The heartrending and inspiring sequel to Ellis Island, Kate Kerrigan’s City of Hope is an uplifting story of a woman truly ahead of her time

When her beloved husband suddenly dies, young Ellie Hogan decides to leave Ireland and return to New York, where she worked in the 1920s. She hopes that the city will distract her from her anguish. But the Great Depression has rendered the city unrecognizable. Gone are the magic and ambiance that once captured Ellie’s imagination.

Plunging headfirst into a new life, Ellie pours her passion and energy into running a refuge for the homeless. Her calling provides the love, support, and friendship she needs in order to overcome her grief—until, one day, someone Ellie never thought she’d see again steps through her door. It seems that even the vast Atlantic Ocean isn’t enough to keep the tragedies of the past from catching up with her.

Thoughts

I jumped on a chance to read this book due to loving the first -Ellis Island- last year. To my pleasant surprise I loved this one just as much, if not a little more, a rarity when it comes to sequels. While Kerrigan gives the reader a backdrop from the previous novel, many can read City of Hope as a stand alone and not feel left out from the story. I think what most impresses me about these books are the interesting look at the depression and Ireland immigrants during the 1930's and 40's.

The story is really about self worth and overcoming tragedy, when Kerrigan takes Ellie on her own back to America after losing her husband she was able to bring out some of Ellie's hidden gifts in her smarts for business, her desires and a sense of maturity. Her new found focus to help others actually helps Ellie's character realize the potential she has in America, but more so the potential she has in herself. Not to say she's perfect because some of her choices when faced with the past, rub against this new found maturity, but nonetheless she has many redeeming qualities and character growth throughout.

I would highly recommend this to lovers of historical fiction or readers who enjoy fiction for women in strong, independent roles.

Kate Kerrigan is the author of three previous novels. She lives in Ireland with her husband and their two sons.

Visit Kate’s website at www.katekerrigan.ie and follow her on Twitter: @katekerrigan.