My thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Hope Street’ written by Mike Gayle in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

The council want the tenants in Hope Street to move out so they can demolish the area. Lila Metcalfe is a trainee journalist at the Derby Echo and her editor is sending her to Hope Street to write about the solitary resident, an autistic young man called Connor McLaughlin, who’s refusing to leave and for a very good reason. Three years ago Connor’s mum Bernie left their home at 121 Hope Street and didn’t come home and he fears that if he moves away she won’t find him when she returns. Lila persuades her editor that there’s more to the story than just a stubborn tenant and persuades him to let her find out what happened to Bernie.

‘Hope Street’ is about a young man who holds down a job at DIY-Depot in Derby, and the reporter at the Derby Echo who forms a friendship with him. It’s a heartwarming story of love, care, trust and genuine friendship and is told by Lila, Connor and Bernie. It’s told in the present time reverting back to what happened to Bernie three years ago. I loved all the characters, Lila, Connor, his friend Marcus, and Bernie who wouldn’t willingly have left the son she adores. It was written in such an easy manner that from the first page I was so desperate to know what had happened to Bernie that it was impossible to stop reading. This is the first novel I’ve read by Mike Gayle and I feel I’ve missed out on so many hours of pure enjoyment that I’m going to look for more of his books. This wonderful novel is deserving of a huge five stars although I’d give it more if I could and I can wholeheartedly recommend it.

Wow what an emotional rollercoaster of a read!
Mike Gayle personifies the gauntlet of emotions that we as humans experience in day to day life and relationships.
Throughout the book we are reminded of the importance of friendship, kindness,resilience and hope and we experience the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by the four main characters Bernie,Connor,Marcus and Lila in such a well portrayed realistic manner,
Heartbreaking at times enough to bring a tear to your eye but ultimately uplifting in a triumph over adversity type of way.
A book that will stay with you you long after reading it
Thank you NetGalley for this early read

Hope Street by Mike Gayle

Connor is the last resident in Hope Street, Derby, refusing to move and make way for the developers because he's worried that his missing Mum won't be able to find him when she comes home. Lila is a journalist assigned to the story and tries to help Connor and find his Mum.

What a lovely heartwarming story with fantastic characters - readers are going to fall in love with Connor and cheer him on all the way! Mike Gayle is an auto-buy author for me and I loved everything about this book. Very VERY highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

Another poignant read from this experienced author who never fails to create relatable characters and uplifting tales. Hope Street sees local journalist Lila meet up with vulnerable Connor (who I assumed, having autistic family members, is autistic), the last resident in a street about to be bulldozed and gentrified, who is waiting for his mum, Bernie who is missing, to return home. With three POVs, the reader learns of Bernie's devotion to her son and what happens to her, along with Connor's and Lila's journey together. The ending was beautifully satisfying.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I loved this book.

We meet Connor who is waiting for his mom to come home and won’t leave the house in Hope Street in case she does and won’t know where he is. He’s the last resident in the street which is being demolished.

A journalist, Lila, is asked to find out if a story can be covered in Hope Street, but she doesn’t think there will be. But when she reaches the street, she’s finds that there is a story, much more than just the council wanting to tear down the houses.

I loved Connor and Lila.

I highly recommend this book.

I have read a book by this author before and I remember enjoying it, even though it’s very different to my usual crime thriller genre. When I saw his latest novel was available I thought I would try it and I’m glad I did.

Connor’s mother went missing three years earlier and ever since he’s been living in hope of her returning home. Everyone else on the street has moved as it’s scheduled for demolition and redevelopment but Connor doesn’t want to leave. How will his mum find him when she comes home?
Lila, a journalist at the local paper, writes an article about Connor’s situation and ends up promising to help him find his mum.

Once again, the author has created excellent characters that you really feel for and relate to. I had a soft spot for Connor and Metallica was my soundtrack when I was reading the book.

The plot kept me engaged throughout. Some parts are quite funny but it deals with many serious issues too, such as vulnerable adults, job loss, and relationship breakdowns, to name a few.
I wasn’t so keen on the soppy romance parts of the story, but that’s just me. I found them to be predictable.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and loved the characters. Publishing on 6th February 2025, I highly recommend you pick up a copy! Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for my advance copy in exchange for a review.

4.5 rounded to 4.

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this eCopy to review

I recently read Hope Street by Mike Gayle, and it was an absolutely heart warming experience.

The story follows Lila Metcalfe, a trainee journalist in Derby, who is assigned to cover a story about the last remaining resident on Hope Street, Connor McLaughlin. The city plans to redevelop the area, but Connor refuses to leave, waiting for his mother to return home. As Lila delves deeper into Connor's life, she uncovers a touching and poignant tale of love, loss, and hope.

Gayle has crafted a beautifully uplifting novel that explores the themes of community, resilience, and the power of human connection. The characters are richly developed, and their stories are both relatable and moving. Lila's journey from a sceptical journalist to someone deeply invested in Connor's plight is particularly compelling.

The writing is engaging and heartfelt, making it easy to become emotionally invested in the characters' lives. The mystery surrounding Connor's mother adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, keeping me hooked until the very end.

Hope Street is a touching and inspiring read that reminds us of the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity

A heartwarming story that shows you friendships can really begin in the least places you expect.

This books just demonstrates what an amazing author is Mike Gayle.

