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Always Hope
Obstetrician Jessica Schorr will never forget the worst day of her life and the way it ended, with the traumatic delivery of a baby with cerebral palsy. Plagued with debilitating panic attacks since that day, she can't stop blaming herself for what happened.
Kendall Carlson can't forget that day either and the distressing memory of her newborn daughter, Hope, being taken away to intensive care. Is Hope's diagnosis because of mistakes the doctor made during the delivery, or is Kendall partially responsible too? With only weeks until the state deadline, Kendall needs to decide soon whether to file a malpractice suit against Dr. Schorr.
Following the retirement of his partner, Attorney Abe Silverberg is having trouble getting his law practice back on track. Every malpractice case that comes his way seems like a scam. What he needs is a case with real merit, a chance to prove to himself, and to everyone else, that he's not just some lowly ambulance chaser.
Always Hope combines a fast-paced story with deep emotional resonance, ultimately exploring the imperfection of being human, the importance of forgiveness, and the power of transformation.
Kendall Carlson can't forget that day either and the distressing memory of her newborn daughter, Hope, being taken away to intensive care. Is Hope's diagnosis because of mistakes the doctor made during the delivery, or is Kendall partially responsible too? With only weeks until the state deadline, Kendall needs to decide soon whether to file a malpractice suit against Dr. Schorr.
Following the retirement of his partner, Attorney Abe Silverberg is having trouble getting his law practice back on track. Every malpractice case that comes his way seems like a scam. What he needs is a case with real merit, a chance to prove to himself, and to everyone else, that he's not just some lowly ambulance chaser.
Always Hope combines a fast-paced story with deep emotional resonance, ultimately exploring the imperfection of being human, the importance of forgiveness, and the power of transformation.
304 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2025
4 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Heather Frimmer
3 books121 followersHeather Frimmer is a radiologist specializing in breast and emergency room imaging. Her first novel, Bedside Manners, was published in 2018 and has received several awards including National Indie Excellence, Readers' Favorite and Independent Press awards. She completed her medical training at Weill-Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian-Cornell and Yale New Haven Hospital. She lives with her husband and two children in suburban Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Deeply Personal, Heart-Tugging Read for Healthcare Professionals and Beyond
As a nurse, Always Hope by Heather Frimmer struck a chord deep in my heart. Frimmer captures the emotional realities of medicine - the sleepless nights replaying every decision, the heavy weight of “what if,” and the vulnerability we rarely let the world see. Reading Jessica Schorr’s story felt like witnessing a colleague’s worst nightmare: a traumatic delivery that changes not just one family’s life, but her own sense of identity and purpose as a physician.
Kendall Carlson’s perspective hit me just as hard. As caregivers, we know that behind every chart and diagnosis is a parent’s fear, a family’s heartbreak. Frimmer doesn’t vilify anyone. Instead, she shows how complicated, messy, and human these moments truly are. Even Abe Silverberg’s search for redemption reminded me that everyone, inside and outside of healthcare, is fighting their own quiet battles.
What I loved most is how this novel balances suspense with compassion. It’s not just a legal drama or a medical story, it’s a meditation on forgiveness, accountability, and the fragile hope that keeps us going in the hardest moments.
I closed the book with tears in my eyes but also with a renewed sense of purpose: to show grace to myself and others, and to remember why we chose to care for people in the first place.
A Deeply Personal, Heart-Tugging Read for Healthcare Professionals and Beyond
As a nurse, Always Hope by Heather Frimmer struck a chord deep in my heart. Frimmer captures the emotional realities of medicine - the sleepless nights replaying every decision, the heavy weight of “what if,” and the vulnerability we rarely let the world see. Reading Jessica Schorr’s story felt like witnessing a colleague’s worst nightmare: a traumatic delivery that changes not just one family’s life, but her own sense of identity and purpose as a physician.
Kendall Carlson’s perspective hit me just as hard. As caregivers, we know that behind every chart and diagnosis is a parent’s fear, a family’s heartbreak. Frimmer doesn’t vilify anyone. Instead, she shows how complicated, messy, and human these moments truly are. Even Abe Silverberg’s search for redemption reminded me that everyone, inside and outside of healthcare, is fighting their own quiet battles.
What I loved most is how this novel balances suspense with compassion. It’s not just a legal drama or a medical story, it’s a meditation on forgiveness, accountability, and the fragile hope that keeps us going in the hardest moments.
