A best friends-to-lovers, stand-alone romance from New York Times Bestselling Author, A.L. Jackson . . . Evan Bryant wasn’t your typical hero. But he was mine. Broken by the worlds’ standards, he was still the strongest boy I would ever know. My best friend. The boy I’d given everything to. My heart, my body, and the promise of forever.The day I’d needed him most, he walked away. He left me … walked away.
He left me shattered and questioning the love I’d thought we’d shared.
Three years later, I wasn’t prepared for him to return to Gingham Lakes.
It wouldn’t have mattered if he wasn’t the most beautiful man I’d ever seen.
My fingers still would have ached to caress his skin.
My body still would have begged to get lost in his touch.
And my heart . . . it would have always sung his name.
But time changes things. With it, secrets that could ruin everything.
Can we find a way to love again, or have the fears of our past stolen the hope of our forever . . .
more
Evan and Frankie Leigh stole my heart as children in their parents’ books, but to see them all grown up and falling in love, it just made my heart full. These two were such special characters. Evan has overcome so much and is finally ready to return to the love of his life. Frankie Leigh was devastated when her best friend and love her life left town, but she has never stopped loving him. She has always been Evan’s biggest cheerleader and that absolutely holds true when he returns to town with his son.
These two made my heart pitter patter as they reconnected. I loved reading the scenes from when they were younger. These were the kids I’ve loved through a few books. Their story is raw and emotional and so special. Loved this one. Great read! Ms. Jackson has out done herself with this one.
Hold on to Hope is the story of Frankie Leigh and Evan, who we met as little kids in previous books. I was SO excited to get their story because I loved the other books in the series. I was quickly disappointed because the book has something that I hate in books. (I’m not going to say what it is because I know it’s a “me” issue and most other people won’t care about it.)
Hold on to Hope is a second-chance and friends to lovers romance that is very well written. It made me feel a lot of feeling and it had some suspense. I’m sure most people will love this story. I gave it four stars because it is a good book, but I had to deduct a star because of the reason mentioned above.
Just when I thought Gingham Lakes couldn’t break me anymore, along came the biggest emotional tornado of them all. Enter Frankie Leigh and Evan. Oh my golly Miss Molly, what has this wonderful author done to me with this one. The last we saw these two they still weren’t talking like grown-ups.
This story was one heartache after another. How could two people handle the burden and strain of so much agony? Two people so close they didn’t know where they began or ended.
So much has happened. So much endurance and tears. From best friends to more with some of the best flashbacks I’ve ever read. This story had it all.
You can always return home but that doesn’t mean it’s easy or emotionless.
Frankie Leigh and Evan stole my heart from the very beginning. The wild child and her heartbroken friend. They placed so many hardships in the way. Made so many mistakes. So realistic yet so very…magical.
I’ve always loved this series and Gingham Lakes. Where the men are tough but gentle. Manly yet emotional. This author does it all so flipping well. Thank you for bringing their story to life. For giving us addicted readers more of Evan, his mum and Kale. Hold on to Hope almost brought me to my knees.
OMG! This book gave me ALL THE FEELS! The story was beautifully written with every page playing like a movie, and told in dual POVs (both past and present for both leads). It was chock full of heartbreak, love, angst, and mystery/suspense. My heart truly broke while reading this. Evan and Frankie Leigh had gone through so much, I just wanted the HEA, but had to endure all the angst before that arrived. All in all, this was a wonderful read and I’d highly recommend it. Thank you Social Butterfly for this copy. This is my honest review.
HOLD ON TO HOPE is a brilliantly beautiful masterpiece!!!
A book that will last a lifetime and forever live in my dreams!
Jesus, A.L. Jackson stole a piece of my soul with this one!
Wrapping me up in Evan and Franky’s own vortex, until I did not know how I could even exist without these soul gripping characters or this storyline in my life!!
By just bringing magic, light, and life into my world with her glorious storytelling.
Seriously not since Wait from her Bleeding Stars series has her writing moved me or pulled me like this one!
