What do you think?
Rate this book
When Hope Ends Life Begins
When Hope Ends
It’s the best day of his life—the worst of hers.
She left her soul behind in the dead silence of a hospital room.
He is bright with hope after being so close to losing faith.
One moment in time leaves their paths unavoidably entwined.
An invisible connection held by one heart beating between them.
It’s the best day of his life—the worst of hers.
She left her soul behind in the dead silence of a hospital room.
He is bright with hope after being so close to losing faith.
One moment in time leaves their paths unavoidably entwined.
An invisible connection held by one heart beating between them.
ebook
First published January 21, 2020
41 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
Freya Barker
86 books1,911 followersUSA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.
Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.
Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
January 21, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
… he pays attention, and let’s be honest, that’s not always a quality evident in the opposite gender.
I’m so grateful having had this amazing opportunity to learn that when hope ends for one, life begins for another
“I don’t know who this woman is. I’ve never heard so much cursing in my life.” I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing. I remember this part too. Cassie had made me feel about an inch tall with her sharp tongue while she was delivering Kelty. She’d even smacked me because I was breathing too loudly.
My Review:
Freya Barker writes stories with all the feels, but this one was pure heart – some parts were heart-warming, others were heart-wrenching, and still more were heart-skipping and heart-stirring, but they were all only the good kinds of heart-related reading that shouldn’t lead a fear of heart-stoppage, possible angina, the need for CPR, or a cardiology referral. The heartfelt storylines were engaging and relevant with writing that was easy to fall into and alternated between steaming up my glasses, raising my heart rate, putting a smile on my face, and squeezing my coronary muscle like a two sizes too small pair of Spanx. It was divine. I’ll gladly ride on Freya Barker’s bus until the wheels fall off.
… he pays attention, and let’s be honest, that’s not always a quality evident in the opposite gender.
I’m so grateful having had this amazing opportunity to learn that when hope ends for one, life begins for another
“I don’t know who this woman is. I’ve never heard so much cursing in my life.” I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing. I remember this part too. Cassie had made me feel about an inch tall with her sharp tongue while she was delivering Kelty. She’d even smacked me because I was breathing too loudly.
My Review:
Freya Barker writes stories with all the feels, but this one was pure heart – some parts were heart-warming, others were heart-wrenching, and still more were heart-skipping and heart-stirring, but they were all only the good kinds of heart-related reading that shouldn’t lead a fear of heart-stoppage, possible angina, the need for CPR, or a cardiology referral. The heartfelt storylines were engaging and relevant with writing that was easy to fall into and alternated between steaming up my glasses, raising my heart rate, putting a smile on my face, and squeezing my coronary muscle like a two sizes too small pair of Spanx. It was divine. I’ll gladly ride on Freya Barker’s bus until the wheels fall off.
January 22, 2020
What an incredible read. This had me so emotional that I cried like a baby. I always say my favorite reads are romantic comedies but then a story like this comes along. The author just draws you in and makes you feel their pain and the love that they feel. Well done.
Did not finish
January 27, 202027% and I'm out. I'm struggling with the writing, the story is not keeping my interest and I'm bored. Most loved this one, so it's just me I guess 🤷
January 13, 2020
Oh my gosh! This book has left me a blubbering mess! It took me from the deepest of despair before pulling me into a place of bittersweet joy laced with the perfect transposition of a happy ever after. I feel as though I’ve been wrung through the wringer and I couldn’t be happier about the trip.
I could totally relate to Mika on so many levels as well as Jude. My heart was broken repeatedly for her experiences followed by even tougher decisions. While I was pretty sure where this book was going to take me, it pleased me that I was still surprised by many of the actions and reactions these characters had. But the biggest impact of this book was the heart of the story. It had so many highs and lows, but when I reached the last part, I was sobbing happy tears.
This author did an amazing job of bringing every character to life. I’m not sure how long it’s been since I felt so connected to not only a hero or heroine, but to the whole cast. I could claim that my own past experiences shed some insight, and maybe that’s true, but there’s no denying Ms. Barker mapped out a story filled with grief, love, joy and heart felt peace.
