This was okay, but pretty average for this genre in my opinion. There was something about Lucy I couldn't warm to - a bit flat perhaps? I enjoyed reading about the office goings-on, and Brenda was a wonderful character. There were lots of good elements - I'm not sure the locket business was even required. I liked the knitting storyline. Yes, overall a good read, but I couldn't say I was rooting for Lucy.

A charming sweet novel about a girl, Lucy, coming into her own with the help of her elderly neighbor.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author. All opinions are my own.

The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker is a wonderful heartwarming story that everyone should read. This is a novel that will leave a mark on your soul long after you have finished reading it.

A wonderful heartwarming and up lifting story. I absolutely loved this book from the start, the mention of Poldark may have helped lol. We see a beautiful relationship between two woman,that are years apart in age, but they have a lovely warm, close friendship. Although the story mainly focuses on Lucy,Brenda and George, we get to meet the personalities of Lucy"s work colleagues, especially Adam and his one liners. This is a lovely story full of friendship, love, family and kindness. There are some beautifully tender moments in this story, that i could personally relate to. Wonderfully written.

A story of a magical, romantic journey for Lucy, who has a wonderful relationship with her elderly, whimsical neighbour Brenda.
Brenda helps Lucy to break out into the world away from her knitting to form new friendships and, to boost her confidence she gives her a magical locket reminding her she must follow the instructions for her hopes and dreams to come true. There is a comical element to the story which had me smiling. A nice easy read and I’m sure it will be enjoyed by all

I enjoyed this lovely story of friendship, love and self realization. Lucy is basically shy, not as successful as her sister, Emily, and single. Her best friend is a 79 year old woman, Brenda, beginning to show signs of dementia. Full of laughs, tears and a touch of magic, a very enjoyable read.

One of those rare books that you feel bereft upon finishing, and feel as though you will walk out of your front door and be there with them. The relationship between Brenda and Lucy was beautifully written, and one that will stay with me for a very long time.

Oh what a fabulous book
Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
Brenda and Lucy's friendship is just heart warming I laughed and cried a book I would highly recommend to friends

As I read this story it reminded me of the classic fairy tales of our childhood. Complete with a black cat, a good witch, a strong and silent prince charming and a Cinders-esque protagonist, with some spells and a magic locket thrown in for good measure. It all adds up to a compelling and unusual story with magical qualities and a good upbeat, happy feel to it. Where being kind and thoughtful wins the day.

There are some great characterisations; who hasn’t come across an Adam or Daniel in the office, both of whom sail pretty close to the wind when it comes to acceptable office behaviour. George – Lucy’s neighbour and prospective love interest reminded me very much of Doc Martin with his awkward social ineptitude.

The relationship between Brenda and Lucy played a central part in the story. I've read quite a few books of late that centre around older people. It's nice to be reminded that they were all young once and just because they've aged in years doesn't mean they're any less fun than they were in their younger days. We've all still got the child, the teenager and the 20 something in us, no matter how old we get and I think it's great that authors are including spirited older characters in their books.

It was a lovely story. Funny, but with a humour that was never forced, heartwarming and one to just make you sigh and say ahh without being overly sentimental. I loved it and would definitely read another book by this author.

Thank you to Avon Books UK via Netgalley for this ARC

I adored this book. I love my thrillers and crime but I always need to read a feel good book to give me a break from the drama. This was the perfect book. It had it all for me, friendship, love, comedy - I laughed out loud numerous times - magic, love interest and very sympathetically handled dementia.

Occasionally I come across a book I’ll read again and again, this is one of those books. I’ll buy a hard copy of The Hope and Dreams of Lucy Barker and it will become a well read and much loved favourite.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest and unbiased opinion.

