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Hoping for Hemingway
An emotional and gripping love story, proving that age is just a number and love can conquer all—even mental illness. From the author of Warrior Blue and The Life We Wanted. Clara McKinley has high standards.Cursed with a love for the classics, she finds herself often disappointed with the modern world—men included. So, it is no surprise that, at forty-two, she finds herself single and losing hope for her love life.Until she meets author August Gordon, an attractive—and younger—man with the same passion for all things vintage and equally picky taste. With him in her life, it isn’t long before Clara begins to believe she’s finally met her match.But when August’s fight with mental illness becomes too much for him to bear, Clara starts to wonder if she possesses the strength—and hope—to help him win the battle.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
61 people are currently reading
1026 people want to read
About the author
Kelsey Kingsley
32 books3,125 followersWhen I was a wee lassie, I was told by my preschool teachers that I was a natural at storytelling. When I was just a little older than that, an old friend's mother said to me, "Kelsey, one day your books are going to be on the shelves at the library."
Well, Diane, I don't know if my books are ever going to be on the shelves of libraries, but I'm sure as hell going to try.
When I'm not writing stories destined to be bestsellers, I enjoy devouring TV shows, listening to every type of music there is and going to concerts, reading pretty much anything (with a soft spot for romance and certain books located in 18th century Scotland), obsessing over makeup, and pretending to workout.
I also have a fondness for cats, my family, tattoos, and a really good French fry.
Well, Diane, I don't know if my books are ever going to be on the shelves of libraries, but I'm sure as hell going to try.
When I'm not writing stories destined to be bestsellers, I enjoy devouring TV shows, listening to every type of music there is and going to concerts, reading pretty much anything (with a soft spot for romance and certain books located in 18th century Scotland), obsessing over makeup, and pretending to workout.
I also have a fondness for cats, my family, tattoos, and a really good French fry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
November 9, 2021
A Fantastic contemporary romance featuring love, debilitation, dysfunction and mental health. This book Breaks the barriers of simple narrative and soars high on ambition & achievement. Flying by the seat of its pants, fueled by charisma, the story revolves around two struggling souls brought together by the very nature of their professions. That love for words forms the cemented foundation on which this shaky relationship stands.
"The fragility of his heart and his desperation and fear were expressed in every one of those words. It was crushing to witness, the sound of his pain and the sight of his withered, defeated soul."
Kelsey pours intense sensitivity into her prose, making it vulnerable and highly emotional. But the result is a profound and deeply impactful story that marks and indelible imprint on your hearts for posterity.
I've often drifted back to her emotional stories in the middle of some random moment and I can't help but touch her characters who live in my memories, talk to them, wonder what they're doing.
Right now when I'm writing this review, I'm hoping August is writing his next novel on his old fashioned typewriter, bleeding his sentiments on paper. His craft is thriving in tandem with his mental health, which is a day-to-day struggle for him.
Struggling to tell the story exactly the way it's meant to be told and having to balance the world in your head with the real life you have to lead ... both of those are a bitch. But honestly, I think the worst part is being a nutcase on top of it all and the pills they want me to take to," he raised his fingers in quotation marks, "manage it."
Kelsey delves deep into he dark caverns of a creative mind, hell bent on lighting the world with their talent while stumbling around in darkness perpetuated by their own volatile imbalance. It's an oxymoron kinda life, damned if they do ; damned if they don't.
#TheStruggleIsReal.
"Loving him shouldn't have meant hurting me, and I was in pain every day."
I've overused my stock of empathy & sympathy for this book, it just drove deep in my heart and set camp.
Beautifully created characters of August Gordon, the owner of a discombobulated yet very mature soul, trying to find traction in his life and a woman with a sweet dog- Clara and Angus
"I was taken by his appearance, appreciative of his taste in music and literature, and fascinated by his undeniable talent. "
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Their mutual attraction is inevitable and irreversible, that's established very early on. But There's still some hurdles to be jumped over and doubts quashed before they achieve their HEA.
I fell in love with Clara and her nurturing heart. August had my undying affections from page one and my heart let pleas must've reached Kelsey ears where I prayed for some sanity to seep in thir lives.
My heart was in my mouth the entire time, I knew or could sense the impending catastrophe just around the corner. but as always, Kelsey shines the sunbeam to dispel the darkness. Her story is brimming with hope, with power of unshakable, steadfast love that heals broken souls as much as repairs broken relationships
5 stars for Rewriting The Ending
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"The fragility of his heart and his desperation and fear were expressed in every one of those words. It was crushing to witness, the sound of his pain and the sight of his withered, defeated soul."
Kelsey pours intense sensitivity into her prose, making it vulnerable and highly emotional. But the result is a profound and deeply impactful story that marks and indelible imprint on your hearts for posterity.
I've often drifted back to her emotional stories in the middle of some random moment and I can't help but touch her characters who live in my memories, talk to them, wonder what they're doing.
Right now when I'm writing this review, I'm hoping August is writing his next novel on his old fashioned typewriter, bleeding his sentiments on paper. His craft is thriving in tandem with his mental health, which is a day-to-day struggle for him.
Struggling to tell the story exactly the way it's meant to be told and having to balance the world in your head with the real life you have to lead ... both of those are a bitch. But honestly, I think the worst part is being a nutcase on top of it all and the pills they want me to take to," he raised his fingers in quotation marks, "manage it."
Kelsey delves deep into he dark caverns of a creative mind, hell bent on lighting the world with their talent while stumbling around in darkness perpetuated by their own volatile imbalance. It's an oxymoron kinda life, damned if they do ; damned if they don't.
#TheStruggleIsReal.
"Loving him shouldn't have meant hurting me, and I was in pain every day."
I've overused my stock of empathy & sympathy for this book, it just drove deep in my heart and set camp.
Beautifully created characters of August Gordon, the owner of a discombobulated yet very mature soul, trying to find traction in his life and a woman with a sweet dog- Clara and Angus
"I was taken by his appearance, appreciative of his taste in music and literature, and fascinated by his undeniable talent. "
[image error]
Their mutual attraction is inevitable and irreversible, that's established very early on. But There's still some hurdles to be jumped over and doubts quashed before they achieve their HEA.
I fell in love with Clara and her nurturing heart. August had my undying affections from page one and my heart let pleas must've reached Kelsey ears where I prayed for some sanity to seep in thir lives.
My heart was in my mouth the entire time, I knew or could sense the impending catastrophe just around the corner. but as always, Kelsey shines the sunbeam to dispel the darkness. Her story is brimming with hope, with power of unshakable, steadfast love that heals broken souls as much as repairs broken relationships
5 stars for Rewriting The Ending
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
November 12, 2021
Clara + August
Clara is 42 years old and lives in a pretty little house on the beach in Connecticut. She's pretty happy with her life and she spends a lot of time with her sister and nieces.
She works as a dog therapist - meaning she and her dog visit patients in hospitals.
That's where she meets August. He admitted himself to the psych ward, because he was afraid he was going to kill himself. He takes medicine for his bipolar disorder, but they numb him too much - or rather, they numb his creative juices as an author.
It's insta attraction and connection between Clara and August.
But he's 14 years younger than her! And he's sick.
What will happen with Clara + August?
Will we get a happily ever after?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT!
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Such a beautiful book. From this happy yellow cover to all the people in it and the story. Although ... I kinda also hated the story. I hate it when my book people are sick. I just hate that. We have enough of that in our real lives, I want books with healthy people! They can still have lots of obstacles to overcome until that happy end - but no sickness please!
But I still loved reading this. I knew that it wasn't going to be this happy happy sweet all is good insta happily ever after love story. I knew we were getting lots of heartbreak with August. But I kept on reading and it was just beautiful.
I loved reading it. But it was also a bit... no idea. Short? It wasn't really short, but I wanted more. I wanted more connection and sparks and whatnot between our two darlings. It all felt so insta and a bit unbelievable. And I sometimes was more interested in the side stories of the young patient and Clara's niece!
I also wanted more love between August and the dog. That sounds really stupid, but I wanted more dog-time!
HOPING FOR HEMINGWAY was a beautiful + heartbreaking age gap love story.
Run to your nearest amazon for your own August - he'll be sold out in no time!
💜
💜
November 16, 2021
If there's one thing I've come to know for certain, it's that Kelsey Kingsley doesn't shy away from the hard stuff. I knew going into Hoping for Hemingway that it was going to be emotional and compelling - and I was not wrong.
However - despite the emotional punches and absolutely compelling storytelling - something held me back from really investing in this love story. I wasn’t really able to relate to either of the characters – and their connection seemed to take flight before I really understood what it was that drew them together. It felt a little insta to me – and that is always challenging for my heart. I think I would have liked to have seen more of an emotional connection – more "showing", a deeper dive into their conversations and the way their hearts connected. Their relationship felt based on a physical connection which made it difficult for me to understand why they clung so fiercely to each other in the end.
I did feel like it was an authentic story. It was heavy and uncomfortable in a way that I think is appropriate for the mental health issues Clara and August were facing. Perhaps part of the problem is that my weary heart has had enough of “heavy and uncomfortable” lately and is craving swoons and banter and the exhilaration of new love. I didn’t really feel that here.
However, all those things aside – there were parts I really did enjoy. I was interested in the story even if my heart didn’t really feel connected to it. I also really enjoyed some of the secondary stories – like Clara’s relationship with her family and the friendships she formed along the way. Those were incredibly rewarding to read about and – in that way – this sometimes felt more like Women’s Fiction to me than it did romance. There were lots of love stories here, just not the way I expected going into it.
In the end, it was absolutely worth the read. It was compulsively readable and kept my mind engaged. I am happy to have met these characters and their story. ~ Shelly, 3 Stars
However - despite the emotional punches and absolutely compelling storytelling - something held me back from really investing in this love story. I wasn’t really able to relate to either of the characters – and their connection seemed to take flight before I really understood what it was that drew them together. It felt a little insta to me – and that is always challenging for my heart. I think I would have liked to have seen more of an emotional connection – more "showing", a deeper dive into their conversations and the way their hearts connected. Their relationship felt based on a physical connection which made it difficult for me to understand why they clung so fiercely to each other in the end.
I did feel like it was an authentic story. It was heavy and uncomfortable in a way that I think is appropriate for the mental health issues Clara and August were facing. Perhaps part of the problem is that my weary heart has had enough of “heavy and uncomfortable” lately and is craving swoons and banter and the exhilaration of new love. I didn’t really feel that here.
However, all those things aside – there were parts I really did enjoy. I was interested in the story even if my heart didn’t really feel connected to it. I also really enjoyed some of the secondary stories – like Clara’s relationship with her family and the friendships she formed along the way. Those were incredibly rewarding to read about and – in that way – this sometimes felt more like Women’s Fiction to me than it did romance. There were lots of love stories here, just not the way I expected going into it.
In the end, it was absolutely worth the read. It was compulsively readable and kept my mind engaged. I am happy to have met these characters and their story. ~ Shelly, 3 Stars
November 27, 2021
This was a good book, and I always love this author’s writing, but I think that this book needed extra details regarding their backstories. More of both main characters, Clara and August, would have been ideal. This novel focused on mental health, which is a very complicated subject because each individual experiences the manic and depression differently. For such a heavy subject, I just felt it needed a stronger focus on a somewhat deeper level. I did really like Clara and August, however! She’s a very kind and caring woman, whereas August was a quirky and a bit eccentric male. The chemistry between the two was electric and intensely passionate. I was just looking for a bit more of their story. I’ll still continue keeping my eye out for the next Kelsey Kingsley love story, though…
November 11, 2021
Author Kelsey Kingsley has so many creative ideas to share with her readers and never fails to add a few secret ingredients to her books- her heart and soul. Each time, she surprises me with something different, thought provoking and wonderful, but no matter the subject, you can be sure to find sparks of tingly romance tucked in there too. From romance to twisty suspense and everything in between, a well thought out story will be waiting for you. Kelsey takes her readers to places they may not have been before, but the journey there will always be one to remember.
Hoping for Hemingway was a one sitting, couldn't put it down sort of read for me....how could it have been anything else? It was love at first sight with likeable, lovable, real characters such as Clara- a woman so caring and empathic she risks a broken heart every day while venturing from room to room in the hospital where she works. With a warm smile, a kind word and an ear to lend, Clara, with her beloved therapy dog at her side, provides a safe haven for the fragile souls who need her most.
