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Hope on the Inside
In this compelling, heartwarming novel from New York Times bestselling author Marie Bostwick, one woman finds new purpose in a new phase of life . . .
"Whatever comes your way, find the happiness in it." Hope Carpenter received that advice from her mother decades ago. Now, with their four children grown, Hope and her husband, Rick, are suddenly facing an uncertain future, after a forced retirement strains both their savings and their marriage. Seeking inspiration and a financial boost, Hope gets a job teaching crafts to inmates at a local women's prison.
At first, Hope feels foolish and irrelevant, struggling to relate to women whose choices seem so different from her own. But with time, and the encouragement of the prison chaplain, she begins to discover common ground with the inmates, in their worries about their children and families, their fear of having failed those who need them. Just like her, they want to make something of themselves, but believe it might be impossible.
Embarking on an ambitious quilting project, Hope and her students begin to bond. Together, piece by piece, they learn to defy expectations--their own and others'--and to see that it's never too late to stitch together a life that, even in its imperfections, is both surprising and beautiful.
Praise for Marie Bostwick and Her Novels
"Reading Marie Bostwick is like wrapping yourself up in a warm, hand-crafted quilt."
--Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"It takes great skill to write a heartwarming story about grief, and Bostwick proves she is up to the
task. . . . A great addition to any women's-fiction collection."
--Booklist
"Beautiful, thought-provoking, tragic and redeeming, The Second Sister is a feel-good goldmine."
--USAToday.com
"Whatever comes your way, find the happiness in it." Hope Carpenter received that advice from her mother decades ago. Now, with their four children grown, Hope and her husband, Rick, are suddenly facing an uncertain future, after a forced retirement strains both their savings and their marriage. Seeking inspiration and a financial boost, Hope gets a job teaching crafts to inmates at a local women's prison.
At first, Hope feels foolish and irrelevant, struggling to relate to women whose choices seem so different from her own. But with time, and the encouragement of the prison chaplain, she begins to discover common ground with the inmates, in their worries about their children and families, their fear of having failed those who need them. Just like her, they want to make something of themselves, but believe it might be impossible.
Embarking on an ambitious quilting project, Hope and her students begin to bond. Together, piece by piece, they learn to defy expectations--their own and others'--and to see that it's never too late to stitch together a life that, even in its imperfections, is both surprising and beautiful.
Praise for Marie Bostwick and Her Novels
"Reading Marie Bostwick is like wrapping yourself up in a warm, hand-crafted quilt."
--Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"It takes great skill to write a heartwarming story about grief, and Bostwick proves she is up to the
task. . . . A great addition to any women's-fiction collection."
--Booklist
"Beautiful, thought-provoking, tragic and redeeming, The Second Sister is a feel-good goldmine."
--USAToday.com
357 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2019
380 people are currently reading
2486 people want to read
About the author
Marie Bostwick
41 books2,041 followersMarie Bostwick is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of uplifting historical and contemporary fiction. She lives in the state of Washington and travels frequently to sign books, speak to reading groups, and meet her readers. Keep up with Marie, her travels, new releases and lifestyle blog, Fiercely Marie, at www.mariebostwick.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
May 4, 2020
Hope and Rick Carpenter were comfortable with their life. Their four grown children are pursuing careers and Hope was enjoying her return to teaching. But life was upended when both lost their jobs to budget cuts and new management. They decide to sell their home in Portland to move to Olympia to be near their recently married daughter, McKenzie. Both are struggling to adjust to their new situation, Rick becomes depressed and Hope, ever the optimist, takes a job teaching crafts to inmates at the nearby women's prison. She quickly finds herself well over her head, but determinedly sticks to it, slowly bonding with the women. She implements a quilt project to teach the women valuable life lessons. Rick, though, is not so quick to get out of his funk, and McKenzie is experiencing trouble in her marriage. Can they find hope for a brighter future?
I always look forward to a new Marie Bostwick novel, it's like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting quilt. Having spent time with a group of women who began teaching quilting to incarcerated women, the author brought their inspiration to this timely story.
I always look forward to a new Marie Bostwick novel, it's like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting quilt. Having spent time with a group of women who began teaching quilting to incarcerated women, the author brought their inspiration to this timely story.
May 16, 2019
EXCERPT: 'In case you hadn't noticed, while you were staying home and playing house, I was the one carrying the burden around here. I've been the provider for this family, not you!'
That was what Hope was angry about.
For over thirty-four years she'd thought of them as a team, different in their responsibilities and spheres if influence but equal in their contribution. this was the belief she'd based her entire life and marriage on.
If Rick saw himself as an island and Hope as a millstone around his neck, then what was their marriage? What was her life?
What had they been playing at all these years?
ABOUT THIS BOOK: “Whatever comes your way, find the happiness in it.” Hope Carpenter received that advice from her mother decades ago. Now, with their four children grown, Hope and her husband, Rick, are suddenly facing an uncertain future, after a forced retirement strains both their savings and their marriage. Seeking inspiration and a financial boost, Hope gets a job teaching crafts to inmates at a local women’s prison.
At first, Hope feels foolish and irrelevant, struggling to relate to women whose choices seem so different from her own. But with time, and the encouragement of the prison chaplain, she begins to discover common ground with the inmates, in their worries about their children and families, their fear of having failed those who need them. Just like her, they want to make something of themselves, but believe it might be impossible.
Embarking on an ambitious quilting project, Hope and her students begin to bond. Together, piece by piece, they learn to defy expectations—their own and others’—and to see that it’s never too late to stitch together a life that, even in its imperfections, is both surprising and beautiful.
MY THOUGHTS: Marie Bostwick always writes such tender and heart-warming books, I am unable to pass one by, and yet all you who know me know that this is not my normal reading fare. This is a woman who has empathy pouring from within her, and this transfers itself to her writing. I can always find little bits of me, little experiences that I have shared with her characters, in her writing.
