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flowersofquiethappiness's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Stars
I loved Jack!! And Evie too, but Jack was my favorite. Such a swoony and GOOD man. He’s a keeper for sure. I totally admit that I went in to this one purely for the romance and I ended up being blindsided with just how wonderful Jack is! I loved the little family he created around him, simply by having his door open and being willing to be there for each of his neighbors. And his neighbors were quirky and awesome!
But Jack and Evie together? Oh my heart, I love those two! I love their instantaneous attraction and they way they just simply could not stay away from each other. All the heart-eyes for Jack, reader friends! Trust me, you need to meet this man. He will make you melt with his goodness, especially when it comes to a couple adorable little girls who love to twirl! ;)
Yet this story is so much more than just a romance. Evie and Jack both have to learn to truly open up to each other, and they mutually challenge the other to become an even better person than they already are. Beautiful story, beautiful writing, read this one, friends!
I loved Jack!! And Evie too, but Jack was my favorite. Such a swoony and GOOD man. He’s a keeper for sure. I totally admit that I went in to this one purely for the romance and I ended up being blindsided with just how wonderful Jack is! I loved the little family he created around him, simply by having his door open and being willing to be there for each of his neighbors. And his neighbors were quirky and awesome!
But Jack and Evie together? Oh my heart, I love those two! I love their instantaneous attraction and they way they just simply could not stay away from each other. All the heart-eyes for Jack, reader friends! Trust me, you need to meet this man. He will make you melt with his goodness, especially when it comes to a couple adorable little girls who love to twirl! ;)
Yet this story is so much more than just a romance. Evie and Jack both have to learn to truly open up to each other, and they mutually challenge the other to become an even better person than they already are. Beautiful story, beautiful writing, read this one, friends!
kbranfield's review against another edition
5.0
The Hearts We Mend is the second heartfelt installment in Kathryn Springer's delightful Banister Falls series. It is another emotional novel of healing and while it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the entire series.
Evie Bennett is putting the finishing touches on her son Cody's upcoming wedding when she is dismayed to discover the church's regular custodian has been called away on a family emergency. She is even more distraught when she realizes his temporary replacement, Jack Vale, is the man she and her friend Gin previously met under rather inauspicious circumstances while delivering groceries to someone in need. A newcomer to town, Jack is a bit of an enigma and Evie is a little nervous around the handsome but rough around the edges handyman. There is much more to Jack than meets the eye and the pair form an unlikely friendship. Evie and Jack are surprised to discover their feelings run deeper than friendship but are either of them ready for a romantic entanglement?
Evie is definitely at a crossroads in her life. Long widowed, the main focus of her life has been her son and now that Cody is moving on to the next stage of his life, she is feeling a little lost and lonely. She is intrigued by Jack but he so different from anyone she knows, she is uncertain what, if any, place he has in her life. Quickly realizing she might have misjudged him, Evie is surprised to discover he has a strong faith and a very open and giving heart. She soon realizes she is attracted to Jack and she is willing to explore the possibility of a future with him.
Jack has put his wild days long behind him and his strong faith guides him as he helps others in need. He has collected a rather motley assortment of friends and he opens both his home and his heart to them (and anyone else in need). He is only planning on staying in town temporarily while he helps his troubled brother Travis and sister-in-law Cheryl get back on their feet. He is hoping that Travis is finally going to keep a job and maintain his sobriety but sadly, this is not the case. After the two end up in trouble, Jack becomes temporary guardian for his young niece Lily and his life becomes further entwined with Evie's when her daughter-in-law becomes Lily's caregiver.
One of the most enjoyable aspect of reading an novel by Kathryn Springer is her characters and their relationship with God. Her characters are ordinary everyday people with messy lives. They make mistakes. They make questionable decisions. Their families are imperfect. And yet, they still find love, acceptance and forgiveness through God's love. Their faith might sometimes falter, but they have confidence that God will guide them to the right path. Sometimes that path is not what they expected, but they trust that everything will work out in the end. In The Hearts We Mend, both Evie and Jack discover that God's plan is definitely not what they expected, but rather, what they need. Their road to happily ever after is not always smooth, but it is a healing journey that makes them stronger as a couple and as Christians.
Like the previous installment in the Banister Falls series, The Hearts We Mend touches on some very tough, true to life subject matter. Kathryn Springer handles these topics with sensitivity and she never downplays the difficulties associated with these issues. The storyline has depth and the faith aspect of the novel is subtle and enriches the overall plot. The characters are complex and richly developed with realistic strengths and weakness that are easy for readers to relate to. An absolutely marvelous addition to the Banister Falls series that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance with a realistic storyline.
