Good concept. I found the dialogue difficult, I couldn't convince myself people actually spoke the way they did in the book, very longwinded explanations which were helpful to understand the story but felt unnatural.

I couldn’t wait to dive in and read this as I feel like I have grown up with this authors novels as have followed them from the beginning. Once I had picked this one up I knew that I wouldn’t be able to put it down and devoured it in one sitting.

Wow what can I say another brilliant book from this author writes from the heart and with lots of empathy and feeling that came across both in the characters and the storyline.

A poignant and heartwarming read of love and friendship and of community spirit and how anything is possible with the help of others and the community coming together.

I would love a sequel to see how the characters lives continue to evolve and develop.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot or the publisher's blurb...

I've read several novels by Mike Gayle, so was looking forward to reading this. I was not disappointed!

The characters were very well-written and believable. I liked the "flashbacks" in the plot, which gave tantalising clues but didn't reveal what had actually happened - until close to the end of the book!

I was very pleased with the eventual outcome for all my favourite characters - and hope that the budding romances continue. It would be interesting to find out what happened next in some of their stories...

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

You know when you pick up a Mike Gayle novel you're in for a treat. This latest offering is no exception, an uplifting, heart warming story telling the story of Lila, a journalist who's sent to the last remaining house on Hope Street to meet Connor. Hope Street is due to be demolished to make way for a new development, Connor refuses to move and when Lila discovers the reason why she sets out to help Connor.
Connor struggles with some aspects of life, and he's waiting for his beloved mum to come home, Bernie went out one day 3 years earlier and has not been since, but Connor is convinced she will return and if he moves then how will she know where he is?
The novel has some fabulous characters, I loved the friendship between Connor and Marcus.
A must read for 2025

Connor is a man in his late 20s with an unspecified learning disability. He has a job and lives alone with small input from family friends. A local journalist wants to speak to him about his refusal to move out of his council home which is to be demolished. She quickly learns that he’s staying put because his mother disappeared a few years earlier and he’s waiting for her to come back. This is such an incredible book and I honestly wept. The characters are so engaging and it’s such a gripping story. Can’t recommend enough.

Brilliant! I really enjoyed it. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy Mike Gayle books. The characters were well-written, the plot was absorbing, the romance was just the right level. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hope Street
Connor has lived in Hope Street for his 20+ years with his mother who disappeared 3 years ago. Due for demolition Conner remains the only resident left on the street refusing to move as he is worried his mother won’t know where to find him when she returns. Lila a news reporter for the local paper takes up the story and tells Connor she will do all she can to investigate what has happened to his mum and also to take the local council to task for the forceful way they have handled the residents removal.

This is a warm emotional beautifully written story with a great depth, whilst really sad at times the personality of the characters stands out with their humour and caring attitudes to Connors concerns.
An absolutely wonderful read from an author whose writing tugs at your heartstrings but always manages to leave you with a big smile and feeling of contentment at the finale.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

Lila works as a journalist on the local newspaper, following in the steps of her grandfather, but has dreams of being on one of the national papers. She covers local interest stories and that is how's she met Connor.

Connor lives in the last occupied house on Hope Street waiting for the return of his mum who left one morning and hasn't yet returned. Lila agrees to help him in the search by raising awareness.

This is a lovely story of friendship, loss and hope. It steps back to give some of the history of Connor and his Mum and why he is so convinced she will return.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

A heart-tugging contemporary novel that had me hooked from chapter two. How have I not read Mike Gayle before this? I'm off to rectify that. This has all the hallmarks of a bestseller.

Full review to come on my blog.

I’m a long time fan of Mike Gayle. You’ll get another great read from Hope Street. I was invested from the first page.

Lila Metcalfe is a local journalist who plans to move to London to be with her long distance boyfriend. She’s interviewing for a position on a national paper, when she finds out that said boyfriend has cheated on her with his ex.

Connor is in his late 20s, with an unspecified learning disability. He has lived in council accommodation on Hope Street since he was small, but with incoming investors pushing the tenants into alternative housing, Connor is the only one remaining on the street.

Lila is sent to cover his story, and discovers his relationship to a woman who has been missing for 3 years, pretty much forgotten by all except Connor and his close family friends. Lila promises Connor she will do all she can to find Bernie, save Hope Street, and bring his Mum home.

I’m not going to lie, I shed some tears. I was rooting for Lila, and Connor to the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another brilliant read from Mike Gayle. Lila is sent to interview the 1 remaining resident on Hope street and discovers he will not move in case his mother returns after 3 years absence . she and his friend Marcus are determined to find out where she has gone. An insight into the life of a young adult with additional needs, and his problems.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book-it couldn’t have been any different to the first book I read of Mike’s over twenty years ago but I loved it equally as much. The depth of characters achieved is what really stands out for me. I feel like i’ve shared their rollercoaster of emotions and the final few chapters really had me welling up. A really lovely, moving book.

Hope Street By Mike Gayle @hodderstoughton and a NetGalley review. Lila Metcalfe seemingly is going through the motions of her life, a journalist who is sued to getting the stories that nobody else wants, wanting more from her career and in a long distance relationship with her long term boyfriend. This changes the moment her editor tells her about a story he wants her to cover. This is where the story begins and she’s introduced to Connor and Hope Street. I am a huge fan of @mikegaylethenovelist I love the way he writes, his characters and the realness about the subjects he writes about and this is no exception. I couldn’t help but fall in love with the characters of this book and had a huge fondness for Connor, although it’s implied that Connor has something like perhaps Autism it’s never said, however through his life he’s found it hard to fit in at school and he’s been bullied amongst other things. Yet Connor has the kindest and biggest heart, he’s hard working and determined, he’s trusting and sometimes people take advantage of his kindness. Lila shares many of the same traits and when she’s committed to something she puts her all into it. The relationship between Connor and Lilia is heartwarming to say the least and they quickly form a strong bond and friendship. This story made me as the reader feel a host of emotions and towards the end made me nearly reach for the tissues. If I had a to find something negative about this book at a push I would say that in parts the story felt familiar, like something I read before by the author and secondly without giving anything away, I felt like the story behind Connor’s missing mum was weak in parts that the police never found her, especially when you find out what actually happened. Even though this is kind of explained it just seems a bit weak. And simply for those two reasons is why it’s a 3 ⭐️ and not a 4⭐️. Having said that I will be recommending this to family and friends and whether already a fan of the author like me or new to the author I think it’s definitely one to add to your TBR. Publication day is 6th Feb 2025 and would definitely recommend pre ordering. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. A story of love and friendship that was written beautifully and with such depth and compassion. Mike Gayle ensures that you care about his characters deeply and I was so invested in Connor’s life that I felt every emotion with him. A wonderfully written story about having hope and never giving up. This book will stay with me. 5 stars

Another wonderful read from Mike Gayle. Lila is a journalist for a local paper and meets Connor. He is refusing to leave his street to make way for a big development as his mum is missing and Lila agrees to help him find her. He's worried if he leave their house she won't be able to find him. I love how he develops his characters, all totally believable

oh i loved this book, i have already recommended this book to my family and friends.
it’s just a lovely book of family, community, love ans above all hope. trust me it will make you smile, sad and just warm your heart

I found Mike Gayle’s books almost 20 years ago and he was probably one of the reasons that I got into reading so much: some of his early books are my all time favourites.
I was really excited to read this book and it certainly didn’t disappoint. I loved every page and the unique plot. It’s definitely worthy of 5 stars. It’s a beautiful book that I’d recommend to anyone.

I really enjoyed this, a fun mystery story, what happened to Connors mum? Lila a local journalist looks into his story with twists and turns along the way. This won't be my last book by this author. Thank you

Due to Mike Gayles incredible writing style, I already knew I’d love this book and It certainly didn’t disappoint. This was an unforgettable, funny and uplifting story following really relatable characters through their highs and lows
Highly recommend this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC - this book will be published 6th February 2025

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for this ARC.

Bernie is 64 and mother to Connor, 27. Connor has learning disabilities and has been living with his mother all his life in Hope Street. He has a job in a DIY shop which he loves and is generally quite happy, as he is loved and safe with his mother, even though strangers can often be cruel.

Then the council start planning a housing development which means that Hope Street needs to be demolished to make way for it. One by one people leave until it's only Bernie and Connor left - and then Bernie mysteriously disappears without a trace.

Three years later, journalist Lila from the local paper gets a tip about the last remaining resident of Hope Street steadfastedly refusing to move and sets out to interview him. She ends up vowing to help Connor find his mother because Connor can't leave while she's missing. She is helped by Connors's best friend Marcus who is initially very sceptical about her and about good news for Connor.

This compelling story is told in dual POV between Connor and Lila, with flashbacks giving us Bernie's rather surprising story.

We get a good insight into the main characters, Connor's motivation and Lila's ambition for a job with a national paper in London. The ending is surprising, and while it's not solving everything the way people wanted, it's full of potential and hope.

However, I feel like the Adele subplot was unnecessary because the drama ultimately went nowhere and was solved too neatly.

This is an emotional and heartwarming story about friendship, loss and not giving up. Mike Gayle has long been a favourite author of mine and he once again proves why. Highly recommended if you loved Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life.

4.5 stars