A really nice heartwarming story. Lovely characters. I finished this so quirky but didn’t want it to end. A must read

What a lovely mix of knitting, friendship, a magical cat and friendship. Jenni Keer has a refreshing writing style and tells a heart- warming story about her compelling characters, Lucy and Brenda. Lucy is just lovely and deserves some romance in her life but she is too reserved to take matters into her own hands. Brenda, who is living with dementia, is a fabulous quirky older friend who sees what Lucy needs and helps things along when she gives her special locket to Lucy. To say more would reveal too much so, if you like to cosy up with a book and escape into a feel good world, just try this little gem.

The beautiful cover of this book caught my eye and I love trying a new author so I grabbed a copy of The Hope and Dreams of Lucy Baker and got comfortable.

Lucy Baker is a kind and giving character who always shies away from the lime light and leaves her best friend Jess and her sister Emily to bask in the attention. I loved the character of Lucy and how with her lovely friend Brenda's guidance she starts to think outside her current constraints and put herself out into the big wide world a bit more.

This is a remarkable story of how Lucy is gifted a locket from her elderly friend with instructions to do as the locket says. Following this you are then taken on a whirlwind journey where Lucy gains a new friend due to a magical black cat that turns up and takes residence with the sneezing George.

I loved this book it is the perfect feel good read with a touch of magic and mystery thrown in. I felt like the characters were my neighbours and I wanted to keep reading to see what happens to Lucy next and whether she finally starts to believe in herself. This is a heart warming debut novel and I look forward to seeing what gems Jenni Keer has in store for us in the future.

I'm not sure where the mediocre or bad reviews for this gem came from as I found it so heartwarming and entertaining. Loved the dynamic between Brenda and Lucy. The office dynamics were all too real but with a nice comic edge. I stayed up late reading this and did not want to put it down.

Lots of magical realism sprinkled into this romantic comedy which worked really well. I look forward to reading more by Jenni Kerr but I have to wonder again why all recent romcom books go on and on about Ross Poldark? I mean I too love Poldark but is he the new Mr Darcy or what?

2.5 stars

I’ve never read anything by this author in the past, but this one sounded interesting. However, it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. I did like the magical twists. However, I found the story slow to build and hard to stay engaged with at times. There was a bit more focus on the stray cat than I would’ve liked. It was also a bit predictable, but it was an okay read overall. I really liked Brenda, and I found her, as well as the relationship between her and Lucy, to be the best part of the book.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

"Sometimes a little something can mean everything."
This is a delightful novel about friendship, love and a bit of magic thrown into each page.
A friendship that is least expected between a 79 year old quirky lady, Brenda and a 25 year old named Lucy who lacks spontaneity and confidence in her life.
As the story unfolds, both women realize how much they need each other and they come to truly care for one another.
The old locket that Brenda gives to her friend has the magic that will help Lucy step out of her comfort level and find happiness.
This is absolutely a heartwarming, feel good story and one the world needs to read and share!

I believe in fate and that things come into your life for a reason. I was attracted to this book and requested it from NetGalley. I was so pleased when I was approved. I have always had older women as friends since I became an adult. I adore the older population and see so much wisdom, strength and love in them. I am happy when I see an older character in a book and I always hope that the love that I have felt so often will be present in the character’s personality.
I was not disappointed in the character of Brenda Pethybridge. She is wise, magical and loving. She makes me miss all the friends I held so closely over my life, that sadly are not here in physical form any longer, (they are always in my heart).
I love the character of Lucy Baker also. I would be great friends with her. I love to do crafts and mine are sometimes a bit odd, just as Lucy’s are. I have a tendency to be on the clumsy side, seem to be overheard saying the wrong thing at the right time and find myself in situations that I cannot believe myself.
Lucy has been living next to Brenda for two years and they have become the best of friends. Brenda is slowly showing signs of confusion and it is revealed early in the story that she will only get worse as time goes on. Brenda has taken it upon herself to be a reliable overseer, popping in to check on Brenda, which allows Brenda to continue living as she has in the past.
George moves into the property next to Brenda at the beginning of the story. He is not outgoing and is short with comments and appears extremely rude to begin with. As with everyone, we know that the surface is just what people let stranger see and there is much more below the surface that comes out after becoming friends.
Brenda has been known in the community as a spiritual person and the source of herb related cures for all that hurts you. She gives Lucy a locket that has magical powers to bring you and your true love together. Soon Lucy is following the messages that appear on the locket, with George in mind as her love.
We meet Lucy’s family in the story and see where her caring soul comes from (her father) and her insecurities (her mother) and her protective instinct (her sister).
Lucy loves her job at Tompkins Toy Wholesaler, but knows the company is not doing the best. A new manager is brought in to bring the company to success and everyone is fearful of the outcome. This adds more stress to Lucy, but she stays true to herself and that is all anyone can ask of her.
So much happens in the story, however the plots flows wonderfully together. The book is believable with a little magic installed in it, to make it sparkle. I truly loved this warm, feel good story and I will be missing Brenda, Lucy and George for a while, since they took hold of a piece of my heart.
Thank you to Jenni Keer for writing this wonderful book, her first published. I look forward to many more books in the future. I also want to thank NetGalley.com and the publisher Avon Books UK for allowing me to read the ARC. I am so blessed that you chose to let me read this book and let me remember my wonderful, older, strong women friends I have had in my life.

