Susan's Review of Remember Me In Good Hope by Cindy Kirk---Good Hope Series #18

The mind may forget, but the heart always remembers…

Natalia Costa doesn’t know what caused her car to careen off Lake Shore Drive. The crash didn’t take her life, but it did take her job, her home, and three months of her memory. When a picture of a handsome stranger sparks a familiar feeling, Natalia is certain this mystery man can help her fill in the blanks.

Luther Gannon likes being a loner, even if his Good Hope neighbors don’t. Experience has taught him that getting close to people often ends in heartbreak. While it’s nearly impossible to live privately in the close-knit community, Luther has managed to keep his painful past out of the public eye--until Natalia Costa turns up in the town square.

Luther never dreamed he would see Natalia again, not after the way their short-lived relationship had ended. He can’t ignore her plea for help or his desire for a second chance with Natalia. But even if Luther can help her remember their past, how will he explain the one night he has been trying to forget?

Natalia Costa awakens after a three- day coma to find her life has gone sideways. She is recovering from a serious car accident; her car skidded off the road and hit a tree. She’s lost three months of her life—and she has no recollection of why she was driving on Lakeshore Road. A photograph taken of Natalia and Luther Gannon is her only clue to her past.

Cindy Kirk writes a compelling story for Natalia and Luther. The attraction between the couple sizzles and the slow burn romance unfolded perfectly. Natalia’s desire to regain her memory and to understand why she and Luther ended their relationship drives the storyline. Natalia is an intelligent, career driven personality—she has no family or friends as work consumed her. She’s at a cross roads—she’s lost three months of time, her job and her home—and she’s frightened. Luther Gannon has relocated to from Detroit to Good Hope to expand his family’s business holdings. Luther is a dynamic character-his compassion and desire to help Natalia combined with his strong work ethic captivated me.

The author provides both Luther and Natalia a do-over. Loved that the couple became immersed in the Good Hope community and realized the importance of friendships and community. Cindy Kirk creates appealing, complex characters—each one plays an important role in the Good Hope community. Loved catching up with Izzie, Theo, Ruby, Katherine and Gladys. As Natalia remembers bits and pieces of her memory, she tries to reconcile her past with her present, while Luther realizes that he can also make different choices.

I loved the pairing of this couple – their romance and the heartfelt, emotional conversations—it worked for me. The elements of danger and suspense incorporated into the well-paced storyline added to my enjoyment of the novel.

Remember Me In Good Hope is the perfect beach read—pick up a copy and enjoy your visit to Good Hope!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

Susan's Review of The Real Mr. Right by Cindy Kirk--Good Hope Series--#16

Free-spirited Oaklee Marshall loves living life on her own terms. She once thought she’d found Mr. Right but realizes now he was oh-so-wrong for her. Free-spirited Oaklee Marshall loves living life on her own terms. She once thought she’d found Mr. Right but realizes now he was oh-so-wrong for her.

Oaklee’s joie de vivre and larger-than-life personality captured Isaak Cochran’s attention from his first day in Good Hope. Having grown up in chaos, tradition and stability are important to him. Still, there’s something about Oaklee he can’t resist.

An impulsive bet to walk in the other’s shoes for a week propels each into an unfamiliar world. Will the experience confirm they are as different as night and day? Or will it put them on the path to true love?

Oaklee Marshall caught my attention when she landed on her brother’s door step in A Match Made in Good Hope. I have been patiently waiting for matchmaker Gladys Berthhof to find Oaklee’s Mr. Right!!

Cindy Kirk writes a very romantic, thought provoking story for Oaklee Marshall and Isaak Cochrane. I was engaged in their journey from the first page of the book – the characters resonated with me. Cindy Kirk has taken Oaklee and immersed her into the Good Hope community. Oaklee is happiest when she is helping others. She runs errands for her friends at the senior center, helps out with community events and assists Gladys, Ruby and Katherine with their matchmaking schemes. Oaklee may not have a traditional job or career path but her enthusiasm and positive attitude bring joy to the Good Hope Community.

A job with Good Hope Outfitters brought Isaak Cochrane to Good Hope. His love for the outdoors; sailing, fishing, snowshoeing and his genuine rapport with customers make this job a perfect fit for him. I loved that Isaak was drawn to the small town feel and traditions of Good Hope something he had in common with Oaklee.

Loved the chemistry between Oaklee and Isaak, their back and forth banter the author’s entertaining twist on the friends to lover’s romance. Oaklee dares Isaak to live the Oaklee life for one week and she’d would reciprocate. Isaak surprised Oaklee because he was open to new experiences while Oaklee’s people skills and positive attitude contributed to the success of Good Hope Outfitters.

