I enjoyed it very much. It was a very interesting read and I really liked how it turned out. I would recommend it 10/10

3.5 stars, rounded up.

This is a tragic family saga. I liked the characters and the story, and I liked how the author progressed through different decades. I found the writing itself good but overwrought at times, to the point of distraction.
Example:
“ ‘Oh,’ he says and looks up. Oh. That one syllable. The circle of recognition. The birth canal, a newborn reaching blindly for the perfect ring of its mother’s areola. A homecoming.”

Trigger warning for childhood sexual abuse.

## Book Review: *The Best We Could Hope For* by Nicola Kraus

Nicola Kraus’s *The Best We Could Hope For* is a poignant and emotionally resonant novel that explores the complexities of family, love, and resilience in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of contemporary New York City, Kraus weaves together a narrative that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, capturing the highs and lows of human experience with grace and compassion.

The story centers around Sophie, a dedicated mother and wife who finds herself at a crossroads when her husband unexpectedly announces that he wants a divorce. Devastated and blindsided, Sophie is forced to navigate the challenges of single motherhood while grappling with her own feelings of betrayal and loss. Kraus’s portrayal of Sophie’s emotional turmoil is raw and authentic, allowing readers to empathize deeply with her journey of self-discovery and healing.

Central to the novel is Sophie’s relationship with her two young daughters, Emma and Ruby. Kraus beautifully depicts the complexities of motherhood—the joys, sacrifices, and unconditional love that define Sophie’s bond with her children. Through moments of tenderness and vulnerability, Sophie learns valuable lessons about resilience and the enduring strength of familial ties.

The supporting characters in *The Best We Could Hope For* are equally well-developed and integral to the narrative. From Sophie’s fiercely loyal friends who provide unwavering support to her enigmatic and charming neighbor who offers unexpected companionship, each character adds depth and richness to the story. Their interactions with Sophie illuminate different facets of her personality and contribute to her growth throughout the novel.

Kraus’s writing is evocative and lyrical, drawing readers into Sophie’s world with vivid descriptions and poignant observations. The backdrop of New York City serves as both a vibrant setting and a metaphor for Sophie’s journey—a city of endless possibilities and unexpected challenges. Kraus captures the energy and diversity of the city, creating a backdrop that enhances the emotional resonance of the story.

Thematically, *The Best We Could Hope For* delves into themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the pursuit of happiness. Sophie’s quest to rebuild her life and find fulfillment beyond her role as a wife and mother is a universal and relatable journey. Kraus skillfully navigates the complexities of Sophie’s emotions, portraying her evolution with sensitivity and insight.

The novel’s pacing is well-balanced, with moments of introspection interspersed with plot twists and revelations that keep readers engaged. Kraus maintains a steady momentum, allowing Sophie’s story to unfold organically while maintaining a sense of suspense and anticipation.

In conclusion, *The Best We Could Hope For* is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that resonates on multiple levels. Nicola Kraus’s exploration of love, loss, and personal growth is rendered with depth and authenticity, making this book a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. For readers looking for a story that celebrates the complexities of relationships and the power of hope in the face of adversity, *The Best We Could Hope For* is a must-read.

It is a testament to Kraus’s skill as a storyteller that she navigates Sophie’s journey with such sensitivity and nuance, crafting a narrative that is as enlightening as it is emotionally satisfying. *The Best We Could Hope For* is a triumph of heart and storytelling, leaving readers with a profound appreciation for the strength found in love, family, and the courage to embrace new beginnings.

I loved The Nanny Diaries so I had to read this. Well this is much different. This book was about mothers and trauma and really what makes us. There were a lot of characters in this book which I did not mind once I got into it. While the family is very dysfunctional and the book can feel depressing at times I just wanted to keep reading. The ending was satisfying. I am glad I was able to read this book and can wait for another great book by the author.

I received a free ebook from Netgalley in exchange for fair and an unbiased review. This was the first book I read from the author. I usually really like fiction.

It was an easy book to read. I finished the book quickly. The book had a lot of characters. I had to remind myself who was whom. The book goes through a lot of time. The past is relevant to the future. The book goes through the characters lives.

I really liked the beginning of the book. I was so hooked and had no idea where the book was going. I loved the characters. Near the middle of the book I lost some of my enthusiasm for the book.

The characters are multidimensional and flawed. Usually these are the perfect characters in books for me. At some point, they seemed to damaged. I lost a little interest in the characters and the book. The stories became a little too much for me.

The book is about family, love, trauma, addiction, grief, and so MUCH more. The book is about unraveling and trying to start a new.

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the book. I appreciate reading a very different book than I am used to.

Gosh, what a story! I can't thank NetGalley enough for the ARC of this novel. Kraus is an author I remember from years ago as I read and reread The Nanny Diaries. I enjoy her storytelling. This new book has rich characters with complex histories making it the ultimate win for me. I think this will be a popular book club selection. I plan to read it again with my mom and aunts. Well done!

I received an ARC of this forthcoming novel through NetGalley.

This is a family drama about a highly dysfunctional family. Atmospherically, the tone of this work is largely dark and often depressing.

There are many characters in this book, but only a few are focused on. First are a pair of sisters, Jayne and her younger sibling Bunny (formal name Barbara). Jayne is a relatively stable person, but Bunny runs away from home as a teenager. Years later she returns with three children, zero husbands and zero fathers. Bunny has no desire to be a mother, so Jayne takes over. How well does this works out? What does this do to Jayne and her marriage? How do the three children handle this?

The other main character is Lin, the daughter from Jayne's own marriage, born after Bunny's three children were taken under Jayne's wing. Much of the book is about Lin's struggle to find her way from her unusual upbringing.

The story goes into what caused all of this. Who is at fault?

This is a very intense story at times, with sexual abuse of children playing a factor in the plot.

Nicola Kraus is one of my must buy authors. I was honored to be able to review her newest book. This book was a fabulous story about the power of family, loyalty and healing. It was a masterpiece.

Exquisite! I needed this book. Every year I find a novel that speaks to me. This definitely ranks among some of my favorites, “The Nest”, “Pineapple Street” and “The Newcomer.” This is the story of Jayne and her daughter Lin. I who hate stories with too many characters, yet I loved each family ember depicted in this novel. Kraus manages to make them all important and sympathetic. Oh, they are a flawed family.

Jayne escaped her roots by going to Radcliffe and marrying the campus intellectual. Her sister Barbara fled her roots and came to Jayne to hand her 3 children she had collected during her travels. Jayne takes them on and adds to the family with 2 of her own children. The most undeveloped character is Rodger, Jayne’s husband, who is distanced from all the family except his adoration of his daughter Linden.

His love for his child becomes the catalyst for the decomposition of the family. Sadly, it’s a familiar story. Does excessive love showered upon a female child equate to molestation? With this heritage, Lin is the character I loved. She is lost in the mess and chaos that is her life. The family situation becomes more twisted with the return of Barbara.

Ultimately, we travel with Lin as she unfurls the world of her mother and aunt, Jayne and Barbara. The author gives the reader closure in a meaningful epilogue.

Thank you Netgalley for this fabulous novel that I will be recommending this year and pre-ordering for gifts for all the folks who will love it as I did.