Keeping this secret could cost him everything…Trinity McConnell came to Good Hope expecting to reconnect with a former colleague, not a former fling. But within hours of arriving in the picturesque small town, she’s face-to-face with Ryder Goodhue, the man who gave her the hottest, most romantic night of her life. Ryder has never believed in fate, yet there’s simply no way to explain Trinity’s appearance in Good Hope other than meant to be. Since the night they met, he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her. Now, he’s determined to show Trinity how perfect their relationship can be. The connection between Trinity and Ryder is as powerful as ever, and soon they are swept up in a whirlwind romance. But when an orphaned eleven-year-old girl with Ryder’s name on her birth certificate turns up, their newfound romance is put on hold. A former foster child herself, Trinity knows what it’s like to be a little girl alone in the world. She’s happy to help Ryder make his new daughter his top priority. But there’s something Ryder isn’t telling her. While revealing the truth could have disastrous consequences…keeping this secret could cost Ryder the one woman he can’t live without.
USA Today Bestselling Author Cindy Kirk is a Booksellers' Best Award Winner, a National Readers' Choice Awards finalist, and a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Cindy launched her Good Hope series with a bang. Christmas in Good Hope hit #1 on the Amazon bestseller list for both Contemporary Romance and Women's Fiction.
A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.
Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.
Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.
Why do I even torture myself with this crap? I never, ever, like to read romances in which hero has a kid with OW, but I read a spoiler that so I decided to skim and see what the plot was about..
Well as you can guess, it sucked. Why? Because
And this is why I loathe romances these days! Writers suck at it big time.
I eagerly anticipate Cindy's Good Hope books and this one is one of the best. This is Trinity and Ryder's story but it is so much more than that. This novel has love, joy, family and friendship but it also has sadness, loss, fostering and paedophilia. All handled, with compassion and and care.
Ryder and Trinity already have a connection from the previous Good Hope novel but it grows stronger and deeper now. They need to be strong to help each other deal with all the things they have to deal with as Ryder's past throws up a surprise!
This may seem a little heavier than what we would normally expect from Cindy in Good Hope but it is well balanced with love, friendship and happiness.
It is always great to be back in Good Hope, I always feel I'm there, in the book with all the characters, as we now know so many of them.
Altogether, a great read.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.
It is always nice to get to "visit" Good Hope. In this one, Trinity comes to town - her brother lives there and there is a potential job opening at just the right time. She soon sees Ryder, who she had met briefly when they were both stranded at an airport and had a passionate night. I liked the approach in this book because we got a tour of the town as Trinity was introduced to everything and everyone, and I liked how Ryder and Trinity stepped immediately into exploring a potential longer-term relationship. Of course there are issues - Ryder gets some surprising news, and Trinity has some worries related to past experiences, but watching things work out is part of the enjoyment of the book.
I'd like to thank the author and publisher for a chance to read the book!
This novel focuses on Trinity McConnell (sister of Wyatt McConnell, featured in the previous Good Hope Novel), and Ryder Goodhue, a local businessman who owns the Daily Grind coffee shop. Trinity and Ryan had a one-night stand at O’Hare airport. During their brief time together, their mutual connection to Good Hope is not mentioned. One month later, Trinity arrives in Good Hope to see her brother on election day and runs into Ryder at the post-election celebration.
The attraction remains between the two, and both plan to pursue the relationship. Trinity is a psychologist and is in Good Hope not only to visit her brother but also to join a clinic run by a psychologist she went to school with. Because of Trinity’s experiences growing up in the foster care system, she is wary of relationships and has trouble trusting other people.
What throws a monkey wrench in the Trinity-Ryder developing relationship is a notification that Jenna, an old friend of Ryan who lives in Oregon, has died, and named Ryder as the father of eleven-year-old Zoe. Jenna and Ryder dated their freshman year at Stanford, but then Jenna transferred to another college. Ryder visited Jenna whenever he visited the west coast. Jenna had never told Ryder about the existence of Zoe. Because of the time interval between Zoe’s birth and Ryder’s visits with Jenna, Ryder realizes that he cannot be the biological father of Zoe. However, because Jenna’s father also wants Zoe, Ryder takes Zoe back to Good Hope. Ryder keeps the secret about he not being Zoe’s father from everyone, except his lawyer. Trinity realized something is off, but Ryder won’t confide in her. Given her trust issues, Trinity disengages from Ryder. Can Trinity and Ryder work through their issues, and will Zoe stay with Ryder?
