance to see why she decides to forsake marriage vows and potentially cause upheaval in her children's lives before she embarks on this affair.
June 16, 2017
I love this book because it isn’t the everyday love story. It isn’t a prince charming swooping in to save the day or love at first sight and a happily ever after. In real life, love hurts, in good ways and bad. The head and the heart don’t always see eye to eye. Choosing Hope is a beautifully crafted novel that will take you on a heart-breaking journey full of hard choices, the dark feverish passion of an affair, and all the anguish that comes with it. Despite the main character’s inner conflict, Kammier does an amazing job leaving readers feeling empowered and uplifted.
November 11, 2017
Choosing Hope is certainly not your typical romance story. I was quite surprised by how dark it became at times and how disturbing I found the physical and mental impact of some of the events on its main character, Hope.
On the surface, Hope may seem to have it all – a lovely house, a hard-working and successful husband, two lovely children – but underneath there lurks anxiety, frustration and disappointment at what her life has become. Having given up her career to be a full-time homemaker, she feels unfulfilled and restless. Despite the fact that her relationship with Kevin has deteriorated into disaffection on her part and barely restrained anger (or worse) on his, Hope lacks the confidence or self-belief to leave the sanctuary of their marriage.
A dysfunctional family background – including episodes of drug and alcohol-fuelled violence – has made her adept at appeasing the male members of her family and deferring to others’ wishes. When she reconnects via social media with her first love, Adrian, the possibility of a new and much rosier future opens up for her. Everything about Adrian seems to be the polar opposite of Kevin. He says and does exactly the right things, responding empathically in a way that Kevin does not. But does Hope have the courage to step away from her current life into a new one? And is Adrian as perfect as he seems?
I have to say that for part of the book I did struggle to engage with or feel any empathy for Hope. Her belief that her life came down to a choice between two men rather irritated me. I found myself thinking: strike out on your own, don’t rely on other people to determine the course of your life, how can you let other people manipulate you like this? However, as events unfolded, I found myself growing more sympathetic towards Hope and, in the end, had a degree of admiration for her. And for her mom.
Choosing Hope is an interesting exploration of a woman’s journey through disaffection, infidelity and betrayal to eventual self-discovery and independence.(3.5 stars)
I received a review copy courtesy of Neverland Book Tours and chose to give an honest and unbiased review.
On the surface, Hope may seem to have it all – a lovely house, a hard-working and successful husband, two lovely children – but underneath there lurks anxiety, frustration and disappointment at what her life has become. Having given up her career to be a full-time homemaker, she feels unfulfilled and restless. Despite the fact that her relationship with Kevin has deteriorated into disaffection on her part and barely restrained anger (or worse) on his, Hope lacks the confidence or self-belief to leave the sanctuary of their marriage.
A dysfunctional family background – including episodes of drug and alcohol-fuelled violence – has made her adept at appeasing the male members of her family and deferring to others’ wishes. When she reconnects via social media with her first love, Adrian, the possibility of a new and much rosier future opens up for her. Everything about Adrian seems to be the polar opposite of Kevin. He says and does exactly the right things, responding empathically in a way that Kevin does not. But does Hope have the courage to step away from her current life into a new one? And is Adrian as perfect as he seems?
I have to say that for part of the book I did struggle to engage with or feel any empathy for Hope. Her belief that her life came down to a choice between two men rather irritated me. I found myself thinking: strike out on your own, don’t rely on other people to determine the course of your life, how can you let other people manipulate you like this? However, as events unfolded, I found myself growing more sympathetic towards Hope and, in the end, had a degree of admiration for her. And for her mom.
Choosing Hope is an interesting exploration of a woman’s journey through disaffection, infidelity and betrayal to eventual self-discovery and independence.(3.5 stars)
I received a review copy courtesy of Neverland Book Tours and chose to give an honest and unbiased review.
