This Heart of Mine by Brenda Novak ISBN: 9780778316725
Published by Mira Books on 2015-03-31
Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, General, Romance
Pages: 400
Format: ARC
Goodreads
First love. Second chance?
As the daughter of a hoarder, Phoenix Fuller had a tough childhood. So when the handsome, popular Riley Stinson became her boyfriend in high school, she finally felt as though she had something to be proud of. Phoenix was desperate not to lose him—especially once she found out she was pregnant. Yes, she might have acted a bit obsessive when he broke up with her. But she did not run down the girl he started dating next!
Unfortunately, there was no way to prove her innocence. Now, after serving her time in prison, Phoenix has been released. All she wants to do is return to Whiskey Creek and get to know her son. But Jacob's father isn't exactly welcoming.
Riley doesn't trust Phoenix, doesn't want her in Jacob's life. He is, however, ready to find someone to love. And he wants a good mother for his son. He has no idea that he's about to find both—if they can forgive the mistakes in their past…
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MY THOUGHTS
Phoenix has been in jail for the last 17 years for a crime she did not commit and wants to reunite with the son she had at sixteen with the town heart-throb, Riley. Riley raises their son,Jacob, Â with no contact with Phoenix. Â Now released from jail, Phoenix come back home to deal with trying to make a connection with Jacobs, deal with Riley’s parents who help raise Jacob and her own mother. Â Phoenix’s mother is no prize. Â Her mother is morbidly obese and hoards everything as well as heaping negativity on Phoenix. Â In spite of it all, Phoenix is determined to create a life for herself and make that connection with her son.
The whole town is pretty much against Phoenix and she has never been very welcomed there. Â Riley’s parents believe she is the cause of the accident that claimed the life of another girl, Lori, and her parents are out to make her life miserable. Â Only Riley’s friend, Kyle, tries to accept that Phoenix is actually a decent person. Â As Phoenix gets back on her feet (rises like a Phoenix — I see what you did there Brenda Novak) and actually overcomes almost every obstacle in her way,
This story is so full of emotion. Â I think I experienced everything from elation to tears and back again reading about Phoenix. Â I don’t know if I could ever survive with the grace the Phoenix does, but one can pull off almost anything when it is a relationship with your own child to drive you. Â Even if you have never read anything in the Whiskey Creek series, you can pick it up anyone and be right in line with the story. Â I can’t wait for the next one!
About the Author:
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Brenda Novak has penned over 45 novels. A two-time Rita nominee, she’s won The National Reader’s Choice, The Bookseller’s Best, The Bookbuyer’s Best and many other awards. She runs an annual online auction for diabetes research every May at www.brendanovak.com. To date, she’s raised over $2 million. Brenda considers herself lucky to be a mother of five and married to the love of her life.
Find Brenda Novak Online:
Website| Twitter (@Brenda_Novak) | Facebook | Goodreads
 
Giveaway:
This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.
A very talented author who is always selfless and giving.
Sounds like an interesting read, I enjoy finding books with older characters.
Wonderful review! Thank you so much for hosting a tour stop and sharing your thoughts about the book!
Great review. I think it would be so hard to have a character re-acclimate to real life after almost two decades in prison.
Sounds like a very emotional book. I’d love to read it.
The only series I haven’t read of Brenda Novak’s is her Dundee series which I’m looking for as I write this. I prefer her books in print so I can have them autographed. Her stories capture me from page 1 no matter what genre of her’s a read. I had never read historical novels until I picked up THE BASTARD and have been hooked ever sense. She has single handedly expanded the books I choose to read as I’m more open to new authors and new style of writing. She is a master storyteller and will take you on the ride of your life with every story she tells. I’ve yet to be disappointed. THIS HEART OF MINE is no exception. I was fortunate to have had a chance to be an early reader of this phenomenal story. Riley and Phoenix are a couple not to be reckoned with and if you understand the nuances and the underlying message that makes the story then you’ll fall in love with this book.
This sounds like one of those books, that will keep me up all night. oh well, who needs to clean house anyway. I love the sound of this book and would love to read it. Thank you so much for this awesome giveaway. 🙂
I love this series!! I can’t wait for more of the Whiskey Creek series!
I haven’t read any of Brenda Novak’s book and now I will add her to my list. I loved reading the review, and I really want to read this book. I can relate with Phoenix in away. I was accused of a couple things from a family member but I wasn’t found guilty through court. The only different from Phoenix and me is I’m not trying to fit back into the family. I do give Phoenix credit for going on with her live and trying to get back into the community. Also what I got accused of is what they did their self and tried to blame it on me. I also had proof they did it not me. I would love to read this book! Also I’d like to get to know Brenda Novak writing. I’ll have to wait for awhile right now because of finances. Thanks for this great giveaway!
This looks like a compelling read. Just imagining trying to restart a life after serving time in prison for something you didn’t do and even the people closest to you resent you for what they think you did, is daunting. I’d love to see how she deals with it and how she overcomes all the pain.
Sounds like another good one! Thanks.
This looks like a great book, and I would love the chance to read it, thanks so much
This sounds like a really good book! There would have to be a whole lot of patience and forgiveness on both side, and I’m glad she has an ally in Riley’s friend. Can’t wait to read it and see how they do resolve these horrible problems.
I really enjoy this series. Thanks so much for a thoughtful review, it sounds like a great addition to the Whiskey Creek books!