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Hope River #1
Hope's River
She’s into renovation. But she never expected a love life overhaul…
Hope Sawyer enjoys getting her hands dirty. And while she’s killing it flipping houses for a living, deep down she worries her happiness isn’t built on a strong foundation. So when her drunk boyfriend attempts to beat her, she jumps in her truck and drives until fate delivers her to a tiny town, a dilapidated Victorian, and her next big project.
River Lockwood remains haunted. Still burning with regret over the one that got away, the master electrician has constructed a lonely life in a place with a name drenched in personal history. But when he offers to help rewire an old house a newcomer just purchased, he’s amazed it’s the woman he lost all those years ago.
Shaken to reconnect with the only man she truly loved, Hope struggles with the memory of his betrayal. And though they grow closer the more time they spend together, River fears his dream girl won’t forgive him for a sin he didn’t actually commit.
Can this star-crossed couple renovate their hearts and build the relationship they deserve?
Hope’s River is the charming first tale in the Hope River contemporary romance series. If you like second chances, quirky communities, and undeniable chemistry, then you’ll adore Margaret McHeyzer’s fresh fixer-upper.
*A stand alone, second chance, small town romance.
Hope Sawyer enjoys getting her hands dirty. And while she’s killing it flipping houses for a living, deep down she worries her happiness isn’t built on a strong foundation. So when her drunk boyfriend attempts to beat her, she jumps in her truck and drives until fate delivers her to a tiny town, a dilapidated Victorian, and her next big project.
River Lockwood remains haunted. Still burning with regret over the one that got away, the master electrician has constructed a lonely life in a place with a name drenched in personal history. But when he offers to help rewire an old house a newcomer just purchased, he’s amazed it’s the woman he lost all those years ago.
Shaken to reconnect with the only man she truly loved, Hope struggles with the memory of his betrayal. And though they grow closer the more time they spend together, River fears his dream girl won’t forgive him for a sin he didn’t actually commit.
Can this star-crossed couple renovate their hearts and build the relationship they deserve?
Hope’s River is the charming first tale in the Hope River contemporary romance series. If you like second chances, quirky communities, and undeniable chemistry, then you’ll adore Margaret McHeyzer’s fresh fixer-upper.
*A stand alone, second chance, small town romance.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 8, 2021
718 people are currently reading
1075 people want to read
About the author
Margaret McHeyzer
51 books1,181 followersNEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR OF UGLY AND MISTRUST
I’m a two-time New York Times bestselling author for my stand-alone books Ugly and Mistrust. To date I’ve published over 30 books!
I’m first generation Australian born and live in Sydney with my husband, two daughters and my rescue-dog, Kingston!
I love to write stories to connect my readers to my strong, courageous characters…with some spice sprinkled between the pages.
The characters I write about can pop into my mind anytime and anywhere. From the shower, to washing dishes, playing with my puppy or even in my dreams. My characters can sometimes be intrusive, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thank you for taking this journey with me and I truly hope you love reading my stories as much as I love writing them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
February 9, 2021
Hope’s River is my first novel by Margaret McHeyzer. I really liked it a lot, so it definitely won’t be my last book by the author. I liked the writing and the way she described things, like the house, the town and the people. Hope’s River is an emotional, funny and romantic novel. Hope and River are the main characters and I liked them a lot.
Hope needs some time away. While driving, she finds an old house for sale in a small town. Hope runs her own business and she loves to renovate houses. She decides to buy the house and she wants to make a gorgeous home of it. She only decides to bring her brother to help her renovate. Hope runs into an old boyfriend, River. River is the one Hope has never forgotten and River has never forgotten Hope. Both of them were really hurt when it didn’t work out years ago, but maybe now is their time?
Hope is smart, handy, caring, determined, feisty and a little stubborn. Hope’s work is her dream and she’s really good at it. With every project she gives it her everything. But she will need some time to adjust to being in a small town. It’s different, but it will be good to her. Hope has closed off her heart for love, because she doesn’t want to get hurt again. Her boyfriends weren’t all that great, except for River.
River is handy, hard working, kind hearted, loving and determined. He’s an electrician and he decides to help Hope renovating the house. River loves living the small town. The people know each other and help where they can. River has definitely found his place there. River still loves Hope and he will do anything to win her heart again.
River and Hope’s love story wasn’t an easy one. They have a past. There is still love and chemistry between them. But Hope goes from hot to cold many times. Most of time I understood her thoughts, but I also wanted her to give River a chance. River’s feelings and love were obvious. I understood River’s opinion near the end. But thankfully Hope and River will be a beautiful and strong couple.
I adored the secondary characters. These secondary characters really made the book complete. They are great friends or family of River and Hope. All of them are supportive, fun and kind hearted. They put a big smile on my face so many times. So I’m very happy that Hope’s River is only the first book in a series that’s set in the small town. There are many people whose story I need. I can’t wait for the next one.
My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book
Hope needs some time away. While driving, she finds an old house for sale in a small town. Hope runs her own business and she loves to renovate houses. She decides to buy the house and she wants to make a gorgeous home of it. She only decides to bring her brother to help her renovate. Hope runs into an old boyfriend, River. River is the one Hope has never forgotten and River has never forgotten Hope. Both of them were really hurt when it didn’t work out years ago, but maybe now is their time?
Hope is smart, handy, caring, determined, feisty and a little stubborn. Hope’s work is her dream and she’s really good at it. With every project she gives it her everything. But she will need some time to adjust to being in a small town. It’s different, but it will be good to her. Hope has closed off her heart for love, because she doesn’t want to get hurt again. Her boyfriends weren’t all that great, except for River.
River is handy, hard working, kind hearted, loving and determined. He’s an electrician and he decides to help Hope renovating the house. River loves living the small town. The people know each other and help where they can. River has definitely found his place there. River still loves Hope and he will do anything to win her heart again.
River and Hope’s love story wasn’t an easy one. They have a past. There is still love and chemistry between them. But Hope goes from hot to cold many times. Most of time I understood her thoughts, but I also wanted her to give River a chance. River’s feelings and love were obvious. I understood River’s opinion near the end. But thankfully Hope and River will be a beautiful and strong couple.