July 23, 2017
Choosing Hope is a harrowing story of passion and deceit, the things we do for love and the rabbit holes we tumble into chasing elusive fairy-tale endings. Dark around the edges with a shocking twist I didn’t see coming, this is the kind of book you’ll be passing around to your friends so you can talk about it. Holly Kammier delivers romance, suspense, and a strong, smart heroine who turns out to be nobody’s victim. Don’t miss this one!
November 8, 2017
An enjoyable read that had me gripped. These situations that Hope struggled with happen all the time in real life which made it an interesting read. As other reviewers have mentioned its difficult to go into too much detail without ruining the book for others as there are so many twists and turns along the way that keep you guessing to the very end.
June 16, 2017
I loved that this book wasn't just about a woman in a bad marriage who finds a man to save her from it. This book digs deep into relationships, families, and has an amazing message about strength in oneself, even if you need to take it one day at a time.
November 16, 2017
3.5***
I have to be honest and say that this book surprised me. Why? Because this is not a regular romantic romance. It's more of a dramatic and psychotic romance with some glimpses of love.
Overall, I liked what I read. However, I did not empathize very much with any of the characters, not even with the kids, who, in general, always manage to win our hearts precisely because they are children and always need our attention and empathy.
From the beginning I felt that Hope was being a little hasty and inconsequential. But, when I found out what her marriage was like with Kevin, I just found her a bit condescending, and I apologize for my expression, a bit stupid. Who can endure a lifetime with someone who dominates and manipulates her so much that she always feel guilty about everything that goes wrong? Instead of betraying the abusive husband with an ex-boyfriend, she should have imposed herself just from the beginning when it all began. A marriage is made of sharing and some sacrifices from both sides and not just from one. Besides, if she knew she was not happy about her marriage and that what she was doing the last few months was not right, why did she continue to do so?
Full Opinion
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I have to be honest and say that this book surprised me. Why? Because this is not a regular romantic romance. It's more of a dramatic and psychotic romance with some glimpses of love.
Overall, I liked what I read. However, I did not empathize very much with any of the characters, not even with the kids, who, in general, always manage to win our hearts precisely because they are children and always need our attention and empathy.
From the beginning I felt that Hope was being a little hasty and inconsequential. But, when I found out what her marriage was like with Kevin, I just found her a bit condescending, and I apologize for my expression, a bit stupid. Who can endure a lifetime with someone who dominates and manipulates her so much that she always feel guilty about everything that goes wrong? Instead of betraying the abusive husband with an ex-boyfriend, she should have imposed herself just from the beginning when it all began. A marriage is made of sharing and some sacrifices from both sides and not just from one. Besides, if she knew she was not happy about her marriage and that what she was doing the last few months was not right, why did she continue to do so?
Full Opinion
https://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.pt...
October 27, 2017
Are you happy in your marriage?
Are you in love with your husband?
Do you have "what if's" or "could've been's" eating away at you?
Choosing Hope explores if the grass is really greener. If you could leave your husband would life would be ok maybe even better.
Finding that push to make the final decision to tell your husband you want out and you can make it on your own or with that person that "got away"
Hope found her old high school crush on Facebook and enjoyed the flirting and butterflies. She started then to question the things she didn't like in her husband and marriage and ignored what could have been fixed. She took the leap and uprioted her life, children and family for her childhood sweetheart.
He was everything more in attention and love then her husband was. He wanted her and to make him a part of her life.
So she gave it all up for him. Did she do the right thing for herself, for her family, for love?
Could she find herself in this new life or is it all falling on top of her?
I was mesmerized by Holly's writing, how her words captivated me and held me hostage till I finished. I would constantly think about this book throughout the day when I wasn't reading it.
I contemplated the idea of my own "what if" while I was reading and by the end of the story I was all "Na, I'm good."
Are you in love with your husband?
Do you have "what if's" or "could've been's" eating away at you?
Choosing Hope explores if the grass is really greener. If you could leave your husband would life would be ok maybe even better.
