A Sweeping Standalone from New York Times Bestseller Pepper Winters. “Things you should know about me from the very beginning:I was born to true love, witnessed the destruction it causes, and vowed never to let such agony happen to me. I am not a story-teller like my father. I am not a writer like my mother. I am just a son—their son. I am happy being alone. And that is all I ever want to be.”…
I am happy being alone.
And that is all I ever want to be.”
JACOB
The day he was born, Jacob learned his hardest and longest lesson.
It wasn’t a lesson a boy should learn so young, but from his earliest memories he knew where happiness lives, so does tragedy. Where love exists, so does heartbreak. And where hope resides, so does sorrow.
That lesson carved him from the kid to the teen to the man.
And nothing and no one could change his mind.
HOPE
I first met him when he was fourteen at a movie premiere of all places. A movie based on his parent’s life.
He was stoic, strong, suspicious, and secretive.
I was only ten, but I felt something for him. A strange kind of heartbreak that made me want to hug and heal him.
I was the daughter of the actor hired to play his father.
We shared similarities.
I recognised parts of him because they were parts of me.
But no matter how many times we met. No matter how many times I tried.
He stayed true to his vow to never fall.
5 Stars
The Son & His Hope will ruin you in the best possible way. — The Romance Rebels
5 Stars
You need to experience this amazing, powerful, once in a lifetime series. –Heather, Goodreads
5 Stars
Epically beautiful and unforgettable. This story is beyond anything you’ll ever read. –Melissa, Goodreads
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I have to start with saying that after reading The Son & His Hope I finally understand the cover. The little touch of lace and the meadow mean so much more now that I know this story. It fits this story perfectly. I also have to say that this is a hard review to write, because this book made me feel so much.
The author was smart I think by starting off when Hope is ten and Jacob is 14. I loved the little jumps in time, because I think it brought their story to life just a little bit more. It’s like we got to experience everything with them. Add the dual POV and the introductions to every part of this book and I was sold.
Pepper Winters has a way with words that made me feel everything these characters were feeling. Both Hope and Jacob have already gone through way too much for their age. Losing someone so important to you at such a young age, is something you don’t just get over. The Son & His Hope really makes that clear. On top of a love story, this book gives us so much more. The journey through grief and accepting that people will die and learning that it’s okay to open up your heart.
My heart broke for Jacob. Losing his father hit him harder than it does a lot of people. He loves so much, but can’t accept that. Love hurts and everyone dies. Jacob tries so hard to protect his heart that he loses so much. Even though showing humans love (a simple hug is too much), the horses and land are where he finds his peace and feeling of freedom.
Hope knows loss as well, but deal with it differently. Even becoming slightly obsessed with death she learns to accept her mother’s death. She is so much stronger than she realizes and knows from the start Jacob is the one. The only thing for Hope is finding her place in the world. She doesn’t belong in the spotlights like her father does. Hope belongs on the land and with the horses.
Reading about Hope and Jacob’s relationship is actually pretty hard. While we can see so much love, there is also a lot of fear. Hope is determined though and doesn’t give up. I love that we see Jacob slowly growing and trying to love. It hurt everytime he would get let down by something happening, just as he started opening up.
I think this author wrote a heartbreaking journey for these characters with some special moments every once in awhile. Hope and Jacob’s relationship is nowhere near healthy, but it’s clear there is a lot of love. In all honesty, this story was a 5 star read for me until near the end. I think it went a bit too far. All the events closer to the end become too much. That became a bit unrealistic for me. It was just too much.
All in all, the ending made up for that little bump in the road. I can also advise you not to read this story in public if you don’t want everyone see your tears! I haven’t read the Blue Ribbon Duet yet, but after reading this one, I definitely plan on picking it up!
I finished this a few days ago and had to sit on it for a while to figure out what I wanted to say. While I know this one is considered a standalone, The Boy & His Ribbon and The Girl & Her Ren play such an integral part in learning why Jacob is the way he is that I think they should both be read. Besides the fact that they are both 5+ star reads in my opinion 🙂 I don’t even know how to put into words how much I loved this book. I laughed, I cried and I cried some more and devoured it in a short time, only wishing I had slowed down to make it last longer. The interaction between Jacob and Hope throughout the book was painstakingly beautiful and tragic at the same time. And Ms. Winters breaks our hearts over and over again…and finally puts it back together. Thank you so much for your beautiful words and your unbelievable story telling. My only wish is that there was some way to continue the story…I never want it to end.
No matter how many times I’m trying to make sense of this Duet, couple, family, tragedy, love story and world Pepper created 10 months ago, every time I find myself falling sort in words and I am left with all these overwhelming feelings that want to get out but can’t. There is no other story that has broke me, hurt me, wrecked me and left me hanging over the abyss. The tears that I shed over Ren & Della’s story could feel a bath tub. The crack in my soul that was created the minute Ren died, still hasn’t healed – and probably it never will – and bleeds even just thinking about their once-in-10-lifetimes love.
It feels like centuries have passed since the first teaser of The Son & His Hope. Every time a new one would be posted, me heart would lose beats from its excitement to read this, but, at the same time, it would build up its stronger defences preparing for the avalanche the Wild One and his Hope would bring upon it. I remember reading a few days ago in Pepper’s Playground, I think, a comment from a reader – I am so so sorry that I can’t give credit to her but I don’t remember her name exactly – where it said something in the lines of even though the previous two books had destroyed her, Jacob’s book felt like a redemption of all the pain she endured before. I couldn’t have said it better and there is no better summing up of what this book makes you feel.
For over 15 hours straight, I didn’t get up from my bed. I even forgot to eat. It was physically painful for me to put it down even for a second. All my systems are still screwed up – in the good way – after I finished it last night. Blown away. Overwhelmed. Stuck still. And utterly, completely, wholly, irrevocably in love with the Wild One & his Little Lace. Even though my soul never stopped bleeding for both of them for all the huge obstacles they had to overcome, the pain they endured because of each other, the tragedies that kept happening, their HEA which so many times seemed unreachable & impossible.
Jacob Wild proved more than enough times the power his genes held and the size of his heart. And just like his father, trampled all over my soul and took charge of it. I lost count how many times I had to take a super deep breath or rub over the place under which my heart was trying to keep beating. Some times, towards the end, I honestly though that it would give out. Hope, the only way that can be described is as the epitome of a fighter. She never let herself stop fighting for the life she wanted and the person who knew he was her soul-mate, no matter how many times she fell, how much she bled, how much her love was sometimes suffocating. I shut out everyone and everything out and simple gave in to them with everything that I have. There is really no other way to experience this.
The world of The Ribbon Duet is a world that teaches you about the greatness of love and finding your absolute soul-mate, the battle to face your deepest, scariest fears so you can surrender to the rollercoaster that is Life, the meaning of family, finding and loving yourself. But most of all, it teaches you about acceptance; acceptance that every minute counts; acceptance that Love comes with pain and without pain you don’t live; acceptance that you are strong enough to beat everything if you have by your side people that love you unconditionally and forever; acceptance that Death isn’t The End but just the beginning of something on the other side of the veil that separates the living from the after life. Also, that no matter how many loved ones we lose, we never are alone because love is something that goes beyond the body.
Pepper Winters, thank you for bringing Jacob, Hope, Della and Ren to us. I apologize for the delay in my review but I was just not ready to let these characters and their story go, and I don’t know if I ever will. I held on as tight as a parent that clings to the connection of their child leaving the nest. My heart is full and empty all at the same time. This is just one of those stories that you never want to end. The Son and His Hope is brilliantly executed and an endearing love story that you rarely find. That is what makes it so special.
Jacob and Hope, I’m not sure where to begin but let me just say that I fell so madly and deeply in love with them. Jacob was raised and knows what it feels to have a love that transcends the universe, and then to have it ripped all away. Hope’s love and affection for Jacob since they were children all the way to adulthood never falters. There are no limits for her love for him. She proves that love is understanding, love is acceptance, love is healing and above all else, LOVE IS HOPE.
Emotionally, this book took me to places I have never been. Amidst all the heartache, there were beautiful moments that cleared some of that hurt away and left love and hope in its wake.
Ren, Della, Jacob and Hope will forever be in my heart!
