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Hope Falls Universe
Heart of Hope
Single mom Bristol is busy learning hockey, feeding an entire town breakfast every morning, and trying to forget just how much she misses her sister. Everyone else seems to be moving forward. Her older sister Savannah is planning a Christmas wedding. Bristol's ex-husband is remarried and a dad again. But she's stuck in a funk and even the holidays aren't helping.
At least not until a sexy stranger arrives in town and turns into a worthy distraction.
Beau offers to teach Bristol everything he knows about hockey--which is a lot considering he went pro--but that's on the down low. Everything is. He's got reasons for coming to Hope Falls, for spending time with Bristol and her family. Big, secret reasons. But between giving her skating lessons and falling ass over face for the woman, he's got to stay focused on the goal.
And it's starting to look like protecting someone he loves means hurting Bristol.
WARNING: This book will punch you in the feels. It's a small-town Christmas happily ever after with hands-on skating lessons (wink wink), a hockey hottie trying to do the right thing no matter what his "stick" tells him, a precocious 8-year-old scheming for her mom's happiness, a big beautiful family fumbling their way through grief, and the best dang Christmas Eve grand gesture ever.
At least not until a sexy stranger arrives in town and turns into a worthy distraction.
Beau offers to teach Bristol everything he knows about hockey--which is a lot considering he went pro--but that's on the down low. Everything is. He's got reasons for coming to Hope Falls, for spending time with Bristol and her family. Big, secret reasons. But between giving her skating lessons and falling ass over face for the woman, he's got to stay focused on the goal.
And it's starting to look like protecting someone he loves means hurting Bristol.
WARNING: This book will punch you in the feels. It's a small-town Christmas happily ever after with hands-on skating lessons (wink wink), a hockey hottie trying to do the right thing no matter what his "stick" tells him, a precocious 8-year-old scheming for her mom's happiness, a big beautiful family fumbling their way through grief, and the best dang Christmas Eve grand gesture ever.
226 pages, ebook
First published July 23, 2018
7477 people are currently reading
13543 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Score
67 books60.1k followersLucy Score is an instant #1 New York Times bestselling author. She grew up in a literary family who insisted that the dinner table was for reading and earned a degree in journalism.
She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she and Mr. Lucy share with their obnoxious cat, Cleo. When not spending hours crafting heartbreaker heroes and kick-ass heroines, Lucy can be found on the couch, in the kitchen, or at the gym.
She hopes to someday write from a sailboat, oceanfront condo, or tropical island with reliable Wi-Fi.
Sign up for her never annoying newsletter at https://www.lucyscore.net/subscribe-l....
She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she and Mr. Lucy share with their obnoxious cat, Cleo. When not spending hours crafting heartbreaker heroes and kick-ass heroines, Lucy can be found on the couch, in the kitchen, or at the gym.
She hopes to someday write from a sailboat, oceanfront condo, or tropical island with reliable Wi-Fi.
Sign up for her never annoying newsletter at https://www.lucyscore.net/subscribe-l....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,379 reviews
January 26, 2020
I have never cried so hard reading a book as this one; they were happy years though, this wasn't a misery-fest I'm pleased to say.
I'm kind of obsessed with this author, I'm loving everything she writes. (Well, everything apart from the frequent set piece PDA s they often end with. I don’t like them, but that’s probably just me.)
There's tension, chemistry, smut, feels and humour in everything she writes, makes for real escape.
Complete story, available on ku, highly recommended.
I'm kind of obsessed with this author, I'm loving everything she writes. (Well, everything apart from the frequent set piece PDA s they often end with. I don’t like them, but that’s probably just me.)
There's tension, chemistry, smut, feels and humour in everything she writes, makes for real escape.
Complete story, available on ku, highly recommended.
November 11, 2023
Heart of Hope is novella. A short story from Miss Score. It is sweet but flat out monotone. I can pretty much guess the real recipient of the heart.
Beau is nice. He is sweet, quite and sexy. He does not say much through out the book but when he say something, it is matter. Small town setting.
3 stars
Beau is nice. He is sweet, quite and sexy. He does not say much through out the book but when he say something, it is matter. Small town setting.
3 stars
March 6, 2018
A solid 2 star novella. The MCs were admirable (i.e. the H didn't seem like a manho and the h wasn't a doormat) who both loved and were willing to do anything for their families. There wasn't any OP drama, just a fair amount of deception. The small town feel and the dual povs were enjoyable and there weren't too many intimate scenes for me to skip, so that was nice. There wasn't anything very memorable, but there also wasn't anything objectionable either. I liked the true story that Lucy Score based this novella on. It just about made me cry, the true story, not the novella. All in a all, a decent short to pass the time.