There is always a moral to her stories, but they are never 'preachy'. It does, however, give the reader food for thought. Are we too quick to judge? Would we behave any differently had we been in those same circumstances? It makes me feel very grateful for the life I have.
This book came about after the author saw an exhibition of quilts made by prison inmates. She describes them as 'honest, raw and emotionally evocative,' and she immediately knew that she wanted to write a book set in a correctional facility. After many false starts, she filed the idea in the 'too hard' basket. Some years later she read an article about the Coffee Creek Quilters, a volunteer run and funded quilting program operating inside the Coffee Creek Correctional facility in Wilsonville, Oregon. Meetings with the volunteers and research into their program resulted in this wonderful book.
****
THE AUTHOR: Marie Bostwick is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of uplifting historical and contemporary fiction. She lives in the state of Oregon and travels frequently to sign books, speak to reading groups, and meet her readers.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Kensington Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Hope on the Inside by Marie Bostwick for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my webpage
That was what Hope was angry about.
For over thirty-four years she'd thought of them as a team, different in their responsibilities and spheres if influence but equal in their contribution. this was the belief she'd based her entire life and marriage on.
If Rick saw himself as an island and Hope as a millstone around his neck, then what was their marriage? What was her life?
What had they been playing at all these years?
ABOUT THIS BOOK: “Whatever comes your way, find the happiness in it.” Hope Carpenter received that advice from her mother decades ago. Now, with their four children grown, Hope and her husband, Rick, are suddenly facing an uncertain future, after a forced retirement strains both their savings and their marriage. Seeking inspiration and a financial boost, Hope gets a job teaching crafts to inmates at a local women’s prison.
At first, Hope feels foolish and irrelevant, struggling to relate to women whose choices seem so different from her own. But with time, and the encouragement of the prison chaplain, she begins to discover common ground with the inmates, in their worries about their children and families, their fear of having failed those who need them. Just like her, they want to make something of themselves, but believe it might be impossible.
Embarking on an ambitious quilting project, Hope and her students begin to bond. Together, piece by piece, they learn to defy expectations—their own and others’—and to see that it’s never too late to stitch together a life that, even in its imperfections, is both surprising and beautiful.
MY THOUGHTS: Marie Bostwick always writes such tender and heart-warming books, I am unable to pass one by, and yet all you who know me know that this is not my normal reading fare. This is a woman who has empathy pouring from within her, and this transfers itself to her writing. I can always find little bits of me, little experiences that I have shared with her characters, in her writing.
There is always a moral to her stories, but they are never 'preachy'. It does, however, give the reader food for thought. Are we too quick to judge? Would we behave any differently had we been in those same circumstances? It makes me feel very grateful for the life I have.
This book came about after the author saw an exhibition of quilts made by prison inmates. She describes them as 'honest, raw and emotionally evocative,' and she immediately knew that she wanted to write a book set in a correctional facility. After many false starts, she filed the idea in the 'too hard' basket. Some years later she read an article about the Coffee Creek Quilters, a volunteer run and funded quilting program operating inside the Coffee Creek Correctional facility in Wilsonville, Oregon. Meetings with the volunteers and research into their program resulted in this wonderful book.
****
THE AUTHOR: Marie Bostwick is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of uplifting historical and contemporary fiction. She lives in the state of Oregon and travels frequently to sign books, speak to reading groups, and meet her readers.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Kensington Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Hope on the Inside by Marie Bostwick for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my webpage
August 4, 2019
This is my 11th book by Marie Bostwick and they just get better and better. I was excited when this finally came into my library as an e-book as it takes so long to get them from the library. A wonderful heartwarming story that I can tell the author did a lot of research on it. Loved it and read it in one day.
April 9, 2019
Hope on the Inside is a special, heartwarming story. I thought it contained good writing and the story progressed at a good pace. Hope likes to be active and to help people. After their move to Olympia, she is at loose ends. The job teaching crafts to female inmates seems like the perfect fit. Unfortunately, the rules make it difficult to teach anything except kid level activities. Hope comes up with a plan and works out a deal with the superintendent. When she sees how the women feel bad about not being able to give gifts to their loved ones, she develops a quilting project. She also wants to help the ladies regain confidence in themselves. Hope on the Inside is a feel-good story about women helping women. I would have liked more time devoted to the quilting classes themselves. We also see Rick and Hope struggling with their marriage. They have entered a new phase of their lives and their marriage is suffering. Rick is at loose ends without his job and spends his days baking bread (and eating it). He needs a new purpose, like Hope, before working out his relationship with Hope. Their daughter, Mackenzie is having marital problems after her husband cheated. She looks to her parents for guidance (could have done without this particular thread). My favorite phrase from Hope on the Inside is “there’s no such thing as too much yarn or too much chocolate.” I find this to be very true. The Christian element is light, but inspiring. Hope on the Inside is a charming story, but it is not my favorite by Marie Bostwick. The author’s Cobbled Court Quilt series was delightful with a special cast of characters. Hope on the Inside is a sweet and uplifting tale.
March 25, 2019
First off, Marie, my family says thank-you for the Tollhouse cookies I was compelled to bake upon finishing this book. They aren’t Rosemary bread, but they are my go-to baking comfort. It was either bake or quilt and I can’t sew worth a lick. Your Home-Ec teacher must’ve liked you more than mine did me.
Okay, now onto the book review. I’ve been a fan of Ms. Bostwick’s for years and I really enjoyed her newest book. Even thought I can’t sew a lick, I always enjoy the quilting segments Marie inserts into her books. The same way I don’t like wine, but love books based at wineries.