I closed the book with tears in my eyes but also with a renewed sense of purpose: to show grace to myself and others, and to remember why we chose to care for people in the first place.
September 21, 2025
This book is so emotional. It really pulled at my heartstrings. Jessica Schorr is an obstetrician. After a traumatic delivery, a baby is born with cerebral palsy. Jess is having panic attacks and worried that she caused it. Kendall, newborn baby Hope's mother, also cannot forget that awful day. She can't help but wonder if Hope’s diagnosis was caused by the Drs' mistakes, or if it was her fault. Attorney Abe, is trying to get his malpractice firm back on track after the retirement of his partner. He needs a case that isn't just a scam.
I loved this fast paced, heartbreaking, but yet hopeful read. I was not prepared for the feelings it brought out of me. Frimmer is such a skilled writer. I loved the way she weaves these three lives together. Such a great read.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
I loved this fast paced, heartbreaking, but yet hopeful read. I was not prepared for the feelings it brought out of me. Frimmer is such a skilled writer. I loved the way she weaves these three lives together. Such a great read.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2025
Always Hope is a title that lives up to its message—for as bleak and hard and challenging life is for the characters in this book, there truly is always hope. Almost two years after Kendall gives birth to her daughter, she is struggling with her daughter’s health; at the same time, the doctor who delivered Hope is also struggling, facing personal and professional problems as well as issues closer to home. The lives of the characters are intertwined in so many unexpected ways, adding many layers to a story that is already complex. As in real life, there are no easy answers for Jess, Kendall, and Abe, and I was compelled to keep turning pages until I knew how things would work out for all of them. I received an advance reader copy of this book.
June 10, 2025
Deeply poignant and emotionally stirring, this fast-paced read--with plenty of surprising twists and turns--will resonate with readers.
December 21, 2025
ALWAYS HOPE deftly delves into weighty issues, including a multi-POV experience of a malpractice lawsuit, giving the reader perspective, empathy - and hope. Poignant and compelling.
October 1, 2025
I really liked Heather Frimmer's first two novels, so I was thrilled to have an early opportunity to read Always Hope. I ended up devouring it in one day. It was really good!
Some aspects of this story reminded me of Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult. While it didn't go into the same gray area, the topic at hand was written in a sensitive and thoughtful way. I like that all three narrators were flawed and I cared about their well-being. I definitely felt bad for each of them for different reasons. There's also a lot of Jewish joy and it explores another topic that is prevalent these days (I won't spoil it, but I know people who would find it relatable).
When Jessica flashed back to everything leading up to Kendall's botched delivery, I felt annoyed that Jessica didn't receive more support for everything she was going through. She had to deal with some personal emergencies that came up last minute and it wasn't like she didn't have coverage. I just felt like people were too happy to shift all the blame to her even though some things were out of her control.
I really liked the Jewish aspects of this story and am glad the aforementioned relatable topic was explored along with it. There was also an interesting connection with another character. The identity mix-up that was also related to one of the Jewish aspects added another complex element to the story.
Definitely add this to your autumn TBR when it releases in a couple weeks. It would make for a great book club discussion too!
(Trigger warnings at the bottom of this post.)
Abe: Fred Melamed
Originally posted at Chick Lit Central.
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TW: Death of spouse, death of parent, Alzheimers, panic attacks, descriptions of traumatic birth, medical descriptions, severe disability, loss of money
Originally posted at Chick Lit Central.
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TW: Death of spouse, death of parent, Alzheimers, panic attacks, descriptions of traumatic birth, medical descriptions, severe disability, loss of money
October 5, 2025
OMG! I loved everything About “Always Hope” by Heather Frimmer. I appreciate the well-written and well- told contemporary issues that the Author writes about in such an empathetic and compassionate way. The Genres for this novel are: Disability Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Friends and Family Fiction, and Medical Fiction. I like that Heather Frimmer writes about balance in our lives. An example is women who work, mothers balancing the problems of family and the responsibilities of their jobs and careers. Another example is older people who face loss, and dealing with changes in their lives. The author discusses the importance of forgiveness, second chances, communication, acceptance, self-worth, the importance of family, friends, balance, love and hope.