Cindy Kirk has hit a grand slam with The Real Mr. Right—it’s a heartwarming, romantic story filled with laughter and drama! I have been waiting for Oaklee’s story for several books—and I absolutely loved each page of this novel! Can’t wait for the next Good Hope book!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased via Amazon

Susan's Review of Finding Home in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk--Good Hope Series #16

From friendship to forever...
Star stylist Gianna Ricci doesn’t do roots. Not in hair and not in hometowns. A lifetime of being shuffled from place to place means nowhere has ever felt like home. When she arrives in Good Hope, Gianna expects more of the same.
Few families have stronger ties to Good Hope than Ethan Shaw’s. Yet it’s not just legacy that keeps Ethan local. He truly loves his community of family, friends, and neighbors. The only thing missing in his perfect life is the perfect woman.
When Ethan meets Gianna, he’s instantly smitten. Though Gianna isn’t looking for a relationship, she can’t deny the feelings Ethan reawakens. Just when it seems she is finally ready to let down the walls she’s built around her heart, a mutual friend makes a startling confession. Will this revelation send Gianna packing once again? Or will she and Ethan find a way to move from friendship to forever


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Cindy Kirk pairs entrepreneur Ethan Shaw and hair stylist Gianna Ricci in Finding Home in Good Hope. Gianna is a newcomer to Good Hope and the author’s choice of pairing the couple drew me into the novel.

Ethan Shaw and Gianna Ricci meet at Marigold Rallis’s New Year’s Eve party. They form a tentative friendship over champagne and appetizers. This does not go unnoticed by the town’s matchmaker Gladys Berthholf. She has decided that Ethan and Gianna would make the perfect couple. Gladys is reminded by her friend Ruby that Oaklee Marshall thinks of Ethan as hers.

Cindy Kirk’s choice to incorporate a love triangle into this story was an excellent decision. There are several complications; Oaklee is friendly with Gianna, she thinks she’s in love with Ethan and she has helped Gladys match several couples. Cindy Kirk writes a fabulous story for Oaklee. The author’s descriptive writing style shines during the scene where Gladys announces that Ethan will be matched with Gianna, not Oaklee--it’s heartbreaking, compassionate and loaded with emotion. Gladys’s announcement causes a rift between the longtime friends and provides Oaklee with the breathing room to grow from the experience.

I liked the chemistry between Ethan and Gianna and that Ethan understood Gianna‘s hesitation in beginning a new relationship. Ethan made a conscious decision to keep things friendly-so Gianna wouldn’t be scared off. I laughed when I read Ethan’s reaction to answering Gladys’s relationship card questions and hoped the cards would deal him a winning hand. Knowing that there was chemistry between the couple made reading their slow burn romance very enjoyable.

Finding Home in Good Hope is an entertaining read filled with emotion, heartbreak and romance. I love the Good Hope series because of the strong sense of community, caring and friendship. I adore Cindy Kirk’s voice as she weaves themes of friendship, family and relationships in each novel.

I adored Finding Good Hope because of its theme of finding your forever love—it was the perfect Valentine’s Day weekend read.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased through Amazon.

Susan's Review of True to You in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk

In Good Hope, Piper sees herself as a woman totally in control. That control frays when her sister becomes engaged to her ex. Not only is she asked to be the maid of honor, her sister wants Piper to make her wedding dress!

Piper thought she was doing the right thing, keeping the real reason for that long-ago split a secret from her family. She now sees her mistake.

After ditching a promising career in NYC, Anders Cross has spent the past three years crisscrossing the country, trying to find the soul he’d lost in his pursuit of success. When he arrives in Good Hope to visit his brother, it’s supposed to be just another pit stop.

That was before Piper. As the two grow close, old lives become roadblocks to growing love. In order to embrace a future together, Piper and Anders must each confront the past. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Not with lasting happiness on the line.

Cindy Kirk pairs bridal shop owner Piper Ambrose and former advertising executive Anders Cross in True To You in Good Hope. I loved that Piper and Anders connected at Beck and Ami Cross’s wedding. The spark of attraction between the couple made this second chance romance hard to put down.

Piper and Anders are both at a cross roads. Piper has a lot on her plate; personally and professionally. Her once successful bridal salon is struggling since it moved its location and her mother and sister are pressuring her to create a bespoke bridal gown. Anders abruptly left a successful position at an advertising agency and has been working out west for years as an outdoor guide. He’s agreed to stay in Good Hope for the holidays as he visits with family and figures out a career path.

