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A Thirty-Something Girl

by L.M. Stull (Goodreads Author)

4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 · rating details · 69 ratings · 33 reviews

Life has been anything but kind, and everything that can go wrong has. At an age when life should be coming together, and questions should start to be answered, Hope finds herself feeling very alone and terribly confused. As her life spirals out of control, she realizes she needs help. And she needs it quickly.

With the love and support of some dear friends, Hope slowly beg...more

Paperback, 224 pages

Published December 13th 2011 by Black Kettle Publishing

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Jun 22, 2012 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews, 2012-reads

Hope is a young woman who turns 30 just as her life is falling to shambles. This story is her road to recovery; the trials she faces as she tries time and time again to not only start living her life, but coming to terms with the fact that she deserves a great life. One that she has always wanted despite the mistakes she has made in the past. The novel chronicles her struggles as she overcomes a stifling depression. Her journey is heart breaking and honest. The novel reads more as a journal rath...more

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Jan 17, 2012 Eden Baylee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’m not the world’s fastest reader, but I cannot remember the last time I breezed through a book as quickly as I did A Thirty-Something Girl. From the first sentence to the last, I inhaled L.M.’s words as if they were air.

Does this mean there wasn’t a lot of substance? Absolutely not. Written in first person point of view, Hope Ellena Jackson, a thirty-something girl lives through more twists and turns in a year than many of us encounter in a lifetime. At almost any point in the book, I was ridi...more I’m not the world’s fastest reader, but I cannot remember the last time I breezed through a book as quickly as I did A Thirty-Something Girl. From the first sentence to the last, I inhaled L.M.’s words as if they were air.

Does this mean there wasn’t a lot of substance? Absolutely not. Written in first person point of view, Hope Ellena Jackson, a thirty-something girl lives through more twists and turns in a year than many of us encounter in a lifetime. At almost any point in the book, I was riding a wave of frayed emotions – either my stomach was in knots or my inner cheerleader was doing high-kicks.

You see, I really liked Hope. I liked her relationship with her girlfriends, her romantic interest, and her broken past. In her, any woman can find something to relate to. Hope is that part of us who must come to terms with life’s misfortunes. Some of them are of our own making; others are by circumstance. Either way, Hope has to deal with the consequences. In the process, she cements her friendships, opens her heart, and finds love.

L.M.’s book is a testament to the type of stories she wants to write. In A Thirty-Something Girl, she spins a generous tale about the resilience of the human spirit. Hope is her vehicle to illustrate that we all have the ability to rise above life’s hardships. As with her main character’s journey, it’s never a straight line to a happy ending, but while moving toward it, we learn what we are truly capable of.

My strong suspicion is that L.M. wrote A Thirty-Something Girl from a very personal place—perhaps her own life experiences from this past year. Hope is a thinly veiled metaphor, and there is clever wordplay strewn throughout the book using her name.

L.M. has written a book for all ages. It’s not just for thirty-something girls; it’s for twenty-somethings who can learn valuable life lessons, and those older who can take comfort in the wisdom of their decisions.

It’s for all of us who implicitly know that life is what we make of it, but sometimes a thirty-something girl like Hope comes along and reminds us.(less)

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Jul 01, 2012 Dean Mayes rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have continued my recent foray into women's literature and have just turned the final page on Lisa Stull's "A Thirty Something Girl".

And, once again, I came away from the reading experience very satisfied and convinced that my attraction to women's literature is growing ever more solid with each entry that I delve into.

Stull's novel is, at once an attractive reading experience and one that is visceral. Having staged the tome through the first person perspective of her protagonist, Hope Jacks...more I have continued my recent foray into women's literature and have just turned the final page on Lisa Stull's "A Thirty Something Girl".

And, once again, I came away from the reading experience very satisfied and convinced that my attraction to women's literature is growing ever more solid with each entry that I delve into.

