Blog Tour Stop : This Heart of Mine by Brenda Novak

Summary (from Goodreads) 

Title : This Heart of Mine (Whiskey Creek #8)
Author : Brenda Novak
Publication Date : March 31st 2015
Publisher : Mira
Goodreads - Amazon - Barnes & Noble

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…

Personal Thoughts

I have never read a Brenda Novak book before, but from time to time, I crave books with a small town setting. I was particularly interested in This Heart of Mine because it tells the story of a woman who was in prison for 17 years for a crime that she did not commit. I mean how could I resist that?

The main character in This Heart of Mine is Phoenix, a woman who had a pretty rough past. She was in love with Riley in high school and when he broke up with her because of meddling from his rich family, she is left heart broken and pregnant at 17. An unfortunate incident led to the death of Riley's girlfriend at the time and Phoenix is sent to prison for a crime she did not commit. Phoenix was an easy character to admire. I loved her endurance and her how brave she was throughout the whole ordeal and when she was released. She was the kind of woman who didn't allow her circumstances to put her down. She stood up and took care of herself. Phoenix also had one of the biggest hearts in a character and I truly did love her. I did get a bit frustrated when she repeatedly refused to accept help from people willing to help her out and when she needed it, especially towards the end, but that didn't mean I didn't enjoy her character. I still fiercely loved her character. I really enjoyed Riley's character as well. While he didn't grab me as Phoenix' character did, I still wound up loving his character. He was sweetheart and I liked that he was supportive of Phoenix.

I have to say though that my favorite secondary character was Riley and Phoenix' son, Jack. I was worried that he would wound up being a typical teenage boy, but he was endearing. I loved that he didn't judge his mother but was willing to listen to her side of the story and make an opinion of her. I loved how supportive he was of his mom and his and Phoenix' bond was one of my favorite elements in the book. The romance was also very sweet. I was a little unsure of it at how Riley and Phoenix would be able to make it work given their past, but the author executed it so well. The romance gave me so many feelings, you guys! It was just so romantic. *Sigh* I swear, there's just something so magical about second chance romances! Brenda Novak did such a great job developing Riley and Phoenix' relationship and no matter how hard Phoenix tried to fight their attractions to each other, Riley pushed through and I loved that he was so willing to chase her.

This Heart of Mine was a lovely book that put a smile on my face by the end. If you enjoy small-town romances with fierce and strong protagonists and sweet romances, this is a book for you.

Rating 

Cover : 4/5
Plot : 3/5
Characters : 3/5
Writing : 4/5

**Overall Rating : 3.5/5**



Author Biography

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

5 paperback copies of This Heart of Mine by Brenda Novak
US/CA only
Ends April 16, 2015

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check out the other tour stops here.

Thank you to Candace at CBB Book Promotions for letting me be part of this tour and NetGalley and Harlequin MIRA for the e-ARC of This Heart of Mine.

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