Cindy Kirk creates memorable, relatable characters and is a fabulous storyteller. Piper and Anders have a lot in common- both are strong, pragmatic individuals. Loved the honesty in their conversations and that Anders understood Piper’s reluctance to trust people. Cindy Kirk has created a deep friendship between Bea, Charlotte and Piper in the past three Good Hope books. I was glad to see these three women support each other in Piper’s story and that my favorite matchmaker, Gladys, made several well timed appearances in the novel! Enjoyed that the author wove both Piper’s and Ander’s’ family members into the storyline as it provided a lot of insight to the plot.

Piper and Anders story is a fantastic addition to the Good Hope series—it’s a powerful story of forgiveness, hope, love and community set in Door County, Wisconsin. I look forward to reading about the next couple who is gifted with Gladys’ relationship cards!

I highly recommend True to You in Good Hope! It is a feel good book –which is exactly the type of book needed in these uncertain times. Pick up a copy, pour a glass of wine and settle in for a fabulous story!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

Susan's Review of Baby Dreams in Good hope by Cindy Kirk

Marigold Rallis is not the type to fall to pieces. The youngest Bloom sister makes managing marriage, career, and a busy life in Good Hope look easy. But looks can be deceiving. Years of struggling with infertility while her sisters fill their nurseries have started to take a toll.
It’s not just Marigold who is feeling the stress. Her husband, Cade, Good Hope’s Sheriff, is acting strange. There are unexplained trips to Milwaukee, as well as mysterious texts and calls with his former fiancée.
Marigold’s heart tells her Cade would never cheat, but something is going on between him and his ex. She just needs to find out what…One thing is certain: She and Cade were born to be together. Whatever new challenge is coming their way, Marigold won’t give up on Cade and their dream of building a life—and a family—together.

Baby Dreams in Good Hope is a charming, poignant story that tugs at your heart strings. Author Cindy Kirk has chronicled Cade and Marigold Bloom Rallis’ infertility struggle in several of the Good Hope novels. As Marigold’s sisters and friends were having babies, she and her husband took out a bank loan to finance IVF treatments , sold their piece of waterfront property and were about to move into a Victorian home in the heart of Good Hope.

I emphasized with Marigold’s desire and her struggles to have a child. Cindy Kirk’s descriptive writing style is spot on in this novel. I could see the surprise and hurt on Marigold’s face when she learns her sister is expecting a second child at a family dinner. And feel her pain. I could understand why an emotional, overwrought Marigold thought Cade was cheating on her. A phone call from an ex-girlfriend caused her to jump on an emotional rollercoaster.

The novel features several of my favorite people; Marigold’s sisters, her friend Bea (Bachelor Games in Good Hope) and Gladys, the town’s fortune teller & matchmaker. I loved catching up with these characters and how they provided emotional support, understanding and unconditional love to Marigold and Cade. Loved Gladys and her predictions—and am hoping they come true!

Baby Dreams in Good Hope reads like a novel. The characters are relatable, the fast-paced storyline has several unexpected plot twists and is perfectly written. And, there’s a hint from Gladys that there might be more surprises for Marigold and Cade.

I adore Cindy Kirk’s Good Hope series. If you are looking for a feel-good read that’s all about friendship, love and hope this is the book for you!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased at amazon.

Susan's Review of Bachelor Games in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk

Bring on the Bachelor Games

His latest girlfriend may not have broken his heart, but she sure as heck wounded his pride.

Clay Chapin has looks, money and a knack for picking the wrong women.

When the matchmaking matriarch of Good Hope insists she can find him the perfect woman, Clay figures he has nothing to lose by playing along.

For Bea Appleton, living in the shadow of her vibrant twin is a sucky--but tolerable--place to be. Until her sister is set up with the man Bea has secretly loved for years.

The Bachelor Games are approaching the final inning. It's time for Bea to step up to the plate or risk being shut out and losing Clay forever.



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Good Hope’s favorite matchmaker Gladys Bertholf has added a new twist to her match making services; Bachelor Games! And her first contestant is . . . . High School Principal Clay Chapin!

Gladys has promised to arrange dates for Clay after his latest girlfriend ended their relationship. Clay Chapin is a handsome, well-liked and respected member of the community but, he cannot seem to settle into a long lasting relationship. His brother, sister and mother have found love and Clay realizes that he wants to share his life with someone special.

Bea Appleton has had a crush on Clay for a while. She enjoys his visits to the Book and Cup-the bookstore that she manages. Bea attended Good Hope High School with her twin sister Brittany. Brittany and Bea are opposites; Brittany was outgoing and popular while Bea studied in the library. Cindy Kirk is spot on with the sisters dynamic and she captures the underlying currents in Bea and Britany’s relationship.

