Mike Gayle never fails to make me cry! He writes the most heart wrenching, emotional stories…they are always SO bittersweet.

Connor’s home on Hope Street is under threat. He is the last resident on the street, refusing to leave despite the growing pressure from the council as the new housing development Cossington Park gets underway. He has a very important reason for not wanting to move - his Mum went missing three years ago, and he needs to be there when she finally comes back.

Connor has additional needs and has sadly been a victim of bullying at various points throughout his life. He has been taken advantage of and there’s a few scenes that were hard to read. However, he has an amazing support system around him in the form of friends Alan and Marcus, and also Lila. Lila is a journalist who is tasked with reporting on Connor’s unwillingness to move. She becomes much more deeply involved when Connor asks her to help find his Mum. Together, Lila, Marcus and Connor set off on their quest to find Bernie. I don’t want to say too much more about the plot as I want to avoid spoilers!

Whilst it was a very emotional read, it was also inspiring, uplifting and full of hope. The warmth and kindness that most characters exuded was just joyful to read. My heart was well and truly warmed!! The relationships and friendships were beautifully written and the rallying around Connor, especially towards the end, made my heart soar. I really loved this book and will forever recommend it, so beautiful!

This book made me laugh, tear up, and think deeply-all while rooting hard for the characters.
A brilliant, heartfelt story that stays with you.

Mike Gayle’s "Hope Street" is a poignant and heartwarming exploration of friendship, love, and the complexities of life in a close-knit community. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant neighbourhood, the novel follows a diverse cast of characters whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways, creating a rich tapestry of human experience.

Gayle’s writing is both engaging and relatable, drawing readers into the lives of his characters with ease. The narrative flows smoothly, alternating between different perspectives that provide a well-rounded view of the community on Hope Street. Each character is distinct and well-developed, with their own struggles and aspirations, making it easy for readers to connect with them on a personal level.

One of the standout aspects of "Hope Street" is its exploration of the themes of resilience and hope. Gayle masterfully captures the ups and downs of life, illustrating how the bonds of friendship can help individuals navigate their challenges. The sense of community is palpable, and the way the characters support one another is both uplifting and inspiring.

The pacing of the story is well-balanced, though there are moments where the plot feels a bit meandering. Some readers may find themselves wishing for a more focused narrative, as certain subplots could have been developed further. However, the charm of the characters and the warmth of the community more than compensate for these minor pacing issues.

Additionally, Gayle’s ability to infuse humour into the narrative adds a delightful layer to the story. The witty dialogue and lighthearted moments provide a delightful contrast to the more serious themes, creating a well-rounded reading experience.

In conclusion, "Hope Street" is a beautifully written novel that captures the essence of community and the power of human connection. Mike Gayle has crafted a story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, making it a perfect read for anyone seeking a tale of hope and resilience. With its engaging characters and relatable themes, this book earns a solid four-star rating and is sure to resonate with readers long after they turn the last page.

I absolutely loved this book. Really can't recommend it enough! Very emotional, funny, and heartbreaking in parts

Hope Street is the twentieth novel by best-selling British journalist and author, Mike Gayle. When The Derby Echo’s editor sends his junior reporter to check on a possible story about a man who won’t leave his Hope Street home, Lila Metcalfe is surprised by the man’s reasons, and convinced there’s a worthwhile story here.

Thirty-year-old Connor is refusing to leave his home of twenty-eight years, even though the council wants him out so the redevelopment can start, because he needs to be there for when his mum returns. He is convinced she will be back, because Bernadette McLaughlin is much too devoted to her only son to ever leave him, even though she’s been gone for three years without a word.

Lila’s front page article covers central government cuts to services, police overstretched, the broken system that has people with problems falling between the cracks, and the local council in bed with greedy developers. But it does attract the ire of Connor’s protective best friend, mechanic Marcus Campbell, who accuses her of taking advantage of this vulnerable young man for the sake of a story. Learning difficulties saw Connor mercilessly bullied at school; now, he works diligently at DIY Depot in Derwent Retail Park, and enjoys computer gaming and Metallica in his leisure time.