The author vividly describes the issues and the colorful, dramatic, complex and complicated characters. Obstetrician Jessica Schorr, is also a mother, and obsesses over the worst day in her life, when she had a traumatic delivery, where the baby has cerebral palsy. She often has panic attacks from this trauma. Kendall Carlson is the mother that delivered the baby that day. Everyday haunts her when she notices the care and needs of her baby Hope. She questions if this was her fault or the doctors. The attorney Abe Silverberg is adjusting to his practice after the retirement of his partner, and also lives with the recent death of his wife. He doesn’t want to seem like an ambulance chaser. All of these characters have children with problems or disabilities. Jessica is part of the sandwich generation worrying about her children, her parents and her practice. I highly recommend this powerful, thought-provoking, memorable, and heartfelt novel.
The author vividly describes the issues and the colorful, dramatic, complex and complicated characters. Obstetrician Jessica Schorr, is also a mother, and obsesses over the worst day in her life, when she had a traumatic delivery, where the baby has cerebral palsy. She often has panic attacks from this trauma. Kendall Carlson is the mother that delivered the baby that day. Everyday haunts her when she notices the care and needs of her baby Hope. She questions if this was her fault or the doctors. The attorney Abe Silverberg is adjusting to his practice after the retirement of his partner, and also lives with the recent death of his wife. He doesn’t want to seem like an ambulance chaser. All of these characters have children with problems or disabilities. Jessica is part of the sandwich generation worrying about her children, her parents and her practice. I highly recommend this powerful, thought-provoking, memorable, and heartfelt novel.
September 4, 2025
This book is a heartfelt emotional read and a five star read!
Jessica Schorr is a doctor who puts everything she has into her patient’s. When a traumatic birth leads to delivery of a baby with cerebral palsy. She cannot help but blame herself which leads to debilitating panic attacks.
Kendall Carlson keeps reliving the day she was rushed into intensive care and her baby Hopes traumatizing birth. She’s left wondering was Hopes diagnosis because of mistakes the doctor made during the delivery, or is Kendall partially responsible too? Kendall needs to maker her decision soon on whether to file a malpractice suit against Dr. Schorr.
After his partner retires Attorney Abe Silverberg is having trouble finding actual malpractice cases that are worth fighting for. He wants to prove he’s not an ambulance chaser.
This book was filled with empathy, forgiveness , hope and so much more. I couldn’t put this book down!
Jessica Schorr is a doctor who puts everything she has into her patient’s. When a traumatic birth leads to delivery of a baby with cerebral palsy. She cannot help but blame herself which leads to debilitating panic attacks.
Kendall Carlson keeps reliving the day she was rushed into intensive care and her baby Hopes traumatizing birth. She’s left wondering was Hopes diagnosis because of mistakes the doctor made during the delivery, or is Kendall partially responsible too? Kendall needs to maker her decision soon on whether to file a malpractice suit against Dr. Schorr.
After his partner retires Attorney Abe Silverberg is having trouble finding actual malpractice cases that are worth fighting for. He wants to prove he’s not an ambulance chaser.
This book was filled with empathy, forgiveness , hope and so much more. I couldn’t put this book down!
September 16, 2025
I read this drama that moves fast but has a lot of depth in both content and characters in one sitting. I literally couldn’t put it down.
The book is told in three points of view: Jess, Kendall, and Abe.
Two years ago, Jess , who is an OB, has the worst day of her life. Because of that a newborn baby named Hope may have suffered.
Kendall is Hope’s mom. Kendall had a birth plan that might have caused Hope to be born with complications.
Abe is a lawyer who is struggling both in business and personally after his wife’s death. He represents Hope and her family in a lawsuit against Jess.
Each of these characters felt real. They showed emotions and made decisions that I think many of us could relate to given the circumstances.
I loved how each character not only had the lawsuit as a common thread, but also each person had their own family and individual issues that they were
trying to work out.
This is an emotional read, but entirely worth all the feelings involved.
The book is told in three points of view: Jess, Kendall, and Abe.
Two years ago, Jess , who is an OB, has the worst day of her life. Because of that a newborn baby named Hope may have suffered.
Kendall is Hope’s mom. Kendall had a birth plan that might have caused Hope to be born with complications.
Abe is a lawyer who is struggling both in business and personally after his wife’s death. He represents Hope and her family in a lawsuit against Jess.
Each of these characters felt real. They showed emotions and made decisions that I think many of us could relate to given the circumstances.
I loved how each character not only had the lawsuit as a common thread, but also each person had their own family and individual issues that they were
trying to work out.
This is an emotional read, but entirely worth all the feelings involved.
September 29, 2025
This novel was so good! I loved so many things about it. Heather Frimmer does medical fiction so well. She humanizes medicine and the people who dedicate their lives to it. I also loved the non-binary representation, Jewish representation, disability representation, and older character representation.