I adored the secondary characters. These secondary characters really made the book complete. They are great friends or family of River and Hope. All of them are supportive, fun and kind hearted. They put a big smile on my face so many times. So I’m very happy that Hope’s River is only the first book in a series that’s set in the small town. There are many people whose story I need. I can’t wait for the next one.
My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book
March 9, 2021
After suddenly fleeing her home, Hope happens upon a small town hours away called Hope River and that’s where she finds an old run down house with great bones that she knows needs a touch of her magic. Hope is a house flipper, along with her brother, and they take on the project of flipping this dilapidated house in Hope River. Hope is taken in by the townspeople and made to feel at home. Even though she’s a stranger there, no one makes her feel like one, not for a second.
Hope doesn’t expect to run into River, her first love. It was never their time; they were two trains who were never in the station at the same time. But now they’re both in Hope River and Hope hires River to do electrical work on the house they’re flipping. River has never forgotten about Hope and from the second they reconnect, he’s adamant they should be together. But Hope plans to move on from the small town after their project is finished and she isn’t so sure she can open up her heart to River once again.
Hope’s River by Margaret McHeyzer is book 1 in the Hope River series. What I loved most about this second chance, small town romance is the town of Hope River and its townspeople. I could imagine myself there and it feels like a town I’d love to visit. What frustrated me was Hope; she was a hard character to like. Yes, she’s hardworking & I loved the house flipping elements, but she wasn’t easy to warm up to. Hope was her own worst enemy and couldn’t let herself be happy. Her reasons for not being with River were weak and her inner-thought arguments, as well as her arguments with River, got repetitive. I feel like this story would’ve benefited from River’s perspective as well. I do plan on continuing with the series, though! 3/5 stars.
Hope doesn’t expect to run into River, her first love. It was never their time; they were two trains who were never in the station at the same time. But now they’re both in Hope River and Hope hires River to do electrical work on the house they’re flipping. River has never forgotten about Hope and from the second they reconnect, he’s adamant they should be together. But Hope plans to move on from the small town after their project is finished and she isn’t so sure she can open up her heart to River once again.
Hope’s River by Margaret McHeyzer is book 1 in the Hope River series. What I loved most about this second chance, small town romance is the town of Hope River and its townspeople. I could imagine myself there and it feels like a town I’d love to visit. What frustrated me was Hope; she was a hard character to like. Yes, she’s hardworking & I loved the house flipping elements, but she wasn’t easy to warm up to. Hope was her own worst enemy and couldn’t let herself be happy. Her reasons for not being with River were weak and her inner-thought arguments, as well as her arguments with River, got repetitive. I feel like this story would’ve benefited from River’s perspective as well. I do plan on continuing with the series, though! 3/5 stars.
January 15, 2021
A completely new author to me and she had me in tears !!! I loved how strong hope was even though she annoyed me by keeping river at arm's length for so long! And gran( may) what a beautiful character and then to be left wanting more with Elle and Jake I cannot wait to see what happens there I'm giving it 5 stars and it's well deserved !
June 19, 2021
*Kind of spoilers* Oh, where do I start with this review?? This was really a badly written book, it was very difficult to even get through. There was so much repeating- Gran was a character who told it like it was and Hope appreciated this- this was repeated at least ten times throughout the beginning of the book. It was also just so vulgar-and not sexually, because there was barely any sex in the book, Hope was too busy "self sabotaging" and "getting in her own way"-again if I had turned it into a drinking game for every time those were used, I may have enjoyed the book more. Back to the vulgar, I don't need characters to announce when they "have to pee" and one of our first encounters with the "very handsome" River he is "farting"- like a middle school boy wrote the book. Unless I missed it Hope is never described from a physical standpoint, we have no idea what she looks like. The story lacks in description overall, we get the sense they are somewhere in California, but that is just about it. Oh, and her fighting with the friend she made, they have two identical fights, it was like page fillers. I wanted to like this book, it had been awhile since I had a small town romance to read, but this was just terrible. I have no idea what River saw in Hope or why her pursued her. Then there was the exactly one chapter from River's point of view, he was in a bar, and it provided exactly zero insight on who he was or what he was feeling for Hope-it was so very random and needless. Like the entire story.
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November 18, 2021
I really liked this one.
But at a point Elle kind of became annoying to me. The hole thing with her and Jack kind of pissed me off just a little bit.
And Hope really needed to get her head out of her ass faster than it took her to.
River also was kind of a jerk about Hope's feeling. So they where both assholes to each other.
I spent half the book yell at Hope and River in my head to just ducking love each other already.
So now I need to read the next book cause the ending left me wanting more.
But at a point Elle kind of became annoying to me. The hole thing with her and Jack kind of pissed me off just a little bit.
And Hope really needed to get her head out of her ass faster than it took her to.
River also was kind of a jerk about Hope's feeling. So they where both assholes to each other.
I spent half the book yell at Hope and River in my head to just ducking love each other already.
So now I need to read the next book cause the ending left me wanting more.
February 8, 2021
Hope flips houses with her brother, and recently, her life seemed to need a change which is how she ended up in a small town called Hope River, and obviously it was fate right?! She sees the perfect house to flip which is how she landed there, but there's a complication, a man who has broken her heart more than once, River, is there as well. He's definitely shocked to see her but it made him determined that he's not going to let her go again, but he doesn't count on Hope keeping him at arms length because she isn't willing to get her heart broken yet again. However, fate knew what she was doing as River is the man who Hope needs to help her flip this house so they start spending time together again, but the push & pull is brutal when it comes to these two. Now, I know that Hope may or may not get on readers' nerves but I didn't blame her for her hot & cold attitude to be honest (of course I don't forgive people easily). Hope's River is a heartwarming second chance story with humor, emotion, and a super fun small town who knows everyone that we all need in our lives to be honest! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
February 7, 2021
This is the 1st in a new series and what a magical tale River and Hope’s story is. Hope breaks up with her boyfriend and packs her car and just drives, and when she comes upon a small town called “Hope River” she knowns this is the place to be. On the outskirts of town, she finds “Old Rogers” a Victorian house that she feels compelled to buy and she is going to renovate it. The last person she expects to run into is River who broke her heart previously. River is an electrician who has his own business, and he is determined to convince Hope to give him another chance, but he is going to have his hands full with that as she does not want to face another heartbreak from him. These two works together to renovate the old house, but can River redeem himself? This is a well written story which has drama, emotion, and is an entertaining and humorous read. I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
January 24, 2021
-Marie, ☆☆☆☆
This is absolutely one of the cutest 4th chance love stories.
