A Little Hope: A Novel

Written by Ethan Joella

Narrated by Shaun Taylor-Corbett

A Read with Jenna Bonus Selection

An “immersive…illuminating” (Booklist) and life-affirming novel following the residents of an idyllic Connecticut town over the course of a year, A Little Hope explores the intertwining lives of a dozen neighbors as they confront everyday desires and fears: a lost love, a stalled career, an illness, and a betrayal.

Freddie and Greg Tyler seem to have it all: a comfortable home, a beautiful young daughter, a bond that feels unbreakable. But when Greg is diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, the sense of certainty they once knew evaporates. Throughout their town, friends and neighbors face the most difficult of life’s challenges and are figuring out how to survive thanks to love, grace, and hope.

“A quietly powerful portrait of small-town life…told with wisdom and tenderness” (Mary Beth Keane, author of Ask Again, Yes) A Little Hope is a deeply resonant debut that immerses the reader in a community and celebrates the importance of small moments of connection.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Nov 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9781797138022

Ethan Joella

Ethan Joella teaches English and psychology at the University of Delaware. He is the author of A Little Hope, which was a Read with Jenna Bonus Selection; A Quiet Life; The Same Bright Stars; and The Top of the World. He lives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with his wife and two daughters.

Reviews for A Little Hope

[Haylee Whitley · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved how all the characters live’s were intertwined in some way. Great writing, filled with both heartbreak a heartwarming story!

[Sandy Benemerito Bailey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Impressive debut novel that brings to life a coterie of characters in a small Northern town, each dealing with their own personal struggles. There is no one central protagonist, but Frederica and Greg are a golden couple whose lives are turned upside down by the husband’s cancer struggle. Greg’s boss is a father figure, community pillar, and a man with a good heart, but harboring a secret from his wife of 50 years. Freddie’s boss is a lonely widow dealing with her wayward son, who has two romantic entanglements, his current girlfriend and his ex, the classic One Who Got Away. The book is told from various points of view and while there are several figures, the author inter weaves their stories well. This reminded me of Little Fires Everywhere (but without the dramatic climax) and 2021’s Good Neighbors. A moving read.

[Momreadsbooksinbtwn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

OMG this books was amazing. A great family drama that will make you cry, feel compassion, and root for everyone to have a happy ending. I would read this book again and definitely recommend to a friend.

[Jessica Adolfo · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was an ok book. Very character driven. I had a hard time keeping all of the characters straight in my head so I think this would’ve been better to read instead of audiobook