Finding that push to make the final decision to tell your husband you want out and you can make it on your own or with that person that "got away"
Hope found her old high school crush on Facebook and enjoyed the flirting and butterflies. She started then to question the things she didn't like in her husband and marriage and ignored what could have been fixed. She took the leap and uprioted her life, children and family for her childhood sweetheart.
He was everything more in attention and love then her husband was. He wanted her and to make him a part of her life.
So she gave it all up for him. Did she do the right thing for herself, for her family, for love?
Could she find herself in this new life or is it all falling on top of her?
I was mesmerized by Holly's writing, how her words captivated me and held me hostage till I finished. I would constantly think about this book throughout the day when I wasn't reading it.
I contemplated the idea of my own "what if" while I was reading and by the end of the story I was all "Na, I'm good."
October 31, 2017
This book should be mandatory reading for everyone in a love triangle.
November 4, 2017
Choosing Hope is like going to see an upcoming train wreck, only there so many twists that you're not sure where the train wreck is. Then you get to the epilogue and author's note, and you can't imagine not having read the book. I was blown away...the end will get you!
Read
September 22, 2017An amazing story that pulls at the heart strings. I felt every emotion at some point while reading this book. Very empowering.
Read
November 12, 2017DNF at 35%.
I tried really hard. I wanted to like this book, but the writing was so expositional and just not great, and the main character wasn't likable at all. I wanted this to work, but it didn't. Ah well.
If you do choose to read, content warnings for cheating, abuse, and a painful medical condition called vulvodynia.
I tried really hard. I wanted to like this book, but the writing was so expositional and just not great, and the main character wasn't likable at all. I wanted this to work, but it didn't. Ah well.
If you do choose to read, content warnings for cheating, abuse, and a painful medical condition called vulvodynia.
October 30, 2017
A well written book. Three stars for me because I didn’t take a liking to the main character. Her behaviour was erratic and she seemed to jump from one notion to the next, not sure if that was the intention. I understand that some relationships can steal your very soul but she didn’t help matters and I’m surprised her beau didn’t notice it. The author created some interesting characters within the other cast members and I enjoyed the back story. However, all that being said, the epilogue allowed Hope to redeem herself to me; what a relief.
February 19, 2018
A great message for people who believe too strongly in the "idea of love as romance" rather than looking at the real signs of who a person is. I believe that using a story to reach people on these matters is powerful and Holly does a wonderful job of showing how real people, like Hope, even smart ones, can make huge mistakes when feeling needy for the right mate.
When Hope is approached by Adrian, a boy who had a crush on her in high school in San Diego, the man she shared her first kiss with, a romance is kindled. Hope leaves her husband, Kevin, and uproots her kids, Michael and Zach, in hopes of starting a new life with Adrian. It turns out Adrian is a sociopath and a liar. He woos her in, then drops her after she buys a house in Oregon. In the end, she discovers she must stand on her own feet. She is grateful that Adrian got her to leave an abusive, loveless marriage.
When Hope is approached by Adrian, a boy who had a crush on her in high school in San Diego, the man she shared her first kiss with, a romance is kindled. Hope leaves her husband, Kevin, and uproots her kids, Michael and Zach, in hopes of starting a new life with Adrian. It turns out Adrian is a sociopath and a liar. He woos her in, then drops her after she buys a house in Oregon. In the end, she discovers she must stand on her own feet. She is grateful that Adrian got her to leave an abusive, loveless marriage.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2017
I knew going into this read that it would be intense. Thing was it exceeded the level of drama I anticipated, which was good, but it often left my heart feeling heavy. Choosing Hope can be best classified as a romance suspense, but not in the classic way you'd imagine. The suspense exists in what Hope will decide to do about her unhappy marriage, the near persistent flirtations of her high school boyfriend, and ultimately what will become of these choices. Holly Kammier packs a lot into a mere three hundred thirty three pages, and I was thoroughly engrossed in every single one.
