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Chicago Hope
Aspiring journalist Maura Hall dreams of changing the world, but she'll settle for Chicago.
Wanting to build a better life and eventually change the world, she uprooted herself and her eight-year-old son from the Sandhills of North Carolina and planted roots in Chicago, Illinois. After three years of struggling to publish even one hope-filled article, Maura’s dreams begin to crumble and fade, much like her run-down tenement. She works a second job to make ends meet and struggles to balance parenting with work, while her journalistic responsibilities are reduced to correcting typos for her plagiarizing co-workers.
Rick Figueroa seems perfect: he’s handsome, smart, and appreciative of Maura’s vision for their media company. He’s also in a position to share her writing and ideas. Together they launch a Dear Santa project that has the potential to restore hope and Christmas cheer to thousands of children.
But things are not always as they seem. As Maura’s attraction to Rick grows, so do her questions about his identity and his intentions. Soon she is faced with a choice between love, career, and doing the right thing… all before Christmas.
Wanting to build a better life and eventually change the world, she uprooted herself and her eight-year-old son from the Sandhills of North Carolina and planted roots in Chicago, Illinois. After three years of struggling to publish even one hope-filled article, Maura’s dreams begin to crumble and fade, much like her run-down tenement. She works a second job to make ends meet and struggles to balance parenting with work, while her journalistic responsibilities are reduced to correcting typos for her plagiarizing co-workers.
Rick Figueroa seems perfect: he’s handsome, smart, and appreciative of Maura’s vision for their media company. He’s also in a position to share her writing and ideas. Together they launch a Dear Santa project that has the potential to restore hope and Christmas cheer to thousands of children.
But things are not always as they seem. As Maura’s attraction to Rick grows, so do her questions about his identity and his intentions. Soon she is faced with a choice between love, career, and doing the right thing… all before Christmas.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2020
About the author
Carmen DeSousa
43 books647 followersReader Profile: First and foremost, I am a reader. From the moment I could hold a book, I've been fascinated by the written word. I enjoy almost everything but lean toward romantic suspense and magical realism. If you're looking for bad reviews, you won't find them here. The reason... life's too short to read bad books. If a book isn't at least three stars halfway through, I stop reading, and therefore, don't feel as though I have the right to review it. That's my policy! Please don't send me requests, though. If you are one of my cyber friends, I will eventually find you. :)
Author Profile: A writer of modern-day fairy tales, I write stories that overflow with romance, mystery, suspense, a hint of paranormal sometimes, and of course, tragedy. After all, what would a fairy tale be without a tragic event setting the stage? All of my novels are sensual but not erotic, gripping but not graphic, and will hopefully, make you cry, laugh, love, and hope.
SERIES READING ORDER:
The Midnight Sons (Action/Adventure, Romantic Suspense)
#1 Sam's Folly
#2 Alex's Atonement
#3 Vince's Chance
#4 Erik's Revelation
#5 Daire's Resolution
#6 Adam's Rising
Creatus Series (Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance)
#1 Creatus
#2 Creatus Rogue
#3 Creatus Eidolon
#4 Creatus Animus
#5 Creatus Talis
#6 Creatus Unyielding
#7 Creatus Sovereign
The Southern Collection (Romantic Mystery)
#1 She Belongs to Me
#2 Land of the Noonday Sun
#3 Entangled Dreams
#4 When Noonday Ends
#5 Split Decisions
American Haunts (Mysteries with a Ghostly Edge)
The Pit Stop (This Stop Could be Life or Death)
The Depot (When Life and Death Cross Tracks)
The Library (Where Life Checks Out)
A Second Chance at Happily Ever After (Women's Fiction, Chick Lit)
Unlucky In Love (Free with Newsletter Sign-Up on Website)
Some Lucky Woman
Down on Her Luck
Crazy Love (Women's Fiction, Coming-of-Age Romance)
Love Like Crazy
Love Until It Hurts
Author Profile: A writer of modern-day fairy tales, I write stories that overflow with romance, mystery, suspense, a hint of paranormal sometimes, and of course, tragedy. After all, what would a fairy tale be without a tragic event setting the stage? All of my novels are sensual but not erotic, gripping but not graphic, and will hopefully, make you cry, laugh, love, and hope.
SERIES READING ORDER:
The Midnight Sons (Action/Adventure, Romantic Suspense)
#1 Sam's Folly
#2 Alex's Atonement
#3 Vince's Chance
#4 Erik's Revelation
#5 Daire's Resolution
#6 Adam's Rising
Creatus Series (Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance)
#1 Creatus
#2 Creatus Rogue
#3 Creatus Eidolon
#4 Creatus Animus
#5 Creatus Talis
#6 Creatus Unyielding
#7 Creatus Sovereign
The Southern Collection (Romantic Mystery)
#1 She Belongs to Me
#2 Land of the Noonday Sun
#3 Entangled Dreams
#4 When Noonday Ends
#5 Split Decisions
American Haunts (Mysteries with a Ghostly Edge)
The Pit Stop (This Stop Could be Life or Death)
The Depot (When Life and Death Cross Tracks)
The Library (Where Life Checks Out)
A Second Chance at Happily Ever After (Women's Fiction, Chick Lit)
Unlucky In Love (Free with Newsletter Sign-Up on Website)
Some Lucky Woman
Down on Her Luck
Crazy Love (Women's Fiction, Coming-of-Age Romance)
Love Like Crazy
Love Until It Hurts
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 17, 2020
This is a sweet, heartwarming Christmas story with a happy ending. Definitely could be made into a Hallmark movie.
