In addition to highlighting the plight of the homeless this is ultimately a feel-good book.  There are many reasons that people can end up on the street, but once there it is difficult to leave.  Hostel places for such people are few and far between, especially as funding is stretched.  This is a story about a hostel in Dover, its staff and residents.  Dawn is homeless because of mental health issues in her past, which is all explained in flashback.
Entertaining and informative.

I found this book slow in the beginning but persevered. The characters came alive and difficult topics were covered but I can’t say that I enjoyed it. Sorry, it obviously appeals for some but not me

I found this book a little slow at the beginning but once I got into it I found it an enjoyable read. It deals with some difficult issues, it was sad but also fun. Would recommend. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Sorry not for me. Found it very confusing and hard to follow the way the main character constantly changes her narrative. Gave up half way through.

What a book. How is it possible to write about homelessness, addiction and mental health in a way that’s realistic but also entertaining and hopeful? Jessica Ryn seems to have the answer in her amazing debut, The Extraordinary Hope Of Dawn Brightside.
A big part is obviously writing talent but it also shows that, as a qualified midwife and having worked in the homeless sector, supporting people with mental health and substance misuse issues, she really knows her stuff.
From early on, it’s clear that all is not well in Dawn’s world and even though, as a reader, I’d only just met her, I already desperately wanted her to find the help she needed - and, knowing how the world works, I was worried that might not happen. 
Jessica shows just how easy it is for a person (in fact, lots of people) to become almost invisible in our world, slipping between the many cracks in the system.
Thankfully Dawn manages to find a place at St Jude’s but soon that too is threatened.
It’s not just Dawn we meet but a whole host of believable, eclectic characters, all with their own stories which weave into hers.
The flow of this tale is perfect, with some amazing twists, handled masterfully, so that I didn’t see them coming. Many of them stuck with me long after I finished reading.
I’ll admit, there were several bouts of tears (some sad, some happy). 
This is a big story with many important themes but in Jessica Ryn it found a safe pair of hands.

I loved this book, it was the perfect read for the current time. Such a heart-warming wonderful story, it's hard not to love Dawn Brightside she radiates positivity even after all the hardship she has endured and so selfless, she is someone you would love to meet in real life.

I would be lying if I said this book didn't bring a tear to my eye on a couple of occasions, you will need your tissues! Great uplifting feel-good story that still manages to deliver an important message, dealing with current issues, it really hit me at certain stages of the book that this could be so many peoples story and that was emotional.

I won't forget this book anytime soon, it left me with a smile on my face. Excellent writing that makes for such easy reading. This is such a fab debut book and I would absolutely love to read another installment from St Judes! Brilliant read, i can't recommend this enough.

A thought provoking read about how we are all closer to homelessness than we realise. I thought Dawn was a wonderful character and would happily read another instalment from St Jude’s. Thanks NetGalley!

I was worried that this book might verge on twee - I’m a bit (lot) of a cynic and twee isn’t my thing. I was pleased. At times predictable but entirely heartwarming, this was an easy, relaxed read which left me with a massive smile on my face. 

Bound to be top of the charts when it’s released - this is the book we need right now.

When I first started this book, I really wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy it but it is absolutely brilliant! The characters are so real and likeable, and the further you get into the story and the more you know them, the better it all becomes!

I loved this book!! I’d heard about it over on instagram and fell in love with it instantly!! What a truly uplifting story

This is a tale about human life, and what happens when life doesn't quite go to plan. It is a tale about Human resilience, faith, and hope. A real to life, story about forgotten, hidden, vulnerable, and easy to ignore members of our society. The author writes with great insight of issues that lead to despair and isolation. The writing style gives the reader empathy with the characters as their story unfolds, and encourages us to remember that no-one is born homeless and that a series of life events leads us all to the point that we are at now.

Gorgeous cover ✅
Gorgeous read ✅
Great characters ✅

This is a book which is impossible to dislike. I have absolutely adored this read. This is deserving of a lot more than five stars in order to show how fantastic it is.

Dawn is overly optimistic, one of life’s big dreamers, imagining the greatest opportunities for herself. She isn’t selfish or ridiculous, she is escaping. When she is offered a room at St Judes hostel she finds friendship, companionships, someone who believes in her, and a home. Although in this story the main protagonist is Dawn, the background is coloured in with Grace, Peter, Jack and other interesting characters. The question is, can they work together to stop St Judes from being closed down.

This tale is a glimpse at homelessness, hiding, changing your life and gaining trust; a story that gets stuck into the dichotomy and coupling of hope and despair.

Themes: homeless, addiction, pyschosis, suicide, love, friendship, support, trust, adoption

I thoroughly recommend this book.

This is a sweet story; it's a light-hearted feel-good read which still manages to deliver some strong and important messages about British society and the issue of homelessness and lack of support for social services. Told from two sides: Dawn Brightside and Grace, the manager at St Jude's homeless hostel. Dawn has been homeless for many years until she gets offered a place at St Jude's. There are many characters at St Jude's whose individual stories and backgrounds are woven into the story. They include Cara, a mother of two with addiction issues and Teardrop Terry a resident who has previously been in and out of jail but is shown to be kindhearted and he provides much (unintentional) comic relief. When St Jude's is threatened with closure due to lack of funding, the residents and workers have to pull together to save their much needed community. 
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Having worked in homeless shelters herself, Jessica is the best author to tell this story. Her writing is light yet powerful and I found myself zipping through this book. It was both a pleasant read whilst also making me think  about the deeper issues being addressed. It's shocking to think of the situations wherein someone can having a warm, safe home one day and be on the streets in the cold and rain the next. This story and style of writing really reminded me of 'The Lido' and brings back the very relevant theme of key social and public services being threatened with closure due to lack of money and funding cuts.

This book is just what we all need right now, some shiny sparkle whilst we are all going through Covid-19.  A lovely piece of escapism that I can recommend highly to anyone.  I loved all the characters, from Dawn to Teardrop Terry and of course Shaun.  I will be buying a copy for gifting as soon as released.

Dawn Elisabeth Brightside has been running away and hiding for twenty two years. After being homeless she is offered a bed at St Jude's Hostel. But then the hostel is threatened with closure but Dawn and her new friends are not going to let that happen. Because they all call it home.

I loved this book, I found it an extraordinary tale.  Dawn is truly a wonderful character, she has had a horrific past.  The book was touching, heartbreaking and truly heartwarming.  The ending was ideal.  I would love a second book about Dawn.  I cried reading this.

Brightside by name and Brightside by nature.  What a powerful but endearing book. I loved Dawn from the very beginning. I wanted her to overcome her problems and it 'all turn out okay' for her at the end.  Lovely.

I loved this book.  The story is very sweet and uplifting, but at the same time it makes the reader think about the homeless people all around us.  A well-written and timely book to remind us of our priorities during the coronavirus crisis, but above all, a really enjoyable read.

Dawn Brightside is a woman who has just taken a place in a homeless shelter. She's cheery and tries to lift the spirits of the other residents despite her own problems. I found this a really quick and pleasant read. The book doesn't gloss over problems faced by the homeless and it offers good insight.