Hope and River reunited 3 times for just a short time. Each time leaving them both heartbroken. Neither one of them every really giving their all to anyone else.
Hope thought her life was going great, she loved her job and had a long term boyfriend. Until one night she realized he wasn’t the man she thought he was. She jumped in her truck and just drove. She ended up in a tiny little town called Hope’s River.
River was an army brat his whole life until he discovered a tiny little town can you guess where? He was an electrician and owned his own business. He couldn’t believe it when the girl he’s loved forever happens to be in the same place. They finally get their 4th shot but, it’s going to take some major convincing on his part.
This is absolutely one of the cutest 4th chance love stories.
Hope and River reunited 3 times for just a short time. Each time leaving them both heartbroken. Neither one of them every really giving their all to anyone else.
Hope thought her life was going great, she loved her job and had a long term boyfriend. Until one night she realized he wasn’t the man she thought he was. She jumped in her truck and just drove. She ended up in a tiny little town called Hope’s River.
River was an army brat his whole life until he discovered a tiny little town can you guess where? He was an electrician and owned his own business. He couldn’t believe it when the girl he’s loved forever happens to be in the same place. They finally get their 4th shot but, it’s going to take some major convincing on his part.
February 10, 2021
Small town, second chance romance from a new to me author. Hope is a smart, independent, hard working woman who flips houses with a crew, including her brother, for a living. Unfortunate happenings put her on a path to Hope's River, a small town with interesting characters and a house she is really drawn to and decides to buy and flip it. Hope's River also surprisingly includes her first love, River.
This book had serious moments and funny moments. The push and pull was constant. I'm not a fan of the constant back and forth, but I understood it. River was a saint with all his patience. Overall, it was a good read. I enjoyed Gran, the incoming characters for the next books in the series. Very curious about Jake and Elle's story and hopefully the third book with Hope's brother.
This book had serious moments and funny moments. The push and pull was constant. I'm not a fan of the constant back and forth, but I understood it. River was a saint with all his patience. Overall, it was a good read. I enjoyed Gran, the incoming characters for the next books in the series. Very curious about Jake and Elle's story and hopefully the third book with Hope's brother.
January 18, 2021
Hope's River by M. McHeyzer is book one in her Hope River series.
Hope is a 25 year old who flips houses.
River is an old acquaintance of her, she knows him fom highschool and has not the best of memories of him. She's still hurt and keeps him at arms length.
But the small town of Hope River and the author don't give her much of a choice.
What starts out with drama turns to a beautiful love story, a rom/com with hilarious scenes that had me lough out loud more than one time.
A beautiful small town/ second chances romance, 4,5 stars.
Hope is a 25 year old who flips houses.
River is an old acquaintance of her, she knows him fom highschool and has not the best of memories of him. She's still hurt and keeps him at arms length.
But the small town of Hope River and the author don't give her much of a choice.
What starts out with drama turns to a beautiful love story, a rom/com with hilarious scenes that had me lough out loud more than one time.
A beautiful small town/ second chances romance, 4,5 stars.
May 19, 2021
I picked this one up as a freebie on Amazon, I thought the blurb sounded great. I do adore a small town romance, and a second chance romance as well, so I was excited to try this.
Unfortunately for me the writing just wasn’t there, so this was a DNF at 2%. There wasn’t enough to hook me to push on past the writing, so I just left it at that. This book wasn’t for me.
Unfortunately for me the writing just wasn’t there, so this was a DNF at 2%. There wasn’t enough to hook me to push on past the writing, so I just left it at that. This book wasn’t for me.
July 21, 2023
I loved this series!!! I loved the characters and the storyline was exceptional. Each book has a different couple but you also hear about all the others in the town and couples so it doesn’t feel incomplete. Definitely love May she’s the highlight for me !
January 13, 2022
Not bad at all for a first book
Too NA for my tastes
A little wobbly
I'll read this author again to observe evolution
Maybe
Too NA for my tastes
A little wobbly
I'll read this author again to observe evolution
Maybe
January 30, 2022
Oy
So much back and fourth. I wasn't a fan. The main characters got on my nerves. So many secondary characters and side plots. So much matchmaking.
So much back and fourth. I wasn't a fan. The main characters got on my nerves. So many secondary characters and side plots. So much matchmaking.
July 9, 2024
What can I say, I love a good small town romance Fr
February 26, 2021
✯✯5 Hope & River Filled Stars!!!✯✯
I’m in love with everything Margaret McHeyzer release’s and Hope’s River is no different. This is a completely new genre for her but I swear you’d think she’s been writing small-town romance, second chance, romantic comedy for years. But, nope this is her first and I’m glad to know we have at least two more coming.
Hope Sawyer is a 25yr old and she flips house’s for a living. She’s worked hard to get where she is today. Hope’s been in a relationship for a few year’s. Hope has settled and just going from day to day. Until one night her boyfriend comes home and pick’s a fight with her that escalates. Hope breaks up with him.
Hope pack’s a bag and let’s him know she’s leaving and he has a week to get his stuff outta her house. Hope drive’s around aimlessly until she see’s a small town called Hope River. She doesn’t get very far into town when she see’s a rundown down for sale.
The house has been vacant for years, Falling down and it’s calling her. Hope buy’s it and call’s her brother Charlie who work’s with her to come and flip it with her.
The town is small and everybody knows everyone and everyone knows everyone’s business. By lunchtime Hope has been tops by everyone in town they’re excited to see what she does to the house. There was one town resident that knocked the wind outta Hope the minute she saw him.
River Lockwood is a blast from the past. Hope met River when they were in high school. But, not too long after they met River moved due to his dad’s job. Over the next few year’s River and Hope would run into each other. The last time they saw each other it didn’t end well and Hope isn’t happy to see River.
