Book Review: Season of Hope by Sara Jane Jacobs

The Seasons Series

Sara Jane Jacobs

Rose Cottage Books

February 2nd, 2023

248 pages

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Haunted by his abusive past, Tyler Armstrong is driven towards becoming a Navy SEAL. However, his unexpected love for his best friend, Amanda Jarvis, complicates his focus. His unspoken feelings and the impending threat of deployment create a cloud of uncertainty. Meanwhile, Amanda’s modeling career takes off, providing a welcome distraction from her complicated feelings for Tyler and her fears about his dangerous career. Both must confront their fears – can they find the courage to confess before time runs out?

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I chose to read Season of Hope because the author kindly gave me the series in exchange for an honest review. I hadn’t read any books by Sara Jane Jacobs before, so I was super stoked to finally get my hands on it.

I read this book in a physical paperback, which was great because I ended up annotating it like crazy!

Chapter Breakdown

Review of the book

Plot

You know, I just loved how sweet the storyline of this book was. It traced the journey of two main characters right from their innocent childhood friendships, growing alongside them into their young adult lives, as they got ready to take that big leap after high school.

Despite the story playing out at a meandering pace, it weirdly felt like a quick read.

Every chapter felt like catching up with an old friend over a cup of coffee, so comforting and relatable. I think that’s what made it such a good read for me.

Setting

It’s hard to capture the magic of a book setting, but let me tell you, the setting of this book took my breath away!

Nathan’s Mountain, where most of the story unfolds, is practically a character itself. I mean, who wouldn’t fall in love with the place that shaped Amanda and Tyler’s childhood?

It’s painted as this near-perfect utopia, an idyllic backdrop for them to grow up in.

But the real cherry on top? The story ends in New York City, which, for me, was a masterstroke!

It served as the perfect setting for Amanda’s new beginnings, offering a stark contrast to the tranquility of the Mountain, and yet, it felt just right.

It’s like the book took you on a journey from a verdant, serene haven to the bustling, vibrant heart of the world, and honestly, I couldn’t have loved it more!

Characters

Now, on to what really made this book stand out for me – the characters. Holy cow! The characters were just unbelievably spectacular.

The main characters, Tyler and Amanda, they were so well-developed that I found myself getting attached to them in just the first few chapters.

Tyler, he’s just so sweet and real that you can’t help but root for him.

And Amanda, she’s this fun, independent soul that you just can’t help but admire. The evolution of their relationship was just beautifully penned.

It started out as a simple friendship, but as the plot developed, so did their bond, blooming into something that felt like more than just friendship. It was so organic and realistic that it was easy to get swept up in their story.

“I’m so glad you were the answer to my prayer, Tyler.” Her words pulled him from his stargazing, and their eyes met. “Me, too. AJ.”
Season of hope by Sara jane jacobs

And the side characters? They were just as well-rounded. Each one of them had a unique character arc that added depth to the overall story. It was like they were all pieces of a puzzle, each integral to the bigger picture.

I found myself falling in love with each one of them, their quirks, their strengths, their flaws, everything.

Each character contributed to the story in their own unique way, enhancing the overall experience. If you ask me, the characters were the heart and soul of this book, and they are a big part of what made this book such a gem.

Themes

Reading Season of Hope, I couldn’t help but be enveloped by the warmth and strength of the relationships portrayed – the kind that speaks volumes about hope, friendship, and family bonds.

It was like stepping into a world where, despite the odds, these bonds were the beacon guiding the characters, a testament to their resilience.

Moreover, the journey of self-discovery that unfolds hits home, making it all the more relatable. It’s not just about finding yourself out there in the world, but also about understanding that the world within us is just as vast and intriguing.

This book is a testament to the human spirit and the power of the bonds that tie us together.

Writing Style

Reading a Sara Jane Jacobs book is like stepping into a refreshing shower after a long, tiring day. It’s smooth, it’s rejuvenating, and it’s something you look forward to.

Her writing style is so clean and well-versed that it’s a breeze to move from one page to the next, like gliding effortlessly on a calm river.

But what really hooks me is the depth of her details. Reading her books, I don’t just read a story, I live in it.

I feel like I’ve been transported into the characters’ world, seeing what they see, feeling what they feel. It’s a spectacularly immersive experience that keeps me coming back for more.

My thoughts on Season of Hope

In a nutshell, Season of Hope by Sara Jane Jacobs is an absolute joy to read. Its characters are so real, so human, that they feel like old friends by the time you flip to the last page.

The themes of hope, friendship, and self-discovery weave a comforting tapestry that beckons readers into a world both fascinating and intensely relatable.

Jacobs’ writing style is the cherry on top, providing a reading experience that is as enjoyable as it is illuminating. I wholeheartedly give this book a 5/5 stars and eagerly anticipate the next novel.

If you’re on the hunt for a story that will touch your heart and lift your spirits, Season of Hope is the book for you!

About the author

Hailing from sunny Florida, Sara Jane Jacobs uses her father’s hometown, Franklin, North Carolina, as inspiration for her debut novel, Season of Hope.

Jacobs, a lover of Florida’s sunshine and pristine beaches, also cherishes the Great Smoky Mountains. A mother and Nonna, she resides with her cat family. You can learn more about her here.