December 26, 2020
This was... not great. I’ve liked most the Lucy Score books I’ve read this month, but this one was more sappy, and less funny. Also the hero inexplicably bails for NO GOOD REASON instead of just, you know, having a FREAKING CONVERSATION?
And then, when he comes back, and the heroine agrees to give him a second chance, but tells him she wants to take it slow to make sure she can trust him, he says ok, AND THEN GETS DOWN ON ONE KNEE AND PROPOSES IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE TOWN. On Christmas Eve. 🤦🏼♀️
I almost bailed a couple times. But inertia and/or the large amounts of chocolate I’ve consumed today meant I just kept mindlessly reading. Merry Christmas. 🎄
Oh! And it used the word “exotic” way too much, which always makes me cringe. And somehow the fact that the heroine had “a small amount of Washoe blood” means that her eyes recognize the hero’s “warrior” attitude??
And then, when he comes back, and the heroine agrees to give him a second chance, but tells him she wants to take it slow to make sure she can trust him, he says ok, AND THEN GETS DOWN ON ONE KNEE AND PROPOSES IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE TOWN. On Christmas Eve. 🤦🏼♀️
I almost bailed a couple times. But inertia and/or the large amounts of chocolate I’ve consumed today meant I just kept mindlessly reading. Merry Christmas. 🎄
Oh! And it used the word “exotic” way too much, which always makes me cringe. And somehow the fact that the heroine had “a small amount of Washoe blood” means that her eyes recognize the hero’s “warrior” attitude??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2022
It was cute. But a little over the top. I was annoyed that Bristol got so mad at Beau for “lying”. It wasn’t realistic and I feel like it shouldn’t have been so big of a deal. And by over the top, I just mean the way they fell in love in a month and got engaged, it just went way too fast. First they just wanted to hook up once and then they were suddenly in love? I have never read a Lucy Score book that I don’t like, so I won’t say I hated this but it just wasn’t my favorite one. I will say, it inspired me to be an organ donor and when I renewed my license last week, I marked it! So thanks for that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2019
A sweet, 'Christmas Hallmark Special' type book, which was exactly what I was in the mood for.
June 28, 2024
This is a smalltown novella so I get it's gotta be a bit insta-lovey, and maybe it was a bit too sugary at times, but it made me cry and I just love this author so it's a 4❤️
January 12, 2017
What could possibly be better than a new small town romance from Lucy Score? Nothing. The answer to that is nothing.
Heart of Hope is set in the fictional town of Hope Falls, which is a whole Kindle world designed by the writing duo Melanie Shawn. There are many novellas all set in this cute, little town. Lots of good old fashioned fun to be had. I've read a few and they are a wonderful way to spend the afternoon, curled up reading about hot guys and quirky girls.
Heart of Hope is about Bristol Quinn, a gorgeous cafe owner and the mysterious, hunky stranger who recently just came into town. Beau is specifically there to meet Bristol, we just don't know why. Yet.
This story is highly emotional. Like don't read it without a box of tissues, wine and chocolate. It combines small town hijinks with a deep and gratifying new romance. As always with a Lucy Score book, the family dynamics make the story realistic and beautiful. This is a story about love and loss and acceptance. It was such an amazing way to spend an evening, even with the tear tracks and mound of tissues.
Heart of Hope is set in the fictional town of Hope Falls, which is a whole Kindle world designed by the writing duo Melanie Shawn. There are many novellas all set in this cute, little town. Lots of good old fashioned fun to be had. I've read a few and they are a wonderful way to spend the afternoon, curled up reading about hot guys and quirky girls.
Heart of Hope is about Bristol Quinn, a gorgeous cafe owner and the mysterious, hunky stranger who recently just came into town. Beau is specifically there to meet Bristol, we just don't know why. Yet.
This story is highly emotional. Like don't read it without a box of tissues, wine and chocolate. It combines small town hijinks with a deep and gratifying new romance. As always with a Lucy Score book, the family dynamics make the story realistic and beautiful. This is a story about love and loss and acceptance. It was such an amazing way to spend an evening, even with the tear tracks and mound of tissues.
January 24, 2021
Another fun small town story where everyone knows each other by Lucy Score- but beware, this one will kick you in the feels. Repeatedly.
At the first chapter, sometimes in the middle and definitely at the end- you will feel that swift kick.
Spoiler- has to do with your loved one dying and being reunited with their donors. Like I said -hard kick.
