Hope in a Jar

A Novel

By: Beth Harbison

Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy

Twenty years ago, Allie Denty was the pretty one and her best friend Olivia Pelham was the smart one. Throughout high school, they were inseparable…until a vicious rumor about Olivia— a rumor too close to the truth—ended their friendship.

Now, on the eve of their twentieth high school reunion, Allie, a temp worker, finds herself suddenly single, a little chubby, and feeling old. Olivia, a cool and successful magazine beauty editor in New York, realizes she's lonely, and is finally ready to face her demons.

Sometimes hope lives in the future; sometimes it comes from the past; and sometimes, when every stupid thing goes wrong, it comes from a prettily packaged jar filled with scented cream and promises.

Beth Harbison has done it again. A hilarious and touching novel about friendship, Love's Baby Soft perfume, Watermelon Lip Smackers, bad run-ins with Sun-In, and the healing power of "Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific." Hope in a Jar: we all need it.

©2009 Beth Harbison; (P)2009 Macmillan

Critic reviews

“Chapters begin with quirky quotes that any baby-boomer would recognize, and Cassidy imbues them with dry, overly dramatic tones, making them the novel's comedic highlight.” —<i>Publishers Weekly</i>

great book

Great book. Fun to listen to, enjoyable story !

takes me back to my growing up days

great story, so relatable to so much of my life. I'm always amazed how Beth Harbison can put so many feelings into words. Orlagh did a great job as always, too.

friends come and go but .....

I really liked this story. I loved the turns the story took several times. Was fast fun I had to sit in the car a few times to finish a chaper before I could stop. I like the ending and how lifes challanges did not always turn out happy and peaceful but like in real life the bumps hurt and the tides do turn. great addition glad I got it.

Very Light Read... But Just 'OK'

The book started with a bang and I must confess that was what immediately drew me into the title. To be honest however, after that, the book kinda fizzled... There were some very note-worthy sections in the book, sections that make you smile and laugh, sections that make you shake your head and others that make you simply leave you mildly surprised. The thing that takes away from the book however I have found is that it is rather predictable. After the first couple chapters one starts knowing what to expect throughout the rest of the title. Generally, it is an 'ok' book, with an 'ok' story-line and an 'above average' performance. Overall... the book is simply.... 'ok'.

Love it!

Beth Harbison's books are fanatic! Can't wait to read or hear the next one!