January 30, 2022
Lovely Story.
This story line kept my interest through the entire story. Loved the way it brought in the fairness to every one concerned. Also adding a very touching love story. This a story that makes everyone left with a really good feeling about a lot of things that seem to be taking place that aren't fair but can be fixed and have a happy ending. Thank you very much.
This story line kept my interest through the entire story. Loved the way it brought in the fairness to every one concerned. Also adding a very touching love story. This a story that makes everyone left with a really good feeling about a lot of things that seem to be taking place that aren't fair but can be fixed and have a happy ending. Thank you very much.
November 14, 2020
This the 1st book I read Carmen DeSousa. This book's storyline was okay. I liked the pizza 🍕 in this story. It sounded delicious 😋. I liked Maura's character. I liked Ben. I liked Rick's character. I liked the ending.
November 30, 2020
Sweet Christmas Story!
January 7, 2026
A Chicago Christmas
This was a wonderful story about healing from a broken heart. A Christmas that came from an eight year old boy. How he wanted his mom to find love and happiness. A book hard to but down. You will love the story.
This was a wonderful story about healing from a broken heart. A Christmas that came from an eight year old boy. How he wanted his mom to find love and happiness. A book hard to but down. You will love the story.
December 31, 2025
Chicago Hope is delightful!
This story is so sweet! I had trouble putting it down. It was so well written with just the right amount of romance, humor, and family. I really enjoyed reading this book so much.
This story is so sweet! I had trouble putting it down. It was so well written with just the right amount of romance, humor, and family. I really enjoyed reading this book so much.
January 14, 2026
Unexpectedly Fabulous !!
This wonderful tale centers around a single Mom who works 2 jobs and embodies so many of life hardships that so many of us also carry. Her attitude and fortitude are championed by her 8 year old son who not only hears it all but also remembers it all.
A wonderful unexpected holiday gift.
Don't miss reading it.
This wonderful tale centers around a single Mom who works 2 jobs and embodies so many of life hardships that so many of us also carry. Her attitude and fortitude are championed by her 8 year old son who not only hears it all but also remembers it all.
A wonderful unexpected holiday gift.
Don't miss reading it.
March 8, 2021
Working together in their article for Santa days to cheer children up. With romance a possible as they work together. Nice home warming story.
January 22, 2026
I just found this a bit odd, and stuff like when Maura's son asks to go on a sleepover straight after he takes part in a school play and she agrees even though it was pretty vague who he was staying with and he wouldn't have any spare clothes, toothbrush, PJ'S with him.
The bit when Maura is expounding on how she wants to make difference in the lives of kids through her journalism was just too Hallmark for me. The dear Santa angle was a bit lame if you ask me.
It's a nope from me, too Hallmark/Mills and Boon.
The bit when Maura is expounding on how she wants to make difference in the lives of kids through her journalism was just too Hallmark for me. The dear Santa angle was a bit lame if you ask me.
It's a nope from me, too Hallmark/Mills and Boon.
August 17, 2021
Well written and engaging
It was a tough book to out down once I started reading even though it was pretty predictable, as most romances are. It moved very quickly and I finished the book surprisingly soon.
It was a tough book to out down once I started reading even though it was pretty predictable, as most romances are. It moved very quickly and I finished the book surprisingly soon.
December 28, 2025
Great book
This is a heart felt book about real life an how so many children an families are in need it shows love , heartache sadness humanity funny just a all good book will recommend to everyone who loves a good book to read
This is a heart felt book about real life an how so many children an families are in need it shows love , heartache sadness humanity funny just a all good book will recommend to everyone who loves a good book to read
January 1, 2026
Hope
Hope and dreams are faced with the reality of being a single mom with a charming kid hoping to improve their existence. Chance brings the guy who could make a difference and she is trying hard not to mix personal life with work. An entertaining read.
Hope and dreams are faced with the reality of being a single mom with a charming kid hoping to improve their existence. Chance brings the guy who could make a difference and she is trying hard not to mix personal life with work. An entertaining read.
March 1, 2026
It was ok. Felt she was a little clueless when it came to MC. Working and not knowing that a new CEO is coming in. No clue on how he’s getting stuff done when supposedly not starting till the new year. A lot in a short story so it’s just skimmed over.
Want to Read
October 26, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/26/2021)! 🎁
May 25, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ Cute and quick holiday read. Fairly low on angst.
Want to Read
December 26, 2025Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
January 8, 2026
Cute, sweet story.
June 4, 2026
I quite enjoyed this book. It's the girl meets gorgeous guy only to discover he's her boss, but it's done in a very readable way.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews