A New Hope by Robyn Carr

July 1st, 2015 Kimberly Review 56 Comments

1st Jul
A New Hope by Robyn Carr
A New Hope
by Robyn Carr
Series: Thunder Point #8
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Heat Level: Half a Flame

After losing her child, Ginger Dysart was lost in grief. But since moving to Thunder Point, a small town on the Oregon coast, and with the help of her cousin Ray Anne, Ginger is finally moving forward. Her job at the flower shop is peaceful and fulfilling, and she's excited to start her first big assignment, assisting with the Lacoumette wedding. In spite of her lasting heartache, Ginger finds herself swept up in the pleasure of the occasion. But the beauty of the Lacoumette farm and the joy of the gregarious family are ruined by an unfortunate encounter with the bride's brother, Matt. Struggling with painful memories of his own recent divorce, Matt makes a drunken spectacle of himself and Ginger when he tries to make a pass at her, forcing Ginger to flee the scene in embarrassment. But when Matt shows up at the flower shop determined to make amends, what started out as a humiliating first meeting blossoms into something much deeper than either of them expected. Discovering they have a lot in common, they form a solid friendship, though everyone around them worries that Ginger will end up with a broken heart yet again. But if Ginger has the courage to embrace the future, and if Matt can finally learn to let go of the past, there may still be hope for a happy ending.

A New Hope is the eighth book in the Thunder Point series by Robyn Carr and one that I was excited to read. In the previous novel, we meet Ginger Dysart and her story just about broke my heart so I was eager to see her find her happy. Two damaged characters, tender moments and a slow-burning romance had me completely swept up in the romance A New Hope delivered.

I have said this before, but it bears repeating, Robyn Carr’s small-town romances always make me feel like I am coming home. She creates these wonderful small-towns with folks you long to visit. When I open a novel in this series I am immediately transported to Copper’s place where I sit on the porch, sip ice tea and catch up. While each of these books can be read as a standalone and focus on one couple, I think you would miss out on the bonding that occurs between the reader and the town.

Ginger is finally healing and our tale begins at the Lacoumette Wedding where she is unexpected accosted by the bride’s brother Matt, who may have had a few too many. Ginger’s response only reaffirmed my feeling for her. The tale really gets interesting when Matt shows up at the flower shop to apologize. A slow friendship develops between these two damaged characters. I loved how it unfolded and had to laugh at friends and family’s interference. The little town of Thunder Point is very protective of Ginger. Unless you are Rae Ann, who believes a good toss in the hay cures all.

Carr made their growing relationship feel genuine as they confessed their secrets, shared their pain and declared they would never love again. Ha, we all know how those declarations go. Their romance was sweet and weaved in heat beside tender moments that gave me the feels.

Of course, we could not return to Thunder Point without updates from townsfolk. We get updates on Grace and Dillon who are working on getting her Momma situated and I loved seeing the couple again. We see development in their relationship as well, but my lips are sealed. You will need to discover those for yourself. Carr also introduced a new character Lin Lu and her son. Of course, she already has me caring for this proud woman and I cannot wait for their story.

A New Hope combined the perfect romance with small-town charm and I was sadden to reach the end. Wildest Dreams is the next book and will feature Lin Lu’s story. It releases in August of 2015 and I for one cannot wait.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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56 Responses to “A New Hope by Robyn Carr”

  1. Lark

    What a wonderful review, Kimba! You really hit the nail on the head when you said Carr’s romances make you feel like you are coming home. And you touched on all my favorite parts of this book – especially that slow unfolding of friendship and the determination not to fall in love again. Yeah, we all know how that one ends 😉 – but it was fun to see nonetheless!

  2. kindlemom1

    Gah! Another author I need to read more of, I know how much you love all her books Kim and I really have enjoyed the ones that I have tried.
    Wonderful review, this really does sound perfect for this time of year.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Ali. Sorry I have been MIA. I got sick on the 4th and ended up at the doctors on Monday. I have a sinus infection but also developed liquid in my lungs. So I am dying over here..lol.