Stull's novel is, at once an attractive reading experience and one that is visceral. Having staged the tome through the first person perspective of her protagonist, Hope Jackson, Lisa has produced a remarkable voice that is confronting, heart wrenching, uncomfortable whilst being simultaneously perceptive, engaging, ironical, sexy and philosophical. We as the reader live through the eyes of Hope as she traverses the threshold of turning 30 and examining her life which as, up until now, coped with more than it's fair share of up's and down's. And, regardless of her gender, I found myself in empathy with Hope on more than a few occasions as she describes certain human foibles that both women and men alike share. It was a little confronting at times just how 'on the mark' Lisa was with her observations about the human condition and love.

The cast of supporting characters around Hope were an eclectic and attractive mix of friends and enemies who were all very well drawn and who I got to know and like very much. They are people I'd like to be around and get to know and, indeed, I identified a number of similar characters in my own circle who share the traits I found in the story.

Setting is another stand out in Lisa's novel. I am a very visual reader and I really enjoy being able to see the settings in a story. That can only be achieved through solid writing, the construction of place and atmosphere and Lisa achieves this soundly. Each time I delved back in to the story, I was easily transported. It was very satisfying.

The flow of the story was good too, although I found things progressing a little quickly in some instances and was wanting a little more fleshing out of certain scenes or progressions of scenes. But on this point, I don't sheet this home to the author, rather I think this is more a reflection of what I wanted from the story.

There are twists to the story that are revealed in a really good way. Some of them I kind of cottoned onto early, while others were quite unexpected. I enjoyed them all.

Lisa Stull has produced a lovely, lyrical and quite a sexy novel which I really loved and will be reading again. It is a worthwhile addition to your shelf or device. (less)

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Jan 22, 2012 J Reynolds rated it 2 of 5 stars

Two stars means "It was okay," per Goodreads. I want to separate the book from the author and say that I give the author herself five stars as a human being. That said, the first several chapters were a tough slog and perpetuated the same depressing thing over and over in a slow-motioned, flat, simplistic way. I wondered if it was a YA book with its lack of vocabulary, use of first-person, and the way every detail was documented. I craved plot. But the protagonist kept saying and doing the same...more

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Feb 25, 2012 Carla rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book, to be honest, was quite hard for me to read. Not because of the writing, I feel like the author captured the emotions and situations very well. It was hard for me to read because, I have been right where Hope was. Maybe not totally, but I know what it feels like to be cheated on, to loose a husband, to have to start you life over. I know what it feels like to hide the hurt and plaster a smile on your face. I have TOTALLY been there. I could relate to hope when she slept for 3 days str...more

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Dec 16, 2011 Nicole Williams rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love this book. It has real life moments inside. Its heart warming with a places you just laugh. The emotional ride varies. As a reader you'll be put in a place where you begin to instantly feel for the character and want to cry with Hope. You will want to laugh at her friend interactions with each other. You'll want to be the one cheering for a good outcome and be sad when life gets in the way. Its real! Its a easy- fasted paced-that had me staying up all night wanting more. I can honestly sa...more

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Dec 31, 2011 Alex Laybourne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Never before has a novel moved me to tears. Yet there were at least three instances where I needed to wipe my eyes whilst reading.

LM Stull has created with her debut novel something that will last for the ages. A work of literature that men and women around the world can relate to on numerous personal levels. A novel about triumph and the hardships that line the path.

The road to Hell may be paved with good intentions, but LM stull reminds us that the road to happiness is paved with hardship. It...more

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Jun 21, 2012 The TBR Pile *Book review site* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Contest Here: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...

The characters in this story are very well developed. It feels very realistic that there are no quick fixes and although Hope is moving in the right direction, it is two steps forward and one step back. I really liked how Hope met Sam and how their relationship evolved. How these two broken people find comfort and strength in each other is delightfully written. I was very caught up in Hope and Sam’s individual stories and their story together...more

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Dec 22, 2011 Maxwell rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

L.M. Stull, in her debut novel Thirty-Something Girl, has penned a literary classic. Strong words for what could be called a Chick-Lit Romance, but true none-the-less. The realistic emotion portrayed throughout creates more of a personal essay / memoir feel than fiction. The characters are as Hemingway demanded "more real than real." I was immediately drawn into the life of Hope, a woman trying to survive turning thirty as her life implodes. This novel could well be used as a textbook of well wr...more

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Mar 04, 2012 Jennalyn rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-fiction

I felt conflicted about this book from the moment I started reading it. Somehow, it is beautifully honest and strangely unbelievable, all at the same time. I found the plot and the love story to be hopelessly unrealistic, while the main character's feelings felt achingly real. It's sort of like a walking contradiction. Except that it doesn't walk.