I could totally relate to Mika on so many levels as well as Jude. My heart was broken repeatedly for her experiences followed by even tougher decisions. While I was pretty sure where this book was going to take me, it pleased me that I was still surprised by many of the actions and reactions these characters had. But the biggest impact of this book was the heart of the story. It had so many highs and lows, but when I reached the last part, I was sobbing happy tears.
This author did an amazing job of bringing every character to life. I’m not sure how long it’s been since I felt so connected to not only a hero or heroine, but to the whole cast. I could claim that my own past experiences shed some insight, and maybe that’s true, but there’s no denying Ms. Barker mapped out a story filled with grief, love, joy and heart felt peace.
January 22, 2020
2.5 stars.
Very predictable. Once I started the first chapter I know how it was going to go. How the heroine was going to keep this huge secret from hero.
And why is it always the heroine who has to suffer a tremendous loss? Why not the hero? Why is it the heroine who always has to have a bad marriage with an asshole of an ex?
While I did like how the author portrayed the hero’s friend with benefits ex whom he had produced a daughter with. I’ll applaud her for that, for not taking the usual easy way of trashing hero’s ex but I still don’t get why always make the heroine suffer this much.
Triggers:
Very predictable. Once I started the first chapter I know how it was going to go. How the heroine was going to keep this huge secret from hero.
And why is it always the heroine who has to suffer a tremendous loss? Why not the hero? Why is it the heroine who always has to have a bad marriage with an asshole of an ex?
While I did like how the author portrayed the hero’s friend with benefits ex whom he had produced a daughter with. I’ll applaud her for that, for not taking the usual easy way of trashing hero’s ex but I still don’t get why always make the heroine suffer this much.
Triggers:
February 6, 2021
Spoilers ahead, 3.5*
Sports journalist Mika finds herself at the other end of her career as she becomes gossip fodder due to her decision to pull the plug on her 13 year old child. Having fought her husband in court to make that decision creates further sensationalism. Devasted Mika seeks refuge at a cottage hideaway.....only to find the same man she'd run into previously is her landlord. There's a connection between them but when she meets his daughter things become tangled.
Jude is the co parent of his 10 year old daughter who's recently received a heart transplant. From their very first accidental meeting he's been drawn to Mika but her turning up as his renter finally provides the opportunity to get to know her better. When the truth is revealed Jude is stunned at the events that seem guided by fate.
*******
This is only my second read by this author but I must comment on her originality. Maybe there are otger similar books out there but this is definitely a first for me. It was well-written and thankfully not overdramatic. Drama wasn't added for drama's sake but it all flowed well and realistically.
The mcs were both mature and likeable, I will say this is the second time that I've felt a slight lack in the intensity of the connection between the mcs that I usually like but I enjoyed the romance non the less
I definitely teared up because the death of a child is never an easy topic but I still celebrated at the joyous but heartbreaking results of his death. This however didn't pack the emotional punch I expected. It felt a bit bland maybe because it just kept running from scene to scene? I expected to be blubbering like a baby but it just never happened
I worried that the revelation would've caused a last minute break up between the mcs but thankfully they powered through.
I hate exes in my romance even well adjusted ones lol but I do admit the unconventional family worked well here
All in all an enjoyable read made even better by the adorable Kelsy. Unfortunately the lack of an epilogue 😔 crashed my high a bit
No cheating
H didn't seem to be a manwhore
h is divorced
Death of a child
H had a child with his ex fwb, she and her husband are present but do not cause drama
Sports journalist Mika finds herself at the other end of her career as she becomes gossip fodder due to her decision to pull the plug on her 13 year old child. Having fought her husband in court to make that decision creates further sensationalism. Devasted Mika seeks refuge at a cottage hideaway.....only to find the same man she'd run into previously is her landlord. There's a connection between them but when she meets his daughter things become tangled.
