Before we start, this is my first book review of 2019. Wish you all a happy reading for the year 2019!!!

About the Author

The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker is the debut novel of Jenni Keer. She is the writer of romantic comedies, has a blog of her own and is a member of RNA’s New Writers Scheme since 2016.

Synopsis

Twenty-five year old Lucy Baker leads a quiet life with her job at the toy store, reading historical romance novels and knitting her celebrity dolls. She has a warm relationship with her seventy nine-year-old neighbor Brenda, who is a remarkable woman with some mysterious elements to her. But when Brenda is diagnosed with dementia, she has this urge to see Lucy come out of her shell before her own memory slips away. And then, Brenda gifts Lucy a locket which she believes brought her own true love.

How Lucy deals with her neighbor’s deteriorating health and if she pursues the task of finding her own self according to her loving neighbor’s wishes is what you find out in the book.

My thoughts

I received this book as an e-ARC from NetGalley. So, thank you NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for providing me a copy of the book.

Narrative and plot

This is really a great book to start your reading year with. It is pleasant cheerful and doesn’t spend too much dwelling on the grim realities of life. The narrative is cheerful and full of hope. If you are someone who enjoys reading an optimistic book, I’m sure you will love this as much as I do.

The plot was weaved together nicely. It had a certain intrigue and mystic touch to it at some places. The hilarious events of Lucy pursuing her love of the life was queer yet enjoyable. The book delivers what it promises. It is a simple coming of age book. One that could be your comfort read.

Characters and Conflict

This book had quite a few interesting characters. First of all, there is Lucy who is your protagonist – a shy young woman content leading a simple life. Then you have Brenda, the vibrant old lady next door who is strong, confident and had a few tricks under the hat. I loved how Brenda appeared to be this mystery woman and how she turned out till the end. Yes, she had her own tragedies and conflict but you could relate to the strong people in your life who are experienced and demand certain respect just by being charming.

Jess- the BFF, I wasn’t quite sure of what to make of her. For one, I picked up the hints way too early and was hoping it wasn’t what I thought. But then again, that is good writing if you feel that strongly about a character and are conflicted. George- well, I for one am in for a guy who is awkward rather than the usual romantic hero who knows all the right gestures and makes the big speeches. From what I know, men are usually clueless when it comes to matters of heart which made George endearing to me.

As for conflict, the book was seeing the transformation of Lucy. Whether there was a mystery involved or not was open to debate and I’m glad the author chose to go that way. I mean, sometimes we attach ourselves to material things and call it our good luck charm – magic or not.

This book mentions the serious topic of dementia and at times it gives us a reminder of the harsh turns that life can take. It is how we deal with it that matters eventually. You could celebrate what you still had or you could mull over what life could have been. That is one excellent thought the author portrays.

Conclusion

This story is as breezy and light as the cover is. It makes you think about what is really important in life. It is those little moments of happiness that you eventually leave behind and sometimes a little something can mean everything.

Get your book here :

Amazon_IN , Book Depository