Fiction Book Review: Change of Heart by Courtney Walsh
Publisher's Description:
A Colorado senator’s wife, Evelyn Brandt seems to have it all. But her
carefully constructed life comes toppling down when the FBI crashes her society
brunch with news that her husband has been arrested for embezzlement, and he’s
far from repentant. It turns out this was only the start of his
indiscretions—for which he has little regret.
As the weeks following the scandal turn into months, Evelyn withdraws, even shirking her duties with the philanthropic Valentine Volunteers. The inquisitive women of the group are determined not to let Evelyn’s divorce destroy her. They have big plans for her to use her long-forgotten artistic talent to reimagine the city’s iconic lamppost hearts. But doing so will force Evelyn to work closely with Trevor Whitney, her ex-husband’s former best friend. Though she and Trevor used to be close—and he’s been letting her hide in his guesthouse—his gruffness conveys his unease with the situation.
Amid the beauty of Trevor’s farm and the comfort of a paintbrush, Evelyn starts to reclaim the dreams she sacrificed to become the perfect politician’s wife. And as creativity inspires them both, Whit begins to see the girl he fell in love with before his friend—and his own mistakes—stole his chance. Possibilities for a new beginning emerge, but long-kept secrets threaten to ruin everything. After so much time, is a change of heart too much to hope for?
As the weeks following the scandal turn into months, Evelyn withdraws, even shirking her duties with the philanthropic Valentine Volunteers. The inquisitive women of the group are determined not to let Evelyn’s divorce destroy her. They have big plans for her to use her long-forgotten artistic talent to reimagine the city’s iconic lamppost hearts. But doing so will force Evelyn to work closely with Trevor Whitney, her ex-husband’s former best friend. Though she and Trevor used to be close—and he’s been letting her hide in his guesthouse—his gruffness conveys his unease with the situation.
Amid the beauty of Trevor’s farm and the comfort of a paintbrush, Evelyn starts to reclaim the dreams she sacrificed to become the perfect politician’s wife. And as creativity inspires them both, Whit begins to see the girl he fell in love with before his friend—and his own mistakes—stole his chance. Possibilities for a new beginning emerge, but long-kept secrets threaten to ruin everything. After so much time, is a change of heart too much to hope for?
My Review:
When I finish a novel and my first thought is I want more, I know I've just
finished a great book. Courtney Walsh has written an excellent story of not
just second chances but of new beginnings. Evelyn embodies a wounded soul with
little to hang on to. Through Evelyn's story, the author weaves in the beautiful hope one
finds in the Lord, without being preachy, and the promise that dreams can come
true.
If you've read Paper Hearts, her first book set in
Loves Park, you'll recognize the Valentine Volunteers, a fun group of ladies
determined to be the town matchmakers. They add a note of whimsy to Change of
Heart as they trip over each other while trying to "make things
happen." As for Trevor, I enjoyed watching him squirm as he attempted to
find his way in a maze of confusion and at times chaos. And his farm is a
wonderful place to spend a few hours.
If you enjoy women's fiction with a touch of
romance , a dab of spice, and a dose of truth, you'll like Change of Heart. If
you haven't read Paper Hearts, I recommend that one as well. They don't have to
be read in order.
Looking forward to reading this new book. I truly enjoyed Paper Hearts...
ReplyDeleteI know you'll enjoy it if you liked Paper Hearts.
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