Jude is the co parent of his 10 year old daughter who's recently received a heart transplant. From their very first accidental meeting he's been drawn to Mika but her turning up as his renter finally provides the opportunity to get to know her better. When the truth is revealed Jude is stunned at the events that seem guided by fate.
*******
This is only my second read by this author but I must comment on her originality. Maybe there are otger similar books out there but this is definitely a first for me. It was well-written and thankfully not overdramatic. Drama wasn't added for drama's sake but it all flowed well and realistically.
The mcs were both mature and likeable, I will say this is the second time that I've felt a slight lack in the intensity of the connection between the mcs that I usually like but I enjoyed the romance non the less
I definitely teared up because the death of a child is never an easy topic but I still celebrated at the joyous but heartbreaking results of his death. This however didn't pack the emotional punch I expected. It felt a bit bland maybe because it just kept running from scene to scene? I expected to be blubbering like a baby but it just never happened
I worried that the revelation would've caused a last minute break up between the mcs but thankfully they powered through.
I hate exes in my romance even well adjusted ones lol but I do admit the unconventional family worked well here
All in all an enjoyable read made even better by the adorable Kelsy. Unfortunately the lack of an epilogue 😔 crashed my high a bit
No cheating
H didn't seem to be a manwhore
h is divorced
Death of a child
H had a child with his ex fwb, she and her husband are present but do not cause drama
December 15, 2019
What a beautifully written story. Mika and Jude were such wonderful characters. Their story was one of heartbreak and hope.
Mika is an incredibly brave and strong woman who has to make the ultimate sacrifice but knows with every fiber of her being that she is making the right choice. And on that day she crosses paths with Jude, not knowing at the time what an intricate part of her life he will become.
Jude and his daughter Kelty are facing an uncertain future and when he crosses paths with Mika he has no idea that she will be giving him his miracle.
I loved everything about this story and their journey. This one will stay with me for a long time
Mika is an incredibly brave and strong woman who has to make the ultimate sacrifice but knows with every fiber of her being that she is making the right choice. And on that day she crosses paths with Jude, not knowing at the time what an intricate part of her life he will become.
Jude and his daughter Kelty are facing an uncertain future and when he crosses paths with Mika he has no idea that she will be giving him his miracle.
I loved everything about this story and their journey. This one will stay with me for a long time
January 21, 2020
Freya is one of my go to authors, I love that she draws you into the story very quickly and then you can't focus on anything else.
This story is filled with heart wrenching decisions, heart breaking worry for a child, and a heart healing journey to a new existence with soul healing love.
Mika and Jude's story is absolutely beautiful but little Kelty will steal your heart.
P.S. I highly recommend having some tissues close at hand when reading. Maybe reading in private if you don't want people to question your tears.
This story is filled with heart wrenching decisions, heart breaking worry for a child, and a heart healing journey to a new existence with soul healing love.
Mika and Jude's story is absolutely beautiful but little Kelty will steal your heart.
P.S. I highly recommend having some tissues close at hand when reading. Maybe reading in private if you don't want people to question your tears.
November 26, 2019
Beautiful and emotional. Freya Barker did an amazing job with this anthology.
I had so many emotions reading this book. Heartbreak, I’ve cried, I’ve swooned and fell in love with Mika and Jude’s story.
Freya is one of my unicorn authors and love that her characters are relatable to me. Thank you Freya Barker for this beautiful story.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Heartbeat Stars!
I had so many emotions reading this book. Heartbreak, I’ve cried, I’ve swooned and fell in love with Mika and Jude’s story.
Freya is one of my unicorn authors and love that her characters are relatable to me. Thank you Freya Barker for this beautiful story.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Heartbeat Stars!
April 16, 2022
This one...if you read the blurb you pretty much have the book. It's predictable and I couldn't turn the page fast enough and I already want to read it again. So heartfelt and often I was reading with tears in my eyes that were quickly falling down my face. Just reading this one gives a person so much hope for so many things, but one of the best was how family was defined and how they all supported each other.
December 29, 2019
EMOTIONALLY Moving!
