Here, Home, Hope
Kelly Johnson becomes restless in her thirty-ninth year. An appetite for more forces her to take stock of her middling middle-American existence and her neighbors’ seemingly perfect lives. Her marriage to a successful attorney has settled into a comfortable routine, and being the mother of two adorable sons has been rewarding. But Kelly’s own passions lie wasted. She eyes with envy the lives of her two best friends, Kathryn and Charlotte, both beautiful, successful businesswomen who seem to have it all.
Kelly takes charge of her life, devising a midlife makeover plan. From page one, Kelly’s witty reflections, self-deprecating humor, and clever tactics in executing that plan—she places Post-it notes all over her house and car—will have readers laughing out loud. The next instant, however, they might rant right along with Kelly as her commitment to a sullen, anorexic teenager left on her doorstep tries her patience or as she deflects the boozy advances of a divorced neighbor.
Readers will need to keep the tissue box handy, too, as Kelly repairs the damage she inflicted on a high school friend; realizes how deeply her husband, Patrick, understands and loves her; and ultimately grows into a woman empowered by her own blend of home and career.
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Praise & Reviews
“Reading Kaira Rouda is like getting together with one of your best friends—fun, fast, and full of great advice! Here, Home, Hope sparkles with humor and heart.”
~ Claire Cook, New York Times Bestselling Author of Must Love Dogs.
“I loved Kaira Rouda’s book. I love its irony and its courage and humor. . . . It’s the real thing.”
~ Jacquelyn Mitchard, Bestselling Author of Still Summer and The Deep End of the Ocean
“Endearingly honest, consistently upbeat, Here, Home, Hope is an inspiring read that left me feeling genuinely hopeful.”
~ Jenna Blum, New York Times Bestselling Author of Those Who Save Us and The Stormchasers, and one of Oprah’s Thirty Favorite Women Writers
“Witty and uplifting, Here, Home, Hope is a charming debut that explores the courage it takes to reshape life and how to do it with a dash of panache.”
~ Beth Hoffman, Bestselling Author of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt
“Relatable and inspiring. A perfect read for anyone experiencing one of life’s “what’s next?” moments.”
~ Robyn Harding, Author of Chronicles of a Midlife Crisis
“If you’ve ever felt your own life contained a list of Things to Change (and whose hasn’t?), then you will fall in love with Kelly Johnson, the restless protagonist of Here, Home, Hope. Kaira Rouda’s funny, moving novel is a model of inspiration and reinvention for anyone seeking to find what’s next in life.”
~ Katrina Kittle, Author of The Blessings of the Animals
“A warm, witty, and engaging debut that had me laughing out loud. Rouda has created a lovable and perceptive heroine who navigates her struggles with honesty and awe-inspiring determination to succeed. A fun and totally satisfying read.”
~ Amy Hatvany, Author of Best Kept Secret
“A wonderfully warm read about finding happiness in yourself, Kaira Rouda’s debut novel skillfully portrays the triumph of self-belief over society’s threatening elements.”
~ Talli Roland, author, The Hating Game
“A must read for anyone who’s had their own mid-life crisis, Here, Home, Hope reminds us that it’s never too late to reinvent ourselves.”
~ Liz Fenton, author of I’ll Have Who She’s Having and creator of Chick Lit is not Dead
“Things to Change (T2C): Make more time to read — starting with Kaira Rouda’s Here, Home, Hope a story about how women can have it all if we own it all.”
~ Kelly Meyer, Mom, Philanthropist and One of O Magazine’s Power List
“I found Kaira Rouda’s debut novel, Here, Home, Hope, inspiring, empowering and fun to read. You’ll want to share it with the women you care about in your life.”
~ Roma Downey, Actress/Producer
“An engaging read with something to offer every woman… married, single, widowed, or divorced. I couldn’t put it down.”
~ Jacklyn Zeman, Actress
“Delightful, insightful and spot on inspiring! Immensely enjoyable read!!”
~ Marla Pennington, Actress