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Love, Hope
An unexpected letter. An unlikely friendship. A chance to start again.
Ever since she first picked up a violin, Hope Sullivan dreamed of going to music college, joining an orchestra and travelling the world with her best friend Janey. But when her parents were killed in a car accident on the way to one of her recitals, she gave it all up to look after her younger sister, Autumn. Ten years later, Janey is living their dream on her own, Autumn is flourishing as a doctor and Hope's life is smaller and less musical than ever.
Arnold Quince had the happiest of lives - until he lost his beloved wife Marion. Once the life and soul of the village, he withdrew into his grief and pushed all his friends away. Now, five years on, he is sick, lonely and just counting down the years until he can be with Marion again.
When Hope and Arnold are pushed into writing to one another, neither has any idea how much their life is about to change.
Ever since she first picked up a violin, Hope Sullivan dreamed of going to music college, joining an orchestra and travelling the world with her best friend Janey. But when her parents were killed in a car accident on the way to one of her recitals, she gave it all up to look after her younger sister, Autumn. Ten years later, Janey is living their dream on her own, Autumn is flourishing as a doctor and Hope's life is smaller and less musical than ever.
Arnold Quince had the happiest of lives - until he lost his beloved wife Marion. Once the life and soul of the village, he withdrew into his grief and pushed all his friends away. Now, five years on, he is sick, lonely and just counting down the years until he can be with Marion again.
When Hope and Arnold are pushed into writing to one another, neither has any idea how much their life is about to change.
320 pages, Paperback
Published July 29, 2021
6 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 21, 2024
⭐️ 3.75/5
Love, Hope was surprisingly a far better book than I thought at first. I didn’t want continue it after the first couple chapters, but I’m glad I didn’t stop reading it because it turned out really good.
It’s more-so a book about a woman finding herself in her late 20s, coming onto 30. It’s about family, friendship, forming new relationships, and struggles. It can be quite sad at certain moments, but it’s all very realistic.
Love, Hope also uses a different writing style, that I haven’t really seen in any of the books I’ve read before. It’s made up of emails, letters, text messages, news articles, etc. It was really weird at first, and a bit too much for me personally - but I really came to enjoy how it was written. Especially the letter correspondence between Hope and Arnold.
I love every character in Love, Hope. The strong bonds that are seen between Hope and Janey, and Hope and Arnold. How her relationship with her sister, Autumn, is strained at certain moments, but it only was a passing stone.
I’d recommend Love, Hope for those who enjoy realistic-type books.
Love, Hope was surprisingly a far better book than I thought at first. I didn’t want continue it after the first couple chapters, but I’m glad I didn’t stop reading it because it turned out really good.
It’s more-so a book about a woman finding herself in her late 20s, coming onto 30. It’s about family, friendship, forming new relationships, and struggles. It can be quite sad at certain moments, but it’s all very realistic.
Love, Hope also uses a different writing style, that I haven’t really seen in any of the books I’ve read before. It’s made up of emails, letters, text messages, news articles, etc. It was really weird at first, and a bit too much for me personally - but I really came to enjoy how it was written. Especially the letter correspondence between Hope and Arnold.
I love every character in Love, Hope. The strong bonds that are seen between Hope and Janey, and Hope and Arnold. How her relationship with her sister, Autumn, is strained at certain moments, but it only was a passing stone.
I’d recommend Love, Hope for those who enjoy realistic-type books.
July 10, 2021
Hope and Janey's friendship kicks off at Primary school age, and its a delight to see them grow up and see their friendship blossom. They both seem a bit immature until Hope's parents tragic accident when Hope grows up fast.
I love the form of this. Its a blend of emails, letters, newspaper articles and I picked up the story very quickly. Its great that you can see the story unfold without any prose.
Arnold and Hope's unusual friendship is totally adorable and I think its the first time either of them expose their true feelings for their own grief. They both trust each other, believe in each other and support each other despite having never met. I think both are lonely and therefore 'get' each other.
This is really heart warming, takes a good few turns as Hope and Janey's life continues. I like how many years you live through with these two truly lovely characters. This ends with a feel-good factor.
I love the form of this. Its a blend of emails, letters, newspaper articles and I picked up the story very quickly. Its great that you can see the story unfold without any prose.
Arnold and Hope's unusual friendship is totally adorable and I think its the first time either of them expose their true feelings for their own grief. They both trust each other, believe in each other and support each other despite having never met. I think both are lonely and therefore 'get' each other.
This is really heart warming, takes a good few turns as Hope and Janey's life continues. I like how many years you live through with these two truly lovely characters. This ends with a feel-good factor.
August 5, 2021
Immediately the cover drew me too it , it was so inviting with its soft colour and lovely illustrations, the storyline of this book is so sweet and it honestly warmed my heart when reading it.
Hope is possibly one of the sweetest characters to read about , we get to go through her life starting when she is 8years old , when you read the story and the letters that Hope does.... it takes a minute to remember that she isn't a real person, the author makes you fall in love with Hope and hooks you in , she is definitely one of my favourite characters I have read and met in a book.
The love , affection , bond and friendship that emerges between Hope and Arnold is so endearing, its one of them heart lifting moments when they both have someone they can open up to and express their true feelings. It is such a heart warming book and I would definitely recommend it... and you may even shed a tear too!
Hope is possibly one of the sweetest characters to read about , we get to go through her life starting when she is 8years old , when you read the story and the letters that Hope does.... it takes a minute to remember that she isn't a real person, the author makes you fall in love with Hope and hooks you in , she is definitely one of my favourite characters I have read and met in a book.
The love , affection , bond and friendship that emerges between Hope and Arnold is so endearing, its one of them heart lifting moments when they both have someone they can open up to and express their true feelings. It is such a heart warming book and I would definitely recommend it... and you may even shed a tear too!
August 11, 2021
Ah this is SUCH a sweet, heart warming read! As a real lover of snail mail and a good old fashioned letter, I really enjoyed the way Hope and Arnold's friendship and support of each other developed even though they'd never met in person. As well as letters, the story is also told through emails, texts and Facebook messages - I did wonder if this might mean the characters would be a little one dimensional, but not all all. Janey especially is a delight - witty and forthright.
If you're looking for something that will give you ALL the feels and leave you feeling uplifted, I'd highly recommend this one!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Love Books Tours for my gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you're looking for something that will give you ALL the feels and leave you feeling uplifted, I'd highly recommend this one!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Love Books Tours for my gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2022
Well, this was not a book I would have chosen (it was one of the ‘Feel Good Book Club’s’ offerings) and I didn’t really like the look of it. But the story of Hope Sullivan is told entirely through letters, emails and texts which made it a quick and engaging read.
When Hope’s budding musical career is cut short by a tragedy we get glimpses into her life from invoices and receipts rather than a narrative, which occasionally I found surprisingly moving. That early part of the story was cleverly told by what was not said rather than spelling it out.
It has its cheesy, predictable elements but they provide balance to what could otherwise have been a lukewarm story.
When Hope’s budding musical career is cut short by a tragedy we get glimpses into her life from invoices and receipts rather than a narrative, which occasionally I found surprisingly moving. That early part of the story was cleverly told by what was not said rather than spelling it out.
It has its cheesy, predictable elements but they provide balance to what could otherwise have been a lukewarm story.
August 16, 2025
Lovely
August 10, 2021
This book has to be one of the most vibrant, uplifting and completely heartwarming books I’ve ever read! I’ve been looking forward to getting to this book after reading so many incredible reviews and praise for the author, and upon finishing, I just want to shout about it from the rooftops. It explores so many themes in such detail, from painful loss and heartache, to love, friendship and even the refreshing feeling of new beginnings.