Cindy Kirk’s Good Hope novels often delve what it means to be a family, often with half-siblings and step-parents. This novel takes an extreme family type, in which the child has no genetic relationship with her father (which the father knows), but she is recognized as his genetic daughter, based on her birth certificate. As exemplified in this novel, the parent-child bond is greater than mere genetics. This novel is a wonderful story about different types of love, romantic love between a man and a woman, as well as the love between a parent and child, and the steps a parent will take to protect that child. This novel does an excellent job of making these issues real and accessible.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing the book.
Trinity McConnell and Ryder Goodhue’s story is a powerful story of compassion. Cindy Kirk’s choice to write about child abuse and the way she crafted this piece of the storyline drew me into this novel. The writing is fantastic and I could not put the book down. Trinity and Ryder were introduced in Sparks Fly in Good Hope. They met and had a brief affair. Months later, they meet at an election party in Good Hope. Trinity sees Ryder across the bar and walks over to talk to him. The couple has an intense connection—and this is noted by Gladys and Oaklee, two of the town’s matchmakers—and spend the night together. The couple’s romance is interrupted when Ryder learns that his friend Jenna has died. He is shocked to learn that she has a daughter, he has been named as her guardian….and that Ryder’s name is listed on Zoe’s birth certificate. Ryder is put in a difficult position and he keeps a secret to himself. I loved the plot choices that Cindy Cook made in this story. As a reader-I was torn. Trinity and Ryder faced many difficult situations in the novel. Trinity understood Ryder’s decision to bring Zoe to Good hope. After her mother died, she spent time in foster care—Trinity emphasized and showed compassion towards her. Zoe becomes Ryder’s priority and the secret he’s keeping is in danger of being revealed. Could the secret tear the couple apart? Thankful in Good Hope is the perfect book to read as the holidays approach. The characters and their journey made me appreciate my family and friends who share our table during the holidays. Thankful in Good Hope features many of my favorite characters and the storyline presents a serious issue in a thoughtful, relatable way. The novel is filled with compassion, love, hope and forgiveness. Cindy Kirk’s engaging characters and their journeys make each of the Good Hope novels unique. The author balances love, family and drama in each story. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I always love the wonderful community of Good Hope. In this episode we are brought into a very serious topic and have to think about to what extent would I go to to protect a young girl from an abusive situation. It is a heavy topic that is addressed well. Cindy Kirk is very thoughtful of her approach. Many times this situation breaks up even strong relationships, but love prevails for Ryder and Trinity. I have received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.
This is another great contemporary romance filled with hope, faith, and family. I loved how this story focused on family made by circumstances instead of blood. I loved how the characters were focused on building a family. I hope there are many more Good Hope stories in the future. Thank you, Ms. Kirk, you are an inspiring writer! I received an advanced copy from the author for an unbiased review.
I love visiting Good Hope and appreciated Ryder and Trinity's story. Their relationship went through a lot to come out the other side strong and lasting. The issues of family, trust, protecting those you love, were all handled well in a way that warmed my heart. I loved getting glimpses of my friends in Good Hope from previous books and look forward to more. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Ryder and Trinity will give you that sweet gooey feeling inside. Loved the progression of their relationship and the addition of Zoey. Both determined to stand by her and keep her safe from evil. I received this arc for an honest review.❤️❤️
An endearing romance about how, sometimes, it's okay to keep secrets!
This is Ryder and Trinity's story. Ryder has been a long standing character we finally get a chance to know. Trinity is a new character. She's the younger sister to Wyatt whom we met in the last book.
And it was in that book where Ryder and Trinity first met. And then she decides to give Good Hope a shot as her bro has love and community!
And she also just quit her job. She's a clinical psychologist and has come to see an old classmate if he has room for her in his clinic. That's Liam, he gets his own story later!!
Ryder is the owner of the Daily Grind, where he interacts with everyone!
So when Trinity moves to town, life is pretty darn sweet!! That is until he got a call from a lawyer telling him his daughter needs him to come and get her!!!
Talk about having your life turned upside down. And for the very best reason. We see a confirmed bachelor step up and become a dad and how him and Trinity navigate this new normal.
It's an enlightening story. I enjoyed how the author decided to make this secret, a powerful secret, kept a secret for the safety of a young child. I liked this as I would've done the same thing!
These are add on characters Ryder has been around running the coffee shop but was never in it longer then a hello.trinity was only added in the last book when her brother had his story coming to town.I find it odd how the grandfather just loses interest.I think if the real father turned up and handed over his daughter to Ryder it would of been better (not a spoiler because it's clear when he gets there and sees her birthday that she is not his) I get the secrets but who is to say what was said behind closed doors he could of just told her.
