Decide to Hope

by June A. Converse

An unimaginable trauma. A future that seems impossible. When your world shatters, how do you put it back together?

For 950 days, Kathleen Conners has struggled with that choice. Behind a scarf and sunglasses, she hides from the world, from herself, from The Event, from any future with anyone.

After receiving a box of letters from his deceased mother, Matt Nelson is shoved from his predictable, controlled life to a secluded beach in North Carolina. While trying to understand his mother’s intent, he discovers Kathleen. Matt must choose whether to follow the path his mother orchestrated or rescue the woman who has captured his heart.

When the only person Kathleen blames more than herself reappears, can Matt be the strength Kathleen needs to create a new life, or will he be forced to walk away if she decides the climb is too great?

Genres: Romance

420 pages, Paperback

Published May 11, 2018

About the author

June happily resides in Sandy Springs, Georgia, with her husband, Dave, and their dog, Sodapop. They have two wonderful adult children and two grandchildren. She is an enthusiastic exerciser and an accomplished cook. She and her husband enjoy hiking with Sodapop, traveling, scuba diving, trying new restaurants, concerts, and whatever other adventures they can find. Reading and a constant desire to learn keeps her busy too.

A trauma survivor who struggles with mental illness, June is continuously reaching for hope like the characters in her books. She openly discusses her personal struggles on her blog, JuneConverse.com

Decide to Hope is her first novel and relies a great deal on her own experience with trauma, choices, recovery and hope. If you’d like to discuss trauma, coping and recovery, contact her at JuneConverse.com or DecideToHope.com

Reviews

[Dash fan]

4☆ A Powerfully Emotional Read!

Decide to Hope is a powerful read about love, hope, survival, new beginnings and moving on, with a dash of mystery. It was a beautiful yet poignant read that touched my heart.

Matt is grieving for his mother, when Matt goes on a vacation he doesn't expect to be setting out on a journey his mother has set for him, as he discovers letters from her.

It's on his journey he meets Kathleen.
Kathleen is deeply flawed, yet so endearing.
The two are drawn to each other.
Kathleen has endured such heartache and trauma, you can't help but be instantly drawn to her.

Matt needs Kathleen as much as she needs him. It was beautiful to watch their relationship develop as they learn to trust each other.

Decide to Hope is a very emotional and powerful read. A Touching Novel that triggered so many emotions.
It is a totally absorbing read, that's beautifully written, it was fluid and captivating, with a fantastic cast of multi-layered, challenging characters that I grew to love as the story develops.

I highly recommend this Poignant read.
I am really looking forward to reading more from June A. Converse.

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

My Review is also on my Blog Website:

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...

[A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog]

Wow! Decide to Hope is a story of survival, moving forward and so much more.

Kathleen’s story is heartbreaking. My heart aches for her and what she endured. Matt came into her life when she needed him the most. The way and circumstances of how that came to be was just heartwarming.

You will feel every emotion when you read this. Decide to Hope is a debut from Ms. Converse and what a debut it is! I look forward to reading more from her.

Reviewed by: Dana D.

[Dana]

Wow! Decide to Hope is a story of survival, moving forward and so much more.

Kathleen’s story is heartbreaking. My heart aches for her and what she endured. Matt came into her life when she needed him the most. The way and circumstances of how that came to be was just heartwarming.

You will feel every emotion when you read this. Decide to Hope is a debut from Ms. Converse and what a debut it is! I look forward to reading more from her.

[Yvonne]

Now I admit to being a little unsure whether to read this book when it landed in my in-box. I was in a bit of a grumpy mood and when I came back to the email the next day I decided that yes I did want to be part of the tour. Life can at times get in the way of things and how we deal with these things goes in some way to explaining what makes us react as we do. Why am I telling you this? Well, life for the two main characters Matt and Kathleen is what this book is about, though their life problems are very different to mine.

Matt is a high-flying tax attorney who has a job that is routine, the job it what he does and not who he is. Kathleen is a recluse dealing, or rather not really dealing with her past, she exists. They do not know each other but the connection is Matts mum and the letters she left to her son regarding him and Kathleen. His mum saw a special something in Kathleen and hopes that he will see that same something. He cannot ask his mum anything about the letters as she had died recently, he has to decide if he wants to work his way through them.