Evie Bennett is putting the finishing touches on her son Cody's upcoming wedding when she is dismayed to discover the church's regular custodian has been called away on a family emergency. She is even more distraught when she realizes his temporary replacement, Jack Vale, is the man she and her friend Gin previously met under rather inauspicious circumstances while delivering groceries to someone in need. A newcomer to town, Jack is a bit of an enigma and Evie is a little nervous around the handsome but rough around the edges handyman. There is much more to Jack than meets the eye and the pair form an unlikely friendship. Evie and Jack are surprised to discover their feelings run deeper than friendship but are either of them ready for a romantic entanglement?
Evie is definitely at a crossroads in her life. Long widowed, the main focus of her life has been her son and now that Cody is moving on to the next stage of his life, she is feeling a little lost and lonely. She is intrigued by Jack but he so different from anyone she knows, she is uncertain what, if any, place he has in her life. Quickly realizing she might have misjudged him, Evie is surprised to discover he has a strong faith and a very open and giving heart. She soon realizes she is attracted to Jack and she is willing to explore the possibility of a future with him.
Jack has put his wild days long behind him and his strong faith guides him as he helps others in need. He has collected a rather motley assortment of friends and he opens both his home and his heart to them (and anyone else in need). He is only planning on staying in town temporarily while he helps his troubled brother Travis and sister-in-law Cheryl get back on their feet. He is hoping that Travis is finally going to keep a job and maintain his sobriety but sadly, this is not the case. After the two end up in trouble, Jack becomes temporary guardian for his young niece Lily and his life becomes further entwined with Evie's when her daughter-in-law becomes Lily's caregiver.
One of the most enjoyable aspect of reading an novel by Kathryn Springer is her characters and their relationship with God. Her characters are ordinary everyday people with messy lives. They make mistakes. They make questionable decisions. Their families are imperfect. And yet, they still find love, acceptance and forgiveness through God's love. Their faith might sometimes falter, but they have confidence that God will guide them to the right path. Sometimes that path is not what they expected, but they trust that everything will work out in the end. In The Hearts We Mend, both Evie and Jack discover that God's plan is definitely not what they expected, but rather, what they need. Their road to happily ever after is not always smooth, but it is a healing journey that makes them stronger as a couple and as Christians.
Like the previous installment in the Banister Falls series, The Hearts We Mend touches on some very tough, true to life subject matter. Kathryn Springer handles these topics with sensitivity and she never downplays the difficulties associated with these issues. The storyline has depth and the faith aspect of the novel is subtle and enriches the overall plot. The characters are complex and richly developed with realistic strengths and weakness that are easy for readers to relate to. An absolutely marvelous addition to the Banister Falls series that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance with a realistic storyline.
syapotter's review against another edition
5.0
I received the ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of honest reviews.
The story centers around Evie, who was widowed at a very young age and after his son, Cody, got married, started to fell lonely as her life which once revolved around him started to feel empty. Jack entered her life, working together at the church; her as the director of women's ministry while him as a temporary custodian. They were like chalk and cheese but that did not stop the sparks from flying, especially when Jake is far from what Evie first thought he was. Coupled that with some serious issues that were brought forward in this books, it's a really heartfelt story that will make you smile and cry a little bit.
It's just so hard to point out the things that I loved about this book because there were just too many! I am in love with the main characters, whom the author had really brought to life with her own brand of writing, which makes it hard for readers not to fall for them. I love Evie, with all her commitment and focus to her work, and her fears makes her relatable, especially for me as there are countless times when I felt like I want to do something but I can't because I'm afraid. And Jack... oh Jack, there's just so much heart in this man, and I really found it hard not to fall in love with him. I love the way the author showed how much he cared for the people around him, even those whom he barely knew and how he readily opens his home to this very unique assortment of people and that just tugs at my heartstrings. When he showed his frustration over the issue with his brother, Travis, it hurts me that I cried a little bit. Jack, you definitely have my heart.
I love the side characters as much as I loved the main. Lily, Jack's niece, is such a special person and I love the relationship she and Jack has. The gang at Fairview Street, though such a unique bunch, are very likeable right from the start, especially Bert. The Morrettis are such a fun bunch to get to know, especially Dan who is very protective of Evie but understandably so because as a close childhood friend, he only had Evie's best interest at heart.
Another thing that I love about this book was how the author showed the progression of Evie and Jack's relationship. It does not seem so instant, which seems like all the rage these days, so it's a nice change. In Evie and Jack's case, they had met previously in other different circumstances in the first book of the series, Dandelion Field (which I had not read but will definitely pick that up as soon as possible!) We could sense the attraction between the two of them, it was quite a long time before each made their own move and when they did, it was very satisfying because of the build-up to the event and I loved it!