Saddled by a near loveless marriage her life gets more complicated by the re-entrance of a high school boyfriend. Holly Kammier captures the intensity of Hope's emotions and all that ensues as she finds herself caught up in Adrian's advances. Kammier creates a rich world as Hope vacillates between her reality as a wife and mother, her role as a daughter and sister, and what becomes of her as she flips everything on end. She's a women who goes all in, and embraces every up and down that comes her way. There were moments I wondered how she would ever bounce back from events that chipped away at her security and self worth, would she ever recover a semblance of the happiness she reached for, but Kammier does a stellar job growing Hope's character. She learns and relearns some incredibly hard lessons in life and is reminded that things aren't always what they seem, but more to the point that if it's too good to be true, well then it probably is.
The book is as intense as the blurb makes it sound (and then some) and even knowing it's not a light read, I found myself surprised by the ending. I highly recommend that when you pick this book up you plan to give yourself time to binge read and to contemplate. 4.5 Stars!
*I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Saddled by a near loveless marriage her life gets more complicated by the re-entrance of a high school boyfriend. Holly Kammier captures the intensity of Hope's emotions and all that ensues as she finds herself caught up in Adrian's advances. Kammier creates a rich world as Hope vacillates between her reality as a wife and mother, her role as a daughter and sister, and what becomes of her as she flips everything on end. She's a women who goes all in, and embraces every up and down that comes her way. There were moments I wondered how she would ever bounce back from events that chipped away at her security and self worth, would she ever recover a semblance of the happiness she reached for, but Kammier does a stellar job growing Hope's character. She learns and relearns some incredibly hard lessons in life and is reminded that things aren't always what they seem, but more to the point that if it's too good to be true, well then it probably is.
The book is as intense as the blurb makes it sound (and then some) and even knowing it's not a light read, I found myself surprised by the ending. I highly recommend that when you pick this book up you plan to give yourself time to binge read and to contemplate. 4.5 Stars!
*I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
October 30, 2017
Wow, this book really talks about the struggles of a relationship. It makes you wonder who people really are and what they may be hiding underneath the surface. While parts of the book were really intense, other parts felt unnecessary. But I suppose in a book that talks about abuse in a way, there are certain topics you must understand fully in order to grasp the horrors of abuse.
Choosing Hope is a great title as life really is about choosing oneself in order to be at peace. In a perfect world we would all have perfect relationships and perfect families. But in the case of Hope Sullivan, her idyllic life of a perfect marriage was just that – a dream since childhood. As she slowly peels back the layers of her marriage, she realizes that love is an obscure thing, an image that can be conjured up to live a life of luxury and bliss. When Hope becomes fed up with her husband and her marriage, she turns to the one man who had her back when she was younger.
But oh, the heart and the mind do deceive indeed! What she thought could be a perfect new life with her lost love doesn’t necessarily work out as planned, Hope realizes that self love is more important than any love with a man. As she journeys through shocking revelations, Hope unravels but eventually picks herself up, dusts off the bitterness, and begins a new life on her own.
Thank you Xpresso BookTours and Holly Kammier for the ARC!
Choosing Hope is a great title as life really is about choosing oneself in order to be at peace. In a perfect world we would all have perfect relationships and perfect families. But in the case of Hope Sullivan, her idyllic life of a perfect marriage was just that – a dream since childhood. As she slowly peels back the layers of her marriage, she realizes that love is an obscure thing, an image that can be conjured up to live a life of luxury and bliss. When Hope becomes fed up with her husband and her marriage, she turns to the one man who had her back when she was younger.
But oh, the heart and the mind do deceive indeed! What she thought could be a perfect new life with her lost love doesn’t necessarily work out as planned, Hope realizes that self love is more important than any love with a man. As she journeys through shocking revelations, Hope unravels but eventually picks herself up, dusts off the bitterness, and begins a new life on her own.
Thank you Xpresso BookTours and Holly Kammier for the ARC!