Neither Hope or River were expecting to see the other one. Hope is definitely not happy but River is beyond happy to see her. River became an electrician and owns his own business and came to offer his services to the new owner of the house. He let’s Hope know he want’s to help as well as start over. Even though Hope tells him absolutely not, River promise’s to wait as long as it take’s for Hope to give them another shot.
This was such a greatstory!! I loved how the town folks were involved in the renovations. They were adamant Hope not tear it down. Even though her brother was vocal about blowing it up LOL. But, for Hope the house spoke to her. She wanted to keep it and rebuild it. Hope wanted to make it bigger and better them before while keeping it original.
Hope kept telling everyone once the house was done she was selling it and moving onto the next one and she wasn’t staying. Elle, the realtor, owner of the diner, who became friend’s with Hope that she said she wasn’t staying in Hope River but she’s never left.
River and Hope go from hot to cold. River keep’s trying to get Hope to see how good they could be together. Hope keep’s fighting with herself and her feeling’s. If she can’t get her head and heart on the same page she could loose River for the last time.
I’m so excited for Elle and Jake’s story next. Then Charlie and Tabitha after that. One of my favorite character’s in this story was Gran to the townspeople and May to Hope and Charlie. She had me Lmao one minute and had me crying the next. I’m excited Margaret is giving us more of Hope River to look forward to.
I’m in love with everything Margaret McHeyzer release’s and Hope’s River is no different. This is a completely new genre for her but I swear you’d think she’s been writing small-town romance, second chance, romantic comedy for years. But, nope this is her first and I’m glad to know we have at least two more coming.
Hope Sawyer is a 25yr old and she flips house’s for a living. She’s worked hard to get where she is today. Hope’s been in a relationship for a few year’s. Hope has settled and just going from day to day. Until one night her boyfriend comes home and pick’s a fight with her that escalates. Hope breaks up with him.
Hope pack’s a bag and let’s him know she’s leaving and he has a week to get his stuff outta her house. Hope drive’s around aimlessly until she see’s a small town called Hope River. She doesn’t get very far into town when she see’s a rundown down for sale.
The house has been vacant for years, Falling down and it’s calling her. Hope buy’s it and call’s her brother Charlie who work’s with her to come and flip it with her.
The town is small and everybody knows everyone and everyone knows everyone’s business. By lunchtime Hope has been tops by everyone in town they’re excited to see what she does to the house. There was one town resident that knocked the wind outta Hope the minute she saw him.
River Lockwood is a blast from the past. Hope met River when they were in high school. But, not too long after they met River moved due to his dad’s job. Over the next few year’s River and Hope would run into each other. The last time they saw each other it didn’t end well and Hope isn’t happy to see River.
Neither Hope or River were expecting to see the other one. Hope is definitely not happy but River is beyond happy to see her. River became an electrician and owns his own business and came to offer his services to the new owner of the house. He let’s Hope know he want’s to help as well as start over. Even though Hope tells him absolutely not, River promise’s to wait as long as it take’s for Hope to give them another shot.
This was such a greatstory!! I loved how the town folks were involved in the renovations. They were adamant Hope not tear it down. Even though her brother was vocal about blowing it up LOL. But, for Hope the house spoke to her. She wanted to keep it and rebuild it. Hope wanted to make it bigger and better them before while keeping it original.
Hope kept telling everyone once the house was done she was selling it and moving onto the next one and she wasn’t staying. Elle, the realtor, owner of the diner, who became friend’s with Hope that she said she wasn’t staying in Hope River but she’s never left.
River and Hope go from hot to cold. River keep’s trying to get Hope to see how good they could be together. Hope keep’s fighting with herself and her feeling’s. If she can’t get her head and heart on the same page she could loose River for the last time.
I’m so excited for Elle and Jake’s story next. Then Charlie and Tabitha after that. One of my favorite character’s in this story was Gran to the townspeople and May to Hope and Charlie. She had me Lmao one minute and had me crying the next. I’m excited Margaret is giving us more of Hope River to look forward to.
February 8, 2021
Wow! There are so many things I love about this book and a few I don’t. The story idea is wonderful. It’s a love at first sight over the years type of story. It includes many laugh out loud or a chuckle as I roll my eyes moments. The characters just are adorable. I love a female who has an unconventional job. Her brother is a delight in here. His personality makes me laugh, cringe and smile. There are a few others that really make this town lovely and a keeper. The down side for me is the romance is S-L-O-W! They have a push/pull kind of relationship. This just went on too long for me but others probably enjoy that type of relationship. I will say the ending make it worth the wait.
Overall I enjoyed getting to know the town and all the characters. The title of this book and town fit perfectly and make me think it’s serendipity. I don’t want to give anything away so this is a wonderful read and I look forward to more! Especially after that sneak peek at the end of the book!
Overall I enjoyed getting to know the town and all the characters. The title of this book and town fit perfectly and make me think it’s serendipity. I don’t want to give anything away so this is a wonderful read and I look forward to more! Especially after that sneak peek at the end of the book!
October 17, 2021
***SPOILER ALERT***
In full disclosure, this is first book I have read by the author, Margaret McHeyzer. I had heard her books were awesome from numerous friends and I was not disappointed. There were times I was hysterically laughing.
We begin with a story of Hope and River who would over the period of the book cause each other heartache and pain.
An abusive partner causes Hope to pack a bag, ask the universe to guide her and for a sign where to go. She was led to a small town called Hope River. An old house, which she is drawn to and speaks to her. She has a sense of purpose, to restore the old place back to its glory.
Okay, so let's talk characters....
HOPE... I love that throughout the book she is a strong, independent woman who runs a business that some people may think only a male can run... construction. Buy a house, renovate it and flip it. She loves getting her hands dirty. She has a strong bond with her brother and I feel a strong sense of who she is. She was deeply hurt when things didn't work out for her and River several times. Will being in the same place this time work for them?? Will River be the one to break those walls to her heart down??
RIVER... I got a sense of loyalty straight off. I loved how he injected himself into her life at school. He forms strong friendships making a life for himself. Everytime circumstances would drive him and Hope apart, we learn that he was deeply affected by it. Always hoping that one day she would come back to him forever. Visiting family close by, he saw a place called Hope River, saw it as a sign.