I am totally and utterly spent! This emotional and beautiful story is everything you want and expect from this amazing author. Just when you think she won’t go there she goes there. Clinging page for page and word for word you will be transformed into the world of Jacob and Hope, a free fall of emotions that will take up space in your heart well after the story ends.
This books deserve a 10 Star rating and more.
Yes you definitely need tissues! But so amazingly worth it!
I honestly don’t know where to begin, this book wrecked me, it tore me to pieces and had me going through an emotional journey that I wasn’t sure I would survive. Pepper Winter bravo, you have officially made me an emotional mess after finishing this book.
SO I didn’t realized that this is the part of a duet and so now I Need to read the Boy and His Ribbon, though I am not sure if I’m even emotional stable after knowing how it will all end.
The Son and His Hope is soo much more than boy meets girl, it’s filled with soo much heartache, internal struggles, and unrequited love. Jacob and Hope’s story is one that I have never read before, there are soo many layers of emotions, tragedy, hope, and internal battles. I couldn’t put this book down and when I was done I just laid in bed like “what now?!?” I am not done with Jacob and Hope, I need to know what the future holds for them…I WANT MORE!!
This book was one of the best that I have read so far in 2019, it definitely left an impact on my soul. I would recommend this book to all of my fellow book lovers because they will not be left disappointed.
Reviewed by: Glori I.
I went into this book expecting the same level of amazing as the first two books. While I cried at a couple of parts, and laughed at a couple of others, this book fell short for me. I wish there had not been so much arguing and bickering between Hope and Jacob. It just annoying after a bit.
WOW!! JUST WOW!!! I’m kind of at a loss for words after just finishing this book. I didn’t know if I could handle reading this one after the other 2. They were so emotionally raw for me, but I made myself finish and I am so glad I did. Like the other 2 books this one ripped my heart out and put it back. I don’t know how you do it Pepper, but girl you have a gift that’s for sure!! I love this series so much, you have out done yourself with this one. I know this is supposed to be about The Boy and His Hope, which I highly recommend to everyone, but this series is at the top of my list for both 2018 & 2019. It’s so real and raw that there is absolutely no way anyone couldn’t love it. Job well done Pepper, job well done!!!!
Wow! I don’t know if I can come up with words to describe this book. It was amazing. I cried thru the whole thing. I certainly didn’t expect this book to rip me up as badly as it did. Hope certainly became hope for all the characters. Jacob was stubborn, and I wanted to shake him. It made me think of the afterlife, and wonder what is out there when we die. I absolutely loved that he found Della’s manuscript. This book has the best ending. I didn’t want it to end… I’ll be thinking of this book for days!
If I could give this book 10 stars I would. Is it easy to read story? Heck NO!!! Is it totally worth the pain, anguish, devastation and heartbreak, heck YES!!!! Jacob was born from an amazing love story between Ren and Della ( I highly recommend reading books 1 and 2 in Ribbon Duet first) but also saw and lived through unimaginable pain and found a way to survive by pushing his loved ones away. Hope is amazing and feisty and just what Jacob needs in his life, but will he ever let her in. The book destroyed me more than once, but then put me back together in the perfect way that only a book by Pepper Winters can. These 3 books will stay with me forever and I will never forget the feelings both good and bad that they brought to my life. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
OMG! I FLOVED this book, the characters, their story, and most of all the journey that this book took me on. I normally stay away from books with any mention of Hollywood in it because it is just not my thing, but I am SO glad that I gave this one a chance. There was just a little bit of Hollywood in, but not enough to turn me away. Now even though that this is part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the other 2 books and I had no problem reading this one. This book was so freaking good, that I will be going back to read the ones before this one.
Jacob and Hope stole my heart from the very beginning. Jacob is so broken that you just can’t help, but to love him and want to fix him as much as Hope does. Hope is almost as broken as he is, but she sees he is more broken than she is. All she wants is a friend, but that is the last thing that Jacob wants.
Their story broke my heart, shredded it, slowly put it almost back together, only to rip it out again to stomp on it, run it over and then hand it back to me like there was no hope or need for it. Their emotional journey made me cry, smile, laugh, and really frustrated the hell out of me at times, but in the end made it all worth every minute of the journey.
This is a TOTAL MUST READ OF THE YEAR kind of book.
Happy Reading Everyone!!!
