The Greatest Adventure.

Connor is happy in his own little world, going to work and then returning to his house to wait for his mum to come home. Except she hasn’t come home and the council are wanting to demolish his house. Lila is tasked on covering the story for the local paper but she soon realises this is more than it seems.

What a wonderful book, I loved it and read it in less than 24 hours. Wonderful characters and my favourite part was the relationship between Connor and Alan. This book was a case of right book at the right time and was perfect for a break from my usual thrillers or murders. Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and good luck to the author on its release.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Publication Date - 06/02/2025

#HopeStreet
#MikeGayle

Another heartwarming, emotional rollercoaster of a read from Mike Gayle.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

Lila Metcalfe is a trainee journalist in Derby & she's very used to being given the stories that no one else wants. So, when her editor tells her that the city's Cossington Park development is being held up by a solitary resident on Hope Street who is refusing to leave, she knows she is going to be the one sent to find out more. And that's how she meets Connor. Twenty-something Connor is the sole resident of Hope Street & he is not at all what Lila is expecting. And he has a very clear reason not to move: he is waiting for his mum to come home.

Needless to say I am a huge Mike Gayle fan so have excitedly been counting down to this latest release, and once again, the wait was most definitely worth it!

Mike has a wonderful talent of producing titles that are full of characters that you fall in love with instantly, accompanied by a beautiful, heartfelt story, written in his unique, embracing, captivating & emotional style.

Hope Street is no exception, introducing us to Lila, a character that knows what she wants, her journey in this title being one of deeper self-discovery. And then there’s Connor, someone who doesn’t believe in himself but lives in a world of gentle naivety, but with one clear focus; wanting to know what happened when his mum didn’t return home one day three years ago.

I loved reading how the story unfolded, as always in Gayle’s books there are moments that make you smile, moments that make you laugh & moments that make you cry, it’s an emotional rollercoaster that you enjoy every single minute of. It is a thought-provoking, cleverly executed story that can’t fail to leave you with a heartwarming, fuzzy feeling inside, reminding you to never ever give up hope - I didn’t want it to end!

“We can’t change what’s already happened, all we can do is deal with what’s in front of us”

This is another beautiful, engaging and moving story by Mike Gayle. Connor has a learning difficulty and lives with his Mum on Hope Street which is up for demolition by the Council. When his Mum fails to return home one day and is missing for 3 years, Connor refuses to move in case she returns and can't find him. This story has a cast of lovely, relatable people whose kindness is heartwarming and moving. Connor is a delightful, gentle soul and my heart ached for him as he faced numerous trials alone. I really couldn't put this book down and read it every moment I could as I was so concerned for, and engrossed in, Connor's story. I loved this book. Mike Gayle is a master when it comes to writing about good people and how kindness and love can overcome bad situations. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. My review is voluntarily given.

I love Mike Gayle's books, and Hope Street is another superb read. I know that I am in for a real treat, that I will love the characters and they will stay with me for a long time.
Connor won't leave his home in Hope Street as he is waiting for his mum to come home. He is the last resident in the once vibrant street. How will she find him when she comes back of he moves out as the council wants him to? Lila, a journalist with the local newspaper, is given the job of seeing if there is a story to be had in Hope Street. She does not think it will be much, but is soon scooped up into Connor's world and finds there is a real story to be told.
I adored this book. Connor and Lila are so wonderful. I knew I would go through ever emotion as always with one of Mike's books, and you never know which way one of his books will end!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lila Metcalf is a journalist working on the Derby Echo. She is in a 5-year relationship with Gabe who lives many miles away in London. Lila is hoping to move there soon, to join one of the big tabloid newspapers and fulfil her lifelong ambition.

Lila is about to leave the office for the day when her editor asks her to interview a man living on a housing estate, who is refusing to move out of his home. Connor is the only resident in Hope Street as all his neighbours have moved out of the area which is to be regenerated, their old homes now having been boarded up. Connor is refusing to move out as his mum left three years ago and never came back. Connor believes that one day his mum will come back, but if he moves then she won’t know where to find him. Soon, Lila realises that there is much more to Connor’s initial story and promises him and his friend Marcus that she will track down Connor’s mum.