I really enjoyed the changing dynamics between Hope and Rick throughout the book—it was nice to see a long-married couple struggle through life’s changes but never give up on themselves or each other. I also like Hope’s struggles of being a mother and fulfilling her own well of passion. I think it’s a common occurrence to those entering the second (or third?) phase of our lives.
Hope may have been the main character, but hope was the main theme—finding hope when all seems hopeless and offering hope to those who feel as if they have none. I’m a big believer of hope in all forms and this book was a testament to a lot of them.
I received an ARC of this title. All opinions are my own.
Okay, now onto the book review. I’ve been a fan of Ms. Bostwick’s for years and I really enjoyed her newest book. Even thought I can’t sew a lick, I always enjoy the quilting segments Marie inserts into her books. The same way I don’t like wine, but love books based at wineries.
I really enjoyed the changing dynamics between Hope and Rick throughout the book—it was nice to see a long-married couple struggle through life’s changes but never give up on themselves or each other. I also like Hope’s struggles of being a mother and fulfilling her own well of passion. I think it’s a common occurrence to those entering the second (or third?) phase of our lives.
Hope may have been the main character, but hope was the main theme—finding hope when all seems hopeless and offering hope to those who feel as if they have none. I’m a big believer of hope in all forms and this book was a testament to a lot of them.
I received an ARC of this title. All opinions are my own.
July 17, 2019
Hope’s husband Rick loses his job and can’t find another one in the same field so he gives up and sit home baking and watching TV. Hope loses her job teaching so they end up selling their house and moving to someplace cheaper. She gets a job as a craft teacher in a women’s jail, where she learns a lot about herself and life. When she loses that job because of helping a woman in jail, she decides to fight back and help the home and get her job back.
March 29, 2019
Very moving story.
Hope Carpenter has raised been a stay at home mom raising her four children and just when she's found her dream job teaching FACS, Family And Consumer Science, formerly known as Home Ec. her husband Rick is forced into early retirement from his engineering job. Eighteen months later they find themselves selling their home in Portland Oregon and moving into a condo apartment in Olympia, Washington near their only daughter McKenzie. Rick's depression and upcoming financial changes have Hope looking for any job she can find. To her surprise she is offered a job teaching crafts at the local women's prison! There are a lot of very detailed rules to follow to protect staff and inmates and Hope chafes at them with her boss David Hernandez's already gloomy predictions on the outcome of craft classes for inmates.
I volunteered to read an ARC from Kensington through Net Galley.
Hope meets some interesting people like Nancy the chaplin, as well as the guards and especially inmates Mandy and DeeDee. Hope sees first hand that life on the inside is not what she expected, if she even though about it. She learns there is another world that the women in prison have grown up in and their circumstances that led them here aren't always their fault.
Meanwhile Hope learns her own life lessons in dealing with Rick, her adult children and her sister, Hazel, her boss David.
There are many moments when your heart strings are being pulled in sympathy, anger, frustration and joy. A wide range of emotions in one novel.
This is Marie Bostwick at her best.
Hope Carpenter has raised been a stay at home mom raising her four children and just when she's found her dream job teaching FACS, Family And Consumer Science, formerly known as Home Ec. her husband Rick is forced into early retirement from his engineering job. Eighteen months later they find themselves selling their home in Portland Oregon and moving into a condo apartment in Olympia, Washington near their only daughter McKenzie. Rick's depression and upcoming financial changes have Hope looking for any job she can find. To her surprise she is offered a job teaching crafts at the local women's prison! There are a lot of very detailed rules to follow to protect staff and inmates and Hope chafes at them with her boss David Hernandez's already gloomy predictions on the outcome of craft classes for inmates.
I volunteered to read an ARC from Kensington through Net Galley.
Hope meets some interesting people like Nancy the chaplin, as well as the guards and especially inmates Mandy and DeeDee. Hope sees first hand that life on the inside is not what she expected, if she even though about it. She learns there is another world that the women in prison have grown up in and their circumstances that led them here aren't always their fault.
Meanwhile Hope learns her own life lessons in dealing with Rick, her adult children and her sister, Hazel, her boss David.
There are many moments when your heart strings are being pulled in sympathy, anger, frustration and joy. A wide range of emotions in one novel.
This is Marie Bostwick at her best.
March 14, 2019
Marie Bostwick, bestselling author of uplifting historical and contemporary fiction, with a Macomber-esque flavour to her writing, is a new-to-me author. Her heartwarming novel, Hope on the Inside (a play on words), left me all warm and fuzzy when I hit the final page. Sweet, sincere, redemptive, inspiring… I could go on-and-on, but this title hit all those boxes.
This was not deep, thought-provoking fiction by any means. It was, however, charming and easy-to-read, dare I say, even inspiring despite its triteness. It’s a story that’s been told a million times before, but it had its own unique spin and was quite the enjoyable page-turner.
I was provided with an advance copy of this title via NetGalley with thanks to the publisher and/or author. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was not deep, thought-provoking fiction by any means. It was, however, charming and easy-to-read, dare I say, even inspiring despite its triteness. It’s a story that’s been told a million times before, but it had its own unique spin and was quite the enjoyable page-turner.
I was provided with an advance copy of this title via NetGalley with thanks to the publisher and/or author. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 4, 2020
For me, this was a really good story about dealing with life's curve balls but on a positive note. So many books lately focus on the gritty side of people with no signs of coming out of the gutter, so to speak. I enjoyed the positive 'bettering yourself' focus of this book. It was refreshing.