This is where she meets August, a charismatic, outgoing patient with issues of his own. He is quite a bit younger, but as he begins to open up, she finds herself fascinated by him and his story. He loves all things from times gone by, just like she does and is a published author with 4 books under his belt. There is a strong connection growing there, so after August is released and Clara realizes she'll never see him again or know anything more about him...sadness and a sense of loss creeps into her soul. She'd like to shake off these feelings but after a lifetime of uninspired dating, how could she ever forget a man like August?
You know what they say about 'what is meant to be will be', so when August and Clara's lives intersect for a second time, Mistress Fate rights that ship and lets it sail into the sunset...well no, nothing is quite that simple in life, is it?? Not with these two. The struggles of someone battling mental illness can be an upredictable roller coaster and loving someone who faces emotional uncertaintly can be tumultuous for all involved. It's not a road that's easily travelled and the rewards are hard won.
Kelsey Kingley never shies away from difficult subject matter in her writing, which she always handles with grace and care. She may leave you crying in your soup just as easily as laughing joyfully, with tears pouring down your face instead. She digs deep within herself to bring out every drop of feeling- whether happy or heartbreaking, but will heal you completely before she finishes up her story. Keep your tissues handy for all those possible feels in Hoping For Hemingway, where Clara and August's passionate, emotion filled romance will shake up your world, walk you across a few egg shells and then finally calm your racing heart. What a beautiful tribute to hope, love and healing this was with little side stories woven in between, giving readers even more to love about this gem of a book. I was lucky enough to receive an early copy to read and now have shared my honest review with you. This is a beautifully written standalone that you won't want to miss.
Hoping for Hemingway was a one sitting, couldn't put it down sort of read for me....how could it have been anything else? It was love at first sight with likeable, lovable, real characters such as Clara- a woman so caring and empathic she risks a broken heart every day while venturing from room to room in the hospital where she works. With a warm smile, a kind word and an ear to lend, Clara, with her beloved therapy dog at her side, provides a safe haven for the fragile souls who need her most.
This is where she meets August, a charismatic, outgoing patient with issues of his own. He is quite a bit younger, but as he begins to open up, she finds herself fascinated by him and his story. He loves all things from times gone by, just like she does and is a published author with 4 books under his belt. There is a strong connection growing there, so after August is released and Clara realizes she'll never see him again or know anything more about him...sadness and a sense of loss creeps into her soul. She'd like to shake off these feelings but after a lifetime of uninspired dating, how could she ever forget a man like August?
You know what they say about 'what is meant to be will be', so when August and Clara's lives intersect for a second time, Mistress Fate rights that ship and lets it sail into the sunset...well no, nothing is quite that simple in life, is it?? Not with these two. The struggles of someone battling mental illness can be an upredictable roller coaster and loving someone who faces emotional uncertaintly can be tumultuous for all involved. It's not a road that's easily travelled and the rewards are hard won.
Kelsey Kingley never shies away from difficult subject matter in her writing, which she always handles with grace and care. She may leave you crying in your soup just as easily as laughing joyfully, with tears pouring down your face instead. She digs deep within herself to bring out every drop of feeling- whether happy or heartbreaking, but will heal you completely before she finishes up her story. Keep your tissues handy for all those possible feels in Hoping For Hemingway, where Clara and August's passionate, emotion filled romance will shake up your world, walk you across a few egg shells and then finally calm your racing heart. What a beautiful tribute to hope, love and healing this was with little side stories woven in between, giving readers even more to love about this gem of a book. I was lucky enough to receive an early copy to read and now have shared my honest review with you. This is a beautifully written standalone that you won't want to miss.
October 31, 2021
Never pass up reading a book by Kelsey. She is in a very select group of authors who can present a story that will touch you deeply. This one is about Clara and August. I don’t want to spoil the story, just know that you will be drawn in, revel in the highs and despair in the lows. You probably will shed some tears and not want the story to ever end. It’s that good. Actually, it’s better then I can put words to. Highly recommend.
I was provided an ARC copy for my honest review. And, I never sugarcoat for any author or an ARC.
I was provided an ARC copy for my honest review. And, I never sugarcoat for any author or an ARC.
Want to read
November 20, 2021BUY HOPING FOR HEMINGWAY NOW:
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http://mybook.to/hopingforhemingway
(FREE on Kindle Unlimited.)
November 3, 2021
5* “Love is Patient, Love is Kind” Hoping for Hemingway was everything I had hoped for and more! The stunningly beautiful cover is just the beginning of the deep and heartfelt story that lies beneath.
The story of Clara and August was full of feels. At times it was a bit depressing which was true to form as August suffers from Bipolar. At other times there was so much love and hope!
Clara is a therapy dog handler and meets August who is a patient at the Psychiatric hospital where she works. They have a connection which is unusual for Clara because she had been unlucky in love, never meeting anyone who has managed to keep her interest for long and he is also older than her. For August the connection he feels for Clara is so different to what he has felt in his past two marriages.
August is an author who is desperately trying to finish his novel as his deadline is looming! When he is on his medication his writing and creativity is suppressed and when he decides to forgo his medication their relationship will be tested, and decisions will have to be made.
The secondary characters were so likeable and important in the lives of Clara and August.
This was a beautifully told story. The emotions that this author evoked were real and raw! I loved every page read and highly recommend this unique love story.
November 14, 2021
It took me way to long to write this review I still don't think I'll get it right. The thoughts are there but the words won't come.
I can say it was very well written.
Every aspect was handled with great care an respect.
Every character in the story could be someone from my life, all relatable, likeable, real!
I think what I loved most about this book was the raw simplicity it showed of what living with someone with bipolar manic depressive episodes, or really any mental health diagnosis can be like.
The whole story was beautiful and brings so much light to what makes all facets of the mind at times both beautiful and at times frightening when misunderstood.
I have voluntarily left this review.
I can say it was very well written.
Every aspect was handled with great care an respect.
Every character in the story could be someone from my life, all relatable, likeable, real!
I think what I loved most about this book was the raw simplicity it showed of what living with someone with bipolar manic depressive episodes, or really any mental health diagnosis can be like.
The whole story was beautiful and brings so much light to what makes all facets of the mind at times both beautiful and at times frightening when misunderstood.
I have voluntarily left this review.
November 5, 2021
Kingsley has a fantastic way of writing about hard topics in such a relatable way. Clara and August both have baggage and history that could easily make a budding relationship difficult to nurture.
I think August needed someone like Clara. Not someone to love and find his HEA with but someone who would demand he take care of himself, to be a grown man who is responsible for seeking help and proper treatment for his illness.
