The Man Across The Street

Hope Street #1

by Marcie Steele

Maybe I’m scared to be happy…

Meet Hannah – she’s been her mum’s sole carer since she was eighteen. Now alone after Martha’s sudden death, Hannah feels lost in the only place she’s known as home, Hope Street. Coming up to a milestone birthday, she’s wondering what her purpose in life is.

Meet Doug – a workaholic, he’s in the office from dusk ’til dawn, and when he has a heart attack. Now on the mend, he needs to de-stress his life and focus on living it, to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Doug moves to Hope Street, number 35. Hannah lives at number 34, directly opposite. From the moment they meet, there’s a spark.

But there are secrets too. Hannah’s mum has been keeping something from her, her sister upped and left over twenty years ago, and there can’t be such a simple reason why Doug has moved to Somerley. Can there?

The Man Across the Street is the first of a new series by bestselling author, Marcie Steele. It features a host of characters living on Hope Street in the market town of Somerley, also featured in The Somerley Series. Each character will have their own standalone story in books to follow.

'Marcie Steele writes with such down to earth warmth that you wish you could live in her stories. The Man Across the Street is no exception, full of characters that you’d love to be friends with.' Tilly, Tenant.

'Love, secrets, intrigue, heartache. Find it all on Hope Street. An engaging tale of ordinary lives to warm you heart
and restore your faith in mankind.' Imogen Clark

If you love an uplifting story about new beginnings, then The Man Across The Street is the perfect read to curl up with. Fans of Hannah Ellis, Debbie Johnson and Emily Harvale will love this book.

Genres: Fiction

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2020

About the author

Hi, I'm Marcie Steele and I can be found hanging around any good coffee shop, drinking copious amounts of coffee and nibbling on double chocolate muffins. Whilst doing this I'll be discreetly people watching or not so discreetly enjoying good gossip with my friends.

Reviews

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most fun way to start the new year. Hope Street and its residents not only made an interesting read, but they also found a special place in my heart

Hannah had lived her entire life on Hope Street. Her mum had died 3 months ago which left her alone and broken hearted. A new man moved across the street bringing with him the fragrance of new love.

My first book by author Marcie Steele, it was the writing which stole my heart. Written with simple emotions, the words touched me deeply. I could see myself in the main character Hannah, a woman who was let down by people, yet found a way to be cheerful. She inspired me. The man across the street indicated the new man Doug who had moved in.

Love happened, but secrets abounded between them, which made their love far more interesting. This wasn't just a love story. It was so much more. It was a story about residents, about goodness in people, the camaraderie between friends. It was about family, not the family born in, but the family the heart chose.

Marcie Steele does have a special way with her story telling. The warmth seeped all the way from my kindle to encompass my heart, making me melt just a little bit. I was so happy that I got to read this first book in the series, knowing I had something to look forward to in the rest of the year.

A brilliant way to start a new year, wouldn't you say so?

[Caroline Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read by Mel Sherratt, AKA Marcie Steele. As with all her books, the characters felt incredibly real. Dipping into this book felt like being handed a warm mug of hot chocolate on a cold and wintery day. A gorgeous comfort read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope Street is your typical working class street where everyone knows everyone as well as everyone’s business. Saying that, there isn’t really any overly unlikable characters. It reminded me a bit of the olden days when neighbours actually talked to their neighbours. Not just their immediate ones either, everyone in the street.

Hannah and Doug are fairly similar in personalities. Where as Doug has given everything up for his work, Hannah had given up her life to be a carer for her mum up until she died. Not far from a monumental birthday, I couldn’t help feel for her as she has missed out on so much of what many of take for granted.

You can feel the romance between Doug and Hannah right from them meeting. It was lovely to get swept up in it all and am sure I had a stupid grin on my face the further the relationship deepened.

It isn’t all romance though. We get to see the different relationships between the characters and see the bonds and friendships that have grown over time. There is also a real sense of family and makes you realise just how important they are.

The Man Across the Street is a charming and endearing read that won’t fail to put a smile on your face. I loved my first introduction to the street and characters and can’t wait to be back on Hope Street again. Marcie Steele is back with a bang and fans new and old are going to love this new offering from the author.

My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah lives in Hope Street, a place where there is a lovely community spirit and everyone knows everyone else in a nice way. Until recently she was a carer for her mother who sadly passed away recently. She works part time at the hairdressers but has always longed for a life outside where she lives which was sadly taken away when her parents were both in a car crash and Olivia her sister left Hannah to be the carer. Hannah’s mother has left her two letters, one of which she explains in the first is something she wants to tell her daughter but couldn’t do it face to face. Fearing the worst Hannah hasn’t yet braved opening it. Meanwhile a new occupant has moved in across the road - Doug. He suffered a heart attack a short time ago and is taking some time away from work and his home to sort himself out away from all of the stress. Oh I loved this! It’s a wonderful tale of a place we possibly all wish we could live. With people around who support and care without interfering. Of course there are life’s ups and downs but with the right network help is always on hand. A very different write for Mel and a brilliant one. A poignant heartfelt tale of life and love and hope. I certainly hope that there is more to come from Hope Street.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being a crime fiction fan, I love dipping my toes into the lighter side of fiction and Marcie Steele’s books are ones that I know I will enjoy. I thoroughly enjoyed all The Somerley Series so when I heard there was to be a new series, I was rather excited.

So what did I think of the new series? The one word you’ll see alot of in this review is “love” and I think that pretty much sums up what I thought…. I loved it!!

I loved the way the story swaps between Hannah and Doug. Each have their baggage to bear, Hannah grieving for her mum and Doug the workaholic needing to take a time out. This builds the fuller picture of what is happening in the community of Hope Street which I’ve got to say I’d love to live in, everyone looking out for each other though knowing you’re the source of the street gossip isn’t exactly my scene…

I loved the instant chemistry between Hannah and Doug. The idea of hitting it off so easily with a potential partner is so romantic for the start of a relationship. And oh the innuendo that Steele seamlessly inserts into the conversations is brilliant. Reminds me of some of the banter I’ve heard at work!

The Man Across The Street is another gorgeous story from Marcie Steele. She’s injected some of that suspense she uses expertly in her crime novels to give a heartwarming tale a slight difference. I can’t wait for the next instalment from Hope Street!

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I really enjoyed this story and it is the first book I have read in 2020 and what a promising start it will be if the other books live up to this one!

I thought that the characters were excellent, so well developed, genuine and believable and that for me was a big part of my enjoyment with this book.

The plot is well crafted and I loved the pace. The author has a brilliant writing style and I have genuinely enjoyed all of her books that I have read to date and this one is probably my favourite to date.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, I thought it was well written and a lovely story to read, it is another fabulous story from this author – very highly recommended and looking forward to reading more about the people on Hope Street!!

[ReadingGirlReviews (Gina) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

I jumped at the chance to read this when Sarah asked me if I was interested in the blog tour.  I have never read a Marcia Steele book before, but when I read the synopsis I just knew it was one for me.  It seems I have a tendency towards older couples finding romance lately, and I don't know why.  Maybe because I'm getting older.

This is the first of hopefully many stories to come about the people living on Hope Street.  This one centers around Doug and Hannah.  Doug, moves to Hope Street after a sudden heart attack makes him realize he needs to stop working so much and take a break.  He is hoping to recuperate away from the draw of his stressful job in hopes to change his lifestyle.  Hannah, a longtime resident, lives across the street from Doug and is extremely lonely after the recent passing of her dependent mother. Needless to say there is a little attraction between these two when they meet, whether its because they are so hell bent on getting a life, or that they both just really need each other, but their proximity to each other seems to be quite beneficial for them both.  As you continue to learn the intricacies of Doug and Hannah's lives, and all the demons they are battling behind the scenes, you start to fall in love with them, you start to fall in love with Hope Street, and you try to find a way to never leave this neighborhood again.

Do Hannah and Doug find love? Is that love with each other?   Does Hannah ever really find out about this secret her mom was afraid to tell?  Does Doug stay on Hope Street permanently?  And the neighbors, what happens with all the neighbors we become friends with too??  Oh this is one you are going to just have to read, and I promise you, when you are finished you are going to be waiting with bated breath just like I am to get ahold of the next installment.  If you are a fan of community drama and small town stories with a little romance, excitement and flair, then this one is for you.  Marcie Steele I love The Somerley Series.  5 stars easily from me.  You now have a new reader, and this series will be on auto-buy!  I'm so glad I read this.

