Beth Rinyu is a new to me author. A Cry for Hope was my first read from her. I knew by looking at this blurb it was going to be an emotionally charged read. I just didn't expect it to hit me as hard as it did.I was sucked in from the prologue, Beth created a great starting point in this story. There's nothing I love more than a good angst filled read, this book has a crazy amount of it. Hope has suffered the ultimate loss, and now her marriage is in jeopardy. She turns to her mother to help her sort out her life. While she's working in her mother's bakery, her first love and former best friend walk back into the picture. Nick is on leave from the military. He never expected to run into Hope again. While they rebuild their friendship, something more begins to simmer under the surface. But Hope still loves her husband, can she love Nick too?This is a read that requires lots of tissues. I was choked up and cried at quite a few parts during this story. I enjoyed this book immensely. ~ Erin, 5 Heartbreakingly Beautiful Stars I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't stop and put it down. I was a crying, blubbering mess and LOVED IT! Beth Rinyu has written a story about loss, grief, second chances and love that spoke to me on so many levels. The plot goes between the present and the past seamlessly. The dialogue between the characters is honest, real, and refreshingly beautiful. The author wanted the reader to truly understand the loss of the child and then the loss of an adult character. Hope is the main character and she is the mother of Charlie, wife of Jamie, childhood friend of Nick. A freak accident at the beach has caused the death of her only child Charlie and the story unravels to show what this loss has done to the marriage of Jamie and Hope. The raw emotion demonstrated by the characters is powerful. Jamie ends up cheating on Hope and she determines some time back home at her mother's is just what she needs right now. While there, Nick her best friend from childhood is home visiting his father and dealing with his own demon's as a Marine just back from a tour of duty. Nick and Hope embrace their friendship and help each other out of their grief. The plot continues to twist and turn some more as the author explores the depths of grief and coming to terms with loss. This is a beautiful story and I truly recommend it to everyone.
What do You think about A Cry For Hope (2000)?
It is so sad in an amazingly good and happy way.
—Ken