As you can see, there's nothing that I don't love about this book but if there's one thing that bothers me (and that's probably only me, ha), it's the cover. Yes, it is gorgeous and I loved it but I feel like there's a slight misrepresentation as the couple featured on the cover is not how I imagined Evie and Jack to be. I feel like they looked too young? But anyway, that's just such a small little detail that can be overlooked as what is the most important here is the story that touches your heart and lives with you long after you've read the last page.
The story centers around Evie, who was widowed at a very young age and after his son, Cody, got married, started to fell lonely as her life which once revolved around him started to feel empty. Jack entered her life, working together at the church; her as the director of women's ministry while him as a temporary custodian. They were like chalk and cheese but that did not stop the sparks from flying, especially when Jake is far from what Evie first thought he was. Coupled that with some serious issues that were brought forward in this books, it's a really heartfelt story that will make you smile and cry a little bit.
It's just so hard to point out the things that I loved about this book because there were just too many! I am in love with the main characters, whom the author had really brought to life with her own brand of writing, which makes it hard for readers not to fall for them. I love Evie, with all her commitment and focus to her work, and her fears makes her relatable, especially for me as there are countless times when I felt like I want to do something but I can't because I'm afraid. And Jack... oh Jack, there's just so much heart in this man, and I really found it hard not to fall in love with him. I love the way the author showed how much he cared for the people around him, even those whom he barely knew and how he readily opens his home to this very unique assortment of people and that just tugs at my heartstrings. When he showed his frustration over the issue with his brother, Travis, it hurts me that I cried a little bit. Jack, you definitely have my heart.
I love the side characters as much as I loved the main. Lily, Jack's niece, is such a special person and I love the relationship she and Jack has. The gang at Fairview Street, though such a unique bunch, are very likeable right from the start, especially Bert. The Morrettis are such a fun bunch to get to know, especially Dan who is very protective of Evie but understandably so because as a close childhood friend, he only had Evie's best interest at heart.
Another thing that I love about this book was how the author showed the progression of Evie and Jack's relationship. It does not seem so instant, which seems like all the rage these days, so it's a nice change. In Evie and Jack's case, they had met previously in other different circumstances in the first book of the series, Dandelion Field (which I had not read but will definitely pick that up as soon as possible!) We could sense the attraction between the two of them, it was quite a long time before each made their own move and when they did, it was very satisfying because of the build-up to the event and I loved it!
As you can see, there's nothing that I don't love about this book but if there's one thing that bothers me (and that's probably only me, ha), it's the cover. Yes, it is gorgeous and I loved it but I feel like there's a slight misrepresentation as the couple featured on the cover is not how I imagined Evie and Jack to be. I feel like they looked too young? But anyway, that's just such a small little detail that can be overlooked as what is the most important here is the story that touches your heart and lives with you long after you've read the last page.
meezcarrie's review against another edition
5.0
Warmth exudes from every page of Kathryn Springer’s The Hearts We Mend. The characters will set up camp in your heart and may even start refurbishing it if you aren’t careful. Humor, love, and several poignant twists make this a truly enjoyable and inspiring read. It’s loaded with some great symbolism if you’re paying attention, a couple of pretty swoonworthy kisses, and lots of adorable little-girl twirling! Jack and Evie together are just … dreamy sigh. Jack by himself would be dreamy-sigh-worthy enough but Jack in love with Evie is completely twitterpating. In fact, I’m still smiling over the epilogue. But as much as I adored the romance (still fanning, as a matter of fact), the deeper meaning – the symbolism – remains my favorite part of the story. Just like the storefront that Jack is restoring, there is more to Jack than meets the eye. And much like Evie added a bit of variety to Jack’s dinner menu, her presence added some flavor to his life – and his neighbors – as well. Fans of Denise Hunter will enjoy this series too!
Note: This is the second book in the BANISTER FALLS series and, while it can easily be read as a standalone, it did take a few pages to orient myself to people and events – something that probably would have been unnecessary if I had read the previous book.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Note: This is the second book in the BANISTER FALLS series and, while it can easily be read as a standalone, it did take a few pages to orient myself to people and events – something that probably would have been unnecessary if I had read the previous book.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
michellef's review against another edition
5.0
The in's and out's of a small town, U.S.A. How they live their lives, the good and the bad. `The Heart's We Mend` written by Kathryn Springer is a Christian women's fiction novel. Separate people, separate lives, will they come together in this drama? The picture on the cover is what attracted me to this book. With the sparkly lights it reminds me of Christmas. The author dedicated this book to God - Master builder, restorer, and multiplier of bread and fish. To God be the glory, always!
