I wasn’t sure at the beginning, but The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker turned out to be a really enjoyable read.

The eponymous Lucy is so self-effacing and under-confident at the beginning that she’d rather sit in her house all afternoon than ask the removal men who are blocking her in to move their van so she can get her car out. She’s put upon at work, where certain of her colleagues are a sexual harassment and/or sex discrimination suit waiting to happen. Much of her non-work time is spent knitting replicas of celebrities (Poldark is a particular favourite), reading romances and socialising with her delightfully eccentric seventy-nine year old neighbour, Brenda.

When Brenda is diagnosed with dementia, and at the same time a new neighbour - the attractive yet taciturn George - moves into the area, things start changing for Lucy, not least because of a very unusual locket given to her by Brenda...

While there are no huge surprises in how it all turns out (and a few areas where you have to suspend disbelief quite a lot in order to get there), it was a lovely warm holiday read with some great characters and just a touch of magic, and very satisfying to see Lucy’s growth in confidence and assertiveness.

Thanks for the opportunity to read and review!

Lucy is a mid-twenties woman who is unfailingly kind, perhaps even to being a bit easy to take advantage of, but content with her knitting, her historic romance addiction and her best friend and neighbor Brenda. Finding much of her life that she was ‘chastised’ or ignored by her mother for not standing up for herself or practicing the keeping up with the Joneses hopscotch, she’s a calming and steady influence on the other employees of the toy company she works for, and is able to mollify even the most difficult customers. Lucy is that sort of person who constantly doubts her own skills and abilities, but you’d always think of her first when you needed an ear, sympathy, friendship or even some quiet company.

But a multi-hour wait at home after being blocked in by a moving truck unloading the furnishings to her neighbor’s new house, a neighbor who, while uber gorgeous has all of the social skills of a slime-encrusted rock. George isn’t really a ‘people’ person, he’s brusque and to the point, and wholly unable to see (or stop) himself putting his feet in the muck. There’s no real animosity in him, he’s just been hurt and is more than unusually hesitant to ‘trust’ in people, and well, his work obsession doesn’t help. But with Brenda being just who she is, and dancing between truly magical and a good-natured meddler, it’s hard for George to stay ‘impartial’, particularly when Lucy, as concerned as she is with Brenda’s failing health ropes him into help.

So many wonderful moments in this story, from Lucy’s reframing her relationship with her older sister, to the real friendship separated by a house and 50 years with Brenda, her increasing confidence at work and her knitting projects from Thor to Poldark: adding a locket with ever-changing spell tasks to the mix only served to bring a bit of humanity to George and face him up with the unexpected, while the ‘tale’ of the locket helped Lucy to tap her previously untouched confidence. Keer managed to make every person in this book feel real and plausible, and reinforce the need for kind in the world you occupy, even bringing the ever-sexist and wholly inappropriate men in the toys office around to share a bit of their own insecurities and strengths. This is a perfect example of a story that allows readers an escape, with heart, laughs, tears and a solid determination to be more ‘like Lucy’ and go for kindness first.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-adP/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

This is such a lovely empathetic book, so well written.
Lucy has a neighbour at the other end of the age span, and cares deeply for her. Their relationship is charmingly portrayed. Brenda, the much older lady, really wants to see Lucy in love and settled and seems to have the 'witchy' ability to help this project along.
George, a new neighbour, dour and of few words, becomes very much part of the picture, gradually growing in kindness and approachability. He also cares for Brenda and both he and Lucy can see that dementia is creeping into her life.
The office politics are so well written, and Lucy's rise above the pranks and near bullying is a triumph.
Altogether a delightful book.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon books for a review copy which I enjoyed reading.

Lucy and Brenda may be mismatched in age and experience but they are a terrific pair of friends. This touching novel is about more than Brenda pushing Lucy to find love. Brenda has dementia and as her world narrows, she wants to be sure that Lucy's expands. There's a gentle tone to this- it's quite soothing. You'll root for everyone, including George and if you can figure out what's going to happen, that's ok because it's a good news story. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Try this one for a heartwarming read.