Clara’s age provided her with wisdom when dating a younger struggling to find his place in a writer’s world. Her occupation allowed her to see August both as a boyfriend and as someone who struggles with balancing his mental health. The age gap paired with her no nonsense attitude helped the relationship on a much grander scale than what some may expect.
I think August needed someone like Clara. Not someone to love and find his HEA with but someone who would demand he take care of himself, to be a grown man who is responsible for seeking help and proper treatment for his illness.
Clara’s age provided her with wisdom when dating a younger struggling to find his place in a writer’s world. Her occupation allowed her to see August both as a boyfriend and as someone who struggles with balancing his mental health. The age gap paired with her no nonsense attitude helped the relationship on a much grander scale than what some may expect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2022
Did nothing for me. A DNF.
November 4, 2021
What first attracted me to Kingsley's writing is the deep emotions she infuses into her stories and her willingness to tackle tough subject matter in an authentic, relatable way. I’ve watched her grow in her craft, and this book is the pinnacle of her work to date.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted romance full of laughs, this is not that book. But if you’re looking for something with flawed, devastated, endearing characters with growth potential and a story that will leave your heart in tatters only to mend it back together with great care, this is the book for you.
I’m really at a loss on this one. I think my heart is still mired in the emotion of the book even though it's been several days and a few other books since I read it. Parts of it hit close to home for me, having had close relationships with people struggling with similar illnesses, so factor in your own experiences before jumping into this one.
That said, I adore these characters so much! I love the reverse age gap and the wisdom Clara has earned through experience. And I love August's old soul and kind heart, despite his fractured psyche. Theirs is a relationship that will never be easy, but the good times are that much more rewarding for the challenges overcome to achieve them.
I know we love our hearts and flower romances, but I also see a place for, a more authentic, real-life romance. One that makes us think, pushes us out of our comfort zone, and helps us consider circumstances we may not have first-hand knowledge of. One that might introduce us to unfamiliar issues and help us come away with a fresh perspective and an affected heart. One thing is certain: these characters will imprint on your heart and their message will remain with you long after the last page. One of my very best reads this year, I’m so grateful I had the chance to read this extraordinary, masterful, memorable story.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted romance full of laughs, this is not that book. But if you’re looking for something with flawed, devastated, endearing characters with growth potential and a story that will leave your heart in tatters only to mend it back together with great care, this is the book for you.
I’m really at a loss on this one. I think my heart is still mired in the emotion of the book even though it's been several days and a few other books since I read it. Parts of it hit close to home for me, having had close relationships with people struggling with similar illnesses, so factor in your own experiences before jumping into this one.
That said, I adore these characters so much! I love the reverse age gap and the wisdom Clara has earned through experience. And I love August's old soul and kind heart, despite his fractured psyche. Theirs is a relationship that will never be easy, but the good times are that much more rewarding for the challenges overcome to achieve them.
I know we love our hearts and flower romances, but I also see a place for, a more authentic, real-life romance. One that makes us think, pushes us out of our comfort zone, and helps us consider circumstances we may not have first-hand knowledge of. One that might introduce us to unfamiliar issues and help us come away with a fresh perspective and an affected heart. One thing is certain: these characters will imprint on your heart and their message will remain with you long after the last page. One of my very best reads this year, I’m so grateful I had the chance to read this extraordinary, masterful, memorable story.
November 11, 2021
This really is a beautiful book it is heartbreakingly sad but contradictorily it is also uplifting. I believe that a good book ahs to make you feel it doesn't matter if it is anger sadness or empathy if you finish and you feel nothing what was the point. With this story Kelsey gives the reader an unforgettable age gap romance. I really felt the highs and lows that Clara and August go through. If you are looking for a gentle hearts and flowers romance this is not it. August is a man on the edge I shed a tear at his struggles and celebrated his achievements especially the little ones that might seem insignificant at first glance.
I loved the relationship between Clara and August the understanding and support was well written but I didn't always feel the romance. I would have liked more time spent showing the sparks and the passion, you know those moments when they couldn't keep their hands off each other.
I loved the relationship between Clara and August the understanding and support was well written but I didn't always feel the romance. I would have liked more time spent showing the sparks and the passion, you know those moments when they couldn't keep their hands off each other.
October 31, 2021
Oh Clara and August all the feels. I have to give Kelsey Kingsley huge points for this one. She always is truthfully blunt and raw in her writing. All the feels, angst, emotions, she never shys away from any topic and she writes it all so beautifully and painfully real!
April 19, 2023
WOW
I did not think I would like it this much! What an amazing read. And the references to Hemingway and his work are fantastic!
I did not think I would like it this much! What an amazing read. And the references to Hemingway and his work are fantastic!
November 12, 2021
This is one of those books that you just can’t put down. I was hooked from start to finish, and just loved it.
Clara and her therapy dog Agnes make regular visits to the patients of a psychiatric hospital and try to help the patients open up about their feelings. Whilst on one of their visit they meet a young man names August, and they find they have so much in common, they just keep talking.
August has had bipolar for as long as he can remember, but given his family history it is not surprising. The problem is, the medication he’s on stops him writing, but he needs the medication to keep the bipolar under control, and he doesn’t always make the right decisions.
August and Clara’s story is full of ups and downs, understanding, hurt, but above all else love.
Clara and her therapy dog Agnes make regular visits to the patients of a psychiatric hospital and try to help the patients open up about their feelings. Whilst on one of their visit they meet a young man names August, and they find they have so much in common, they just keep talking.
August has had bipolar for as long as he can remember, but given his family history it is not surprising. The problem is, the medication he’s on stops him writing, but he needs the medication to keep the bipolar under control, and he doesn’t always make the right decisions.
August and Clara’s story is full of ups and downs, understanding, hurt, but above all else love.
November 14, 2021
Kelsey Kingsley is one of my one click authors because I always fall in love with the characters. This one goes above and beyond and not only has great characters but also invokes a great range of emotion. I really loved this story and I hope you will too.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
November 5, 2021
𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘢, 𝘢 42 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘳, 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘦𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘦. 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘈𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘵, 𝘢 28 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘣𝘪𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳. 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘯, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘈𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦?
listen i really wanted to take my time with this one but i got so emotionally invested that i just couldn't put it down. it was like everything was hunky dory until it suddenly wasn't anymore...
it's like when you read a Colleen Hoover book, you know you're going to be emotionally ripped apart. it's the same with Kelsey Kingsley for me. i just now I'm in for quite a rollercoaster of emotions!