Lucy is a gem, but so many of her family and co-workers either don't see her quiet sparkle, or take advantage of her giving nature. Lucy quietly rises to meet all challenges, be it a crisis at work, an ailing friend, a slippery stray cat that refuses to be rescued, or her difficult (but handsome) new neighbour. The writing is light and airy and easy on the eyes and heart. This is definitely a cozy, rainy day read for someone who wants to kick back and have a pleasant, comfy escape, with a hint of adventure, magic and romance to while away the hours.

I had heard about this book a lot from different authors on Facebook and really liked the feedback and wanted to read it and certainly didn't let me down and can't wait to read more by this author now. It's full of friendship, romance, families, mystery and plenty of learning how to gain your own confidence to be a better person. It's simply a fantastic read and didn't want it to end at all amazing and teaches you so much.
Lucy has lived in Lancaster road for a number of years and someone new is moving in and she sees him and learns he's called George but he clearly doesn't want to know anyone. Her mother turns up she has always felt as if her mother is prouder of her sister as she has a high flying job and a husband and family and Lucy hasn't so she puts her down. She's having a party and would love for Lucy to have a man with her but she really isn't sure as she is more interested in her knitting and she's just started a new job and really wants this to work as its in a toy factory. Her neighbour Brenda listens to Lucy's problems and one day gives her a necklace saying it's time she had it and will help her build her confidence up and as long as she follows the instructions it gives her she may get the man she wants as she has admitted her heart skips a beat when she sees George. A stray cat turns up on George's door but he says he can't take it in as allergic to it but he says Lucy will have to take it and she says she can't as she can't have them in her rented flat. She's really trying to make work be right for her and she feels with the necklace on she is gaining confidence. She sees the cat about and wonders where it is staying and learns it is with George and can she look after it while he's away with work. She's given a key and she's also trying to follow the instructions from the necklace and she really believes it's magic. Poor Brenda gets diagnosed with dementia and she really tries to look after her and she has a new boss at work and thinks she will loose her job. She also learns her sister is struggling so she goes to see her and gets George to check in on Brenda. She is so gaining in her confidence but can she keep her job and please her mother and make her proud and can she find the romance she longs for. Will she finally learn that it's her that's gained the confidence and it's not down to the necklace can she believe in herself. She will also get heartbreak along the way as well.
A fantastic read that is worth far more than five stars and a great easy read to highly recommend it to anyone.

Now this is the sort of reading I can't get enough of, because The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker is about a cat, knitting and a gorgeous George next door!

Four stars for this lovely story that made laugh out loud several times, but wasn't over the top hilarious (for which I am grateful, I can't stand it when characters are trying too hard to be funny). Therefore it deserves to be on my for-a-rainy-day shelf on Goodreads.

All the residents from Lancaster Road had their own voice and the book was very gentle, so today my motto will be: Be Kind Always.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.