OMG! I FLOVED this book, the characters, their story, and most of all the journey that this book took me on. I normally stay away from books with any mention of Hollywood in it because it is just not my thing, but I am SO glad that I gave this one a chance. There was just a little bit of Hollywood in, but not enough to turn me away. Now even though that this is part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the other 2 books and I had no problem reading this one. This book was so freaking good, that I will be going back to read the ones before this one.
Jacob and Hope stole my heart from the very beginning. Jacob is so broken that you just can’t help, but to love him and want to fix him as much as Hope does. Hope is almost as broken as he is, but she sees he is more broken than she is. All she wants is a friend, but that is the last thing that Jacob wants.
Their story broke my heart, shredded it, slowly put it almost back together, only to rip it out again to stomp on it, run it over and then hand it back to me like there was no hope or need for it. Their emotional journey made me cry, smile, laugh, and really frustrated the hell out of me at times, but in the end made it all worth every minute of the journey.
This is a TOTAL MUST READ OF THE YEAR kind of book.
Happy Reading Everyone!!!
Pepper Winters quite frankly wrote the book of the century! She completely annihilated my heart at times. Shattering it into a million pieces, with this powerful punch of emotional turmoil that just on edge. Catipululpitng and heightening everyone of my senses. Waiting for the wool to pull out from under me and bam!!!! SHIT!!!!!!!! It happened!!! OMFG!!!! The Floodgates pour for this beautiful word, for the fragments that decimated me and for the loves that just spanned over time! Just fated, destined and oh, so poetically executed!!! Like a prized piece of art!!
The Son & His Hope is a soul-stirring, devastatingly beautifully love story!
I don’t think I’ve ever cried while reading a book like I did during my time spent with Ren and Della. And, if there ever was a story out there that epitomized just how powerful an author’s words and storytelling are it’s Pepper Winters’ Ribbon Duet. I can’t even begin to describe the feelings that surfaced as I read about Ren and Della’s journey, and even though I knew what was coming when I reached the end of The Girl & Her Ren, fracturing my heart even more than it already was, I wouldn’t have changed a single part of my reading experience, even if it left me emotionally drained and more than a little broken.
I can wholeheartedly say that I’m still not over the world and characters that Pepper Winters created and I know that there are many readers who feel the exact same way, so when I learned that Winters was writing Jacob’s story – Ren & Della’s son – I knew I needed to steel myself, once again, for a tale rich in heartbreak, in overwhelming emotions, in the idea of love and loss and of life and death because if I did, despite the amount of tears I shed, I knew that the lessons taught through the characters’ experiences would, once again, stay with me, changing my perception of what it means to fully live and the reasons why some people choose the more difficult path because it’s during that time that they truly find out who they are and what they need, despite feelings to the contrary.
Like father, like son – that was my first thought as I witnessed Jacob Wild’s stubbornness and his inability to see beyond what happened to his mother and father and the love they shared. Because of his past, Jacob lives a solitary life, unwilling to allow anyone to penetrate his highly guarded walls, not allowing his heart to be tattered and scarred anymore then it already has been. And while it’s easy to understand why he chooses to live the way he does, which will, no doubt, have readers empathizing with everything he’s had to face, it also will leave readers beyond frustrated, pleading with Jacob to recognize what he’s going to lose if he doesn’t find the strength to move forward…find the hope he needs to give his heart to the one person who will handle it with the delicate care that he needs and deserves.
As soon as Pepper Winters introduced readers to Hope Murphy, I knew that she would be a game changer for Jacob – the one who would make him want to change…make him want to give his heart to…make him want to go against everything he had cemented in his mind when it came to loving another person. But things are never that simple, especially for someone who has dealt with what Jacob has, so I knew that it wouldn’t be easy for Hope to truly penetrate Jacob’s heart…that he would still be held back by his fear, forcing them both to endure excruciating heartache and the exact pain that Jacob had fought so hard to never feel again.
I’m so thankful that Pepper Winters gave readers Jacob’s story; I can’t begin to imagine how emotionally draining this entire series was for her to write, but I’m so damn glad she did. I’ve always enjoyed Winters’ storytelling and the ease with which she crafts her multifaceted characters, but there’s something in The Ribbon Duet series that sets it apart even from her other amazing books, and while I can’t quite put into words everything that makes Ren, Della, and Jacob’s stories stand out among the rest, the fact that they are three characters who will stay with me long after their stories have been told says everything that readers need to know in order to one-click these emotionally dense books.
