Restoring Hope
Can she find safety and belonging before the past finds her?
After escaping an abusive marriage, Hope Elkins returns to the quiet town of Wombat Valley to reopen her late grandmother’s café, The Hearth—not to chase a dream, but to rebuild her life.
Drawn in by the scent of wood-fired pizza and the warmth of old and new faces, Hope begins to find more than comfort within the café’s walls. As The Hearth fills with stories and second chances, she forms unlikely bonds with others—Ruby, a fiercely guarded teen; Nova, a young mother on the run; and Joe, the gentle local vet carrying grief of his own.
With the support of her new community, Hope begins to heal and is gently drawn back to the faith she thought she’d left behind. But when a charming, dangerous figure from her past resurfaces, she must decide whether to stand firm in the life she’s begun to rebuild or risk losing it all.
Restoring Hope is a tender, uplifting story of resilience, rediscovery, and the quiet strength found in faith, friendship, and a place to belong. The story explores themes such as domestic violence, unplanned pregnancy, the tension between forgiveness and trust, grief, and church hurt. These topics are approached with care and sensitivity, offering the story as an invitation toward healing and restoration.
REVIEWS
“I’ve just finished your book. It’s a very good read. I’ll look forward to the next instalment.” - Graeme. E
“Bravo 🙌 just finished your novel and cannot wait to read the sequel … I'll certainly be recommending this book” - Trudie. F
“I loved it! Your writing was full of whimsy, love and kindness. This is a very special book, especially for those facing trauma. I loved your Biblical references and the characters of Tom and Eve were so wonderful” - Helen. L
About the Author
Philippa Cleall is a Children’s and Family Counsellor and volunteer Court Chaplain on the South Coast of NSW, Australia. Her debut novel, Restoring Hope, inspired by her work and personal life journey, has been written to encourage people healing from painful relationships and those supporting them. She has a heart for seeing faith communities become places that are more trauma-informed so they can care for those hurting with wisdom, compassion, grace, and truth.
Publisher : Ark House Press
Publication date : 27 October 2025
Language : English
Print length : 244 pages
ISBN-10 : 1764281330
ISBN-13 : 978-1764281331
Item weight : 260 g
Dimensions : 13.97 x 1.4 x 20.96 cm