Clara and August' chemistry does start off quite insta-lovey which i would say is more of a characteristic of August, making me wish we had a dual POV.
once their romance progresses you get some side character story development which i actually really enjoyed and who were lovely additions to the story.
it got to a point where i was like "wait...are they together now? is that how their HEA ends?" and then BAM! drama. love it.
nearing the end, i was definitely shedding some tears for Clara, obviously for their relationship to work out but mostly because i just wanted this woman to have her HEA.
August sounded like the perfect classic gentleman. I had so many thoughts going through my head on this man like is he going to be a lover or a killer? and other times my heart just broke for him. they were the perfect fit for each other.
always a joy to read a Kelsey Kingsley novel. she just writes the perfect emotionally invested stories but in a different way. can't explain it, can just feel it.
TW: mental health discussions, hero is bipolar, mentions of suicide
*𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸*
listen i really wanted to take my time with this one but i got so emotionally invested that i just couldn't put it down. it was like everything was hunky dory until it suddenly wasn't anymore...
it's like when you read a Colleen Hoover book, you know you're going to be emotionally ripped apart. it's the same with Kelsey Kingsley for me. i just now I'm in for quite a rollercoaster of emotions!
Clara and August' chemistry does start off quite insta-lovey which i would say is more of a characteristic of August, making me wish we had a dual POV.
once their romance progresses you get some side character story development which i actually really enjoyed and who were lovely additions to the story.
it got to a point where i was like "wait...are they together now? is that how their HEA ends?" and then BAM! drama. love it.
nearing the end, i was definitely shedding some tears for Clara, obviously for their relationship to work out but mostly because i just wanted this woman to have her HEA.
August sounded like the perfect classic gentleman. I had so many thoughts going through my head on this man like is he going to be a lover or a killer? and other times my heart just broke for him. they were the perfect fit for each other.
always a joy to read a Kelsey Kingsley novel. she just writes the perfect emotionally invested stories but in a different way. can't explain it, can just feel it.
TW: mental health discussions, hero is bipolar, mentions of suicide
*𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸*
July 7, 2025
I will not sit here and pretend to know what it is like to deal with a situation like this, being romantically involved with someone with a mental illness. I think it takes an incredibly selfless person to be able to see past the "problem" and discover the person underneath everything and love him for it.
But there were some serious red flags throughout the book that made it difficult for me to completely enjoy this story. I also had a hard time rating this book because I understood the message. It's impossible to be impartial with the ones we love. It's impossible to keep the same impassive judgment we have with strangers than the ones who share our life with us. But Clara enabling August's destructive behaviour put a dent on the respect I had for her, a woman in her 40's who was absolutely sure of herself and had a background with people who suffere with mental problems. She knew better.
August was one of the most difficult and complex characters I've ever encountered. He was dreamy, he was kind, charming. He suffered from bipolar disorder and avoided taking his meds (which he desperately needed) because they affected his writing career. Again, I won't even pretend to know what it's like to live that life.
But August was an adult man with a difficult past of trauma and tragedy. He knew first-hand how is lack of action and agency affected his previous relationships and he still continued to make the same mistakes with Clara. He knew that he eventually would fall on the same pit of despair and that would put his relationship with Clara, the supposed love of his life, in jeopardy. But he still decided to stay off his meds.
This is an incredibly frustating book to read because you really want these characters to finally get it right. They are the kind of people who deserve to finally have that someone in their lifes. But both make so many errors with each other.
This is the kind of book I can honestly say it's a beautiful story. Even if you don't entirely agree with it, understand it or even rate it high, Hoping for Hemingway is the king of book I will remember for a long time.
But there were some serious red flags throughout the book that made it difficult for me to completely enjoy this story. I also had a hard time rating this book because I understood the message. It's impossible to be impartial with the ones we love. It's impossible to keep the same impassive judgment we have with strangers than the ones who share our life with us. But Clara enabling August's destructive behaviour put a dent on the respect I had for her, a woman in her 40's who was absolutely sure of herself and had a background with people who suffere with mental problems. She knew better.
August was one of the most difficult and complex characters I've ever encountered. He was dreamy, he was kind, charming. He suffered from bipolar disorder and avoided taking his meds (which he desperately needed) because they affected his writing career. Again, I won't even pretend to know what it's like to live that life.
But August was an adult man with a difficult past of trauma and tragedy. He knew first-hand how is lack of action and agency affected his previous relationships and he still continued to make the same mistakes with Clara. He knew that he eventually would fall on the same pit of despair and that would put his relationship with Clara, the supposed love of his life, in jeopardy. But he still decided to stay off his meds.
This is an incredibly frustating book to read because you really want these characters to finally get it right. They are the kind of people who deserve to finally have that someone in their lifes. But both make so many errors with each other.
This is the kind of book I can honestly say it's a beautiful story. Even if you don't entirely agree with it, understand it or even rate it high, Hoping for Hemingway is the king of book I will remember for a long time.
October 31, 2021
Kelsey Kingsley never disappoints, but she has seriously outdone herself with Hoping for Hemingway. When you pick up one of her books, you know that you're getting a real romance with hearts, and butterflies, and those amazing first kisses. But you don't just get the good stuff. No. You get all of the ugly truths that come with love too, because let's face it...love isn't always pretty.
In this case, 42- year old Clara is content with her life as a mature single woman. It's not that she doesn't want love, she's just maybe a bit too picky and she refuses to settle. When she meets 28-year old August, she is smitten. He seems to be everything that she has always looked for in a man, and in spite of the rather large age gap, she takes a chance on love. But like I said earlier, love isn't always pretty. As August battles his mental illness, Clara is forced to decide if her love for him is enough to make her stay.
This book is swoon-worthy at some times and absolutely heartbreaking at others. I loved August from the beginning. He is easy to fall in love with, and I fell for him just as quickly as Clara did, so my heart broke with their struggles. This story is difficult to read at some points and brought me to tears more than once. It gets pretty heavy, and I honestly wasn't sure if August and Clara would find their HEA. This author has such an amazing way with words though, and even throughout the darkest parts of this story, you could feel the love and the hope.
