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A review by bsteel29
Hopeless by Elsie Silver
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The final installment in the Chestnut Springs series. Beau has returned from his final deployment after suffering from burns and as a result, PTSD. He is struggling to find his place in the world and adjust to civilian life. That is, until he befriends Bailey, an outcast trying to hide away from the shame, missed opportunities and prejudice that her last name brings. Bailey instills a sense of purpose within Beau and he bets that he can win the town over and change their minds about Bailey if they they get engaged.
I enjoyed getting to know Beau more as he has been a mystery throughout this series. I thought that the way Elsie portrayed his PTSD was done well, it was realistic while still being sensitive to those that may suffer. I loved how strong Bailey was and how she supported Beau. This book wrapped the series up well and I felt emotional reading the last few chapters. I just felt like this book lacked something for me. Perhaps, it was the build up to finding out about Beau as it had been hinted at throughout the series. So, this book felt a little anticlimactic. There was also repetition of some similar themes. For example, I felt that the age gap was similar to the second book and not an element that was necessary and it was also mentioned a lot. I think it could have just focused on the fake dating element. It was still an enjoyable read and one that I'll read again. Harvey's jokes were on point, as per 👌🏻.
I enjoyed getting to know Beau more as he has been a mystery throughout this series. I thought that the way Elsie portrayed his PTSD was done well, it was realistic while still being sensitive to those that may suffer. I loved how strong Bailey was and how she supported Beau. This book wrapped the series up well and I felt emotional reading the last few chapters. I just felt like this book lacked something for me. Perhaps, it was the build up to finding out about Beau as it had been hinted at throughout the series. So, this book felt a little anticlimactic. There was also repetition of some similar themes. For example, I felt that the age gap was similar to the second book and not an element that was necessary and it was also mentioned a lot. I think it could have just focused on the fake dating element. It was still an enjoyable read and one that I'll read again. Harvey's jokes were on point, as per 👌🏻.
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness and Fire/Fire injury