Thank you to Marcie Steele, Blood Red Books, and Sarah Hardy from Book On The Bright Side Publicity and Promo for the gifted copy of this book for my unbiased and honest review.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really had no idea what to expect from my first book by Marcie Steele, and I'm really glad I gave this one a go.

I really loved the setting of Hope Street, it seems like such a caring community, where you actually know your neighbours and everyone is happy to look out for each other.

Hannah is really lost, for 20 years has been her mums sole carer, and now after her mum dies she really isn't sure what to do with her life. She is approaching the big four -oh, and only really knows Hope Street. She has a letter from her mum that she is terrified to open in case it tears her apart, but equally suspects it must contain some sort of secret.

Doug is an all around nice bloke who moves in opposite Hannah, he is a bit older, and as the book focuses on both characters you can tell he is hiding something, but what you really aren't sure. It is clear that they like each other, but whether anything will be done is another matter!

Once I was used to the writing style, I was able to happily lose myself between the pages for long periods of time, really enjoying what I was reading. There are certainly revelations to be had, and its just a really lovely story to read.

There is such a varied cast of characters all living on Hope Street, and Hannah's best friend Poppy is wonderful, and even a scene with the street drunk made me smile while feeling ill at the same time! There are all manner of plot threads that keeps the book interesting.

I'm already missing my Hope Street companions and hope to be back there again soon, or once the next book is written at least!

Thanks to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,

[Mandie Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly enjoyable and uplifting read. Beautiful story of how life can change in a heartbeat, but also how change can be the best thing ever and shape your life in a positive way. A heartwarming story filled with lovely friendly characters who we all know a version of.

[Louise Marshall-jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

light hearted

Really easy read ! Love the characters and the story line and even the bit of a twist towards the end

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Marcie's books for a little while now. (Marcie Steele also writes crime thrillers under the name of Mel Sherratt.) I love the way in which she writes adorable stories featuring equally adorable characters. I couldn't wait to get hold of a copy of Marcie's latest book 'The Man Across The Street'. Well ladies and gents, the wait is over as 'The Man Across The Street' was released on 1st January 2020. Marcie has done it again and she has written one hell of a fantastic book. I absolutely ADORED reading 'The Man Across The Street' but more about that in a bit.
I absolutely loved the characters of Hannah, who lives at number 34 Hope Street and Doug, who lives at number 35 Hope Street, which is directly opposite Hannah's house. Hannah was the sole carer for her mother, who has sadly passed away. Hannah is a bit of a lost soul because she dedicated all of her time to caring for her mother and now her mother is no longer with her, Hannah doesn't know what to do with her time. As Hannah lived with her Mam, Hannah sees reminders of her mother all the time. This was something I could identify with in a way because I lost my father a few years ago now but I lived at home and everywhere I looked after his death, I saw and remembered my Dad. Hannah is a gentle soul, who works part time in a hairdressers and she also helps out at the local community centre. Although Hannah is popular with her neighbours and the other residents of the street, I got the impression that she was a bit lonely and that her self esteem was a little low. However things start looking up for Hannah when the handsome Doug moves in across the street. Doug is a workaholic, who has had one hell of a shock as he suffered a heart attack. This was a wake up call for Doug and he decided to have a complete break from his hectic life. He does this by moving some distance away and moving into Hope Street. Doug is kind, generous, compassionate, handsome and he has a great sense of humour. It's clear that Doug is hiding a secret from his past and that he has been deeply wounded by what happened. Sparks fly between Hannah and Doug and I was keeping everything crossed that things would work out well between the two of them and that they would find the happiness that they both deserved. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh. My. Giddy. Aunt, 'The Man Across The Street' was a delight from start to finish. As soon as I picked up the book that was it, I just found that the book was unputdownable. I didn't want to miss a single second of this brilliant story. Part of the attraction for me was the fact that the two main characters were so likeable. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first few chapters I felt as though they had become friends of mine. I had to keep reading to discover what fate had in store for them. The pages turned over at a furious rate as I charged my way through the story. 'The Man Across The Street' was one of those books that you want to finish because you are enjoying the story so much but you don't want to finish so that you can prolong your enjoyment of the book and not have to say farewell to characters that you had taken to your heart. Other book worms will know exactly what I mean when I say that.
'The Man Across The Street' is superbly written but then I find that to be true of all of Marcie's books. She certainly knows how to draw you into the story from the first word onwards. Once Marcie has your attention then she does not let it go until the moment you close the back cover. In that sense it was as if she developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I didn't want to break under any circumstances. Even after I finished reading the book, the story and the characters have stayed with me for a long time and I can't wait to reunite with them in future books. Marcie uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I did feel as though I was part of the story myself. In fact if I could have jumped inside the pages of the book to move to Hope Street then I would have done. Yes, I know this is a work of fiction and therefore not real, but if I enjoy a story to the extent that I enjoyed 'The Man Across The Street' then I tend to 'live' the story as if it were real.
In short, Marcie Steele has written a blooming brilliant book that deserves to go to the top of the bestseller lists. I will definitely be reading more of Marcie's work in the future and I can't wait for the second book in the Hope Street series. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait. I would definitely recommend Marcie and her books to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Claire Stibbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Martha dies, Hannah Lockley is lost. Having cared for her mother after an accident, she has no career prospects and can’t afford to go to college. But is her life as dire as she thinks? Living down a cobblestone road at 34 Hope Street, she knows almost everyone in the neighbouring houses. You can’t help warming to her lively, social personality and (I agree with her mum) she’d make an excellent nurse.