The writing was honest in its simplicity. Gut-wrenchingly honest, in fact. The author clearly captures the cyclical experience of depression - the way...more

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Mar 01, 2012 Carley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: author-s-i-ve-never-read-before, goodreads-author, 2012-reading-challenge

"Maybe hidden under the dark & heavy layers of despair and doubt lies a shred of Hope." L.M. Stull's debut novel "A Thirty-Something Girl" is a story of self-discovery, life & death and true friendship. The protagonist Hope, a newly turned 30 year old, has had a string of bad luck that would cripple the best of people. With the aid and support of her close friends, Hope begins on a journey and stumbles across someone who will end up helping her along the way. Old wounds will be healed, n...more "Maybe hidden under the dark & heavy layers of despair and doubt lies a shred of Hope." L.M. Stull's debut novel "A Thirty-Something Girl" is a story of self-discovery, life & death and true friendship. The protagonist Hope, a newly turned 30 year old, has had a string of bad luck that would cripple the best of people. With the aid and support of her close friends, Hope begins on a journey and stumbles across someone who will end up helping her along the way. Old wounds will be healed, new ones will be inflicted, but the true gem is the mantra "pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep on going".

The friendship between Hope, Clara, Grace & Emma has a "Sex & The City" feel to it. All 30 something's, Hope's love of shoes, the beach house, and high profile jobs such as University Professors, Editors and Litigators makes this 30-chic chick lit relevant, up-to-date and fresh. The female comradery is a refreshing break from the warring cattiness that occurs sometimes in female centric novels. "A Thirty-Something Girl" is a fast, easy read with great flow. Stull succeeds in creating the rawness of human emotion, especially when at the end, Hope hears devastating news, and she succumbs with genuine grief and shock.

The downside to this novel however was there was not enough build up. Many of the situations were under-developed and easily solved. I had hoped that Hope would tackle hands on the issues that she herself had caused, yet aside from finding a new beau, her friends took care of these issues for her. For a story about self-discovery, the protagonist did very little. There were also some storylines that I wish had been delved into much more, like her past, her tense relationship with her parents, and more information on her relationship with Jeff.

In a world where everyone is out for #1, LM Stull writes a novel that renews the faith that there are true friends, such as Clara, Grace & Emma, out there that would really give you the shirt off their backs.
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Aug 25, 2012 Robert rated it 5 of 5 stars

I think the draw to A Thirty-Something Girl--beyond Ms. Stull's fantastic writing--is the 'realness' of the characters and story. This is not to say it's everyday or forgettable, nothing like that; rather, it offers an unflinching look at the trials, tribulations and, most importantly, triumphs of adulthood through a character, Hope, that is relatable. That we instantly connect with. That we root for. And this is a testament more than anything to Ms. Stull's storytelling ability, keeping us hook...more

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Jul 08, 2012 Andy Wood rated it 5 of 5 stars

A splendid first book by a splendid woman!

It is not too complex or too simple. Stull brilliantly fuses raw emotions through the power of her words to bring forth a cavalcade of deeper meanings and thoughts.

A Thirty-Something Girl is an easy read and, at the same time, a real treat to have on the bookshelf. You will find that this book is an effective page turner and is on par with those 'unputdownable' novels that so many accomplished authors have produced.

To say that this was a great book is an...more

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Jan 29, 2012 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: indie-authors

A Thirty-Something Girl is the story of Hope Jackson, who enters her 30s on a symphony of uncertainty. You'll love Hope because she's genuine, imperfect, but hopeful. I knew I would love this book from the very first line, but you can download a sample yourself to see if you feel the same way. I identified whole-heartedly with Hope's feelings of struggle, and the one step forward, two steps back dance she does throughout the book.