Be Still My Heart!! I loved revisiting the whole extended family in Gingham Lakes, such memories. Frankie Leigh and Evan were always favorites as children they both had such big personalities and neither lost that zing as adults. These two had a connection as children from the first time they met. They were family, they were best friends, and they belonged to each other. I loved these characters, I feel like I have known them through all of their worries, drama, and angst but most of all through all their love and hope. Amazing story.
5 Froggy & Unicorn Filled Stars!!!
Can we find a way to love again, or have the fears of our past stolen the hope of our forever…
Woohoo!!!! Even though this is “technically” a stand-alone nov, this is about two characters that were in AL. Jackson’s Fight For Me Series. Frankie Leigh was introduced in book one Show Me The Way and Evan was the last book Follow Me Back.
Last time we saw Evan and Frankie Leigh they were 8 & 5 and best friends, attached at the hip, seriously overprotective of each other and promising to get married when they get older. Frankie had every intention of doing all of that until one night Evan up and left without saying a word to her except leaving her a letter apologizing.
It’s been three years since Evan’s left Frankie and it’s been three years since she got a full nights sleep. Frankie’s heartbroken that Evan left. She misses her best friend and lover. She’d give anything just to know he’s alive and well. When Evan walks into his moms coffee shop outta the blue three years after he left Frankie was shocked. His eyes show her he’s sorry and broken. But, it’s what he’s holding that kills Frankie immediately. She wants to run and not look back but knows that’ll be hard no matter what she says. For now, Frankie will ignore and hideaway for as long as possible.
Evan fell in love with Frankie when he met her when he was eight years old. That love never went away, it just got stronger the older they got. Evan’s life was saved when his mom found Kale who got his heart replaced and then they fell in love and became a family. Kale’s the man and father Evan looks up too. When Evan’s cardiologist gave him bad news he made a point to live his his a certain way.
When he couldn’t stay away from Frankie any longer he let his guard down. Until he collapsed. When his parents, Frankie and the rest of their family showed up Evan saw the look in their eyes. He didn’t wanna hurt them anymore so he packed a bag, left notes and left. Evan never looked back bc even though he was truly miserable and lonely he thought he was doing what was right for them.
When an old neighbor knocks on Evan’s door he knows his life’s never going to be the same. Evan also knows him and his families lives are in danger Evan heads home. Evan knows he needs his parents help.
The minute Evan spots Frankie he realizes leaving her was his biggest mistake. Evan won’t give up until Frankie agrees to go out with him and really listen to his side of things. Frankie doesn’t want anything to do with Evan but she can’t say no to him. Before they can fully settle anything there’s somebody coming after Evan and the people he cares for most. Frankie and Evan must protect each other’s and the ones they care about in order to come out on top.
OMG!!! I LOVED this story. I had planned their HEA when I finished the Fight For Me series lol. I can 100% fully and truly admit AL Jackson wrote it better then I ever could’ve lol. I’m so glad she wrote their story and can’t wait for her next release.
5 Star Review Hold On To Hope by A.L. Jackson
AL Jackson is a relatively new author to me and I have no idea why that is. Hold On To Hope was a great read that ticked the boxes for me and I was riveted from the first to the last chapter.
This was one of those books that once I started I couldn’t put down. Hold On To Hope got to me on so many levels. It was an emotional read with plenty of angst, heartache, passion and love.
I fell for Evan Bryant and Frankie Leigh and the story that Ms.Jackson wove. She has written a beautiful story about love, sacrifice, regret and forgiveness.
I hoped that Evan and Frankie would get their second chance at love and that Frankie would eventually forgive him for breaking her heart, however I had no idea of the roller coaster of an emotional journey that they would have to undertake before they could get their happily ever after.
Can Evan and Frankie overcome the pain and fears from the past or are they destined to be apart forever? One click and find out.