March 26, 2019
Hope on the Inside by Marie Bostwick
Rick and Hope have had a long successful love-filled marriage with give and take and honesty between them while raising four children to adulthood. Neither expected that they would be scrambling for jobs and living in a new place before they turned 60 and so close to the easy retirement they must have envisioned. Rick was definitely more troubled by the situation than Hope who immediately went out to find employment. Rick did try but was overqualified for anything he applied for. Hope does get a job working in a women’s prison teaching crafts and that gives her purpose as Rick tries to find himself and who he will be after his work as an engineer ends. The book includes the children and a bit about their lives and a big focus on one of the women in prison in Hope’s class. There are side stories aplenty. All in all a pleasant read but one that seemed rather predictable and perhaps not my favorite written by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
Rick and Hope have had a long successful love-filled marriage with give and take and honesty between them while raising four children to adulthood. Neither expected that they would be scrambling for jobs and living in a new place before they turned 60 and so close to the easy retirement they must have envisioned. Rick was definitely more troubled by the situation than Hope who immediately went out to find employment. Rick did try but was overqualified for anything he applied for. Hope does get a job working in a women’s prison teaching crafts and that gives her purpose as Rick tries to find himself and who he will be after his work as an engineer ends. The book includes the children and a bit about their lives and a big focus on one of the women in prison in Hope’s class. There are side stories aplenty. All in all a pleasant read but one that seemed rather predictable and perhaps not my favorite written by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
November 5, 2024
This is a great book! There are so many aspects of it that I related to. A couple that has weathered many storms in their marriage find themselves on the cusp of losing their relationship. Rick and Hope both find new dreams and passions that stretch them in new ways. New friendships are made, and family ties grow stronger.
I really connected with Hope. She was a stay at home mom, dedicated to her family and creative. Her willingness to try something new ignited her creativity and inspired others. I like Nancy too. Her job as a chaplain in a correctional facility is exemplary.
The way that the author portrayed the inmates touched my heart. It's easy to forget that many people find themselves in bad situations and can't find their way out. I hold in high esteem those who work at the facilities and those who make it to the outside.
I really connected with Hope. She was a stay at home mom, dedicated to her family and creative. Her willingness to try something new ignited her creativity and inspired others. I like Nancy too. Her job as a chaplain in a correctional facility is exemplary.
The way that the author portrayed the inmates touched my heart. It's easy to forget that many people find themselves in bad situations and can't find their way out. I hold in high esteem those who work at the facilities and those who make it to the outside.
July 16, 2024
When Hope's husband Rick is forced to retire earlier than expected, she begins teaching crafts to inmates at a women's prison. How will the new job affect her? And them?
"Perhaps Hope will be the one to bring hope to the inside?"
Prison superintendent, David, is wary when Hope first proposes an ambitious quilting project idea to him. But, luckily for the inmates, Hope is determined and persuasive. Crafting together not only helps the women relate to and bond with each other, but it also improves their skills and self esteem. This was an inspiring story about how an empty nester used her time and skills to help others, and I would highly recommend it for those who love to craft and/or give back to their community.
"I believe we're created to be creators ourselves, to leave our mark by making the most of what we have."
Location: Portland, Oregon and Olympia, Washington
"Perhaps Hope will be the one to bring hope to the inside?"
Prison superintendent, David, is wary when Hope first proposes an ambitious quilting project idea to him. But, luckily for the inmates, Hope is determined and persuasive. Crafting together not only helps the women relate to and bond with each other, but it also improves their skills and self esteem. This was an inspiring story about how an empty nester used her time and skills to help others, and I would highly recommend it for those who love to craft and/or give back to their community.
"I believe we're created to be creators ourselves, to leave our mark by making the most of what we have."
Location: Portland, Oregon and Olympia, Washington
September 21, 2019
This is an excellent book about second chances, starting over, relationships of many different types, and above all, hope and belief in oneself. The story of Hope and her falling-apart family will resonate with anyone who has faced similar issues in themselves, their families, their friends, and their communities. It is a book that demonstrates how to pick yourself up, accept that some things will not change while other things will, dust yourself off, and find success where you least expect it. This was a very good read.
April 26, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Hope goes to work at a womens prison and starts a quilting class. I loved the different characters. I liked the way Hope helped to rehabilitate the women for life on the outside. The story of Mandy who was trying to get her daughter back and the struggles with her parents was a big part. Marie Bostwick always has very interesting plots and characters.
May 4, 2020
I was unsure about the topic at first. Working at a women's prison wasn't what I considered light reading- my favorite type. But I love Marie's other books, so I gave it a try. I totally enjoyed it. The characters are believable and feel very real. Don't be afraid to give it a read.
June 4, 2022
Been a bit since I read one of the author’s novels. She still writes a delightful story with solid characters working through life with lessons to be learned as you cheer them on. Very much worth the read.
August 21, 2021
Teaching women in prison to make quilts what a novel idea!
June 25, 2022
Great vacation read! This book kept me thoroughly engaged and entertained.
April 15, 2019
I don't read a lot of fiction but this was recommended and I truly enjoyed it. The characters really spoke to me!
March 16, 2020
It is nice to find a novel about real people and real problems, solving them by relying on each other. I won't rehash the synopsis, you can read that at the top of the page. There aren't many writers who have their long married couples stay together, meeting the challenges of their marriages individually and together. Marie Bostwick has a writing style that is easy to read, yet gives the reader something to think about. In this novel, the theme of re-inventing a life is repeated over and over, with each character going through a process of finding a new life when the old one is disrupted. There is a deeper theme of redemption to think about in the process of an inmate reclaiming her life after stupid decisions made as a teenager. I was interested to read about a quilting program with a prison in real life in the afterward of the book. Basing stories on real life situations is Bostwick's strong suit, and I hope she continues writing for many years to come.
May 1, 2021
This was my first book I read by Marie Bostwick and for some reason, I did not write a review back when I read this book a year ago. I hope I can still do this book justice. I want to start by saying that Marie Bostwick wrote this story after she saw an exhibition of quilts made by prison inmates. The story evolved with interviews and research into a group called the Coffee Creek Quilters. This is a volunteer run and funded quilting program operating inside the Coffee Creek Correctional facility in Wilsonville, Oregon.