This book deals with the difficult topics of mental illness and suicide, so beware if those are triggers for you. It is a beautifully told, true-to-life romance that doesn't shy away from the dark days. I highly recommend this one, but you may want to have some tissues ready.
In this case, 42- year old Clara is content with her life as a mature single woman. It's not that she doesn't want love, she's just maybe a bit too picky and she refuses to settle. When she meets 28-year old August, she is smitten. He seems to be everything that she has always looked for in a man, and in spite of the rather large age gap, she takes a chance on love. But like I said earlier, love isn't always pretty. As August battles his mental illness, Clara is forced to decide if her love for him is enough to make her stay.
This book is swoon-worthy at some times and absolutely heartbreaking at others. I loved August from the beginning. He is easy to fall in love with, and I fell for him just as quickly as Clara did, so my heart broke with their struggles. This story is difficult to read at some points and brought me to tears more than once. It gets pretty heavy, and I honestly wasn't sure if August and Clara would find their HEA. This author has such an amazing way with words though, and even throughout the darkest parts of this story, you could feel the love and the hope.
This book deals with the difficult topics of mental illness and suicide, so beware if those are triggers for you. It is a beautifully told, true-to-life romance that doesn't shy away from the dark days. I highly recommend this one, but you may want to have some tissues ready.
November 10, 2021
If you’re looking for fresh, important and much needed unique perspective in a love story, ( actually not so unique in certain areas but rarely written about) then this is the book for you. You will laugh, cry, love, and emote all kinds of feelings. You are transported back to another world. Rarely do we meet young characters who are so invested in years gone by and so mature that age doesn’t affect them.
August is one of those rare gems. Unfortunately he also has his own demons that plaque him. Watching him maneuver and work through them is painful, yet understandable. Clara thinks she’s finally met her soulmate. They meet in the most unusual set of circumstances.
I really don’t want to give anything away because the story is so important and really needs to be told.
What clearly comes through during the whole book is true love. Not fairy tale love because fairy tales aren’t real and this story is raw, real and honest. Honest isn’t always pretty. There were times my heart was in my throat for both characters.
Even August’s grandmother held such a prominent place in this book. Every detail was paid attention to and spot on.
Every once in awhile you read a book that not only tells beautiful story with all the flaws but it means something. This story means something. It’s the complete and true love story.
Kelsey is her own genre. She can’t be pigeonholed. Her writing continues to evolve and no two books are ever the same. Everything she writes is fresh, researched, detailed and you know she put her heart and soul into every written word. She allows her should to bleed onto the pages. This may be her best yet but then again I’ve thought I saw her best before. Who knows what will come next but I can’t wait!
August is one of those rare gems. Unfortunately he also has his own demons that plaque him. Watching him maneuver and work through them is painful, yet understandable. Clara thinks she’s finally met her soulmate. They meet in the most unusual set of circumstances.
I really don’t want to give anything away because the story is so important and really needs to be told.
What clearly comes through during the whole book is true love. Not fairy tale love because fairy tales aren’t real and this story is raw, real and honest. Honest isn’t always pretty. There were times my heart was in my throat for both characters.
Even August’s grandmother held such a prominent place in this book. Every detail was paid attention to and spot on.
Every once in awhile you read a book that not only tells beautiful story with all the flaws but it means something. This story means something. It’s the complete and true love story.
Kelsey is her own genre. She can’t be pigeonholed. Her writing continues to evolve and no two books are ever the same. Everything she writes is fresh, researched, detailed and you know she put her heart and soul into every written word. She allows her should to bleed onto the pages. This may be her best yet but then again I’ve thought I saw her best before. Who knows what will come next but I can’t wait!
October 30, 2021
Yet again, this author makes it feel like she’s bled raw truth and everything life throws at us on her pages. A little nostalgic, a little depressing at times, a little angsty, a lot hopeful and loving, and a LOT honest about how people struggle, this book eased me into Clara and her life before slamming the door closed behind me, locking it, and barricading it with a dresser so I had to keep moving forward. And it’s not like that was something I didn’t want to do, but the story of Clara no August required that readers know the only way to the other side is through the characters’ minds, eyes, and souls.
This book is so utterly realistic feeling that I didn’t want to put it down. There is no shying away from how painful mental illnesses can be to everyone involved. There’s no sugarcoating. But there is definitely hope to be had. After all, if one person will always answer, maybe all is not lost. And Kelsey did an excellent job of bringing all of the love and worry and fear and hope to this tale. It doesn’t feel like your standard romance because it isn’t. And it shouldn’t be. Instead, it’s a portrayal of life and how it can all play out for some. And I’m 100% fine with that because reality isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. We need the rain and misery to get to the bright side of things sometimes, like August and Clara had to experience to truly embrace all that was ahead of them. So buckle up, get comfy, and get ready to run the gamut of emotions with this one. It’s worth it.
This book is so utterly realistic feeling that I didn’t want to put it down. There is no shying away from how painful mental illnesses can be to everyone involved. There’s no sugarcoating. But there is definitely hope to be had. After all, if one person will always answer, maybe all is not lost. And Kelsey did an excellent job of bringing all of the love and worry and fear and hope to this tale. It doesn’t feel like your standard romance because it isn’t. And it shouldn’t be. Instead, it’s a portrayal of life and how it can all play out for some. And I’m 100% fine with that because reality isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. We need the rain and misery to get to the bright side of things sometimes, like August and Clara had to experience to truly embrace all that was ahead of them. So buckle up, get comfy, and get ready to run the gamut of emotions with this one. It’s worth it.
November 4, 2021
Hoping for Hemingway is a tale about people with mental health issues and the people who love them.
Clarabell McKinley, a single, forty-two-year-old, works as a therapy dog handler; Agnes is the name of her well-trained dog. Clara also has four cats, a bird, and fish which she shares a beach cottage on the Long Island Sound in Connecticut. Her circle is tiny, her parents Nora and Martin; Marjie is her sister, brother-in-law Mark, and three nieces. Christy, age twenty-three and nine-year-old twins, Lydia and Leah. Clara and Agnes visit different institutions, one of which is St. Mary's Psychiatric Hospital. Dr. Sylvie Sherman runs the center and gives a list of the patients that Agnes needs to see. We're privileged to meet several patients, all suffering from mental health issues, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse.
Until she meets author August Gordon, an attractive, younger man with the same passion for all things vintage, Clara begins to believe she's finally met her match. However, when August's bipolar issues reappear, Clara questions whether she has what it takes.
