The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside

Jessica Ryn

Nov 2020 · HQ · Narrated by Joan Walker

About this audiobook

‘This is the book we all need right now: a story of kindness and hope. I absolutely loved it’

Anstey Harris, bestselling author of Richard and Judy Book Club pick The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton

She’s not lost. She’s just waiting to be found...

‘Completely beguiling – a messy, loveable cast of characters with Dawn at the centre, bringing the light. A truly lovely read’
Beth Morrey, Sunday Times bestselling author of Saving Missy

Dawn Elisabeth Brightside has been running from her past for twenty-two years and two months, precisely.

So when she is offered a bed in St Jude’s Hostel for the Homeless, it means so much more than just a roof over her head.

But with St Jude’s threatened with closure, Dawn worries that everything is about to crumble around her all over again.

Perhaps, with a little help from her new friends, she can find a way to save this light in the darkness?

And maybe, just maybe, Dawn will finally have a place to call home....

The utterly charming feel-good debut novel of summer 2021 to curl up with.

Ratings and reviews

The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside is a truly heartwarming story about a homeless shelter and its inhabitants. Doesn't sound heartwarming? Well let me just add that not only is it heartwarming but it's uplifting too, I absolutely loved it (although I admit to a few tears here and there along the way) and will definitely be buying a copy of the audiobook - it's definitely a book to revisit. This is the debut novel of Jessica Ryn and my goodness WHAT a debut! Ms Ryn is a former midwife and homeless resettlement worker and she has brought her knowledge and insight to help create the wonderful cast of characters who occupy her novel. It's the truth of the characters that really shines through this book. I was listening to the audiobook and I must say that it was beautifully read by Joan Walker. I can only say that this book is a real gem and a genuine treasure.

About the author

Jessica Ryn is a former midwife and homeless resettlement worker. She has recently completed her MA in Creative Writing at CCCU, and her stories have been shortlisted for the Kimberly Chambers’ Kickstarter Award, Wordsmag and the Val Wood Prize for Creative Writing. When she’s not scribbling away, Jessica can be found meandering through the woods, reading stories that pull on the feel-strings and eating yoghurt-covered skittles. Jessica lives in Dover with her husband, two children and their high-spirited springer spaniel. The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside is her debut novel.