Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Picked it up for the romance but stayed for the cosy small town vibes and the plot.

The storyline of all these different people getting thrown together to kinda restore the town really intrigued me from the start. And I enjoyed it throughout the book. I just wished that we would have seen more of all the people like Faye, Scott, and Maren. Also, the actual process of planning which project will get how much money is a bit lacking, in my opinion.

Jesse and Claire are both amazing main characters, and they are cute together they just never won me over. I didn't really feel the sparks while reading about them.

I really loved the friendships in this book, tho. Especially between Jesse and Hailey. These two are just so supportive of each other. I'm already very excited to read about Hailey and Adam, and since both books are on ku, I'll be picking up the next book soon.

Was this review helpful?

The premise had strong potential, and I enjoyed watching the town come together to rebuild. While the love story between Claire and Jesse was charming and heartfelt, the overall story development felt a bit underwhelming. Some side characters were introduced with promising backstories, but they didn’t fully tie into the main plot. Still, this was a sweet and thought-provoking read.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

This book is perfect for anyone wanting a short, cute romance to bury your nose into! I loved Claire as a character, and immediately fell in love with Jesse!

I struggled to put this book down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next and if things were going to work out.

It can be a little awkward to read in some places, especially when Jack was being called Paul??? Or was I misunderstanding?

Overall, it’s a very sweet book and a quick read!

⭐️ 4/5

Was this review helpful?

✍️ REVIEW ✍️
“HOPE FALL HOMECOMING” SALLY CLEMENTS ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️.5/5

Claire is an introverted and somewhat solitary bartender, she returns to the small town of Hope Falls after ten years to discover she’s inherited 25 million dollars… with one condition: she has to spend it within 30 days to save the community. To complicate things, there’s Jesse, her ex and now the owner of a local inn, who clearly hasn’t moved on (and maybe she hasn’t either).

Hope Falls Homecoming is a calm, easy read with a classic small town setting: an introverted woman, a sudden inheritance, an old flame, and a town in need of saving. The premise has potential, but the plot unfolds in a fairly linear and predictable way.

Claire and Jesse have a sweet dynamic, but there’s a lack of emotional spark that really draws you in. The small town vibe is nice, but the characters feel a little bit shallow and the story doesn’t offer any particularly memorable moments.
It’s not a bad book, in fact, it’s light, easy to read, and well-intentioned. It just doesn’t stand out.

It’s a nice story, but not much different from many others. Ideal if you’re looking for a light, uncomplicated read. But if you're hoping for something that sticks with you a bit more, with deeper emotion, lively characters or real narrative tension, I’d say there’s better out there.

Was this review helpful?

This is book one in the Hope Falls Series and it was a cute, short read. I felt like the pacing could have flowed a little smoother, but overall it was an enjoyable story.

Claire only returns to her hometown for the reading of a will, planning to leave again as quickly as possible. Instead, she and a group of unlikely companions are asked to stay in town for a month to give away millions to benefit the community. Wanting to honor this last request, she agrees and sets out to help the town.

Jesse, the local inn owner, is shocked when Claire walks back into his life. He has carried feelings for her for years, but she has no memory of him from their past. As they work together, Jesse’s emotions resurface, and eventually, he can no longer keep them hidden.

I enjoyed how their romance grew naturally and how both characters could finally be their true selves. The small town setting gave such a cozy vibe, and I loved that this story was not just about their love but also about saving the town. Watching everyone come together to prove their selflessness made this even more heartwarming.

If you enjoy small town romances with depth, second chances, and community spirit, this is one to pick up. I am already looking forward to book two in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely devoured this book it's such a cosy small town romance. There is only one thing I would say bugged me is Paul's name being changed constantly between Paul and Jack which drove me mental not going to lie but I absolutely adored this book.

Was this review helpful?

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Claire returns to her hometown for the reading of a Will she is named in. She bumps into Jesse at the Inn she is staying at but doesn’t recognize him. Jesse on the other hand knows exactly who Claire is.

As they navigate through the Will’s requests Jesse and Claire develop something special but some mistakes and miscommunication could jeopardize what is growing between them.

Story of rejuvenating a town and coming to grips with the past. Great read!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the publisher for giving me a chance to read a digital copy of this book. This was the first book that I have read by this author, but it definitely won't be the last! Second chance and small town romance are two of my favorite tropes in romance. I thought this was a fun and entertaining read, with enough swoon and witty banter that had me smiling as I was reading it. It definitely reminded me of a Hallmark channel movie, and I am here for it!

Was this review helpful?

Hope Falls Homecoming was such an original story filled with good vibes, love, second chances, and small-town goodness. The characters are all lovely and come together in their time of need when most people would be too selfish to do so.
The book brings light to domestic violence, but does so in the right ways that is uplifting and comforting. The MFC was abused by her father and she comes into town despite the fear and ends up finding more happiness than she ever thought possible. The MMC hides behind a mask of being someone he's not to stay out of the shadow of his own father. Both come together and find comfort in each other in the best of ways.

The rest of the cast comes together too, to help build the town back to its former glory. It's a beautifully written story with lots of hope. I look forward to the next one in the series.

Was this review helpful?

Hope Falls Homecoming is a charming small-town romance with all the cozy tropes — childhood crushes, nosy neighbors, and second chances. Sally Clements does a great job creating a warm, inviting setting, and the chemistry between the main characters is cute and believable.

That said, the plot follows a very familiar formula, and there weren’t many surprises along the way. While the story is easy to enjoy, it sometimes plays it a little too safe. Some of the side characters felt underdeveloped, and a few moments that were meant to be emotional didn’t quite land with full impact.

Still, if you’re looking for a light, feel-good read with low angst and a heartwarming ending, this book delivers. It’s a nice palate cleanser between heavier reads — just not one that’s going to stick with me for long.

Was this review helpful?

**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review of *Hope Falls Homecoming* by Sally Clements**
*Book 1 of the Hope Falls Series*

*Hope Falls Homecoming* is a feel-good, small-town romantic comedy that blends heart, humor, and second chances into a warm and satisfying read. Sally Clements kicks off her *Hope Falls* series with a story full of quirky characters, emotional depth, and just the right dash of mischief.

Claire, a no-nonsense bar manager with zero patience for nostalgia, is a refreshing and relatable heroine. Her return to the down-on-its-luck town she once fled sets the stage for a delightful, tropey setup: a high-stakes inheritance challenge, a ragtag group of strangers, and a reluctant homecoming that just might lead to love.

Jesse, the innkeeper with a heart of gold and a long-buried secret, is the perfect counterpart to Claire’s guarded cynicism. Their chemistry crackles with witty banter, familiar tension, and a believable slow burn that will charm fans of second-chance romances.

The “posse” of strangers tasked with spending a fortune on good deeds adds a fun ensemble element, with moments of chaos and heartfelt connection. The plot may lean into feel-good predictability at times, but the emotional payoffs are worth it—especially as Claire grapples with her past and slowly starts to see Hope Falls in a new light.

**Verdict:**
Charming, funny, and emotionally satisfying, *Hope Falls Homecoming* delivers a classic return-to-roots romance with heartwarming community vibes and just enough secrets to keep you turning pages.

**Recommended for:** Fans of small-town rom-coms, second-chance love, found families, and ensemble casts with heart.

Was this review helpful?

I truly adore a small town romance and this one had it all for me.
Pick this up only if you have time to sit and devour this cover to cover.

Was this review helpful?

I picked up this book expecting a nice cozy second chance romance. What I got is so much more. This story has depth, meaning and just a hint of spice.

There is a theme throughout the book that the way a person projects themselves to the outside world may only be part of who they are, a shield to keep people away, or a persona others have crafted for them.

It is also about what going home again can mean. The good, the bad and the ugly. This is such a great book and I wish I could say more but that would include spoilers.

I definitely recommend this book both for fans of a cozy love story and those looking for something with depth. This one gives you both. I would like to thank BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading!

Was this review helpful?

Just finished Hope Falls Homecoming and I enjoyed reading it! It’s a cozy, small-town romance with fall vibes 🍂 A woman returns to her nearly-abandoned hometown and helps revive it — and of course, meets a handsome guy along the way.

It’s an easy, fast-paced read with simple writing — great for beginners or anyone looking for something light.

What I loved most was that it wasn’t just about the romance. The book did a great job of bringing the whole town to life. I really liked getting to know the different side characters and seeing all the friendships grow. Also, the main characters are in their 30s (like me), which made them feel way more relatable — some of them had kids, real-life problems, and it just felt more grounded.

Spice level? I’d say “the door is slightly open and I’m peeking in” 😂. Nothing super steamy, but there are a few moments that will make you blush a bit.

Overall, I had a good time reading this. It's not super deep or literary, but it was sweet, hopeful, and left me smiling. If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming small-town romance with autumn vibes, definitely give it a go! 🍂

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I just finished Hope Falls Homecoming by Sally Clements and I honestly can’t stop smiling. It’s the kind of sweet small‑town romance that feels like a warm hug.

I loved how they tease and snark at each other but also lean into this real chemistry that feels so earned. The stakes (town survival, Claire’s feelings about staying) aren’t overwhelming, and you get that lovely tension of wanting her to open up but also feel conflicted like she should stick it out.

Honestly, it’s light, fun, hopeful… with just the right blend of nostalgia and romance. Perfect “feel‑good” read for summer or when you need something heartwarming.

Was this review helpful?

Hope Falls Homecoming: A Back to a Small Town Romantic Comedy
4.5/5 stars
"I just finished reading 'Hope Falls Homecoming' and I'm left with a huge smile on my face! This book is a delightful romantic comedy that made me feel like I was in a charming small town, surrounded by lovable characters.

The author did an excellent job of crafting an engaging story full of humor, love, and second chances. The characters are well-developed and easy to love (or hate, in the case of some!). The chemistry between the leads is palpable and had me rooting for them from the start.

What impressed me most was how the author tackled themes like the importance of family, friendship, and community. It's a gentle reminder that sometimes we need to go back to our roots to find what truly matters.

If you're looking for a light, fun, and heartwarming read, 'Hope Falls Homecoming' is an excellent choice. I highly recommend it!"

Was this review helpful?

who doesn't see this title and not think yes please i want to read you!? and im so glad i did. this small town romance gave me all the cosy moments i needed from a book.
we are given Claire who returns to Hope falls very reluctantly. shes back for one thing only and thats to be there for the reading of a will from the town local cowboy. then shes gone. thats the plan and shes sticking to it.... oh yeh, that is until in the will is left some money, lots of money and its put to Claire and a few strangers to make sure this money is put to the right use for the town. and they have a month to do so. this wasn't in the plan but Claire has no choice, apparently she has a town to save and a past to face. part of that past is Jesse and sadly hes all to real and in her face when its his inn they all end up staying at.
can she bring Hope to Hope falls or will it infact be the reason Hope finds her again
i love how in these books we are mostly taken to that perfect small town we all want to be at, live in, taken to. but for this one we've got a small town that needs some seriously help being whole again. and this added such an endearing edge especially when this little group had to com together to do so each with their own stories and personalities to tell.
our two main characters i was just aching to sort things out. there is so much they need to say, so much they haven't been able to say. and so much perfection i could see in their interactions.
a lovely read to cosy up to. and some characters id love to know more of.

Was this review helpful?

A well written story that kept me hooked from the very beginning.
The characters draw you in and keeps you flipping the pages.
They are realistic and very well developed.
I really enjoyed the writing style. I found myself hooked, turning the pages.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and Sally Clements for this ARC

I would say this is a 2.5 stars, potentially 3 stars. However whilst the plot had a good ground, the way it was executed was not the best. It needs some editing which made it tricky to read and to keep up with the story, therefore I feel as though if it had changes made to it, I would really enjoy the story.

I have currently soft DNF'd the book currently and will come back to it but at the moment, I need a break from reading it. Thank you again for this story.

Was this review helpful?

This was such a cute and easy read! It was a fun plot, likeable charachters, a littlie bit of spice and a little bit of angst. I really enjoyed it!⭐️

(the only thing that had me confused was Jack/Paul... the usage of the characters name was inconsistent and made me confused🫣)

Was this review helpful?