Loved that the author weaved in Marigold’s friendship with Bea into the story. Marigold shares her heartbreak over not being able to conceive with Bea. And Marigold works her magic at her salon and transforms Bea with a cut and color. The new hairstyle gives Bea some much needed self-confidence.

The redistricting of Good Hope’s business area is another hot topic in this novel. The Chapins are going to profit from the changes while small business owners like Bea and her friend Piper will be forced to close their business, move or pay higher rents.

Gladys and her assistant, Oaklee arrange several dates for Clay. Loved it when Clay was paired with the long distance runner. She ran ahead and Clay jogged with Bea instead. Loved how the couples relationship developed. Clay realizes that he has feelings for Bea but he’s unable to quit the Bachelor games. Bea’s low self- esteem and several misunderstandings add a touch of drama to this friends to lover’s romance.

Bachelor Games in Good Hope is an entertaining read filled with romance. I love the small town feel of Good Hope series, the strong sense of community and the importance of friends helping neighbors in each book. I adore Cindy Kirk’s voice—she blends family, relationships with a dose of reality in each book.

If you are a fan of friends to lovers romances—pick up Bachelor Games in Good Hope! Grab a mug of tea, your favorite corgi and settle in because Clay and Bea’s story is the perfect winter weekend read!

Reviewed by Susan gorman

ARC provided by the author

Susan's Review of Sparks Fly in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk

Greer Chapin doesn’t do crazy things in the name of love. Yet when no one steps up to run for mayor of Good Hope, love for her hometown takes over. That smart, sensible Greer would make an excellent mayor is a given—as is the fact that she’ll win, because she’s running unopposed. Or so she thought. When another candidate throws his hat in the ring at the eleventh hour, Greer’s world is turned upside down.

Wyatt McConnell can’t believe how much his life has changed. Two months ago he was working long hours as a city manager in Chicago. Then he learned that a grandfather he never knew had died and named him as his sole heir. Faster than you can say ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ Wyatt moves to Good Hope and finds the home he’s always dreamed of. He might even have found the woman of his dreams too—if he can convince Greer not to hate him for running against her.

Falling for their opponent might be irrational, but Greer and Wyatt can’t resist each other. As election night nears, the reality of their situation is impossible to ignore: While there can only be one winner, both candidates are in danger of losing their hearts.

Greer Chapin and Wyatt McConnell are featured in Sparks Fly in Good Hope. I loved the pairing of introvert Greer with the self-assured new comer Wyatt in this novel. Sparks fly between this couple-and their attraction sizzles off the pages. Greer decides to run for mayor and her comfortable world is turned upside down when Wyatt runs against her!

Greer is known for her careful, sensible approach to situations. She runs the family’s bank and is a member of the Good Hope Giving Tree; a local community group dedicated to helping others. A visit from Marigold Rallis tests Greer’s problem solving abilities and her banking policies. Marigold has asked Greer to give her a $20,000 personal loan to cover the costs of IVF. Greer wants to help Marigold but, her first priority is what’s best for the bank. I loved that Greer thought out of the box and provided a solution to Marigold. This decision made me realize that Greer was becoming more confident in her decision making—she was making choices she felt comfortable with for her friends and community.

Wyatt McConnell arrived in Good hope to settle his grandfather’s estate. A former city planner in Chicago—he is not sure if living in a small community is right for him. He doesn’t have any ties to Good Hope or to his grandfather’s cherry orchards. He needs to decide if he should sell the business and cherry orchards. Wyatt speaks with his sister Trinity and she challenges him to get involved in the community and consider keeping the family run business. This conversation changed Wyatt’s thinking about Good Hope; he wanted to belong and he wanted to pursue Greer.

Loved that matchmakers Gladys, Ruby, Katherine and Oaklee decided that Greer and Wyatt were their next project! I just love how they bring couples together; the matchmakers play an important role in the novel—they arrange for Greer and Wyatt to spend time together with Greer’s family. Gladys and Oaklee’s conversations and antics make me laugh out loud and I look forward to reading about them.

Loved that the author wove the themes of Wyatt wanting to belong-to a family and a community-and Greer’s desire to help people in the community throughout the novel. I adored this opposites attract novel because Greer and Wyatt complement each other and bring out the best in each other.

Sparks Fly in Good Hope showcases community spirit-neighbors helping neighbors. The novel has all the feels- Gladys and Oaklee's antics provide humor; Ami, Jackie and Corey’s stories are relatable and Greer and Wyatt’s love story is passionate and very romantic. The epilogue is fabulous-it provides the election results and a surprsie or two! I enjoyed spending an afternoon in Good Hope & I know you will, too!

