Here, Home, Hope: A Review

Have you ever considered changing the course of your life…even though you are firmly grounded in your present reality? Kaira Rouda explores this idea in her new novel, Here, Home, Hope. This is the story of Kelly Johnson, a mom of two and loyal wife who finds herself no longer content with her comfortable suburban existence. She begins to question whether being comfortable is a good thing and decides to dust off some buried dreams. In the process, she rediscovers the importance of friendship, becomes a mentor and witnesses the power of identifying exactly what it is she wants in life.

When you finally turn the last page of this book, you’ll probably feel like you just took a long walk with you best friend. Rouda’s expertly crafts a comfortable and creative plot that is just complex enough for an enjoyable bedside read. Most, if not all, women can relate to the theme of transition which is weaved through Kelly’s interactions with her friends (both new and old), her neighbors, her husband, even her social nemesis. My feelings toward Kelly ranged wildly between wanting to smack her, hug her, cry with her, cheer her on and share a bottle of wine with her. The up-and-down relationship I cultivated with Kelly in the pages of this book is exactly what kept me intrigued.

Whether you are lying on the beach, by the pool or on a lawn chair in the backyard in the next few months, Here, Home, Hope is the perfect summer companion. It's 'chick lit' at its best.