There are three main characters: Jessica, an OB-GYN physician struggling with panic attacks after a difficult delivery of a baby two years earlier; Kendall, a mother who grapples with guilt and resentment as she cares for her baby, Hope, who has a disability; and Abe, a recent widower who is a malpractice lawyer struggling to keep his firm afloat after his partner retires. I love how complex, flawed, and human the characters are as they grapple with life, loss, parenting, careers, guilt, and forgiveness. The concept of hope is a through line throughout the novel, an aspirational reminder that to be human is a difficult but beautiful journey.
There are three main characters: Jessica, an OB-GYN physician struggling with panic attacks after a difficult delivery of a baby two years earlier; Kendall, a mother who grapples with guilt and resentment as she cares for her baby, Hope, who has a disability; and Abe, a recent widower who is a malpractice lawyer struggling to keep his firm afloat after his partner retires. I love how complex, flawed, and human the characters are as they grapple with life, loss, parenting, careers, guilt, and forgiveness. The concept of hope is a through line throughout the novel, an aspirational reminder that to be human is a difficult but beautiful journey.
September 30, 2025
This is my best book yet so I’m giving it 5 stars. No shame here. I loved creating these characters and following their journeys and hope you all do too!
October 13, 2025
Always Hope was a wild ride of emotions to read. There was so much I enjoyed about the authors writing but her way of taking what could be a victim/villain story and making the reader feel for both of the main characters is pretty special. It’s that inherit need to blame someone, but in the end we’re all human and we all make mistakes. Does every mistake deserves punishment or is the pressure and guilt we put on ourselves enough?
The story is about Kendall Carlson and the tragic events that happen to her baby Hope during delivery. Jessica is not her regular OB but one who steps in for her preterm delivery. Jessica is experienced and well known in her field but when she delivers Hope nothing goes as planned. Jessica is filled with self doubt and questioning her every move, could she have made a mistake? Kendall is heartbroken that her daughter won’t be like every other child, did she make a mistake during her pregnancy or her strict birth plan that caused Hope to suffer? Both women have pain and guilt but right before Hope’s second birthday Kendall’s husband decides it’s time to take legal action. This isn’t something Kendall wants and this is something Jessica feared. The two women will have to relive their worst day in order to find out who’s at fault, but in the end does it really matter?
I had a very big “ mistake” take place during my first delivery that caused me my health, and if it wasn’t caught in time almost my life. I thought about it a lot while reading this book. Should I have sued the doctor/hospital? Probably. I was young and didn’t realize at the time what a huge mistake had been made. I was so happy to have a healthy baby and to have a second chance at life that I walked away just being grateful for forever being changed by the experience. It’s been 28 years and it never leaves my mind. It’s bitter sweet to post about this today when I’m going in for what I pray is my final surgery related to that one mistake.
Everyone chooses their own path, decides how they will heal, and what steps they must take to get there. Always hope is a beautiful story of motherhood, friendships, heartache, and hope.
The story is about Kendall Carlson and the tragic events that happen to her baby Hope during delivery. Jessica is not her regular OB but one who steps in for her preterm delivery. Jessica is experienced and well known in her field but when she delivers Hope nothing goes as planned. Jessica is filled with self doubt and questioning her every move, could she have made a mistake? Kendall is heartbroken that her daughter won’t be like every other child, did she make a mistake during her pregnancy or her strict birth plan that caused Hope to suffer? Both women have pain and guilt but right before Hope’s second birthday Kendall’s husband decides it’s time to take legal action. This isn’t something Kendall wants and this is something Jessica feared. The two women will have to relive their worst day in order to find out who’s at fault, but in the end does it really matter?
I had a very big “ mistake” take place during my first delivery that caused me my health, and if it wasn’t caught in time almost my life. I thought about it a lot while reading this book. Should I have sued the doctor/hospital? Probably. I was young and didn’t realize at the time what a huge mistake had been made. I was so happy to have a healthy baby and to have a second chance at life that I walked away just being grateful for forever being changed by the experience. It’s been 28 years and it never leaves my mind. It’s bitter sweet to post about this today when I’m going in for what I pray is my final surgery related to that one mistake.
Everyone chooses their own path, decides how they will heal, and what steps they must take to get there. Always hope is a beautiful story of motherhood, friendships, heartache, and hope.