From the unusual style this book is written in, to the deep and engaging story of Hope, I felt like this book was truly one of the best of its kind. This experience has been a first for me; I loved the story of two people building a solid, feel-good friendship, even though they’d never met, and it was so refreshing to see one girl blossom into a genuinely kind and brilliant person after such intense childhood trauma. Even characters such as Hope’s sister, friend and grandparents were so carefully constructed, and everything fits together perfectly to portray positive change, and to be the best person you can possibly be, no matter the cards you’re dealt in life. An amazing achievement from this author and a definite 5 star read!
From the unusual style this book is written in, to the deep and engaging story of Hope, I felt like this book was truly one of the best of its kind. This experience has been a first for me; I loved the story of two people building a solid, feel-good friendship, even though they’d never met, and it was so refreshing to see one girl blossom into a genuinely kind and brilliant person after such intense childhood trauma. Even characters such as Hope’s sister, friend and grandparents were so carefully constructed, and everything fits together perfectly to portray positive change, and to be the best person you can possibly be, no matter the cards you’re dealt in life. An amazing achievement from this author and a definite 5 star read!
August 6, 2021
Love, Hope is a beautiful, heart-warming and highly emotional story of family, friends and life.
I adore this book, it reminds me of one of my all-time favourite books; The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel -Pie Society. I love how the story unfolds, it is told through a mixture of letters, emails and messages which made it super easy to follow and to immerse yourself into Hope’s life.
The story open’s when Hope is very young and accepted into a prestigious music school where she is buddied up with another girl of her age; Janey, I adored the naive and childish letters between Janey and Hope as they make their way through childhood to their rebellious teenage years. They do come across as very child-like and immature, but let’s face it when we were between the ages of 13-16 weren’t we all silly, self-obsessed and very immature? I enjoyed getting to know the girls and it was lovely to see their friendship blossom into what becomes a lifelong friend/sisterly relationship. Despite their life’s going in completely different directions it’s lovely how they still are there for one and another through thick and thin no matter where life has taken them.
They are both so excited with the prospect of being university room buddies, only for Hope to receive some tragic news which changes her whole life. She has to leave all her plans to step into the shoe of her late parents and raise her little sister; Autumn. What follows is years of letters, messages and emails between Janey and Hope, as well as authorities, Autumn and their grandparent’s. Your heart breaks for Hope, she has to deal with so much at such a young age. There is a moment where she does isolate herself away from the world, and it’s at that moment in her life where she unexpectedly gains a new friendship in a very surprising place.
With a little shove from Autumn Hope starts writing to Arnold, a widower who like Hope has isolated himself away from the world. Both find comfort and solace in the letters they receive, they trust each other with the deepest secrets of their hearts. I adore those long, heartfelt letters between Hope and Arnold, there is so much emotion threaded through their simple words which do touch the heart.
Love, Hope is a simple story of ordinary life with its ups and downs, it has unexpected drama and turns which takes not just Hope but the reader in a different direction. It speaks to the heart with its beautiful and poignant tale of ultimate friendship, of family and of finding joy, self-worth and love it’s a story that no matter where you are at in your own life you will connect and relate to it.
I cannot recommend Love, Hope enough, it’s easily one of the most emotive books I’ve read this year and one which will stay with me for a long time to come.
It’s breath-taking, it’s a simple, pure and honest story. I’ve not read Conlin’s work before but after this beauty, she has fast become an author I will Definitely be stocking my bookshelf with.
I adore this book, it reminds me of one of my all-time favourite books; The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel -Pie Society. I love how the story unfolds, it is told through a mixture of letters, emails and messages which made it super easy to follow and to immerse yourself into Hope’s life.
The story open’s when Hope is very young and accepted into a prestigious music school where she is buddied up with another girl of her age; Janey, I adored the naive and childish letters between Janey and Hope as they make their way through childhood to their rebellious teenage years. They do come across as very child-like and immature, but let’s face it when we were between the ages of 13-16 weren’t we all silly, self-obsessed and very immature? I enjoyed getting to know the girls and it was lovely to see their friendship blossom into what becomes a lifelong friend/sisterly relationship. Despite their life’s going in completely different directions it’s lovely how they still are there for one and another through thick and thin no matter where life has taken them.
They are both so excited with the prospect of being university room buddies, only for Hope to receive some tragic news which changes her whole life. She has to leave all her plans to step into the shoe of her late parents and raise her little sister; Autumn. What follows is years of letters, messages and emails between Janey and Hope, as well as authorities, Autumn and their grandparent’s. Your heart breaks for Hope, she has to deal with so much at such a young age. There is a moment where she does isolate herself away from the world, and it’s at that moment in her life where she unexpectedly gains a new friendship in a very surprising place.
With a little shove from Autumn Hope starts writing to Arnold, a widower who like Hope has isolated himself away from the world. Both find comfort and solace in the letters they receive, they trust each other with the deepest secrets of their hearts. I adore those long, heartfelt letters between Hope and Arnold, there is so much emotion threaded through their simple words which do touch the heart.
Love, Hope is a simple story of ordinary life with its ups and downs, it has unexpected drama and turns which takes not just Hope but the reader in a different direction. It speaks to the heart with its beautiful and poignant tale of ultimate friendship, of family and of finding joy, self-worth and love it’s a story that no matter where you are at in your own life you will connect and relate to it.
I cannot recommend Love, Hope enough, it’s easily one of the most emotive books I’ve read this year and one which will stay with me for a long time to come.
It’s breath-taking, it’s a simple, pure and honest story. I’ve not read Conlin’s work before but after this beauty, she has fast become an author I will Definitely be stocking my bookshelf with.
May 31, 2024
I was given this book as a gift and I am beyond grateful that I was.
This book pulled me, chewed me up and spat me out leaving me a mess of emotions. I have cried, cheered, laughed and held these character close like they were real people
.
This story, written in the form of letters, emails, text messages etc pulls at your heart strings and makes you want to pick up a pen and write some letters…. I might just very well do that.
It explores grief, loneliness, jealousy, love, friendships, sacrifices so well.
5 stars all the way! Highly highly recommend.
This book pulled me, chewed me up and spat me out leaving me a mess of emotions. I have cried, cheered, laughed and held these character close like they were real people
.
This story, written in the form of letters, emails, text messages etc pulls at your heart strings and makes you want to pick up a pen and write some letters…. I might just very well do that.
It explores grief, loneliness, jealousy, love, friendships, sacrifices so well.
5 stars all the way! Highly highly recommend.
August 15, 2022
I didn’t really like the writing style of this one (being as it was written constantly in the form of a letter or a text etc) however I was pleasantly surprised!
August 10, 2021
There have been some wonderful novels recently that explore inter-generational friendship (including two of my favourites The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman by and The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle). ‘Love, Hope’ is another heartwarming novel that centres around an unlikely friendship between 20 something Hope and septuagenarian Arnold.
The story is written in the epistolary style. Almost the entire novel is written in correspondence; email, texts and letters, as well as a few contracts, certificates and even recipes thrown in. I haven’t baked Arnold’s Chocolate cake yet but I am definitely tempted.
It’s a very interesting style to read and I was fascinated by the way so little can say so much about the characters. Often a lack of response says as much as lengthy letter!
The first letters are between an 8 year old Hope and her future best friend, Janey, as they forge their friendship in handwritten notes. The style (including the spelling mistakes) is so clever as we can really believe this is two young children. As they get older the style matures with them, making their correspondence totally believable.