Loved how different this story was! While the story starts and you feel like you’re missing something, this author does a great job at filling in the gaps through flashbacks throughout the course of the book. Frankie and Evan have been best friends since Evan came to town, and throughout their childhood they ended up developing feelings and ultimately planning a life together. But right when they have their chance, Evan leaves town and essentially disappears for three years, and when he returns he shows up with multiple surprises. I loved the element of suspense throughout this story involving who’s after Evan while also having the friends-to-lovers element. This was definitely a complex story but overall it was a great read because of all the different elements within the one book. I would definitely recommend reading the previous books in the series to get a better understanding of the characters and some background into Frankie and Evan’s friendship/relationship, but it’s definitely not needed to read this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This book captivated me from the very beginning and never let go. A stunning romance that is powerfully inspiring, emotionally raw, and breathtakingly romantic. AL Jackson delivers an unforgettable masterpiece with so much heart and soul. With every page I fell deeper in love with these characters and their epic love story. Frankie Leigh and Evan share an inseparable bond that began in childhood and slowly grew into something so much more as teenagers. They have an intense and unbreakable bond – soulmates. Life circumstances tore them apart and now they are given a second chance at love and Evan isn’t letting go this time. These two are absolutely magical together. How they fight for one another and save one another is powerfully moving. A breathtaking love story of hope, trust, and faith. The storyline and characters is brilliantly written. I could feel every emotion they experienced; they just bleed from the pages. Some scenes just stole my breath while others shattered my heart. The swoon-worthy scenes and the heart-melting moments are absolutely breathtaking. The unconditional love and support of family and friends is beyond words. The wisdom interlaced throughout is powerfully inspiring. This incredibly breathtaking story is everything I hoped for and more. This book left a mark on my heart and soul!! It is definitely one of my top reads for this year and all time. Worth all the stars! This is one book you want to read!!
I had to wait to get the tears out of my eyes before I could write this review! Grab some tissues, maybe a glass of wine, and be prepared for AL Jackson to do what she does best…capture your heart and take your breath away with her beautiful words!
This is an angsty, heart shattering, heart warming, second chance romance that grabbed every emotion. An air of mystery had me flipping pages, eager to find out what was going on!
Best friends since childhood, with a connection like no other, Evan and Frankie Leigh became each other’s everything, with a love they thought would conquer all. But Evan broke Frankie Leigh’s heart, devastating her by leaving, disappearing from everyone’s lives with no warning.
Three years later, his surprising reappearance does little to repair the damage he caused, especially under the circumstances of his return. Can their connection withstand the years of separation, a broken heart, secrets…can they hold on to hope?
Frankie & Evan’s story is highly emotional! Oh my goodness! Everett also tugged at my heart & did his best to steal the show. *grin*
Their story is sweet, steamy, and very intriguing. There are elements of suspense. There’s joy. Tears. Laughter. More tears… And the writing is so lyrical it’s almost poetic in several spots!
If you’re looking for a well-written story to put you through your paces & leave you feeling blessed to have read it – I recommend this one!! : )
I adored Frankie Leigh and Evan as children, and I love them just as much, if not more, as young adults. It’s not often that you read about a love so pure and true that you’d give up anything for the other, no matter what it will do to you or even to the one you are trying to protect. I was overwhelmed with emotions reading this book. You are going to feel the full force of love, hurt, sorrow, pain, anger and forgiveness. Absolutely a five star read for me!
Evan broke her heart when he left years ago. They had been best friends from childhood. Their parents were best friends, family. And then as teens, they became much more than simply best friends. So when he up and left, she was devastated. Now he’s back. AND he’s got someone with him. Someone who will be very significant to this tight-knit family. Does Frankie Lee have it in her to give Evan a second chance to win back her heart? The simple answer is NO. The complicated answer is MAYBE (YES, OF COURSE).
I know, I know…I always say this when I review A.L. Jackson’s writing – she’s a lyrical poet. And not more so than in Hold on to Hope. Frankie Lee and Evan’s story is beautiful – angsty, emotional, a tad heartbreaking, and, AND it’s got some suspense in there too. What more could you ask for in a great read?