And…I am hoping Trinity and Ryder’s story is next!

Reviwed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

Susan's Review of A Match Made In Good Hope by Cindy Kirk

Katie Ruth Crewes is one of my favorite characters in Cindy Kirk’s Good Hope series. Katie Ruth is an integral part of her community-she works at the Y, volunteers at the church and is best known for writing the town’s daily e-newsletter. Cindy Kirk pairs the friendly, compassionate Katie Ruth with Pastor Dan Marshall in A Match Made in Good Hope.

Dan Marshall’s structured life has taken several detours this past year. His fiancé broke off their relationship, got married and is having a baby. His parents are pressuring him to take a position closer to home and his pink haired sister, Oaklee, dropped out of college and landed on his doorstep.

Katie Ruth’s good heart coupled with her past, Dan’s struggles with his career path and feelings for Katie Ruth and Oaklee’s unfiltered conversations and advice make this novel a fabulous read! Loved the conversations between Katie Ruth and Oaklee. Katie Ruth shows compassion towards Oaklee when she needs a friend. And Oaklee’s friendship with the town match makers Katherine, Ruby and Gladys was perfect—it took the four of them to get this couple on the right path!

Dan struggled with his faith a bit during the novel. He was passionate about serving his parish but, was tempted to move to a larger congregation for a step up in his career. Dan faced a tough decision did he want more of an administrative role or a leadership role? A secret from Katie Ruth’s past is revealed and Dan’s reaction surprised me—if he truly believed in the power and strength of compassion and forgiveness why couldn’t he forgive Katie Ruth? I liked that Cindy Kirk didn’t make it easy for this couple and challenged them throughout the story.

I liked that the novel took place during Easter which is a time for forgives and rebirth. The themes of forgiveness, faith and trust are woven throughout the story. Oaklee changes when she finds her place in Good Hope; she blossoms during the story as she gains confidence and makes friends in the community. Katie Ruth has suffered and been bullied in the past; her faith and determination got her through the tough times. Dan’s struggles with forgiveness and faith made me realize that he wasn’t perfect; he made mistakes, too.

Loved that Cindy Kirk included many of the past characters in this story- especially the scenes with Eliza, Kyle and Cassie. The storyline choices made for an excellent read and I am glad that I was so immersed in the characters that I couldn’t figure out the ending.

A Match Made in Good hope has all the feels-great characters, emotional, heartfelt story and the perfect setting.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Susan's Review of Reunited in Good Hope

He remembers the heat. She remembers the heartbreak.
Twenty years later do they still have a shot at love?

When an injury puts NFL star Krew Slattery’s future in question, he returns to his hometown of Good Hope. He plans to lay low, until he runs into Cassie Lohmeier. Krew has never forgotten the one amazing night they shared, and unfortunately for him, Cassie hasn’t either...

Cassie isn’t the same love-struck girl who had her heartbroken by her high school crush. When Krew left town without even a good-bye, she was devastated and made every mistake a woman can make. But Cassie is older, wiser, and determined to leave her sordid past behind. No more excuses or distractions, and most importantly, no more men.

But keeping Krew at a distance proves impossible once they learn he’s her daughter’s real father. Her child’s plea to spend time together over the holidays has Cassie reeling, but how can she say no? Will Krew’s return be another roadblock in her path…or an unexpected second chance at love?

Reunited in Good Hope is Cassie Lohmeier’s story. Cassie has been a secondary character in several of the Good Hope novels and, to be honest, her character did not appeal to me. However, I adored her daughter Dakota and her three sons. Reunited in Good Hope was much more than a second chance romance; it’s a story about one woman’s struggle to regain her self- confidence and put her family first.

Cindy Kirk has created a heartfelt story for Cassie. Her journey from an unwed 15 -year high school student to a confident, caring mother has been honestly portrayed during the series. Cassie has made a lot of poor decisions which negatively affected her family. Cindy Kirk has taken a flawed, unlikeable character and redeemed her. I liked that Cassie wasn’t “fixed” in one novel. Cassie needed to like herself before she could believe that she could change.

Cindy Kirk’s characters bring this book to life. Ms. Kirk understands the give and take that takes place in relationships. The conversations between KT and Braxton, Cassie’s teenaged sons was fabulous-the author did a fabulous job portraying the teenage vibe. Dakota’s relationship with her mother is tenuous and their situation made this novel and excellent read. The author didn’t shy away from the cause and effect of their situation-it was presented through honest, sometimes heartbreaking conversations. I appreciated that Krew owned his behavior, too. He suspected he might have been Dakota’s father but chose college and a football career over his responsibilities.