There are 42 chapters, an epilogue, and discussion questions, great for book clubs. The novel started out slow and steady and took a few twists and turns, There was a wedding, a parade, and a girls night out. There was also two themes in this book. One that included a wedding, a parade and a picnic. The second was on a more serious note where some of the characters were put in jail.
This book is beautifully written with characters who fit together perfectly.I felt like I was watching the drama unfold as I read. This is the first of the series that I have read, which it is actually the second book in the `Bannister Falls` series. I like how the trust of god was shown throughout this book, through different characters. As the reader finds out, all things are possible with God.
I recommend this book to readers of Christian Fiction.
Disclaimer: I received an ebook for my honest review, through NetGalley
There are 42 chapters, an epilogue, and discussion questions, great for book clubs. The novel started out slow and steady and took a few twists and turns, There was a wedding, a parade, and a girls night out. There was also two themes in this book. One that included a wedding, a parade and a picnic. The second was on a more serious note where some of the characters were put in jail.
This book is beautifully written with characters who fit together perfectly.I felt like I was watching the drama unfold as I read. This is the first of the series that I have read, which it is actually the second book in the `Bannister Falls` series. I like how the trust of god was shown throughout this book, through different characters. As the reader finds out, all things are possible with God.
I recommend this book to readers of Christian Fiction.
Disclaimer: I received an ebook for my honest review, through NetGalley
cctblog's review against another edition
5.0
Evie Bennett's life hasn't always been easy—she lost her firefighter husband when their son was very young; her son fell in love his senior year of high school and soon announced his girlfriend was pregnant and they were getting married—but it has always been safe. She lives in an upper middle class neighborhood, she works as the women's ministries director at her church, and she is surrounded by friends who stepped in to fill the gap after her husband's death. When Jack Vale enters her life, he challenges her to step outside the safety of the church walls and "love your neighbor as yourself." As Evie is drawn into Jack's world, she begins to really experience life in all its messiness for the first time since her husband's death.
I honestly don't think I can say enough good things about The Hearts We Mend! Because of my love for the first novel in this series, I knew I wanted to read the book—but I did wonder if author Kathryn Springer could match the quality, depth, and realness of The Dandelion Field. Well, she did; in fact, I think I actually liked The Hearts We Mend better!
Not only did I love the romance between Evie and Jack, but I also enjoyed Evie's transformation into a strong, independent woman who began pursuing the dreams God placed on her heart.
Ultimately, while I enjoyed The Hearts We Mend, it also challenged me to get out of my Evie-like comfort zone and look for opportunities God has given me to impact the world outside the church doors ... and it did it without coming across as preachy. The Bannister Falls series is a must read for anyone looking for faith-filled, realistic romance. 5 stars.
Note: The Hearts We Mend can be read as a stand-alone title, but I'd recommend reading The Dandelion Field first, as Evie's journey really begins there.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I honestly don't think I can say enough good things about The Hearts We Mend! Because of my love for the first novel in this series, I knew I wanted to read the book—but I did wonder if author Kathryn Springer could match the quality, depth, and realness of The Dandelion Field. Well, she did; in fact, I think I actually liked The Hearts We Mend better!
Not only did I love the romance between Evie and Jack, but I also enjoyed Evie's transformation into a strong, independent woman who began pursuing the dreams God placed on her heart.
Ultimately, while I enjoyed The Hearts We Mend, it also challenged me to get out of my Evie-like comfort zone and look for opportunities God has given me to impact the world outside the church doors ... and it did it without coming across as preachy. The Bannister Falls series is a must read for anyone looking for faith-filled, realistic romance. 5 stars.
Note: The Hearts We Mend can be read as a stand-alone title, but I'd recommend reading The Dandelion Field first, as Evie's journey really begins there.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
fiction_aficionado's review against another edition
5.0
The short take
A beautiful contemporary romance that doesn't gloss over the messiness of life, and yet is filled with hope, warmth, and genuine love for others.
Full review
I have really enjoyed both of Kathryn Springer’s Bannister Falls novels, and while this one could be read as a stand-alone without getting lost, The Dandelion Field contains a lot of Evie’s backstory (not to mention being a worthwhile read in itself!) and I think having read that one will make the reading of The Hearts We Mend a richer experience. And just a warning, if you haven’t read The Dandelion Field yet there is a little spoiler in the first paragraph below.
