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Springtime at Hope Hall
'Brilliant, witty, and full of down-to-earth humour... The perfect 'church hall' anecdotal read' JB Gill, TV Presenter
Songs of Praise presenter is back with another thrilling read and an unputdownable series centered on a Victorian church hall and Kath, its brash and inexperienced administrator.
There's never a dull moment at Hope Hall. Its rooms are filled throughout the day with gossipy grandmas, body-popping teenagers, and a nursery group where it's the grown-ups who are near to tears!
But it's all in a day's work for administrator, Kath, whose job it is to make sure Hope Hall offers something for everyone! As the team works to pull off their ambitious Hope Hall Centenary Easter Monday Fayre, Kath realizes reinforcements are needed. Brash, loud and inexperienced though she may be, Kath has a feeling that Shirley might be just the ticket! The Fayre is a triumph but when Kath's old flame comes back on the scene, she's faced with some tough choices. Will Kath make the right decision?
Songs of Praise presenter is back with another thrilling read and an unputdownable series centered on a Victorian church hall and Kath, its brash and inexperienced administrator.
There's never a dull moment at Hope Hall. Its rooms are filled throughout the day with gossipy grandmas, body-popping teenagers, and a nursery group where it's the grown-ups who are near to tears!
But it's all in a day's work for administrator, Kath, whose job it is to make sure Hope Hall offers something for everyone! As the team works to pull off their ambitious Hope Hall Centenary Easter Monday Fayre, Kath realizes reinforcements are needed. Brash, loud and inexperienced though she may be, Kath has a feeling that Shirley might be just the ticket! The Fayre is a triumph but when Kath's old flame comes back on the scene, she's faced with some tough choices. Will Kath make the right decision?
- GenresFiction
256 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2020
1 person is currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Pam Rhodes
47 books22 followersPam Rhodes for many years has presented the world’s numberone religious television program, Songs of Praise on BBC. She writes for the UK national newspaper, the Daily Mail, and is also a successful novelist—author of The Dunbridge Chronicles, With Hearts and Hymns and Voices, and four other novels, as well as a number of additional books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 26, 2019
This was such a fabulous read.
I’ve never read a book by this author before so, when I got an opportunity to explore her first book of her new series I thought, why not! It would be a light read after several thrillers I’ve just finished.
This book holds so many characters and it all features around the Local Village Hall. We get to learn about the ones behind reception, those taking classes such as dance. Then there’s the Knit and Natter class, among several of weekly events going on.
Character.
That is what each of these people we meet have.
Character and personality, and a life.
There’s back stories to some of the older generations past life.
And as you’d expect from a small village, people get to know each other yes, but, they also have a chat about each other. You can understand how rumours get started.
There’s a touch of past romance.
There’s a “lighting of a fire” between two people who are feeling undervalued in their marriage. We get insight in how that was managed.
I loved the fun stories that literally had me bursting out laughing. Reading certain passages to my husband so laughed too. Some things were very comical.
We also get to feel emotions towards some sadness in people’s life.
A death.
A long standing marriage coming to an end.
I hope I’ve whet you’re appetite to explore this book that is released in February 2020 as it’s like a “nosy” into people’s houses.
I’m really looking forward to whenever book 2 is released.
I’ve never read a book by this author before so, when I got an opportunity to explore her first book of her new series I thought, why not! It would be a light read after several thrillers I’ve just finished.
This book holds so many characters and it all features around the Local Village Hall. We get to learn about the ones behind reception, those taking classes such as dance. Then there’s the Knit and Natter class, among several of weekly events going on.
Character.
That is what each of these people we meet have.
Character and personality, and a life.
There’s back stories to some of the older generations past life.
And as you’d expect from a small village, people get to know each other yes, but, they also have a chat about each other. You can understand how rumours get started.
There’s a touch of past romance.
There’s a “lighting of a fire” between two people who are feeling undervalued in their marriage. We get insight in how that was managed.
I loved the fun stories that literally had me bursting out laughing. Reading certain passages to my husband so laughed too. Some things were very comical.
We also get to feel emotions towards some sadness in people’s life.
A death.
A long standing marriage coming to an end.
I hope I’ve whet you’re appetite to explore this book that is released in February 2020 as it’s like a “nosy” into people’s houses.
I’m really looking forward to whenever book 2 is released.
February 15, 2020
Living in a small community myself, I knew that I would connect with this story straight away, with almost clones of the people that I know as friends that would pop up in this book. Reading it was like relaxing with familiar faces as I nodded my head, smiled and laughed at what the people in Hope Hall got up to.