A very well executed story that instantly grabbed my attention and held it to the very end. I definite one sit read. It instantly grabs hold of your heart and makes you live through a parents worst nightmare of losing a child and living with a sick child. It took my breath away, stole my tears and made me feel a heartwrenching pain but it had a few light hearted laughs that help to break the somber mood that drifted through the pages and a happy yet so darn sad sobbing mess HEA that really brought this amazing read together. A read so worth reading that will definitely get deep into your heart and end with a sobbing puddle of tears as the moving HEA makes you feel so broken yet happy all at the same time.
A very well executed story that instantly grabbed my attention and held it to the very end. I definite one sit read. It instantly grabs hold of your heart and makes you live through a parents worst nightmare of losing a child and living with a sick child. It took my breath away, stole my tears and made me feel a heartwrenching pain but it had a few light hearted laughs that help to break the somber mood that drifted through the pages and a happy yet so darn sad sobbing mess HEA that really brought this amazing read together. A read so worth reading that will definitely get deep into your heart and end with a sobbing puddle of tears as the moving HEA makes you feel so broken yet happy all at the same time.
September 6, 2019
I have but one regret...that I have not read any of the works written by Author Freya Barker before now. WOW! This story grabbed me and took me on an emotional ride at how she wove such a beautiful, heartbreaking, but amazing story is beyond words. I often wonder how an author decides on the name of a book, but this title made my heart skip a beat at the appropriateness! I loved the amazing characters, Jude, Mika, Kelty, Jim with his Boston accent and the spunky Mandy! I enjoyed picturing the beach through the painting of the writer's words. This is a story that you feel in your heart! (PSA: tissues may be needed)
I had the privilege of reading this story in the THEN THERE WAS YOU collection!
I had the privilege of reading this story in the THEN THERE WAS YOU collection!
April 25, 2022
The single parent trope has become one of my favorites these days so I was ecstatic when this story as released.
Mika and Jude’s story was heartbreaking and so beautiful at the same time. Mika had to make a gut-wrenching decision that gave Jude the ultimate gift. With the help of friends, Mika knew she was spiraling down a dangerous path so she knew she had to try to move on. For whatever reason, Mika and Jude’s path keeps crossing. Something in the universe seemed to know they belonged together. There were definite obstacles, but the connection between Mika, Jude and Kelty were real. This story had such heart, it was a story of extreme loss, but to witness the hope and healing and joy they were all able to find in each other was perfect.
Mika and Jude’s story was heartbreaking and so beautiful at the same time. Mika had to make a gut-wrenching decision that gave Jude the ultimate gift. With the help of friends, Mika knew she was spiraling down a dangerous path so she knew she had to try to move on. For whatever reason, Mika and Jude’s path keeps crossing. Something in the universe seemed to know they belonged together. There were definite obstacles, but the connection between Mika, Jude and Kelty were real. This story had such heart, it was a story of extreme loss, but to witness the hope and healing and joy they were all able to find in each other was perfect.
January 15, 2020
Mika is an incredible mother who went through something that would have destroyed most people. I cried...ugly freaking tears😭 Jude is a single dad who has a very unconventional, but beautiful relationship with his baby Momma, Cassie, and her husband, Mark. Together they all helped to raise their amazing little girl, Kelty. God I love that kid❤️ Through grief and illness, Mika and Jude found each other. Freya Barker is such an amazing storyteller and this story broke my heart and then put it back together again. I won’t give any spoilers here but I will say, have your tissue close by and start reading this one when you have enough time to read it from cover to cover. You won’t be sorry🥰🥰
December 15, 2020
kismet at its best
if ever two people belong together, it's this couple
must've been written in the stars because their paths cross at the most momentous times in their lives
then keeps on crossing again and again
must be more than coincidence
their journey to each other is wonderful and sad and joyous and heartbreaking
she has to lose her son in order for his daughter to live
but she's strong and with the help of friends she hauls herself out of her lowest moments
and starts living again
he is a good dependable man and they deserve the peace they find in their love
if ever two people belong together, it's this couple
must've been written in the stars because their paths cross at the most momentous times in their lives
then keeps on crossing again and again
must be more than coincidence
their journey to each other is wonderful and sad and joyous and heartbreaking
she has to lose her son in order for his daughter to live
but she's strong and with the help of friends she hauls herself out of her lowest moments
and starts living again
he is a good dependable man and they deserve the peace they find in their love
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2019
A sweet story with a touching theme. A mother's grief and a father's joy collided in a way no one anticipated. Great characters and beautifully described setting. Another great Freya read
January 18, 2020
There are few authors who can meld mature characters and emotion-based stories as well as Freya Barker. When Hope Ends (life begins) is equal parts love story and emotional family drama. Jude and Mika's story is beautifully written and when Ms. Barker adds children into her stories they soar to new heights.