  3. RAnn

    RaeAnn is becoming one of my favorite characters. At first I thought she was a shallow gal who was just looking for a roll in the hay but I like the way Carr has developed her into something more.

  4. Chrystal

    I’ve never read Robyn Carr books before, but my BFF just gave me four of her ARCs for this series (this is one of them). Now that I’ve read your thoughts on it – I cannot wait to start on them. 🙂

  6. Lindy

    I enjoy small town romance, and love it when the setting and characters feel like home. The romance sounds tender, sweet, and full of depth. I haven’t read anything by Robyn Carr, but from the sound of you review, this is something I need to remedy 🙂

  7. Benish

    This one is like a cutesy book for summertime, I love the sound of the small town people – I’m glad you could enjoy it 🙂

  9. Lorna

    I’ve not read her books but a good friend does and loves them. One of these days I will try one 🙂 Glad you loved it!

  10. Angela Adams

    “She creates these wonderful small-towns with folks you long to visit.” — Whenever I read a Robyn Carr novel, I wish I lived in her small town setting. Thanks for the post!

  11. Sophia

    I’m loving that title! Small towns are always fun, but it can get annoying – everyone knows everyone and everything. :p

  12. Melissa (Books and Things)

    Sounds so sweet. I love the sound of the relationship.Yea, I think I do need this one. Yea, I’m going to be buried under the pile you have created for me… 😉

  13. Kathy

    I haven’t visited a Robyn Carr book, and I love the small-town romances because the characters are usually so honest, tender, and caring characters and really DO make you feel as though you’ve gone home again. Laura Miller is always my go-to for small-town romance, and I adore her books. I’ll check into Robyn Carr, now that I know she can maybe fulfill my need for those type of books.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I love Laura Miller too. Carr’s Virgin River series is my favorite, avoid her standalone novels I have not had success with those.

      • Kathy

        Thanks for the tip on the standalones. I’m not a big series reader any more because of time, but I guess when I’m ready to start her books, I’ll start with Virgin River Series.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Melissa I adore her small town romances but a couple of her standalone books were DNF’s for me. So please try her again

  15. Sarah

    Awe, I love Robyn Carr but it has been years for me! I need to check this one out too. She writes an awesome small town romance 😀

  16. Heidi

    Another wonderful summertime read. You can’t go wrong with a small town romance.

  17. Katherine

    I’m doing a little shopping in my own bookcases soon and I think the first one in this series is definitely going to be one I pull. The more I hear about this series and this author the more I look forward to reading it!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Each book just gets better. I had a hard time in the beginning even though I enjoyed it because I was home sick for Virgin River, but now Thunder Point is home too

  18. Ramona

    Oh, this sounds positively heartbreaking, Kimba! And probably wonderful too. I find stories in which the characters have to find the strength to deal with loss very poignant. I always end up crying… Excellent review.

  19. Lanie

    Aw, very cutesy! It’s nice to hear she’s found her HEA even though she had to work to fix someone else. Glad you like these small town stories in this series:D

  20. Laurel-Rain Snow

    I am eager to read this series…I have one book from the Virgin River series, waiting for me on Pippa. Soon! Thanks for sharing and making me want to visit this town.

  23. Kristin

    Well, don’t tell me I can’t read these out of order!! I’m so kidding.. you did say I could but you said I’d miss out on “town love”. I totally believe it! This town sounds awesome because the author gets the reader caught up on the past characters – something to look forward to 😀

  24. Jenny

    Damaged characters and a slow-burn romance? COUNT ME IN KIM! I have no doubt I’m going to love Ginger and Matt:)

  25. Nick

    Interfering families are probably the best things about small town, family-oriented romances other than the sweet romances. The romance sounds so delicious, Kim! I love that they talk and share their secrets.
    Lovely review, Kim!

  27. Melliane

    It’s another author I keep hearing amazing things about and that I haven’t tried yet but I really should. Her romance sounds always so well done.