A Girl Called Hope

Hope Series #1

by Kay Seeley

A heart-wrenching saga of love, loss, courage and resilience from the author of The Guardian Angel.

In Victorian London’s East End, life for Hope Daniels in the public house run by her parents is not as it seems. Pa drinks and gambles, brother John longs for a place of his own, sister Violet dreams of a life on stage and little Alfie is being bullied at school.

Silas Quirk, the charismatic owner of a local gentlemen’s club and disreputable gambling den her father frequents, has his own plans for Hope.

When disaster strikes the family lose everything and the future they planned is snatched away from them. Secrets are revealed that make Hope question all she’s ever believed in.

Can Hope keep them together when fate is pulling them apart?

What will she sacrifice to save her family?

A captivating story of tragedy and triumph you won’t want to put down.

Genres: Fiction

446 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2019

About the author

Kay Seeley is a talented storyteller and bestselling author. Her short stories have been published in women’s magazines and short-listed in competitions. Her novels had been finalists in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. She lives in London and loves its history. Her stories are well researched, beautifully written with compelling characters where love triumphs over adversity. Kay writes stories that will capture your heart and leave you wanting more. Often heart-wrenching but always satisfyingly uplifting, her books are perfect for fans of Anna Jacobs, Lesley Pearse and Josephine Cox. All her novels are available for Kindle, in paperback, audio and in Large Print.s.
She is a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Women Writers and Journalists.
Visit her website www.kayseeleyauthor.com

Reviews

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book much faster than I expected to. I found myself laughing, crying and gasping as events unfolded. I felt desperately sorry for Hope, but she dealt with life in much the same way I like to think I would have done, had I been in her position. This book is a perfect holiday read. I sailed through it over 1 day, while camping with the kids. It's well worth reading.

[Magic book club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Net Galley and BooksGoSocial for this opportunity. I received this arc in exchange for my honest review. What can I say about this book? First of all, I am not a big fan of historical fiction, I love to read but this genre is not on my priority list. Secondly -I was very surprised by this story, I didn't expect to be so sweet and loving, I didn't expect great characters and all I can say is that I am impressed. Hope is a strong woman who takes care of her broken family, she is their rock and she will do everything for their future. Even to start to work in a gentleman club ( it's 1899-1900 yr ) . I don't want to write a long review, I would like to make people to read this because this book deserves to be read. and definitely deserve 5 stars

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kay Seeley is a new author to me. I was drawn to read her latest book from the publishers very enticing description. I found the story to be fast paced and well written. This book is one you will read long into the night. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. I received a complementary copy from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled with this at the beginning but stuck with it and really grew to like all the characters and setting. It accurately depicted several economic levels of turn-of-the-century London England although perhaps unrealistically had characters rising above their levels. This historical novel was slightly of a romantic bend but not overly so. I enjoyed it enough to look for other novels by this author. I hope these characters show up in another novel. Thanks to #netgalley for the opportunity to read #agirlcalledhope in exchange for an honest review.

[MRS S PUSEY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart warming family story.

This is the first time that I have read this author but I really enjoyed this book very family orientated Hope's family seemed to love all their children very much and i felt it such a shame to have lost both parents in such a tragic incident as the fire,the parents brought them up with all their strength and determination to get through it all and the courage to rebuild their lives back in the pub with some help from friends and a lovely ending.I can't wait to read the next book in this series.I would recommend this author.

[Robyn Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Family Dynamics

I enjoyed this story set in 1899-1900 London at a time men still ruled the home and handled the money, even if a great deal went to their personal vices while the women in the family were expected to work themselves into the ground to keep the family going. This story was as much family saga and murder mystery as it was a romance. Family came first, and Hope managed to help the family while at the same time stand up for herself and secure the needs of the least powerful member of the family. Great story.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book! The characters were exactly like
a family would be. Some that are selfish and have some hard lessons
to learn. I really liked, Hope! Even in the times when it is a man's world,
she was able to fight for the truth and what was right.
This story really took me back! I think it is one I could see myself
reading again someday.