Reunited in Good Hope took me by surprise—it’s a fabulous read. Cassie’s struggle with self-confidence, teenaged children and bills resonated with me. Cassie’s journey has all the feels; and it’s the perfect addition to the fabulous Good Hope series.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

Susan's Review of Tie the Knot in Good Hope--Good Hope 7-- by Cindy Kirk

Love always finds a way…

Lindsay Lohmeier’s life is no bed of roses. After struggling at a job she loved, but ultimately lost, she opened her own florist shop in Good Hope. Her budding business won’t be her only new addition. Lindsay is pregnant. While she’s happy to open her heart to her baby, opening up to the father is another story.
The last thing Owen Vaughn expected to hear was that he was going to be a father—again. He’s been down this road before and it ended in pain so devastating he thought he’d never heal. Still, he won’t abandon his child or Lindsay, the woman who--before they broke up--had been a bright spot during his darkest days.
Owen proposes, but Lindsay wants her child to grow up in a family built on love, not obligation. As they spend time together preparing for the baby, old feelings resurface. Owen encourages Lindsay to find her own way, hoping she’ll see this pregnancy has given them something special…a second chance at love.

Tie the Knot in Good Hope is Lindsay Lohmeier and Owen Vaughn’s story. I have been waiting to read this story; as their friendship was a side story in both Forever in Good Hope and Say I Do in Good Hope. I adored this second chance romance with a twist and the chance to revisit with some of my favorite Good Hope friends.

Lindsay is at a cross roads personally and professionally. Her decision not to be second best at work or in a relationship gives her the courage to fulfill her dreams of owning her own floral business and having a child. Although she loves Owen, Lindsay knows that he is grieving the loss of his young daughter and can’t see his way through his grief to love her. I admired that Lindsay stood up for herself in both situations and became a stronger person with each chapter of the novel.

Owen’s story was revealed bit by bit in the past few novels. I liked the plot choices the author chose as Owen’s story was deeply emotional and heartbreaking. Cindy Kirk chose to have this character grieve until he came to accept Mindy’s death. Owen accepted help from Fin, Lindsay and other neighbors as he sorted through his emotions and feelings.

Cindy Kirk weaves two important themes in Tie the Knot. She carefully balances Lindsay’s desire to raise her child and own her own business with Owen’s grief over the death of his daughter. Lindsay wants a marriage where she is loved and desired, not one of obligation. Owen doesn’t believe in love anymore. His first wife left him and his daughter Mindy died of a brain tumor. Owen withdrew from his friends and buried himself in his work. The baby changed the course of Owen’s life; he needed to decide if he wanted to choose his future or stay stuck in the past.

Tie The Knot in Good Hope is my favorite book in the series. I loved that Ruby Rakes and her friends Gladys and Katherine scheme to get Owen and Lindsay back together. The three senior citizens take their job very seriously and add lots of laughter to the novel. The author weaves in two marriages and plenty of small town events which allow fans of the series to catch up on their favorite characters. The poignant friends to lovers romance and importance of family and friendship make Tie the Knot in Good Hope one of my favorite novels of 2018.

Tie the Knot in Good Hope has all the feels—it’s an emotional, loving journey through heartbreak to new beginnings told with humor, honesty and compassion.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

Cindy Kirk is a lifelong Nebraska resident who started writing after taking a class at a local community college. But her interest in the written word started years before when she was in her teens. At sixteen she wrote in her diary, “I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t be a writer.”

Not until her daughter was heading off to college did Cindy return to her first love---writing. Unlike some writers, Cindy wasn’t interested in newspaper or magazine articles, short stories or poetry. When she decided to start writing, she jumped feet first into book length fiction. She loves reading and writing romance because she believes in the power of love and in happily ever after. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.

Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books and get to know her. Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with two dogs and two cats—Oreo--a friendly feline who loves to sit next to the computer and supervise her writing and Leo, a white devil with a raccoon-like tail.

Susan's review of Say I Do in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk

Sometimes love is right on your doorstep...

Eliza Shaw has never met a crisis she couldn’t manage. If her father thinks she’s going to take his attempt at selling the family home out from underneath her, then he clearly doesn’t know her at all. She‘ll chain herself to the banister if she has to...

Kyle Kendrick doesn’t have time for the hassle of an eviction. He definitely doesn’t have time for Eliza Shaw’s drama – even if she does look distractingly gorgeous when she’s furious. His sister is arriving in Good Hope and he needs a home. Now.

Neither Kyle nor Eliza is thrilled at the idea of sharing the house, but it’s the only sensible solution. Now if they could each just stop fantasizing about their new roommate this crazy plan might just work. And if they’re lucky, what started out as playing house could end up giving them the home and family they’ve both desperately yearned for.

