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A Gift Called Hope
A heartfelt novel of a Christmas shadowed by loss and regret--and brightened by hope for renewal--from the author of Time Will Tell.
Six-year-old Jack is counting the days to Christmas. But his grandmother is just counting the days until it's over. For Jill, the holiday comes with painful memories, and she wants only to escape the recent past and its tragedies.
She's moved and started a new life running a food truck in Widmore Bay, a quaint seaside town, in order to flee her agonising history.
It's only for little Jack's sake that Jill tolerates the tree and decorations. She just wants to spend Christmas with the curtains drawn, reading a book and drinking coffee.
But this season, she may stumble onto a miracle that restores joy--and hope--in her heart . . .
Six-year-old Jack is counting the days to Christmas. But his grandmother is just counting the days until it's over. For Jill, the holiday comes with painful memories, and she wants only to escape the recent past and its tragedies.
She's moved and started a new life running a food truck in Widmore Bay, a quaint seaside town, in order to flee her agonising history.
It's only for little Jack's sake that Jill tolerates the tree and decorations. She just wants to spend Christmas with the curtains drawn, reading a book and drinking coffee.
But this season, she may stumble onto a miracle that restores joy--and hope--in her heart . . .
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2022
410 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Eva Jordan
7 books102 followersEva Jordan was born in Kent but has lived most of her life in a small Cambridgeshire town. She describes herself as a lover of words, books, travel and chocolate, and is also partial to the odd glass of wine.
Her career has been varied and has included working for the library service and in a women's refuge. She is currently working on her 4th novel, writes a monthly column for a local magazine, and writes book reviews which she posts on her blog, where you'll also find some fascinating author interviews. Storytelling through the art of writing is her passion and as a busy mum and step mum, and grandmother, Eva says she is never short of inspiration for her family based dramas!
It was the women in Eva's life, including her mother, daughters, and good friends, that inspired her to write her debut novel, 183 TIMES A YEAR, which was then followed by ALL THE COLOURS IN BETWEEN, and finally TIME WILL TELL, all of which can be read as stand alone novels but are all part of THE TREE OF FAMILY LIFE TRILOGY. Modern stories exploring domestic love, hate, strength and friendship, set amongst the thorny realities of today’s divided and extended families.
Her career has been varied and has included working for the library service and in a women's refuge. She is currently working on her 4th novel, writes a monthly column for a local magazine, and writes book reviews which she posts on her blog, where you'll also find some fascinating author interviews. Storytelling through the art of writing is her passion and as a busy mum and step mum, and grandmother, Eva says she is never short of inspiration for her family based dramas!
It was the women in Eva's life, including her mother, daughters, and good friends, that inspired her to write her debut novel, 183 TIMES A YEAR, which was then followed by ALL THE COLOURS IN BETWEEN, and finally TIME WILL TELL, all of which can be read as stand alone novels but are all part of THE TREE OF FAMILY LIFE TRILOGY. Modern stories exploring domestic love, hate, strength and friendship, set amongst the thorny realities of today’s divided and extended families.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 14, 2022
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This is not your typical, fluffy Christmas read., but it is a heartfelt and hopeful one that I enjoyed very much. The author deals with some heavy subject matter such as addiction and grief. She does so in a very realistic and sensitive manner. I loved how she mentioned the stigma and preconceptions of people suffering from addiction. Yes, the poor, and homeless do suffer from this problem but so do the upper class and the rich, it does not discriminate.
Jack Jr. was an adorable character and also portrayed in a realistic way and I appreciated the author's ability to do so. I liked how the story shed light on how addiction affects everyone around the user, such as family and friends. The book warns of the issues surrounding alcohol and drug abuse without ever feeling preachy.
In the end, this family came together for the sake of the child, but they reaped the rewards as well. They healed themselves all for a little boy at Christmas. The story was also about community and lending a helping hand, but also accepting one. This is the type of book that you will remember and think about long after you finish reading it.
This title is currently available for purchase.
This is not your typical, fluffy Christmas read., but it is a heartfelt and hopeful one that I enjoyed very much. The author deals with some heavy subject matter such as addiction and grief. She does so in a very realistic and sensitive manner. I loved how she mentioned the stigma and preconceptions of people suffering from addiction. Yes, the poor, and homeless do suffer from this problem but so do the upper class and the rich, it does not discriminate.
Jack Jr. was an adorable character and also portrayed in a realistic way and I appreciated the author's ability to do so. I liked how the story shed light on how addiction affects everyone around the user, such as family and friends. The book warns of the issues surrounding alcohol and drug abuse without ever feeling preachy.
In the end, this family came together for the sake of the child, but they reaped the rewards as well. They healed themselves all for a little boy at Christmas. The story was also about community and lending a helping hand, but also accepting one. This is the type of book that you will remember and think about long after you finish reading it.
This title is currently available for purchase.
November 8, 2022
I fell in love with the cover and synopsis, it made me want to curl up with my coffee and my kindle!
It was a good story, I empathised with the characters and definitely agreed mostly with the depictions of grief. The plot was mostly warm and fuzzy, and I looked forward to reading it as my bedtime book, but I think it could be a little stronger in its pacing at times.
It was a good story, I empathised with the characters and definitely agreed mostly with the depictions of grief. The plot was mostly warm and fuzzy, and I looked forward to reading it as my bedtime book, but I think it could be a little stronger in its pacing at times.
May 27, 2023
3.5 stars
October 25, 2022
i really enjoyed this. a compelling read with layered characters you can understand and root for. I loved the little vegetarian food van and the coffee lovers. I could really imagine it. There were also some insightful comments about addiction and grief, which hit home, but never felt laboured! 5 stars!
December 4, 2025
Not your typical Christmas novel as it centers around a grieving mother trying to make peace with her loss. Yet, it's a lovely story of friendship, family, forgiveness, and making new Christmas traditions.
October 28, 2022
This story has grief, hurt, misunderstanding, denial , love and second chances wrapped up in a beautifully written book that had me reaching for the tissues one minute and smiling the next. The saying that angels walk among us is very true in this story as Mary is easily my favourite character as she is certainly that angel in Jill’s life and being Irish too have grown up amongst women like her with a sense of compassion and wisdom but no nonsense ladies with a great sense of humour. There are books that stay with readers long after they have finished and for me , this will be one of those and one I will be going back to read again regularly.
November 7, 2022
There’s a stunning authenticity about this book’s emotional content – Christmas, for so many, isn’t something to look forward to, particularly when its memories are affected by the pain of loss. At first, we know none of the detail – only that Jill has moved to the Norfolk seaside town of Widmore Bay after her son’s death, an experience that tore her family apart, caring alone for her six-year-old grandson Jack Junior.
Against all the odds, their life there together is essentially a happy one – a cottage rented from Mary next door, who’s also a tremendously supportive friend, and Jill has fulfilled her dream of setting up a successful food truck selling vegetarian food to both locals and visitors. But as Christmas approaches, and with it a significant anniversary, the complexities of the family relationships raise their head again, the emotional impact of grief and loss becomes heightened along with the shame, guilt and anger, and we learn more about devastating sequence of events that overshadowed that earlier Christmas. There are a lot of difficult decisions to be made, relationships to repair, misunderstandings to clear up, truths to accept – and hopefully the possibility of moving on into a brighter future.
I’ve rarely read a more searing depiction of a mother’s grief – there’s a rawness to Jill’s emotion that really hurts, all the small reminders of everything that’s been lost. But there’s plenty about this book that’s particularly heartwarming too – her relationship with Mary is a joy, adding a real lightness, the interactions with customers at her food truck, and young Jack’s excitement as the festive season approaches. And then there’s the family – her daughter Molly (always the strong one – goodness, I so identified with her), her gentle and misunderstood husband Jack Senior, and the daughter-in-law who she finds it so impossible to forgive. And young Jack – so wonderfully drawn, and with a perceptiveness far beyond his years. Those family relationships are at the centre of the story, and exceptionally well handled – knowing everything that had gone before, I felt deeply for every one of them. And then there’s the handling of the circumstances of her son’s death, done particularly realistically and told with real sensitivity – at times, it was all a little close to home for me having lost a loved one under similar circumstances, but I always felt in an entirely safe pair of hands.
You might get the impression that this would be a heavy read, but it really isn’t – there’s a perfect balance of light and shade, and a glimmer of hope that shines ever more brightly as the story unfolds. There’s a lot of love in this book, a real emphasis on the importance of family, the moments of joy amid the darkness – I found the story really difficult to leave behind, the individuals very much still in my heart. It’s an extraordinary piece of writing, and a book I’d highly recommend to all – I loved it.
Against all the odds, their life there together is essentially a happy one – a cottage rented from Mary next door, who’s also a tremendously supportive friend, and Jill has fulfilled her dream of setting up a successful food truck selling vegetarian food to both locals and visitors. But as Christmas approaches, and with it a significant anniversary, the complexities of the family relationships raise their head again, the emotional impact of grief and loss becomes heightened along with the shame, guilt and anger, and we learn more about devastating sequence of events that overshadowed that earlier Christmas. There are a lot of difficult decisions to be made, relationships to repair, misunderstandings to clear up, truths to accept – and hopefully the possibility of moving on into a brighter future.
I’ve rarely read a more searing depiction of a mother’s grief – there’s a rawness to Jill’s emotion that really hurts, all the small reminders of everything that’s been lost. But there’s plenty about this book that’s particularly heartwarming too – her relationship with Mary is a joy, adding a real lightness, the interactions with customers at her food truck, and young Jack’s excitement as the festive season approaches. And then there’s the family – her daughter Molly (always the strong one – goodness, I so identified with her), her gentle and misunderstood husband Jack Senior, and the daughter-in-law who she finds it so impossible to forgive. And young Jack – so wonderfully drawn, and with a perceptiveness far beyond his years. Those family relationships are at the centre of the story, and exceptionally well handled – knowing everything that had gone before, I felt deeply for every one of them. And then there’s the handling of the circumstances of her son’s death, done particularly realistically and told with real sensitivity – at times, it was all a little close to home for me having lost a loved one under similar circumstances, but I always felt in an entirely safe pair of hands.
You might get the impression that this would be a heavy read, but it really isn’t – there’s a perfect balance of light and shade, and a glimmer of hope that shines ever more brightly as the story unfolds. There’s a lot of love in this book, a real emphasis on the importance of family, the moments of joy amid the darkness – I found the story really difficult to leave behind, the individuals very much still in my heart. It’s an extraordinary piece of writing, and a book I’d highly recommend to all – I loved it.
December 1, 2022
this is such a wonderful story to read. The story is about the loss of a loved one and how family members react and deal with the following grief. For a 6-year-old with Christmas coming up it is all about excitement, for a parent it is about trying to hide the grief, for a sibling it is trying to cope with a missing brother.
The author has created such a heartbreaking story about the unexpected death. While the dates of loved family members are always something to be remembered it is more poignant when those dates fall on days when it is a time for celebration, such as Christmas. every year the heartache of not having them there is a constant reminder, but the author shows how different members of her fictional family are dealing with things.
They say there are 5 stages of grief and I think the author pretty much covers those with her characters. This makes for such an engaging story and one that is sad but also has that glimmer of hope, and this is what makes the title so good.
There is a small cast of characters but ones that all have an important role to play, and how they are incorporated into the story is great as they become not only a support system but also friends. Sometimes when things get tough you need a friend to tell you how they see things rather than trying not to upset a member of the family.
This is a gorgeous story and one that does have a Christmas theme, but it is one moment in the calendar, however, it does become a huge shadow. It is a shadow that needs to be talked about and therefore to let the light in for everyone concerned.
If you are a fan of contemporary fiction then this is one I would definitely recommend.
The author has created such a heartbreaking story about the unexpected death. While the dates of loved family members are always something to be remembered it is more poignant when those dates fall on days when it is a time for celebration, such as Christmas. every year the heartache of not having them there is a constant reminder, but the author shows how different members of her fictional family are dealing with things.
They say there are 5 stages of grief and I think the author pretty much covers those with her characters. This makes for such an engaging story and one that is sad but also has that glimmer of hope, and this is what makes the title so good.
There is a small cast of characters but ones that all have an important role to play, and how they are incorporated into the story is great as they become not only a support system but also friends. Sometimes when things get tough you need a friend to tell you how they see things rather than trying not to upset a member of the family.
This is a gorgeous story and one that does have a Christmas theme, but it is one moment in the calendar, however, it does become a huge shadow. It is a shadow that needs to be talked about and therefore to let the light in for everyone concerned.
If you are a fan of contemporary fiction then this is one I would definitely recommend.
November 3, 2022
This book literally had everything in it - romance, love, family drama, Christmas, addiction and grief.
At times it truly was heartbreaking, but other times it was just heartwarming but I enjoyed getting to know the characters.
Very well written, and as a wife to a husband who has now been sober for nearly 9 years, I could really resonate with the addiction side of the book, and how it can destroy everything in its path.
Absolutely loved this book, and would recommend to anyone who wants a non typical Christmas read full of romance.
At times it truly was heartbreaking, but other times it was just heartwarming but I enjoyed getting to know the characters.
Very well written, and as a wife to a husband who has now been sober for nearly 9 years, I could really resonate with the addiction side of the book, and how it can destroy everything in its path.
Absolutely loved this book, and would recommend to anyone who wants a non typical Christmas read full of romance.
November 18, 2022
Kept me reading till the end, as more is gradually revealed about the death of Jill's son and her reaction to it.
Again, a family story, but with a deeper message as a fragmented family come to terms with the loss of a member while maintaining stability for the sake of her grandson.
A seasonal read, but one that will resonate at any season.
Again, a family story, but with a deeper message as a fragmented family come to terms with the loss of a member while maintaining stability for the sake of her grandson.
A seasonal read, but one that will resonate at any season.
October 25, 2022
Jill is running away from a devastating loss and is living with her grandson Jack Junior in the idyllic seaside town of Widmore Bay where she rents a cottage from her landlady Mary, who lives in the cottage next door. The friendship between these two women was incredibly heart-warming and I think we could all do with a Mary in our lives. Whilst at times Mary is almost like a mother figure to Jill, she is very much a good friend who not only listens but tells it as it is also, giving Jill some home truths she may not want to hear.
The story is set in the run up to Christmas of which the time of year is one that Jill would rather be able to miss than have to go through. She has a valid reason for this and if anything I think this story will be a heartfelt reminder of how important family and loved ones are. I had so much empathy for Jill and could fully understand why she is the way she is. Whilst there is a melancholy to this story, Mary being a wonderful down to earth character brings a lot of light to it and it had me raising a smile more than a few times.
A Gift Called Hope is a story with a lot of heart. It tackles some difficult subjects like addiction and grief of which the author writes it sensitively and well. At times it does make for a sombre read yet in the main I found it wonderfully endearing and uplifting. Having read a few books by the author now, she really is the queen when it comes to writing about family dynamics. She does it superbly with readers taking the characters to heart and thinking about them long after they’ve turned the last page. A beautifully written novel with real meaning behind it.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The story is set in the run up to Christmas of which the time of year is one that Jill would rather be able to miss than have to go through. She has a valid reason for this and if anything I think this story will be a heartfelt reminder of how important family and loved ones are. I had so much empathy for Jill and could fully understand why she is the way she is. Whilst there is a melancholy to this story, Mary being a wonderful down to earth character brings a lot of light to it and it had me raising a smile more than a few times.
A Gift Called Hope is a story with a lot of heart. It tackles some difficult subjects like addiction and grief of which the author writes it sensitively and well. At times it does make for a sombre read yet in the main I found it wonderfully endearing and uplifting. Having read a few books by the author now, she really is the queen when it comes to writing about family dynamics. She does it superbly with readers taking the characters to heart and thinking about them long after they’ve turned the last page. A beautifully written novel with real meaning behind it.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
December 26, 2022
I bought this having been attracted to the cover and the title, I needed a little hope as perhaps do we all at times. I've read Eva's books before so was hoping I would enjoy it as much as the others and I wasn't disappointed. Its a story of Jill who lives with her young grandson Jack junior after his father has passed away and his mother is unable to cope. Her own marriage to Jack senior broke down following the tragedy. Jill has tried to make a new life by moving away and doing something she always wanted to do- a food van- which has given her a new lease of life and new friends through the interaction with her customers. When Jack Juniors mother appears back on the scene, Jill worries that she isn't good for Jack junior and blames her for the death of her son.
Eva has a rare skill of writing. Yes its a story but there is much philosophy woven through the pages which we can all learn from. I found myself stopping at certain points as the odd phrase hit me in the face of poignancy. Its a story of rising from the ashes and looking forward having perhaps learnt from the past. Although the cover indicates a seasonal read it really could be read at anytime of year . Of day and night and light and dark, of loss and of new beginnings. Carpe diem all the way!
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December 24, 2025
what a magnificent book
The Gift Called Hope is a deeply moving and heartfelt story that reminds us how powerful kindness, compassion, and human connection can be—especially during life’s darkest moments.
At its core, this novel is about people who are struggling, carrying quiet heartbreaks, and learning that hope often arrives in unexpected ways. Through gentle storytelling and emotionally rich moments, the book explores loss, resilience, and the small but meaningful acts that can change a life. Each character feels achingly real, their pain and hope woven together in a way that tugs at the heart.
What makes this story so special is its warmth. Even when it tackles difficult emotions, there’s an underlying sense of comfort and reassurance, like a soft light guiding the way forward. It’s a reminder that hope isn’t always loud or dramatic—sometimes it’s found in friendship, understanding, and the courage to keep going.
The Gift Called Hope is an emotional, uplifting read that lingers long after the final page. Perfect for readers who love stories about healing, humanity, and the quiet strength of the heart—this is one to savour, and one that truly lives up to its name. 💛
The Gift Called Hope is a deeply moving and heartfelt story that reminds us how powerful kindness, compassion, and human connection can be—especially during life’s darkest moments.
At its core, this novel is about people who are struggling, carrying quiet heartbreaks, and learning that hope often arrives in unexpected ways. Through gentle storytelling and emotionally rich moments, the book explores loss, resilience, and the small but meaningful acts that can change a life. Each character feels achingly real, their pain and hope woven together in a way that tugs at the heart.
What makes this story so special is its warmth. Even when it tackles difficult emotions, there’s an underlying sense of comfort and reassurance, like a soft light guiding the way forward. It’s a reminder that hope isn’t always loud or dramatic—sometimes it’s found in friendship, understanding, and the courage to keep going.
The Gift Called Hope is an emotional, uplifting read that lingers long after the final page. Perfect for readers who love stories about healing, humanity, and the quiet strength of the heart—this is one to savour, and one that truly lives up to its name. 💛
November 2, 2022
A Gift Called Hope follows a family whose lives are torn apart by the loss of Davey, a son, dad, husband and brother at Christmas time. His mother, Jill is so devastated that she feels that Christmas can never be a happy family time again. When Gabby, Davey's wife turns to drink in the aftermath of his death, his mother and father take on the responsibility of looking after their grandson, Jack junior.
As Jill struggles to cope with her loss and suspects that her husband of having an affair she decides to take Jack Junior to live at Widmore Bay in Norfolk and to realise her dream of having a business selling vegetarian food and drinks from a van on the beach.
As Jill starts to rebuild her life, helped by Mary, her neighbour and landlord her second Christmas without her son approaches and she has her life turned upside down again.
This book is a heart warming story of how the Harrison family cope with their loss and has some wonderful characters that bring the story to life, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for an ARC in return for an honest review.
As Jill struggles to cope with her loss and suspects that her husband of having an affair she decides to take Jack Junior to live at Widmore Bay in Norfolk and to realise her dream of having a business selling vegetarian food and drinks from a van on the beach.
As Jill starts to rebuild her life, helped by Mary, her neighbour and landlord her second Christmas without her son approaches and she has her life turned upside down again.
This book is a heart warming story of how the Harrison family cope with their loss and has some wonderful characters that bring the story to life, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for an ARC in return for an honest review.
December 18, 2022
Jill who is estranged from her husband, has moved to a seaside town to run a mobile, beachside, vegetarian, snack bar.
She is caring for her young grandson, Jack but grieving for her son, Davey, Jack’s father. As Christmas nears; the anniversary of her son’s death, Jill struggles to cope with her conflicting emotions, trying to give Jack the best possible Christmas she can while dealing with the still rawness of her grief.
I am certain this story will stay with me for a very long time. It moved me in a way that surprised me. It is beautifully written, and the characters are believable and well-drawn. The end is satisfying, living up to the title
The only other book that has affected me in the same way as A Gift Called Hope; is “The Catcher in the Rye” by J D Salinger.
That I remember so much of The Catcher in the Rye after reading it just once, fifty years ago, speaks volumes.
Like Catcher in the Rye, this story is about loss and the grief that accompanies the loss of a loved one.
Reaching an accommodation with loss is a bumpy road; this book describes that journey with tenderness and humanity.
She is caring for her young grandson, Jack but grieving for her son, Davey, Jack’s father. As Christmas nears; the anniversary of her son’s death, Jill struggles to cope with her conflicting emotions, trying to give Jack the best possible Christmas she can while dealing with the still rawness of her grief.
I am certain this story will stay with me for a very long time. It moved me in a way that surprised me. It is beautifully written, and the characters are believable and well-drawn. The end is satisfying, living up to the title
The only other book that has affected me in the same way as A Gift Called Hope; is “The Catcher in the Rye” by J D Salinger.
That I remember so much of The Catcher in the Rye after reading it just once, fifty years ago, speaks volumes.
Like Catcher in the Rye, this story is about loss and the grief that accompanies the loss of a loved one.
Reaching an accommodation with loss is a bumpy road; this book describes that journey with tenderness and humanity.
December 16, 2023
A Gift Called Hope by Eva Jordan is a beautiful, poignant contemporary Christmas novel that will tug at your heart.
This is a study of a family and of grief from two years earlier. The family has fractured as each member retreats into themselves as they each process loss. There is no right or wrong way through grief, each journey is unique. Each must ravel their own pathway.
We mainly ‘see’ the loss as experienced through the mother’s eyes. Her arms are empty of her son, as she draws her grandson closer. In her own grief, she fails to see how others are suffering. She fails to see what was under her nose. Her memories are rose-tinted and not a true depiction.
Grief and guilt go hand in hand. Characters feel guilty for what they did or did not do.
There is a community atmosphere as characters offer support where they can. There is also a tense atmosphere at the school gates as mothers try to outdo others.
All the characters were well drawn and realistic. Our responses varied but it was easy to empathise with each character in different ways.
Family units are made up of different members. Family units need love and support as we see that it takes a village to raise a child.
This is a study of a family and of grief from two years earlier. The family has fractured as each member retreats into themselves as they each process loss. There is no right or wrong way through grief, each journey is unique. Each must ravel their own pathway.
We mainly ‘see’ the loss as experienced through the mother’s eyes. Her arms are empty of her son, as she draws her grandson closer. In her own grief, she fails to see how others are suffering. She fails to see what was under her nose. Her memories are rose-tinted and not a true depiction.
Grief and guilt go hand in hand. Characters feel guilty for what they did or did not do.
There is a community atmosphere as characters offer support where they can. There is also a tense atmosphere at the school gates as mothers try to outdo others.
All the characters were well drawn and realistic. Our responses varied but it was easy to empathise with each character in different ways.
Family units are made up of different members. Family units need love and support as we see that it takes a village to raise a child.
October 28, 2022
Eva’s beautifully written and poignant book, A Gift Called Hope, is an absolute joy to read. It encompasses every emotion you could possibly feel upon the loss of a child, no matter their age.
It deals with the difficult and emotive subject of addiction and loss from the viewpoint of family, rather than the sometimes judgemental detachment of outsiders. I could feel every emotion that Jill experienced, her anger, her pain, her resentment, her shame and her fear, mixed with the more heartwarming moments gifted by her grandson Jack Jnr and Mary her adorable next door neighbour and friend.
I had every intention of writing a detailed review, but at the weekend, as I was nearing the end of A Gift Called Hope, I received the devastating news that a truly kind and inspirational dear friend had passed away. He was only 36 years old but in his short life he had touched the hearts of so many people. Although I still cannot comprehend his sudden passing, or find answers, the last chapters of this beautiful book offered me unexpected clarity and comfort.
Hope, like life, is truly a gift… we need to hold on tight to both.
5* and more.
It deals with the difficult and emotive subject of addiction and loss from the viewpoint of family, rather than the sometimes judgemental detachment of outsiders. I could feel every emotion that Jill experienced, her anger, her pain, her resentment, her shame and her fear, mixed with the more heartwarming moments gifted by her grandson Jack Jnr and Mary her adorable next door neighbour and friend.
I had every intention of writing a detailed review, but at the weekend, as I was nearing the end of A Gift Called Hope, I received the devastating news that a truly kind and inspirational dear friend had passed away. He was only 36 years old but in his short life he had touched the hearts of so many people. Although I still cannot comprehend his sudden passing, or find answers, the last chapters of this beautiful book offered me unexpected clarity and comfort.
Hope, like life, is truly a gift… we need to hold on tight to both.
5* and more.
November 3, 2022
What a brilliant book, and beautifully written as Christmas is not always a happy time for everyone. The way the Eva wrote about the sensitive matters of death, the different stages of grief and the marriage break up was beautiful.
Jill is caring for her grandson after her son suddenly passed away at Christmas time and she is not looking forward to it at all. After the disaster of last year’s Christmas day and all the reminders that her son is no longer with her Jill separated from her husband Jack and moved to Widmore Bay where she enrolled Jack Junior in school and opened a Vegetarian food truck on the beach.
As we read the book more is uncovered about her son’s death, the pain that she went through and still going through especially on the run up to Christmas. The only thing stopping her closing all the blinds was her grandson she had to put up a tree and put a smile on his face.
A truly brilliant book I couldn’t recommend it more, five stars is not enough.
Jill is caring for her grandson after her son suddenly passed away at Christmas time and she is not looking forward to it at all. After the disaster of last year’s Christmas day and all the reminders that her son is no longer with her Jill separated from her husband Jack and moved to Widmore Bay where she enrolled Jack Junior in school and opened a Vegetarian food truck on the beach.
As we read the book more is uncovered about her son’s death, the pain that she went through and still going through especially on the run up to Christmas. The only thing stopping her closing all the blinds was her grandson she had to put up a tree and put a smile on his face.
A truly brilliant book I couldn’t recommend it more, five stars is not enough.
November 5, 2022
This story comes out November 4, 2022. The paperback is available October 21, 2022. This is a story of loss, deep sorrow, heartbreak, heartache, and suffering, thar caused by someone's death. This is the Harrison family, Jill, Jack, Molly, Jack Jr. Gabby, and Davey the person lost to this family. This has pain that you can read and understand when you've loss someone, this is a book that everyone can relate to and feel, and this also explains a whole lot about this family pain. Davey had a family Gabby, and their son Jack Jr. The POV is from the mother of Davey. And this book has emotional moments, and the husband always been a woman one man, read to the ending. All question and answer will be wrapped up at the ending. You will other characters, Mary Doyle, Olivia (Liv), and more people like some of the customers of Jill, at her veggie and smoothie food truck. I enjoyed this story a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2022
An outstanding heartfelt story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading from the first sentence until the last. Six year old Jack is so excited for Christmas but his grandmother Jill can't wait for it to be over as for Jill Christmas comes with alot of painful memories that she wants to escape. For Jack though she will try to make it as special as she can.
This is a timely reminder that for some Christmas is the most magical time of year but also for many it is the hardest. I loved this brilliant book and it was an absolute joy to read. At times heartbreaking and at others joyful. A book about loss,grief, friendship, family, love and putting your life back together after it has been broken. I personally loved Jill's friendship with Mary and Mary is my favourite character as she is there for her no matter what. The character development in this is fantastic as is the storyline. I heartily recommend this novel.
This is a timely reminder that for some Christmas is the most magical time of year but also for many it is the hardest. I loved this brilliant book and it was an absolute joy to read. At times heartbreaking and at others joyful. A book about loss,grief, friendship, family, love and putting your life back together after it has been broken. I personally loved Jill's friendship with Mary and Mary is my favourite character as she is there for her no matter what. The character development in this is fantastic as is the storyline. I heartily recommend this novel.
November 15, 2022
‼️Check TWs before reading.
A heartfelt novel of a Christmas shadowed by loss and regret—and brightened by hope for renewal—from the author of Time Will Tell.
Six-year-old Jack is counting the days to Christmas. But his grandmother is just counting the days until it’s over. For Jill, the holiday comes with painful memories, and she wants only to escape the recent past and its tragedies.
She’s moved and started a new life running a food truck in Widmore Bay, a quaint seaside town, in order to flee her agonising history.
It’s only for little Jack’s sake that Jill tolerates the tree and decorations. She just wants to spend Christmas with the curtains drawn, reading a book and drinking coffee.
But this season, she may stumble onto a miracle that restores joy—and hope—in her heart . . .
In this book I really felt like I got to know the main character Jill and her neighbour Mary. Mary was such a character, wise and a great friend for Jill during the hardest years of her life.
Whilst the book was a little slow for me and felt a bit repetitive I loved the ending and that message of even during the darkest times light will come given time.
A heartfelt novel of a Christmas shadowed by loss and regret—and brightened by hope for renewal—from the author of Time Will Tell.
Six-year-old Jack is counting the days to Christmas. But his grandmother is just counting the days until it’s over. For Jill, the holiday comes with painful memories, and she wants only to escape the recent past and its tragedies.
She’s moved and started a new life running a food truck in Widmore Bay, a quaint seaside town, in order to flee her agonising history.
It’s only for little Jack’s sake that Jill tolerates the tree and decorations. She just wants to spend Christmas with the curtains drawn, reading a book and drinking coffee.
But this season, she may stumble onto a miracle that restores joy—and hope—in her heart . . .
In this book I really felt like I got to know the main character Jill and her neighbour Mary. Mary was such a character, wise and a great friend for Jill during the hardest years of her life.
Whilst the book was a little slow for me and felt a bit repetitive I loved the ending and that message of even during the darkest times light will come given time.
November 20, 2022
Not your usual Christmas book because as well family, friendship, and hope this book covers loss and grief. I definitely found this an emotional read and will warn you that drug and alcohol abuse is a topic which might trigger some readers. It is a serious topic and details are given, it shows how much it can effect others around you and that the signs can so easily be missed through no fault of loved ones. But it gives you hope that no matter how much pain you go through there are still good days. This book reminded me of how important it is to have your family and friends around you. Even though there is a main character Jill, the other characters still play a very important role in the story. Each of their perspectives on the issues are equal expressed which I really liked. It was an interesting and heartfelt read.
November 13, 2022
This was an emotionally tough read. Substance abuse, death, marriage breakup, secrets. You'd be forgiven for curling up in a ball and crying forevermore if you'd been through what Jill has, but she is determined to make her grandsons life as easy as possible.
The small coastal town they live in sounds wonderful and warm, I really liked Mary and could picture her as the meddling town granny.
The food truck aspect was quite interesting and serves as a reminder that we are never too old to follow our dreams.
Jill goes through a huge healing curve which is lovely to experience however I felt the story was a little long winded and at times quite repetitive.
The author has a beautiful style with difficult topics. A lovely read.
The small coastal town they live in sounds wonderful and warm, I really liked Mary and could picture her as the meddling town granny.
The food truck aspect was quite interesting and serves as a reminder that we are never too old to follow our dreams.
Jill goes through a huge healing curve which is lovely to experience however I felt the story was a little long winded and at times quite repetitive.
The author has a beautiful style with difficult topics. A lovely read.
November 15, 2022
This was an enjoyable, emotional, read and dealing with the pain of loss during a time when family comes together. There were many wonderful characters who in their own way brought something to the book. There was Jill’s raw emotion as a mother dealing with the loss of her son, her daughter the strong one, her good intentioned, yet misunderstood husband, the daughter-in-law she can’t forgive, and Jack, the grandson who has seen more than he should at the tender age of six.
Family is at the core of this book and this book emphasizes the importance of family and love especially in moments of darkness. This wasn’t too heavy of a read and honestly it was a worthwhile, well-written book.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Family is at the core of this book and this book emphasizes the importance of family and love especially in moments of darkness. This wasn’t too heavy of a read and honestly it was a worthwhile, well-written book.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 28, 2022
I love this authors books and the way they write stories straight from the heart with a lot of emotion about the human condition. This story was no exception and covered the topics of grief and addiction in a very sensitive way.
The characters are relatable and draw you in and was written from the different perspectives. This book was heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure. Once I had started reading it I couldn’t put it down.
This was a beautiful poignant read of family and friendships set against the back drop of Christmas time and how there is always hope no matter what else is happening.
The characters are relatable and draw you in and was written from the different perspectives. This book was heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure. Once I had started reading it I couldn’t put it down.
This was a beautiful poignant read of family and friendships set against the back drop of Christmas time and how there is always hope no matter what else is happening.
October 30, 2022
I was not familiar with the author, but will definitely have look after reading this sad but compelling Christmas story.
After losing her son, Jill distanced herself from her family, but moving away with her grandson.
But still grief-stricken, Jill struggles to talk about her tragedy and to come to terms with it.
With Christmas around the corner, she will have to confront reality quicker than she thought.
I don't usually read Christmas stories, but I am glad I had the chance to read this one. Beautifully written, and raw at times, important matters are being discussed, such as grief, addiction, and the shame that comes with it.
I would definitely recommend.
After losing her son, Jill distanced herself from her family, but moving away with her grandson.
But still grief-stricken, Jill struggles to talk about her tragedy and to come to terms with it.
With Christmas around the corner, she will have to confront reality quicker than she thought.
I don't usually read Christmas stories, but I am glad I had the chance to read this one. Beautifully written, and raw at times, important matters are being discussed, such as grief, addiction, and the shame that comes with it.
I would definitely recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2022
This was an emotional character driven story. Focusing mainly on Jill who is struggling with the loss of her son, especially with Christmas approaching and the anniversary of his death.
I really liked the subtle hints that were scattered throughout the first part of the book of what might have been the cause, this was then heartbreakingly confirmed in devastating detail.
The character of Mary brings a warmth and wit to the story that is really needed and she has her own important story to tell.
The lead up to Christmas can be a difficult time for many people and it was nice to read a story of hope after tragedy set around this time.
I really liked the subtle hints that were scattered throughout the first part of the book of what might have been the cause, this was then heartbreakingly confirmed in devastating detail.
The character of Mary brings a warmth and wit to the story that is really needed and she has her own important story to tell.
The lead up to Christmas can be a difficult time for many people and it was nice to read a story of hope after tragedy set around this time.
November 3, 2022
A story that is both heart wrenching and heart warming. Jill and husband Jack lose their son Davey at Christmas, and life will never be the same again. When Davey's wife Gemma is unable to look after their son, Jill and her husband take on his care. This is a story of how families can be torn apart by grief, and how time passing can change opinions and mind sets.
Not a cosy Christmas story by any means, but one that makes you think about addiction and the strength of love. Full of strong characterisation - Mary was definitely my favourite, a fabulous character and a great neighbour and friend to Jill.
Not a cosy Christmas story by any means, but one that makes you think about addiction and the strength of love. Full of strong characterisation - Mary was definitely my favourite, a fabulous character and a great neighbour and friend to Jill.
November 3, 2022
A beautiful, poignant story of love, death, grief, loss, family breakdown and rebuilding.
Jill is grandmother to Jack and takes him to live with her after the sad death of her son. The heartbreak of this event in Jill’s life is extremely well expressed as is the anger she feels towards her husband who she thinks didn’t stand by her side and towards her daughter in law who Jill feels is responsible for her sons death.
Starting out on a new life, Jill meets Mary who has just the right amount of Irish vigour to bring Jill back life as family ties prove to be stronger than she thought.
I throughly enjoyed this book and it’ll be on my must read again list.
Jill is grandmother to Jack and takes him to live with her after the sad death of her son. The heartbreak of this event in Jill’s life is extremely well expressed as is the anger she feels towards her husband who she thinks didn’t stand by her side and towards her daughter in law who Jill feels is responsible for her sons death.
Starting out on a new life, Jill meets Mary who has just the right amount of Irish vigour to bring Jill back life as family ties prove to be stronger than she thought.
I throughly enjoyed this book and it’ll be on my must read again list.
November 5, 2022
I enjoyed reading this holiday story. This is my first book by this author and I look forward to seeing what is next for her. This is a well written story that will bring the holiday spirt to your heart. I found the characters to be connectable and enjoyed how they pulled me into their world. They are written with alot of heart and soul which made the story easy to read. I enjoyed the roller coaster ride of emotions which added to the growth of them. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story that you don't want to miss. This is a great story that will warm your heart and put you in the spirt for the holidays. I highly recommend this book.
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