In a small community, the heart and soul are the church and village hall, often with people that organise them belonging to both. Kath had worked in London in a pretty high flying career but when she came to the to live in the community a temporary position came up to be the administer of Hope Hall. The position was hers as soon as she went through the door.
Kath is an incredible character in the story and manages to make every available minute of Hope Hall work for the community. I loved the versatility and energy of Della with her dances classes that covered everyone from 3 to 103. The traditional meals that made my mouth water and nursey classes to girl guides. The centre buzzed with energy cringed at the singers and rocked with community spirit.
This story gets behind the scenes into the lives of the people that make the place tick, their heartaches and problems, their dreams and achievements. It is a beautifully written story that you feel you become part of. The best news is this is the first book of three, so I am already looking forward to the next hurdles that the Hope Hall team are faced with.
I wish to thank NetGalley, the publisher and MidasPR for a copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
In a small community, the heart and soul are the church and village hall, often with people that organise them belonging to both. Kath had worked in London in a pretty high flying career but when she came to the to live in the community a temporary position came up to be the administer of Hope Hall. The position was hers as soon as she went through the door.
Kath is an incredible character in the story and manages to make every available minute of Hope Hall work for the community. I loved the versatility and energy of Della with her dances classes that covered everyone from 3 to 103. The traditional meals that made my mouth water and nursey classes to girl guides. The centre buzzed with energy cringed at the singers and rocked with community spirit.
This story gets behind the scenes into the lives of the people that make the place tick, their heartaches and problems, their dreams and achievements. It is a beautifully written story that you feel you become part of. The best news is this is the first book of three, so I am already looking forward to the next hurdles that the Hope Hall team are faced with.
I wish to thank NetGalley, the publisher and MidasPR for a copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
March 29, 2020
Pretty straight forward book, what you read in the synopsis is what you get. If you like reading about British life in small communities, you won't be disappointed with this one.
Occasionally I also enjoy this type of books, if the time is right. In this instance the time was just right, as I was in need of a lighter read, what with the world going crazy all around me. We could have had quirkier characters, a little bit more humor and generally more intense emotions. But don't get me wrong, Spring at Hope Hall is enjoyable enough with some lovable characters and enough snippets of their lives to get one to invest in them!
Occasionally I also enjoy this type of books, if the time is right. In this instance the time was just right, as I was in need of a lighter read, what with the world going crazy all around me. We could have had quirkier characters, a little bit more humor and generally more intense emotions. But don't get me wrong, Spring at Hope Hall is enjoyable enough with some lovable characters and enough snippets of their lives to get one to invest in them!
January 14, 2020
I really liked this book, it was easy to read and had a nice flow to it. Suddenly i was sad it was over, i'd hoped for more time with the characters, because i would have learned more about them and grow to like them even more, i mean i liked some more than others so i looked forward til i read about them again. Though, it might have been a little bit of too many characters at some point? so it got a bit confusing.because of it.
February 21, 2020
Hope Hall is a place I would love with all sorts of characters. I really enjoyed this easy to read and quick story about a wonderful community hall and it’s visitors/groups.
The writing is the reason I can’t give it more than 3 stars. It reminded me so much of a tv show jumping in the middle of one scene to a completely different and having way too many characters (3 pages of characters in a novel of 250 pages is a bit much for my taste). Still a highly enjoyable read.
The writing is the reason I can’t give it more than 3 stars. It reminded me so much of a tv show jumping in the middle of one scene to a completely different and having way too many characters (3 pages of characters in a novel of 250 pages is a bit much for my taste). Still a highly enjoyable read.
January 5, 2020
A refreshing change to the crime genre I usually read. A real 'feel good' story. My only criticism would be the vast amount of characters, it's a little difficult to keep track. The list of who's who at the end of the book would have been better placed at the start.
June 21, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #springtimeathopehall #netgalley
Hope Hall was built in 1920 in memory of those effected by the war. Since then it has been home to the villages laughs, cries, grief and love. Through its many clubs, lunches and groups which use the hall to benefit the community. Follow the hall, it's employees and members as they go through the throngs of life during the build up too the centenary events.
The strong and happy looking hall standing strong on the front cover drew me to this book. Since then I have been recommended this book too.
Once opening the book it is a page turner. You are there with the characters as they live their life through the ups, downs and turmoil that life throws them. They are all warm individuals who have very different lives and sometimes existances. With the common ground of Hope Hall which brings them together as a community. Whilst supporting their individual growth as life throws curveballsalong the way.