Jude sees Mika on the worst day of her life; living every mother's worst nightmare. Their chance encounter foreshadows events to come and sets off a chain of events that is life-changing for everyone involved. When life in the city becomes unbearable for Mika, she decides to rent a seaside cottage. Her first visitor is an inquisitive little girl who shares Mika's interest in photography and just happens to be Jude's daughter.
Kelty and Mika become fast friends and Jude feels a pull to the beautiful tenant renting his cottage. Filled with emotions and love this story illustrates the power of love to overcome even the most devastating life events.
Ms. Barker's characters are realistic and driven by passion and love of family, both biological and adopted into the clan. Her characters are well-developed and multi-faceted. While her stories are character and often emotion driven, Ms. Barker's humor and wit shines through to make the reader smile.
I am not an emotional reader, but on more than one occasion this story had me misty-eyed and I could not put it down. So grab your favorite cuddly blanket, a box of tissues and a glass of wine or cup of coffee and settle in to read this amazing story. You'll be glad you did.
Jude sees Mika on the worst day of her life; living every mother's worst nightmare. Their chance encounter foreshadows events to come and sets off a chain of events that is life-changing for everyone involved. When life in the city becomes unbearable for Mika, she decides to rent a seaside cottage. Her first visitor is an inquisitive little girl who shares Mika's interest in photography and just happens to be Jude's daughter.
Kelty and Mika become fast friends and Jude feels a pull to the beautiful tenant renting his cottage. Filled with emotions and love this story illustrates the power of love to overcome even the most devastating life events.
Ms. Barker's characters are realistic and driven by passion and love of family, both biological and adopted into the clan. Her characters are well-developed and multi-faceted. While her stories are character and often emotion driven, Ms. Barker's humor and wit shines through to make the reader smile.
I am not an emotional reader, but on more than one occasion this story had me misty-eyed and I could not put it down. So grab your favorite cuddly blanket, a box of tissues and a glass of wine or cup of coffee and settle in to read this amazing story. You'll be glad you did.
January 21, 2020
I originally read this story as part if the Then There Was You anthology and it was hands down my favorite of all the ones I read! You will want to keep tissues handy, but the gut wrenching moments are offset very well by the sweet and steamy ones!
Jude never expected to be blessed with his daughter but he loves her fiercely. Kielty has a heart condition that threatens her life but she is fortunate to receive a transplant. On one of the best days of his life, Jude runs into Mika on one of the worst days of her life. That chance encounter makes an impression but he has no way to find her again.
Mika loses her son in the most heartbreaking way, and she loses herself to grief in the aftermath. When she finally reaches rock bottom she decides to escape to Cape Cod to try to find herself again along with a new path forward. Her high profile job no longer holds appeal, and her ex-husband's jackassery knows no bounds so a quiet Cape rental may be just what she needs. Neither Mika or Jude expect Fate to step in to bring them into contact again, but they soon find themselves growing closer. Mika's secret looms over her though and she may just lose it all for a second time once the truth comes out.
Once again wonderful characters and genuine emotion rule the pages here. I love being able to picture the setting when familiar real life Cape locations are mentioned too so that added to the experience for me. If you are not familiar with this author's work, it is a great introduction and I bet you will be hooked!
