The Hope Chest

Jul 19, Chris Mara rated it did not like it. I went in with great expectations and was very disappointed. It was a saccharin laced story almost unbelievable how most things fell in place except for the death of Mattie. My sister died from ALS and quite honestly this book did not even touch upon the daily struggles and incorporate into story. Yeah the choking, the lift, the wheelchair are all a part and I know the storyline is about the hope chest and not a dissertation of the disease, but please I think I got to 3 or 4 times in a short amount of pages and was irritated by that that the author could not come up with something better.

I agree with other reviewer - she was cast as something of a brat. This was more of a hope chest fairy tale which fine some people loved the story and were driven to tears. I did not like it, will not read any other books by author and I was driven to tears that I wasted my time reading this book. Sorry for being blunt but that's my review. May 26, wade rated it it was ok.

Rose, a divorced woman with a young daughter, gets a job as a caregiver for a couple in which the wife suffers from advancing ALS. This seems like a promising plot. However, it all falls apart for me as I have never read a more syrupy over sentimentalized book. All the characters portrayed are too sweet, too kind and too caring. Everything works out with a positive spin. No one would think to raise their voice in ire. I wanted to scream by the novel's end.

If you have a fragile psyche that want Rose, a divorced woman with a young daughter, gets a job as a caregiver for a couple in which the wife suffers from advancing ALS. If you have a fragile psyche that want to read an unrealistic portrayal of family life - this is for you.

Apr 26, Susan Crowe rated it liked it Shelves: It was worth the read. The thing that was holding me back? Jul 08, DeAnn rated it really liked it Shelves: This is a sweet love story with a hope chest at the center. Set in Michigan which I just visited this summer we meet Mattie and Don near the end of Mattie's life. She's in her final months of ALS, but throughout the book we learn about her and memorable parts of her life, many of them memorialized by items in her hope chest. The other main characters in the book are Mattie's caretaker and daughter.

They come into Mattie and Don's life and become like family to them. I must admit I was drawn to This is a sweet love story with a hope chest at the center. I must admit I was drawn to this one by the beautiful cover.

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This was a quick easy read, but I have another Viola Shipman book to read and I think I will enjoy it too! This one was much more character driven. Right from the beginning of the book, I could tell it was going to be an emotional read and it definitely was.

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It is a beautiful story, though, very well written but heartbreaking. It was touching how Mattie, who has ALS, and her husband Don, made Mattie's caregiver Rose and her young daughter, Jeri, a part of their family from day one of Rose becoming her caregiver. Mattie's sharing of the contents of her hope chest is what brings them together. The bond that developed between the four of them Right from the beginning of the book, I could tell it was going to be an emotional read and it definitely was.

The bond that developed between the four of them really moved me. Reading this book will make the reader realize how precious life is and that you just never know what life is going to throw at you. It certainly made me realize that. I really felt for Mattie as she was no longer able to care for herself and do the things she loved to do, mostly designing gardens as a landscape architect, or just caring for her own garden, something she really had a passion for.

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And I also felt great sadness for her devoted husband of 50 years. They had a such a beautiful relationship. I enjoyed the flashbacks to Mattie's years as a child, when she met Don, and the stories of how she acquired the precious items she had stored in her hope chest. I was not familiar with McCoy vases and now after reading this book and looking up McCoy vases online, I feel the need to own one.

They are indeed beautiful, just like this story! This is the second book by Viola Shipman that I have read and loved. It definitely won't be my last. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this truly amazing book. Jan 08, Natasha du Plessis rated it really liked it.

A great book that is also about finding hope and a second chance. This is also about Matty and ALS. I love the writing of Viola Shipman and this is the second book of her that I have read. This was the first time that I have heard about a Hope Chest and I just loved the idea, it is a great tradition to start with your daughter something to save memories in. You can not but love the characters and their love for each other.

I also loved how Matty and Don opened their hearts and home to Rose and J A great book that is also about finding hope and a second chance. I also loved how Matty and Don opened their hearts and home to Rose and Jeri. Great writing and highly recommended. Thank you to St Martin's Press for the copy via Netgalley. Jan 15, MetLineReader rated it really liked it Shelves: A heartwarming, uplifting yet heartbreaking tale of Mattie who has ALS.

This book has Viola's characteristic use of ordinary objects for powerful messages. I loved the different objects that she weaved through the tale interweaving today's story with episodes from both Mattie's and Rose's perspectives. The relationships with Rose, Mattie's carter, Mattie's husband Don, and Rose's daughter are all well-crafted, realistic and worthwhile. There's not one anecdote or episode that doesn't lend depth A heartwarming, uplifting yet heartbreaking tale of Mattie who has ALS. There's not one anecdote or episode that doesn't lend depth or colour to the story.

Mar 19, Jeanne Adamek rated it it was amazing. I had to stay up last night and read this novel through. But the story came at the right time, and although I do not know someone ALS I can still relate to what was being told And we are blessed to have this This story is wonderfully and thoughtfully told and I truly recommend it. Jan 10, Tamara rated it really liked it Shelves: Review to come closer to pub date. This is a sweet book. At times too sweet, but i had expected that going in. It's a book that reminds you that hope and home are 2 important things and that you should always treasure the memories and people in your life.

A great book to give you the cuddly warm feeling of drinking a literary hot chocolate! And yes, Indid cry at couple of points in the book. Un libro intenso e straziante, eppure bellissimo, pieno di speranza e di quella strabiliante magia capace di far vorticare la storia fuori dalle pagine.

The Hope Chest

Romanzo ricco di buoni sentimenti. Io l'ho trovato eccessivamente stucchevole, ma ammetto che qualche lacrimuccia me l'abbia strappata. I had entered a contest last month and was told that we're going to find out the results soon. I was telling my older son that I have no chance of winning. He then told me that I have to have hope and think about possibility. It makes me wonder if he was secretly listening to the audio book of The Hope Chest. The theme that runs through the entire story is that of hope.

Having recently listened to The Charm Bracelet , I was impressed with Viola Shipman 's talented storytelling, narrated by Andi Ar I had entered a contest last month and was told that we're going to find out the results soon. Having recently listened to The Charm Bracelet , I was impressed with Viola Shipman 's talented storytelling, narrated by Andi Arndt , and wanted to check out her sophomore novel in audio format, as well.

I'm glad I did. Andi makes Viola's beautiful prose come alive. While I'm sure I would have been fine reading it in print, I'm now spoiled by listening to Viola's books. I will have to read Viola's third one this way, for sure! I went through a variety of feelings while reading.

Throughout the story, I smiled, laughed, got teary-eyed, felt worried, etc. I loved the descriptions and the way Viola made the seasons feel so distinct from one another. I could feel the cold in the winter the same way I could feel the summer heat. I could almost smell barbecued chicken and blueberry crisp. I especially loved how the holidays were played out. Even though Don and Mattie were going through a difficult time, the holidays still felt joyous. Jeri's presence enhanced the holidays.

Her personality and enthusiasm is similar to that of my daughter's. My favorite part of this novel was the story behind the ticket stub. I won't say why as to not spoil it, but it's epic! This time around, I knew what to expect and took it for what it was.

Don and Mattie's unconditional and devoted love for each other was the powering force of this novel and it made me hope yes, I said it for 50 plus years of marriage to my husband. Their relationship reminds me of ours. Overall, this is a wonderful comfort read, perfect for curling up with on a weekend. I would love to read a sequel about Rose, or maybe one for Jeri when she is a teenager, and we can see Rose through her eyes at that time.

I'd enjoy revisiting with both characters. My [Hallmark] movie cast: James Fox Don s: Makenzie Leigh Mattie present: Jane Alexander Mattie s: Jan 29, Debbie rated it it was amazing Shelves: I absolutely love Viola Shipman's books. After reading "The Charm Bracelet", I was hooked on this author.

I was going on Net Galley like every other day plugging in "The Hope Chest" seeing if it was available after I found out that it was coming out. Every day, I was disappointed. Then one day, I got an e-mail telling me that since I had read the first book, would I like to read the second book. I hit that button so fast, my head was spinning. And just like the first, this I absolutely love Viola Shipman's books. And just like the first, this one did not disappoint. Like the first book, the charms on the bracelet brought out a story from the mother's past that she told her daughter.

This one the items in Mattie's hope chest told a story that she relayed to her caregiver and her daughter. She has suffered from it for over 4 years. Don, her husband, can't really handle doing everything for anymore and has hired a caregiver, Rose. Rose has a young daughter, Jeri, who is seven years old and she is very mature and like an old soul for her age. The story of how these come to meet, how the stories from the hope chest help them bond and how they become a family are so endearing.

I just loved, loved, loved this book. And now, I wait to see what truly enchanting book the author has coming up next. Martin's Press for approving my request for this long awaited book and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. Apr 22, Kara Hansen rated it liked it. This was a sweet and gentle story. There is no doubt that these two love each other more than anything else in the world. Don is struggling with the enormity of caring for his wife, and so they hire Rose, a young caregiver. As they get to know each other, along with Rose's seven year old daughter Jeri, they lear This was a sweet and gentle story.

As they get to know each other, along with Rose's seven year old daughter Jeri, they learn about hope, dreams and living life to the fullest. Through special mementoes that Mattie has Rose unearth from her hope chest, the reader is taken back in time to special memories from Mattie's point of view. Each item holds special meaning and Mattie tries to convey this to Rose.

I did find that the book was almost a little too saccharine sweet at times. How many ways can the author explore the meaning of HOPE. I also didn't care for the way that seven year old Jeri was portrayed. Sometimes she said things I felt beyond a seven year old; other times she came across as too young.

The book was pleasant, but not on my highly recommend list. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Dunne Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review. Mar 12, Cheryl rated it it was amazing. This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be the last. I have talked about the importance of "character driven" storylines and if you want to know what I am talking about than you need to pick up a copy of this book. Everyone from Mattie to Jeri were great. This includes Don and Rose. Each voice was distinct and solid. Jeri is the breath of fresh air and joy. Mattie exhibited strength and hope.

Hope is a strong focal point of this book. Rose brings new beginnings. Don brough This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be the last. This book is broken out into sections. Each section had a different theme where past and the present combined. Through these stories I was brought closer to everyone. The ending was great. I have to warn you that this book is a tear jerker. The Hope Chest will have readers applauding this joyous book filled with hope and endearing characters that will have a special place in your heart and bookshelf! Salve amiche e amici del Confine.

Don e Mattie non hanno avuto la fortuna di avere figli, ma la donna sente che la loro splendida storia ha il diritto di essere tramandata prima della fine che si avvicina inevitabile per colpa della terribile malattia.

Quale modo migliore quindi per raccontare il passato se non attraverso gli oggetti stessi contenuti nel baule che tanti anni prima Mattie ha ricevuto in dono dai suoi genitori? Il fatto stesso che questi oggetti siano stati inseriti nel baule ci dice quanto ogni storia sia stata fondamentale per la vita della dolce vecchietta. Oct 15, Suze Lavender rated it it was amazing. Don and Mattie are close and have a good marriage.

Mattie's been diagnosed with ALS and moving around is becoming difficult for her. That is why Don feels they need to leave their beloved home. He's exhausted and finally hires someone to help him care for his wife. This person needs to fit into their little world, as Mattie might no longer be able to do everything she loves to do, but they still have time to spend together and he wants to make her as happy as he possibly can. When Rose and her da Don and Mattie are close and have a good marriage. When Rose and her daughter Jeri meet Rose's new employer they immediately feel a connection.

They've only just met Don and Mattie, but it's like they've known each other for a long time.

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Mattie might not be able to go out and be active any longer, but she still has many stories to tell. She has a hope chest that's filled with memories she'd love to share with Rose and Jeri. Through the items in the hope chest Mattie, Don, Rose and Jeri become closer.

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This gives them the courage to deal with everything that lies ahead. The Hope Chest is one of the most moving stories I've ever read. It's a gorgeous story filled with love, hope, memories and traditions. I loved how each item in Mattie's hope chest has a heartwarming history. Viola Shipman's fantastic detailed descriptions are making it come to life incredibly well.

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The Hope Chest is a story about the past, the present and the future and I loved how everything's connected. The main characters each have special character traits that made me love them straight away. She's wise for her age, she's a little girl with great instincts and she's a real sweetheart. Rose is kind and caring and she has so much love to give. Don feels deeply and he's willing to do anything for the woman he loves. Mattie is a sympathetic woman with a talent for story telling. Viola Shipman has chosen the exact right characters for a beautiful emotional story and The Hope Chest is very special.

Viola Shipman has a warm and welcoming writing style. I was immediately spellbound by the hope chest and its limitless possibilities. I like the topic, it's fascinating and it's filled with family history. Viola Shipman combines this with a difficult matter, being gravely ill. ALS is a terrible disease and the emphatic and precise way this is being written about makes the story very impressive. Mattie is being cared for with so much love and dedication and this regularly put tears in my eyes.

Her stories mesmerized me and I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out what she'd talk about next. Viola Shipman's execution of her stories is flawless. The Hope Chest is a brilliant charming and endearing book. I thoroughly enjoyed this story which brought tears to my eyes on quite a few occasions throughout. The conclusion of the story is inevitable, but the journey the author takes the reader on in order to reach that point is something which has to be read to be believed.

The author brings two totally different families together in such a beautiful way I almost wish I was able to totally forget what I have read and start again afresh. The reader relives different stages in the lives of Mattie and Don I thoroughly enjoyed this story which brought tears to my eyes on quite a few occasions throughout. The reader relives different stages in the lives of Mattie and Don through items in a chest passed to Mattie many years before and long forgotten. Sharing those stories gives us an insight into the triumphs and heartbreaks she, and Don, endured throughout their lives together.

Some are sad, some are happy, but all are necessary to lead us to the end of the story. The way the author draws you into the world of the characters is brilliantly done, and I could almost see the scenes in my head as I read the words on the page. I will be eagerly waiting for the author's next book. Mar 13, Bette Hansen rated it it was amazing.

This is a fantastic emotionally charged story that both broke my heart and gave me hope. She's reached a point where her care is too much for Don to handle alone so they hire a young woman raising a daughter on her own. Rose and Jeri bring much needed life back into the home and the four of them form a comfortable little family unit. They really bond as they go through the items Mattie has stored in the Hope Chest. Each This is a fantastic emotionally charged story that both broke my heart and gave me hope. Each item has memories attached and reminds Mattie and Don of the wonderful life they've shared and shows Rose and Jeri how extraordinary love and family can be.

This is a wonderfully done story and one I highly recommend. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. The stories I write are meant to serve as a universal tribute to family as well as all of our elders, whose stories and sacrifices helped shape us and make us the people we are today. My tiny grandma and her little kitchen seemed larger than life to me as a child: A vintage oven anchored one side, while her sparkly countertops were engulfed by a bread box that held Little Debbies and Wonder Bread slices.

But the most prized possession in her kitchen was her recipe box. A brilliant baker, my grandma cherished the burnished wood box jammed with beloved and secret family recipes, all organized into different categories — Pies, Cakes, Cookies, Breads — and all written in her slanting cursive. Her pink Formica table was the glamorous backdrop for her desserts: And her cookies — chocolate chip, oatmeal, thumbprint filled with homemade jams — were devoured before they even had a chance to cool.

After my mom passed, I became the keeper of those recipes and memories. Each chapter in The Recipe Box is centered around a treasured family dessert. Food, recipes, baking and cooking are what unite us, transport us, connect the past to our present. We all have special recipes, ones we make every holiday and special occasion, the ones we ask our moms, grandmas, sisters and aunts to make because they capture treasured memories and transport us back in time. Get the latest news on store sales and events, meet our grant recipients, and enjoy Foundation news.

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