The girls share a love of classical music and their dreams of travelling the world together as professional musicians in an orchestra. These dreams are shattered when Hope’s parents are killed in an accident and she sacrifices her promising career to take care of her younger sister and teenage tearaway, Autumn. Hope watches on from her single life, working in a music shop, as Janey follows their dream alone.
Several years later Autumn, now a successful doctor, puts her in touch with Arnold. This unlikely friendship forms a big part of the novel and is the reason I enjoyed it so much. Despite being very different, they share many things in common; grief, guilt and a sense that happiness is behind them.
This touching novel is a story of the sadness of giving up on dreams but also of learning that it’s never too late to find happiness. A lovely book for fans of uplit.
Thank you to Love Books Tours and Hodder Books for my gifted copy in return for an honest review.
The story is written in the epistolary style. Almost the entire novel is written in correspondence; email, texts and letters, as well as a few contracts, certificates and even recipes thrown in. I haven’t baked Arnold’s Chocolate cake yet but I am definitely tempted.
It’s a very interesting style to read and I was fascinated by the way so little can say so much about the characters. Often a lack of response says as much as lengthy letter!
The first letters are between an 8 year old Hope and her future best friend, Janey, as they forge their friendship in handwritten notes. The style (including the spelling mistakes) is so clever as we can really believe this is two young children. As they get older the style matures with them, making their correspondence totally believable.
The girls share a love of classical music and their dreams of travelling the world together as professional musicians in an orchestra. These dreams are shattered when Hope’s parents are killed in an accident and she sacrifices her promising career to take care of her younger sister and teenage tearaway, Autumn. Hope watches on from her single life, working in a music shop, as Janey follows their dream alone.
Several years later Autumn, now a successful doctor, puts her in touch with Arnold. This unlikely friendship forms a big part of the novel and is the reason I enjoyed it so much. Despite being very different, they share many things in common; grief, guilt and a sense that happiness is behind them.
This touching novel is a story of the sadness of giving up on dreams but also of learning that it’s never too late to find happiness. A lovely book for fans of uplit.
Thank you to Love Books Tours and Hodder Books for my gifted copy in return for an honest review.
June 3, 2024
this was so sad wtf why did tragic stuff keep happening
also the romance plot was a tad rushed we waited so long for that and it was a little underwhelming....
in real talk I felt like the format limited our understanding of and connections to yhe characters as we were seeing them through planned writings rather than their actual actions, thoughts or speech if that makes sense. decent read though go Tchaikovsky
also the romance plot was a tad rushed we waited so long for that and it was a little underwhelming....
in real talk I felt like the format limited our understanding of and connections to yhe characters as we were seeing them through planned writings rather than their actual actions, thoughts or speech if that makes sense. decent read though go Tchaikovsky
August 3, 2021
Cleverly written in the form of letters, emails, messages and texts spanning over many years. A different format to what I am used to, in fact I think this is my first book that has been written in this way, but it still manages to be really engaging and emotive.
The book begins when Hope and Janey are 8 and continues up until they are 30 and I loved how the correspondence matched this.
Love, Hope is a really cute, lovely read. The ending was just beautiful. I could have happily carried on reading about the lives of Hope, Janey and Arnold indefinitely!
The book begins when Hope and Janey are 8 and continues up until they are 30 and I loved how the correspondence matched this.
Love, Hope is a really cute, lovely read. The ending was just beautiful. I could have happily carried on reading about the lives of Hope, Janey and Arnold indefinitely!
August 6, 2021
When Hope and Janey find each other at music academy, aged eight-years-old, they instantly become best friends - going through all the trials and tribulations of growing up together. Their joint dream is to join the same orchestra and tour the world, but this vision is shattered when Hope's parents are killed in a car accident on the way to one of her recitals, when she is just eighteen. Hope suddenly finds herself in sole charge of a younger sister Autumn - coping with her own grief, being a comforting parent-figure for Autumn, and trying to find a way to support them both leaves her little time to regret what she has lost. Meanwhile, Janey goes on to do what she cannot, and Hope can only watch from afar, living their dream vicariously through her best friend.
Although time moves on, and Autumn grows up and goes on to become a doctor, Hope seems stuck. She has become the manager of a music shop to pay the bills, but the chance of love seems to have passed her by, and selling musical instruments to others seems to be the closest she will ever get to the life she once wanted so desperately. Then Hope strikes up an unlikely friendship with a pen friend - pensioner Arnold Quince, who once lived a happy life with his beloved late wife Marion, but now longs for nothing more than to be with her again. It's a friendship that helps them to see that although their lives have been affected by grief there is still the chance of happiness for them both - if only they are brave enough to take a chance.
Love, Hope is a touching story about coping with grief, loneliness and new beginnings. It is written entirely in epistolary form, with a mix of letters, texts, emails, and even shopping receipts, which works beautifully to drive this rich character led story along. I was very impressed how Juliet Conlin manages to wring so much emotion from a story written in this format, especially since quite pivotal moments are often only referred to obliquely through the different communications between the characters - and the impact of events is sometimes only to be inferred by the content of Hope's shopping basket! Very clever.
Although the way Conlin uses the unusual format is certainly to be admired, there were a couple of times when this left a bit of a blank in an otherwise rich tapestry. For me, this mostly applies to the part of Hope's tale just after the death of her parents when her life has been turned upside down. Through the immediate aftermath of the accident, we do not hear from Hope at all, and it would have been nice to hear her side of the story and how she was struggling with her emotions at this significant point - perhaps through journal entries, or maybe aborted letters and emails to Janey.
This novel touches on a lot of sensitive subjects, but interestingly the way you are slightly removed from the intensity of them by the format serves to make is a gentle and reflective sort of read, while also keeping the emotional impact at just the right level. There is plenty of sadness, but it is not overwhelming, and the overall feel of the book is actually heart warming and quite uplifting. The title says is all with its smart double meaning really - love and hope are what ultimately pull the characters through the hard times, and I found this quite enchanting.
Although time moves on, and Autumn grows up and goes on to become a doctor, Hope seems stuck. She has become the manager of a music shop to pay the bills, but the chance of love seems to have passed her by, and selling musical instruments to others seems to be the closest she will ever get to the life she once wanted so desperately. Then Hope strikes up an unlikely friendship with a pen friend - pensioner Arnold Quince, who once lived a happy life with his beloved late wife Marion, but now longs for nothing more than to be with her again. It's a friendship that helps them to see that although their lives have been affected by grief there is still the chance of happiness for them both - if only they are brave enough to take a chance.
Love, Hope is a touching story about coping with grief, loneliness and new beginnings. It is written entirely in epistolary form, with a mix of letters, texts, emails, and even shopping receipts, which works beautifully to drive this rich character led story along. I was very impressed how Juliet Conlin manages to wring so much emotion from a story written in this format, especially since quite pivotal moments are often only referred to obliquely through the different communications between the characters - and the impact of events is sometimes only to be inferred by the content of Hope's shopping basket! Very clever.
Although the way Conlin uses the unusual format is certainly to be admired, there were a couple of times when this left a bit of a blank in an otherwise rich tapestry. For me, this mostly applies to the part of Hope's tale just after the death of her parents when her life has been turned upside down. Through the immediate aftermath of the accident, we do not hear from Hope at all, and it would have been nice to hear her side of the story and how she was struggling with her emotions at this significant point - perhaps through journal entries, or maybe aborted letters and emails to Janey.
