Hope on the Inside

Hope on the Inside is a special, heartwarming story. I thought it contained good writing and the story progressed at a nice pace. Hope likes to be active and to help people. After their move to Olympia, she is at loose ends. The job teaching crafts to female inmates seems like the perfect fit. Unfortunately, the rules make it difficult to teach anything except kid level activities. Hope comes up with a plan and works out a deal with the superintendent. When she sees how the women feel bad about not being able to give gifts to their loved ones, she develops a quilting project. She also wants to help the ladies regain confidence in themselves. Hope on the Inside is a feel-good story about women helping women. I would have liked more time devoted to the quilting classes themselves. We also see Rick and Hope struggling with their marriage. They have entered a new phase of their lives and their marriage is suffering. Rick is at loose ends without his job and spends his days baking bread (and eating it). He needs a new purpose, like Hope, before working out his relationship with Hope. Their daughter, Mackenzie is having marital problems after her husband cheated. She looks to her parents for guidance (could have done without this particular thread). My favorite phrase from Hope on the Inside is “there’s no such thing as too much yarn or too much chocolate.” I find this to be very true. The Christian element is light, but inspiring. Hope on the Inside is a charming story, but it is not my favorite by Marie Bostwick. The author’s Cobbled Court Quilt series was delightful with a special cast of characters. Hope on the Inside is a sweet and uplifting tale.

Good