Hope Blooms

In the wake of tragedy, first loves are reunited and given a second chance at the life they lost in Pope’s remarkable, perfectly paced interracial romance set in Aquinnah, a town on Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. Cass and Terrance, both black, were best friends growing up. Wylie, who’s white, moved in with Terrance after being orphaned; he and Cass fell in love, but they kept it a secret from Terrance, who’d always had unrequited romantic feelings for Cass. When Terrance learned of the romance, he guilted Wylie into leaving, and months later a heartbroken Cass (unaware that they’d been found out) agreed to marry Terrance. Fast forward to the present day, when Cass and Terrance are both injured in a school shooting. Cass survives, but Terrance and their unborn child die. Cass confines herself to her bed for weeks, overcome with grief. Her mother calls Wylie, recently returned from a stint in the Marines, to intervene. When Wylie moves Cass in with him, their lives intertwine seamlessly. Long-dormant feelings spring to life and their passion is reignited. Their loyalty and unconditional love for one another will tug at heartstrings as they grapple with complicated feelings about race and the past. Readers will root for and demand more of this enchanting couple. (Apr.)