This novel touches on a lot of sensitive subjects, but interestingly the way you are slightly removed from the intensity of them by the format serves to make is a gentle and reflective sort of read, while also keeping the emotional impact at just the right level. There is plenty of sadness, but it is not overwhelming, and the overall feel of the book is actually heart warming and quite uplifting. The title says is all with its smart double meaning really - love and hope are what ultimately pull the characters through the hard times, and I found this quite enchanting.
September 15, 2021
A novel in letters is in a very old tradition, but in this bright, often funny book other forms of communication are also used to establish it in the twenty-first century. Through emails, texts and handwritten letters Hope Sullivan communicates with her friends and family, and they try to contact her, as they all reveal their characters in this charming story of love and friendship. The narrative is unusual, as there are no passages of description, and the dialogue is all in the form of text and the longer forms of emails and letters. It is really lively and manages to convey an enjoyable plot and much more. Hope is a lovely character whose story runs throughout the novel; she has ambitions from the beginning of the book to become a professional musician with her best friend Janey. They both attend a strict music school with the support of their families. Not that they are always model students as they go through the normal ups and downs of being teenagers and pushing the boundaries. Everything seems set for a wonderful future when a tragedy occurs, and Hope must rethink her ambitions. The way that this book works out is so enjoyable that it is an easy read with its unusual format which runs so smoothly. I really enjoyed following the story of Hope, Janey and eventually Arnold, as they exchange their thoughts. I was really pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this memorable book.
The first letter in the book actually offers Hope her place at Fairclef Music Academy, followed by Janey’s introductory notes. Both girls are invited to the other’s houses, as their parents become good friends. They fall in and out of trouble, but always enjoy their music and look forward to touring the world with Hope playing her precious violin, while Janey specialises in the flute. A tragedy overtakes Hope’s family just at the moment that she is performing her first major solo, as she must change her plans. It is not easy, especially as her younger sister Autumn needs attention. Fortunately her friend Janey keeps in touch and her adventures keep going as she struggles with her job and running her home. She also keeps in contact with her lively and active grandparents in Australia who, through emails and other contacts, demonstrate a wide range of interests. Eventually Hope is asked to write letters to Arnold, an older man who lives in sheltered accommodation and is still struggling to come to terms with the death of his beloved wife Marion. In the long form of letters they exchange histories, experiences and more, eventually achieving the sort of relationship where each tries to help the other follow their ambitions or at least make the most of each day. Such mutual honesty makes each letter worth reading, as the young woman admits to things such as being an awful cook, while Arnold remembers his long marriage with Marion. Meanwhile things are happening for Janey and the others, and Hope is in contact with them all. Not that any relationship is completely easy, and there are still a few tense moments to come.
This is a book which shows real insight into people’s lives and maintains a positive tone overall as several years are covered. I really enjoyed it immensely, and would recommend it as a lovely read.
The first letter in the book actually offers Hope her place at Fairclef Music Academy, followed by Janey’s introductory notes. Both girls are invited to the other’s houses, as their parents become good friends. They fall in and out of trouble, but always enjoy their music and look forward to touring the world with Hope playing her precious violin, while Janey specialises in the flute. A tragedy overtakes Hope’s family just at the moment that she is performing her first major solo, as she must change her plans. It is not easy, especially as her younger sister Autumn needs attention. Fortunately her friend Janey keeps in touch and her adventures keep going as she struggles with her job and running her home. She also keeps in contact with her lively and active grandparents in Australia who, through emails and other contacts, demonstrate a wide range of interests. Eventually Hope is asked to write letters to Arnold, an older man who lives in sheltered accommodation and is still struggling to come to terms with the death of his beloved wife Marion. In the long form of letters they exchange histories, experiences and more, eventually achieving the sort of relationship where each tries to help the other follow their ambitions or at least make the most of each day. Such mutual honesty makes each letter worth reading, as the young woman admits to things such as being an awful cook, while Arnold remembers his long marriage with Marion. Meanwhile things are happening for Janey and the others, and Hope is in contact with them all. Not that any relationship is completely easy, and there are still a few tense moments to come.
This is a book which shows real insight into people’s lives and maintains a positive tone overall as several years are covered. I really enjoyed it immensely, and would recommend it as a lovely read.
August 11, 2021
This is such a gorgeous book, it is told in a conversational tone through letters, emails, texts and forms such as invoices, the central figure being Hope.
She is seen from early childhood, her letter writing correspondence begins with her fellow 6 year old , Janey, who is also going to the same musical school as her (Hope playing the violin and Janey the flute)
Through their letters, and, occasionally notes from the two girls' mothers, we see them grow from burgeoning musicians to life long friends with dreams and aims to become world travellers, and concert musicians.
However, life does not go as planned-only one manages to fulfil her dream, Janey becomes an accomplished flautist whilst Hope finds herself the guardian of her younger sister, Autumn.
She puts her dreams, and her life, on hold whilst she pours all her energies into bringing up Autumn and instead works in a music shop until, having seen Autumn through her difficult teen phase. She is the one who links Hope with a patient of hers, the lonely Arnold who lives in a retirement home. They may be decades apart in age, but have a commonality in grief which brings them together. The letters which she started writing as a child begin again , and there are always more missives as,by the time the letters arrive, even more things have happened!
Adding in friends, the complications of dating (leading to some hilarious stories!) and recalcitrant pets along the way, Hope really feels that she has her hands full.
But what everyone around her, from Arnold to lifelong friends and even the reader can sense is that she needs to have her passion for music re-ignited again. And it happens in the most unexpected way....
This is such a lovely book, I related to Hope so much, she has the biggest heart and just wants the best for those she loves, to the detriment of her own feelings. It is warm, realistic and so very human, you can completely fall into the pages and lose yourself for hours, laughing and crying alongside Hope and Autumn. I loved the mystical tarot and astrological readings which nana Wilma sent from Australia (just how has she got 20,000 Instgram followers?!), the Sachertorte recipe which I am not at liberty to share (closely guarded family secret) and the list of inspirational violin pieces compiled for young learner Maisie.
Love, Hope, is how she signs of her letters and is also the central them of the book for everything about her is hopeful, and carried out with love.
She is seen from early childhood, her letter writing correspondence begins with her fellow 6 year old , Janey, who is also going to the same musical school as her (Hope playing the violin and Janey the flute)
Through their letters, and, occasionally notes from the two girls' mothers, we see them grow from burgeoning musicians to life long friends with dreams and aims to become world travellers, and concert musicians.
However, life does not go as planned-only one manages to fulfil her dream, Janey becomes an accomplished flautist whilst Hope finds herself the guardian of her younger sister, Autumn.
She puts her dreams, and her life, on hold whilst she pours all her energies into bringing up Autumn and instead works in a music shop until, having seen Autumn through her difficult teen phase. She is the one who links Hope with a patient of hers, the lonely Arnold who lives in a retirement home. They may be decades apart in age, but have a commonality in grief which brings them together. The letters which she started writing as a child begin again , and there are always more missives as,by the time the letters arrive, even more things have happened!
Adding in friends, the complications of dating (leading to some hilarious stories!) and recalcitrant pets along the way, Hope really feels that she has her hands full.
But what everyone around her, from Arnold to lifelong friends and even the reader can sense is that she needs to have her passion for music re-ignited again. And it happens in the most unexpected way....
This is such a lovely book, I related to Hope so much, she has the biggest heart and just wants the best for those she loves, to the detriment of her own feelings. It is warm, realistic and so very human, you can completely fall into the pages and lose yourself for hours, laughing and crying alongside Hope and Autumn. I loved the mystical tarot and astrological readings which nana Wilma sent from Australia (just how has she got 20,000 Instgram followers?!), the Sachertorte recipe which I am not at liberty to share (closely guarded family secret) and the list of inspirational violin pieces compiled for young learner Maisie.
