Her Last Hope by Louise Guy

By Pamelascott

​Abi's life has been turned upside down by her husband's death-in more ways than she could ever have imagined. With his dodgy business dealings now exposed, gone is her glamorous lifestyle and the trust of her family and friends. How could the man who said he loved her have betrayed her so spectacularly?

​Abi's new neighbour Lucinda and her four-year-old son Max are struggling to overcome their own betrayal by Max's violent, vengeful father. The pieces of Lucinda's life seem finally to be coming together when she is given a new identity and finds an ally in Abi. But an unexpected twist throws both women's lives into fresh turmoil.

​Faced with a tougher time than they ever thought possible, Abi and Lucinda turn to each other. It's an unlikely friendship built on common ground-but is it strong enough to help them rebuild their lives from rock bottom?

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With her head bowed, Abi stole a glance from under her dark sunglasses at the handful of mourners surrounding the grave. CHAPTER ONE

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(Lake Union Publishing, 17 August 2021, 363 pages, borrowed from @AmazonKindle, #PrimeReading)

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I've enjoyed other books by the author and was looking forward to Her Last Hope. One thing that stands out about the author's books is that, judging by the bright covers you think you are in for a cosy domestic read but the books are quite dark so are always a surprise. Abi and Lucina are great characters and my heart went out to them. This is a gripping, intense read. I'd recommend it.