5 Poison Apples
6 Hearts
The Son & His Hope is an epic story by Pepper Winters. You can read it as standalone but I HIGHLY recommend reading the Ribbon Duet first to feel the full impact. The Ribbon Duet is everything and more. It’s a story that will never forget and now I have their son’s story to remember.
Jacob is fourteen. Hope is ten. They are both very mature for their ages. He was at the movie premiere for his mom. She was there to watch her father on the big screen. She saw him from the moment they met. He didn’t want to be near her.
That’s where their story began. I don’t want to spoil anything. I will say that Hope is one of the strongest characters I have had the pleasure of meeting in a book. Della Wild was another. The two of them in one book is amazing. Then there is Jacob. A man who was never really a boy. He is protective. Always. He is also moody. Very moody. But, Hope is not afraid. She is determined to be his friend. A friend to a man who doesn’t want her there. At his farm. In his way. In his life.
This series is epically amazing!!! And this story was one I didn’t know I needed but can’t imagine now not having it. Jacob and Hope’s story is an emotional ride. It gave me every single feel there is. I cried. Hard. I got angry. I felt sad. I felt everything. The writing is pure genius. Poetic.
Overall…it’s a poetic journey that will stay with me.
Quotes:
“You have your entire life ahead of you, Wild One. All I ask is…try not to rush it. Be grateful for each day, even the dark ones.”
“Why are you doing this?”
She smiled sadly. “Because ever since I saw you on set, I’ve wanted to know you. I’m not afraid of you, Jacob. And you need someone who isn’t afraid of you.”
“I don’t need anyone.”
“If this is you being civil, I don’t want to know what you’re like when you’re being rude.”
“Hang around and you’ll find out.”
“Maybe I will.”
The Son & His Hope is Jacob (Ren & Della’s son) and Hope’s story following the Ribbon Duet. What an emotional roller coaster. Not going to lie, it tugged at my heart strings and I teared up a few times. I think I was more frustrated with their relationship than anything. Gahhhh I didn’t know who I wanted to slap upside the head first but after everything they went through it’s understandable. The Wilds have been through so much. I was beginning to wonder how much more would they endure. Pepper sure knows how to rip your heart apart and piece it slowly back together. She does it in such a way it gives you all the feels and the reason why I go back for more.
“There is no end. There is only a pause. Life is too precious just to finish and not transform into something else.”
*Advanced readers copy provided for an honest review*
While this book is a complete stand-alone, my suggestion is to read The Ribbon Duet first to get the most from this experience. Yes, reading this novel is an experience. If you are familiar with Pepper Winters work, you know that your emotions will be all over the place. Ms. Winters has a way of writing that sucks you into her world. A world in which her characters come alive, and you are watching from the sidelines unable to do anything but experience what she has created for us, her lucky readers.
Jacob Ren Wild’s story, the one in which he is trying to survive without his beloved father to help guide him through life. One in which he suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Pepper Winters’ has outlined the book into three parts.
The first part is always the introduction. Here we learn about Jacob as a young boy when his parent’s story becomes a motion picture movie. Where Jacob meets Hope, the young girl who changes his life by becoming his non-friend, they have one thing in common, they both have suffered the loss of a parent.
The next part covers his early twenties, and more traumatic events occur more heartbreak and suffering, onto the last part where he travels to try and find his solace and peace.
From the beginning of the duet to now this love story is unlike any other ever told, it’s unique, soulful, hopeful, and tragic. Well Done, highly recommended.
A beautiful, powerful tale of love and loss, fight or flight, death and life. Pepper Winters never fails to disappoint. This poignant continuation of the Ribbon Duet delves deeper into the lives of the Wilds.
We follow the journey from boy to man. Jacob Wild. The Son. Created from a soul burning love, a love that transcends our realm on Earth and never truly dies, but connects those souls into the after life and guides them to on another again, Jacob has watched what happens when you a crudely ripped from your soul mate.