Thank you so much to the writer, the publisher, and to NetGalley for this
chance to enjoy this one!

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this book and its characters. The author does a good job of deserving London’s East End and life at the time. She also draws characters in a way that makes you care for them and understand their reactions and emotions. I give this a three star because the development of the main relationship in the story is not as strong as the family dynamics. To me, the ending seemed contrived and unrealistic given the interactions between the characters until that time.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love everything about this book! The characters were exactly like
a family would be. Some that are selfish and have some hard lessons
to learn. I really liked, Hope! Even in the times when it is a man's world,
she was able to fight for the truth and what was right.
This story really took me back! I think it is one I could see myself
reading again someday.

Thank you so much to the writer, the publisher, and to NetGalley for this
chance to enjoy this one!

[Annette Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too short

I feel there book left me wondering.So was Hope's mother. Was anyone ever arrested for Williams murder or did he fall. There is another book here which I am sure would answer a lot of questions that could answer a lot of questions Sorry for spelling mistakes. Predictive text can be very annoying.

[Joaquin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. This book is fantastic, the story is so beautiful and full of emotions, I I couldn't put this down until I ended. The characters are so real and so well writen that you can easily find yourself or a friend reflected on them, you start to love and care for them. Amazing book.

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kay Seeley, is a new author to me and I must say that she will be going on my list of to read authors. I found that A Girl Called Hope a very entertaining read that I could not put down and would recommend it. I will not spoil this review by telling the story but you must read about the Daniels family and of course Silas Quirk.

[L.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into this, but over time the characters drew me into their world. I liked how the differing lifestyles were portrayed. But it was the main character, Hope, who drove the story, prepared to do whatever was necessary for her family. An enjoyable read and a series I’d be interested in following.

[Dee]

DNF = no rating

For me to become invested in a story, I need to connect with the characters. That didn't happen in this instance. I tried, really tried, but after setting this book aside and forcing myself to pick it up again, three times. I had to call it quits.

[Willie. Van Den Hoek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting book

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and love the way it is written. The author has a special way of describing her charaters.I just wanted to keep reading and was sorry to see the end of the story. Very enjoyable.

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely read

I thought I would not like this book when I first started to read it, but within a couple of pages I was gripped. I could not put it down. A real page turner and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[Sandra thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope

Nicely written, good characterisations. Hardship, sorrow, crime, love, babies, friendships - all ingredients for a good ole love story with a happy ending. Just what's needed for a few hours escapism from everyday life. Will read more of this author in the future

[Trick Wiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book it has so many different emotions with it! It's not really a long book but you will like it for sure!

[Alycia Canfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick pace easier read full of emotions. It's a semi-fast read two days for me. A lot of emotions. Good for a beach read or weekend read.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful storyline. No swearing, no sex, an all around good book with a little romance and mystery. Great surprise ending. Thank you #netgalley for allowing me to read and submit my thoughts.

[susan brace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book

This was such an enjoyable, easy reading touching story i was engrossed in it from page one i hope everyone that reads it enjoys it as much as I did

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Girl Called Hope is an awesome read. I loved it! I would love to read more by Kay Seeley in the future. Five stars.

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I JUST couldn’t put this down, a great book! Kay really takes you to the scene that she describes. Highly recommended for those how love read Romance.

[william shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page turner.

[Cassandra Ulrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable story

I enjoyed the story of Hope and the challenges she and her family experienced. I look forward to the next story in the series

[Beverley Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabb read

Great book with a great story. Love these historical novels especially when they are down to earth and cover the working class era

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strong women

New to this author, I enjoyed the storyline and the set up of characters for further books.poor hope had a bad year.also a slow burn romance

[maureen cowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I enjoyed reading this book and couldn't wait to see what happened to Hope,but it finished all too soon as l wanted to know
How her life continued

[Dan Hooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it