Just ok Trinity and Ryder hook up in Chicago in a storm. She was totally surprised when she walked into the bar where her brother lived to see Ryder! They started seeing each other. She was interviewing for a job in Good Hope. She got it and moved there. With their relationship steaming ahead. Until, Ryder is informed his friend has passed and his daughter is waiting on him to pick her up. What!! He picked her up and brings her to Good Hope and Zoe fits right in but Trinity relives the bad things from her first marriage when dealing with grief. They all worked it out. Got married
I was so happy to get a story about Trinity & Ryder after their chance meeting in Chicago! Trinity moves to Good Hope & takes a position in Liam's clinic who she actually went to school with. I got really nervous towards the end of the book when it seemed that Trinity might be walking away from Ryder for good! But alas, they got their HEA ~ this was such a perfect story.
I love this entire series, I really do! However, Thankful in Good Hope, exceeded my expectations. I couldn't put the book down! The story came together so seamlessly and both Trinity and Ryder got through the trials and tribulations without so much drama and stupidness, that in some books, you want to throw it away in disgust and say, good grief, this is not logical! Nicely done Cindy!
Trinity and Ryder met when their plane was delayed. Neither knew that days later they would meet up in Good hope when Trinity decided to try the little town where her brother lived. Trinity has a hard time with keeping the current relationship apart from her ex. And Ryder has a secret that he will keep to save his daughter.
The couple in this story fall in love and overcome problems and misunderstanding before finding their own happy ending. As the ask ensure a happy ending for Zoe a little girl at risk from her predatory grandfather
This was a good romance story. It was about family, friends, and community. I was amazed by how the people rallied around for each other. The romance was very emotional and right. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
I love reading Cindy Kirk books . I can get lost in them and I feel like I am living there at Good Hope. God bless you for sharing all your books for us to read. Please may others enjoy them as well as I do.
This was an excellent book and I would recommend this book to any one who wants an excellent read. I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
The author keeps writing yet another great book. This story really can open your mind yo things you can to to help others and many things can change you life.
A lovely addition to the Good Hope series. Enjoyed Trinity and Ryder journey together. Seeing how Ms.Kirk writing adjusted realistically to Ryder becoming an instant dad. It was a pleasure catching up to former couples from previous books. This series is like going back home to family its a great fit.
What does one do when caught in an airport hotel by bad weather? Actually, if you are Trinity and Ryder, you do something that you normally would never do.
Months later, Trinity goes to Good Hope to visit her brother, meet his fiancee and interview for a position as a psychologist. She is shocked to see Ryder at a community event. They had never discussed where they lived. It is a small world.
Because their first meeting was filled with such a strong attraction and strong emotions, they begin a relationship. Their lives are going very well.
Trinity starts her life and finds that this small town is a wonderful place to live. People are welcoming and she is treated as though she is an important part of Good Hope.
Ryder is happy to find a woman who seems to be a perfect fit. He has his successful business and now he has found someone who makes him see his personal life in a new and happy light.
Then, Ryder gets a call from an attorney telling him that he has an inheritance in California. An old friend has died and left him a few things along with a daughter.
Ryder plans to do his best to be a good father. He and Zoe had never met . But, she is open to this new relationship. The fact that Trinity is a psychologist helps smooth a few small things along. The three of them become very close.
There is a villain who appears in the story. The villain has the ability to endanger Zoe and change her life forever. Trinity and Ryder are determined that will never happen.
All in all, this was a good chapter in the Good Hope story.
Ms Kirk is very talented author who has created the small town of Good Hope and populated it with some of the nicest people on the planet. She creates wonderful characters and interesting plots which move along.
Ryder is a popular citizen. Trinity falls into the rhythm of the town. Both of them are warm, charming and intelligent people. But, I did not feel as connected to their story as I expected.
There is the warmth and humor and humanity I look for in Good Hope. But, it seemed to have less depth than I expected.
I like the story and I will continue to look forward to every book by Ms Kirk.
I received this book from the author. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.
Sometimes, it's just a journey, you know? ~ Lorelai Gilmore
To me, this book is all about journeys. Ryder & Trinity meet during a journey, when they were stranded due to weather and spend an evening together; Trinity journeys to Good Hope to start over; Ryder embarks on the journey of fatherhood. It is the way they handle these transitions with such grace and love that makes this book something to be thankful about.
Ryder has always been somewhat of a mystery around Good Hope - a coffee shop entrepreneur and Cassie's former boss, he always seemed to be around but just on the sidelines, looking in. He was a good friend to most of Good Hope, and his coffee shop has been the scene of many plotting ... err ... planning sessions for Gladys and her merry band of matchmakers. It just seemed like the perfect time for the loner to find his family.