Dying is an effortless thing- and I know, if I should have died, it would have been easy for me—quite the easiest thing. But the people at home do not realize this; they suffer a thousand times more.
Kelsey Kingsley writes about complex topics which most authors would shy away from, and she seems to do her best work with these subjects. Hoping for Hemingway will bring all the feels and emotions will be on the surface.
Clarabell McKinley, a single, forty-two-year-old, works as a therapy dog handler; Agnes is the name of her well-trained dog. Clara also has four cats, a bird, and fish which she shares a beach cottage on the Long Island Sound in Connecticut. Her circle is tiny, her parents Nora and Martin; Marjie is her sister, brother-in-law Mark, and three nieces. Christy, age twenty-three and nine-year-old twins, Lydia and Leah. Clara and Agnes visit different institutions, one of which is St. Mary's Psychiatric Hospital. Dr. Sylvie Sherman runs the center and gives a list of the patients that Agnes needs to see. We're privileged to meet several patients, all suffering from mental health issues, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse.
Until she meets author August Gordon, an attractive, younger man with the same passion for all things vintage, Clara begins to believe she's finally met her match. However, when August's bipolar issues reappear, Clara questions whether she has what it takes.
Dying is an effortless thing- and I know, if I should have died, it would have been easy for me—quite the easiest thing. But the people at home do not realize this; they suffer a thousand times more.
Kelsey Kingsley writes about complex topics which most authors would shy away from, and she seems to do her best work with these subjects. Hoping for Hemingway will bring all the feels and emotions will be on the surface.
November 8, 2021
Hoping for Hemingway follows the story of Clara and August. Clara is a 42 year-old therapy dog handler who meets 28 year-old August, when he is a patient in a psychiatric hospital. They form an immediate bond, but assume they’ll never meet again once he’s discharged. When fate puts them together, the question becomes, is love enough to overcome all the obstacles they may face. Anytime I read a Kelsey Kingsley book, I expect to experience a real, raw emotional journey with well-developed characters that are completely relatable. This one is a masterful example of that. Both Clara and August hit home for me in so many personal ways. I’m emotionally drained right now, because I feel like I felt both of their emotions at the same time! Very few authors can pull off that type of imagery and emotional connection. While much of the book is heavy, there are also plenty of moments of happiness, joy, lust, love, banter, as well as compelling side characters to keep things extra interesting. I’m hoping that Christy gets a HEA of her own.😉
The parallels with and odes to Ernest Hemingway were really intriguing as well, and made me want to revisit some of his books that I read back in high school and college. I was so sucked into the experience of this book that I read it straight through, and now I feel a bit lost, because I wasn’t ready to leave these characters yet! This is definitely a must read, 5 star book!
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The parallels with and odes to Ernest Hemingway were really intriguing as well, and made me want to revisit some of his books that I read back in high school and college. I was so sucked into the experience of this book that I read it straight through, and now I feel a bit lost, because I wasn’t ready to leave these characters yet! This is definitely a must read, 5 star book!
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2021
Hoping for Hemingway is another amazing book by Kelsey Kingsley. And while I couldn't put it down, it was a very hard story for me to read (I have a very good friend who's bipolar and I can relate to what this means). But this author always writes the hard stuff and I love it.
Clara is 42 years old, a therapy dog handler, single and rather happy with her job, her house on the beach and her pets (one dog, four cats, a bird and fish). But sometimes, when she looks at her family (her parents and her sister, happily married with kids), she feels lonely. But there was never a man who could keep her interest.
August is an author and he's bipolar. One day Clara and August meet in a hospital. Clara works there with her therapy dog but August is a patient and 14 years younger than Clara. But regardless the age gap and Augusts illness they click from day one. And so they take a chance, even if they both know, that their love and their lifes will be very complicated.
Clara and August are wonderful 😍. They have so much to overcome, because Clara also had a hard past and had to fight for her happiness. Augusts situation is not an easy one and you needs to be a special person to support someone with his disease. But Clara is tough, she's one of the strongest heroines I've ever read. I absolutely adore her and how she copes with this situation.
One of the most heart-warming stories I've read this year. Sad, beautiful but with so much optimism. Highly recommended!
Clara is 42 years old, a therapy dog handler, single and rather happy with her job, her house on the beach and her pets (one dog, four cats, a bird and fish). But sometimes, when she looks at her family (her parents and her sister, happily married with kids), she feels lonely. But there was never a man who could keep her interest.
August is an author and he's bipolar. One day Clara and August meet in a hospital. Clara works there with her therapy dog but August is a patient and 14 years younger than Clara. But regardless the age gap and Augusts illness they click from day one. And so they take a chance, even if they both know, that their love and their lifes will be very complicated.
Clara and August are wonderful 😍. They have so much to overcome, because Clara also had a hard past and had to fight for her happiness. Augusts situation is not an easy one and you needs to be a special person to support someone with his disease. But Clara is tough, she's one of the strongest heroines I've ever read. I absolutely adore her and how she copes with this situation.
One of the most heart-warming stories I've read this year. Sad, beautiful but with so much optimism. Highly recommended!
November 12, 2021
Relationships are a struggle, but so worth it in the end!
Kelsey Kingsley is a creative writing genius. She is always stepping out of her comfort zone to give us unique and wonderful characters.
In this story we meet Clarabell McKinley, Clara for short. She has a wonderful family and at 42 she does dog therapy for patients in a mental health care facility. Due to the fact that she is still single, because she apparently is to picky, she feels as though it is now to late for herself to find her one true love.
August Gorden, is a 28 year old writer, who suffers from bipolar. He was given a publishing deal to write five books, but the medications he is on makes it hard for him to write.
He has checked himself into the facility to help himself get back on track, and this is where he meets Clara and her dog Agnes.
They hit it off right away, because of their love of music and the fact that it's so easy to talk to each other as they seem to have a lot in common.
August has in the past fallen easily for women even marrying one, but he finds that he has never found true love until he meets Clarabell.
When they happen to meet up again, it is the start of something very real for both of them.
The secondary character spoke to me as well adding so much to the story that they became like a real family to me.
This is another beautifully look into real life situations that has all the feels. 🙂😢😔🙄🥰
Kelsey Kingsley is a creative writing genius. She is always stepping out of her comfort zone to give us unique and wonderful characters.
