Set in 1994, during the height of the AIDS epidemic, Hope in a Time of Dying begins with Hope and Ben making the life-changing decision to leave their small Texas town for Los Angeles. The rerouting of the highway has financially damaged their antique business, leaving them with little choice but to seek a new beginning. But the move is about more than survival; it’s also about family. Hope’s brother, Robert, a laser surgeon living with HIV, has offered her a unique business opportunity in Los Angeles—a chance to work together in a way that could reshape both their lives. As Hope and Ben step into the unknown, the story unfolds through the lives of a cast of deeply connected characters, each facing their own struggles and moments of grace. Together, they weave a narrative of resilience, love, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

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Hope Winterfield

Hope is a woman who has always prioritized her family, even when it meant putting her own dreams on hold. Her resilience shines through as she navigates the challenges of moving to Los Angeles with Ben to start over. While she’s no stranger to struggle, Hope’s strength is tested as she steps into a new role supporting her brother, Robert, during a pivotal moment in his life. At her core, Hope is a nurturer and a fighter, deeply loyal to those she loves, even when the path forward feels uncertain.

Dr. Robert Winterfield

Robert, a successful laser surgeon and former Navy medical officer, is a man of contradictions. He deeply values love but often pushes those closest to him away, a pattern rooted in his turbulent past and ongoing health challenges. High-strung yet vulnerable, Robert’s journey is shaped by his desire to connect, even as his actions sometimes create barriers with those who care about him most.

Anthony Canti

Anthony is Robert’s former lover and current business partner—a man whose sharp instincts make him a force to be reckoned with in life and business. Though his past with Robert is complicated, Anthony’s commitment to their shared success keeps them connected in surprising and meaningful ways. Beneath his confident exterior lies a deep capacity for care and a fierce protectiveness for those he considers family. His presence adds both tension and warmth to the story’s dynamic.

Cody Cavendish

Cody, Robert’s new “unofficial” husband, captivates those around him with his good looks, charisma, and moments of exceptional sensitivity. Yet, there is an undercurrent of mystery to Cody, as his motives and intentions often seem less straightforward than they appear, adding complexity to his character and his role in Robert’s life.

Eleanor Winterfield

Eleanor is Hope and Robert’s mother, a woman whose love often comes wrapped in criticism. Practical to a fault, her words are sometimes cutting but always rooted in her desire to see her children succeed. Eleanor’s relationship with Hope is complicated, a push-and-pull dynamic shaped by their shared history and unspoken regrets. Despite her sharp edges, Eleanor’s loyalty to her family runs deep, and her presence serves as a reminder of the ties that bind—even when they sometimes chafe.

Ben Maxwell

Ben, Hope’s husband, is an antique dealer and collector with a passion for historic house restoration. Grounded and wise, Ben is the truthteller in the story, which provides Hope with a steadying presence. His love of historic perservation mirrors his dedication to preserving the bonds that hold his family together, even as they navigate significant upheaval.

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These characters form the heart of Hope in a Time of Dying. Their intertwined lives reveal a rich tapestry of survival, love, and human connection, reminding the reader that even in the darkest times, the human spirit can endure and heal.