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Lonely Hearts
Lonely Hearts
One lonely mother. Two matchmaking kids. Three eligible bachelors and some very yummy apple pie…
Becky Callis is the widowed mother of two, trying to make ends meet. Moving to a new town, things get a little complicated when her mischievous children think she's been lonely far too long and try to take romantic matters into their own hands.
Scott Boone seems to be everything their mother could like. Handsome and friendly, Scott makes his interest in Becky clear even though she's older. Is he the handsome, debonair cowboy Becky needs, or just a rake looking for another notch in his belt?
Jack and Becky have been friends since childhood. When they're reunited years after their lives have taken very different paths, this lonely preacher begins to wonder if God has brought her back into his life for a reason.
Pearce Morgan is a single parent raising his young daughter after his wife deserts them. Divorced and disillusioned, an unlikely friendship arises between him and Becky when his shy daughter decides she loves Becky and her kids.
True love is more complicated than it looks.
One lonely mother. Two matchmaking kids. Three eligible bachelors and some very yummy apple pie…
Becky Callis is the widowed mother of two, trying to make ends meet. Moving to a new town, things get a little complicated when her mischievous children think she's been lonely far too long and try to take romantic matters into their own hands.
Scott Boone seems to be everything their mother could like. Handsome and friendly, Scott makes his interest in Becky clear even though she's older. Is he the handsome, debonair cowboy Becky needs, or just a rake looking for another notch in his belt?
Jack and Becky have been friends since childhood. When they're reunited years after their lives have taken very different paths, this lonely preacher begins to wonder if God has brought her back into his life for a reason.
Pearce Morgan is a single parent raising his young daughter after his wife deserts them. Divorced and disillusioned, an unlikely friendship arises between him and Becky when his shy daughter decides she loves Becky and her kids.
True love is more complicated than it looks.
241 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2011
5 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Stephan
7 books110 followersAmanda Stephan is just a normal, everyday country girl. She resides near Columbia, TN with her husband and children, three cats, one dog, and multiple roosters that love to roost under their bedroom windows. She loves to laugh and have a good time, and loves to read a good book.
She started writing her own stories when she learned how to hold a pencil. Writing out of love for her family and love for God, she finds writing to be an opportunity to share God's love for others in a fun and entertaining way.
If you were to ask her to share one thing about herself that most people don't know, she'd have so many to choose from that she'd probably hesitate for a moment. Not quite a recluse, she's rather camera shy, doesn't like to be in the spotlight, and absolutely LOVES to have her feet tickled. Yes, it drives her husband crazy.
You can usually find Amanda lurking in several online places at once (thank you Firefox for multiple tabs!) like her Facebook author page (http://www.facebook.com/creativehomem...)
Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/amandastephan yes, if you follow her, chances are, she’ll follow you back)
her website (http://www.booksbyamanda.com)
or her personal blog (http://GodisgoodGodisgreat.blogspot.com)
Amanda writes Christian fiction, has two published novels, and is currently working on a three book family saga/romantic suspense series, as well as a Christian Speculative novel. Click the links to read excerpts!
The Price of Trust:
Beaten and betrayed by the one who was supposed to love her, Carly Richards is on the run! (http://www.booksbyamanda.com/the-pric...)
Lonely Hearts:
One lonely mother. Two matchmaking kids. Three eligible bachelors. What could possibly go wrong?
(http://www.booksbyamanda.com/lonely-h...)
(Exclusive Peek of her Christian Speculative Novel!)
The Haunting of Maddie Branson:
Maddie knew there was something different about her house. It had reached out and touched her in the deep, dark recesses of the night!
(http://www.booksbyamanda.com/exclusiv...)
She started writing her own stories when she learned how to hold a pencil. Writing out of love for her family and love for God, she finds writing to be an opportunity to share God's love for others in a fun and entertaining way.