Both novels in this series are stories about what happens when life gets messy; in particular, how the decisions made by others can affect our own lives, and how we choose to react to that. In Evie’s case, her son Cody is about to become a father and a husband at the ripe old age of 18 (the story told in The Dandelion Field). Just because Evie has come to love both Raine (Cody’s girlfriend) and Raine’s mother, Genevieve, doesn’t mean that she’s completely come to terms with this bewildering departure from the future she was envisaging.
Jack has moved to Bannister Falls to support his brother, Travis, who is still trying to fill the emptiness inside him with drugs and alcohol. Travis’s wife, Cheryl, is also a recovering alcoholic, and together they have a ten-year-old daughter, Lily. Their move to Bannister Falls is an attempt at a fresh start, but Jack knows that a change of scenery can’t change a person on the inside. He also knows he can’t fight Travis’s battles for him; but he can make sure he’s there for him – and be a source of stability for Lily. If that means he’s also on hand to help out Cheryl’s sister, Nicki – a single mum of three who’s picked herself up after leaving her abusive boyfriend – then all the better.
To help with living costs Jack has agreed to renovate a run-down apartment block in a not-so-salubrious part of town in return for reduced rent. In doing so, he’s become the go-to guy for the assortment of characters who live in the building. He has an open door policy, which means he may or may not have the shift-worker from upstairs sleeping on his couch while his wife runs an in-home daycare, he has a never ending list of maintenance jobs, and he doesn’t know how many people will show up for spaghetti for dinner each night.
Evie and Jack are such opposites in personality, and even in their life circumstances in many ways, and yet they complemented each other beautifully. I also loved the way in which Evie and Jack came together through reaching out to others – and ended up reaching out to each other in the process.
There were really so many things to love about this novel: the diverse cast of characters (including much loved characters from the previous novel), plenty of dialogue and character interaction, and most of all, the way in which Evie and Jack’s friendship grew and deepened their attraction to one another. I’m not sure whether there is another novel planned in this series, but regardless, I will be looking out for Kathryn’s next release.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.
A beautiful contemporary romance that doesn't gloss over the messiness of life, and yet is filled with hope, warmth, and genuine love for others.
Full review
I have really enjoyed both of Kathryn Springer’s Bannister Falls novels, and while this one could be read as a stand-alone without getting lost, The Dandelion Field contains a lot of Evie’s backstory (not to mention being a worthwhile read in itself!) and I think having read that one will make the reading of The Hearts We Mend a richer experience. And just a warning, if you haven’t read The Dandelion Field yet there is a little spoiler in the first paragraph below.
Both novels in this series are stories about what happens when life gets messy; in particular, how the decisions made by others can affect our own lives, and how we choose to react to that. In Evie’s case, her son Cody is about to become a father and a husband at the ripe old age of 18 (the story told in The Dandelion Field). Just because Evie has come to love both Raine (Cody’s girlfriend) and Raine’s mother, Genevieve, doesn’t mean that she’s completely come to terms with this bewildering departure from the future she was envisaging.
Jack has moved to Bannister Falls to support his brother, Travis, who is still trying to fill the emptiness inside him with drugs and alcohol. Travis’s wife, Cheryl, is also a recovering alcoholic, and together they have a ten-year-old daughter, Lily. Their move to Bannister Falls is an attempt at a fresh start, but Jack knows that a change of scenery can’t change a person on the inside. He also knows he can’t fight Travis’s battles for him; but he can make sure he’s there for him – and be a source of stability for Lily. If that means he’s also on hand to help out Cheryl’s sister, Nicki – a single mum of three who’s picked herself up after leaving her abusive boyfriend – then all the better.
To help with living costs Jack has agreed to renovate a run-down apartment block in a not-so-salubrious part of town in return for reduced rent. In doing so, he’s become the go-to guy for the assortment of characters who live in the building. He has an open door policy, which means he may or may not have the shift-worker from upstairs sleeping on his couch while his wife runs an in-home daycare, he has a never ending list of maintenance jobs, and he doesn’t know how many people will show up for spaghetti for dinner each night.
Evie and Jack are such opposites in personality, and even in their life circumstances in many ways, and yet they complemented each other beautifully. I also loved the way in which Evie and Jack came together through reaching out to others – and ended up reaching out to each other in the process.
There were really so many things to love about this novel: the diverse cast of characters (including much loved characters from the previous novel), plenty of dialogue and character interaction, and most of all, the way in which Evie and Jack’s friendship grew and deepened their attraction to one another. I’m not sure whether there is another novel planned in this series, but regardless, I will be looking out for Kathryn’s next release.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.
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