HOPE OUT LOUD is a companion novella to THE LIFE YOU'VE IMAGINED by Kristina Riggle. It focuses on two secondary characters from that novel, Beck and Anna. If you haven't read that first book, no worries. Kristina outlines the story, and I had no problem following along as I had not read the first one. Beck and Anna have had a history since they were young, and HOPE OUT LOUD picks up when they are adults.

Five years ago Beck was married to Samantha, and he and Anna had a one time affair. Beck and his wife tried to make it work but they eventually divorced. Anna left with her head down until her mother calls to tell her she is getting married. Now Anna is back in Haven, Michigan to be there for her mom. She is invited to a Fourth of July barbecue and there she hooks back up with Beck. HOPE OUT LOUD will have you giggling at the situations Anna and Beck look back on. Both are holding on to many fun and happy memories and neither one can seem to let the past go.

HOPE OUT LOUD is my first time reading Kristina Riggle, and I'm so happy I gave a new author a try. It is very obvious that Beck still carries a huge torch for Anna. Anna is dealing with too much guilt and is afraid to give their relationship another try. I really enjoyed watching Beck and Anna deal with their actions from five years ago and how Anna wins over Beck's family and gets back in their good graces. My only complaint is I was so invested emotionally in Beck and Anna's relationship and before I knew it, the book was over. I wanted to keep reading about them and watch them grow. I really enjoyed Kristina's novella, and I'm looking forward to reading more by her.