Love, Hope, is how she signs of her letters and is also the central them of the book for everything about her is hopeful, and carried out with love.
July 18, 2021
Sometimes a book comes along that just pulls out all of the emotion in you. You know what I mean, the all encompassing sympathy and empathy combined.
And that's exactly what I felt when I had the opportunity to read Love Hope.
Juliet Ann Conlin has created a beautiful tale of love, loss and lasting friendship.
What immediately drew me into this story was its format.
Written through the medium of letters. Some the old-fashioned way (pen to paper) and others via the wonder that is the internet (emails). Combined with things like newspaper articles, receipts from shops and job applications.
All of which are based around our unlikely heroine Hope.
This is a story that manages to be both heartbreaking and hopeful all at the same time.
Told over several years, we get to see Hope, her sister Autumn and her best friend Janey as they live their lives. Growing, learning and experiencing so many things. The highs and the lows. The tragedies and the successes.
I particularly adored Hope and Janey's long-lasting friendship. The way they talked to each other, the ease in which they slipped back into chatting even when they hadn't been in contact for many months. It came across as true friendship.
Honest.
There is nothing hidden in this story.
As the reader, we experience everything that the characters go through with them. The grief, the joy and everything in-between.
Nothing short of a rollercoaster of ever expanding feelings.
Written in a way that makes it amusing, entertaining and meaningful all at the same time, the author clearly has a talent for real story-telling.
Unlikely friendships blossom across the pages and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing them bloom.
Dialogue is of great importance in this novel too.
Through various conversations we are given an abundance of detail, not only through what is said but how it's said. There's that age old problem of not always being able to tell what tone is meant when simply reading a message, an email etc and it was great to see some of those frustrations as it rang true. Making the correspondence all the more realistic.
I'd describe Love Hope as a coming of age book with heart.
It simply makes you feel good reading it as well as having the power to really make you think and feel.
I'd love another book to see how Hope and Janey's friendship caries on as they move into their middle age years and beyond!
And that's exactly what I felt when I had the opportunity to read Love Hope.
Juliet Ann Conlin has created a beautiful tale of love, loss and lasting friendship.
What immediately drew me into this story was its format.
Written through the medium of letters. Some the old-fashioned way (pen to paper) and others via the wonder that is the internet (emails). Combined with things like newspaper articles, receipts from shops and job applications.
All of which are based around our unlikely heroine Hope.
This is a story that manages to be both heartbreaking and hopeful all at the same time.
Told over several years, we get to see Hope, her sister Autumn and her best friend Janey as they live their lives. Growing, learning and experiencing so many things. The highs and the lows. The tragedies and the successes.
I particularly adored Hope and Janey's long-lasting friendship. The way they talked to each other, the ease in which they slipped back into chatting even when they hadn't been in contact for many months. It came across as true friendship.
Honest.
There is nothing hidden in this story.
As the reader, we experience everything that the characters go through with them. The grief, the joy and everything in-between.
Nothing short of a rollercoaster of ever expanding feelings.
Written in a way that makes it amusing, entertaining and meaningful all at the same time, the author clearly has a talent for real story-telling.
Unlikely friendships blossom across the pages and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing them bloom.
Dialogue is of great importance in this novel too.
Through various conversations we are given an abundance of detail, not only through what is said but how it's said. There's that age old problem of not always being able to tell what tone is meant when simply reading a message, an email etc and it was great to see some of those frustrations as it rang true. Making the correspondence all the more realistic.
I'd describe Love Hope as a coming of age book with heart.
It simply makes you feel good reading it as well as having the power to really make you think and feel.
I'd love another book to see how Hope and Janey's friendship caries on as they move into their middle age years and beyond!
August 4, 2021
I can’t resist a book which involves letters so I was really keen to read this book. I’ve also read and really enjoyed Juliet Conlin’s previous books so I know I enjoy her writing. Juliet Conlin tells Hope’s story in such a clever way using not just letters, but emails, texts, Facebook messages and so on, any form of written communication in fact.
Janey and Hope become best friends when they meet at a music school. They are both very talented musicians and dream of going to study music at university together. When her parents are killed in a car crash on their way to a concert she’s playing in, Hope not only gives up her dream so she can look after her younger sister, but also gives up playing her music. The way the story was told became even more clever at that point as for some time, we don’t hear Hope’s voice at all. Yet despite that, we can tell exactly what has been going on in her life through the half of the communications with others and we can see what a difficult time she has been going through.
The continued friendship between Janey and Hope is so clear and a joy to read. It would have been so easy for Hope to become resentful that Janey was able to fulfill their common dream and make a life in music. Yet the bond between the two was so strong and they were always there for each other, always supportive. Another more unexpected friendship grows between Hope and elderly widow Arnold. She is encouraged to write to him by her sister, now a busy doctor. It was so lovely to see the connection between the two grow even though they had never met. Perhaps because they didn’t know each other, it was easier for them to be honest about things they hadn’t told even those closest to them.
The importance of communication is so clear throughout this book. Obviously the whole story is told in ways where people are communicating but we also see how sometimes relationships become difficult when honest communication breaks down.
This is a heart-warming book with the relationship between Hope and Arnold in particular being so wonderful to read about. They truly did change each others lives – and those of a few others – in ways they could never have expected when they started to write to each other. Love, Hope is a cleverly told and uplifting story of love, loss, second chances and yes, a story of hope.
Janey and Hope become best friends when they meet at a music school. They are both very talented musicians and dream of going to study music at university together. When her parents are killed in a car crash on their way to a concert she’s playing in, Hope not only gives up her dream so she can look after her younger sister, but also gives up playing her music. The way the story was told became even more clever at that point as for some time, we don’t hear Hope’s voice at all. Yet despite that, we can tell exactly what has been going on in her life through the half of the communications with others and we can see what a difficult time she has been going through.
The continued friendship between Janey and Hope is so clear and a joy to read. It would have been so easy for Hope to become resentful that Janey was able to fulfill their common dream and make a life in music. Yet the bond between the two was so strong and they were always there for each other, always supportive. Another more unexpected friendship grows between Hope and elderly widow Arnold. She is encouraged to write to him by her sister, now a busy doctor. It was so lovely to see the connection between the two grow even though they had never met. Perhaps because they didn’t know each other, it was easier for them to be honest about things they hadn’t told even those closest to them.
The importance of communication is so clear throughout this book. Obviously the whole story is told in ways where people are communicating but we also see how sometimes relationships become difficult when honest communication breaks down.
This is a heart-warming book with the relationship between Hope and Arnold in particular being so wonderful to read about. They truly did change each others lives – and those of a few others – in ways they could never have expected when they started to write to each other. Love, Hope is a cleverly told and uplifting story of love, loss, second chances and yes, a story of hope.
August 3, 2021
Love, Hope is more or less an epistolary (i.e. written in the form of letters). Hope loves writing letters ever since she was a kid. She would write letters to her best friend Janey, and even when she grew up and found Facebook and email as a quicker option to communicate, she still preferred the old ways of putting pen to paper. The writing isn't in the traditional form and hence many people might find it difficult to read. I, on the other hand, loved the style.
Love, Hope is a story of loss and the pain that it brings. After losing her parents, Hope couldn't move on as quickly as others did. She kept her life on hold for way too long. While others around her succeeded in life, she is still stuck in the same job earning minimum wages and barely maintaining her bills. I would have to agree that everyone has a different pace at which they process grief and it's okay to take your own time. People expect you to be okay and move on, just because they did. But emotions aren't the same for all and the intensity to how much you are affected isn't the same for all. So the grieving period isn't the same for all.
