The Hearts We Mend Review

Planning and Post-It notes are the epitome of Evie’s life. But when she meets Jack, her life gets more than a little complicated.

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.

The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer was a super sweet read. Its characters are real and easy to fall in love with. At least I fell in love quick! Evie and Jack's story is one that I enjoyed so much reading. It's so realistic with all of its messy circumstances and the journeys that come with them. After reading this book I realized that this is a second book in the Banister Falls series, but reading the first book isn't required to enjoy The Hearts We Mend. (I just like to do things backwards so now its time for me to read The Dandelion Field!)

5 out of 5. An wonderful Afternoon Snack.

I received a copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review.

Playing the Part Review

Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan's interest turns threatening. Lucetta's widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta's life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson's estate to hide out. 

Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there's much more to him than society knows. 

Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail's matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can't ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it'll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays.

Playing the Part by Jen Turano was a great conclusion to her latest series A Class of Their Own. Lucetta Plum is a great character and it's great finally getting to read her love story. Bram is also a very fun character to follow around. I mean the first time Bram and Lucetta meet Bram's wearing an eye patch for no apparent reason at all! Who wouldn't be intrigued by that? Playing the Part is a wonderfully humorous story filled to the brim with mystery and romance. If you've ever read any books by Jen than you can look forward to the same wild ride you get with any of her books! Pick up Playing the Part, you won't be disappointed!

5 out of 5. A playful Afternoon Snack!

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.