A Cup of Silver Linings (2) (Dove Pond Series)

As a huge fan of Karen Hawkins, and of her Dove Pond series in particular, I was thrilled to see her latest book, A Cup of Silver Linings, focus on Ava Dove, the sixth of the seven Dove sisters and the least likely to court scandal. Yet, when her teas start to have adverse effects, she’s forced into a darkness she didn’t choose.

Alongside her in this journey is sixteen-year-old Kristen and her grandmother Ellen. Both women are reeling after the death of Kristen’s mother, and they have very different views on what the future should hold. Ellen wants a quick trip to Dove Pond followed by an even quicker exit; she has no interest in the charming town that her daughter loved so much. Kristen, however, isn’t ready to leave the only home she’s ever known, the one place she can still feel close to her mom.

The beauty of Hawkins’ writing is that even when it moves into the magical––and rest assured that it does—the emotions of the characters are authentic. Every scene, no matter how far from daily reality, is rooted in kindness and friendship, the belief we can all be better, and the hope that starting over is possible. A Cup of Silver Linings is the perfect way to spend an afternoon, teacup in hand, dreaming about what could be.