If you were to ask her to share one thing about herself that most people don't know, she'd have so many to choose from that she'd probably hesitate for a moment. Not quite a recluse, she's rather camera shy, doesn't like to be in the spotlight, and absolutely LOVES to have her feet tickled. Yes, it drives her husband crazy.
You can usually find Amanda lurking in several online places at once (thank you Firefox for multiple tabs!) like her Facebook author page (http://www.facebook.com/creativehomem...)
Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/amandastephan yes, if you follow her, chances are, she’ll follow you back)
her website (http://www.booksbyamanda.com)
or her personal blog (http://GodisgoodGodisgreat.blogspot.com)
Amanda writes Christian fiction, has two published novels, and is currently working on a three book family saga/romantic suspense series, as well as a Christian Speculative novel. Click the links to read excerpts!
The Price of Trust:
Beaten and betrayed by the one who was supposed to love her, Carly Richards is on the run! (http://www.booksbyamanda.com/the-pric...)
Lonely Hearts:
One lonely mother. Two matchmaking kids. Three eligible bachelors. What could possibly go wrong?
(http://www.booksbyamanda.com/lonely-h...)
(Exclusive Peek of her Christian Speculative Novel!)
The Haunting of Maddie Branson:
Maddie knew there was something different about her house. It had reached out and touched her in the deep, dark recesses of the night!
(http://www.booksbyamanda.com/exclusiv...)
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 5, 2013
Sweet, clean, romance. Started out slow for me but then I really found myself enjoying it. If I had a shelf for most annoying "villain" this book would be on there. The ex-wife of the "hero" is a HORRIBLE, hateful, awful person!! As I was reading I was wishing I could jump in the pages and slap her!! :) I am obviously still annoyed by her! Horrible woman! :) lol Fun read....I will read more by this author.
July 26, 2016
Absolutely delightful Sweet Contemporary Christian Romance set in the west by new-to-me author!
I love stories set in small town America that warm the heart and make me love the characters. Amanda Stephan's tale of a vulnerable and lonely, but tough and courageous widow lady raising two kids hit me just right.
The story begins with Becky and her two teen children arriving in a small ranching town to start anew- again. Her husband has been dead eight years and she is trying to do well by her children though she struggles to get past her longing and loneliness for her husband.
The family is now renting an old dilapidated farmhouse just outside town. With humor and hard work, they do not let the state of the run-down property complete with a closet full of scary, furry critters get them down.
For the first night, they eat in town at the diner where they meet the first of the men who show an interest in Becky. Smooth-talking flirty cowboy Scott brings a smile to their mom's face giving the kids big ideas for that smile to remain permanent.
But then, when they all attend church, they see another possibility when the preacher turns out to be an old childhood friend who wants to pick up where they left off before Becky's husband came along.
The one that does not strike them as an immediate possibility is the quiet and seeming rude man who with his little girl sits behind them in the church service and is rude to their mother. But soon they learn that this third remote possibility charges to the front of the race when his little girl takes a shine to Becky and the two families form a friendship. The kids find that things are truly getting complicated with their goal of finding a man for their mother, but ultimately it is their mother's choice.
Becky is drawn to the hardworking, giving, but lonely hurting Pearce. Their chance at happiness grows when due to bad circumstances, Becky must find a job quick. Pearce hires Becky to move with the kids into a cabin on his ranch where she can be his housekeeper and help him care for his little Emily. Their getting together becomes almost a sure thing even with the other two men still in competition for Becky when a huge set back comes from a person out of Pearce's past. Becky's second chance of happiness is threatened by this person which pushes her back toward her old friend for comfort. Will Pearce allow his past ruin everything?
The vein running through this story plot is that God is in control and it is a good thing even when circumstances and heartbreak seem to point differently. Both the hero, the heroine, and some of the secondary characters are strong Christians and hold to this belief. The hero has had to learn that sinful and selfish decisions have far reaching consequences, but there can be a chance at forgiveness and a hope at happiness. The heroine must learn to move on from her past and trust God fully for her family's daily needs and the future.