Granted, the whole story basis feels believable (well mostly, with the exception of the hot hockey player) and there is the trademark humor from Lucy, so the book is worth a read. It pays respect to the people that make the hard decision to allow their loved ones to be donated to mankind, for better or worse.
It was a bit insta-love, from Thanksgiving to Christmas, but I kinda fell for my hubby within 2 weeks so I really have no leg to stand on :)
And we never do find out if the Polar Bears continue with a winning season - Lucy?
At the first chapter, sometimes in the middle and definitely at the end- you will feel that swift kick.
Spoiler- has to do with your loved one dying and being reunited with their donors. Like I said -hard kick.
Granted, the whole story basis feels believable (well mostly, with the exception of the hot hockey player) and there is the trademark humor from Lucy, so the book is worth a read. It pays respect to the people that make the hard decision to allow their loved ones to be donated to mankind, for better or worse.
It was a bit insta-love, from Thanksgiving to Christmas, but I kinda fell for my hubby within 2 weeks so I really have no leg to stand on :)
And we never do find out if the Polar Bears continue with a winning season - Lucy?
February 14, 2022
Although the plot was pretty predictable, I loved getting to the end nevertheless. I also loved the chemistry between Bristol and Beau. It did feel a bit insta-love, but it fits the storyline. Lucy Score is such a gifted writer. Her characters are so real, so layered, you can’t help but feel right along with them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book even knowing the plot all along.
February 15, 2022
That was very very very sweet.
July 2, 2024
Surprise surprise….big burley man but sweetie boy. I can’t tell if it’s me seeking them or they’re just finding me but KEEP IT COMIN
November 9, 2025
Absolutely terrible!!! As always.
March 13, 2022
2.5 stars
The premise was a very good hook for a story. The dialogue was good. The kids hockey stuff was really the best part.
But this one hit too hard on the super sentimental meter for my taste. The small town aspect leans waaaay into the worst of the small town tropes I tend to dislike. Also 'black moment' conflict didn't feel organic and the heroine held onto her hurt too long and it felt out of proportion.
But this author still has a way with dialogue and like I said, the hocky stuff was quite fun.
The premise was a very good hook for a story. The dialogue was good. The kids hockey stuff was really the best part.
But this one hit too hard on the super sentimental meter for my taste. The small town aspect leans waaaay into the worst of the small town tropes I tend to dislike. Also 'black moment' conflict didn't feel organic and the heroine held onto her hurt too long and it felt out of proportion.
But this author still has a way with dialogue and like I said, the hocky stuff was quite fun.
February 3, 2024
I ended up picking Heart of Hope since Mr. Lucy mentioned it’s his favorite of Lucy’s work. This was a pretty heavy read, but it was a short and heartwarming story. I loved how deeply complex all the characters were. However, I wasn’t a fan of the instalove but I understood why it was there since it was a pretty short book. I’d recommend this book if you love small town and hockey romance!
October 30, 2023
Heavy cheese
This was a miss for me. The first half of the book was good, but after that halfway point, it when downhill. Very predictable, very corny. Lots of icks.
If you like a predictable novel that follows the romance-formula you might enjoy this. Just not my bag.
This was a miss for me. The first half of the book was good, but after that halfway point, it when downhill. Very predictable, very corny. Lots of icks.
If you like a predictable novel that follows the romance-formula you might enjoy this. Just not my bag.
November 15, 2025
Sweet story that worked well as a little palette cleanser. It was surprisingly emotional because of the storyline about the sister’s death. I had to fight tears several times.
The one annoyance I had was that the town is called Hope Falls and her sister’s name was Hope. I just HATE repeated names in stories. Not to mention the story line focused on the feeling of hope a lot so the word hope was used 259 times in a story that was 200 pages. It was a little much.
I thought Bristol forgave Beau too quickly. Then before they even officially start dating, after she tells him she wants to take it slow, he proposes in front of the entire town and she accepts. They’ve known each other for a month at this point and she didn’t know his real identity for 99% of that time. Nobody in her life had a problem with this even though they all knew he lied. He’s just such a nice guy! 🙄 Not one of them thought to say ”Umm honey? He lied to you from the day he met you and you have a young daughter. How about you take a minute and actually get to know the man?” But I guess we’re not supposed to think too deeply on that. lol
Overall it’s a good story if you’re looking for something that’s not too deep but not totally shallow.
Safety: Totally safe. Neither are with anyone else after meeting, and both had been celibate for a while. No OW/OM drama. The FMC is actually close with her ex-husband and his new wife which was refreshing.
The one annoyance I had was that the town is called Hope Falls and her sister’s name was Hope. I just HATE repeated names in stories. Not to mention the story line focused on the feeling of hope a lot so the word hope was used 259 times in a story that was 200 pages. It was a little much.