Doug and Alex Peterson work in the Salford Business Quarter, an office building that overlooks a park. They are embarking on demolishing a derelict factory on the waterfront to build sixteen flats. But when Doug moves into a house on Hope Street, his life becomes forever changed. He cannot get Hannah, his new neighbour, out of his mind. But he also can’t get his workaholic, obsessive past out of his head either.

Told from both Hannah and Doug’s perspectives, I found myself emotionally invested from the start. Steele has a knack of getting under her readers’ sin and this book is no exception. I love books about love, loss, and relationships, and the trials the characters face through each chapter. But this book doesn’t come without it’s hardships, and there’s a mystery to solve—a Pandora’s box—which gives the story an added layer I crave as a reader.

As Hannah chases up questions of her past with the widow at number three, the intrigue thickens. Phoebe is the best friend a girl could want and she’s always there to pick up the pieces. But why was Hannah’s mum holding on to such a secret? Talking to her mother’s grave doesn’t help and working out the ‘wherewithals’ with Thelma and Renee isn’t getting her anywhere. Who else is left to ask? Doug is such a kind man, it’s hard not to fall in love with him. But he has his secrets too.
One of the reasons I loved this book from the start was the age group of the characters. Doug is in his late forties (so I can resonate) and Hannah is not that far behind. You can live their lives through them as the author delivers each character on point and so accurately that it’s impossible not to be affected in some way. You want to wrap Hannah in a big hug and tell her it’s all going to be okay, but in order to grow she has to face pain head on.

In my opinion, Marcie Steel totally smashes this one out of the park. Another bestseller and one I highly recommend to those who love Women’s Romance Fiction.

[Teresa Nikolic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe I’m scared to be happy…

Meet Hannah – she’s been her mum’s sole carer since she was eighteen. Now alone after Martha’s sudden death, Hannah feels lost in the only place she’s known as home, Hope Street. Coming up to a milestone birthday, she’s wondering what her purpose in life is.

Meet Doug – a workaholic, he’s in the office from dusk ’til dawn, and then he has a heart attack. Now on the mend, he needs to de-stress his life and focus on living it, to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Doug moves to Hope Street, number 35. Hannah lives at number 34, directly opposite. From the moment they meet, there’s a spark.

But there are secrets too. Hannah’s mum has been keeping something from her, her sister left over twenty years ago, and there can’t be such a simple reason why Doug has moved to Somerley. Can there?

