The Hope Chest: A Novel (The Heirloom Novels)
The Hope Chest: A Novel (The Heirloom Novels) book cover

The Hope Chest: A Novel (The Heirloom Novels)

Paperback – February 13, 2018

Price
$14.49
Format
Paperback
Pages
336
Publisher
A Thomas Dunne Book for St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-1250111111
Dimensions
5.45 x 0.85 x 8.2 inches
Weight
9.6 ounces

Description

Praise for The Hope Chest :“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 "A love story filled with hope...beautifully written." ―RT Book ReviewsPraise for The Charm Bracelet: “Rich in character and story, The Charm Bracelet is utterly charming!” ―Debbie Macomber, NYT bestselling author“A rare jewel that will be passed down one generation to the next, and from one book club member to the next until everyone has read this heartfelt story.” ―Adriana Trigiani, NYT bestselling author“Readers will be charmed by the characters, most of all by kooky but wise Lolly, who teaches her stressed-out daughter and granddaughter lessons in life and love.” ― Good Housekeeping VIOLA SHIPMAN is a pen name for award-winning memoirist Wade Rouse. His novels, including The Charm Bracelet , The Hope Chest, The Summer Cottage , and The Heirloom Garden , have been translated into over a dozen languages and become international bestsellers. Rouse lives in Michigan and writes regularly for People , Good Housekeeping and Coastal Living . He is a contributor for All Things Considered .

Features & Highlights

  • “A graceful, moving, emotionally impactful read.” ―Garth Stein,
  • New York Times
  • bestselling author of
  • The Art of Racing in The Rain
  • "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.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(406)
★★★★
25%
(169)
★★★
15%
(102)
★★
7%
(47)
-7%
(-47)

Most Helpful Reviews

✓ Verified Purchase

Hope is beautiful

What a great book. A little slow starter for me, but I'm glad I stuck with it. Beautifully written, beautiful story of life, deaths & the stuff in between! Pack this in your bag this summer, you'll be glad you did. I will probably be reflecting on thoughts from the book for several days. So well described, the people the places & the experiences. 5*
1 people found this helpful
✓ Verified Purchase

Nice Story

This is another good Viola Shipman family story about love and loss. She (who is really a he using a pseudonym) does a good job of describing emotions and telling a story that flips back and forth between past and present. It is a quick enjoyable read.
1 people found this helpful
✓ Verified Purchase

Laugh and Cry

Wow.......you will laugh and cry but such an inspiration about living!!! Please read, you won't be disappointed!!!
✓ Verified Purchase

Not read yet

One of my favorite authors. I
The book was as described for its condition.
✓ Verified Purchase

Fast and Good!

Trying to save a few dollars so I decided to purchase this book used. It’s in very good shape and the shipping was fast, about 5 days I think. I’m a happy customer. Looking forward to reading another one of Shipman’s wonderful books, which are so very heartwarming.
✓ Verified Purchase

Slow, boring, but sweet

While I can see why some people would probably enjoy this, to be totally honest, I found it incredibly slow and boring. I kept it next to my bed and tried to force myself to read one chapter a night just to finish it. A very sweet concept for a story, but when all you do is read about people's emotions for hundreds of pages, it gets pretty old.
✓ Verified Purchase

Great read.

Wonderful story.
✓ Verified Purchase

A beautiful story of hope, love, and grace.

This is the 5th book I have read by Viola Shipman. All the books have a story of family and faith, but this one has a story of courage through illness, not only for the one that has the illness, but also the courage and love that the family and friends have. It had me laughing out loud in some spots and crying like a baby in others. I can't wait for more books to be written!
✓ Verified Purchase

Just discovered this writer and really enjoy her writing.

Great read from my new favorite writer.
✓ Verified Purchase

Great author

I love the writer Viola Shipman who writes these books about experiences in Michigan. Well written and relaxing to read.