Jude never expected to be blessed with his daughter but he loves her fiercely. Kielty has a heart condition that threatens her life but she is fortunate to receive a transplant. On one of the best days of his life, Jude runs into Mika on one of the worst days of her life. That chance encounter makes an impression but he has no way to find her again.
Mika loses her son in the most heartbreaking way, and she loses herself to grief in the aftermath. When she finally reaches rock bottom she decides to escape to Cape Cod to try to find herself again along with a new path forward. Her high profile job no longer holds appeal, and her ex-husband's jackassery knows no bounds so a quiet Cape rental may be just what she needs. Neither Mika or Jude expect Fate to step in to bring them into contact again, but they soon find themselves growing closer. Mika's secret looms over her though and she may just lose it all for a second time once the truth comes out.
Once again wonderful characters and genuine emotion rule the pages here. I love being able to picture the setting when familiar real life Cape locations are mentioned too so that added to the experience for me. If you are not familiar with this author's work, it is a great introduction and I bet you will be hooked!
January 21, 2020
Note: An ARC was provided by the author via Enticing Journey Book Promotions.
Originally published as part of a multi-authored anthology entitled Then There Was You, Freya Barker's When Hope Ends (Life Begins) has just been re-released on its own. This is the story of a single mother named Mika Spencer, a single father named Jude Parks, and how one decision changes the course of their respective lives and leaves them linked in ways so rare yet ultimately awe-inspiring. Fair warning: You may require a fair number of tissues on-hand.
I've spent a couple of days trying to figure out how to write this review without giving much of anything away because I honestly don't want to spoil the book for anyone. You'll get what's going on a couple of pages into the prologue, and from there, I knew I was in for a heck of a heartrending read. Mika's thirteen-year-old son, Jamie, and Jude's nine-year-old daughter, Kelty, are the loves of their lives and do play integral roles in their parents' story.
Freya Barker is an author whose work has enticed me in the past, but this newest book of hers is exceptional. It has a wholly different feel compared to her previous releases. Yes, it's heartrending, but it's brimming with hope, and the reminder of how a single act can be life-changing in the best or worst of ways. From devastation, we not only learn to survive, but we can truly begin to thrive like Mika and Jude. Five stars go to When Hope Ends (Life Begins). ♥
Originally published as part of a multi-authored anthology entitled Then There Was You, Freya Barker's When Hope Ends (Life Begins) has just been re-released on its own. This is the story of a single mother named Mika Spencer, a single father named Jude Parks, and how one decision changes the course of their respective lives and leaves them linked in ways so rare yet ultimately awe-inspiring. Fair warning: You may require a fair number of tissues on-hand.
I've spent a couple of days trying to figure out how to write this review without giving much of anything away because I honestly don't want to spoil the book for anyone. You'll get what's going on a couple of pages into the prologue, and from there, I knew I was in for a heck of a heartrending read. Mika's thirteen-year-old son, Jamie, and Jude's nine-year-old daughter, Kelty, are the loves of their lives and do play integral roles in their parents' story.
Freya Barker is an author whose work has enticed me in the past, but this newest book of hers is exceptional. It has a wholly different feel compared to her previous releases. Yes, it's heartrending, but it's brimming with hope, and the reminder of how a single act can be life-changing in the best or worst of ways. From devastation, we not only learn to survive, but we can truly begin to thrive like Mika and Jude. Five stars go to When Hope Ends (Life Begins). ♥
January 20, 2020
Review by: Jennifer
(5 stars)
This book.... I can't even describe the feels this book brings. From the moment you find out you are pregnant, every instinct you have is to protect that being, so a parents worst nightmare is something happening to that child, no matter the age. For Jude, his little girl being sick and needing a heart to get better, this is his worst nightmare. When he gets the magic call one night saying that a heart is available, his prayers are answered. For Mika, her heartbreak is another's gain, her worst nightmare will help someone else.