Lucy Baker lives in a small flat in Lancaster Road, in Renborough. Lucy’s neighbor Brenda Pethbridge is nearly 80 and is starting to get dementia. Brenda loves knitting and dabbles in a bit of magic.
Lucy is single, loves knitting and needs to find a man to partner her to her Mother’s 50th birthday.
Brenda gives Lucy a magic silver locket. Brenda claims the locket will help Lucy find love and gain more confidence in standing up for herself.
Lucy’s friend Jess is very interested in in Lucy’s locket. Lucy and Jess try a few spells to help Lucy find love. The spells don’t always work the way they are meant too but when Lucy starts wearing the locket, she gains confidence and starts standing up for herself in her work place where there is a lot of playful tricks, a bit of sexual harassment and some bullying.
I loved the humor and the way the characters interacted. This was about families and relationships. It reminded me of the diary of Bridget Jones.

This is chick lit at its finest. Beautiful prose. Beautiful heroine. Book full of laughs, funny happenings, between a grandmothers last wish and granddaughters honor to fullfil that wish.

If you’re looking for something whimsical with a snare of seriousness then this is book for you. First time reading this author and I can’t truly say it won’t be the last.

She pulled me in front the first chapter till the last.

4 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC for an honest review.

This book is strong on feel-good factor and laugh-out-loud humour. Lucy is a great protagonist and it’s a pleasure to follow her journey to greater inner strength and confidence. The friendship between her and Brenda is heartwarming and the romantic aspects of the novel are incredibly sweet (eventually!) without being sickly or cloying. Lucy’s character and the feel of the book actually reminded me of Bridget Jones. I did find some of the novel lacked pace now and again but the rest of it more than made up for it.

The relationship between Lucy and her sister was also thought-provoking and insightful, carrying a strong message that the grass definitely isn’t always greener as well as highlighting the importance of both self-acceptance and self-belief.

The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker by Jenni Keer is one of those heartwarming feel-good books that you can read in a couple of days.

Lucy is 25 and works in the sales office for a toy wholesaler. She’s happiest with her head in a good book or knitting. Brenda is her 79 year old neighbour and close friend. But after being diagnosed with dementia, Brenda is desperate to fulfil one last wish - to see Lucy happy.

This novel is beautifully written and has great characters that will stay with you long after you’ve read the last page. I would give this book 4.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.

This is definitely a chick flick book, completely whimsical and utterly enjoyable. There is no deep thinking or one that you have to concentrate to try and keep track of who is who or keeping the chapters straight of when they happened in the timeline. Just sit back, learn to love George, Lucy and especially Brenda. Traipse through their calamities, wishes, hopes, dreams, work mishaps, misunderstandings and most importantly the love between an old woman and a daughter she never had.
Utterly and truly enjoyable, a fun, quick read. I particularly enjoyed several scenes in the book, Brenda and the love for her “Jim”, the rabbit, the replacement rabbit, Jess, the antics of the locket and more. For a light pick me up story, you have found it here.
I was given the opportunity to receive this book from Avon UK through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This one gets 4****’s.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC of The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker by Jenni Keer.

Lucy isn’t a typical 25-year-old. Happiest at home with her romance novels and her knitting, she has a close friendship with Brenda, her 79-year-old neighbour. When George moves into their street, Lucy isn’t impressed with him. Brenda, however, has hopes for his future with Lucy, and so gifts her with a locket that previously helped Brenda herself find her true love. A new boss and Brenda’s deteriorating health start to shake Lucy’s world, and she hopes that the locket can help with more than just her love life.

What a lovely, lovely book this is. Lucy is the ultimate girl-next-door heroine. I found myself willing her on at every turn, cringing with her when she got herself into scrapes (and there were a LOT of scrapes!), and commiserating with her when things went wrong. Brenda is the neighbour I wish I had. A lady who has a cure for every ill, her magic is obvious to those around her and her personality leaps off the page. Her dementia diagnosis was handled beautifully by the author, and it’s fantastic to see some light being shone on this awful disease. The friendship between these two ladies was perfect, and the addition of George made for some funny conversations between them. I also enjoyed the sections of the book focussed on Lucy’s job and her work life, and her sometimes complicated relationship with her family. Perfectly paced and brilliantly edited, there wasn’t one page of this book that I didn’t enjoy.