A story told from three different perspectives. Connor, a neuro diverse man who won’t leave him home, which is due to be demolished, until his mom returns after leaving one day and never coming back.

His mom, Bernie’s perspective.

Lila, the local news reporter sent to write this story.

Upon the visit Lila promised to help look into Bernie’s missing disappearance but has Lila promised Connor a bit more than she can really handle.

This book, is heartbreaking, funny and touching all in one. It really is an amazing read.

Written with compassion, this was a poignant yet hopeful story. Due to being filled with characters you only want the best for, it was easy to get invested in the mystery at its heart.

Would I recommend?... Yes, if you're after a sweet (and sometimes bittersweet) read

Read for:
- multiple POVs
- cast of endearing characters
- important discussion of social issues
- romance sub-plot
- engaging mystery with a surprising ending

Mike Gayle at his absolute best! A story of love, friendship and mystery! Mike does what he does best, makes you truly care for the characters! This book follows libbys story, a journalist who has a chance for a good story, when Connor is refusing to move out to allow redevelopment on Hope street- his reasons are very sad and you can’t help but hope for a happy ending.

I absolutely love Mike Gayle, and I’m always really excited when I see that he has a new book out. In this book we follow Connor whose mother disappeared three years ago and he’s facing eviction from his home in Hope Street where he has lived for the majority his life. Connor appears to be neurodiverse and all of the changes he is experiencing have a significant impact on him. A local reporter Leila agrees to help him look for his mother so together with Connor‘s friend Marcus they try to uncover what happened to his Mum whilst also supporting him to find alternative accommodation and deal with some of the unpleasant individuals that come into his life at this time.
A really heartwarming and highly recommended read and the easiest of 5 ⭐️ ratings. Put this on the top of your TBR lists for 2025 - you won’t regret it.

I was super excited to get an early copy of Hope Street on Netgalley, and it didn’t disappoint.

Told from the points of view of Lila, Connor, and his mum Bernie, this is a lovely story that’s heartbreakingly sad in parts, but always fun of hope.

Mike Gayle writes people like no one else and makes you genuinely care for his characters. I ached for Connor, and truly hoped his mum would come home. Connor is vulnerable, yet courageous adult, and his chapters give a real insight into the way people see and treat him.

This is a book full of friendship, and love, and is the perfect reminder for us all to be kind and compassionate.

I can’t wait to hear Mike Gayle talk about it at @Urmston Books in February!

Thank you netgalley and
HodderBooks andHodderPublicity for the opportunity to read an early copy of this gorgeous book.

Thank you to the UK publishers and Netgalley for an Advanced Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Mike Gayle book, and it absolutely won't be my last!

I was expecting a cosy and easy read, and in some ways it was feel good, but it also tore my heart out in the best way possible. It was a story full of emotion and I couldn't help but fall in love with the characters.

Tissues might be needed at some points. Just warning you. But it was a beautiful story and I'm sure so many will love it!

I loved, loved, loved this heartwarming novel. I felt a real connection to all of the characters, except Gabe who was a self-entitled pig. I thought the book could have ended at several points so I was delighted to keep finding I was only partway through and could continue to enjoy the story for even longer. An easy 5 stars from me.

I knownthis part of the world well. And it's not one you hear of much in locations for books. So it felt strange but nice to be able to put names to the places and picture it too.
Mike Gayle always does such a beautiful way with his books. His stories are full of sensitive and heartfelt people, places snd plots. I just know I'm going to get emotionally invested in them and this one gladly was no exception.
This time journalist Lila is once again given "one of those jobs" but little does she know what it will.tirn out to be for all involved. Young Connor is the only one left in his housing development to leave. They want his home. But he is refusing to leave. And it's here that Lila learns he won't because he is waiting for his mother. His mother who went missing. It's is then she decides she must help. And so Mike's beautiful telling of their journey begins.
What a gorgeous book. Once againtugged at all my heart strings and created a few more.

A touching story with likeable characters and an intriguing premise. The ending was satisfying and there were plenty of problems along the way, making it hard to see how the author would create a happy resolution. I particularly liked the character of Connor and really rooted for him through this lovely book.

What a lovely heartwarming read. I really enjoyed this story beautifully written with such sensitivity full of warmth and charm. When journalist Lila goes to interview a young man Connor about refusing to leave his home which is needed for a new development she learns the real reason why which is that he is waiting for his mum to come home after going missing.and she does everything she can to try and help him.I loved the location as its where I come from and I recognised all the places mentioned which added to my enjoyment. A lovely story and one I highly recommend

First 5 star review of 2025. I am a big fan of Mike Gayle. This rivalled “the man I think I know”. 10 years since I read “my legendary girlfriend”.

Set in Derby (my home town). Lila a local reporter is sent to Hope Street to meet the final resident as the area is set for redevelopment.

Lila is captivated by Connor’s story. Lila makes it her mission to find out the truth.

Great read.

Oh this one will pull at the heart. What happened to Connor's mum? Why hasn't she come home? Lila, who is sent to find out why Connor won't leave Hope Street, goes all in to help him get answers as to why she's been gone for 3 years. This unfolds gently with bits of back story trickling out at just the right moment. No spoilers from me. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Good storytelling- and a good story- make this a very good read.

I loved this! Heartfelt, uplifting, community spirited and shows the absolute best of people which left me reduced to tears, will always recommend a Mike Gayle novel.