Where There’s Hope (A Well Paired Novel)

Hope Windward is working at the Happy Clam Family Restaurant when suddenly her past comes back to haunt her—the past being Cameron Smithfield. Oh yes, Hope knows who Cameron is, a convicted felon who was in jail for a crime. Hope can never forget that Cameron killed her daughter’s father, Cameron’s brother Justin. Hope can’t erase all the built up hate she feels for him, but as she sees Cameron around town and gets to know him, she can’t help but feel attracted to him. Cameron wants to forget his past and make up for what he’s done. Still, what Cameron has done is unforgiveable, or is it?

The story paints a pretty picture of an idyllic New England town that is easily imagined, a place that most people would want to visit. In the beginning, the story was unhurried, but there were many plot holes. Obviously the hero and heroine knew each other and had a past, but it wasn’t explained until later. Hope is an embittered and mean-spirited heroine.  She  isn’t nice to Cameron, calling him names. Even when he tries to be nice to her, she still continues to be horrible, so readers will have a hard time connecting with her. Sure, she does eventually warm up to Cameron, but it doesn’t feel genuine and seems that she really just wants to sleep with him. Readers will love Cameron despite his criminal background and guilt. He is truly a good guy and a hero that is easy to fall for. Overall, the story makes anyone feel good and hopeful for everyone involved. 

Roslynn Ernst