The story is told from various points of view and moved seamlessly between what happened to Bernie, Connors mum and Lila’s search for her. As the story develops, we learn much about the back story of the four main characters as their lives start to entwine with a bond that will last longer than the last page of the book.

I just LOVED this book. It was just such an enthralling story and is packed full of emotion and hope. There are many times you are lead to believe that all is lost, but determination and love win through.
A very easy 5 stars for Mike Gayle’s latest book.

Connor is the only remaining resident of Hope Street, and is resisting the council's attempts to make him move so that they can demolish the street.
Lila is a local journalist who's sent to write a story about his refusal to move.
She discovers that Connor won't leave Hope Street as he's waiting for his mum to come home - she went out three years previously and never came back.
This is a beautiful and engaging book.

4.5 stars!

I love when a new Mike Gayle book comes out as you know you will get a well-written story with a varied, believable and relatable cast of characters who you are rooting for before you know it! Hope Street was no different and I highly recommend if you are in the mood for a warm hug of a read!

5* (only because 6* isn’t an option) Hope Street - Mike Gayle. Spine tinglingly brilliant.

Trainee journalist Lila is sent to interview a man who refuses to move, despite all of his neighbours having been rehoused by the local Council to make way for a new development. But Connor has good reason to stay put and Lila can’t help be drawn into his life to try and help him - finding friends and adventures along the way.

So so good in every respect. With no exception, the characters are fabulous (even the horrors who we are suspicious of). The plot zips along, is twisty and utterly readable in the way only a masterful author can do. The journey is a rollercoaster but weaves throughout is such utter warmth that even the low points for the Lila and Connor have a sparkle.

I immediately knew I was going to love Hope Street and it just got better the further in I got. By the end I was utterly invested and the ending is breathless, uplifting and satisfying.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for an ARC.

Mike Gayle does it again with Hope Street, a deeply moving and beautifully written novel that tugs at the heartstrings while keeping you gripped from start to finish.

The story follows Lila Metcalf, an ambitious journalist on the cusp of her big break, as she delves into the life of Connor McLaughlin, the last resident of 121 Hope Street.

While the council is eager to redevelop the area, Connor refuses to leave until he uncovers the truth about his mother Bernie’s mysterious disappearance three years ago.

This premise sets the stage for a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.

As a former local reporter myself, Lila massively resonated with me.

Her passion for proper journalism, her determination to uncover the truth, and her drive to tell a story that really matters felt so authentic and relatable.

Mike Gayle captures her ambition and sense of justice perfectly, and it’s impossible not to root for her as much as for Connor.

Gayle’s writing shines with empathy and care, making you feel deeply connected to his characters.

Connor is a standout – vulnerable yet courageous, he’s a character who stays with you long after the last page.

The supporting cast is just as compelling, filled with people who show the best and worst of humanity.

From those who offer kindness and friendship to those who exploit Connor’s struggles, every character feels real and impactful.

The storyline surrounding the redevelopment of Hope Street is both timely and poignant.

Gayle masterfully captures the loss of community and heritage in the name of progress, weaving an emotional thread through Connor’s fight to stay put.

The balance of the mystery surrounding Bernie’s disappearance and the broader issues of gentrification makes for a layered and engrossing read.

As always, Gayle delivers an emotional rollercoaster.

The moments of heartbreak are softened by warmth and hope, and the themes of love and friendship add richness to the story.

It’s a book that reminds you of the power of connection and the importance of standing up for what matters.

With its authentic characters, compelling mystery, and emotional depth, Hope Street is another triumph from Mike Gayle.

A must-read for fans of character-driven stories that resonate deeply.

Highly recommended.

With huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mike Gayle has written a beautiful masterpiece yet again.

A totally wonderful read.

