A review by crafalsk264
Owner of a Lonely Heart by Eva Carter

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Gemma is a young widow who along with her therapy dog, Bear, spends time every day at the Children’s Oncology Center at the Bristol Hospital. Gemma is also trying to become pregnant with her late husband’s child. She meets Dan outside of the hospital when he is coming to visit his 12 year old daughter, Casey, having treatment for a benign brain tumor. This is the first time Dan has spent any time with Casey, since he had been an absentee father all her life. So all three of them find they are relying on each other.

When it comes to light that Dan has been lying to them to impress Casey by borrowing a friend’s swanky penthouse. Dan’s real apartment is a much more modest place commensurate with his job as a youth counselor with troubled boys hoping to prevent them from following in his footsteps.

This book is a warm romantic story with likable protagonists, supportive secondary characters and a cute dog. It looks at the toll that living a lie takes on all concerned. It is an emotional, satisfying read. It looks at complex issues such as illness, fertility, grief, loss, deciet and dishonesty. It was long but moved fairly quickly. It was a good read. Recommend to readers of romances and stories of second chances.