September 1, 2025
Decisions made before and during the birth of a child, will irrevocably change the lives of not just one family but three. This novel is about decisions, family, motherhood and empathy that will have longterm effects. Hope was born with cerebral palsy and the mother, Kendall often questions her birth plan decisions and obstretrician Dr. Schorr will always question her decisions and medial knowledge from that birth forward. Struggling, the Carlson family knows that they have a long road ahead and when they get confirmation on the prognosis of what their daughter's life will look like, they know they need help. Therapy and treatments are expensive and they can barely make ends meet, but they would have to file any sort of lawsuit before Hope's 2nd birthday, which is quickly approaching. After a chance meeting with an attorney, they Carlson's decide to go ahead with a lawsuit. Their attorney Abe Silverberg, Kendall and Dr. Schorr all question decisions made during that time, as well as wondering if they are or had made the right choices. Kendall struggles with going after the doctor as she also may have made a bad decision with her birth plan. Attorney Silverman knows this is a winnable case, and it will put the career of a well renowned doctor on the line. Dr. Schorr has carried guilt since that delivery and has made up for it, meanwhile we see what all happened that day to lead up to the things that happened. Was someone actually at fault? This was so well written and I enjoyed that we got to see all three point of views in this storyline. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
October 13, 2025
I could not put this book down.
In Always Hope, Heather Frimmer delivers powerful and emotionally layered story that explores every parent's worst fear- a baby born with a disability. But what makes this novel especially compelling is how it goes beyond just the parents point of view. Frimmer, drawing from her own life as a mother, wife, daughter, and physician, brings incredible depth and authenticity to both sides of this complex situation.
The story shines in its portrayal of the physician involved, who isn't just facing a malpractice suit, but is also dealing with her own deeply personal struggles. Through her we see the emotional toll that caring for others can take and how doctors are human and deserving of empathy.
Frimmer handles all of this with nuance and compassion, making it impossible not to feel for every character involved. The book invites us to consider how easily roles like caregiver, patient and family member can overlap and how grace and understanding can emerge even in the most painful circumstances.
Always Hope is heartfelt, thought provoking and beautiful written.
In Always Hope, Heather Frimmer delivers powerful and emotionally layered story that explores every parent's worst fear- a baby born with a disability. But what makes this novel especially compelling is how it goes beyond just the parents point of view. Frimmer, drawing from her own life as a mother, wife, daughter, and physician, brings incredible depth and authenticity to both sides of this complex situation.
The story shines in its portrayal of the physician involved, who isn't just facing a malpractice suit, but is also dealing with her own deeply personal struggles. Through her we see the emotional toll that caring for others can take and how doctors are human and deserving of empathy.
Frimmer handles all of this with nuance and compassion, making it impossible not to feel for every character involved. The book invites us to consider how easily roles like caregiver, patient and family member can overlap and how grace and understanding can emerge even in the most painful circumstances.
Always Hope is heartfelt, thought provoking and beautiful written.
October 14, 2025
I loved the multiple POV and how they were all involved in a different way. We got the medical professional, the caregiver, and the lawyer. I admit, I usually pick a side when it comes to lawsuits like this but I couldn’t here. I connected to both sides and could feel their emotions and reasons behind it. The connections are made to the reader before the characters and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for them to put the pieces together. Not only were the character dealing with the lawsuit but also personal issues as well. It was emotional but gripping at the same time with good character development. I was not expecting it to end the way it did but I really enjoyed it.
Thank you @heatherfrimmer @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Thank you @heatherfrimmer @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
October 6, 2025
Wow. This is such a powerful story of acceptance, healing, forgiveness, and love. It brings to mind my own challenges with the birth of my son and there just aren't words for the kind of fear and fragile hope you can experience as a new parent. At the same time, we have to trust that medical professionals are doing their very best, but they are human too. Told from several viewpoints, this novel packs an an emotional punch and inspires reflection on what your choices would be in that situation and also the humanity on both sides. I loved it.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2025
ALWAYS HOPE is a gripping, thought-provoking story about three families facing the fallout of a delivery room disaster. Told from the nuanced perspectives of the obstetrician now questioning her own skill, the mother of the harmed infant, and the malpractice lawyer who takes the case, this is not a book that takes sides, but rather dives deeply into the humanity of each character. It's a story that will resonate with anyone who's ever set foot in a hospital, asking the complicated question of who should be held responsible when good doctors make all-too human mistakes.
