Lydia Hope's Blog

August 22, 2025

Seven Oars Release Date

It’s really happening!

We have a release date — September 4th! Pre-orders are now open on Amazon.

This is a story about Rosamma, an ordinary woman with extraordinary resilience.

It was a fun book to write, despite the fact that it ended up on a darker side, so watch out for language, themes of violence and abuse, and general gloom. ☠

Rosamma, who was protected and sheltered most of her life and suffers from poor health, is on her way to another planet when she’s captured by spa...

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Published on August 22, 2025 19:09

July 23, 2025

Seven Oars Cover Reveal

Seven Oars book cover

Hello, everyone!

We have a cover! 🎉

It’s in keeping with the series, but this time a lively green.

The book is written and even halfway edited, though I don’t have a specific release date yet. I’ve been putting a lot of time into it over the last few months—wow, that was something. By now, my characters feel like in-laws who’ve overstayed their welcome.

I can only hope you won’t feel the same reading it!

Just a word of warning: it’s not a light book. It covers some dark themes, and most of the c...

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Published on July 23, 2025 13:58

April 10, 2025

Author Update April 2025

Today was a good day in that I passed 100K words in my latest book, Seven Oars. I usually average that much in a finished version, which means I’ll need to write another 20–30K so I can cut back on the fluff during editing. While it still feels like the publication date is a ways away, let me tell you — it’s not that far. Hoping to have it all wrapped up neatly by summertime, as long as I keep being a good girl and stay on pace (which, of course, I am — unless I’m distracted by the noxious thist...

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Published on April 10, 2025 07:46

September 26, 2024

Working Title “Seven Oars” Ch. 1

I don’t think I’ve posted anything from my current work in progress, Rix Universe Book 3. I call it Seven Oars but the title may change. It’s Rosamma’s story, and I am kind of aware that at first blush, Rosamma doesn’t check out as a typical romance heroine. Then again, who does? Spoiler alert: Her love interest is also unconventional. 🙂

I am sitting here writing my blog with a “Simmering Spices” candle lit, with pretty fall decorations all around me. It’s still hot but fall is definitely in ...

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Published on September 26, 2024 14:27

July 31, 2024

Romance Novels in the Rockies: A Writer’s Inspiration

Hello, dear readers!

I hope this post finds you well and cozy wherever you are. As some of you might know, I recently made a big move from the bustling streets of Washington, DC to the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado. It’s been quite the adventure, and I’m excited to share a bit of this new chapter with you!

Leaving behind the historic charm and vibrant energy of DC has been a bittersweet experience. But as I settle into my new home amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, I can’t help...

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Published on July 31, 2024 18:12

October 24, 2023

Fall Post

Hello, world. This is me, Lydia, trying to revive my neglected online presence. Fall is here and I have pretty pictures to show for it. I’ll never get tired of fall colors. After 18 years in Florida, it’s hard to believe I’m back in a place where there’re seasons. I love seasons. (I love Florida, too.)

I get asked about what I’m working on, and I’m happy to share that I’m slowly but surely making progress on Rix Universe Book 3, Rosamma’s story. It will be the last in the series...

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Published on October 24, 2023 21:05

April 20, 2023

April Rambles

Hello and how has everyone been doing? Are spring allergies getting to you yet? It’s a beautiful season, but goodness I hate it because it causes me so much misery. Yes, yes, I do take antihistamines to function, but that’s not how it should be, right? 🤧

It’s been a while since I posted, mainly because life is pretty mundane and not worth sharing with the world. Sometimes, I post to Instagram because I like sharing pictures – they are truly worth a thousand words. Recently, I found out that a ...

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Published on April 20, 2023 12:58

February 15, 2023

Sky Song and More

Yesterday was Sky Song release day, and it went great! I’m so grateful for my readers – thank you so much for appreciating the stories I have to tell. I receive so many kind comments, and it always warms my heart to hear from you. I continue to be amazed at how far-flung my books now are. They’re read in all the English-speaking countries, but also Sweden, Brazil, India, Japan, Poland, Mexico, Netherlands, Italy – it’s wonderful and slightly terrifying. Pressure!

Excited about the release dat...

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Published on February 15, 2023 14:36

January 27, 2023

Sky Song Release Date

Hey there.

Popping in for a brief update on the release date of my latest, Sky Song.

❤ It’s February 14! ❤

You know, of course, that books make great gifts. You can let someone dear to you know that books make great gifts, including for Valentine’s Day (hint-hint).

Anyway, the ebook should now be available for preorders on Amazon. I was bummed to realize Amazon won’t allow to list a paperback for preorder, so the paperback version will come out on the 14th as well but not before. No...

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Published on January 27, 2023 03:01

January 7, 2023

Coming Very Soon…

Happy New Year, everyone!

I just opened Instagram, and every person with a house I follow already removed every trace of Christmas and decked out their interiors with red hearts. Much as I’m sorry to see the fall/winter season go, I won’t be doing that – there’s only so much rearranging I can handle. Plus, I don’t like red. January also brings to a close the season of birthdays in my family, with everyone celebrating in the August-January timeframe. After the last one, we get a quiet spell to...

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Published on January 07, 2023 21:03