Book Review: Decide To Hope by June A. Converse

Hello and welcome to the blog tour for Decide to Hope which is the new novel from June A. Converse. 

An unimaginable trauma. A future that seems impossible. When your world shatters, how do you put it back together?

For 950 days, Kathleen Conners has struggled with that choice. Behind a scarf and sunglasses, she hides from the world, from herself, from The Event, from any future with anyone.

After receiving a box of letters from his deceased mother, Matt Nelson is shoved from his predictable, controlled life to a secluded beach in North Carolina. While trying to understand his mother’s intent, he discovers Kathleen.

Matt must choose whether to follow the path his mother orchestrated or rescue the woman who has captured his heart. When the only person Kathleen blames more than herself reappears, can Matt be the strength Kathleen needs to create a new life, or will he be forced to walk away if she decides the climb is too great?

 My verdict: 

Kathleen is the survivor of something she calls ‘the event.’ She barely speaks and her days are spent in a very structured way.

Matt on the other hand is a very overworked tax attorney who doesn’t know when to switch off. He is forced into having a vacation through letters from his mother who has not long passed away.

It isn’t long before Kathleen and Matt’s paths cross. Matt wants to keep Kathleen safe but he can’t explain his strong feelings toward this stranger. Both Matt and Kathleen are facing various individual issues when they are brought together.

From the first page, I knew that this book was going to make me cry.

The author did a really good job of pulling me into the story and gain a growing empathy with both characters.

The reason they have both been brought together adds a little mystery to the plot as it’s not immediately revealed.

June paints such a lovely vivid picture of the setting that it was very easy to imagine myself there.

There is not a lot more I can say without giving things away but what I can say is that this book was a captivating emotional rollercoaster with heartbreaking moments but also life affirming ones as well as finding the courage to live the life you should and leaving the past behind.

It’s a perfect companion to a sunny afternoon or an upcoming holiday.

About June: 

June happily resides in Sandy Springs, Georgia, with her husband, Dave, and their dog, Sodapop.  They have two wonderful adult children and two grandchildren.  She is an enthusiastic exerciser and an accomplished cook.  She and her husband enjoy hiking with Sodapop, traveling, scuba diving, trying new restaurants, concerts, and whatever other adventures they can find. Reading and a constant desire to learn keeps her busy too.

A trauma survivor who struggles with mental illness, June is continuously reaching for hope like the characters in her books.  She openly discusses her personal struggles on her blog, JuneConverse.com

Decide to Hopeis her first novel and relies a great deal on her own experience with trauma, choices, recovery and hope.  If you’d like to discuss trauma, coping and recovery, contact her at JuneConverse.com or DecideToHope.com

Connect with June on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuneAConverseAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/juneaconverse

View on Amazon UK – www.amazon.co.uk or view on Amazon US – www.amazon.com

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Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.