I thought Bristol forgave Beau too quickly. Then before they even officially start dating, after she tells him she wants to take it slow, he proposes in front of the entire town and she accepts. They’ve known each other for a month at this point and she didn’t know his real identity for 99% of that time. Nobody in her life had a problem with this even though they all knew he lied. He’s just such a nice guy! 🙄 Not one of them thought to say ”Umm honey? He lied to you from the day he met you and you have a young daughter. How about you take a minute and actually get to know the man?” But I guess we’re not supposed to think too deeply on that. lol
Overall it’s a good story if you’re looking for something that’s not too deep but not totally shallow.
Safety: Totally safe. Neither are with anyone else after meeting, and both had been celibate for a while. No OW/OM drama. The FMC is actually close with her ex-husband and his new wife which was refreshing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
Would love to give this 10 out of 10 starts!!!!!!
Such a beautiful story about loss, family, friends in a small town.
Heated passion, grief, finding ones self and discovery. It's a dreamy place filled with lots of tears , yes grab the tissues and keep anticipating the happily ever after of your dreams.
Retired NHL Hockey player Beau travels to small town Hope Falls on a secret mission.
He meets Bristol, a divorce Mom, who runs a coffee/breakfast shop at her daughters hockey game.
Bristol's sister Hope died in an accident a few months ago and the town is trying to get through the holidays without Hope she was an EMT finishing off her Medical school and soon to be residency to become a Trauma Doctor, but life took her too soon.
Grab the tissues for all the emotions that Hope's memories continue on throughout this glorious story.
YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!
A MUST READ, short read.
Such a beautiful story about loss, family, friends in a small town.
Heated passion, grief, finding ones self and discovery. It's a dreamy place filled with lots of tears , yes grab the tissues and keep anticipating the happily ever after of your dreams.
Retired NHL Hockey player Beau travels to small town Hope Falls on a secret mission.
He meets Bristol, a divorce Mom, who runs a coffee/breakfast shop at her daughters hockey game.
Bristol's sister Hope died in an accident a few months ago and the town is trying to get through the holidays without Hope she was an EMT finishing off her Medical school and soon to be residency to become a Trauma Doctor, but life took her too soon.
Grab the tissues for all the emotions that Hope's memories continue on throughout this glorious story.
YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!
A MUST READ, short read.
December 10, 2023
Great story!!
This is Beau and Bristal's story. This is a well written story which has family, friendships, loss, grief, challenges, healing, heartbreak, humour, witty banter, intrigue, and love which all leads to an entertaining, heartwarming, palpable chemistry, and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is Beau and Bristal's story. This is a well written story which has family, friendships, loss, grief, challenges, healing, heartbreak, humour, witty banter, intrigue, and love which all leads to an entertaining, heartwarming, palpable chemistry, and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
November 3, 2023
4/5⭐️
que libro más precioso😭😭 se me llenaron los ojitos de lágrimas leyendo esto🥹❤️🩹 obviamente es un libro super cortito así que me faltó un poquito más de interacciones como para profundizar en la relación antes del enamoramiento, pero dentro de todo es una lectura super rapidita, preciosa y que dejará con el corazón llenito
que libro más precioso😭😭 se me llenaron los ojitos de lágrimas leyendo esto🥹❤️🩹 obviamente es un libro super cortito así que me faltó un poquito más de interacciones como para profundizar en la relación antes del enamoramiento, pero dentro de todo es una lectura super rapidita, preciosa y que dejará con el corazón llenito
January 29, 2025
4.5
Talk about a emotional read from the very first page! This book will have you crying, laughing, crying again all while having "Hope" that good things come to this family. I absolutely adored the Quinn family and they have such big hearts and have endured what most people don't want to face. To say this book is special would be a understatement. All the feels in this one along with family, love, romance, loss, found family, all the things wrapped up in a small little town around the holiday season! Definitely worth picking up this short little novella!
Talk about a emotional read from the very first page! This book will have you crying, laughing, crying again all while having "Hope" that good things come to this family. I absolutely adored the Quinn family and they have such big hearts and have endured what most people don't want to face. To say this book is special would be a understatement. All the feels in this one along with family, love, romance, loss, found family, all the things wrapped up in a small little town around the holiday season! Definitely worth picking up this short little novella!
January 26, 2022
Earlier this week I lamented that the book I thought was supposed to be an adorable Hallmark special fell flat. This one delivered. It's everything I was in the mood for.
Thank you to That's What She Said, Lucy Score, and @rick_283 for a copy. My opinions are my own.