September 10, 2025
This was an enlightening and emotional read for me . It was Interesting to read the story from multiple perspectives and such a reminder that everyone we encounter is most likely dealing with something. The most eye opening for me was reading about all that was going on in Jess’ life the day that Kendall’s baby was born. Jess was in an almost impossible situation and while she probably should have made different choices, it’s impossible to know how any of us would handle the situation under the circumstances.
November 13, 2025
I truly loved Always Hope - the different perspectives kept me engaged and the characters were extremely relatable.
Heather Frimmer is so talented and I have enjoyed all of her books.
Heather Frimmer is so talented and I have enjoyed all of her books.
September 1, 2025
This is a book that will pull at your
heart for the chargers of Jess and Kendall and her baby Hope. All these lives become entangled when Jess delivers Hope but keep being entangled when Jess finds out that Hope was born with Cerebral Palsy. Is it Jess's fault or what's to blame?
Jess is also dealing with (what she thinks) is just her petulant teenager but a very important life change will be coming for this child. I thought it was well done in how it was handled and how Jess reacted.
heart for the chargers of Jess and Kendall and her baby Hope. All these lives become entangled when Jess delivers Hope but keep being entangled when Jess finds out that Hope was born with Cerebral Palsy. Is it Jess's fault or what's to blame?
Jess is also dealing with (what she thinks) is just her petulant teenager but a very important life change will be coming for this child. I thought it was well done in how it was handled and how Jess reacted.
September 8, 2025
I wasn’t prepared for the emotional wreck this book would put me through, or how deeply it would make me feel.
Always Hope pulls you out of your comfort zone, forcing you to reflect on life, on the mistakes we all make, and on the lasting impact those choices can have on others.
Emotional, raw, and impossible to put down.
Always Hope pulls you out of your comfort zone, forcing you to reflect on life, on the mistakes we all make, and on the lasting impact those choices can have on others.
Emotional, raw, and impossible to put down.
September 17, 2025
Such a heartfelt read. This book has family, love, and second chances all wrapped up in a story that keeps you turning pages. The characters feel so real and easy to root for, and there’s just the right balance of emotion and hope to leave you with a smile when it’s over.
October 23, 2025
Of all of Dr. Frimmer's books, this one was my favorite yet.
As per usual, she does a wonderful job with character development and weaving multiple storylines into an engaging unified plot.
I look forward to seeing what her next novel will bring.
As per usual, she does a wonderful job with character development and weaving multiple storylines into an engaging unified plot.
I look forward to seeing what her next novel will bring.
October 30, 2025
Always Hope is an outstanding read by medical fiction author Dr. Heather Frimmer. Her characters and the stores here are engrossing and I simply did not want to put the book down. I recommend it to all
November 6, 2025
This book is beautiful! I really got to know the characters and it’s such an interesting plot. I would highly recommend it!
October 26, 2025
The author weaved together the lives of three people in crisis to give her readers an emotional novel that will tug at your heart strings with a story that you won't soon forget.
Jessica is an Obstetrician and is well liked in the community. Two years earlier, she delivered at baby with cerebral palsy. Deep down she fears that it may have been her fault and is having panic attacks that affect her ability to do her job and affect her family life. She has a loving husband and two daughters - one of whom has just decided that she wants to be addressed using they/them because she isn't sure of her sexuality. It helps her panic attacks, to give small anonymous gifts to Hope. She has so many things going on in her life and is struggling to handle her work and her family life and when a malpractice suit is brought against her, she really has trouble coping with life.
Kendall is Hope's mother who is struggling with her daughter's health. She goes to a small play group where all of the other children are progressing at normal rates and knows that her daughter is way behind. When the pediatrician tells her that Hope will never walk or talk and she shares that with her husband, he wants to sue the doctor who delivered Hope. Kendall is torn between the love for her daughter and her struggle with her daughter's disease and agrees that the doctor should be sued to help pay for Hope's future.
Abe is the attorney who agrees to bring the malpractice suit against Dr. Schorr. He is struggling with his law practice and with his life. His beloved wife had died a year earlier and he isn't coping well with day to day life without her. He needs a case with real merit, a chance to prove to himself, and to everyone else, that he's not just some lowly ambulance chaser.
Can these three flawed characters find happiness and redemption in their lives? The book is an emotional look at these three characters - good and bad - and covers a difficult situation but throughout the story, can they find hope for the current problems as well as their futures?
I really enjoyed this book. The author pulled me in on the first page and I had trouble putting the book down. All three main characters were so well written and their problems were heart-breaking. There really was no 'bad guy' in this story -- all of the characters were looking for love and hope for their future and needed to learn to forgive themselves and depend on their families for the love that they needed to face their futures.
