Please welcome Sophia Rose to the blog and check out Carolyn Brown’s newest novel The Hope Chest. Travel to Blossom, Texas where an inheritance reunites three estranged cousins. You’ll want to add this one to your beach bag.
by Carolyn Brown
Genres: Women's Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
A grandmother’s loving bequest changes three lives forever in a heartwarming novel about finding love, hope, and family by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.
An inheritance has reunited three estranged cousins. Their grandmother Lucy left Nessa, Flynn, and April her home nestled in the woods near Blossom, Texas, as well as a hope chest to be unlocked after they complete a special task. Together, they must hand-stitch a cherished quilt Lucy left unfinished. It meant everything to her. And now, to three people struggling with their own patchwork pasts…
To Nessa, the house has always been an escape from her strict parents—a home away from home. Flynn has followed a profligate path into adulthood, never guessing it would lead him here. And the town of Blossom only stirs up a lifetime of disappointments for April. Lost and with nowhere to go, her last chance is helping fulfill Nanny Lucy’s final wish.
Thread by healing thread, Nessa, Flynn, and April bond over the quilt and all it represents. As they discover the family they’ve been looking for in one another, they share more than memories. They share the hope of new beginnings.
Sophia Rose’s Review
A grandmother’s death brings her three broken grandchildren together to fulfill her final wishes while at the same time, providing them a second chance, restoring what has been broken in each of them all their lives. Bittersweet, touching, and thoughtful family story full of country charm and a smidge of romance for this latest release from Carolyn Brown.
When Granny Lucy passes away, her three grandchildren return to Blossom, Texas. Each had a past that tore them up and defined them, but all three are ready to make drastic changes and get off the destructive paths they have been on. Granny Lucy’s final wishes might help with that. The three cousins, Nessa, Flynn, and April inherit the old family property and some start up cash, but they also inherit the darker secrets from their family past to be revealed and a mysterious old Hope Chest that they are only allowed to open once the three of them finish the work on Lucy’s last, unfinished quilting project out in her quilting shed.
Carolyn Brown has always done great at writing an engaging story and characters, but I thought her inclusion of untreated bi-polarism in a family and how the choices of older generations can pan out in succeeding generations can influence lives created a poignant depth to the story. Each of the cousins had to deal with this in their own way and fight their own demons. I enjoyed that it didn’t get dreary, but the tone stayed hopeful and, at times, fun. The mystery behind Granny Lucy’s past and what was in the hope chest had my curiosity on high alert.
There is romance, particularly for Nessa, with that amazingly engaging next-door neighbor, Jackson, but it is not the focal point of the story. Still, Jackson was a handsome, hardworking guy, and made a scene with him sparkle. I also found April’s time at the animal shelter taking care of the critters and meeting her own dashing man was lovely, too. The story takes its time getting there and meanders along until this family has found their way back to each other and to happiness or at least, in Flynn’s case, a happy for now. It makes a great lazy summer day read and recommended for women’s fiction fans who like a country setting.
The Hope Chest by Carolyn Brown shares the story of three women fulfilling their grandmother's wish with a side of romance. See why Sophia Rose recommends this for a lazy summer afternoon. #WomensFiction Share on XAbout Carolyn Brown
Author Carolyn BrownNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown was born in Texas and raised in southern Oklahoma. These days she and her husband make their home in Davis, Oklahoma, a small town of less than three thousand people where everyone knows everyone, knows what they are doing and with whom, and read the weekly newspaper to see who got caught. A plaque hangs on her office wall that says I know the voices are not real but they have such great ideas. That is her motto and muse as she goes through the days with quirky characters in her head, telling their stories, one by one, and loving her job. She has been married almost half a century to a retired English teacher that she calls Mr. B and he does not read her books before they are published because she cannot afford a divorce. They have three grown children.—and enough grandchildren to keep them busy and young. When Carolyn is not writing she likes to sit in the back yard and watch the two tom cats protect the yard from all kinds of wicked varmints like crickets, other cats, spiders and blue jays.
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About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Rachel
I enjoy Carolyn Brown’s cowboy romance and her women’s fiction. Sounds like a heartwarming story!
Sophia Rose
Oh yes, just the thing for you then, Rachel. 🙂
Katherine
Oh this sounds like my kind of book! I love the sound of it and definitely one that I need.
Sophia Rose
It was a lovely country charmer, Katherine. 🙂
Carla
This sounds lovely, but that is what I have come to expect from Carolyn Brown. Wonderful review Sophia Rose.
Sophia Rose
She is one of my favorite authors and especially these women’s fiction ones. Thank you, Carla!
Kathryn Trask
I need to add this one to my TBR Sophia Rose. i have enjoyed Carolyn Brown in the past and this one sounds good with its cousins, and being women’s fiction with just a touch of romance. My perfect go to!
Sophia Rose
I’ve come to prefer this style of her books, too. Glad to put you onto it, Kathryn.
Mary Kirkland
That sounds so good. I love these kind of stories. Nothing like a second chance.
Sophia Rose
Same here. I like seeing people get the chance to turn their lives around.
Wendy Williams
Lovely review Sophia, I’ve read The Hope Chest and enjoyed it. I also liked the hopeful tone of the book.
Sophia Rose
Yes, seeing those cousins make peace with the past and each other was the best part. 🙂
Melanie Simmons
Sounds like a really enjoyable story. Glad you enjoyed it Sophia.
Sophia Rose
It really hit the spot, Melanie. 🙂 Thanks!
Debbie Haupt
Great review Sophia Rose, this is in my audible library and is now heading higher on the pile 🙂
Sophia Rose
Very nice, Debbie! I love listening to her books on audio.