Evie was only looking to have a fun girls’ night out with her best friends when a blue-eyed stranger walked into her life and asked her out. Fairly inexperienced in the world of dating, she tried to navigate the labyrinth of emotions and demands that came with having a boyfriend. Bernie had just gotten out of the job from hell and was trying to find her footing again. Thank goodness Evie offered to help her out until she found a new place to work. Her dating life had been a disaster so far, well, until a certain individual appeared in her life. Turns out Bernie wasn't the only self-assured, outgoing person in this city. Both friends found the perfect person, or so they thought. Evie knew relationships were about give and take, but what was she supposed to do when he wanted to take more than she was willing to give? Bernie knew what her heart wanted, but was she brave enough to embrace it? Also, could she help save her best friend from the too-good-to-be-true blonde she fell for? Who would be there for the fall?

While Evie is recovering from her injuries and working on getting healthy and back to work again, her ex reappears, and their new connection sends her reeling. Christopher also has a trying person from his past show up. Will he be able to keep his personal and professional lives clear of drama, or will this person ruin all the hard work he’s done? Bernie is blindsided by an amazing opportunity offered to Charlie. One that means some huge decisions for the two of them. One wedding, one funeral, one cross-country move, and one life-changing question. Can Evie and Bernie handle it all, or will their hearts struggle?

Evie thought the worst of her problems were behind her, but now struggles to fit into the new world she found herself thrust into after the engagement. Who knew the havoc stress and family would play in the wedding planning process and her health? Best friends are supposed to be there and encourage you, right? Unfortunately, when it comes to Christopher, not all of them got that memo. Some of the people in his life are making things incredibly difficult and he’s forced into making some drastic decisions. Bernie is having a harder time adjusting to her new life than anyone realizes, even herself. She’s missing out on things and thinks no one is missing her. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Her biological and chosen family needs her now more than ever. With all the chaos and tension, is there still hope for a happily ever after? Content Warning Even Hope Returns is a Romance novel with a happy ending, but there are elements that might be triggering to some readers. One of the characters is an entitled, misogynistic, homophobic jerk. They are dealt with accordingly. This book also includes adult language and some mild violence. For readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note.