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Harper Family #2

Chasing Hope

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Justin Harper married the girl he loved with dreams of a house full of kids and love. But when that didn’t become a reality, their relationship strained. The tension builds until they bubble over, angry words are flung, and he moves out.

But beneath all the anger, he's still in love with the woman he married. Is there any way to get the old Maddie back?

Maddie Harper has always dreamed of a big family after growing up an only child. When her marriage with Justin collapses, she knows she has to take a tough look at herself or risk losing her chance at forever.

When Justin wages a campaign to reignite the flame that has died out, Maddie remembers the person she once was. But underneath their newfound love, both have reservations. Justin worries he'll never be enough for her unless he can give her another child and Maddie knows if she can't let go of that dream, she'll also have to let Justin go—forever.

* * * A SEXY small-town contemporary romance * * *

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First published June 19, 2018

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About the author

Nancy Stopper

16 books189 followers
Thanks for visiting my profile. I'm a new Contemporary Romance author and I'm so excited about the possibilities. I've been falling in love with characters in books for a long time, and even more so now that they are speaking through me for other readers.

I've been remiss in updating my shelves but I'll be doing that soon, so check out some of my favorite reads, including some that I've read over and over because, yeah, they're just that good.

I'd love it if you'd add my books to your TBR shelf. If you want to find out more about me, click over to my website: http://www.nancystopper.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
9,007 reviews173 followers
June 19, 2018
Love is a battlefield. Risking one's heart is dangerous territory. It's emotional, empowering and ugly work, but it's the battle that makes it worth the reward. Nancy Stopper bravely exposes the love in all it's glory. Chasing Hope is one couple's fight to stay afloat when life does not turn out as planned. Even within the most painful moments, hope always stands a chance. A count one's blessing tale.
Profile Image for Books and Spoons.
1,612 reviews32 followers
June 19, 2018
Oh, be still my beating heart, what an amazing, heart wrenching, poignant love story Chasing Hope is!
I knew it was going to be an emotional journey for Justin Harper and his wife Maddie to find the romance and balance, and the long forgotten feelings they do have for each other, again. The first book in the series hinted about the trouble in paradise, but I am not sure if I was emotionally prepared for Maddie and Justin, but I was so glad I was able to take the journey with them, see them grow, find themselves again, and re-kindle the deep love and passion they have always had for each other.
The problems with infertility, the physical burden the hormone treatments are, and the emotional roll-a-coaster the constant battle against nature trying to get pregnant is, it was realistic, it was heartbreaking, the pain, worry, and despair both Maddie and Justin were feeling were tangible.
Even though the story broke my heart to bits, and brought tears to my eyes, I loved it immensely. The feelings go deep, both Justin and Maddie have issues and problems, emotions, and communication, that they need to work with. The road to finding that balance, to find the inner fire again, to learn to relate and connect with their partner like they used to do, it is filled with speed bumps and detours, but there is never a question of the desire to fix things, to find solutions or the existence of deepest affection they have for each other.
The matter of their new-found half-sister didn't get as much attention as I had hoped for. The tension around that issue has been building up from the original series, and the solution seemed a bit too easy after all the angst. But maybe the future books will return to the matter in more detail, as there was plenty of emotional turmoil with Justin and Maddie's story as it is.
This story is so filled with passion, adoration, deep, profound emotions that it took my breath away. The author shows how with just one kiss one can create such tension and energy that it lits the whole story on fire. I wept for and with the characters, I cheered for them to find their way, I adored their little family, and wished from the bottom of my heart that they would find peace of mind, and learn to appreciate what they had, instead of wanting and obsessing to get more.
An ardent, beautiful, emotional story about life, love, joy, sorrow, and loss in a marriage with infertility. A powerful and sensitive topic done well with a tender and understanding, respectful hand. Just be ready to be swept away with the multitude of emotions from bliss and wonder to anguish and pain.
~ Five Spoons!
Profile Image for Kym.
697 reviews
June 17, 2018
Chasing Hope is Justin and Maddie’s story. What a wonderful addition to the Harper Family series!

As with the first story in this series, Chasing Dreams, author Nancy Stopper addresses a difficult topic in a way that is encouraging and heartfelt with characters that come to life as the story progresses.

Justin and Maddie have a wonderful 5-year-old son, Aiden, and Maddie has dreamed of having more children, as has Justin. But for Maddie, it becomes an obsession.

Having never experienced this kind of heartache myself, I can honestly say that I don’t know how I would react if I were in Maddie’s situation. Having said that, I definitely remember the moment I decided that one child was not enough and I wanted another. Would I have become as obsessed as Maddie? Would I have behaved as she did to the detriment of my marriage?

While I will never know the answers to those questions, Justin and Maddie jump off the pages as two very real people dealing with a very difficult situation. Is all the blame Maddie’s? No. Does Justin realize his part in how obsessive Maddie has become? Yes. Do they both want to repair the damage done to their marriage? Yes! And THAT is part of what I really enjoyed about this story - they are BOTH working at dealing with their issues so that they will be stronger together!

Chasing Hope covers a range of emotions and reactions. More is going on than just an infertility problem. As I’ve mentioned, both characters have other issues effecting them and both are working on those as well.

This is a wonderful story with the right amount of angst, hotness and, most importantly, joy! Sometimes you just need a HEA story between two very real characters and this is a great one!


I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, however, this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Lynette.
94 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2018
Maddie and Justin Harper met in college, fell in love and married. After Justin’s pro baseball career ended, they moved to Cedar Hill where they both wanted to raise a large family. Justin is a local hero. He coaches at the local high school and with help from Maddie, took over his fathers sporting goods store. Maddie stepped away from the store to raise their now five year old son. The business is struggling as big box stores move closer to town and Justin needs Maddie’s marketing skills if the store is going to survive.

The memories and broken families each faced as children bound them closer together in marriage and fueled their desire for a large happy family, but the large family has not happened. Maddie’s increasing obsession with becoming pregnant has driven a wedge in their relationship. She hardly leaves the house, choosing to spend her days surfing the internet about infertility. Her endless months of shots, charting, temperature taking and having sex at only the right time finds them in a marriage struggling to survive. Although Justin loves his wife and son, he has had enough and moves out.

This is a difficult topic to handle in a few hundred pages and this story of trying to put a damaged marriage back together is unlike any of the other Nancy Stopper books I have read. Also unlike her other books, I found myself more sympathetic towards one of the main characters over the other.
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,698 reviews
June 24, 2018
I totally enjoyed Chasing Hope by Nancy Stopper, the second book in her Harper Family series. Infertility problems are affecting the marriage of Justin and Maddie Harper as Maddie obsesses on expanding their family of three. Being an only child of a single mom Maddie dreamt of having a large family. Justin is the big brother to three sisters, actually four if you include his half-sister from an affair of his dad. Like Maddie, he wanted a large family but all the pressure to get Maddie pregnant was taking a toll on him. After one fight too many, Justin decided he and Maddie needed a break, a separation. While separated, they each realized how their actions contributed to the problems they were having. Maddie’s obsession soon moves to wanting to provide a foster home to a young orphaned girl, close in age to their son. Through time, patience, honest conversations, and a little push from Justin’s sister Izzy before these two can heal and repair the cracks of their marriage.

I really loved reading this book and had trouble putting it down. Ms. Stopper wove a wonderful story, with lots of heart, charm and smexy. She drew me in from page one with her heartwarming characters and did not let go until I turned the last page. I highly recommend this book to other readers and I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,219 reviews18 followers
June 23, 2018
Maddie and Justin Harper have been married for awhile and have a young son named Aiden. Maddie did not have brothers or sisters growing up and has always wanted a big family. The Harper’s have been trying to get pregnant again for months with no luck. Maddie has been obsessing over trying to get pregnant with only having sex when it is “a good time,” reading everything on the Internet, doing crazy things to try and get pregnant, and staying in the house all the time depressed. One night Justin tells Maddie that he can’t take it any more and wants to take a break and is moving into the cottage on his mother’s property. He tells her he still loves her, but all they do is fight and his Maddie that he married is gone. Maddie is upset at first, but goes to counseling.

This was a wonderful book about two people who love each other and fight to save their marriage. Both made mistakes and once they stepped back it was easier to see what they did wrong. I loved how they started dating again to bring the spark back. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Ann-Maree.
1,119 reviews9 followers
June 15, 2018
How far would you go to save your marriage? Well, that is the question Justin Harper must ask himself as he decides to go home tonight. This book is a wonderful and thought-provoking story of the struggles most face in a marriage, but this one has fertility struggles as well. This is a big topic in the world we live in know and I am sure a lot of readers will find comfort and support in the words of this wonderful author. I have been lucky not to have fertility struggles but it has opened my eyes and reminded me of the fact we must keep the lines of communication open to keep that happy loving marriage alive and well.
This is the second book this series and we learn more about the Harper family during this book. We get to see where Lizzy and Tanner are at now and if anything has happened with them learning about their half-sister Rebecca. I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily written my honest review.
Nancy Stopper you have written a fantastic book thank you.
You can read my full review at www.readingfortheloveofbooks.com
1,073 reviews11 followers
June 15, 2018
Nancy Stopper never ceases to amaze with her multi-faceted and heart wrenching topics.

Justin and Maddie have been married eight years and have a wonderful five year old son, yet Maddie is preocupied with having another baby to the detriment of her marriage. She is obsessed with her charts, thermometers and calendars that document her cycle, and still she hasn't been able to conceive. Justin has had all he can take. He wants his wife back. Yet, it seems the only way to get her back may be for him to leave.

When her husband is forced to take extreme measures Maddie is finally required to take a hard look at what she has done to her relationship with her husband. With the guidance of those who love and care for her and accepting the help of professionals Maddie is finally realizing the damage she has caused, and Justin also comes to terms with his role in the failing of their marriage.

Will these two be able to put back together the relationship they had years ago before it's too late? Or will Maddie find a different obsession to take over her life?
Profile Image for Barbara.
760 reviews6 followers
June 21, 2018
This was an awesome book. I enjoyed every page and cried a few times as well. What a wonderfully written story about two people trying to save their marriage and themselves. To have a dream of more children and not being able to get pregnant could ruin the best of marriages. In this story my hero, is Justin, for thinking of taking a break and for each of them to get their act together. As they were growing closer again beautiful child in the foster program brings them more issues especially to Maddie. If things didn’t work out as a foster parent would she go down that dark hole again and not be able to mend their marriage. Could both of them hope and get their dream of being a family again?

This is a book in a series but can be read alone. My biggest question is to myself which is…..why didn’t I read the first one? I look forward to more Harper Family Series.

Profile Image for Michelle.
149 reviews3 followers
June 21, 2018
Maddie and Justin have been together since college. They have an adorable little boy and a seemingly happy life but all Maddie can focus on is her goal to have another baby. Her inability to become pregnant becomes an obsession that threatens to ruin her marriage. Justin is fed up with the person Maddie has become and moves out. Can they find their way back to each other and realize they may need to change their dream of a big family before it destroys the family they already have? This was a very emotional read. I could feel Maddie’s anguish over her situation. I loved the characters the author created and really got pulled into the story! Loving this series and it’s connection to Oak Grove!
Profile Image for Amanda Bordner.
1,122 reviews
June 26, 2018
Justin and Maddie's story was such a fantastic and heartfelt story by Nancy Stopper!

I love these types of stories. They show real life relationships, and people that are already together, but struggling with day to day issues. I am not married, but being in a relationship, I know what it is like to be so in love with someone, yet so frustrated at the same time. Justin and Maddie are dealing with a lot. Maddie thinks there is no solution, but Justin isn't ready to give up hope just yet.

I really cannot say enough good things about this book. It can be read as a stand alone, but with Nancy's books, I HIGHLY recommend just auto buying the first book, and all of her others immediately. You won't regret it!
2,368 reviews12 followers
June 14, 2018
5 Stars
I received a free copy of Chasing Hope by Nancy Stopper and this review was given freely.
Maddie and Justin struggle with infertility, a temporary separation, meeting half sister Rachel, improving business, contemplating foster parenting all while improving their communication. This is a complex romance set in Pennsylvania with realistic characters, realistic problems, a supportive family , an honest friend, and a few steamy scenes. It was inspirational to watch Maddie and Justin work back to becoming a strong couple. This story brought back fond memories of my temporary stint as a foster parent. Of course, I also enjoyed the double happy ending.
Profile Image for Teresa.
888 reviews
July 2, 2018
Justin and Maddie have an awesome story! Justin, a former baseball player, and Maddie girlfriend from college, have a great marriage and life. They have a nice house, love each other, have a wonderful son but they both want a little more. When the little more becomes an obsession, Justin leaves. As they work on their relationship without the obsession, both have reservations about what they can give each other, their guilt, and both need to decide what is important. A great book about love, family, hopes, dreams, and what is important. Loved the tie in with Rachel and Sawyer from the Oak Grove series. A great read!
1,535 reviews4 followers
June 20, 2018
Sweet, sexy, heartbreaking, loving story of ups and downs of a loving couple trying for their second child. A realistic view of the strain infertility can cause to a marriage. Although Justin and Maddie love each other and already have a son, both long to expand their family. A well-written story that will draw you in and have you rooting for Justin and Maddie to find a balance in their marriage. No cliffhanger and Hea. Nice series.
I voluntarily received the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
104 reviews
June 20, 2018
Sweet, sexy, heartbreaking, loving story of ups and downs of a loving couple trying for their second child. A realistic view of the strain infertility can cause to a marriage. Although Justin and Maddie love each other and already have a son, both long to expand their family. A well-written story that will draw you in and have you rooting for Justin and Maddie to find a balance in their marriage. No cliffhanger and Hea. Nice series.
I voluntarily received the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,308 reviews46 followers
June 21, 2018
This is the second book in the Harper Family Series and continues the story of Maddie and Justin. Get ready for a range of emotions and twists. This book is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at times. Well written with well-developed characters and an engaging story. Two soulmates who have lost their flame try to reunite it again. Lots of soul searching and growth as they continue their journey. A great read that will capture your attention and emotions right at the beginning. Well done, Nancy. I read a reader copy and voluntarily chose to write a review.
281 reviews
June 22, 2018
Although Justin loves his wife and son, he has had enough and moves out. The memories and broken families each faced as children bound them closer together in marriage and fueled their desire for a large happy family, but the large family has not happened. Maddie’s increasing obsession with becoming pregnant has driven a wedge in their relationship. Can they work through the problems in their marriage, or will they let it get the best of them? I love this book. A very sensitive and touchy subject was written with such compassion and sensitivity.
1,263 reviews11 followers
July 28, 2018
Justin and Maddie have drifted apart to the point of separation. Obsessed with having a large family, Maddie is obsessed with getting pregnant again. She feels like a failure for letting her husband down and for not providing a sibling for her son, Aiden.

While I don’t agree with Justin leaving to “take a break” from all the stress, it’s during this time that they learn to appreciate each other again.

Their family and friends are supportive and give meaningful advice to them both.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,552 reviews27 followers
August 5, 2018
This book was nothing like I expected I thought it would be a heavy drawn out story about a woman who was totally obsessed with having another child What I got was a wonderful love story about Justin and Maddie and there struggle to make their marriage stronger no matter what befell them It was totally uplifting story about how life throws curve balls but we will always survive of we have love and can pick ourselves up and fight on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nati.
2,973 reviews17 followers
June 22, 2018
Justin and Maddie had their hapily ever after, they loved each other, they had a solid marriage and a lovely son, or so they thought. Until Maddie gets obsessed with getting pregnant and they start to drift apart. They no longer talk to each other, Maddie is always sad and Justin avoid to get home. Can their marriage survive? Hope in their love and in their future is what must bring them together again.
16.7k reviews158 followers
August 3, 2018
He wanted a house full of children but he lost it all when he stormed from the house. His wife had turned into someone he did not know.anymore. He can not stop loving her. She was in a hole and she did not want to choose between her husband and a baby. She tries to live without him but she finds it too hard. Can they have a second chance? Help is what they needs

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
82 reviews
June 20, 2018
This book made me laugh, cry and fall in Love! Justin and Maddie have so much love to give, that they forget, for a very short time, to give it to each other. But thankfully they come to their senses (thanks to the wonderful skills of Me. Stopper!!) and find their way to each other again! Do not miss this next installment of the Harper's!
Profile Image for Stephanie Hutchison.
543 reviews8 followers
June 22, 2018
Love, love, love Justin and Maddie's story. Nancy has taken an issue that plagues many families and brought focus to not only the issue but the steps that can be taken to work on rebuilding. Love the recurring family members and if you have read Nancy's other books, you will love the connection to this one.
Profile Image for Karen Galloway.
931 reviews6 followers
March 21, 2019
A Great Read

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. This is a very good book from Nancy Stopper. “Chasing Hope” has an enjoyable, interesting, well written storyline and lovely, engaging characters who I liked and enjoyed reading about. I really enjoyed this intriguing, entertaining story and I didn’t want to put it down, It’s a must read Romance and a real page turner
2,430 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2018
4.5 stars

This is the story of Justin and Maddie and what happens after several years of marriage. It can be very easy to get distracted by kids and everything else going on and forget to stop and really listen and connect with each other. It is so much harder to fight your way back together.
Profile Image for Kim F.
2,873 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2018
An amazing book. Extremely entertaining, captivating, and interesting read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
4,012 reviews34 followers
July 31, 2018
The book is a good romance read. The story is well written read. The characters are good and strong. The story is a extremely entertaining, captivating, interesting, and sweet emotional read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
August 3, 2018
A very good well-written book about two people Maddie and Justin Harper trying to find a way back to each other and keep their marriage together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
109 reviews
August 5, 2018
Justin and Maddie were well developed characters. I loved this book. But be prepared to get emotional. Test jerker here. Highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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