Thank you to That's What She Said, Lucy Score, and @rick_283 for a copy. My opinions are my own.
January 1, 2023
definitely one of the best books i have read, the characters really have a bond with each other that just gets your curiosity going. it was a little bit sad but turned into a happy ending and i just loved how everything turned out in the end.
February 22, 2024
this book was so cute, at first i thought it was really wholesome and predictable but i was wrong - it wasn’t predictable. quick and easy read, i did tear up a couple of times!
December 22, 2025
Super cute Novella. EXTREMELY thankful the heart recipient was not Beau. I thought that was the direction the book was heading and was a little scared because idk how I would feel about that situation LOL. Anyways I overall loved the pacing of this book and always enjoy the small town charm. I did think Beau was being a little creepy/ obsessive trying to get Bristol back which rubbed me the wrong way. But other than that I loved the book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2021
4 stars!
A very sweet read that pulls on the heart strings. Reminiscent of the movie Return to Me, also a must-see movie!! A perfect book for the busy holiday season when you need a quick escape.
Recommended.
A very sweet read that pulls on the heart strings. Reminiscent of the movie Return to Me, also a must-see movie!! A perfect book for the busy holiday season when you need a quick escape.
Recommended.
March 10, 2018
I came across this boom after reading the extra Christmas chapters of His Heart.
Lucy has a gift in writing about small gossipy towns, that show you their love by meddling. It is funny unrealistic it is, and the characters so believable. For that part its an easy 4 stars for this book.
Bristol having the perfect relationship with her ex-husband was weird especially since we didn't know why they broke up. This felt like a major gap in the book. They have a beautiful kid Violet and they co-parent with Noah's wife - which Bristol seems to be v v v close. However, it seems a bit odd, not impossible just odd.
Falling in love and deciding to uproot within a week. This is where I stopped liking the book. Too overboard. If I liked to read fantasy I would have changed genres. I like extreme romances but find it very hard to feel the characters after such plot directions.
Beau being rich, gorgeous and a great 'dad' to his sister Allie is a must in such books so the essentials were covered.
What baffled me the most was his parents. If they were so passionate about saving the planet and reducing world hunger this imples they are good people. Good people don't let their only daughter have a heart transplant and not visit. This is something totally unrealistic.
Reading more about Beau and Bristol in the extra Xmas chapter was nice. Ten years later was a nice epilogue.
Lucy has a gift in writing about small gossipy towns, that show you their love by meddling. It is funny unrealistic it is, and the characters so believable. For that part its an easy 4 stars for this book.
Bristol having the perfect relationship with her ex-husband was weird especially since we didn't know why they broke up. This felt like a major gap in the book. They have a beautiful kid Violet and they co-parent with Noah's wife - which Bristol seems to be v v v close. However, it seems a bit odd, not impossible just odd.
Falling in love and deciding to uproot within a week. This is where I stopped liking the book. Too overboard. If I liked to read fantasy I would have changed genres. I like extreme romances but find it very hard to feel the characters after such plot directions.
Beau being rich, gorgeous and a great 'dad' to his sister Allie is a must in such books so the essentials were covered.
What baffled me the most was his parents. If they were so passionate about saving the planet and reducing world hunger this imples they are good people. Good people don't let their only daughter have a heart transplant and not visit. This is something totally unrealistic.
Reading more about Beau and Bristol in the extra Xmas chapter was nice. Ten years later was a nice epilogue.
June 20, 2018
It was very sweet and cute and I love almost every single character that Lucy Score creates, but there were certain things that were just too much for me on this book.
Aside from all that sadness I thought Bristol and Beau made love promises way too soon when they barely knew each other (how can you love someone when you don't even know them?)
Anyway, it was a very sweet story. Just not the right one for me.
Aside from all that sadness I thought Bristol and Beau made love promises way too soon when they barely knew each other (how can you love someone when you don't even know them?)
Anyway, it was a very sweet story. Just not the right one for me.
December 27, 2024
Okay…. Smashed this one out in the sun in one day. In that sense, it’s a good easy read. Although you can see pretty quickly where the story is going, I had high hopes through the early chapters. My major ish is that at the end of the book, the charming Beau is actually just a giant walking red flag?? But then I guess Boston is too because she went back on her words REAL QUICK. Anyway, read it if you want to kill a day. Or don’t. Your call. You will neither lose nor gain anything except more things to add to your list of examples of love bombing xoxo
You know what, after reading my own review I’m just mad and I’m dropping this down to 1 star.
You know what, after reading my own review I’m just mad and I’m dropping this down to 1 star.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,379 reviews