November 6, 2017
WOW! I knew from reading the synopsis that Choosing Hope would be emotional, but I wasn’t expecting the surprises that Holly Kammier had in store for me. From the outside, Hope seems to have it all, a handsome, successful husband, two wonderful children, and a beautiful home. Appearances can be deceiving. Holly’s husband is distant, cold, and self-absorbed. When her mother has a stroke, Hope is forced to do some soul-searching. To complicate matters, her first love, Adrian, re-enters her life. What started as harmless flirting has the potential for more, especially when Adrian appears to offer her everything her husband, Kevin, seems incapable of. But, is Adrian really everything Hope needs?
I really don’t want to go into much detail as I don’t want to spoil anything. You need to take this journey with Hope. While there is somewhat of a love triangle and romance, there is also suspense and twists you won’t see coming. Choosing Hope is most importantly a novel about a woman’s road to self-discovery and choosing happiness for herself.
I highly recommend reading this one if you love a smart heroine who finally puts herself first to be the best woman for herself and the best mother for her children, then this is the book for you.
***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
I really don’t want to go into much detail as I don’t want to spoil anything. You need to take this journey with Hope. While there is somewhat of a love triangle and romance, there is also suspense and twists you won’t see coming. Choosing Hope is most importantly a novel about a woman’s road to self-discovery and choosing happiness for herself.
I highly recommend reading this one if you love a smart heroine who finally puts herself first to be the best woman for herself and the best mother for her children, then this is the book for you.
***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
August 9, 2017
CHOOSING HOPE by Holly Kammier
This book provides a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Starting gently, we meet Hope, her husband Kevin, and their two young sons. At the beginning of the first incline we learn that the older boy, Michael, is on the autism spectrum. As we inch higher then begin the first drop, we find that Kevin neglects Hope, Michael, and younger brother Zach. The thrill ride continues, growing more intense all the time. Hope and her family live in Oregon, where Kevin’s work took them, but she longs for home, San Diego, where she grew up in a large blended family. At a low point in the ride, Hope reconnects on Facebook with Adrian, her high school beau, and the little train begins to ascend and pick up speed. When Hope’s mom has a stroke she panics and, leaving Kevin and the boys, drives down the coast to San Diego. Another low point followed by a trip to the heights when Hope and Adrian reunite. Kevin comes to San Diego to reclaim Hope. Secrets are revealed about their past. Adrian wants to claim Hope. Secrets are revealed about his past. The roller coaster ride continues until the end when Hope claims herself. An exciting and passionate read. I couldn’t put it down.
This book provides a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Starting gently, we meet Hope, her husband Kevin, and their two young sons. At the beginning of the first incline we learn that the older boy, Michael, is on the autism spectrum. As we inch higher then begin the first drop, we find that Kevin neglects Hope, Michael, and younger brother Zach. The thrill ride continues, growing more intense all the time. Hope and her family live in Oregon, where Kevin’s work took them, but she longs for home, San Diego, where she grew up in a large blended family. At a low point in the ride, Hope reconnects on Facebook with Adrian, her high school beau, and the little train begins to ascend and pick up speed. When Hope’s mom has a stroke she panics and, leaving Kevin and the boys, drives down the coast to San Diego. Another low point followed by a trip to the heights when Hope and Adrian reunite. Kevin comes to San Diego to reclaim Hope. Secrets are revealed about their past. Adrian wants to claim Hope. Secrets are revealed about his past. The roller coaster ride continues until the end when Hope claims herself. An exciting and passionate read. I couldn’t put it down.
November 11, 2017
This was a feel good story in a way for me. A story about a woman looking for herself and stumbling along the way. I was a little all over the place with this read. All of the situations she found herself in I wanted to justify everything and then I wanted things to turn out the other way. There were so many different family dynamics as well which, for me, made the depth of this story so much more. It wasn't just about Hope and her marital issues...it was Hope and her relationships with everyone she knew that really made this story. She has so many people that love and care for her...truly a lucky woman.
Reading time for Choosing hope was a little over 4 hours for me. This was the first book by Holly Kammier for me and I would definitely try another book by her. It was well written and flowed really well...and easy read for me.
I am giving Choosing Hope 4 stars.
Review by Corrie H for Lamplight Review and Promotion
**I received an ARC for an honest review
Reading time for Choosing hope was a little over 4 hours for me. This was the first book by Holly Kammier for me and I would definitely try another book by her. It was well written and flowed really well...and easy read for me.
I am giving Choosing Hope 4 stars.
Review by Corrie H for Lamplight Review and Promotion
**I received an ARC for an honest review
November 14, 2017
Choosing Hope by Holly Kammier is my first book by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style. Her crisp, thoughtful, entertaining story telling and well-defined characters made it easy to connect and be drawn into the book quickly.
I'm attracted to books that can share the ups and downs of relationships and show the depth, strength and messiness that most of us have in real life. Especially authors who cleverly lull the reader into thinking they know how it's all going to end and surprise us with an unpredictable ending.
Kudos to Ms. Kammier for creating an honest character with flaws and feelings and making us root for her in the end, when she becomes strong enough to stand up for herself and hopefully become an independent women who respects and loves herself. I can still make it a happy ending of triumph and her ability to finally stand on her own.
Beautiful cover and I really appreciated the font size:) Thank you for the great read!
I'm attracted to books that can share the ups and downs of relationships and show the depth, strength and messiness that most of us have in real life. Especially authors who cleverly lull the reader into thinking they know how it's all going to end and surprise us with an unpredictable ending.
Kudos to Ms. Kammier for creating an honest character with flaws and feelings and making us root for her in the end, when she becomes strong enough to stand up for herself and hopefully become an independent women who respects and loves herself. I can still make it a happy ending of triumph and her ability to finally stand on her own.
Beautiful cover and I really appreciated the font size:) Thank you for the great read!
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August 1, 2017 Holly Kammier’s Choosing Hope is the best authentic modern romance story I’ve read in a while. This is largely in part due to the book’s unusual take on love and, of course, hope.
Hope begins her story in a stable marriage with a man named Kevin and a beautiful family. But then Adrian, an old boyfriend, comes back into her life and they have an affair. Kammier leads her readers on an ever eventful love story that centers not only around the character Hope, but hope the emotion too.
At first Adrian seems to be better than Kevin in many ways, but the affair leads Hope and her family on a twisted path down the rabbit hole. The story is complicated by one of Hope’s son’s diagnosis on the autism spectrum, and Hope has to decide what’s best for her family. Excellently crafted, this book is a must read.
Hope begins her story in a stable marriage with a man named Kevin and a beautiful family. But then Adrian, an old boyfriend, comes back into her life and they have an affair. Kammier leads her readers on an ever eventful love story that centers not only around the character Hope, but hope the emotion too.
At first Adrian seems to be better than Kevin in many ways, but the affair leads Hope and her family on a twisted path down the rabbit hole. The story is complicated by one of Hope’s son’s diagnosis on the autism spectrum, and Hope has to decide what’s best for her family. Excellently crafted, this book is a must read.
October 29, 2017
Gosh this was an emotional read! A message to anyone chasing their dream life. Hope appears to be a loving but very anxious wife and mother. When she finds the strength to look for a better life for both her and her two sons, she faces enormous challenges and a battle with her own anxiety condition. As readers, we follow Hope on her journey. Without giving away any spoilers, it is difficult to go into much detail of this journey and its impact on Hope and her family. I was engrossed in the story from the start to the end. Sometimes I wanted to hug Hope and other times to shout out to her. I really wanted her to succeed. This is a very cleverly and passionately written story. I did shed a tear at times. I have only not given 5 stars as there were a few editing mistakes.
November 14, 2017
There are many women out there who survived an abusive marriage only to come out stronger than we thought possible. The author does a fantastic job of describing just how deeply affected a woman allows herself to be until she finally makes a change. Unfortunately, we don't always make the best choices for our future while in the middle of emotional upheaval. As is the case in this novel, we can be fooled into believing a person who appears to love us is throwing us a rope to survival. It's only after we learn to be alone and recognize our own value do we have a chance at making decisions about our own future. I highly recommend this book and was so grateful to receive it from a goodreads giveaway.