The utter devastation left behind were a young boy must swiftly grow up. However, his struggle to deal with his grief was so difficult to read. It tore my heart to shreds to see him close himself off from everyone. Burrowing deeper into his own head, torturing himself, pushing away his loved ones. Determined that if he is alone, then it will not hurt when inevitably death comes knocking.
She was the bright eyed child who loved everything and everyone. A wide eyed innocence that drew everyone to her with her charming personality and zest for life. She loved Jacob from their first meeting, there was just something about him that called to her. His pain and suffering was plain to see and all she wanted to do was take it away.
As the years pass Hope falls further under the spell of Jacob Wild. He is magnetic, fighting the draw is impossible no matter how hard he pushes her away. His demeanour is cold and aloof, completely indifferent and that treatment hurts more than his anger.
This story of heartbreak and healing truly touched my heart. The Ribbon Duet completely drained and destroyed me, I cried for what seemed like days after finishing that story. The Son and His Hope invoked those same feelings.
This book will make you think. It made me challenge everything I thought I knew about love, life and death. We a book makes you reevaluate your views, you must sit up and take notice.
You must be prepared for the long haul this is no short read but an in depth tale of self preservation, determination and how true love comes for us all no matter how much we fight it. You will not be sorry that you picked up this book.
This deserves way more then five stars.
Pepper Winters once again proves she’s a master at telling a beautiful story that takes your breath away.
The Son and His Hope is full of emotions. While this can be read as a standalone, I do highly suggest that you read The Boy & His Ribbon and The Girl and Her Ren as it will make this story even more special. And yes I use the word special, because all three books have been truly special.
The story telling is just perfection if you ask me. And within the first few pages I felt my chest tighten and the tears start to form. I knew that I would be in for an epic story, I knew that it would be angsty and I knew that I would become wrapped up in it.
Jacob whom we first met in The Girl and her Ren, well we watch him grow up from a young boy to a young man. We see him close himself off from love, and it’s heartbreaking. My heart literally ached for Jacob. And despite all the love he still has surrounding him, he manages to have that wall around him. Scared to open himself up and risk more heartbreak. Oh how I wanted to jump into this book and wrap my arms around this boy and the young man as he grew up and just tell him it was ok to let love in. Dayum just writing this review and thinking about him makes me feel all over again.
Then there is Hope, she’s blunt and feisty and so curious as a young girl. She pushes Jacob at every capacity and with each push I held my breath wondering when the wall would break or if it would break. She’s determined, and eventually I worried for her as well, worried if she too would suffer heartbreak.
At times throughout this book I literally held my breath, at times throughout this book I wasn’t even sure I could take anymore because this book and the story at times, got overwhelming. It’s tragic and hopeful. It’s sad and happy. And it tells a tale of love in every single capacity.
I’m not sure what more I can say about this story. It’s just SPECIAL !!!! And it’s a story I will never forget. It’s also without a doubt going on my fav reads list of all 2019 even though it’s still very early on in the year. The books preceding this just happened to be my top reads of 2018, and I’ll be honest I was somewhat worried whether The Son and His Hope would live up to everything that The Ribbons Duet was. Thankfully it absolutely did and I absolutely suggest that you read these books.
Let me start of by saying that this title is amazing and so very accurate in more ways than one.
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The Son & His Hope is a story of friendship, love and heartbreak. Of learning to accept the things we cannot change. Of moving forward and living life to the fullest.
Speechless, awed and breathless. I feel like I’ve just come down from the highest of highs. This story is beyond incredible. Angst, friendship, heartbreak and love collide in this emotional and achingly realistic story.
Pepper Winters has an incredible way of making you feel every single moment. The feels in the book just kept coming. The story and its characters are vivid and real. Everything they feel is palpable. Every piece of heartbreak, love, loss and laughter I experienced. Every twist and turn kept me on the razor’s-edge, only to be pulled back at the very last second and sent in a new direction. Every moment leaving me breathless.
Jacob and Hope’s journey to love is a marathon not a sprint. Although they meet quite young and the connection instantaneous, Hope and Jacob’s everlasting love is not. It takes time, effort, forgiveness, tears, enduring love not to mention hope to get to their happily ever after.
An incomparable love story. The Son & His Hope has set the bar. This is the book to beat in 2019!
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.