Here, Home, Hope is a good, mindless beach read. I hate to label it chick lit, but probably more "beach book"; one that gets left behind at the rental property.
I really wanted to like this book. The setting is close to my home town. I loved identifying with popular places, restaurants and stores. And for that reason, I found it fun.
Unfortunately, the book is best characterized as being trite. I really didn't like and couldn't identify or sympathize with any of the characters. I felt that the author attempted to hit on a lot of controversial topics (eating disorders, rape, underage drinking, midlife crisis, infidelity, divorce, suburban pettiness, to name a few) without really delving into any one of them deeply enough. Everything was dealt with in a very superficial fashion. Ultimately, all ends well and is wrapped up with a bow at the end. All of it. Ugh!
The author is a very accomplished person in her own right. It appears as if "write a novel" was on her bucket list. Done.
I received this novel as a PDF version of an advanced readers copy through my involvement with One2One Network. I received no compensation for this review and all opinions expressed are completely my own.
Hi Cathy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reviewing HERE, HOME, HOPE - and I am sorry you found it trite, and ugh worthy. Many women have enjoyed it, but obviously, all books aren't for everyone.
By the way, it's not just on my bucket list to write a novel; it's my lifelong dream come true and I'm so excited this book has been so well received. Maybe you'll enjoy the next one - but regardless, thank you for giving it a try.