This book is a great easy read and you certainly need the tissues for this one! You never feel that you are missing anything from the story line allowing you to follow it through until the end with confidence that Hope Hall will welcome and support them all.
Although their are some emotional subjects included in this book such as divorce, dementia, single parent hood/working lots as parents, cancer and loosing the love of your life. I do not feel this takes away from the cosy feel of the book and I feel actually gives each character a third dimension to get your teeth into. Making it a very relatistic and heartfelt read.
Furthermore I loved learning about each characters past, present and future. Including the history involved with Hope Hall and its former and present members.
Hope Hall was built in 1920 in memory of those effected by the war. Since then it has been home to the villages laughs, cries, grief and love. Through its many clubs, lunches and groups which use the hall to benefit the community. Follow the hall, it's employees and members as they go through the throngs of life during the build up too the centenary events.
The strong and happy looking hall standing strong on the front cover drew me to this book. Since then I have been recommended this book too.
Once opening the book it is a page turner. You are there with the characters as they live their life through the ups, downs and turmoil that life throws them. They are all warm individuals who have very different lives and sometimes existances. With the common ground of Hope Hall which brings them together as a community. Whilst supporting their individual growth as life throws curveballsalong the way.
This book is a great easy read and you certainly need the tissues for this one! You never feel that you are missing anything from the story line allowing you to follow it through until the end with confidence that Hope Hall will welcome and support them all.
Although their are some emotional subjects included in this book such as divorce, dementia, single parent hood/working lots as parents, cancer and loosing the love of your life. I do not feel this takes away from the cosy feel of the book and I feel actually gives each character a third dimension to get your teeth into. Making it a very relatistic and heartfelt read.
Furthermore I loved learning about each characters past, present and future. Including the history involved with Hope Hall and its former and present members.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2020
The delightfully named Hope Hall is right at the heart of the community and provides a welcome meeting place for all sorts of people. From the tiny tots at the playgroup, to the old and bold in their armchair exercise group, there is never a moment when the warmth and friendliness of Hope Hall doesn’t work its own special kind of magic.
Beautifully organised by a happy band of people, Kath, the Hall’s administrator, hides her own sadness beneath an air of efficiency and as the story progresses it soon becomes obvious that some of the helpers who make Hope Hall such a roaring success, are at times, struggling with their own individual problems.
The author writes with a lovely light touch and brings warmth, empathy and understanding to each of the character’s individual stories and allows each of them to have their own special time in the spotlight. There are some poignant moments which tug away at your heart strings but there’s also some laugh out loud funny bits which help to connect everything together in a really meaningful way. I think what’s so lovely about Hope Hall is the way that both the place and the people are immediately relatable and anyone who has ever been part of a local project will recognise the similarities and appreciate just how vital these places are to small communities.
Springtime at Hope Hall is the first in a trilogy of novels which is based around those who bring Hope Hall to life and as I finished this first book I was already looking forward to the next story, Summer’s Out at Hope Hall is planned for April 2021.
January 22, 2021
Springtime At Hope Hall by Pam Rhodes is a positively charming Christian contemporary read concerning the life and the groups meeting at Hope Hall.
Hope Hall is aptly named. It is a place of hope where life happens and where support is given. “This was a place where it was okay to cry and prayer felt natural.” Hope Hall is a metaphor for the church functioning as Jesus intended.
The hall is full of life from seniors to tap dancing youngsters. All sorts of groups meet throughout the week.
An army of volunteers ensure the activities run smoothly – from the cleaner to the catering manager to the overseer. There are many people, all with different skill sets, united by huge hearts.
There are an eclectic mix of characters whose lives interact at the hall. Life is not always a bed of roses and relationships are seen at various stages in life. In times of trouble there is the support of good friends. As in all villages, there are births, marriages and deaths to witness.
Springtime At Hope Hall is a wonderful breath of fresh air. It is delightfully amusing at times (who can forget the name of a group entitled the Can’t Sing Singers?) and very easy to read. It is a community where life happens, and love and hope are alive. I cannot wait for the subsequent book in the series.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Hope Hall is aptly named. It is a place of hope where life happens and where support is given. “This was a place where it was okay to cry and prayer felt natural.” Hope Hall is a metaphor for the church functioning as Jesus intended.
The hall is full of life from seniors to tap dancing youngsters. All sorts of groups meet throughout the week.