I could go into every character but the review would be too long. I loved all of them. I will say that May, who she rents from had me in absolute stitches. Her character I LOVED. Hearing the descriptions of an old lady say things like:
"Unless you were pleasuring yourself in your truck"
“Not my business if you go flicking your bean, finger painting…”
“Auditioning the finger puppets.”
“Buttering your muffin.”
At 2am had me laughing so hard when I had to test my daughters blood sugars.
This is only the start for me reading Margaret's books. I felt drawn into the characters lives, loves, dreams, relationships. There is honestly nothing that I felt was missing. Thanks for a great, entertaining book. Can't wait for
OUR CHANCE#2
In full disclosure, this is first book I have read by the author, Margaret McHeyzer. I had heard her books were awesome from numerous friends and I was not disappointed. There were times I was hysterically laughing.
We begin with a story of Hope and River who would over the period of the book cause each other heartache and pain.
An abusive partner causes Hope to pack a bag, ask the universe to guide her and for a sign where to go. She was led to a small town called Hope River. An old house, which she is drawn to and speaks to her. She has a sense of purpose, to restore the old place back to its glory.
Okay, so let's talk characters....
HOPE... I love that throughout the book she is a strong, independent woman who runs a business that some people may think only a male can run... construction. Buy a house, renovate it and flip it. She loves getting her hands dirty. She has a strong bond with her brother and I feel a strong sense of who she is. She was deeply hurt when things didn't work out for her and River several times. Will being in the same place this time work for them?? Will River be the one to break those walls to her heart down??
RIVER... I got a sense of loyalty straight off. I loved how he injected himself into her life at school. He forms strong friendships making a life for himself. Everytime circumstances would drive him and Hope apart, we learn that he was deeply affected by it. Always hoping that one day she would come back to him forever. Visiting family close by, he saw a place called Hope River, saw it as a sign.
I could go into every character but the review would be too long. I loved all of them. I will say that May, who she rents from had me in absolute stitches. Her character I LOVED. Hearing the descriptions of an old lady say things like:
"Unless you were pleasuring yourself in your truck"
“Not my business if you go flicking your bean, finger painting…”
“Auditioning the finger puppets.”
“Buttering your muffin.”
At 2am had me laughing so hard when I had to test my daughters blood sugars.
This is only the start for me reading Margaret's books. I felt drawn into the characters lives, loves, dreams, relationships. There is honestly nothing that I felt was missing. Thanks for a great, entertaining book. Can't wait for
OUR CHANCE#2
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2021
Hope’s River is the first book in the Hope River series by Margaret McHeyzer. I have read and loved many of Margaret’s books and this one has a totally different feel. It’s not YA. It’s not dark. It’s small town, funny, and flirty. I am excited about this series and am already in love with Hope River.
Boy meets girl. Boy leaves and breaks her heart. Fate was being a bitch to these two over the years. It has been four years since they last saw each other and now they are in the same town. Hope randomly drove away from her home and ended up in a small town with a home she wanted to make beautiful again. In and out. She was a house flipper. Once she done, she was selling and moving on. What she didn’t expect was to see him again. River.
River couldn’t believe Hope was in a town he called home for years. He wasn’t going to let her just walk away from him again. He happened to be the man she needed to help fix up the house she bought. Will she risk her heart again? Is this the time where they can finally get it right?
I love small town romance! I also love renovations! Hope is a badass for doing this kind of work. Giving homes the second chance they need. I enjoyed Hope and River’s banter even when I wanted to smack them. Haha. Hope is hilarious with her inner dialogue that sometimes was spoken. The supporting characters were awesome as well. May? I want to be her friend. Elle too. Charlie, oh, Charlie...you are trouble. I loved them all and excited to know I will see them again.
Quotes:
“Flower festival? Jesus, Hope, you’re already turning into one of them.”
“Hope?” I hear the deep voice call.
I look around, trying to figure out where the voice is coming from.
“Elle?” the voice breaks.
“God?” I look up, trying to stare at the sky. “Is that you?”
“Omelet?”
“Depends, can I eat it off you?” My eyes widen, and I’m horrified that I actually spoke those words aloud. “I mean, yes, thanks.” What the hell is wrong with me?
“Would you like me to lay on the table, or would the bed be a better place?”
Boy meets girl. Boy leaves and breaks her heart. Fate was being a bitch to these two over the years. It has been four years since they last saw each other and now they are in the same town. Hope randomly drove away from her home and ended up in a small town with a home she wanted to make beautiful again. In and out. She was a house flipper. Once she done, she was selling and moving on. What she didn’t expect was to see him again. River.
River couldn’t believe Hope was in a town he called home for years. He wasn’t going to let her just walk away from him again. He happened to be the man she needed to help fix up the house she bought. Will she risk her heart again? Is this the time where they can finally get it right?
I love small town romance! I also love renovations! Hope is a badass for doing this kind of work. Giving homes the second chance they need. I enjoyed Hope and River’s banter even when I wanted to smack them. Haha. Hope is hilarious with her inner dialogue that sometimes was spoken. The supporting characters were awesome as well. May? I want to be her friend. Elle too. Charlie, oh, Charlie...you are trouble. I loved them all and excited to know I will see them again.
Quotes:
“Flower festival? Jesus, Hope, you’re already turning into one of them.”
“Hope?” I hear the deep voice call.
I look around, trying to figure out where the voice is coming from.
“Elle?” the voice breaks.
“God?” I look up, trying to stare at the sky. “Is that you?”
“Omelet?”
“Depends, can I eat it off you?” My eyes widen, and I’m horrified that I actually spoke those words aloud. “I mean, yes, thanks.” What the hell is wrong with me?
“Would you like me to lay on the table, or would the bed be a better place?”
February 8, 2021
Hope’s River by Margaret McHeyzer is the first book in a brand new series. This book is about Hope Sawyer and River Lockwood. It is a slow burn, second chance, small town romance with a bit of romantic comedy thrown in to keep you laughing throughout. I loved all the secondary characters, especially May “Gran” who kept me amused with her no filter attitude. They added another layer to the story and set us up for the next books in the series.