When Connor asks Lila to help find his mother, she can’t refuse. After all, her London boyfriend has just ended their long-distance relationship, and she’s not convinced that the job she applied for with a big London newspaper will come to pass. Her boss is supportive, and dishy Marcus introduces her to locals she can interview. But will she even find a trace of Bernie?

Despite lots of support from friends, colleagues and neighbours, things will get a lot worse for Connor before they get better, while the fledgling romance between Lila and Marcus meets a few obstacles.

Gayle tells this heart-warming story through three narrative strands and two timelines, giving the reader the inside scoop on Bernie’s actions that have left her son, friends and neighbours guessing. He easily evokes his setting and gives the reader a believable plot with a realistic ending that is hopeful and moving. Highly recommended.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton.

This was such a heartwarming read, it was beautifully written, the characters were great too! i would highly recommend

I loved this! Heartfelt, uplifting, community spirited and shows the absolute best of people which left me reduced to tears, will always recommend a Mike Gayle novel

Thanks to NetGalley, publishers and author for an ARC of Hope Street.

Love love love this book. Couldn't put it down. Classic feel good book with a mystery entangled in.
Highly recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this e-arc!

This book was interesting enough to hold my attention while I was reading but I didn’t immediately want to keep picking it up!

Overall it was a good read

The story follows Connor, trying to navigate life without his mum.
Lila, a trainee journalist is tasked with covering the story as Connor is refusing to move out of Hope Street to make way for a new housing estate.
The novel explores many issues, i.e. loneliness and treatment of vulnerable adults, but rather than dwelling on the grief, it’s heartwarming and hopeful.
Loved the flashbacks to Connor and his mum in happier times
Gayle creates characters you can connect to straightaway
A story of love, friendship and never giving up on hope.
Pulling at your heartstrings and making you want to join them on their journey - a real tonic for the soul
Thank you @mikegaylethenovelist, @hodderbooks & @netgalley for the amazing eARC restoring my faith in community

I am a lone voice as I was really disappointed by this book. I love Mike Gayle’s writing, but this book fell flat for me and I just couldn’t engage with the characters.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Mike Gayle delivers another emotionally rich and compassionate story about community, hope, and rebuilding from loss. Hope Street is filled with humanity and warmth, told with his trademark heart and humour. Thoughtful and deeply moving—one of his best.

Gayle does it again! Perfection!

A heartwarming hug of a book. Beautifully written characters and relationships. This writer just has a way of expressing and describing emotions in a way that speaks to my heart.

I absolutely love Mike Gayle books which are always beautifully written. Connor is a wonderful character and I loved this story. This was s fantastic book I highly recommend

What a lovely, heartwarming read. I became lost in the world of Connor, Lila and Marcus as they worked together to find Connor’s missing mother. The writer captured the many emotions and very skilfully dealt with tricky topics like mental health and neurodiversity. This is the first book I’ve read by Mike Gayle and I now intend to work my way through his back catalogue.

My thanks to the author, to the publisher and to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review the book.

Such a beautiful heartwarming story to read. Fully invested in the characters and the hope of the happy ending for all. Loved it.

Mike Gayle has done it again. He always manages to bring about feels of love, sadness and the story leaves you rooting for the characters from the off.

I adored Lila, her drive for her ambition, her softness and care for Connor and of course I was thrilled with the romance weaved in as well.

Mike sensitively and accurately uses a character with neuro diversity and his story couldn't have been more beautifully told.

With twists and a fitting ending, this is one of his best.

A great read. Connor meets journalist Lila when he is the last person refusing to move out of his street. He has his reasons for wanting to stay, but can Lila help him? I liked that it was told from both points of view.

What an easy to fall in love with book! Hopeful albeit heartbreaking, with character arcs that are moving and a story which is so easy to follow. I found Connor particularly heart wrenching, given his own difficulties and the way he is treated. I really enjoyed that - a bit different to my usual!

A moving, warm-hearted and sad tale of the loss of a community when a neighbourhood is compulsorily purchased for a new development. Connor, a vulnerable young man with learning difficulties is the final resident of Hope Street and is refusing to leave as he is still waiting for his mother to return home, having disappeared several years previously while out on an errand. His story is picked up by local journalist Lila, who hopes to highlight the human interest of both Connor’s imminent eviction and the unsolved mystery of his mother’s disappearance.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.