Gah!! Loved this book. Here we have the second generation from the Fight for Me Series. The last time we saw these characters they were no older than 5.
Frankie Leigh and Evan were inseparable since they day they met. Frankie had their whole lives planned out for one another, they would be best friends, get married and have kids together but that all changed when Evan left.
Three years later and he’s back, and he needs help. Frankie is hesitant to let go of the hurt Evan caused all those years ago but the truth is, she never really got over him. Will Frankie and Evan be able to let go of the past and move forward together?
Loved how this story had snippets from their lives growing up. Definitely one-click it today.
What can I say, A.L. Jackson writes it I NEED TO READ IT! I fell in love with this world when I read the Fight for Me series. I was captivated by these beautiful characters. Ms. Jackson makes you feel a part of their family and you root for each one of these characters from the beginning.
As always Ms. Jackson completely grasps on to your heart while reading and she still has hold of it. When I say I felt everything I literally felt ALL the feelings.
We first meet Frankie Leigh in Show Me The Way and I was completely taken by her and her love for everyone, we see her again in the next books when she meets her Froggy Boy in Follow Me Back. Which is where Evan completely stole our hearts.
Fast forward to them as adults and a love so strong that when they are brought back together proves stronger than anything that can keep them apart.
When A.L. Jackson hinted at the possibility of writing about these two characters as adults I was so excited and I could not wait. I was lucky enough to snag an ARC of this book and OH MAN did my heart go on a huge emotional roller coaster.
This is possibly my most favorite book written by A.L. Jackson to date!!!! I can not stress it enough this is absolutely a MUST READ!! Though it can be read without reading the Fight For Me series, I still highly recommend reading that series first so that you can completely fall in love with this world and this family just like I did.
5 Constellations Full of Stars!
This author gets me right in the feels every time! I loved every single bit of this book!
I love friends to lovers, second chance, romances and this one hit the nail on the head. This story was the perfect blend of angst, heat, emotion, with even a dash of suspense. This author’s style of adding flashbacks into the present time, add so much depth to the story and help connect to the characters on a stronger level.
Evan, is the perfect man and is ready to give everything up to protect those he loves. Frankie, is the most positive heroine I can remember reading. She is kind hearted and is just as protective of those she loves as Evan is. I loved every single thing about their relationship.
This story can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend going and reading the entire, Fight for Me series. I absolutely loved being able to revisit Hope, Kale, Rynna, and Rex! I love all of these characters so much and am so happy everyone got their happily ever afters.
Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.
Friends-to-lovers second chance romance that will leave you a sobbing mess! Hold on to Hope talks a story of a disabled man whose action breaks hearts of those around him even when his intentions are pure. Evan is definitely unlike any hero I’ve read about in the past.
Thanks to the dual point of view, the reader gets to understand both characters a bit more and see how their relationship forms after a long separation. There were quite a few flashbacks to Evan’s and Frankie’s childhood and they were super adorable. Both Evan and Frankie are super lovable characters despite (or in spite) of their flaws. I couldn’t help but love them immediately.
The storyline was much more intense than I thought it would be, honestly! There’s a lot of drama and tension packed in this book that the reader won’t see coming. Also, a huge plus of this book is how A. L Jackson involved the secondary characters in the storytelling.
Absolutely 5 stars and one of the best reads of this year!
You need chocolate. A drink or two. And lots of tissues.
Beautiful. Emotional. Speak about magic and having your heart shredded to pieces.
***
I am S-P-E-E-C-H-L-E-S-S.
My heart hurts in the best possible way.
My eyes are finally dry after hours of crying.
My emotions are still all over the place.
My brain is about to explode from the lack of sleep, from the lack of words, from the lack of –
I’m speechless. This was a heartbreakingly beautiful story about second chances, family, and friends who turned to lovers with a nice plot twist that made me want to re-read the book all over again. Everyone needs to read it!
FINAL RATING: 4.5+ ‘unicorn’ stars
This book gives all the feels!! I love second-chance, friends-to-lovers stories, and this one did not disappoint! Highly recommend!