In this story we meet Clarabell McKinley, Clara for short. She has a wonderful family and at 42 she does dog therapy for patients in a mental health care facility. Due to the fact that she is still single, because she apparently is to picky, she feels as though it is now to late for herself to find her one true love.
August Gorden, is a 28 year old writer, who suffers from bipolar. He was given a publishing deal to write five books, but the medications he is on makes it hard for him to write.
He has checked himself into the facility to help himself get back on track, and this is where he meets Clara and her dog Agnes.
They hit it off right away, because of their love of music and the fact that it's so easy to talk to each other as they seem to have a lot in common.
August has in the past fallen easily for women even marrying one, but he finds that he has never found true love until he meets Clarabell.
When they happen to meet up again, it is the start of something very real for both of them.
The secondary character spoke to me as well adding so much to the story that they became like a real family to me.
This is another beautifully look into real life situations that has all the feels. 🙂😢😔🙄🥰
November 9, 2021
“I promised you, if I ever got that call, I’d answer. I’ll always answer. Always.”
Hoping for Hemingway is not an easy story to read. It’s raw and real and extremely emotional. Kelsey Kingsley compassionately tackles the delicate subject of mental illness and suicide and makes the reader ponder a heartbreaking question: When the person you love is struggling emotionally and could be a danger to themselves, is your love strong enough to stand by their side?
August’s struggles and family history is painful and broke my heart yet his heart was so vibrantly alive and loving. Clara is a special soul to do the work she does and not lose her compassion and to selflessly serve others over herself. Both had loving spirits that just needed a little nourishment.
“The first time you snuck up on me like that, I couldn’t tell you were there. But now, I can feel you there before my ears, nose, or eyes can give you away. My souls knows yours too well now, I guess.”
Watching both Clara and August fall in love and experience the ups and downs of mental illness broke my heart, but it also filled me with hope. The strength of their belief in each other and love for each other was beautiful. I will admit that this was a difficult book for me to read because I have someone in my life that struggles with these demons, but Kelsey’s words made it a little easier.
Hoping for Hemingway is not an easy story to read. It’s raw and real and extremely emotional. Kelsey Kingsley compassionately tackles the delicate subject of mental illness and suicide and makes the reader ponder a heartbreaking question: When the person you love is struggling emotionally and could be a danger to themselves, is your love strong enough to stand by their side?
August’s struggles and family history is painful and broke my heart yet his heart was so vibrantly alive and loving. Clara is a special soul to do the work she does and not lose her compassion and to selflessly serve others over herself. Both had loving spirits that just needed a little nourishment.
“The first time you snuck up on me like that, I couldn’t tell you were there. But now, I can feel you there before my ears, nose, or eyes can give you away. My souls knows yours too well now, I guess.”
Watching both Clara and August fall in love and experience the ups and downs of mental illness broke my heart, but it also filled me with hope. The strength of their belief in each other and love for each other was beautiful. I will admit that this was a difficult book for me to read because I have someone in my life that struggles with these demons, but Kelsey’s words made it a little easier.
October 30, 2021
Wow this book was both sad, dark and beautiful. The characters in this book had such a different emotions, and it was interesting to see Clara so often interact with people so content and happy and then with others so close to losing their inner battle. It's crazy how different people's lives can be but yet be so similar at the same time. I loved the idea that Clara was as it seemed a therapist who works with animals to help her patients but I am unsure exactly what she did.
I loved the background characters in this story, but Phoebe and Christy are my favorites. It was interesting reading their stories and seeing the growth throughout the book.
Clara and August were a rollercoaster and I was not sure throughout the entire book if they would end up together. August is a lovely man, but his lows are not only harmful to others but to those around him. I really liked how Clara had to take time to think things through with her relationship with him, because it's not an easy choice to stick with someone with a mental disorder and the other half of the relationship should take time to figure out if they can handle it. But I loved them together, Clara and August balanced each other well and knew how to be what the other needed without asking!
I loved the background characters in this story, but Phoebe and Christy are my favorites. It was interesting reading their stories and seeing the growth throughout the book.
Clara and August were a rollercoaster and I was not sure throughout the entire book if they would end up together. August is a lovely man, but his lows are not only harmful to others but to those around him. I really liked how Clara had to take time to think things through with her relationship with him, because it's not an easy choice to stick with someone with a mental disorder and the other half of the relationship should take time to figure out if they can handle it. But I loved them together, Clara and August balanced each other well and knew how to be what the other needed without asking!
November 13, 2021
After reading this book, I find it hard to review it. It shattered my soul. I absolutely loved it. I have never read such a profound story about mental illness. Ever. August and Clara, two characters that will stay with me. Clara, who is a extremely picky 42 year old who knows what she doesn’t want, and meets this broken man August after he admit himself into the hospital and meets Agnes. Clara’s comfort dog. August is younger than picky Clara, who is smitten with August. August who is a writer and struggles with his creativity when he’s on his meds, but then escalates whole off them. My heart was breaking for August when he tried so hard not to be on his meds, while Clara was heart broken knowing she couldn’t help August unless he could see what was happening to them both. The way the story was beautifully written, I felt I was in the story as well. I fell in love with August, and my heart shattered along with Clara. I cannot say enough for this incredibly written story and how much it affected me. This is one book I will reread multiple times and would LOVE to read an novella for an update.
November 3, 2021
This book was simply stunning. From the picturesque setting with a beach cottage, an irresistible Labrador called Agnes, a menagerie of pets and a original unique story, this book is enchanting and one of Kelsey's best to date. I was captivated with Clarabell and August's love story, with the classic references to Perry Como and James Stewart, to the clothing ensemble they wore, and the family dynamic which warmed your heart with the bonds they had. Upon reading the first chapter, it reminded me of the book called Tim by Colleen McCullough, older woman falls for younger man, but that is where the similarities end.
Hoping for Hemingway is a powerful book highlighting mental health issues, not just for the people suffering, but for the families who are desperately trying to assist their loved ones and the effect it also has on them and the hope they all wish for- to quote the book " Hoping can be the most powerful thing of all" and hope really shines through this book and how it is received.
Hoping for Hemingway is a powerful book highlighting mental health issues, not just for the people suffering, but for the families who are desperately trying to assist their loved ones and the effect it also has on them and the hope they all wish for- to quote the book " Hoping can be the most powerful thing of all" and hope really shines through this book and how it is received.
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