Thirteen years ago, Evie’s firefighter husband was killed in the line of duty, leaving her to raise their young son, Cody, alone. Now, Cody is marrying the love of his life, and as he packs up his belongings, the house feels as empty as Evie’s heart. But for all her planning and mad organizational skills, Evie could never have anticipated the dramatic shift her life is about to make.
Tattooed, rough-around-the-edges Jack raises quite a few eyebrows in the tight-knit community of Banister Falls. Where Evie’s life is stream-lined, Jack’s approach to living is moment-by-moment. But as Evie gets drawn into Jack’s world—a world that isn’t as safe or predictable as the one she’s worked so hard to create—he challenges her to open her eyes to the problems outside the walls of the church.
Jack doesn’t make Evie feel comfortable, but he definitely makes her feel something. Something she hasn’t felt since Max passed away—or, maybe ever. Because even though Jack isn’t anything like her late husband, he just might be everything she needs.
Springer pens a rollercoaster ride of what it’s really like to walk the talk in her newest book The Hearts We Mend. Evie is my kind of girl – she’s doing a job that lets her help people all while taking care of her son. I like how she’s kept things together in the aftermath of her tragedy and has kept such deep roots in her community. She’s a put-together, planned kind of girl, and I like that.
Sometimes God wants more for us than a safe, planned-out existence, though, and that’s what I loved so much about Jack. He was a guy living on the spur of the moment. He listened for nudges and poured himself out for the people in need all around him – no matter what those needs were. He shared whatever he had and wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty – literally. I think those are the hardest things to do. It’s hard to throw your own plans out the window when you’re sure that they’re good ones and go off in a new direction, and Jack’s example of this was my favorite aspect of the book.
While the first few chapters felt slow, I think that’s just because this isn’t the first book in a series. It wasn’t long before I was up to speed on the characters and wishing I had the others to read.
Springer’s smooth, dramatic writing brings the characters to life. She makes the entire plot feel very realistic, which is what made me feel so burdened for Evie at the beginning of the book. I like the way that Springer kept walking through Evie’s valley with her and brought characters forward who could help her with the life changes she was experiencing. Those people serve as good reminders and examples for the kind of people that we all should be.
Many authors create stories around just a few characters, but Springer’s brought an entire community to life. She’s a master with words. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
I received a free copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
THIRD PRIZE:
Because it’s not always love at first sight!
Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.
The shadows over this olive grove hide more than just the truth.
Darla’s father was responsible for a terrible fire at Charm’s lumber mill which killed five Amish men. And though he, too, lost his life, the town of Charm hasn’t looked at her family the same since. Even Lukas Kinsinger—with whom Darla used to have a close friendship.
Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Nineteen-year-old Carrie Ann Bell is independent and spirited. The only thing she really fears are the Union soldiers fighting against her Confederate friends. When her youngest sister runs away from home, brave Carrie Ann is determined to find her and bring her back. Disguised as a soldier, she sets off—only to find she’s fallen into the hands of the enemy.
Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.