So accomplished is this work that I found it hard to believe that this was Jenni Keer’s first novel. She is going straight onto my list of favourite authors and I already can’t wait for her next book.

5 stars out of 5

The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker will be published on 10 January 2019.

I can’t say any more than what other reviewers have already said.

This was a delightful read, a little predictable in places, but this didn’t impair my enjoyment of this story.

I loved the scrapes that Lucy got herself into when following the instructions of the locket and the friendships that grew, not just between Lucy and Brenda, but between George and Brenda too.

There are a lot of likeable characters in this, even the less likeable ones come through good in the end and there’s enough mystery and misunderstandings to hold your interest.

Will admit I did have a little weep near the end of the book, even though I could see the end coming - I won’t spoil it by saying what happened but I think only the hardest hearts wouldn’t be moved by it.

Thank you to the author, Avon and Netgalley for supplying me with an ARC of this wonderful book. This is my honest, unbiased review.

One of the most uplifting, wonderful reads I have had the pleasure of reading. I can see this being a huge success in 2019. Lucy works at a toy company and loves it. Her mother however has greater aspirations for her younger daughter and Lucy constantly lives in the shadow of her elder sister. A new manager has been appointed following the retirement of the last one and things are set to change. Lucy’s elderly neighbour is rather a character and gives Lucy a necklace with an unusual charm on it- one that Lucy is convinced that the words inside have changed since being given it. Apparently it will help her find the love of her life. Lucy isn’t convinced but goes along with it to keep a harmonious relationship intact. She is close to Brenda and saddened when she is diagnosed with the early stages of dementia. George lives nearby and appears to be rather socially inept. He says hello and that’s about it, until Lucy finds a stray cat. George insists he is allergic and couldn’t possibly keep it. When she sees that he has bought rather an extravagant act activity tower, Lucy detects there may be more to this man than he is letting on. I liked Lucy. She comes across well- from her hand knitted Poldark to her kind deeds and fun loving nature. I truly loved this book- I smiled and I cried. We could all do with a Brenda in our lives. “Sometimes a little something can mean everything”
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.

(rest of links on publication day)

Once upon a time there was a young woman named Lucy Baker who lived in a cozy flat filled with knitting projects. A sorceress lived across the street, and Prince Charming disguised as an abrupt businessman lived nearby, waiting to be transformed by the princess. Lucy went to work each day at a toy wholesaler and valiantly worked to please the Queen. A magical cat named Scratbag witnessed all the events in this charming tale. Now, I don’t mean to mislead you- this book is written in the modern day, and is totally contemporary, but it does evoke a certain adorable mood.

Yes, this debut novel is part fairy tale, part Wizard of Oz, and completely loveable and engaging. Just like Dorothy in the Wizard, Lucy reaffirms what she believes: accept your friends, and skip and sing on your own yellow brick road. And thanks to her quirky elderly neighbor and best friend Brenda and her gift of a special locket, Lucy learns to look within for her own power and allows herself to dream. “I just had to get you to believe in yourself.”

Filled with madcap moments, earnest thoughts and merry misunderstandings, readers will cheer on Lucy as she deals with George her neighbor and the pursuit of love, her place in her family, and her role at her job. This is a story where nothing really special happens, yet every page charms and delights. From pleasing descriptions, “the willow trunk grew over the water as if the tree was peering from the bank to look at at its own reflection”, to sublime observations, “while Sandra and her eldest daughter reached for the stars, Lucy and her Dad had always been content to watch them twinkle from the ground,” this book will linger with the reader after the last page has been finished. Highly recommend.

Two side notes: this book at times had an omniscient viewpoint, interesting. Also, while I know American readers, myself included, adore Briticisms, this book is chock full of them- so be prepared to be lost and at the same time, delighted.

Thanks to NetGalley.com and the publisher Avon Books UK for the ARC. This is my honest review.

I enjoyed this book and read it in 24 hours. It has it all - a stray cat, knitted Poldarks, a handsome main man and friendship. Little bits and bobs of the story were predictable but it was such a lovely read overall that I can overlook this. I would read more by this author in the future.