The plot of this story is about two people who do not realise how to live life to the best they can, they are consumed with different things, Matt’s is his work and Kathleen’s is her past. They have to come to a realisation and make their own decisions as to how they want to experience life. Thy have to make the choice to Decide to Hope.

This book is a beautiful and also a hard book to read. At times I thought that Matt was overbearing, but actually he was taking control in order to help, but is he up to giving the strength that will be required. The story behind Kathleen is brutal and it is gradually teased out as the story progresses.

This is a story about two people and their battle. It is a story that brought me to tears several times with this incredible story. It has that raw, honest, brutal and awe-inspiring feel that gives a glimpse into others lives. The author has given me a glimpse into a side of mental illness at a level I am aware of but have not read about in this quite this way before.

This is a story that I would highly recommend to readers of Womens Fiction.

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog]

Powerful, Gut-wrenching, Heart-achingly Beautiful. I put this book down three days ago and I still can’t shake it from my system. When I first started this book I was scared of the 67 chapters but once I started it, I couldn’t put it down! I had to put the puzzle together and to force myself to slow down so I didn’t miss a single detail!

Matt is an overworked and overstressed tax attorney sent on a forced vacation by his secretary and his recently deceased mother. While on vacation and through a series of letters left by his mother, he has a mission to complete. Enter Kathleen, quirky, misunderstood and so tragically broken. My heart shattered repeatedly for this woman, leaving me wanting to hug her and protect her. Learning about her past, her trauma, made me understand Matt’s thoughts, actions and feelings towards her. I adored these characters individually as well as together. I was rooting for them, for Kathleen. I was searching for all the puzzle pieces so I could solve and understand the actions behind the behaviours.

This story was put together so flawlessly and perfectly! It flowed smoothly and is a very gripping to read. I LOVED trying to solve the mystery that is Kathleen’s past and how it relates to the present. There were surprises and answers given that I NEVER saw coming! I think that was the best part!

This is the kind of book that stays deep within your heart long after the book has closed. This was a debut book for this author and she did a fantastic job! I look forward to reading the other books she has planned for this series.

[Steph Warren]

*I received a free ARC of this book via Rachel’s Random Resources blog tour. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

Decide to Hope is a book about love, healing, acceptance and moving on, but it is by no means an easy read. In order to reach the positive messages, the characters (and reader) must first plunge deep into the bleak despair that emanates from a life broken beyond all recognition. The author is dealing with extremes of both action and emotion and that has a powerful effect on the reader.

The instantaneous recognition between the protagonists, and their swift progression into the most personal realms of intimacy possible illustrate the symbolic power of love and hope, and the message that even when things are at their most impossible, miracles can occur. Likewise the almost psychic presentiment in the letters from Betty highlights the interconnectedness of our lives and the belief that fate has hidden plans for us that give our pain meaning if we are strong enough to follow the signs.

These themes were so strong and significant a part of the story that for a while I believed I was reading something like a Mitch Albom plot, with an M. Night Shyamalan twist to come, but the story was both more simple and more complex than that. Simple, in that this is a tale of two broken people finding each other and fighting for their chance at a meaningful life; complex in terms of the horrific past one must face, and the difficult questions the other must ponder.

The questions that Matt’s mother leaves for him are ones that are easily applicable to anyone from any walk of life, and really caused me to pause and re-evaluate my own life path and priorities, especially when my own blessings were juxtaposed so starkly against the tortured Kathleen. This, for me, was the greatest strength of this story; the inspirational impact it had in causing the reader to apply the lessons personally and feel a new sense of purpose in their own life.

Recommended for those who enjoy deeply emotional stories with a positive message.




Bolting awake, she clamped her knuckles in her mouth to stop the scream for help. Dropping to her knees, she began her nightly crawl across the cement floor. Tucking herself deep into the corner of her closet, she rested her head on her shoes, forcing her breathing to slow. Phantom pain began at the left side of her head and moved in tiny increments, stopping just below her hip. The pain she liked. The pain she deserved.
She huddled in the closet, listening as the powerful storm pounded the surf. She imagined the scattered debris and the wave-ravaged dunes. As she tried to find sleep, she was unaware that tomorrow her own life would also be reshaped.