June 17, 2017
Choosing Hope is the BEST book ever. Read it or regret missing it!
July 16, 2017
This book was even better than I expected. Funny, sad, inspirational, lots of family drama and I absolutely loved the unexpected ending. Choosing Hope is my favorite book of the year so far.
July 18, 2017
I loved this book! I immediately connected with the main character, Hope, and felt like I was with her on this journey of self discovery. It kept me reading and wanting more to the last page.
Currently reading
November 1, 2020Thanks so much to everyone who has added Choosing Hope to their GoodReads list! I hope you enjoy the book :)
November 9, 2017
CHOOSING HOPE is a slow burn/second chance/love triangle/contemporary standalone and is my first read from author Holly Kammier. So honestly, I was extremely torn about this book! I REALLY wanted to love this book from the intriguing blurb and the beautiful cover but it was kind of lacking for me. First, the good stuff. Ms. Kammier's writing is great, it's super easy to read and flows well. There's a LOT of tragic, unpleasant, dreadful, unacceptable but (unfortunately) REAL situations going on. But the straightforward prose made the ugliness easier to swallow (though, Hope's life is one lousy event after the other, so it's never THAT easy!). And although this is a romance and although there's some cheating and although this a love triangle between Hope, Adrian and Kevin, it's ABSOLUTELY evident that the scary stuff Ms. Kammier writes about far outweigh anything else and nothing is quite what it seems. So kudos to the author for the courage to address these real world horrors! HOWEVER, I could not connect with Hope. I kept waiting for her to find her inner diva but I don't think she ever really did until the very end. AARRRGGHHH!! She frustrated me so much because she was so unsure and back and forth and wishy-washy. I wanted to yell at her to pull up her BIG GIRL pants. Be STRONG. Take a STAND. Put your foot DOWN. (Granted, maybe it's easy for someone who hasn't encountered any of Hope's problems to say that...) At least by the epilogue, Hope had found some backbone! So, three stars for me though I'd like to read more from Ms. Kammier. Told completely from Hope's POV with kind of an HEA but more a lesson learned ending. I received, read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 16, 2018
Everybody seems broken in this novel, but most of all, the modern-day 'sandwiched' mom who is its core character. Many will identify with the protagonist, who has physical as well as emotional maladies. Though none of the events and issues are mine, I felt them through the author's deeply psychologically-based writing. Ms. Kammier is a master of bringing you along for the ride, whether you wish to or not. Hang in there, dear reader. Choose hope to carry you through the pages, like the protagonist did.
The central character craves love returned in full measure. Don't we all? Yet the miasma and drudge, the rote inevitability of an intensely-scheduled life based upon others' demands, drains good intentions. She must be vibrant for others, so there's no time to nurture herself. Thank goodness she has a fiercely loyal, clear-eyed girlfriend. Yet, in the end, the story shows the resilience of self-love.
The title is apt. The settings, characters, plots, and subplots are through in detail, hitting all the right notes to toss you about along with the swings and full stops. I never, never, never saw the twist at the end coming and I'll bet you won't either.
Ah-h-h. Choosing Hope. Exquisite and satisfying. I highly recommend.
The central character craves love returned in full measure. Don't we all? Yet the miasma and drudge, the rote inevitability of an intensely-scheduled life based upon others' demands, drains good intentions. She must be vibrant for others, so there's no time to nurture herself. Thank goodness she has a fiercely loyal, clear-eyed girlfriend. Yet, in the end, the story shows the resilience of self-love.
The title is apt. The settings, characters, plots, and subplots are through in detail, hitting all the right notes to toss you about along with the swings and full stops. I never, never, never saw the twist at the end coming and I'll bet you won't either.
Ah-h-h. Choosing Hope. Exquisite and satisfying. I highly recommend.
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