Hope’s a 25 year old who flips houses for a living. She absolutely loves what she does and has always enjoyed working with her hands. She isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and put in the hard work for whatever it is that she wants and is a bada$$ chick that doesn’t take crap from anyone. She has been stuck in a long term relationship, but has always known deep down inside her that he is in not her one. Until one night, something happens between them and she is left fleeing town, where she stumbles upon a little town called Hope’s River. I thought the town’s name was perfect to the story.
River’s dad moved around a lot when he was growing up, never staying in one place for more than two years. He’s never has a place to call his home until he found himself in the quaint town of Hope’s River. River is an electrician who owns his own business. Rumor around town is that a spunky young lady is new in town trying to flip a house. He can’t believe his eyes when he discovers it’s someone from his past.
Hope may seem tough on the outside, but on the inside she is closed off. Her and River’s past is painful and unfortunate. River is such a sweet guy and I loved his determination and no quitter attitude to trying to win back Hope’s trust and heart. His patience while letting her heal and slowly make her way back into his heart was a perfect addition to their story. Their relationship was a rollercoaster of emotions that may get you a little misty eyed when their story comes to a close. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us in the next books.
Hope’s a 25 year old who flips houses for a living. She absolutely loves what she does and has always enjoyed working with her hands. She isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and put in the hard work for whatever it is that she wants and is a bada$$ chick that doesn’t take crap from anyone. She has been stuck in a long term relationship, but has always known deep down inside her that he is in not her one. Until one night, something happens between them and she is left fleeing town, where she stumbles upon a little town called Hope’s River. I thought the town’s name was perfect to the story.
River’s dad moved around a lot when he was growing up, never staying in one place for more than two years. He’s never has a place to call his home until he found himself in the quaint town of Hope’s River. River is an electrician who owns his own business. Rumor around town is that a spunky young lady is new in town trying to flip a house. He can’t believe his eyes when he discovers it’s someone from his past.
Hope may seem tough on the outside, but on the inside she is closed off. Her and River’s past is painful and unfortunate. River is such a sweet guy and I loved his determination and no quitter attitude to trying to win back Hope’s trust and heart. His patience while letting her heal and slowly make her way back into his heart was a perfect addition to their story. Their relationship was a rollercoaster of emotions that may get you a little misty eyed when their story comes to a close. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us in the next books.
February 6, 2021
Ingenious to name the Title of the book and the town the story is set in the same as our couple - Hope and River. This is a really nice 2nd or maybe a 3rd chance romance with the added bonus of our resident Gran ‘May’ who keeps everyone on her toes ! She had me chuckling to myself on more than one occasion
Hopes River is a town like the film ‘Brigadoon’ it feels as if it appeared at of the mist and then will disappear for another 100 year, but each time it appears it draws another broken soul in! And there are more than a few in this town with stories to tell!
When Hope break's up with her boyfriend she pack's her bag gets in her car and drives - 5 hours later she crosses a ricketier old bridge and stumbles into Hope's River with a population of 1488. Hope and her brother Charlie restore and flip houses - on the outskirts of town she finds the 'Old Rogers' Victorian house and Hope fills compelled to buy and restore it. Within a matter of hours everyone knows her name and she is embraced by the town. What she wasn't expecting was to come across River, the boy that at 16 broke her heart and then managed to do it again at 21 now 3 years later the fates have them drawn back together again! But as they work together on the house there appears to be a connection between Gran and the Old Rogers place - a mystery just waiting to be revealed.
Once Bitten twice shy - River nearly destroyed Hope the last time she isn't sure she can go through that pain again, but River isn't going to give up without a fight and there is something magically about this little town that might just give him the edge he needs.
We have two great couples coming up and the hints we get through the book lead me to believe are going to be as drawn to Hope's River as we have been with the first!
Hopes River is a town like the film ‘Brigadoon’ it feels as if it appeared at of the mist and then will disappear for another 100 year, but each time it appears it draws another broken soul in! And there are more than a few in this town with stories to tell!
When Hope break's up with her boyfriend she pack's her bag gets in her car and drives - 5 hours later she crosses a ricketier old bridge and stumbles into Hope's River with a population of 1488. Hope and her brother Charlie restore and flip houses - on the outskirts of town she finds the 'Old Rogers' Victorian house and Hope fills compelled to buy and restore it. Within a matter of hours everyone knows her name and she is embraced by the town. What she wasn't expecting was to come across River, the boy that at 16 broke her heart and then managed to do it again at 21 now 3 years later the fates have them drawn back together again! But as they work together on the house there appears to be a connection between Gran and the Old Rogers place - a mystery just waiting to be revealed.
Once Bitten twice shy - River nearly destroyed Hope the last time she isn't sure she can go through that pain again, but River isn't going to give up without a fight and there is something magically about this little town that might just give him the edge he needs.
We have two great couples coming up and the hints we get through the book lead me to believe are going to be as drawn to Hope's River as we have been with the first!
January 31, 2021
“The sky in small towns is always the prettiest.”
Hope’s River (Hope River Book 1) by Margaret McHeyzer is the first book in the series. This book is a change of pace for her. It's Hope Sawyer and River Lockwood’s story. Hope’s River is a slow burn, second chance, small-town romance. A rom/com with hilarious scenes that had me in stitches! The secondary characters were a bonus especially May “Gran” she kept me amused with her candor and no filter attitude!
Hope’s a 25-year-old who owns a business, she flips houses. She loves what she does, Hope has always worked with her hands. She's not afraid of hard work. She's one badass chick! Hope has been stuck in a long term relationship, she has always known deep down he's not the one. Until one night something happens between the two and Hope takes off. While driving around Hope stumbles into a small town, Hope River.
River’s dad was in the military and they moved around a lot. He didn't have a place to call home until he found himself in a small town.....Hope River. River’s an electrician who owns the business. Rumor around town is a spunky young lady is in town to flip a house. He can't believe it's the same girl he met at 16 and has loved since then.
Will Hope and River finally get their chance at happiness? Could the 4th time be the charm? They reunited 3 times for a short period, each time they were left heartbroken.
Loved the snippets we got of future couples to come......Elle and Jake, Tabitha and Charlie. I'm looking forward to reading them.
Hope’s River (Hope River Book 1) by Margaret McHeyzer is the first book in the series. This book is a change of pace for her. It's Hope Sawyer and River Lockwood’s story. Hope’s River is a slow burn, second chance, small-town romance. A rom/com with hilarious scenes that had me in stitches! The secondary characters were a bonus especially May “Gran” she kept me amused with her candor and no filter attitude!
Hope’s a 25-year-old who owns a business, she flips houses. She loves what she does, Hope has always worked with her hands. She's not afraid of hard work. She's one badass chick! Hope has been stuck in a long term relationship, she has always known deep down he's not the one. Until one night something happens between the two and Hope takes off. While driving around Hope stumbles into a small town, Hope River.
River’s dad was in the military and they moved around a lot. He didn't have a place to call home until he found himself in a small town.....Hope River. River’s an electrician who owns the business. Rumor around town is a spunky young lady is in town to flip a house. He can't believe it's the same girl he met at 16 and has loved since then.
Will Hope and River finally get their chance at happiness? Could the 4th time be the charm? They reunited 3 times for a short period, each time they were left heartbroken.
Loved the snippets we got of future couples to come......Elle and Jake, Tabitha and Charlie. I'm looking forward to reading them.
February 9, 2021
‘Hope’s River’ is book one in Margaret Mcheyzer’s Hope River romance series.
When an incident happens and causes Hope to take off from home in the middle of the night, she ends up in a small town called Hope’s River out front of an old rundown place. Being a house flipper Hope sees more when she looks at old places, she can see the bones, structure and the beauty of houses. So when Hope sees a for sale sign out the front she decides this is going to be her newest project.
If you are familiar with Margaret’s work you know that writing a romance is not something she usually does, her usual is dark, deep, twisted and hard subject topics. Well I can honestly say she has done a fabulous job with this book. The world, characters and storyline flowed wonderfully, but true to who she is Margaret has still given us story that contains twist, secrets and angst. You’ll be invested from the beginning right up to the very end.
Hope’s River is a small town but all the residents have such big hearts. Every character that is introduced in this series will take a piece of your heart. Though this book follows Hope and River the secondary characters are just as important. Hope, River, Jake, Elle, Gran, Tabitha and Charlie are hilarious and such an excellent group of people you will fall in love with their quirky personalities.
I’m looking forward to continuing this series with each new character and dramas.
When an incident happens and causes Hope to take off from home in the middle of the night, she ends up in a small town called Hope’s River out front of an old rundown place. Being a house flipper Hope sees more when she looks at old places, she can see the bones, structure and the beauty of houses. So when Hope sees a for sale sign out the front she decides this is going to be her newest project.
If you are familiar with Margaret’s work you know that writing a romance is not something she usually does, her usual is dark, deep, twisted and hard subject topics. Well I can honestly say she has done a fabulous job with this book. The world, characters and storyline flowed wonderfully, but true to who she is Margaret has still given us story that contains twist, secrets and angst. You’ll be invested from the beginning right up to the very end.
Hope’s River is a small town but all the residents have such big hearts. Every character that is introduced in this series will take a piece of your heart. Though this book follows Hope and River the secondary characters are just as important. Hope, River, Jake, Elle, Gran, Tabitha and Charlie are hilarious and such an excellent group of people you will fall in love with their quirky personalities.
I’m looking forward to continuing this series with each new character and dramas.
February 5, 2021
Hope's River is the first book in Margaret McHeyzer's newest small town romance series.
Everyone needs to read this slow burn, witty small town romance!
The characters will have you wanting to pull your hair out but also laughing about it at the same time.
Hope finds herself driving with no destination in mind until she sees a sign for a town called Hope River. Surely that has to be a sign for her. When she finds a house for sale that is in desperate need for her renovation loving she can't pass the opportunity up.
Never in a million years did she expect to find her long lost love in the same time though.
River is the town's electrician and thanks to his father being in the military moved around a lot when he was a kid. He never forgot the short time he got to know to Hope though. Now, years later he stumbles upon her flipping a house and can't pass up the opportunity to finally see if they can go the distance.
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. The characters in this book and their stories will pull on your heart strings and also have you cackling with laughter. May (aka Gran) is a character and a half. With no filter, I was constantly laughing with what she came out with. Chapter 17 is my all time fav though.
Everyone needs to read this incredible book. I can't wait to read Elle's story next!!
Everyone needs to read this slow burn, witty small town romance!
The characters will have you wanting to pull your hair out but also laughing about it at the same time.
Hope finds herself driving with no destination in mind until she sees a sign for a town called Hope River. Surely that has to be a sign for her. When she finds a house for sale that is in desperate need for her renovation loving she can't pass the opportunity up.
Never in a million years did she expect to find her long lost love in the same time though.
River is the town's electrician and thanks to his father being in the military moved around a lot when he was a kid. He never forgot the short time he got to know to Hope though. Now, years later he stumbles upon her flipping a house and can't pass up the opportunity to finally see if they can go the distance.
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. The characters in this book and their stories will pull on your heart strings and also have you cackling with laughter. May (aka Gran) is a character and a half. With no filter, I was constantly laughing with what she came out with. Chapter 17 is my all time fav though.
Everyone needs to read this incredible book. I can't wait to read Elle's story next!!
February 7, 2021
Rating: 4.5*
A small town romance with a big heart. Hope River is certainly one of those places that I would want to live. The welcome they gave Hope made me feel comfortable and at home. Hope stumbles upon Hope River when needing a break from a life that has hit a stumbling block. Hope flips houses for a living and is very good at it alongside her brother Charlie. So the fact that the first place she stumbles upon is a house in desperate need of renovation and love it feels like kismet and just what Hope needs.
There is someone from her past already in Hope River. River is the boy who got away three times in the past. She has never forgotten him and he has never forgotten her. Fate has brought them back together if only Hope can get out of her own head.
It is difficult to read this without getting frustrated with Hope and her constant backing away from anything with River but you can understand why she does this. River doesn't give up despite the constant change from hot to cold and who doesn't love a man committed to going after what he wants and persevering with it too.
Hope River is a town full of characters that stand out, pull you into their town and make you laugh. They are welcoming, compassionate, generous and hardworking. This was a fitting welcome to the town and this is a town that I can't wait to return to and hopefully soon.
**Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
A small town romance with a big heart. Hope River is certainly one of those places that I would want to live. The welcome they gave Hope made me feel comfortable and at home. Hope stumbles upon Hope River when needing a break from a life that has hit a stumbling block. Hope flips houses for a living and is very good at it alongside her brother Charlie. So the fact that the first place she stumbles upon is a house in desperate need of renovation and love it feels like kismet and just what Hope needs.
There is someone from her past already in Hope River. River is the boy who got away three times in the past. She has never forgotten him and he has never forgotten her. Fate has brought them back together if only Hope can get out of her own head.
It is difficult to read this without getting frustrated with Hope and her constant backing away from anything with River but you can understand why she does this. River doesn't give up despite the constant change from hot to cold and who doesn't love a man committed to going after what he wants and persevering with it too.
Hope River is a town full of characters that stand out, pull you into their town and make you laugh. They are welcoming, compassionate, generous and hardworking. This was a fitting welcome to the town and this is a town that I can't wait to return to and hopefully soon.
**Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
February 8, 2021
This is a such a great second…no third…no wait fourth chance romance. It’s funny and a bit quirky at times; Hope and River in Hope River, love it! I enjoyed the story and the characters. It is somewhat predictable but in a way that I still enjoyed the journey because I never knew when it was going to finally come together. The ups and downs in this story kept my interest throughout as I was so hopeful for these two.
Hope, oh boy this poor woman. After a series of mishaps, she’s now so closed off that I felt so bad for her. On the outside you wouldn’t know since she keeps it hidden well, I didn’t see it until I got to know her better. Once I got to know her, I could see how broken she actually is.
Her history with River is painful and unfortunate. He’s such a sweet guy. I loved his determination; he knew what he wanted and wouldn't settle for less. His patience while allowing her to heal combined with his tough-love actions were a perfect mix, yet so hard to read about. It was such a rollercoaster of hope then hurt. So many times, the emotions surprised me as I found myself misty and then the tears came, heartbreaking.
There are so many great characters in this story. I can’t wait for Elle’s story; it is going to be another emotional one no doubt. I’m also hoping for a story for Charlie and May.
Hope, oh boy this poor woman. After a series of mishaps, she’s now so closed off that I felt so bad for her. On the outside you wouldn’t know since she keeps it hidden well, I didn’t see it until I got to know her better. Once I got to know her, I could see how broken she actually is.
Her history with River is painful and unfortunate. He’s such a sweet guy. I loved his determination; he knew what he wanted and wouldn't settle for less. His patience while allowing her to heal combined with his tough-love actions were a perfect mix, yet so hard to read about. It was such a rollercoaster of hope then hurt. So many times, the emotions surprised me as I found myself misty and then the tears came, heartbreaking.
There are so many great characters in this story. I can’t wait for Elle’s story; it is going to be another emotional one no doubt. I’m also hoping for a story for Charlie and May.
February 8, 2021
I enjoyed the start of this series. Hope and River met in high school and have had different obstacles get in their way of being together. When they reunite in Hope River the flame is still burning but Hope is only planning to finish her job and move on. Will this charming town and River’s love be enough to make her stay?
I love Hope River. I love the small-town and how lovely it is and the close-nit townspeople. Everyone is just so friendly and pull together for the town and its people.
River is great and I really enjoyed his character. I struggled with Hope. Her repeated inner dialogue and the constant push against River became too much. Her reasoning for her constant push was unreasonable and she became annoying after a time. I was glad to see her finally get her head on straight.
Gran is my absolute favorite. What a little spitfire. She made me smile and chuckle throughout this story and she imparts such great wisdom.
I really enjoyed Charlie. He and Hope have such a great brother/sister relationship and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen with Tabitha.
I am so intrigued by Elle and I am excited to see her story is next. Lots mystery surrounding her.
Hope’s River is a great start to this series and I’m excited to see what’s ahead for these wonderful characters.
I love Hope River. I love the small-town and how lovely it is and the close-nit townspeople. Everyone is just so friendly and pull together for the town and its people.
River is great and I really enjoyed his character. I struggled with Hope. Her repeated inner dialogue and the constant push against River became too much. Her reasoning for her constant push was unreasonable and she became annoying after a time. I was glad to see her finally get her head on straight.
Gran is my absolute favorite. What a little spitfire. She made me smile and chuckle throughout this story and she imparts such great wisdom.
I really enjoyed Charlie. He and Hope have such a great brother/sister relationship and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen with Tabitha.
I am so intrigued by Elle and I am excited to see her story is next. Lots mystery surrounding her.
Hope’s River is a great start to this series and I’m excited to see what’s ahead for these wonderful characters.
January 11, 2022
This is the first time I read a book by this author but truly enjoyed this book at times I was laughing .
February 8, 2021
I love Small Town Romance for it's close knit community and quirky characters and Hope River is no exception. The town was delightful in its community spirit, fun festivals and town secrets, not to mention the wonderful matriarch of the town 'Gran' or May.
The story between the two main characters Hope and River was super slow burn, theirs is a story of fate intervening, always coming close to getting together but then something always came between them but now they are both in a town that brings their names together, it must be fate right?
I laughed particularly during the beach ogling scene and Hopes no filter mouth, I got frustrated when Hope wouldn't let go of the past but ultimately their story was wonderful, finally the right time and the right place.
But what truly made this book was the snippets we saw of potential future couples, Charlie and Tabitha, Elle and Jake and I can't wait for more of them. I would even love to have Gran's tragic back story!
I wholeheartedly enjoyed this story and would recommend to anyone who loves small town romance.
4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 Beyond the Pages Charli xx
The story between the two main characters Hope and River was super slow burn, theirs is a story of fate intervening, always coming close to getting together but then something always came between them but now they are both in a town that brings their names together, it must be fate right?
I laughed particularly during the beach ogling scene and Hopes no filter mouth, I got frustrated when Hope wouldn't let go of the past but ultimately their story was wonderful, finally the right time and the right place.
But what truly made this book was the snippets we saw of potential future couples, Charlie and Tabitha, Elle and Jake and I can't wait for more of them. I would even love to have Gran's tragic back story!
I wholeheartedly enjoyed this story and would recommend to anyone who loves small town romance.
4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 Beyond the Pages Charli xx
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