Author: Viola Shipman
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Genre: Fiction
Source: St. Martin’s Press

Goodreads:  From the beloved author of Indie Next Pick The Charm Bracelet, a story about an heirloom hope chest and the connection it inspires among three people in need of hope.

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 will remind you that hope can be found where and when you least expect it.

Ope’s Opinion: This was such a sweet story of unconditional love and family.  This was told in the present and the past.  Although I am not much of a historical reader, the history in this book was a family history and was such an important part of the wonderful story.  

The characters in this book were loving and really cared for each other.   Their struggles seemed to bring them closer together.  Rose is such an important person to them, she became family. 

Viola Shipman knows how to write a heart felt story with relatable characters.