Jessica is an Obstetrician and is well liked in the community. Two years earlier, she delivered at baby with cerebral palsy. Deep down she fears that it may have been her fault and is having panic attacks that affect her ability to do her job and affect her family life. She has a loving husband and two daughters - one of whom has just decided that she wants to be addressed using they/them because she isn't sure of her sexuality. It helps her panic attacks, to give small anonymous gifts to Hope. She has so many things going on in her life and is struggling to handle her work and her family life and when a malpractice suit is brought against her, she really has trouble coping with life.
Kendall is Hope's mother who is struggling with her daughter's health. She goes to a small play group where all of the other children are progressing at normal rates and knows that her daughter is way behind. When the pediatrician tells her that Hope will never walk or talk and she shares that with her husband, he wants to sue the doctor who delivered Hope. Kendall is torn between the love for her daughter and her struggle with her daughter's disease and agrees that the doctor should be sued to help pay for Hope's future.
Abe is the attorney who agrees to bring the malpractice suit against Dr. Schorr. He is struggling with his law practice and with his life. His beloved wife had died a year earlier and he isn't coping well with day to day life without her. He needs a case with real merit, a chance to prove to himself, and to everyone else, that he's not just some lowly ambulance chaser.
Can these three flawed characters find happiness and redemption in their lives? The book is an emotional look at these three characters - good and bad - and covers a difficult situation but throughout the story, can they find hope for the current problems as well as their futures?
I really enjoyed this book. The author pulled me in on the first page and I had trouble putting the book down. All three main characters were so well written and their problems were heart-breaking. There really was no 'bad guy' in this story -- all of the characters were looking for love and hope for their future and needed to learn to forgive themselves and depend on their families for the love that they needed to face their futures.
September 27, 2025
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🤱🏼 are a parent
😭 want an emotional read
👀 love books with different POVs
⚖️ enjoy legal dramas
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Obstetrician Jessica Schorr will never forget the worst day of her life and the way it ended, with the traumatic delivery of a baby with cerebral palsy. Plagued with debilitating panic attacks since that day, she can’t stop blaming herself for what happened.
Kendall Carlson can’t forget that day either and the distressing memory of her newborn daughter, Hope, being taken away to intensive care. Is Hope’s diagnosis because of mistakes the doctor made during the delivery, or is Kendall partially responsible too? With only weeks until the state deadline, Kendall must decide soon whether to file a malpractice suit against Dr. Schorr.
Following the retirement of his business partner, Attorney Abe Silverberg is having trouble getting his law practice back on track. Every malpractice case that comes his way seems like a scam. What he needs is a case with real merit, a chance to prove to himself, and to everyone else, that he’s not just some lowly ambulance chaser.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Wow! This was an absolutely heartbreaking read about a baby with cerebral palsy. As a parent, this was a tough one to read, as I just kept imagining my own baby in this situation. Heather does such a good job of creating a world that feels so real, with real situations and horrible moments. I was tearing up a lot throughout this story, which doesn’t happen to me a lot, but I loved the emotions portrayed throughout the novel. I enjoyed the legal side of the story too. Highly, highly recommend!
🤱🏼 are a parent
😭 want an emotional read
👀 love books with different POVs
⚖️ enjoy legal dramas
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Obstetrician Jessica Schorr will never forget the worst day of her life and the way it ended, with the traumatic delivery of a baby with cerebral palsy. Plagued with debilitating panic attacks since that day, she can’t stop blaming herself for what happened.
Kendall Carlson can’t forget that day either and the distressing memory of her newborn daughter, Hope, being taken away to intensive care. Is Hope’s diagnosis because of mistakes the doctor made during the delivery, or is Kendall partially responsible too? With only weeks until the state deadline, Kendall must decide soon whether to file a malpractice suit against Dr. Schorr.
Following the retirement of his business partner, Attorney Abe Silverberg is having trouble getting his law practice back on track. Every malpractice case that comes his way seems like a scam. What he needs is a case with real merit, a chance to prove to himself, and to everyone else, that he’s not just some lowly ambulance chaser.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Wow! This was an absolutely heartbreaking read about a baby with cerebral palsy. As a parent, this was a tough one to read, as I just kept imagining my own baby in this situation. Heather does such a good job of creating a world that feels so real, with real situations and horrible moments. I was tearing up a lot throughout this story, which doesn’t happen to me a lot, but I loved the emotions portrayed throughout the novel. I enjoyed the legal side of the story too. Highly, highly recommend!