Hope and Rick Carpenter are comfortable with their life, ready to embrace their empty nest. What happens next is not new to many people, both of them lose their jobs due to reorganization with new management and/or budget cuts. They decide to sell their big home in Portland and move to Olympia to be near their recently married daughter. Adjusting to all the changes is difficult for them, but Hope is the eternal fixer. She takes a job teaching crafts at a local women's prison, while Rick becomes more and more depressed. Her new job is a bit more than she expected, but she begins to bond with the women and together they learn valuable life lessons. With Rick continuing his funk and McKenzie dealing with problems in her marriage, Hope tries to bring happiness to everyone. Can this family find hope in the future?
This is a tender and heart-warming book. It is full of emotion, and had me loving all the characters and feeling for them. You are pulled into their lives and it has you second guessing your own ideas about convicted persons and what they have done. What would you have done if you had been in the same situation. The love between mothers and their children shone through in this story. Hope was an amazing character who persevered, came up with ideas to help others and herself. I loved how she grew in this story and made me reflect on what I do to help others. There was a Christian element to the story, but it was subtle and blended into the story well. This was a well-written and plotted story, with wonderful, well-developed characters. Hope on the Inside is a feel-good story about women helping women. I definitely recommend this story to those who enjoy a heartwarming, upbeat, women's fiction story.
Hope and Rick Carpenter are comfortable with their life, ready to embrace their empty nest. What happens next is not new to many people, both of them lose their jobs due to reorganization with new management and/or budget cuts. They decide to sell their big home in Portland and move to Olympia to be near their recently married daughter. Adjusting to all the changes is difficult for them, but Hope is the eternal fixer. She takes a job teaching crafts at a local women's prison, while Rick becomes more and more depressed. Her new job is a bit more than she expected, but she begins to bond with the women and together they learn valuable life lessons. With Rick continuing his funk and McKenzie dealing with problems in her marriage, Hope tries to bring happiness to everyone. Can this family find hope in the future?
This is a tender and heart-warming book. It is full of emotion, and had me loving all the characters and feeling for them. You are pulled into their lives and it has you second guessing your own ideas about convicted persons and what they have done. What would you have done if you had been in the same situation. The love between mothers and their children shone through in this story. Hope was an amazing character who persevered, came up with ideas to help others and herself. I loved how she grew in this story and made me reflect on what I do to help others. There was a Christian element to the story, but it was subtle and blended into the story well. This was a well-written and plotted story, with wonderful, well-developed characters. Hope on the Inside is a feel-good story about women helping women. I definitely recommend this story to those who enjoy a heartwarming, upbeat, women's fiction story.
March 31, 2019
For me this story started to fall apart about 3/4 of the way through. I don’t want to give away and spoilers so I’m just going to keep it brief. The characters were developing so nicely along with the plot and then bam bam bam!! All this over the top stuff started happening and it just didn’t flow with the story or characters. Especially Hope. Overall I was left disappointed.
August 18, 2020
Hope on the Inside is a compelling title for this Marie Bostwick book on many levels, not the least of which is that hope comes from inside of us, our attitude, our willingness to listen, to learn, to change, to just keep going.
Others have used a quote from the beginning of the book as their jumping off point. That's fair, but but only in its use as a wake-up call to the lead character and how it led to a new life.
Another quote that I like much better, because, as the story says, it's "a good kick in the butt"
The one thing I really liked about Hope on the Inside is that there were no easy answers, no convenient happy ending to the dilemmas the characters faced. Some needed time, some needed to hear hard words, but their problems were theirs alone to face, to accept, to solve, with the help of friends and mentors.
4 stars . . . with a shocked personal declaration- who in the heck doesn't like rosemary!!? Rosemary is my go to spice along with sweet basil, and, rosemary olive oil bread is my favorite indulgence! Oh, Marie Bostwick, you almost had me completely!
Others have used a quote from the beginning of the book as their jumping off point. That's fair, but but only in its use as a wake-up call to the lead character and how it led to a new life.
Another quote that I like much better, because, as the story says, it's "a good kick in the butt"
". . . There are plenty of ways to leave your wife without actually walking out the door. You can, for example, leave her emotionally," she said, her tone in exaggerated clarity as she filled Rick's coffee cup then her own.I found this quote important because it's the turning point in the lives of the characters and in turn, the story.
You can cut off conversation and congress. You can move your lips but say nothing, limiting your discussions to the weather and passing the salt. Or you can say everything without uttering a word. Reproach and simmering resentment, are in fact best communicated through ponderous silence. That's what passive aggression is all about, right? Inflicting maximum damage without leaving a trail? Giving yourself cover and plausible deniability while shifting the blame?" . . . Just as you can obey the letter of the law but violate the spirit, so can you violate the spirit of marriage. Two people can occupy the same home and bed for months, or years, or even an entire marriage, yet live lives that are entirely separate. And terribly, terribly lonely. . . ."
The one thing I really liked about Hope on the Inside is that there were no easy answers, no convenient happy ending to the dilemmas the characters faced. Some needed time, some needed to hear hard words, but their problems were theirs alone to face, to accept, to solve, with the help of friends and mentors.
4 stars . . . with a shocked personal declaration- who in the heck doesn't like rosemary!!? Rosemary is my go to spice along with sweet basil, and, rosemary olive oil bread is my favorite indulgence! Oh, Marie Bostwick, you almost had me completely!
November 19, 2022
Oh how I loved HOPE ON THE INSIDE! Once again, Ms. Bostwick has managed to keep my nose between the pages of her book, reading until its sweet conclusion … I might as well forget that I have a life outside of reading. Yes, her books are that good. Hope and Rick Carpenter are living a comfortable life. That is until budget cuts hit both of their jobs and they know its time for a change. They decide to move closer to their daughter, Mackenzie. After they sell their home in Portland and move to Olympia they are both struggling. Rick becomes depressed and Hope, ever the optimist, takes a job teaching crafts to inmates at the nearby women’s prison. She quickly finds herself in over her head. Day after day, she leaves the prison, she pulls over on the side of the road and cries for ten minutes. Not one minute more or one minute less.
I don’t want to say too much for fear of giving away all of HOPE ON THE INSIDE but once I started reading this beautiful and heart breaking story, I could not stop! Everyone should have this unforgettable book on their winter reading list. The dialogue between Hope and her sister, Hazel is just hysterical. When Hope first starts her job she truly believes she is in over her head. Hope keeps trying to connect with these women. She tries finding common ground with the prisoners through quilting. Although they come from different backgrounds, she finds they need second chances too. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters from page one and I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author.
HOPE ON THE INSIDE by Marie Bostwick pulled me right in as all of Marie’s books do. I loved learning about a few of the prisoners and found myself shaking my head reading about how hard their lives were. The closeness these sisters share is heart warming and they always have each other’s backs. This story is a very unique one and had me flipping the pages like crazy. Once I started reading HOPE ON THE INSIDE it was very hard to stop. The twists and turns kept me reading late into the night. I love when an author can do that to me!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I don’t want to say too much for fear of giving away all of HOPE ON THE INSIDE but once I started reading this beautiful and heart breaking story, I could not stop! Everyone should have this unforgettable book on their winter reading list. The dialogue between Hope and her sister, Hazel is just hysterical. When Hope first starts her job she truly believes she is in over her head. Hope keeps trying to connect with these women. She tries finding common ground with the prisoners through quilting. Although they come from different backgrounds, she finds they need second chances too. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters from page one and I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author.
HOPE ON THE INSIDE by Marie Bostwick pulled me right in as all of Marie’s books do. I loved learning about a few of the prisoners and found myself shaking my head reading about how hard their lives were. The closeness these sisters share is heart warming and they always have each other’s backs. This story is a very unique one and had me flipping the pages like crazy. Once I started reading HOPE ON THE INSIDE it was very hard to stop. The twists and turns kept me reading late into the night. I love when an author can do that to me!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 16, 2019
Hope on the Inside is a story of second chances and playing the hand you are dealt.
Hope and Rick Carpenter were Portland born and bred. They made all the right moves, married, had a family, purchased a home they loved and planned to live out their days surrounded by family and friends. Rick was a successful engineer, looked up to as the kind of guy who could solve the tricky problems. Hope enjoyed being a wife and mother, their two oldest, twins Rory and Reed, were doing well, a doctor and a professor. Their daughter, McKenzie, had recently married and was succeeding in the technology field. Liam, the youngest, was in college at UCLA studying film. Hope had taken a job as a teacher to help with tuition and expenses, she liked the work, found it both stimulating and rewarding. Yes, this was a family that seemed to be set, people who worked hard and made the right choices.
Until it all went wrong. First Rick lost his job. He wasn’t worried; he had a great severance package and was well regarded in his field. But no one wanted to hire an unemployed engineer in his late 50’s. Then Hope lost her job due to school cutbacks. Making the mortgage payments on their home was tough, fast approaching impossible. Hope’s sister Hazel, a real estate agent, pointed out the facts. They couldn’t afford to maintain their Portland lifestyle, couldn’t afford their lovely home. They would have to sell and move somewhere less expensive, such as Olympia where daughter McKenzie lived.
Even with lower expenses they were still short of making ends meet. Rick has lost the confidence needed to even apply for work. Hope landed a job teaching crafts at the prison. It is quite an experience for the sheltered middle aged woman. The chaplain becomes a friend and confidant but the warden is not at all sure about either the crafts program or Hope as a teacher. Hope perseveres, finding common ground with the women prisoners through quilting. Although they come from different backgrounds, she finds they need second chances too.
Hope and Rick Carpenter were Portland born and bred. They made all the right moves, married, had a family, purchased a home they loved and planned to live out their days surrounded by family and friends. Rick was a successful engineer, looked up to as the kind of guy who could solve the tricky problems. Hope enjoyed being a wife and mother, their two oldest, twins Rory and Reed, were doing well, a doctor and a professor. Their daughter, McKenzie, had recently married and was succeeding in the technology field. Liam, the youngest, was in college at UCLA studying film. Hope had taken a job as a teacher to help with tuition and expenses, she liked the work, found it both stimulating and rewarding. Yes, this was a family that seemed to be set, people who worked hard and made the right choices.
Until it all went wrong. First Rick lost his job. He wasn’t worried; he had a great severance package and was well regarded in his field. But no one wanted to hire an unemployed engineer in his late 50’s. Then Hope lost her job due to school cutbacks. Making the mortgage payments on their home was tough, fast approaching impossible. Hope’s sister Hazel, a real estate agent, pointed out the facts. They couldn’t afford to maintain their Portland lifestyle, couldn’t afford their lovely home. They would have to sell and move somewhere less expensive, such as Olympia where daughter McKenzie lived.
Even with lower expenses they were still short of making ends meet. Rick has lost the confidence needed to even apply for work. Hope landed a job teaching crafts at the prison. It is quite an experience for the sheltered middle aged woman. The chaplain becomes a friend and confidant but the warden is not at all sure about either the crafts program or Hope as a teacher. Hope perseveres, finding common ground with the women prisoners through quilting. Although they come from different backgrounds, she finds they need second chances too.
October 15, 2021
Aptly titled "Hope on the Inside" features Hope Carpenter as our main character and her journey as a teacher of crafts to inmates at a women's prison, a challenging position she has undertaken which gets off to a rocky start. Based upon an idea that author Bostwick envisioned when coming across quilts in a show made by prison inmates. Adapting this as her basic plot line, then fictionally developing her story line from that point on with the characters in this offering.
One thing Bostwick does well is character development, and this is no exception. You will find it easy to relate to the people in Hope's life, in and out of the prison arena. She is a mother of grown children, married to the same man for years, facing some difficult challenges in their marriage when her husband loses his job. He doesn't want his wife working at a prison. She does it anyway. So this story is about the Carpenter family, how they handle the challenges in their lives, as well as Hope's journey as a teacher at the prison and the women entrusted to her care.
Hope is a nurturer by nature who wants to share her knowledge with others, not just her family but whomever needs a hand to steady themselves in their journeys. She is a strong resilient woman willing to use her skills to bring out the best qualities in her students and finds creative ways to achieve this.
In real life author Marie Bostwick is a quilter, and quilting is a big part of this story. It brings hope to the inmates that have never felt like they could do anything, and find that with guidance they can accomplish something beautiful. An uplifting story line of female resiliency that is a fast and easy read, clean with no profanity or over-the-top graphic violence for a prison setting. Treat yourself to this sweet redemptive novel. I enjoyed it.
One thing Bostwick does well is character development, and this is no exception. You will find it easy to relate to the people in Hope's life, in and out of the prison arena. She is a mother of grown children, married to the same man for years, facing some difficult challenges in their marriage when her husband loses his job. He doesn't want his wife working at a prison. She does it anyway. So this story is about the Carpenter family, how they handle the challenges in their lives, as well as Hope's journey as a teacher at the prison and the women entrusted to her care.
Hope is a nurturer by nature who wants to share her knowledge with others, not just her family but whomever needs a hand to steady themselves in their journeys. She is a strong resilient woman willing to use her skills to bring out the best qualities in her students and finds creative ways to achieve this.
In real life author Marie Bostwick is a quilter, and quilting is a big part of this story. It brings hope to the inmates that have never felt like they could do anything, and find that with guidance they can accomplish something beautiful. An uplifting story line of female resiliency that is a fast and easy read, clean with no profanity or over-the-top graphic violence for a prison setting. Treat yourself to this sweet redemptive novel. I enjoyed it.
March 29, 2019
Your name alone has to mean something. In the ancient world, names usually carried a meaning. They were more than something to scribble on a paper cup so somebody knows which latte belongs to you. Names denoted character, sometimes destiny. Perhaps Hope will be the one to bring hope to the inside.
Hope and Rick Carpenter have it all. A lovely home in Seattle area, Rick a great job working at a engineering firm, Hope as a teacher, and their daughter and 3 sons, living life to the fullest. A family that has had ups and downs but when their lives are tested with a terrible loss, they lose sight of what they had only to gain it back stronger.
With the loss of Rick's job, they now must downsize and move to a cheaper area in Washington State. If anyone has struggled with a job loss, you will connect immediately to Rick's pain and how he copes. We all cope in different ways but his was cooking and unfortunately, loosing connection to his wife Hope. Hope having to start over in a new city, gets a job as a arts and crafts teacher in a women's prison. Hope is a firm believer of our need to create and to have purpose. She connects with well with others and is truly the hero of this prose.
A prose that is relational driven which is the best kind for me. How circumstances that seem hopeless change when we want the best for others. How when others take notice of our pain and see past them, bring hope to who we are. How our identity is tied in the things that don't matter only to learn fighting for others to find theirs teaches us that we all are human.
Highly Recommend this one.
A Special Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Hope and Rick Carpenter have it all. A lovely home in Seattle area, Rick a great job working at a engineering firm, Hope as a teacher, and their daughter and 3 sons, living life to the fullest. A family that has had ups and downs but when their lives are tested with a terrible loss, they lose sight of what they had only to gain it back stronger.
With the loss of Rick's job, they now must downsize and move to a cheaper area in Washington State. If anyone has struggled with a job loss, you will connect immediately to Rick's pain and how he copes. We all cope in different ways but his was cooking and unfortunately, loosing connection to his wife Hope. Hope having to start over in a new city, gets a job as a arts and crafts teacher in a women's prison. Hope is a firm believer of our need to create and to have purpose. She connects with well with others and is truly the hero of this prose.
A prose that is relational driven which is the best kind for me. How circumstances that seem hopeless change when we want the best for others. How when others take notice of our pain and see past them, bring hope to who we are. How our identity is tied in the things that don't matter only to learn fighting for others to find theirs teaches us that we all are human.
Highly Recommend this one.
A Special Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
July 19, 2019
It wouldn’t be a Marie Bostwick book without a little bit of quilting in it, but this time the setting for the quilt making is quite different than the typical locale. Hope Carpenter and her husband are recent empty nesters who have moved to Olympia, WA to be closer to their recently married daughter as well as to help cut down on living expenses since Hope’s husband has recently taken an early retirement package. Hoping to increase her family’s income, Hope Carpenter gets a job teaching crafts to inmates at a local woman’s prison. Teaching simple crafts to these women leads to a pilot quilting program which has its challenges. Not only does Hope face uncertainty with her new job, but she is also struggling with issues going on at home with her husband and daughter.
Probably my favorite part of this book was figuring out how the book’s title related to the plot of this book. Like other Marie Bostwick books that I’ve read, "Hope on the Inside" delves into real life issues and emotions that women of today face, but in a creative, heartfelt, and inspiring way. In the note from the author at the end of the book, Bostwick proposes others take an interest in setting up quilting programs for prison inmates. I truly hope that someone does take up her call for action because I truly feel it would make a difference in many lives. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Probably my favorite part of this book was figuring out how the book’s title related to the plot of this book. Like other Marie Bostwick books that I’ve read, "Hope on the Inside" delves into real life issues and emotions that women of today face, but in a creative, heartfelt, and inspiring way. In the note from the author at the end of the book, Bostwick proposes others take an interest in setting up quilting programs for prison inmates. I truly hope that someone does take up her call for action because I truly feel it would make a difference in many lives. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 21, 2019
Hope Carpenter's four children are grown and her husband recently accepted an early retirement package, Hope struggles to find meaning in her life. She recalls her mother telling her "Make up your mind to be happy, Hope. Whatever comes your way, find the happiness in it. That's the real trick of life." When downsized from her job as a Family and Consumer Science teacher and faced with dwindling resources, Hope and Rick decide to sell their house and move from Portland to Olympia to be closer to their daughter, McKenzie. When they buy a condo, life seems even more restrictive, due to the lack of outdoor activities and the loss of friends. When Hope accepts a job as a craft teacher at the local prison, Hope has to deal with the prison rules and Rick with the idea of his wife earning the money to support them. The idea of teaching women to quilt and to help the women develop a skill draws Hope closer to them. It's a win-win situation until one of the inmates is cut with what looks like a rotary cutter blade from the sewing room and Hope violates the prison rules.
Bostwick writes realistic stories about the complexity of relationships and the curves that life throws at each of us. It's how we respond that proves who we are and shows our resourcefulness. Hope is such a likable character and anyone who quilts can relate to her passion in teaching the inmates to sew. A thoroughly enjoyable book! Reviewed at https://pennyformythoughts-nona.blogs...
Bostwick writes realistic stories about the complexity of relationships and the curves that life throws at each of us. It's how we respond that proves who we are and shows our resourcefulness. Hope is such a likable character and anyone who quilts can relate to her passion in teaching the inmates to sew. A thoroughly enjoyable book! Reviewed at https://pennyformythoughts-nona.blogs...
March 25, 2019
4.5 stars.
Hope on the Inside by Marie Bostwick is a captivating novel of family, friendship and new beginnings.
Hope Carpenter's life changes drastically following her husband Rick's unexpected forced retirement. They manage to keep their heads above water but when cuts in school funding eliminate her teaching position, their financial situation is becoming increasingly precarious. Despite a few misgivings, Rick and Hope sell their home in Portland and move to Olympia to be closer to their daughter, McKenzie. After settling into their new life, Hope is hired by the local women's prison as an arts and crafts instructor. Despite her trepidation and rather bumpy first month on the job, she is pleasantly surprised by how much her students and her new career mean to her. On the home front, she and Rick are experiencing an unsettled period in their marriage as he struggles to find a job. Will Hope and Rick regain their once close relationship?
Hope is an incredibly upbeat woman who faces the upheaval in her life with a positive attitude. She does not allow her disappointment over the move or lack of support from Rick stop her from accepting the job at the prison. Instead, she throws herself wholeheartedly into her new career. Hope does have to work hard to overcome the prison superintendent's stringent rules to achieve her goal of helping the women learn valuable life lessons through quilting. As she settles into her new career, Hope cannot help but become invested in one of the inmates as she prepares for life after her release from prison.
Once a valuable and sought after employee, Rick is taken aback by how deeply affected he is by the loss of his job. He is also dealing with a heartbreaking loss in addition to losing his career and their relocation. Disheartened by his dismal job search, Rick eases his frustration by immersing himself in baking and watching cooking shows. He does finally begin to find his way out of his depression, but is it too late for Rick to get his marriage back on track?
Well written with a socially relevant storyline, Hope on the Inside is an uplifting novel of self-discovery. Hope is a gregarious woman who refuses to allow the problems in her life keep her down. Rick's situation is an all too common occurrence in today's business environment. With a cast of appealing characters and realistic story arcs, this newest release by Marie Bostwick is a thought-provoking story that is realistic, heartfelt and inspirational. Old and new fans do not want to miss this incredible novel of hope, courage and compassion.
Hope on the Inside by Marie Bostwick is a captivating novel of family, friendship and new beginnings.
Hope Carpenter's life changes drastically following her husband Rick's unexpected forced retirement. They manage to keep their heads above water but when cuts in school funding eliminate her teaching position, their financial situation is becoming increasingly precarious. Despite a few misgivings, Rick and Hope sell their home in Portland and move to Olympia to be closer to their daughter, McKenzie. After settling into their new life, Hope is hired by the local women's prison as an arts and crafts instructor. Despite her trepidation and rather bumpy first month on the job, she is pleasantly surprised by how much her students and her new career mean to her. On the home front, she and Rick are experiencing an unsettled period in their marriage as he struggles to find a job. Will Hope and Rick regain their once close relationship?
Hope is an incredibly upbeat woman who faces the upheaval in her life with a positive attitude. She does not allow her disappointment over the move or lack of support from Rick stop her from accepting the job at the prison. Instead, she throws herself wholeheartedly into her new career. Hope does have to work hard to overcome the prison superintendent's stringent rules to achieve her goal of helping the women learn valuable life lessons through quilting. As she settles into her new career, Hope cannot help but become invested in one of the inmates as she prepares for life after her release from prison.
Once a valuable and sought after employee, Rick is taken aback by how deeply affected he is by the loss of his job. He is also dealing with a heartbreaking loss in addition to losing his career and their relocation. Disheartened by his dismal job search, Rick eases his frustration by immersing himself in baking and watching cooking shows. He does finally begin to find his way out of his depression, but is it too late for Rick to get his marriage back on track?
Well written with a socially relevant storyline, Hope on the Inside is an uplifting novel of self-discovery. Hope is a gregarious woman who refuses to allow the problems in her life keep her down. Rick's situation is an all too common occurrence in today's business environment. With a cast of appealing characters and realistic story arcs, this newest release by Marie Bostwick is a thought-provoking story that is realistic, heartfelt and inspirational. Old and new fans do not want to miss this incredible novel of hope, courage and compassion.
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