In this compelling, heartwarming novel from New York Times bestselling author Marie Bostwick, one woman finds new purpose in a new phase of life . . . “Whatever comes your way, find the happiness in it.” Hope Carpenter received that advice from her mother decades ago. Now, with their four children grown, Hope and her husband, Rick, are suddenly facing an uncertain future, after a forced … future, after a forced retirement strains both their savings and their marriage. Seeking inspiration and a financial boost, Hope gets a job teaching crafts to inmates at a local women’s prison.
At first, Hope feels foolish and irrelevant, struggling to relate to women whose choices seem so different from her own. But with time, and the encouragement of the prison chaplain, she begins to discover common ground with the inmates, in their worries about their children and families, their fear of having failed those who need them. Just like her, they want to make something of themselves, but believe it might be impossible.
Embarking on an ambitious quilting project, Hope and her students begin to bond. Together, piece by piece, they learn to defy expectations—their own and others’—and to see that it’s never too late to stitch together a life that, even in its imperfections, is both surprising and beautiful.
Praise for Marie Bostwick and Her Novels
“Reading Marie Bostwick is like wrapping yourself up in a warm, hand-crafted quilt.”
—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“It takes great skill to write a heartwarming story about grief, and Bostwick proves she is up to the
task. . . . A great addition to any women’s-fiction collection.”
—Booklist
“Beautiful, thought-provoking, tragic and redeeming, The Second Sister is a feel-good goldmine.”
—USAToday.com
more
Hope is an utterly relatable character, facing a situation so common to so many. I loved her unusual path to finding her own higher self.
Hope on the Inside is a special, heartwarming story. I thought it contained good writing and the story progressed at a nice pace. Hope likes to be active and to help people. After their move to Olympia, she is at loose ends. The job teaching crafts to female inmates seems like the perfect fit. Unfortunately, the rules make it difficult to teach anything except kid level activities. Hope comes up with a plan and works out a deal with the superintendent. When she sees how the women feel bad about not being able to give gifts to their loved ones, she develops a quilting project. She also wants to help the ladies regain confidence in themselves. Hope on the Inside is a feel-good story about women helping women. I would have liked more time devoted to the quilting classes themselves. We also see Rick and Hope struggling with their marriage. They have entered a new phase of their lives and their marriage is suffering. Rick is at loose ends without his job and spends his days baking bread (and eating it). He needs a new purpose, like Hope, before working out his relationship with Hope. Their daughter, Mackenzie is having marital problems after her husband cheated. She looks to her parents for guidance (could have done without this particular thread). My favorite phrase from Hope on the Inside is “there’s no such thing as too much yarn or too much chocolate.” I find this to be very true. The Christian element is light, but inspiring. Hope on the Inside is a charming story, but it is not my favorite by Marie Bostwick. The author’s Cobbled Court Quilt series was delightful with a special cast of characters. Hope on the Inside is a sweet and uplifting tale.
Hope on the Inside by Marie Bostwick
Rick and Hope have had a long successful love-filled marriage with give and take and honesty between them while raising four children to adulthood. Neither expected that they would be scrambling for jobs and living in a new place before they turned 60 and so close to the easy retirement they must have envisioned. Rick was definitely more troubled by the situation than Hope who immediately went out to find employment. Rick did try but was overqualified for anything he applied for. Hope does get a job working in a women’s prison teaching crafts and that gives her purpose as Rick tries to find himself and who he will be after his work as an engineer ends. The book includes the children and a bit about their lives and a big focus on one of the women in prison in Hope’s class. There are side stories aplenty. All in all a pleasant read but one that seemed rather predictable and perhaps not my favorite written by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
I loved this story!
When you finish this book, it will leave you feeling uplifted.
Hope is a wonderful teacher who loves her job, family, students and her life.
Her children have all grown up to be wonderful adults and have left the nest. She is older now and since her husband lost his job, she needs to find a place that provides some benefits for her and Rick.
When she applies for employment in a prison to teach, she isn’t thinking how this will change her life.
She is wondering how she will survive each day with a tough group of inmates who cannot trust anyone.
Oh— But wait!
Marie Bostwick writes from the heart and her stories reflect a love and caring that in these times, we all desperately need.
“Trust me. You won’t be in this alone.”
A wonderful group of characters that you won’t soon forget are in these pages!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last! I absolutely loved it! Well written story and wonderful characters. Definitely recommend!
I don’t know what to say, this was another great read from Marie Bostwick, didn’t know it was 7 years in the making, so glad you decided to finish it. Very very good, kept me wanting to read on, can’t wait for your next book
A wonderful story of family and friendship. I loved the main characters and how realistic the interactions were between them. I will likely read this book again and give it as a gift to my reading friends.
I always love Marie Bostwick’s voice and this book is no exception to that rule. It’s a heartrending story, yet is so filled with hope (which is also the heroine’s name) that reading it has a roller-coaster quality to it. I try to spread out the reading when I enjoy a book–there was no spreading this one out; I read it all the same day. And loved it.