Although the title is the protagonist's name, the story itself is about Hope. A hope for moving forward, for finding a ray of sunshine even amidst the darkest clouds. Hope found this in her pen-pal Arnold, who in-turns found it in her. Arnold was such a sweet character. He was so much like Hope: introverted, closed, in pain, and adamant. I loved how they shared their life with one another and how they tried to motivate each other to new challenges when even their closest friends and families failed. I guess it's easier to open up in front o a total stranger than someone you know. The friendship between Janey and Hope is beautiful as well. They look after each other through thick-n-thin. I found Hope's grandparents really cute and funny. From trying to use the technology (FB), to following astrologer/card-reader, they are the example of our parents/grandparents.
Love, Hope is a book about friendship, love, grief, happiness, pain, which basically defines 'Life'. I loved the book. It's a heart-warming read that brought out so many emotions.
Read the review here: https://divyakaushik1010.wixsite.com/...
Love, Hope is a story of loss and the pain that it brings. After losing her parents, Hope couldn't move on as quickly as others did. She kept her life on hold for way too long. While others around her succeeded in life, she is still stuck in the same job earning minimum wages and barely maintaining her bills. I would have to agree that everyone has a different pace at which they process grief and it's okay to take your own time. People expect you to be okay and move on, just because they did. But emotions aren't the same for all and the intensity to how much you are affected isn't the same for all. So the grieving period isn't the same for all.
Although the title is the protagonist's name, the story itself is about Hope. A hope for moving forward, for finding a ray of sunshine even amidst the darkest clouds. Hope found this in her pen-pal Arnold, who in-turns found it in her. Arnold was such a sweet character. He was so much like Hope: introverted, closed, in pain, and adamant. I loved how they shared their life with one another and how they tried to motivate each other to new challenges when even their closest friends and families failed. I guess it's easier to open up in front o a total stranger than someone you know. The friendship between Janey and Hope is beautiful as well. They look after each other through thick-n-thin. I found Hope's grandparents really cute and funny. From trying to use the technology (FB), to following astrologer/card-reader, they are the example of our parents/grandparents.
Love, Hope is a book about friendship, love, grief, happiness, pain, which basically defines 'Life'. I loved the book. It's a heart-warming read that brought out so many emotions.
Read the review here: https://divyakaushik1010.wixsite.com/...
December 7, 2021
Thank you to Love Books Tours , Hodder Books and Juliet Conlin who very kindly provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
At a first glance this is a story about finding friendship in unlikely places but at a second glance you will see that really it is a book about life and what that entails - from love to grief to happiness and yes also friendship.
This book is written entirely in letters, emails or texts and I’ve never really read a book that is in this kind of format before and it was a little startling for me to be honest. For me it made it harder to connect to the characters and really get invested in the story and their personal journeys. It made it more difficult for me to see what they were thinking or feeling and because of this I couldn’t create that connection with them and therefore the book.
Having said that I did like the characters in the book, Hope was a warm and friendly person, I think and seemed loyal to those around her. However, due to the format I feel like I was lacking that greater understanding of her character.
Arnold, omg Arnold was just the absolute cutest I mean how could you not just love him and also have so much sympathy for him at the same time. I basically just wanted to give him a hug for most of the book.
I don’t think that the characters or story in general had much depth, or perhaps I just couldn’t pick up on it because I wasn’t getting along with the structure of the book.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Hope and Arnold and I think that you can definitely see how it develops over the course of the book. Their friendship was so cute and I think they were just what each other needed.
I really loved this story and the whole idea behind it I just couldn’t fully get along with the format of the book, so I do recommend it but I would just say that how it is written is something to bare in mind.
At a first glance this is a story about finding friendship in unlikely places but at a second glance you will see that really it is a book about life and what that entails - from love to grief to happiness and yes also friendship.
This book is written entirely in letters, emails or texts and I’ve never really read a book that is in this kind of format before and it was a little startling for me to be honest. For me it made it harder to connect to the characters and really get invested in the story and their personal journeys. It made it more difficult for me to see what they were thinking or feeling and because of this I couldn’t create that connection with them and therefore the book.
Having said that I did like the characters in the book, Hope was a warm and friendly person, I think and seemed loyal to those around her. However, due to the format I feel like I was lacking that greater understanding of her character.
Arnold, omg Arnold was just the absolute cutest I mean how could you not just love him and also have so much sympathy for him at the same time. I basically just wanted to give him a hug for most of the book.
I don’t think that the characters or story in general had much depth, or perhaps I just couldn’t pick up on it because I wasn’t getting along with the structure of the book.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Hope and Arnold and I think that you can definitely see how it develops over the course of the book. Their friendship was so cute and I think they were just what each other needed.
I really loved this story and the whole idea behind it I just couldn’t fully get along with the format of the book, so I do recommend it but I would just say that how it is written is something to bare in mind.
August 6, 2021
Oh Wow!
It’s not uncommon for a book to evoke tonnes of emotions however they rarely make me cry but Love, Hope did exactly that. It such a beautiful novel of friendships, loss and love and it’s stunning to read.
Love, Hope is a collection of letters, emails and texts that span the life of Hope Sullivan. Beginning at 8 years old and going on a journey until adulthood the letters come together to form a picture of Hope’s life. After loosing her parents at a young age and taking on guardianship of her younger sister, Hope sacrifices all her dreams and ambitions.
A young musical violin genius with a very bright future ahead Hope forms a firm friendship with fellow pupil Janey which runs throughout the whole novel. This relationship is simply beautiful and just sums up what a true friendship should be like – warts and all. Janey sticks with Hope through grieving and her withdrawal from life and gently nudges her to start living again.
Later in life Hope begins writing to Arnold, an elderly man introduced via her sister. Arnold has also suffered a tragic loss in life that he hasn’t fully grieved for and a correspondence relationship begins. I felt that Hope revealed more of her true self and her deep-rooted fears and feelings during these letters and Juliet Ann Conlin really portrays how it can be easier opening up to a stranger through this relationship.
In her short texts and conversations with her sister Autumn, the strain a loss and grieving can put of family and relationships is told delicately.
Overall Love, Hope deals with grieving and loss in a sensitive way. Despite the themes in this novel it is uplifting and heart-warming and I was smitten by every character in there. It’s an absolute must for your TBR and I cannot recommend it enough.
It’s not uncommon for a book to evoke tonnes of emotions however they rarely make me cry but Love, Hope did exactly that. It such a beautiful novel of friendships, loss and love and it’s stunning to read.
Love, Hope is a collection of letters, emails and texts that span the life of Hope Sullivan. Beginning at 8 years old and going on a journey until adulthood the letters come together to form a picture of Hope’s life. After loosing her parents at a young age and taking on guardianship of her younger sister, Hope sacrifices all her dreams and ambitions.
A young musical violin genius with a very bright future ahead Hope forms a firm friendship with fellow pupil Janey which runs throughout the whole novel. This relationship is simply beautiful and just sums up what a true friendship should be like – warts and all. Janey sticks with Hope through grieving and her withdrawal from life and gently nudges her to start living again.
Later in life Hope begins writing to Arnold, an elderly man introduced via her sister. Arnold has also suffered a tragic loss in life that he hasn’t fully grieved for and a correspondence relationship begins. I felt that Hope revealed more of her true self and her deep-rooted fears and feelings during these letters and Juliet Ann Conlin really portrays how it can be easier opening up to a stranger through this relationship.
