Everything I Hope For

 At its core, Everything I Hope For is a women-centred Canadian historical fiction novel about the difficult work of knowing oneself.

Through an intense and complicated first love, Belinda learns—often painfully—about what she wants, what she will tolerate, and what she must refuse. Immersed in the second-wave feminist ideals shaping her generation, she learns that with freedom comes responsibility for one’s choices, and love can test the very independence it promises.

Recognizing that the person she chooses to love may affect her future more profoundly than any other decision, Belinda must look at herself without evasion and decide what kind of life she is willing to fight for.

This Canadian historical fiction novel explores enduring questions that resonate with modern readers, book clubs, and classrooms:

· Women’s agency and self-trust in 1970s Canada

· The desire to “have it all” and the cost of believing it is possible

· Moral judgment and power within romantic love

· Female friendship and solidarity during social change

  · A rare Canadian historical novel that captures the emotional reality of the 1970s

· A strong, thoughtful female protagonist navigating love without a safety net

· A deeply human portrayal of first love, freedom, and consequence

· Ideal for book clubs, Canadian literature courses, and women’s studies

Everything I Hope For is a poignant, deeply felt novel that doesn’t shy away from the messy, uncertain nature of growing up. It is a story of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of hope amidst life’s uncertainties. Fans of literary fiction and character-driven narratives will find much to admire in Gault’s thoughtful storytelling.

--Literary Tales

Overall, this is a realistic story of the 1970s, when women slowly began to gain more rights and choices.

--Historical Novel Society

This was an enchanting novel about coming of age where the strong-willed Belinda took us with her on journey. The complexity of the relationships magnified the choices made by a young woman discovering what she really wanted. It was easy to read and so interesting I read it in two seatings. Gault brought us back to the 1970's when the world was shifting and the youth was demanding freedom of choice and equality. Things we are struggling with again today.

--Amazon customer

Cinda Gault’s Everything I Hope For captures the delicate balance of adolescence, love, and personal discovery. Belinda’s emotional journey is portrayed with heartfelt depth, leaving readers both nostalgic and inspired. This novel is a hidden gem—an absolute must-read for anyone who cherishes thoughtful storytelling.

--G. from Goodreads 

A Small Compass — a Canadian historical novel about women’s survival and courage in early 19th-century Canada

This Godforsaken Place — a women-centred historical fiction novel set in the Canadian wilderness in the late 19th century 

Purchase the novel → Step into a coming-of-age story shaped by love, freedom, and hard-won self-knowledge

Explore speaking topics → Talks on women’s agency, historical change, and choosing one’s own life

Invite Cinda Gault to speak or read → Bring Canadian women’s history to life for your book club, classroom, or event