Hope for the Tarnished

By: Ann Chiappetta

Narrated by: Lillian Yves, Vincent Lee Grayson

Young Abbie struggles to cope with the traumatic experiences in her life. Ripped from everything familiar after her parents’ divorce, she is dropped into an unknown neighborhood and is emotionally abandoned by her mentally unstable mother. Abbie is caught up in the cruel nature of one sister’s addictions and is often rescued by her other sister’s love and sense of familial responsibility.

The story reveals family secrets and the shift of cultural norms as it leaves the 1970s and enters the 1980s.

Surrounded by uncertainty, Abbie struggles with being able to open herself to the other, more stable adults in her life as she seeks guidance through difficult circumstances. School and competitive sports offer escape, new physical confidence, and friendship.

As Abbie matures, her ability to take chances and trust others is challenged. Some chances play out to her advantage, and some do not. The path to self–reliance is often lonely or disorienting for her. She discovers whom to trust and whom she can’t depend upon for support.

It’s a long, hard fight for Abbie to break free of what she dubs the "three–ring circus" of her tumultuous emotions, but greater maturity and love with the man she has always wanted liberate her at last.

©2024 Ann Chiappetta (P)2024 Ann Chiappetta

Bittersweet Coming-of-Age Story

Ann Chiappetta has crafted a beautiful cast of characters in her first novel, some uplifting Abby and some gutting her, either because of what they do or what they fail to do, as she moves through the tumultuous years between childhood and maturity.

"Hope for the Tarnished" is a novel of contrasts--wealth and poverty, support and neglect, love and indifference--all played out against a beautiful New England backdrop.

And the dogs! Who can resist them? Even as my heart ached for Abby at times because of her mother's abandonment or her sister's cruelty, I found myself smiling because through her trials, she shares deep, sustaining bonds with various dogs in her life.

I recommend "Hope for the Tarnished" to young adult and general readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with some steamy romance, a lot of family drama, a wide variety of diverse characters, and a lasting plot that will stick to the ribs long after the last page is turned.