A review by louisesmith
Hopeless by Elsie Silver

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This one felt a little different to the first four novels in the Chestnut Springs series. Not necessarily in a bad way, as there were certainly elements of the book that I did like. But it felt quite isolated in terms of family. The family dinners weren't such a main focus, Beau's close friendships with the boys wasn't a main feature so in that sense it almost separated it from the others a lot. In hindsight, Beau is the most reserved of them all, therefore I suppose it was really fitting for his character. I was a massive fan of Bailey's character, I liked the development and the rise above the reputation of the rest of her family. I would have to say it did feel rushed, the slow burn wasn't there, and it seemed that Beau had always had an attraction for Bailey which didn't necessarily seem like it fitted into any storyline of the other novels, or even the beginning of this one until their love story was already half way developed. But overall a good addition to the series.