September 5, 2025
This is a very sensitive and tender story of a legal battle over baby Hope’s diagnosis of cerebral palsy.
Through the eyes of the obstetrician, Hope’s mother, and the attorney, we delve deep into their lives, understanding their fears, hopes, and struggles. This multi-perspective approach brings a unique depth to the characters; we saw them for more than just their job or position.
Often, when I read family fiction with legal drama or medical malpractice elements, there is a clear villain or one at fault. However, the author did an excellent job of giving us an understanding that these people have lives, families - they suffer losses, experience heartaches, and face disappointments, just like anyone else.
The problem arises here when there is no room for error, and in an instant, a lapse of judgment or concentration results in lives being altered or affected. And someone must be blamed, regardless of whether it was a combination of decisions.
I loved that all three main characters were parents, each at different stages in life and dealing with various issues with their children. While baby Hope is the center of the story, a thread of compassion and forgiveness runs throughout.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @heatherfrimmer for the #gifted book.
Through the eyes of the obstetrician, Hope’s mother, and the attorney, we delve deep into their lives, understanding their fears, hopes, and struggles. This multi-perspective approach brings a unique depth to the characters; we saw them for more than just their job or position.
Often, when I read family fiction with legal drama or medical malpractice elements, there is a clear villain or one at fault. However, the author did an excellent job of giving us an understanding that these people have lives, families - they suffer losses, experience heartaches, and face disappointments, just like anyone else.
The problem arises here when there is no room for error, and in an instant, a lapse of judgment or concentration results in lives being altered or affected. And someone must be blamed, regardless of whether it was a combination of decisions.
I loved that all three main characters were parents, each at different stages in life and dealing with various issues with their children. While baby Hope is the center of the story, a thread of compassion and forgiveness runs throughout.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @heatherfrimmer for the #gifted book.
October 9, 2025
Jessica is an obstetrician who recently delivered a baby with cerebral palsy. The delivery was traumatic, and she has had panic attacks ever since. Right away, this grabbed me, because we so rarely hear about the effects of traumas on doctors. They are there, too, and have their own emotions and experiences. Jessica blames herself, so her anxiety stems from that.
Kendall is the mother of that baby, Hope, who is eventually taken to intensive care. Kendall questions if it’s Jessica’s fault and mistakes were made? Or should Kendall blame herself? Does she need to file a malpractice suit?
Abe is an attorney specializing in malpractice with something to prove. He needs a good case.
Always Hope is such a unique story told from these different points-of-view. It’s emotional and thoughtful, and I could see all sides and angles. Doctors are human and make mistakes. All humans are capable of mistakes, and sometimes the stakes are very, very high as with a newborn baby. I was fully absorbed in Always Hope and am so grateful for this story offering new insights and thoughtfulness.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instaagram.com/tarheelreader
Kendall is the mother of that baby, Hope, who is eventually taken to intensive care. Kendall questions if it’s Jessica’s fault and mistakes were made? Or should Kendall blame herself? Does she need to file a malpractice suit?
Abe is an attorney specializing in malpractice with something to prove. He needs a good case.
Always Hope is such a unique story told from these different points-of-view. It’s emotional and thoughtful, and I could see all sides and angles. Doctors are human and make mistakes. All humans are capable of mistakes, and sometimes the stakes are very, very high as with a newborn baby. I was fully absorbed in Always Hope and am so grateful for this story offering new insights and thoughtfulness.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instaagram.com/tarheelreader
August 15, 2025
At its core Frimmer's book humanizes every part of a complex medical nightmare repeated in hospitals and courtrooms every day. This book centers on a parent's worst nightmare, a less than perfect birth and likely lifelong disabilities for the baby named Hope. But just as central is the doctor who delivered Hope, and the lawyer who represents Hope's parents. Rarely do we read a novel, where the reality of "life goes on" plays out more clearly than in this book. Jessica, the doctor, battles panic attacks she's not good at hiding from her colleagues, and struggles to plan her daughter's bat mitzvah--but nothing goes as envisioned. Kendall, Hope's mother, under constant stress and tired all the time, goes on spending sprees with money she doesn't have. The emotional and physical cost to all involved come alive on every page, along with many surprises, twists, and turns. This novel combines the best of both legal and medical fiction, but at its core it's also an outstanding work of modern family fiction. Wow, what a book.
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