The only issue I found is that to me, triumph seems to come a litt...more

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Aug 07, 2012 Christina Daley rated it 4 of 5 stars

I thought this was nicely written. Stull has a poetic way with words, and I thought some of the ways she renders things were quite lovely. I wasn't crazy about any of the characters. The MC, Hope, didn't seem extremely different in the end, and while she had a lot of external problems, she created a bunch more in her head. Her three BFFs were rather indistinguishable (I kept forgetting their names and who was who), and Sam was a little too "perfect" to be real. He also cried way too easily. And...more

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May 04, 2013 Lynxie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 1st-reads-entered, autumn-challenge, luck-o-the-irish

A Thirty-something Girl is an emotionally packed/draining book.

With Hope, our main character starting out all doom and gloom, I can understand why people might start this but never finish it. It's a bit like a sad-bomb was let off in the opening chapters, and sadness and unbelievable hurt was strewn from the chandelier.

If you make it past this and continue on, you get some explanation, albeit a rather completely far fetched and too unbelievably complex reason. I felt that too much had 'gone wr...more

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Apr 07, 2012 Andy Mascola rated it 4 of 5 stars

A Thirty-Something Girl is a story about a woman in crisis working her way back to the world of the living. Hope is not looking forward to turning thirty. Making matters worse, her husband of ten years has left her for another woman, she's lost her job, miscarried a baby, lost all her money in the stock market and her condo is about to be foreclosed upon. Fortunately, Hope has great friends.

With the love and support of her friends, Clara and Emma, Hope slowly begins to pull her life back togethe...more

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Jan 10, 2012 Junying rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Following the novel’s protagonist Hope, I went through her emotional ups and downs. She was like someone I know in real life, or rather, a combination of a few people I have met over the years. I was taken into her confidence and went on a journey with her, a journey of soul-searching, self-awareness and rediscovery of what truly matters in life.

Lisa’s fictional character Hope, had we meet in real life, would have been quite different from me, in terms of our backgrounds, the way we were brough...more Following the novel’s protagonist Hope, I went through her emotional ups and downs. She was like someone I know in real life, or rather, a combination of a few people I have met over the years. I was taken into her confidence and went on a journey with her, a journey of soul-searching, self-awareness and rediscovery of what truly matters in life.

Lisa’s fictional character Hope, had we meet in real life, would have been quite different from me, in terms of our backgrounds, the way we were brought up and the fundamental cultural differences with respect to time and space. However, I feel that the author has created a memorable character which many women, no matter where they came from, could relate to in one way or another. Facing many of life’s trials and tribulations, Hope has had her own share of cards dealt by the hand of fate and subsequently she felt undermined, abandoned, unloved, hence allowing herself to sink into a dark pit of depression, losing her self-esteem and her confidence. She needed to find herself again, and she needed validation from other people. Fortunately for her, she had friends who loved her and supported her; but would she find the man of her dreams? Would she get another chance of happiness which she so dearly craves, more than anything else?

It is obvious that this book came from the author’s heart and soul, and it is brilliantly presented, with a beautiful cover, raw emotions, likeable characters, sometimes sad, sometimes optimistic, sparkling with wisdom that derive from astute observations of real life. It is a little gem of a book - my first thought was that oh this was going to be a Sex and City type of chick-lit, but as I read on, it took a more personal slant and I was led into a more memoir-type story, which I know I have been ‘accused of’ writing myself. It is an intimate look inside a Thirty-Something Girl’s head, into her delicate heart’s desire and what it takes to get that second chance in love, romance, and ultimately in life itself.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an engaging emotional fast read. For my full review, please visit my blog: http://www.junyingkirk.com/?p=1297.
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Apr 15, 2012 Marni Mann rated it 5 of 5 stars

Stull’s protagonist, Hope, hasn’t just experienced a hint of darkness. She was thrown straight into a hole. Even if she had the right equipment, dirt was caving in faster than she could shovel. She didn’t believe hope was waiting on the other side. She couldn’t get out of her own way. Her flaws trumped her worth.

