It's the cover that caught my attention. I didn't realize this was the second book of a series. The first being, Paper Hearts. Although I didn't read the first in the series this novel was a lovely read. Once I began turning pages I simply didn't want to put this book down.
The characters tugged at my heart. This author, which is a new author to me, did a fantastic job at bringing out the emotion of each character. The story flowed easily and I found it very poignant in life lessons.
Evelyn is the main character. She's married a senator. Life seems perfection. That is until the FBI show up at the door. It's then that life for Evelyn takes a detour. Although at the time she is fearful and lost, God hasn't left her. He's still guiding her and as we see He blesses her with unexpected sanctuary.
What I loved is how the author depicted this character. She brought out how Evelyn gave up all of herself for this man, her husband, and he abused every trust she thought they shared. He crushes her spirit. She had given so much of herself up and became who he wanted and needed her to be that she lost a joy she once had for life. Sure, she had the world at her feet, but it wasn't the things of this world that Evelyn needed. They didn't truly satisfy. Not when they were taking so much away from the beauty of the woman she truly was.
Throughout the story we have a front row seat to witnessing her blossom. We see her fight the pain of being wounded by a husband she loved. Divorce happens. Another aspect that I loved about this novel. There isn't always a happy ending. I love when writers pen realistic stories that move us to ponder life itself.
She was surrounded by women, friends, and acquaintances. She was the woman in a room filled with people, but still feeling so alone. Again, another aspect of the life of this woman many of us can relate to.
Trevor Whitney is another character entwined in Evelyn's life of old and now he enters once again and is the friend she so needs. There is much to Trevor's own story that is shared here in black and white. The author brings him to life as we see him let go of the past and embrace a new day.
Love, forgiveness, friendship, growth, and faith are all alive in this story. The title of this novel greatly captures the story line. Hearts changing through circumstances brought on by the actions of others cause these characters to dig deep and seek the truths of life and faith. I truly enjoyed this book and would really like to go back and read the first in the series.
This novel was a gift from Tyndale for sharing my review with you.
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. Courtney lives with her husband and three children in Illinois. Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com
