Viola Shipman

The Hope Chest is a deeply emotional novel about three people who have seemingly lost all hope until one woman’s heirloom hope chest is rediscovered in the attic, along with its contents and secrets. Mattie is a fiercely independent woman battling ALS; Don, her deeply devoted husband is facing a future without his one true love; and Rose, their struggling caregiver, is a young, single mother who feels trapped in her life. With each item that is discovered—including a beloved doll, family dishes, an embroidered apron, and an antique Christmas ornament—the hope chest connects Mattie, Don and Rose to each other and not only helps them find hope again in the face of overwhelming life challenges but also brings new meaning to family.

A Novel

The Hope Chest

Dorian Avers

2.5 
 This was a book that my mother recommended. What I call a Hallmark novel. It's wholesome and simple. I do love the idea of a hope chest, I don't think I had ever known what the term meant until I read this book. I think it's lovely, useful, and sentimental and I would like to create one for someone in my future. Although the subject matter is sad I didn't like the fact that someone was in tears every single chapter and the nostalgia was strong and forced, people talked out of turn just so they could speak of their past pains. I know children are smarter than most think and pick up on phrases and information that is unexpected, but I have yet to read a realistic child character. I thought Mattie and Don's relationship was sweet and would like to meet a couple that even remotely parallels their love and patience for one another. It would intrigue me, and possibly disgust me (love has always been a bit tainted from my blood). I believe that kind of devotion to be rare and nearly nonexistent these days. I guess if anything this novel is a nice reprieve from more harsh books and a harsh world. Reading a hopeful and sensitive book like this is good every now and again.

Jessica 

Blog | Twitter | Instagram | (3.5 stars) 
  As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.


Before The Hope Chest, I'd never heard of Viola Shipman and frankly I'm surprised by this. I thought the entirety of this novel was drawn wonderfully and while it wasn't/isn't my favourite novel of the year, it was still quite the captivating read and an experience I won't soon forget. I was curious by the entire premise of both it and The Charm Bracelet and binge-read them during some much needed downtime.

I think the first thing that readers should know is that the writing is elegant. Pure and simple, it is stunning and offers so much to the story. Beyond that, it's thought provoking and sparkles from start to finish. I know, I say it a lot in my reviews but this novel has heart and just takes you in from the start. Something in the way that Shipman crafted the story is special--whether it be the first time you read it, the last, or the fifth. Shipman pulls on our heartstrings and makes us really, really think and feel freely. I caught myself tearing up a few times over the most mundane of things. Then, came the heavy stuff.

Continued: BOOKEDJ

The Hope Chest A Novel

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