We’ve all been there at one time or another, because darkness comes in so many different forms. Whether it’s a relationship or marriage dissolving, losing the ones we love, getting axed...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Dannie Hill rated it 5 of 5 stars

L. M. Stull has written a novel to rival any I’ve ever read. Some might call Thirty-Something Girl a story for women, but I have to disagree with that assessment. This is a novel anyone, man or woman, can soak their soul in and feel the real pain of Hope Jackson. Stull’s description of depression is so real and heartfelt it brought back the sorrows of my life. A master’s touch.

Thirty-Something Girl is also a story of friendship, support and love as Hope’s friends gather around her to hold her he...more

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Dec 19, 2011 Jennifer Jennings rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is an emotional tale about a girl named Hope and her coming to terms with the tragedies of her past. It's an eloquently written story that reveals so many truths to real life and real people. One of the best romance stories I've read in a long time, it also focuses on how special and important frienships are. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who treasures stories of the heart.

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May 16, 2012 Julie Duck rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I began reading this book, I felt like I was looking at me. Lost. Alone. Confused. Broken. The main character, Hope, is numb from several life-changing experiences that would challenge someone if they only had one of them. Through her friends who give amazing support (God, I wish I had friends like that!), Hope is able to find just that - hope for a new beginning. The process is long and difficult, and she tends to wrestle with negative thinking sometimes (i.e., she assumes all is lost and...more

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Jan 12, 2012 Ashley Mccook rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a really touching story which had me reaching for my tissues more than once. A really likeable main character who just seems to have had one thing after another go wrong for her. Her emotions are brought to life very vividly as she fights to piece her life back together with the help of friends both old and new. Some really funny moments too which lifted the story. Really enjoyable.

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Dec 16, 2011 Naib rated it 5 of 5 stars

For a debut A Thirty Something Girl has some very heartfelt and true situations that are well writ.
What desires many are afraid of are on display for one to experience vicariously.

Well done to L.M.Stull.

Buy the book, read it and don't sweat the small stuff. Oh. Everything is 'small stuff'.

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Dec 19, 2011 Kimberly Kinrade rated it 5 of 5 stars

This beautifully written novel focuses on Hope, a girl who has almost lost all hope in life. Having hit rock bottom and gone through tragedy after tragedy, Hope discovers the importance of friendship and how to love again and open herself up to new directions in life.

L.M. Stull proves herself to be an amazing writer and story-teller in this gem of a novel. Heartbreaking and heartwarming, Hope's journey becomes all of our journey and takes the reader through all the highs and lows of life. The b...more

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Feb 02, 2012 Sandra MacKay rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, literary-fiction

The emotion and immediacy of the writing grabbed me. I couldn't help but be swept into Hope's world. The dialogue was excellent and credible. A lot of crying in this novel but at the same time I couldn't put it down.

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Mar 05, 2012 Sharon rated it 3 of 5 stars

As 30-something girl who struggled to find myself in my 20s I could easily relate to this book. It was an easy read and worth my time to read it.

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Dec 29, 2011 Jeffrey Pfaller rated it 4 of 5 stars

I usually don't dip into the literary romance genre, but L.M. Stull's book was a pleasant surprise and has inspired me to check out a few more titles like hers. It has lots of heart and just the right amount of sugar - the perfect book for burrowing into a warm corner of your house and reading it cover to cover. Even though the main character, Hope, has seen more than her fair share of hard times, the book focuses on the upswing and her struggles to get back to happy. I don't recommend many book...more

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Mar 03, 2012 Carolynj84 rated it 3 of 5 stars

It was a super easy read but I had trouble enjoying the protagonist, Hope, until she met Sam. Hope was depressed and I had a hard time relating to her outlook on life. It wasn't until she was starting to rebuild that I was actually able to enjoy the book.

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Dec 26, 2011 Katherine added it · review of another edition

Shelves: nook

I love this book. There was a point I thought I was reading my own journal. Her writing is smooth and elegant.

1 like · like · see review

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About L.M. Stull

A Washington, DC native, L.M. Stull spends her days chained to a desk at a law firm in southern Virginia. When she’s not feverishly taking orders from attorneys, she writes. Her stories tell of the human spirit – sometimes sad, sometimes not – most can relate to them on some level or another.

Her love for the mind and the fickle beasts which have them spills over into her studies. Working toward he...more

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