An army of volunteers ensure the activities run smoothly – from the cleaner to the catering manager to the overseer. There are many people, all with different skill sets, united by huge hearts.
There are an eclectic mix of characters whose lives interact at the hall. Life is not always a bed of roses and relationships are seen at various stages in life. In times of trouble there is the support of good friends. As in all villages, there are births, marriages and deaths to witness.
Springtime At Hope Hall is a wonderful breath of fresh air. It is delightfully amusing at times (who can forget the name of a group entitled the Can’t Sing Singers?) and very easy to read. It is a community where life happens, and love and hope are alive. I cannot wait for the subsequent book in the series.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
April 9, 2020
A really enjoyable, gentle tale of a village hall and the people who use it. The book takes the form of vignettes as the reader peeks into the lives of the various groups and individuals, and the author is able to draw us in to each one. From Kath, the Hall Manager, who gave up the chance of love to look after her ailing mother, to Maggie who runs the catering and has a husband who left her for a young love, to several couples struggling to find their life balance between family and work commitments. And all this centres around the centennial year of the village hall.
Occasionally I felt the author was giving us all his story plots at one go - there are some heavy chunks of conversation which are purely to give the reader background which didn't flow too smoothly. But otherwise, despite the plethora of characters, it worked well.
Endearing, interesting and great fun to read. I look forward to the next in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Occasionally I felt the author was giving us all his story plots at one go - there are some heavy chunks of conversation which are purely to give the reader background which didn't flow too smoothly. But otherwise, despite the plethora of characters, it worked well.
Endearing, interesting and great fun to read. I look forward to the next in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2020
Springtime at Hope Hall by Pam Rhodes is quite simply the story of the events at the local community's village hall in the Springtime. But it is not just any Springtime happenings nor is it just any old villagers! This village is home to some lovable, kind, funny characters. The hall is enjoyed by everyone from the youngest in nursery to the oldest. A group of scouts called the Beavers where two lonely parents begin a friendship, a older wife and mother begins a new life, a dancing class for all ages, a group of singers that really can't sing at all, a lunch club full of senior members and one grumpy old lady, a knitting club and a club with the purpose to remember the past. They are a village of people who seem to really care about each other. The big performance they are all practicing for is the 100 year celebration of Hope Hall. Something for everyone. It is the beginning of a trilogy and I eagerly await the next one!
March 8, 2020
Springtime at Hope Hall by Pam Rhodes. Kath Sutton has retuned to the small town from London giving a very successful job as a business management on the death of her father & care for an ailing mother. On her mother’s death she accepts the job as manager at Hope Hall a place she remembers from her childhood with affection. It has always been the centre of the community. There’s a drop in Cafe. Dance classes, a playgroup, keep fit for the older members, WI and many other things besides. The book is following the lives of the people who run hope hall and the people attending. Showing the good and not so good of the community. An absolutely adorable book. Loved the stories, the people and their lives. Beautifully written, you want to laugh and cry all at the same time due to the injustice of life and all it brings. Can’t wait for next instalment of Hope Hall. Definitely 5/5!
October 25, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 Stars
I have been reading so many small-town romances lately, specifically ones that are set in Britain. I love these because they are easy, fun light reads. This one was no different, what you saw in the synopsis was what you got in the novel. I feel like these are the type of reads that I am gravitating towards because of everything going on and this book really delivered the escapism that I needed. I loved the community aspect as well, and the hall felt like it's own character in this, as well as all the characters in this small town that we meet through the hall I wish there was more time to explore and see more of al the characters.
This is truly an uplifting story about the power of community and I can't wait to read more by Pam Rhodes.
3.5 Stars
I have been reading so many small-town romances lately, specifically ones that are set in Britain. I love these because they are easy, fun light reads. This one was no different, what you saw in the synopsis was what you got in the novel. I feel like these are the type of reads that I am gravitating towards because of everything going on and this book really delivered the escapism that I needed. I loved the community aspect as well, and the hall felt like it's own character in this, as well as all the characters in this small town that we meet through the hall I wish there was more time to explore and see more of al the characters.
This is truly an uplifting story about the power of community and I can't wait to read more by Pam Rhodes.
May 30, 2020
A ‘slice of life’ which at first seems to be another pleasant, light book that skims along the surface of things; but gradually real life intrudes & becomes more complicated. Events which at first seem almost too trivial to mention, take on added import. The book can probably be read on more than one level, depending on how demanding you want it to be - & how much feeling you wish to expend (maybe to do with what is going on in your own life at the time.) Oh - & I loved the Centenary Fayre : it sounded great fun & was really well thought-out. It was so well-described, it felt like being there! A good way of ending the book, leaving us all on a ‘high’. I am glad that I read this book, & would be interested in following up with the characters in future volumes.
February 22, 2020
This is such a delightful book. Everything centers around Hope Hall, a community center that has something for all ages. There are different characters working at Hope Hall and we get a glimpse of each person and the life they live. My favorite character was Kath Sutton, she is the manager of Hope Hall. She left London to help her mother when she was sick. She didn't go back to London but stayed to be the manager. She doesn't regret not going back to the city but enjoys the small interaction between people.
If you like Maeve Binchy and the way she breaks her books into short stories that intertwined you will enjoy this book as well.
If you like Maeve Binchy and the way she breaks her books into short stories that intertwined you will enjoy this book as well.
March 11, 2020
Hope Hall is the centre of the village. Kath, once a high powered hospital administrator now the hall manager juggles the variety of events from the regular cafe, the playgroup, the advisory sessions, the dance classes etc etc! The book is full of terrific characters and their stories. It was a delightful read. I am already looking forward to meeting them all again in the next book in the series. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book
July 27, 2020
I loved this book and everyone in it.
How all the groups work together and the community around hope hall pull together.
I had to re read this book just so I could remember little bits of it like teaching the children how to play the spoons. And the 4 older women joining in with the tap dancing.
Glad it had a happy ending for most people in this book. It's always sad when people die no matter if you know it's happening right from the start.
How all the groups work together and the community around hope hall pull together.
I had to re read this book just so I could remember little bits of it like teaching the children how to play the spoons. And the 4 older women joining in with the tap dancing.
Glad it had a happy ending for most people in this book. It's always sad when people die no matter if you know it's happening right from the start.
January 24, 2020
This is a gentle story with loveable characters in a charming setting. I love reading about close-knit communities where people are nice and helpful to each other. I was pleased to see that most of the conflicts could be handled and solved. I like a happy ending which I was given here with some cliffhangers of course to make the next part more exciting.
May 11, 2020
This was one of my favorite reads for the year so fast. I loved the number of stories being told in one book with so many characters and so many perspectives. At first, it was a little confusing, but the more you read, the more you got to know the characters and understand their storylines. I will recommend this book to my friends who read.
September 20, 2020
An uplifting story of how a local village hall is the heart of the community.
Kath is the anchor of the village hall who manages the day to day running with skill and compassion.
There is a plethora of local characters with interesting back stories and a lovely warm feel good factor to the whole book.
Kath is the anchor of the village hall who manages the day to day running with skill and compassion.
There is a plethora of local characters with interesting back stories and a lovely warm feel good factor to the whole book.
March 3, 2021
I appreciate that Pam Rhodes didn't know what 2020 was going to be like when she wrote this but something slightly disconcerting about reading a book set in spring 2020 that doesn't mention covid. Also I thought rge characters were a bit twee and the gender equality message a bit forced as if she doesn't really believe in it herself
June 12, 2022
I hate to admit that I have started and restarted this book several times and had to give up. It might just be me not being relaxed enough, or patient enough to wade through all the story lines going on at once. There was just too much going on and yet nothing really happening. As with all books I will probably come back to it in a few years time and enjoy it.
February 20, 2020
A lovely light hearted read that will be quickly devoured as I did, a lovely story of friendship, community and personal discovery. Well written and addictive reading, can’t wait for the next.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
September 18, 2021
Really enjoyed this gentle but thought-provoking story. I expected an easy read and it started like that but I got caught up in the dramas of the characters. I am looking forwàd to the next one in the trilogy.
June 26, 2022
Enjoyed this book. Picked it up at a library book sale. Loved the cover. Enjoyed the characters,groups of people and the relationship stories. Read many books in between this one. Was not found on audio so too many interruptions to finish quickly.
April 15, 2020
Oh, this was such a lovely read. It had a gentleness about it that was exactly what I wanted as a bedtime read. The sense of community from this book was a joy.
April 25, 2020
Very cute. Multiple short stories about the lives of people in a small community, all revolving around their experiences in a parish hall. Cozy and satisfying.
May 21, 2020
Very cute book! Filled with multiple stories, struggled to get into but play the end I realaied I had quite enjoyed them.
January 26, 2021
Easy read for a cold afternoon.
March 5, 2021
This book was ok, I can't really say much more about it. I didn't dislike it but I didn't love it either. It was predictable and bland, but an easy night time read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews