"Sometimes a step back is the only way forward." (back cover)
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Title: Change of Heart: a Novel
Series: Paper Hearts #2
Author: Courtney Walsh
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Release Date: March 1, 2016
ABOUT THE BOOK
A Colorado senator’s wife, Evelyn Brandt seems to
have it all. But her carefully constructed life comes toppling down when the
FBI crashes her society brunch with news that her husband has been arrested for
embezzlement, and he’s far from repentant. It turns out this was only the start
of his indiscretions—for which he has little regret.
As the weeks following the scandal turn into months, Evelyn withdraws, even shirking her duties with the philanthropic Valentine Volunteers. The inquisitive women of the group are determined not to let Evelyn’s divorce destroy her. They have big plans for her to use her long-forgotten artistic talent to reimagine the city’s iconic lamppost hearts. But doing so will force Evelyn to work closely with Trevor Whitney, her ex-husband’s former best friend. Though she and Trevor used to be close—and he’s been letting her hide in his guesthouse—his gruffness conveys his unease with the situation.
Amid the beauty of Trevor’s farm and the comfort of a paintbrush, Evelyn starts to reclaim the dreams she sacrificed to become the perfect politician’s wife. And as creativity inspires them both, Whit begins to see the girl he fell in love with before his friend—and his own mistakes—stole his chance. Possibilities for a new beginning emerge, but long-kept secrets threaten to ruin everything. After so much time, is a change of heart too much to hope for?
As the weeks following the scandal turn into months, Evelyn withdraws, even shirking her duties with the philanthropic Valentine Volunteers. The inquisitive women of the group are determined not to let Evelyn’s divorce destroy her. They have big plans for her to use her long-forgotten artistic talent to reimagine the city’s iconic lamppost hearts. But doing so will force Evelyn to work closely with Trevor Whitney, her ex-husband’s former best friend. Though she and Trevor used to be close—and he’s been letting her hide in his guesthouse—his gruffness conveys his unease with the situation.
Amid the beauty of Trevor’s farm and the comfort of a paintbrush, Evelyn starts to reclaim the dreams she sacrificed to become the perfect politician’s wife. And as creativity inspires them both, Whit begins to see the girl he fell in love with before his friend—and his own mistakes—stole his chance. Possibilities for a new beginning emerge, but long-kept secrets threaten to ruin everything. After so much time, is a change of heart too much to hope for?
MY THOUGHTS
"...that's what makes them different from us. We get to choose if we want to add purpose to our days." (96)That is what we have here in Courtney Walsh's Change of Heart. A sweet and captivating story of unrequited love turned second chances and ultimately surrendering to God. From the start of betrayal to opening her heart once again, and finding confidence in herself, Evelyn's experiences had me following her with my heart - crying with her, rooting for her and even sparring (in my mind) with her to find and accept herself. With Trevor, his love for Evelyn ran true and deep, and Courtney gave him a distinct voice. A voice that speaks to readers as to who he is as a thoughtful friend and a compassionate man. Years of self-denial led to his bitter and grumpy state, but with help from the lovable philanthropic group, The Valentines Volunteers in Love Park, as well as many prayers, his surrender to God was bitter-sweet. Will Evelyn's dream to be an independent artist, and Trevor's dream for Evelyn to be happy come true?
"For something that makes your heart leap. God's in the dream-making business." (259)
A story of dreams and hearts aligned, the second of the Paper Hearts series, will have you wishing for the third story as soon as possible, or buy the first right away, as I did. Courtney's note at the end of the book to readers spoke of God's guidance in her writings and I look forward to more books by an author that surrendered her talents to Him."I don't want to be the one who has everything all figured out because it leaves no room for God to work in me. I would much rather readily admit I have no idea what I'm doing and can't do any of this life stuff without Him.
My prayer for this book is that it will not only give you a few hours of peaceful escape, but that it will also help you, dear reader, take a look at the regrets you've been carrying with you and finally lay them down...while the human heart tends to be fickle, God's heart toward us never changes." (397-398)Thank you, Courtney.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Tyndale House Publishers for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
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TO PURCHASE A COPY of Change of Heart
TO PURCHASE A COPY of Paper Hearts, #1
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Courtney
Walsh is the author of Paper Hearts and the Sweethaven series. Her
debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, was a New York Times and USA
Today e-book bestseller and a Carol Award finalist in the debut author
category. In addition, she has written two craft books and several full-length
musicals. Courtney lives with her husband and three children in Illinois, where
she is also an artist, theater director, and playwright.
I still need to read this book! I have it. Just need to find the TIME lol. (Fun fact - Courtney Walsh lives in the same city in IL where I grew up!)
ReplyDeleteLOL. That is a fun fact! I think you'll love this. I bought Paper Hearts, and can't wait to read this. I'll have to wait until I have time beyond my review commitments.
ReplyDeleteLove this cover! I'm excited to read Courtney's latest. :) Thank you for sharing, Annie!
ReplyDeleteO yes, Joanne! Love the cover too! BotHappy Change of Heart and Paper Hearts! Just love them!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
ReplyDelete