Sometimes a secondary character creates a spark in the storyline and catches the reader’s attention. The character might resonate with readers or be the one character that readers dislike with a passion. Eliza Shaw is the character many readers disliked in the Good Hope series. Her feisty, take charge attitude, community spirit, sense of style and her rivalry with Bloom sisters caught my interest—and I began to look forward to reading about her. I felt sorry for her when her “more than friends” relationship with Jeremy Rakes ended. Although Eliza was originally cast as the antagonist to the Bloom sisters, her character developed beyond that one dimensional role in the last two Good Hope books.

Cindy Kirk took a huge risk in pairing the determined Eliza with easy going Kyle Kendrick in this well- paced story. Eliza Shaw is devastated when she learns that her father has sold her home to Kyle and she has no intentions of moving! Her grandmother promised that Eliza would inherit the beautiful Victorian home. The fun begins when Kyle and Eliza compromise and agree to share the house until the legal paperwork is resolved.

The couple begins to bond when Kyle’s sister Lolo comes for an extended visit. Lolo has been through a tough time and needs a change of scenery. Eliza remembers that she felt alone was teased in junior high. Loved when Eliza saw Lolo’s first fashion faux pas and transformed her outfit for church in 10 minutes. I liked how Eliza and Kyle worked together to make sure Lolo felt secure in Good Hope.

Family is important to both Eliza and Kyle. Cindy Kirk provides Eliza’s backstory through conversations with Eliza’s cousin Katharine and several heart to heart conversations between Eliza and Kyle. Eliza’s relationship with her father explains her determination to succeed. Kyle’s situation is different from Eliza’s. His parents have been supportive but, much to his surprise he has learned that he may have a sibling in Good Hope. I loved the speed dating questions when Eliza and Kyle talked about honesty and trust in a relationship—it was a turning point in their relationship.

Say I Do in Good Hope has all the small town warmth and charm that I adore in this series. Cindy Kirk’s descriptive voice shines in this novel. She includes so many details that make this novel relatable; birth, death, weddings and new beginnings. This is my favorite story in the series. I feel the friends to lovers romance between the strong willed Eliza and easy going Kyle was perfectly written. The last few chapters had a few surprises for the couple—and the ending - -especially the grand gesture made me cry!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased from Amazon by Susan Gorman

Author photo and biography from http://www.cindykirk.com

Cindy Kirk is a lifelong Nebraska resident who started writing after taking a class at a local community college. But her interest in the written word started years before when she was in her teens. At sixteen she wrote in her diary, “I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t be a writer.”

Not until her daughter was heading off to college did Cindy return to her first love---writing. Unlike some writers, Cindy wasn’t interested in newspaper or magazine articles, short stories or poetry. When she decided to start writing, she jumped feet first into book length fiction. She loves reading and writing romance because she believes in the power of love and in happily ever after. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.

Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books and get to know her. Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with two dogs and two cats—Oreo--a friendly feline who loves to sit next to the computer and supervise her writing and Leo, a white devil with a raccoon-like tail.



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Susan's Review of Cindy Kirk's Forever in Good Hope

In the fourth installment of Cindy Kirk’s beloved Good Hope series, a ruse with an old flame grows into romance.

Delphinium “Fin” Bloom returns to her hometown with one goal: get the mayor—her former flame—to approve a location shoot in Good Hope. But business turns personal when the two become entangled in a fake engagement to comfort his ailing grandmother.

For Jeremy, the romantic façade hits close to his heart. Still reeling from the way things ended between Fin and him all those years ago, he sees the fake engagement as an opportunity to get her out of his system once and for all. But instead of laying the past to rest, Jeremy quickly discovers he can’t envision a life without her.

Now engaged to another man, Fin had long ago given up on the dream of a life with Jeremy. Why is it, then, that her fake engagement feels more genuine than her real one? As the sleepy days of summer come to a close in Good Hope, will Fin and Jeremy give love a second chance? Or will the revelation of a devastating secret put an end to the fairy tale?

Forever in Good Hope is an emotional, thoughtful second chance at love romance. The characters, the romance and the small town setting drew me into this well- paced story. Cindy Kirk’s descriptive voice and honest dialogue are spot on in this novel where the forgiveness, trust and love are explored.

Delphinium ‘Fin” Bloom has returned to Good Hope because her boyfriend, Xander Tillman, is interested in filming a movie in her hometown. However, the film’s shooting schedule would take place during the month of December; forcing the town to forego its traditional holiday festivities. Many treasured events including the popular Twelve Nights celebration would have to be cancelled or postponed. Mayor Jeremy Rakes cast the deciding vote against the proposal. But, Xander is used to getting his way. He has tasked Fin with trying to convince the town board members and local merchants to vote in favor of the proposal at a second meeting.

