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Raising Hope

by Katie Willard



      Raising Hope is the ultimate depiction of four women finding the balance between loving others and staying true to themselves.

      Ruth Teller, a tough-talking woman, faces life head on. Loss may have rocked her world, but she'll do whatever she must to see that her niece, Hope, gets a proper upbringing--even if it means moving in with perfect and prissy Sara Lynn Hoffman. Ruth's job as a waitress doesn't allow her to hide from life, but her emotions, other than her love for Hope, are off limits until life throws an unexpected curve.

     Sara Lynn has sacrificed everything, including her first love, in order to meet others' expectations. Since she gained joint custody of Bobby's child, she has hidden behind her familial obligations. Life has thrust before her a second chance at love, but in order to claim it Sara Lynn must risk everything.

     Aimee Hoffman has devoted her entire life to raising the child she never thought she'd have, and Sara Lynn has been perfect. Almost. Her daughter's indiscretion with Bobby Teller may have been a good thing after all, considering the joy Hope and Ruth have brought to the household. However, children have a way of growing up and away. Will she find the strength to cut the apron strings?

      Unusual family dynamics complicate Hope Teller's typical teenage concerns about puberty, friendships, and the future. Her mother's death, her father's abandonment, and the new roads Ruth and Sara Lynn choose, help to teach Hope the true meaning of family and love.

     Raising Hope is an exquisite garden, the beauty of which brought tears to my eyes. Each woman's past, weeds and all, provides the perfect nourishment for the fertile plot. Ms. Willard uses first person wisely; though separated by chapters, the women's individual voices easily identify which character is speaking and allow readers to develop an intimacy that third person sometimes inhibits. Downplayed settings only enhance this character driven novel.

       A long time has passed since any author has delved so lovingly into the female psyche, and Ms. Willard has made the wait worthwhile. This novel is a must read!

The Book

Warner Books
May 16, 2005
Advance Readers Copy
0446576875
General Fiction
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
NOTE: Sweet sex

The Reviewer

Lynda E. Lukow
Reviewed 2005
NOTE:
© 2005 MyShelf.com