The House at the End of Hope Street

By: Menna Van Praag

Narrated by: Elizabeth Sastre

Distraught that her academic career has stalled, Alba is walking through her hometown of Cambridge, England, when she finds herself in front of a house she’s never seen before, 11 Hope Street. A beautiful older woman named Peggy greets her and invites her to stay, on the house’s usual conditions: She has ninety-nine nights to turn her life around. With nothing left to lose, Alba takes a chance and moves in. She soon discovers that this is no ordinary house. Past residents have included Virginia Woolf and Dorothy Parker, who, after receiving the assistance they needed, hung around to help newcomers—literally, in talking portraits on the wall. As she escapes into this new world, Alba begins a journey that will heal her wounds—and maybe even save her life.

©2013 Menna van Praag (P)2013 Recorded Books

So many women, so much talent

While the story was created through bits of fantasy and magic, it held so much real life in it. Women unsure of their lives, hurt and alone. All in need of a little push in the right direction, find themselves at the house on Hope St. And who better to help these women but other women. Ghosts of the past. Authors, actresses, scientists... They're all here in this wonderful tale.

Cliched chick lit

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Not sure if I would recommend this one. It was a little too chick lit for me. I also felt that the ending was just too convenient, everything neatly wrapped up, and a little unsatisfying.

Which character – as performed by Elizabeth Sastre – was your favorite?

My favorite character was Peggy, and I wish there had been more emphasis on her. I got really tired of Alba, she seemed just too wishy-washy to be a solid heroine.Elizabeth Sastre's narration was outstanding. Next time, I hope she has better material to work with.

A must read

Beautifully written and beautifully performed I love this book I’m sure I’ll listen to it again. Great character development and fun twists and turns.

Good book!

I found this story interesting and magical! The reader was good too! I recommend!!

Not as good as "Dress Shop of Dreams"

I was underwhelmed by this book. The premise is interesting, but I much preferred the more lighthearted approach of Dress Shop of Dreams. I would skip this one.