A Reason for Hope

On San Julian Island, across Puget Sound from Seattle, Tessa Jordan works as a bookmobile librarian, recommending books and poems to her patrons. In her spare time, she cares for a colony of feral cats. But Tessa’s simple, satisfying life is shockingly upended after she meets Nick Payne, a respected community leader, and he invites her to dinner.
Far from a pleasant first date, Tessa’s evening with Nick leaves her feeling confused and upset. After deep soul-searching, she decides to step forward and accuse him of assault. Her distress grows when local prosecutor Will Armstrong declines to pursue her case, citing lack of evidence. Her main solace is Hope, a courthouse dog, trained to comfort victims through the difficult judicial process. As she lays her head in Tessa’s lap, her gentle brown eyes seem to say, Don’t worry. Everything will be all right.
Will—Hope’s primary handler—longs to get justice for Tessa, yet knows how rocky the path will be. It’s Hope who, true to her name, shines a bright ray through the darkness. With Hope by their side, Will and Tessa find surprising strength in each other as they learn just how resilient a heart—whether human or canine—can be.

Praise

“This timely novel explores resilience, love, and the healing power of dogs after librarian Tessa Jordan’s life is turned upside down following a traumatic assault. You’ll root for Tessa as local prosecutor Will Armstrong and his yellow Labrador Hope help her find justice.” Modern Dog Magazine

“Sensitively written…A trauma victim climbs from despair to optimism, aided by Hope, a yellow Labrador retriever ‘courthouse dog’ trained to offer comfort. As the title implies, both Hope and hope eventually prevail.” – Shelf Awareness

“A Labrador retriever named Hope brings comfort to a woman struggling with the ramifications of her sexual assault…The theme is so powerful that A Reason for Hope is a #MeToo novel that will resonate with readers.” –Booklist

“In A Reason for Hope, author Kristin von Kreisler shares the healing skills that specially trained dogs can deploy when dealing with victims of trauma or abuse. The novel has some ‘meet cute’ ingredients, but the story’s core is #MeToo, and the author firmly adheres to its protagonist’s quest for justice and healing. As the title conveys, hope is an essential ingredient of this story. While Tessa and Will are the major human players in this novel, von Kreisler also accords a fair amount of ink to the thought processes of the title character, the canine embodiment of hope.”
–The Bookmonger, Discoverourcoast.com

“Timely, evocative, and important, Kristin von Kreisler consistently reminds us that when the going gets tough, the someone by your side, guaranteed never to let you down, is invariably your dog.” –Nicholas Trout, New York Times bestselling author

Nobody I know writes with more compassion toward the most vulnerable amongst us be they humans or animals than Kristin von Kreisler. And at the same time she involves you in the most intricate and fascinating of plots. I have always admired her writing but this book takes it to new heights. Prepare to laugh and cry but especially to find love. –Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, New York Times bestselling author

“A Reason for Hope…is enlightening,informative, and well-written.” –New York Journal of Books

“Kristin von Kreisler writes with honesty and heart about a wrenching and timely topic, and the healing power of the bond between humans and dogs. A compelling, emotional read.” –Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author

In A Reason for Hope, novelist Kristin von Kreisler treats a most difficult topic with a deft hand, balancing good story telling with compassion and veracity. Even in this time of #Metoo, readers will come away with a much deeper awareness of the difficulty in seeking–and getting–justice. And, as always, von Kreisler gives the reader a great dog to fall in love with. The titular Hope is perfection. –Susan Wilson, New York Times bestselling author

“…gently respectful…enjoyable…tightly crafted…authentic…and real.” — The Bookworm