In her short texts and conversations with her sister Autumn, the strain a loss and grieving can put of family and relationships is told delicately.
Overall Love, Hope deals with grieving and loss in a sensitive way. Despite the themes in this novel it is uplifting and heart-warming and I was smitten by every character in there. It’s an absolute must for your TBR and I cannot recommend it enough.
September 9, 2021
4.5 rating
There’s nothing better than a good tale of recovery, rediscovering yourself and hope. Love, Hope by Juliet Ann Conlin is a contempory tale that brought all this and more. I found this book to be adorable, heartwretching, challenging and emotional.
It follows the life of an aspiring violinist from the moment she picks up he first instrument. It follows her friendships, her struggles and her successes in a unique way. See the book is written in the form of communications between the Main character Hope and her friends and family. It is written so effectively that it creates a emotional journey, you become committed to the book because it feels as if the letters were written for you.
I really adored Hope and felt for her as she watched her dreams become consumed by her grief. She shows so much strength as she survives her challenges and I love how she manages to come out on top. Her friendship with Arnold is adorable, a pen pal relationship that opens so many doors for both of them, that they thought were closed. I was heartbroken when they feel out. I am also jealous of her best friend Janey, the travelling, the sights, the adventure. But no matter how far away she travelled, she was always a letter away.
This book was emotional, cute, well written and makes you feel like you have a front row seat. The cast is well rounded, flawed and full of surprises. They have been well planned out and because of the style it is written, it gives you the freedom to imagine the finer details from your interpretation. I enjoyed this book, I had to blink away tears at multiple parts and truely felp for Hope in the darker moments. It was a delight to read and I will certainly be checking out more by Juliet.
There’s nothing better than a good tale of recovery, rediscovering yourself and hope. Love, Hope by Juliet Ann Conlin is a contempory tale that brought all this and more. I found this book to be adorable, heartwretching, challenging and emotional.
It follows the life of an aspiring violinist from the moment she picks up he first instrument. It follows her friendships, her struggles and her successes in a unique way. See the book is written in the form of communications between the Main character Hope and her friends and family. It is written so effectively that it creates a emotional journey, you become committed to the book because it feels as if the letters were written for you.
I really adored Hope and felt for her as she watched her dreams become consumed by her grief. She shows so much strength as she survives her challenges and I love how she manages to come out on top. Her friendship with Arnold is adorable, a pen pal relationship that opens so many doors for both of them, that they thought were closed. I was heartbroken when they feel out. I am also jealous of her best friend Janey, the travelling, the sights, the adventure. But no matter how far away she travelled, she was always a letter away.
This book was emotional, cute, well written and makes you feel like you have a front row seat. The cast is well rounded, flawed and full of surprises. They have been well planned out and because of the style it is written, it gives you the freedom to imagine the finer details from your interpretation. I enjoyed this book, I had to blink away tears at multiple parts and truely felp for Hope in the darker moments. It was a delight to read and I will certainly be checking out more by Juliet.
August 16, 2021
Hope Sullivan had a passion for music, especially playing her much loved Violin. She dreamed of going to college to further her musical studies, but when tragedy struck on the way to one of her recitals she couldn’t imagine continuing down that path in life – especially as her younger sister needed her more than ever.
Ten years later her sister Autumn has embarked on a career as a Doctor and the best friend Hope had dreamed of travelling the world with, Janey, is living the dream they once shared. Meanwhile Hope feels trapped in her life and misses music terribly. Then there is Arnold Quince, a man who has become a recluse following the loss of his wife. Five years after his loss, he finds himself thrown together with Hope – and as the pair begin writing to one another they have no idea just how much their lives are about to change.
This book certainly takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as you follow the story of both Hope and Arnold. Both of them have had to live through more than their fair share of heartache, and this has had a huge, lasting impact on the people they are in the present. As their lives slowly become intertwined with one another through the medium of letters, something that lifts their spirits when they both need it the most.
The storyline throughout this book is so beautifully written and perfectly structured you find yourself being swept along by the characters and their lives. With each passing chapter you get to know the characters on a much deeper level, and in turn find yourself really feeling connected to them and wanting them to find happiness in whatever form possible.
A beautiful, moving read that I would urge others to read.
Ten years later her sister Autumn has embarked on a career as a Doctor and the best friend Hope had dreamed of travelling the world with, Janey, is living the dream they once shared. Meanwhile Hope feels trapped in her life and misses music terribly. Then there is Arnold Quince, a man who has become a recluse following the loss of his wife. Five years after his loss, he finds himself thrown together with Hope – and as the pair begin writing to one another they have no idea just how much their lives are about to change.
This book certainly takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as you follow the story of both Hope and Arnold. Both of them have had to live through more than their fair share of heartache, and this has had a huge, lasting impact on the people they are in the present. As their lives slowly become intertwined with one another through the medium of letters, something that lifts their spirits when they both need it the most.
The storyline throughout this book is so beautifully written and perfectly structured you find yourself being swept along by the characters and their lives. With each passing chapter you get to know the characters on a much deeper level, and in turn find yourself really feeling connected to them and wanting them to find happiness in whatever form possible.
A beautiful, moving read that I would urge others to read.
August 8, 2021
This story was told entirely through letters, emails and texts. It’s a sweet, charming, and uplifting story with wonderful characters. Started from the childhood of Hope, who is a musical prodigy. She meets Jenny at her music classes and their friendship is one of the beautiful aspects of this story. It was admirable that Conlin has authentically written about the tweens’ innocence and their mischievousness. The chats/texts were so funny which made me laugh many times.
Devastating event turned Hope’s life upside down, and changed the trajectory of her life. As a penance she gives up the activity most dear to her. This had me wondering why she resorted to this extreme decision but the reason behind this was revealed later which made me fall in love with Hope again. Music is the central theme of the book.
Hope struck an unexpected friendship with Arnold, an old man living at a retirement home. There were similarities between these two people’ lives and their bonding changed their lives for good. Some of the events felt forced to make Hope’s life miserable.
Besides Hope and Arnold, my most favorite character was Hope’s Nan. I hope when I grow up old, I will turn out like her. I don’t have words to describe how much I loved her, and their shenanigans.
Overall, it was a beautiful book full of laughter, grief, guilt, hopes, and with a wonderful message of living life to the fullest.
Devastating event turned Hope’s life upside down, and changed the trajectory of her life. As a penance she gives up the activity most dear to her. This had me wondering why she resorted to this extreme decision but the reason behind this was revealed later which made me fall in love with Hope again. Music is the central theme of the book.
Hope struck an unexpected friendship with Arnold, an old man living at a retirement home. There were similarities between these two people’ lives and their bonding changed their lives for good. Some of the events felt forced to make Hope’s life miserable.
Besides Hope and Arnold, my most favorite character was Hope’s Nan. I hope when I grow up old, I will turn out like her. I don’t have words to describe how much I loved her, and their shenanigans.
Overall, it was a beautiful book full of laughter, grief, guilt, hopes, and with a wonderful message of living life to the fullest.
April 12, 2021
I got to 60% in this book before I had to stop. It was just so depressing. For more than half of this book you just have to read awful things happening to the titular Hope, and everyone around her being incredibly infuriatingly inconsiderate.
Janey, her best friend can’t seem to comprehend what her life is to have to drop her life’s dream and care for her sister and keeps chiding her about her life. Rude! She clearly lacked empathy, and constantly just told her best friend about her wonderful life. Perhaps if the book weren’t written in a message exchange format you’d like/have more patience for Janey, but the way it was written she’s horrible.
Autumn, also very ungrateful and annoying, who do we think paid for her life after she left, hmmm.