A twist of fate brings Mika into Jude and Kelty's lives, neither have a clue just what they will mean to each. One struggling to start a new life, to find a new meaning to life; while the others learn to enjoy the new found lease on life that they have gained. This story was such a roller coaster, and had me sobbing from pretty much the beginning, just when I would get a handle on it, something else would pop up and there I would go needing the tissues again. I love that Freya Barker can pull these emotions out me. That as an author she has you feeling this hurt with the characters, has you going through the motions with them is a testament to how amazing an author she is. I give this 5 stars.
(5 stars)
This book.... I can't even describe the feels this book brings. From the moment you find out you are pregnant, every instinct you have is to protect that being, so a parents worst nightmare is something happening to that child, no matter the age. For Jude, his little girl being sick and needing a heart to get better, this is his worst nightmare. When he gets the magic call one night saying that a heart is available, his prayers are answered. For Mika, her heartbreak is another's gain, her worst nightmare will help someone else.
A twist of fate brings Mika into Jude and Kelty's lives, neither have a clue just what they will mean to each. One struggling to start a new life, to find a new meaning to life; while the others learn to enjoy the new found lease on life that they have gained. This story was such a roller coaster, and had me sobbing from pretty much the beginning, just when I would get a handle on it, something else would pop up and there I would go needing the tissues again. I love that Freya Barker can pull these emotions out me. That as an author she has you feeling this hurt with the characters, has you going through the motions with them is a testament to how amazing an author she is. I give this 5 stars.
January 21, 2020
I have to still start out with...OH MY HELL FREYA BARKER?! WHAT DID I EVER DO TO YOU?! You DESTROYED me with When Hope Ends (Life Begins) the first time, and I've NEVER been the same, not to mention, can't stop the tears every time I think about this story all over again. I'm not going into details, except for well, Mika, who has crap happening to her which no one should have to deal with, or make decisions about. Jude was our hero, who was bright & shiny with hope, and is the perfect person for Mika, because he just about gave up on hope but didn't, so he could understand where she was coming from, while actually being able to help her get through her darkness though he just doesn't have a clue as to what it will be. Ms. Barker definitely tried to kill me with all the extreme grief so real that it felt like my own to be honest, and I will NEVER EVER be the same. I can't imagine anything as horrible as what Mika went through, and I hope to never have too. I read this emotional story in the Then There Was You Collection, and it still has my tears going big time. So, that's all from me as people really just need to read When Hope Ends (Life Begins) for themselves, and not the reviews, and now it's time to hit that one click button! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
January 22, 2020
What a heartbreaking and inspiring story that this turned out to be. Mika is forced to make a decision, that even though she knows is the right and best thing to do, leaves her devasted. She is just existing and trying to get through the days that seem to never end until she Kelty, a nine year old girl who makes her feel again.
When it comes to his daughter Kelty Jude has gone from the depths of depair to an elation that knows no bounds. Kelty’s friendship with Mika brings her into their lives but fate and divine intervention played its part as well and none of their lives will ever be the same.
There are no words that can do this story justice. It takes you on an emotional rollercoaster unlike any other and brings to light that there is a bigger plan for everything even if you can’t understand at the time it happens.
When it comes to his daughter Kelty Jude has gone from the depths of depair to an elation that knows no bounds. Kelty’s friendship with Mika brings her into their lives but fate and divine intervention played its part as well and none of their lives will ever be the same.
There are no words that can do this story justice. It takes you on an emotional rollercoaster unlike any other and brings to light that there is a bigger plan for everything even if you can’t understand at the time it happens.
January 20, 2020
There is devastating heartbreak and grief when a young boy, Mika’s son Jamie, is taken off life support and she donates his organs. A young girl, Kelty receives his heart as a transplant. Jude runs into Mika after she disconnects her son and Kelty is in surgery. Karma strikes when she goes to the cape in the same place as Jude’s restaurant. She suspects that Kelty got Jamie’s heart, but Jude has no idea and she needs to tell him. You are happy that they are getting closer but you fear what will happen when the secrets come out. It’s a very poignant story and you might need a few tissues. Very well written and good read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2020
Reading this story was almost too much for me. Freya Barker is always and I mean always a go-to author for me. While she normally deals more in romantic suspense, this book is different, which I loved. This book gets all the feels. I wasn't sure I liked this softer, sweet side of Freya, but I was way off base. I loved every second of this story.