A delightful read which made me feel cosy and warm .... a good old fashioned love story that kept me entertained until the very end

The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker is a little bit of everything, that has warmed my heart and reduced me to tears, and it all starts with one stray cat!

Lucy Baker is the young women with a soft heart, who doesn’t seem to have learned the word no, is treated like a nobody by pretty much everyone in her life from her mother to her supervisor Adam. Lucy is belittled for her lack of boyfriend, successful career and her ability to make amazing crocheted figurines.

But Lucy is not without friends; she has Jess, who not only works with her, but is a really good friend, then there is Brenda, her landlady, confident, and the person that gives her the gift that changes her life!

The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker is such a darling of a book, that once you start you cannot put down! Especially when Lucy is up to no good. This book made my whole day! It honestly reminds me of a cheekier version of a Jenny Colgan book, but also maybe a little more daring.

From the get-go you can’t help but to love all of the characters, from Lucy and her sweet personality to George and his many allergies and finally onto Adam and his hidden life, you cannot help but be sucked into their lives and it feels like they have been apart of yours forever. This is definitely a book I recommend.

I give The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker 5 stars!

I really hope this is the first of many novels by Jenni Keer. I will definitely pick up all of her future novels. Well what can I say about “The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker”... firstly I absolutely love the cover, it’s attractive, bright and interesting. This is what made me want to request a copy to read on Netgalley, that and also reading the synopsis! I was very excited to receive an email to say I had been approved to read a copy.

I found the flow of the narrative so easy to read. Especially as I am unable to read any book in one go (life!) I could easily pick it up and get back to what was going on in Lucy Bakers life.

Lucy is my favourite character. I love the way Jenni describes her. You can tell she is very shy and is reluctant to speak her mind to anyone. Throughout the book it’s great to see her personality evolve (Could this be the powers of the locket??) You also get a sense of all of the other characters personalities for example Jess is the complete opposite to Lucy yet they are the best of friends. Opposites certainly attract don’t they?!

Brenda’s character is so sweet and endearing yet she’s also very interesting. You can tell from the first few chapters that hers and Lucy’s relationship is special and real. You also find yourself wanting Brenda to be involved in Lucy’s adventures at the end of the story.

I was so intrigued to see what the locket was all about, it’s magic and it’s backstory. You get totally hooked just to see what the locket will want Lucy to do next and ultimately if it actually works! I would love to own one as it sounds and looks pretty.

I was very amused (actually giggling 🤭) in parts especially the affect the locket had on George - I don’t want to spoil it for you all so you will just have to read it for yourself.

Well what can I say about George! He’s successful and very good looking. It was surprising to see his character develop and you also end up seeing your own ending for him and also for the other characters.

I wanted to grab my kindle at any opportunity to see what happened next for Lucy and the others (was pretty hard this week with a poorly toddler to look after) Overall there were many ups and downs for everyone and a lot of drama which had me hooked from start to finish!

What ultimately stood out for me were Brenda’s three favourite words “Be Kind Always” ❤️ I will definitely be picking up a copy of this amazing book when it’s published in January 2019. I give it 5*/5* 😊

What an amazing and heartwarming book. I loved it and was sad when it ended.
I loved the style of writing, the characters. The plot was engaging and entertaining, full of wonder and tenderness.
I will surely look for other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley for this ARC

Who doesn't like a good Cinderella story? I love it! It was heartwarming to see how Lucy learns to stand up for herself and how she finds love that seems so impossible at first.
I also loved the elderly lady Brenda although I don't particularly believe in the mumbo-jumbo. I found it very interesting how her story ended - the author kept us in the dark. However, one has an idea...
And the male protagonist, George. If ever you had a godd Darcy character! He and his interaction with the stray cat was really touching.
All in all I loved the book and will look out for the other novels by this author.

I found this book to be a delightful, pick-me-up of a book. It was predictable but the mysticism in it gave it an unexpected charm. I love books that leave you with a longing to have a reincarnation of the characters in your life which I felt with Brenda. Brenda steals the show with warmth and wisdom. The last line of the book was my favorite!