I'm a massive fan of Marcie Steele and have read all of her books so far except for The Little Market Stall of Hope and Heartbreak which is sat waiting on my kindle to be read. After reading Stirred with Love I had a three week book hangover, it affected me that much but when I heard that Marcie was back with a brand new series I was so excited and couldn't wait to read book one in the Somerley series, The Man Across the Street, and it definitely did not disappoint. Opening a Marcie Steele book is like putting on a new pair of pyjamas and fluffy slippers, you just know you will feel all cosy within minutes. I fell in love with both of the main characters, Hannah and Doug, straightaway and was praying that they would get their happy ending, you will have to read it yourselves to find out if they do, but if you like a feel good read then this one is for you. I have to say that Marcie has created a work of art once again, I am so glad that she has returned with more of her wonderful stories and I can't wait for book two!! A huge five stars from me.

I'd like to thank Marcie for sending me a copy of this book and I will post my review on Goodreads now and on Amazon on publication day.

[Eclectic Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful romance between two people who want to heal their hearts, but can they handle the secrets of their pasts?

When Doug Peterson had a heart attack in his office, at his brother’s insistence, he moves to the quaint town of Somerley to recover, rest up and reflect on his bad life choices. What he finds is a friendly setting and a kind and beautiful woman named Hannah who starts to make a profound difference in his life, but will his secrets be the end of their relationship?

Hannah lives on Hope Street in Somerley. A lovely community where everyone knows everyone else and they are accepting of strangers. Hannah gave up her life (more than 20 years) to care for her mother after a tragic car accident which left her in need of twenty-four-hour help and the loss of Hannah’s father. In addition, Hannah’s ungrateful little sister Olivia disappears from Somerley right after high school and never returns to offer help to take care of her mother. Now Hannah’s mother is gone and Hannah is facing a milestone birthday with no family and little money to live on. When an attractive and sweet man moves in across the street, her world starts to look brighter, but then shocking surprises from her mother’s past come to light and her insecurities of not being good enough surface leaving her vulnerable and alone all over again.

Ms. Steele’s characters are well-rounded though I would have liked to have learned more about Doug’s past. People may think Hannah and Doug’s relationship was moving a bit too fast, but speaking from experience, when you are in your 40’s and 50’s you don’t want to waste precious time. The supporting characters were a great addition including Hannah’s friends, the funny and feisty Phoebe, and sweet Thelma, and Doug’s caring brother Alex.

Overall, this was a quick read with a sweet romance, fun characters and laugh-out-loud moments.

Thank you to Ms. Steele for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, such a brilliant way to start a new year. The main characters Hannah and Doug are two people with their own problems, looking for answers and finding each other and a few complications at the same time.

Hannah is trying to work out what to do with her life now that she doesn’t need to care for her mother and the approach of the big 4-0 makes her question the life she has had so far. Doug needs to rest after working too hard and rediscovers his zest for life when he moves into Hope Street and meets Hannah but is he everything he seems to be?

There are other characters that we get to know fairly well and it’ll be interesting to see their own stories in future books. I’m not someone who likes everyone knowing their business, I’m not anti-social but I do like my privacy. However, I liked the sense of community that exists in Hope Street, something missing from many streets nowadays, it was nice to see people concerned about Hannah and wanting to make sure she was ok.

I’m not sure if the author has had a period of reflection after a big change in her life, but I certainly have. A few years ago I made a momentous decision in my life and things have taken until recently to properly settle. However, in the last year or so I have spent time reflecting on the previous years and what happened, and the portrayal of Hannah doing the same was so realistic and accurate that I could relate entirely to how she felt and the questions she asked herself.

The best books, in my opinion, are those that give you a window into another life, realistic but also an escape from your own life for a while. Those that let you see that other people also have their struggles and the same thoughts as you, and perhaps there is a way to overcome them after all. Those that leave you thinking but also with a warm, cosy feeling that lasts after you’ve turned the last page and this is one of those books.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah is trying to decide what to do with her life, she feels lost and without a path to follow after loosing her mother. It’s her 40th birthday soon and she knows her life has to change, she has spent the last years of her life taking care of her mother, now that she has passed away she needs to know what does she really want. But everything will change after a handsome man moves near to her apartment, maybe it’s time to let love enter to her life?
This has been a quick read, so easy to enter the story and feel part of the neighborhood that I can only hope that we will read a new book based at Hope Street soon! I started this book on the 24th of December after a family dinner and I didn’t stop till I read the last page!
This is a book to let you disconnect from your problems and that welcomes to a nice street where everyone knows each other, they are more than friends, they are a family. Maybe we all want this type of friendship around us and that’s what makes the story so real and human.
Because Hannah is loved by everyone and they know that this is not the best moment for her, so when Doug appears in their life they can’t wait to create some sparks between them. As you can imagine it will not be so easy, Hannah will discover a secret from her family deeply hidden and this will make distrust everyone around her… And Doug has a secret on his own, will all these secrets keep them together or will keep them apart? Of course you’ll have to read the book to know the rest!
The Man Across The Street will delight you since the first page, addictive and real this is the book you need to start this year with a smile on your face!

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Marcie Steele since 2015 and always hoped there would be more books from her. The Somerley Series was so heart warming and I do love a feel good novel!


The Man Across The Street is the first in a new series set on Hope Street which is in the market town of Somerley. The community spirit is strong in the residents, everyone knows each other and are happy to lend a hand when required. I really enjoy this in a book; totally gives me the warm and fuzzies!


The story mainly concentrates on two residents of Hope Street. Hannah who is struggling to come to terms with the death of her mother of who she has been a carer since being 18. She is left feeling lonely and without purpose especially as she has lost contact with her sister due to a mysterious conflict within the family. We then have Doug, a workaholic who has had a heart attack. He arrives in Hope Street hoping for rest and recuperation but has secrets of his own that he isn’t eager to share.


Neither of them are expecting romance to land on their doorstep but it is obvious from the first meeting that there is a spark between them. Of course the path to true love isn’t a smooth one and the couple must discover a lot about themselves before they can think about getting together.


I loved this book and am so excited that there is more to come from this new series!

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting and wonderful

If you lived in this street you won't want to ever move.
Hannah Lockley lives in Hope Street Somerley, after her dear mum died, she's finding life hard, with a part time job as a hairdresser at Hope Street Hair, money is tight, now and feeling all alone, nearly forty years old, with no purpose in life. Good neighbours and enjoys her work, Hope Street will always be home, and then there's Colin.
Doug Barnett is the new man across the street, and Phoebe said he's a dish, Hannah doesn't want another man in her life.
A handy man he is, that's right up her street, could a little more than friendship be evolve? Let's see how it pans out.
A delightful book, that I enjoyed right through in wow one day, just couldn't put it down.
Hannah and Doug are perfect for each other and it certainly shines through this gorgeous book.
But trying times are ahead for them both, her mum has left a big secret, and Doug also has big secrets, so how will Hannah cope and react?
I found myself filling up in a few chapters just couldn't hold back my emotions that's to me shows what this author is capable of doing to her reader's.
And now I'm so excited awaiting book two hopefully shortly.
Absolutely fabulous feel good read.
And definitely sorry to see The End.

[Annett Jummrich · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was looking for some light entertainment, some chick-lit to get my mind off this ongoing pandemic malarkey. Plus, who doesn’t need a bit of light escapism from time to time, right?

This book starts well enough and up till the half-way point I got what I was looking for: a syrup-y love story where you know the two main characters end up together. However, the second half is a letdown. The story just becomes this cringeworthy fest that is so sweet that I felt like my dentist will remove my teeth when I next go for a checkup.

Also, the author should have focused on one main theme. Why add so much ‘mystery’? Why isn’t the love story sufficient enough? No, instead there suddenly is an unexpected sibling (sorry, spoiler) in the picture who frankly doesn’t add anything to the story apart from filling a couple of nonsense pages.

I also find the reaction of the younger sister over the top. (Sorry, spoiler again.) Disappearing and leaving her sister behind - with whom she was apparently very close - just because her parents gave up a child for adoption 15 years before she was born? I find this ridiculous.

1.5 (maybe 2) stars because it started out well enough, but I highly doubt I will read the second book in this series.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah has been her Mums carer since the age of 18 when her parents were in a car crash where her Dad died and her Mum was left unable to care for herself, she also holds down a part time job in the local hairdressers. Her Mum has now died and Hannah has been left 2 letters, 1 of which she can’t bear to open.
Doug moves in over the road from Hannah to number 35 Hope Street, he is recovering from a heart attack and has come to convalesce and work as an odd job man in the area. There is a spark between Hannah and Doug as soon as they meet but will secrets stop them from getting together?
I really enjoyed this first book in a new series. The author has managed to catch the nostalgia in her writing of a street where everyone knows everybody. People walking into each other’s houses to help them or check on them, this book took me back to my childhood.
The characters in the story were well thought out, all having their own little quirks.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author, this really is a wonderful way to start a new series. I highly recommend this book.