– June A. Converse, Decide to Hope

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews)]

~5 +++ STARS~

Let me begin by saying this is probably one of the most gut-wrenching, emotional books I have ever read! When I read books like these, I have to wait a bit and process before writing a review. It was imperative that I do this for the main character, Kathleen. Once you read the book, you will understand why. The author used this quote at the very beginning of the book:

"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness." ~Desmond TuTu

That single quote sums up exactly what this book is about! It’s part magical romance, but mostly it’s about hope! Kathleen has survived something not many people could. In fact, most would not want to survive it. Somehow, she survives. She doesn’t live; she just exists. She has very few people she interacts with, and one woman played an important role in the road to her healing which is our second main character, Matt’s, mother. She met Kathleen before, and she knew that Kathleen would be Matt’s and Matt would be Kathleen’s. This remarkable woman would find a way to accomplish that after she left this earth in the form of letters to her son and Kathleen.

Matt comes to the sea at his mother’s request. She knew like Kathleen that Matt doesn’t really engage in life either. He has spent his entire life working hard and never really enjoying it. All that will change once he meets Kathleen. The journey these two will take will by no means be an easy one.

Kathleen hides among the living and spends her nights in sheer fear…not physical fear but mental which could eventually end her. She tries to keep her memories locked away, but her family makes visits to her from beyond the grave. I think those visits are the emotional crux of the book. They are so vivid, really engaging all the reader’s senses which completely draw you into Kathleen’s tortured world. I wanted to hold her in my arms and make all her pain disappear. It was so incredibly emotional. Matt truly is her hero. He never pushes her, and he is always there to catch her. The love he has for her is truly magical.

Again, this book is something rare and special. It’s a journey through grief, fear, darkness, and finally leads to a shimmer of light at the end of that dark tunnel. There is a twist at the end I wasn’t expecting. It doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, but there is more to Matt and Kathleen’s story. I cannot wait to read it!!!

***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***

[Natalie {I'd So Rather Be Reading}]

Well, this story was a lot to take in, it was not an easy read. Decide to Hope is emotionally draining and sad but sprinkled with flecks of hope. For over half of the book, I was thinking that this was possibly the worst existence anyone could ever be forced to live... and at the close of the book I still thought that but I was a little bit more hopeful for Kathleen.

Imagine the most horrific events from the news all piled into one woman's awful existence and that would sum up Kathleen. Take a workaholic, middle-aged attorney and that sums up Matt. Their "love" was described as a "gift" and it felt like Matt had an instlove attraction to this broken little bird. I tried really hard to feel invested in his endearment to Kathleen but it was all just too dang fast, sad and just odd.

For instance, Matt starts to refer to Kathleen as love literally after knowing her for 48 hours... I haven't had near the trauma in my life as Kathleen and if any man started referring to me as love and saying that he was "my gift" I. Would. RUN. ... FAST.

Typically as bits and pieces of a characters past are revealed you build up to the climax and man was her story just savage but in the end it just fell short for me. I wanted to crawl into a ball and weep for mankind.

There is a very specific audience that will just love Decide to Hope and unfortunately it just wasn't for me. I think fans of womens fiction and adult contemporary lit would enjoy this journey of hope and healing.

[Vivian]

Where to start with this book! You know the book that you read and cannot get out of your head? That just leaves you thinking for hours and days after you finish it? Well, Decide to Hope by June A. Converse is that type of book and I absolutely loved it! Decide to Hope is a story about survival. It is emotional and heart-wrenching and so beautiful.

Matt is overworked and stressed and trying to deal with his mother’s death when his secretary forces him to take a vacation. Little does he know that this trip will be his mother’s last lesson to him. A lesson she is trying to teach him from the grave. The first night of his vacation, he notices Kathleen. She is quirky, misunderstood and so broken. She has been through things you cannot even imagine and has survived. These two broken souls connect and somehow are exactly what the other needs.

The way that Matt takes to Kathleen and how he protects her is so beautiful to read about. He learns about her past and trauma and just understand her like no one else has been able to since the “incident.” I don’t consider myself a crier, but this book really made me emotional. I really had to brush away tears several times, but at the same time it made me happy and hopeful to see Kathleen working through her problems.

Full review: http://vivismessykitchen.com/decide-t...

[Sandra Olshaski]

Matt, a 50-something workaholic receives a series of letters from his now deceased mother. The purpose of the letters is to challenge him to self-examination in order to make his life more meaningful and worthwhile. In a beach setting, he meets a mysterious woman named Kathleen who he refers to initially as Scarf Woman. His immediate reaction to her is "a distinct trickle of cold sweat hit his spine." The reader soon realizes that Kathleen is deeply disturbed. There are hints of a dark, sad past from which she gets temporary relief by immersing herself in books. "Stories say things we often can't. They give us a chance to explore emotions we aren't supposed to admit."

The novel carries an intriguing, creative, if somewhat unrealistic plot as far as the timeframe of the story is concerned. It is a slow-building mystery with ominous overtones. HOWEVER, the reader should be advised that it is riddled with f-bombs, other expletives and explicit sexual situations that in no way enhance the story.

Be prepared for a very intense, gripping read that is also characterized by hope.

[Wendy Livingstone]

Kathleen is a survivor of an unimaginable event, and lives in a life without hope and in pain. Matt is a workaholic tax attorney, who is drawn to Kathleen and feels the need to rescue her and give her a reason to carry of living. This is a beautifully written page turner, which had me hooked and captivated throughout. This talented author has done a wonderful job in writing this story which is emotional, heartbreaking, and is a raw, gritty and powerful story. I look forward to reading more of this authors’ work in the future and recommend her work for all readers!

[Kerry Richardson]

4☆. When I first started this book I didn't think I was going to like it but although it took longer for me to settle into the story I'm glad I persevered with it. It is very emotional so you'll need plenty of tissues. The only reason it didn't get 5☆ is because of some grammatical errors and the fact that it's not a complete story, there are two other books I believe. However, I think you could read this as a standalone if you wish to stop at this book.

[Jan Rose]

Decide to Hope is a beautifully written story that brings light into the dark shadows of grief and encourages our hearts to listen to the whispers of possibilities. Even in a world where social distancing has become a new normal we all cross paths with new people who will impact and influence our lives for eternity. The sound of "Hope" is the sound a heart makes when grief is impacted by love...love of others and love of self. Read it slowly and enjoy the way it envelops your heart.

[Becca McCulloch]

Complicated feelings on this novel. Lovers of Nicholas Sparks will enjoy this sad but sweet tale of lovers united by a set of letters. I was intrigued by the subject matter but had issues with the plot. The characters were developed and there were lovely human moments but this book missed hitting a home run for me. But I’m not a Nick Sparks fan, either.

[Tina]

Oh my goodness! Where do I start?
I'm not usually a fan of far-fetched love stories, but this has me hooked! I can't wait to see how Matt & Kathleen's story pans out. His sister is a primo jerk. Man, I hope she gets what's coming to her in the next story!

[Denise]

Excellent!

[Anne]

Even though romance is the one genre I rarely read, I give this book a 5-star review. I finished the book at 1:30 am, yet I never stay up past 10 pm. I hope that provides you some perspective for this review.
It has everything I look for in a good read. Characters who came alive, realistic dialogue, pacing that kept me turning the page, and a plot twist I never saw coming. This book drew me in with characters I came to care about, then hooked me with the mystery of what tragedy could have caused so much damage to Elizabeth. Be forewarned, Decide to Hope is not a ‘light and breezy’ beach romance, it is a tough read. However, as the title/theme implies, in the end it is uplifting.  I have read books by best-selling authors whose writing did not come close to the quality of this first-time author. Her voice is original and forceful. I intend to follow the rest of the series.
  
I highly recommend Decide to Hope, but buckle-up!

[Wendy Livingstone]

Kathleen is a survivor of an unimaginable event, and lives in a life without hope and in pain. Matt is a workaholic tax attorney, who is drawn to Kathleen and feels the need to rescue her and give her a reason to carry of living. This is a beautifully written page turner, which had me hooked and captivated throughout. This talented author has done a wonderful job in writing this story which is emotional, heartbreaking, and is a raw, gritty and powerful story. I look forward to reading more of this authors’ work in the future and recommend her work for all readers!

[Spunky N Sassy]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This book was brilliantly heartbreaking. It's a beautiful story about darkness and whether or not one decides to leave the darkness for the light or whether they choose to stay where they are in the darkness. The writing is impressive and amazingly crafted.

[Lisa Jessop]

While I didn’t love Matt I did love the story of Kathleen. She is a complex character that I enjoyed getting to know. Looking forward to the next book.