Circumstances around her work and personal life made Trinity decide to leave the big city and settle down in Good Hope. She's not had the best start in her young life, but being adopted into a great family, and having a great relationship with her brother Mitch was her saving grace. In Good Hope, she re-establishes her psychiatry practice and finds new friends, new community and a new family.
Zoe was the unexpected surprise that Ryder never knew he wanted, but now cannot live without. She has her struggles, but she is also the way for Trinity to see past her past and realize that she has so much to offer a young dad and her daughter.
There's tension, and there's drama. There's also a bunch of laughs when Gladys gets her plotting brain going. I love visiting with my Good Hope favorites, as usual. The writing was great, which goes without saying with Cindy Kirk books - just enough heat, just enough angst, and definitely a book I am thankful for. This book has reminded me of the value of having the right people in your corner, of relying on family and friends, of being honest and truthful, and of always, always, loving.
At the end of the day, this book is about love, and being thankful that we love, and are loved in return.
**I received an ARC of this book, but this review is written voluntarily and all opinions herein are my own.
Sometimes people’s paths cross unexpectedly and they connect with one another. This is the story of Trinity McConnell and Ryder Goodhue who had a one night stand and later find themselves living in the same town. That connection only intensifies as they spend more time together.
Ryan is the owner of the Daily Grind Coffee Shop in Good Hope. Good Hope is a town where neighbors care about each other. Trinity, who is the sister to Wyatt, experiences that acceptance after moving to Good Hope. The pace isn’t hectic and there is a strong feeling of community in this special town.
This story is a sweet romance between two people who have had their share of tough experiences in life. Those experiences can affect our future and we see that with Trinity and Ryder. When Ryder hears from an attorney that he has been given custody of a daughter that he never knew he had, that was life changing for him. Of course Zoe, who had lost her mother and then been given to a man who was a stranger to her, had some major adjustments to deal with in her young life. This all affected Trinity and Ryder’s relationship. True love does prevail and also a little help from Glady’s and her matchmaking cronies kept the couple from giving up on each other.
There is some angst with Zoe’s grandparents which brought out Ryder’s protective side and made him realize how much he cared for and loved Zoe.
I enjoyed this book very much. Cindy has given us a sweet romance that we will not soon forget. The tension, the romance and the town that we would all love to live in made this book an enjoyable read for me. I highly recommend it.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Welcome back to Good Hope. When we last left, Greer and Wyatt were running against each other for political office and have found love together. Wyatt's sister, Dr. Tiffany McConnell arrived in Good Hope after having a previous one night encounter with Ryder Goodhue. Sparks continue to fly for the good doctor and the Daily Grind owner.
But what happens? Ryder's past and future collide when his ex-girlfriend has named him as her baby's daddy even though it does not appear that he is the actual biological father (Jenna does not know the name of her one night stand that got her pregnant). He takes Zoe in, determined to protect her from her pediophile grandfather. Tiffany also has history as the new wife (now ex-wife) to a recent widower with three teenage girls.
With the "help" of matchmakers Gladys, Katherine, Ruby and now Oaklee, the foursome are determined to help Ryder and Tiffany (and Zoe) get their happily ever after.
It was amazing going back to Good Hope. We got to see their interactions with most of the past main characters of Ms. Kirk's books. Zoe and Brynn developed a great friendship and were there for each other. It was nice to see the adults (including the Bloom and Chapin families) intertwined in this new romance and even reference Krew and Cassie when everyone got together to watch football and Linsdey was involved when her flower shop did the flowers for Tiffany and Ryder's wedding at the Din g-a-ling.
I am a huge fan of the Good Hope series, so I was very excited to read the next installment, Thankful in Good Hope. Before starting the book I did not know anything about it, other than it involved Ryder Goodhue, a local business owner, and Trinity McConnell, the sister of a relative newcomer to town. In the last book we saw these two have a brief encounter which set the stage for this story. As I began the story it had the same feel as most of Ms Kirk's other Good Hope novels, but then I was surprised by the twist when Zoe was introduced, and it gave the story a different feel. We still got to revisit all of our favorite characters from previous books, but I felt like the main characters were on the periphery of that group and didn't have to rely on many of them to tell the story. This could have been set anywhere, not just in Good Hope. Because of this, the book felt a little fresher and I really enjoyed it. The backstory of the two characters helped me understand the reasoning behind some of their actions and helped see both sides when there was conflict. I wasn't rooting for one over the other, but instead rooting for everyone. I think my only complaint was interjecting Gladys in the story felt a little forced. Maybe we don't need to see her meddling all the time. Sometimes the main characters can find each other well enough on their own! Overall, it was a very pleasant visit back to Good Hope! Note: I had received an advanced copy of Thankful in Good Hope to voluntarily review.