Developers are buying all.the properties on Hope Streer, Conner is the last one standing and will go to all lengths to save his home.

I absolutely love love Mike Gayles writing I really don't know how he pulls another cracker of a read out the bag,

A must read and my book of the year.

This is my first book by this author, I will look out for his books in future. I really enjoyed this story, told from multiple POVs and with characters I could really warm to. The central character Connor is finely drawn, and I would think most of us have met in our lives, such a vulnerable young man or woman.
Reading the ups and downs of Connor’s life is sad, infuriating but also happy and full of hope, because he is such a likeable young man that he inspires real loyalty in his friends. Reading about the bullying Connor endured at school, and still endures, makes this reader sad, but it was ever thus. The bullying types who take advantage of and exploit weaker mortals will always be amongst us. Thankfully in this case, their nastiness is outweighed by the people who care about Connor.
Lila’s career and romantic dilemmas were realistically described, and interesting to follow. Will she/ won’t she, and who will she finally choose, kept me hooked.
Ultimately this book is about love. The love of Connor for his dear Mum, Bernie’s enduring love for her son, despite all the difficulties of being a single mum to a child with special needs, who then becomes a grown man.
The love of friends and colleagues whose lives are intertwined with Connor and his fight for his home in Hope Street, all give the reader hope that the good people in this tough old world, outweigh the other sort. Love will prevail.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this delightful book. I look forward to more from this author.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book and thought it had great potential. Unfortunately this book did not grab me in the way I hoped. I liked the writing style and the idea of the storyline but the execution did not have me on the edge of my seat wanting more. I definitely think other readers will love this but for me it slightly missed the mark. However I think this author has great promise and I will definitely look for her future books to give them a read

(3.5 rounded up to 4) I really enjoyed this multi-person narrative about the remaining resident of Hope Street and his refusal to move because he must wait for his mother to return home. Connor's Mum went missing 3 years earlier and with the council having plans to demolish his estate to make way for a new housing development, Connor tries everything to stay in the house.

He befriends a journalist, Lila, who interviews him for a local paper and ends up helping him try to track down his Mum. His childhood friend, Marcus (son of his Mum' best friend) also helps, resulting in an unlikely trio banding together on the hunt for answers and justice.

It's an emotional story without being twee and the three narrators are all likeable, particularly Connor, who Whilst tracking down Connor's Mum is prevalent to the story, the author is keen to highlight the abomination and callous behaviour that some local councils have towards the less needy.

One downside - I felt the Adele story arc was unnecessary - I can see why the author wanted to include it but the story was strong enough on its own to highlight Connor's plight.

All in all a captivating read.

I absolutely adored this book. It was full of wonderful characters who came to life as soon as I met them. Mike Gayle certainly knows how to write a heartwarming and heart breaking novel all rolled into one! I couldn’t put it down.
When Lila, a journalist on a local newspaper in Derby, is asked to look into a man who is refusing to leave his council home despite a new development being planned on his street and the offer of better accommodation, she meets Connor.
Connor is a young man with learning difficulties who works in a DIY store and the reason he is not prepared to move from his home is that his mother with whom he lived, walked out 3 years previously and never came back. She has been declared missing and he fears that if he leaves she will not be able to find him when she returns.
Most of the people he knows fear she is dead, including his best friend Marcus, son of his mother’s oldest friend, Marcus and his mother help Connor knowing how difficult it is for him on his own and fearing his vulnerability.
Lila is captivated by this story and promises to run an article in her newspaper, ultimately agreeing to try and find Bernie, his mother.
This is such a great read- it is certainly my favourite book of 2025 so far- yes I know it’s only January but other novels will have to go some to be better than this!
I really enjoyed the story- it was such a clever plot and even the romance amidst the heartache was enjoyable and lightened the mood.
The book is told from Connor’s point of view- I loved the way he saw the world- and Lila’s too as she helps Connor and navigates her own personal life. Mike Gayle certainly made both characters come to life and I felt nothing but sympathy for Connor’s predicament and the way he had been treated most of his life. It is certainly a book that made me think and it will stay with me long after I have read the last page.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

Usual Mike Gayle full of wonderful characters that you care for. 20 something Connor is vulnerable with learning difficulties. He lives alone on Hope Street - the only resident left. Hope Street has been earmarked by the council for demolition. All the other occupants have left but not Connor - he is refusing to leave. Lila works for the local newspaper and her editor sends her to interview Connor. She gets drawn into his story because the reason he won’t move is that he is waiting for his mum to come home. Three years previous she walked out and never came back. He won’t move because when she comes back, how will she find him? We see his back story, the love his mum, Bernie, has for him. We see her story as well. The other characters just leap off the page. Alan, who works with Connor, Marcus who grew up with Connor and is his best friend, Adele who was thgirl who made Connor’s life a misery when he was at school. Connor is someone whose side you are on, you are drawn to him and the author sends you on an emotional rollercoaster. We even have romance. A lovely story and a true Mike Gayle.

Hope Street by Mike Gayle

The council have some big plans to develop the area of Cossington Park, Derby but these plans are put on hold because the last resident of Hope Street refuses to move out.

When Lila, a reporter from The Derby Echo, goes to investigate she meets Connor, the resident refusing to leave. He tells Lila the heartbreaking story of how his mother left one day three years ago and never came home. He is afraid if he leaves when she eventually returns, she won’t be able to find him.

Sensing a big story and with the help of Marcus, Connor’s friend, Lila agrees to do all she can to help track down his mother. Through their efforts wonderful friendships are formed, love blossoms and a real sense of community is created.

Connor finds some of the most normal situations difficult and life was so much easier when his mum was around. Their relationship was so strong and now she is gone there is a huge gaping hole in his heart. He has kindness and compassion in abundance and always brings out the best in people. His positivity and hope never falter even at the worst times. It is heartbreaking when he is treated so cruelly, especially when he tries to understand why people act in this way.

Another beautiful character-driven novel by the exceptional Mr Gayle. He is always guaranteed to create the most loveable personalities and produce a story that makes you shed a tear at how cruel but also how wonderful life can be.

An emotional and poignant story dealing with love and loss, sadness and despair but also friendship, joy and primarily hope. A very enjoyable read and one that will have you reaching for the tissues.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

I absolutely loved this book. A poignant uplifting heartfelt emotional read. I couldn’t put it down.
Lila metcalfe is a trainee journalist her is sent to interview Connor McLaughlin, the sole resident of Hope Street. Connor is waiting for his mum Bernie to come home, she left three years ago and hasn’t returned. Lila agrees to help Connor find his mum.
A brilliant story of friendship, loss. hope, love, community spirit and never giving up. It’s told through three different POV’s - Lila, Connor and Bernie.
It’s beautifully written with such depth, empathy and warmth. The characters are written in such a way that you really care about them. They are so likeable and very real.
I loved the authors writing style with the engaging storyline that tugs at your heart and brings tears to your eyes. It just keeps you turning the pages.
Definitely recommend if you enjoy this genre, you’ll enjoy this one. I look forward to reading what @mikegaylethenovelist writes next.
With thanks to #NetGallery #HodderAndStoughton for an arc of #HopeStreet in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 6 February 2025.

Beautifully written with real, likeable characters that I invested in. This was a wonderful story of friendship and hope, of family and never giving up. I just loved it.

Another wonderful and beautifully written story by Mike Gayle.

Lila is a local journalist in Derby who is trying to get herself a new job on a national paper in London so she can live with her long-distance boyfriend Gabe. Lila picks up the story of Connor, the only resident left on Hope Street which is going to be demolished to make way for a new development. What Lila finds is a heartbreaking story of a son who is wanting to stay put so when his mum returns after being missing for 3 years, she will know where to find him.

I loved this book from start to finish, enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and found it moving and funny in equal measure. Mike Gayle writes fully developed characters that leap off the page.