This is Mika and Jude's story. This story is raw. It's heartbreaking. It's soul searching. It's thinking about That you would do faced with the impossible. It's loving your children enough to know when to let go. It's learning to love again.
My warning when reading the book, have your tissues ready, you will need them. Thank you Freya Barker for writing such an amazing book.
This is Mika and Jude's story. This story is raw. It's heartbreaking. It's soul searching. It's thinking about That you would do faced with the impossible. It's loving your children enough to know when to let go. It's learning to love again.
My warning when reading the book, have your tissues ready, you will need them. Thank you Freya Barker for writing such an amazing book.
February 4, 2020
When Hope Ends by Freya Barkeris a beautiful story filled with a full range of emotions, from heartbreaking to heartwarming moments all wrapped up into one story.
Two families, two children all bound together through tragedy, sacrifice and love. The loss of a child is a pain that no one can imagine and Mika wanted her sons death to mean something. So when she decided to donate his heart, fate placed her right in the path of one beautiful young girl and her dad. Mika gets to see what joy has been brought to this family through her loss. Little did she know that Jude and his beautiful daughter, Kelty would open her heart up again to hope and love and she in turn would give them everything.
Two families, two children all bound together through tragedy, sacrifice and love. The loss of a child is a pain that no one can imagine and Mika wanted her sons death to mean something. So when she decided to donate his heart, fate placed her right in the path of one beautiful young girl and her dad. Mika gets to see what joy has been brought to this family through her loss. Little did she know that Jude and his beautiful daughter, Kelty would open her heart up again to hope and love and she in turn would give them everything.
January 22, 2020
4.5 Stars
This was such a beautiful story. It had me tearing up a few times. If you're looking for a story that will melt your heart and one of healing this is it. Poor Mika what she has gone through just breaks my heart and makes me ope she can find some peace. The title fits this book so much. It's a beautiful meaning for Mika as well. Jude and Kelty melt your heart. Kelty is so adorable and steal our heart right fro the start. I would highly recommend this book.You do not want miss out on this one.
This was such a beautiful story. It had me tearing up a few times. If you're looking for a story that will melt your heart and one of healing this is it. Poor Mika what she has gone through just breaks my heart and makes me ope she can find some peace. The title fits this book so much. It's a beautiful meaning for Mika as well. Jude and Kelty melt your heart. Kelty is so adorable and steal our heart right fro the start. I would highly recommend this book.You do not want miss out on this one.
January 22, 2020
I have read a lot of Freya Barkers books and they in no way led me to believe that this book would be so heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time Be prepared when you read this one have the tissues handy because you are going to need them.
Mika and Jamie's story will break your heart While Jude and Kelty's story will uplift you and you will wonder if fate played a part in bringing Mika and Jude continually into one another orbit. This is a story that once read you won't forget in a hurry
Mika and Jamie's story will break your heart While Jude and Kelty's story will uplift you and you will wonder if fate played a part in bringing Mika and Jude continually into one another orbit. This is a story that once read you won't forget in a hurry
January 21, 2020
I received a copy for review purposes.
When Hope Ends (Life Begins) is a gift to the heart. Last your I was disappointed in the amount of emotional books I read, I love me a good heartbreaker, but this book started my year off right. This story is filled with loss, heartbreak, hope, and love. It had me crying and smiling throughout. If you love an emotional read that fills you with hope pick this up today.
When Hope Ends (Life Begins) is a gift to the heart. Last your I was disappointed in the amount of emotional books I read, I love me a good heartbreaker, but this book started my year off right. This story is filled with loss, heartbreak, hope, and love. It had me crying and smiling throughout. If you love an emotional read that fills you with hope pick this up today.
December 17, 2019
Loved this one but I wish there was more!
January 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Highly recommended. Look forward for next book from you soon. No spoilers here.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews