The Hope Chest, Viola Shipman
The Hope Chest, Viola Shipman
1 Rating(s)
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The Hope Chest
A Novel

Author: Viola Shipman

Narrator: Andi Arndt

Unabridged: 8 hr 53 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/21/2017

Categories: Fiction, Women, Family Life


Synopsis

"Saugatuck, MI, springs to life in this nostalgic, gentle story of lifelong love along with the emotional support and care that families and friends can provide. " —Library Journal

The discovery of one woman’s heirloom hope chest unveils precious memories and helps three people who have each lost a part of themselves find joy once again.

Ever since she was diagnosed with ALS, fiercely independent Mattie doesn’t feel like herself. She can’t navigate her beloved home, she can’t go for a boat ride, and she can barely even feed herself. Her devoted husband, Don, doesn’t want to imagine life without his wife of nearly fifty years, but Mattie isn’t likely to make it past their anniversary.

But when Rose, Mattie’s new caretaker, and her young daughter, Jeri, enter the couple’s life, happiness and the possibility for new memories return. Together they form a family, and Mattie is finally able to pass on her memories from the hope chest she received from her mother.

With each item—including a favorite doll, family dishes, an embroidered apron, and an antique Christmas ornament—the hope chest connects Mattie, Don and Rose to each other and helps them find hope again in the face of overwhelming life challenges.

A beautiful story about the unconditional love and support of family, The Hope Chest by Viola Shipman will remind you that hope can be found where and when you least expect it.

About Viola Shipman

VIOLA SHIPMAN is a pen name for award-winning memoirist Wade Rouse. His novels, including The Charm Bracelet, The Hope Chest, The Summer Cottage, and The Heirloom Garden, have been translated into over a dozen languages and become international bestsellers. Rouse lives in Michigan and writes regularly for People, Good Housekeeping and Coastal Living. He is a contributor for All Things Considered.


Reviews

Goodreads review by CL on February 07, 2017

Mattie has ALS and she has struggled to remain independent as she battles her disease just as she was independent in life. Her husband has been her caregiver but her ALS has reached the point he needs help. Enter Rose and her daughter Jeri who make all the difference in both Mattie and her husband's......more

Goodreads review by Judy on January 25, 2018

Master storyteller, Viola Shipman (Wade Rouse) returns following the heartwarming debut, The Charm Bracelet (2016) and nostalgic Christmas novella Christmas Angels with the latest love story— THE HOPE CHEST,poignant and beautifully crafted, a story of hope, faith, memories, second chances, life......more

Goodreads review by Jeanne on June 29, 2022

I had to stay up last night and read this novel through. This is something that I NEVER do, not ever. 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...with great happiness there will be great sadness, along with the memories the......more

Goodreads review by Sue on March 22, 2017

This is a fantastic book that will bring you to tears but will leave you with a feeling of hope and love. The characters are well done, the plot is terrific and the setting is fantastic. Before I tell you a little about the book, I want to say that the book had me hooked with the setting in Michigan......more

Goodreads review by Hannah on January 21, 2017

This is the first book that I have read by Viola Shipman and I absolutely loved it. I was emotional throughout and became extremely invested in the characters and the relationships they each had with one another. The main character, Mattie, is slowly losing a battle to ALS. Her husband Don, hires a......more