Grandparents, uhh wouldn’t they move to London to take care of their grandchild if she was so unwilling to move? Instead they let an 18 year old throw away her own ambitions? Then ramble about stupid horoscope things forever? Who are you?
The only character I liked was Arnold but had to quit the book before the author did something horrendous like killed him off. I’m sure there was going to be an upswing at some point, but the book wasn’t charming or funny enough for me to want to continue.
Janey, her best friend can’t seem to comprehend what her life is to have to drop her life’s dream and care for her sister and keeps chiding her about her life. Rude! She clearly lacked empathy, and constantly just told her best friend about her wonderful life. Perhaps if the book weren’t written in a message exchange format you’d like/have more patience for Janey, but the way it was written she’s horrible.
Autumn, also very ungrateful and annoying, who do we think paid for her life after she left, hmmm.
Grandparents, uhh wouldn’t they move to London to take care of their grandchild if she was so unwilling to move? Instead they let an 18 year old throw away her own ambitions? Then ramble about stupid horoscope things forever? Who are you?
The only character I liked was Arnold but had to quit the book before the author did something horrendous like killed him off. I’m sure there was going to be an upswing at some point, but the book wasn’t charming or funny enough for me to want to continue.
July 21, 2021
Round of applause for Juliet Ann Conlin who has truly mastered the art of writing in mixed media whilst still being able to tell an amazing story. (Basically the whole book is written in emails, texts, letters, messenger, notes and transcripts.) I was slightly disappointed that the Epilogue wasn't written in the same style as the rest of the book but I get why it needed to be that way.
I had a slight bit of trepidation when I first started the book and learnt the protagonist was eight, but by the second chapter (page 5), she is already twelve and then a small handful of chapters later she's twenty-one. So whilst this is young adult fiction, I'd put it at the slightly older part of that age range, especially due to the content.
So so heartwarming. And cute. And warm and fuzzy. This book explored some sensitive issues without an overwhelming amount of detail, but just enough to feel the impact.
I'm pondering whether to try and make the chocolate cake... And also whether to try playing the violin like I'd previously wanted to...
I had a slight bit of trepidation when I first started the book and learnt the protagonist was eight, but by the second chapter (page 5), she is already twelve and then a small handful of chapters later she's twenty-one. So whilst this is young adult fiction, I'd put it at the slightly older part of that age range, especially due to the content.
So so heartwarming. And cute. And warm and fuzzy. This book explored some sensitive issues without an overwhelming amount of detail, but just enough to feel the impact.
I'm pondering whether to try and make the chocolate cake... And also whether to try playing the violin like I'd previously wanted to...
August 12, 2021
I absolutely adored this book, no exaggeration. I am a massive fan of books that tell a story in an unorthodox way – Love, Hope is narrated via messages,from hurried notes exchanged in a classroom, to emails, text messages, crazy Facebook status updates from Nan in Australia and then, full circle, old fashioned pen and paper missives between Hope and Arnold.
This is one of my favourite forms of story telling as it is a window into what the characters are thinking and feeling, rather than a description of what they are doing. It’s almost a behind the scenes tale and I loved it.
I haven’t read any of Juliet’s previous novels, but I will be sure to get them on my wishlist. Her writing is really moving and evocative – it’s gentle and tender but still capable of delivering the occasional body blow.
Love, Hope is a story of … well … love and hope, of family and enduring friendship. Easily one of the best books I have read this year and probably in my all time top ten. Highly recommended
This is one of my favourite forms of story telling as it is a window into what the characters are thinking and feeling, rather than a description of what they are doing. It’s almost a behind the scenes tale and I loved it.
I haven’t read any of Juliet’s previous novels, but I will be sure to get them on my wishlist. Her writing is really moving and evocative – it’s gentle and tender but still capable of delivering the occasional body blow.
Love, Hope is a story of … well … love and hope, of family and enduring friendship. Easily one of the best books I have read this year and probably in my all time top ten. Highly recommended
April 22, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read it on the plane and once I started reading, I had no idea where the three hours went (half there and half on the way back) .
The book is written through texts, emails and letters. Primarily the latter. It was an unusual lay out but I really enjoyed it.
This book perfectly depicted the role of an older sibling. I didn’t expect the twist but it was a great addition to the plot and made it exciting to see how life would play out for Hope. She truly lived up to her name.
The friendship between Arnold and Hope was wholesome and beautiful. It really goes to show that lessons can be learn at any age if one is willing to drop their ego. As well as Janey and Hope. The ups and downs of friendships were displayed really well.
I don’t generally like the miscommunication trope but it was written so well that there was no room for “oh but they should have said this” because Julie made sure they said it all.
Would really recommend for a heart warming read x
The book is written through texts, emails and letters. Primarily the latter. It was an unusual lay out but I really enjoyed it.
This book perfectly depicted the role of an older sibling. I didn’t expect the twist but it was a great addition to the plot and made it exciting to see how life would play out for Hope. She truly lived up to her name.
The friendship between Arnold and Hope was wholesome and beautiful. It really goes to show that lessons can be learn at any age if one is willing to drop their ego. As well as Janey and Hope. The ups and downs of friendships were displayed really well.
I don’t generally like the miscommunication trope but it was written so well that there was no room for “oh but they should have said this” because Julie made sure they said it all.
Would really recommend for a heart warming read x
May 10, 2022
Ever since she first picked up a violin, Hope Sullivan dreamed of going to music college, joining in orchestra and travelling the world with her best friend Janey. But after a terrible tragedy she gave it all up and felt never to pick up the violin again. 10 years later, Jamie is living the dream is on her own.
Arnold Quinn‘s had the happiest of life until he lost his beloved by Marian. Once the life and soul of the village he were to increase grief and pushed all his friends away. No five years on he’s sick lonely and just counting down the years until he could be with Marilyn again. When Hope and Arnold are pushed into writing to one another neither has an idea of how much their life is about to change.
quick read very enjoyable book
Arnold Quinn‘s had the happiest of life until he lost his beloved by Marian. Once the life and soul of the village he were to increase grief and pushed all his friends away. No five years on he’s sick lonely and just counting down the years until he could be with Marilyn again. When Hope and Arnold are pushed into writing to one another neither has an idea of how much their life is about to change.
quick read very enjoyable book
June 9, 2025
An absolute 6-star book!!
It gave my heart flutters and that does NOT happen very often.
Such an unexpected experience!!
I found the writing style a bit odd at first but after a few pages and getting the hang of it, I LOVE how Juliet Ann Conlin has written a book in the most unique way.
I laughed, I cried, it has been an emotional rollercoaster but one I will definitely be revisiting.
I came across this book in a Greek island called Zakynthos. I was browsing their “free library” shelves and thought I could use a read like this for the summer.
Now I feel bad that I haven’t paid for this masterpiece and will most definitely be buying it (so that I can leave this copy in Almaty, Kazakhstan for someone else to enjoy it and have the absolute best time possible.
It gave my heart flutters and that does NOT happen very often.
Such an unexpected experience!!
I found the writing style a bit odd at first but after a few pages and getting the hang of it, I LOVE how Juliet Ann Conlin has written a book in the most unique way.
I laughed, I cried, it has been an emotional rollercoaster but one I will definitely be revisiting.
I came across this book in a Greek island called Zakynthos. I was browsing their “free library” shelves and thought I could use a read like this for the summer.
Now I feel bad that I haven’t paid for this masterpiece and will most definitely be buying it (so that I can leave this copy in Almaty, Kazakhstan for someone else to enjoy it and have the absolute best time possible.
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