Second chances, family connections and happiness are three important themes in the novel. Jeremy and Fin agree to a phony engagement when Jeremy’s grandmother, Ruby, suffers a heart attack. Their engagement gives Ruby the incentive she needs for her surgery.

This is my favorite scene in the novel:

Her eyes lit up. ‘You’ll play?”

‘I’m willing to answer a question or two, so long as you reciprocate.’

Her sudden grin had Jeremy’s heart skipping a beat. For a second he forgot all about his grandmother.

She handed a card to Jeremy with a flourish. ‘You read it.’

‘If you could write a note to your younger self, what would you say in only three words?”

‘Three words.’ Fin chewed on her lower lip, her gaze unsettled. Don’t be afraid.”

Fin’s honest answer to the above question changes the direction of the story. It prompts Jeremy to confess that he knew there were two things he wanted when he was sixteen; to live in Good Hope and Fin. He admits that loosing Fin is his biggest regret. I enjoyed the scenes where Ruby played matchmaker and arranged premarital counseling for Fin and Jeremy and helped plan their wedding—these scenes were cleverly written and added an element of humor to the story. The chemistry between the couple sparks and their relationship becomes romantic. As she spends more time with Jeremy, Fin realizes what is missing in her relationship with Xander and she begins to appreciate and value the man Jeremy has become.

Fin shares a secret with Jeremy, something that she had not shared with her sisters or friends. Jeremy is deeply affected by the secret. Cindy Kirk hinted that Fin was hiding something from her past during the novel. The unveiling of the secret and Jeremy’s reaction were key elements in the couple’s journey and were perfectly written. Loved the conclusion to this heart felt story as it had several unexpected surprises for Jeremy and Fin!

Cindy Kirk has created a fabulous cast of characters in this series and I am looking forward to the next Good Hope novel!

5 Stars!
★★★★★

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

Summer In Good Hope by Cindy Kirk

Cindy Kirk’s Summer in Good Hope is an engaging friends- to- lovers story set in Door County, Wisconsin. Prim Delaney has returned to her hometown of Good Hope to attend her sister Ami’s wedding where she becomes reacquainted with her former flame, Max Brody.

‘Champagne?”
Prim reared back, feeling like a kid caught dipping into a cookie jar.
The college- age server wore tailored black pants, a crisp white shirt, a polite expression. He held out a silver tray filled with a dozen crystal flutes.
‘I’d love some.”
Before she could reach for a glass, Max confiscated two from the tray and handed one to her. As his knuckles brushed her fingers, she felt a jolt.
Static electricity, Prim told herself.
Still, as he watched her watching him, she felt oddly out of breath."

The instant attraction between Prim and Max immediately drew me into the story! Prim makes it clear to Max that she is not going to date until her six- year old twins are out of high school! Because Prim’s job as an actuary has been eliminated, she has moved from Milwaukee to Good Hope with  her boys to be close to her family and to make a fresh start. Ami overheard Prim telling Max about her dating policy and decides to play matchmaker. She nominates Prim to become a member of the Cherries, the town’s civic group. Prim finds herself working very closely with Max on the town’s annual Fourth of July Parade.

Deb Delaney is a fabulous secondary character. The conflict between Deb and Prim is apparent from the beginning of the novel. Deb was devoted to her son Rory, who had CF. She was very disappointed when Rory married Prim, his high school sweetheart. Deb implies that Prim is responsible for her son’s death because she didn’t hold Rory’s interest. Cindy Kirk presents the conflict between these characters in an honest way. The reader may not appreciate Deb’s behavior towards Prim but, the reader recognizes that Deb’s emotional state stems from her love for her son.

The romance between Max and Prim deepens as the annual Fourth of July parade approaches. Max and Prim have reservations about their feelings for each other. Max doesn't want to get hurt and Prim needs to let go of her husband's memory. Summer in Good Hope has a bit of suspense as well—there’s someone breaking into the neighborhood homes at night .The author does a fabulous job mixing the pace of the romance, the tension of the recent house break-ins, the Fourth of July festivities, and Deb’s interference. The conclusion to the book was beautifully written and perfect for this couple!

I loved the characters in this novel so much that I purchased Christmas in Good Hope, the first book in the series and read it in one sitting. Looking forward to the next Bloom sister‘s romance set in this wonderful small town!

 Reviewed By: Susan Gorman 

 ARC: Publisher