[Coffee & Chapters · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to say this book was not for me at all which is a shame because based on the summary, I really had high hopes!

The storyline itself was incredibly fascinating, particularly when Hannah uncovers the controversial secrets about her past, and where Doug finally comes clean about why he really moved to Hope Street. However, the build up to that was not very fascinating. I thought the writing was very basic and perhaps it is because the story did not manage to hook me in, and to keep me hooked, which is why it took me over 2 months to finish the book.

I normally don’t read many rom-com books because most of the time they fail to keep me wanting more.

The ending of this book was rather sweet and I really did enjoy that Hannah seemed to be a well-developed character, who made a really great choice, although a very expected one. The rest of the characters, even Doug at times, I felt were very two-dimensional, and I couldn’t really relate to them in any way.

[Louise Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely romantic novel.

Hannah has lived in Hope Street all her life. With no intention of moving. And why would she? When it's a wonderful little community. Everybody knows everybody :)

Hannah has been her mother's sole carer since she was 18. But then her mother dies and Hannah does not know what to do with herself.

Then comes in Doug, who starts tongues wagging.

Doug lives in Manchester with his brother and runs a successful business. Until one day he has a heart attack. Doug was very lucky but had to make some life changes I order to survive. Cue a move to the quiet community of Hope Street.

Will love blossom between her and Doug?

A lovely, uplifting romance. The plot is simple and pred6. But the characters really brought the story to life for me.

[Lisa Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcie is back

This is the first book of a new series called The Hope Street Series based on the residents of Hope Street. Although everybody knows everybody in this neighbourly street, there are secrets.
Hannah, nearly 40, has just lost her mother for whom she was the sole career and Doug, 49 year old workaholic, moves to the street after suffering a heart attack.
Marcie is a very good character writer, your main focus is Hannah and Doug but she has you caring about all the characters and I’m wondering whose story is next.
Great introduction into a new series and I’m looking forward to discovering more about the other neighbours.

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of a new series and what a cracking read it is. Hannah left alone after her mother's death living in Hope Street she feels alone and pretty fed up with her life. When Doug who is recovering from a heart attack moves in temporarily opposite there is an obvious spark between them.
But there are secrets that will be revealed as you get into the book. Five stars from me and another success for Marcie

[Alexina · Rating 4 out of 5]

a quirky street, that takes you back to where community mattered, but there is plenty going on to get your teeth in to it and keep you invested in the characters.

Marcie Steele wrote a charming story that weaved the lives of the residents together, but with the backdrop of some sadness, and twists - like real life does!

a great easy read, that is the start of a new series.

look forward to reading more from the lives of the characters in Hope Street.

[Christine Rennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Man across the Street was a feel good book that was easy to read. Two people meet and fall in love, and life as usual gets in the way. Hannah and Phoebe are friends and work together at the local hairdressers in Hope Street where they both live. Then Doug moves in and immediately there is something between Hannah and Doug, will they be able to resolve their differences and become a couple?
Recommended

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice Story

I enjoy Mel Aberrant books and have read quite a few. I only chose this book because her name was attached to it. It was a nice surprise to find out that she was Marcie Steele as well. The story was just okay to me. It was too much like reading a Harlequin Romance novel and I haven't read those since my teenage years. I need something with more substance and maturity. It was a tad bit too juvenile for me, but not a bad read at all.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next one!

Just finished my first Hope Street book and I want another one! Please tell me Pheobes story is next?
Lovely likeable characters who draw you in and feel like old friends before you know it. Really good stand alone story and not just a set up for a series.

[Silverymoonlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful romantic escape!

With the world in a dark place this was the perfect read. Doug and Hannah brought such happiness and memories of how new love feels. Pheobe and the other members of hope st were also much loved.
I hope to read more about Doug and Hannah?!

[Katrina Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. Looking forward to hearing more about Hannah & Doug in the follow up book. Fingers crossed Olivia comes to visit her sister and that they get everything out in the open.