The Hope Chest: A Novel (The Heirloom Novels) - Hardcover

Shipman, Viola

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1250105072 ISBN 13: 9781250105073

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books, 2017

Synopsis

"Saugatuck, MI, springs to life in this nostalgic, gentle story of lifelong love along with the emotional support and care that families and friends can provide. " ―Library Journal

The discovery of one woman’s heirloom hope chest unveils precious memories and helps three people who have each lost a part of themselves find joy once again.

Ever since she was diagnosed with ALS, fiercely independent Mattie doesn’t feel like herself. She can’t navigate her beloved home, she can’t go for a boat ride, and she can barely even feed herself. Her devoted husband, Don, doesn’t want to imagine life without his wife of nearly fifty years, but Mattie isn’t likely to make it past their anniversary.

But when Rose, Mattie’s new caretaker, and her young daughter, Jeri, enter the couple’s life, happiness and the possibility for new memories return. Together they form a family, and Mattie is finally able to pass on her memories from the hope chest she received from her mother.

With each item―including a favorite doll, family dishes, an embroidered apron, and an antique Christmas ornament―the hope chest connects Mattie, Don and Rose to each other and helps them find hope again in the face of overwhelming life challenges.

A beautiful story about the unconditional love and support of family, The Hope Chest by Viola Shipman will remind you that hope can be found where and when you least expect it.

About this title

About the Author:

VIOLA SHIPMAN is a penname for Wade Rouse, a popular, award-winning memoirist. Rouse chose his grandmother’s name, Viola Shipman, to honor the woman whose heirlooms and family stories inspire his writing. Rouse lives in Michigan and writes regularly for People and Coastal Living, among other places, and is a contributor to All Things Considered. To date, The Charm Bracelet has been translated into nine languages.

Review:

“Viola Shipman has written a graceful, touching novel that explores the temporal nature of life, and teaches us that even as we look back to sort through our personal histories, so we must look forward to find solace, power--and, yes, hope--in the future. A moving, emotionally impactful read.” ―Garth Stein, New York Times bestselling author of A Sudden Light and The Art of Racing in The Rain

"[The Hope Chest] demonstrates the enduring power of love and kindness...a good choice for fans of gentle, heartwarming fiction." ―Booklist

"Saugatuck, MI, springs to life in this nostalgic, gentle story of lifelong love along with the emotional support and care that families and friends can provide." ―Library Journal

About this edition

• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1250105072
• ISBN 13: 9781250105073
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320