I cannot say enough how much I loved the characters. They were so well written and real, ordinary types that grow and make mistakes. The best praise I can give about the heroine is that I was more than cheering for her and felt a little hero worship for how she handled everything that was being thrown at her. (-; The inclusion of the children's perspective along with the pastor and old ranch hand just added depth. There is one character that is introduced in the latter half that you will just 'love to hate' or pity if you're tenderhearted.
The plot is a gentle flow with little action and great emphasis on relationships. The pace was well done intermingling sometimes humorous daily life (including a mouth watering apple pie- recipe included in book) with sweet romance and a few heart tugging sad moments.
Overall, it was a fantastic read that I would recommend to any sweet Christian Romance lover.
I love stories set in small town America that warm the heart and make me love the characters. Amanda Stephan's tale of a vulnerable and lonely, but tough and courageous widow lady raising two kids hit me just right.
The story begins with Becky and her two teen children arriving in a small ranching town to start anew- again. Her husband has been dead eight years and she is trying to do well by her children though she struggles to get past her longing and loneliness for her husband.
The family is now renting an old dilapidated farmhouse just outside town. With humor and hard work, they do not let the state of the run-down property complete with a closet full of scary, furry critters get them down.
For the first night, they eat in town at the diner where they meet the first of the men who show an interest in Becky. Smooth-talking flirty cowboy Scott brings a smile to their mom's face giving the kids big ideas for that smile to remain permanent.
But then, when they all attend church, they see another possibility when the preacher turns out to be an old childhood friend who wants to pick up where they left off before Becky's husband came along.
The one that does not strike them as an immediate possibility is the quiet and seeming rude man who with his little girl sits behind them in the church service and is rude to their mother. But soon they learn that this third remote possibility charges to the front of the race when his little girl takes a shine to Becky and the two families form a friendship. The kids find that things are truly getting complicated with their goal of finding a man for their mother, but ultimately it is their mother's choice.
Becky is drawn to the hardworking, giving, but lonely hurting Pearce. Their chance at happiness grows when due to bad circumstances, Becky must find a job quick. Pearce hires Becky to move with the kids into a cabin on his ranch where she can be his housekeeper and help him care for his little Emily. Their getting together becomes almost a sure thing even with the other two men still in competition for Becky when a huge set back comes from a person out of Pearce's past. Becky's second chance of happiness is threatened by this person which pushes her back toward her old friend for comfort. Will Pearce allow his past ruin everything?
The vein running through this story plot is that God is in control and it is a good thing even when circumstances and heartbreak seem to point differently. Both the hero, the heroine, and some of the secondary characters are strong Christians and hold to this belief. The hero has had to learn that sinful and selfish decisions have far reaching consequences, but there can be a chance at forgiveness and a hope at happiness. The heroine must learn to move on from her past and trust God fully for her family's daily needs and the future.
I cannot say enough how much I loved the characters. They were so well written and real, ordinary types that grow and make mistakes. The best praise I can give about the heroine is that I was more than cheering for her and felt a little hero worship for how she handled everything that was being thrown at her. (-; The inclusion of the children's perspective along with the pastor and old ranch hand just added depth. There is one character that is introduced in the latter half that you will just 'love to hate' or pity if you're tenderhearted.
The plot is a gentle flow with little action and great emphasis on relationships. The pace was well done intermingling sometimes humorous daily life (including a mouth watering apple pie- recipe included in book) with sweet romance and a few heart tugging sad moments.
Overall, it was a fantastic read that I would recommend to any sweet Christian Romance lover.
January 5, 2012
Lonely Hearts
Amanda Stephan
Widowed Mother Becky and her 2 children relocate to an out of the way small town and soon realize just how out of the way they are living. Strangers in a new place, yet soon Becky has 3 eligible bachelors vying for her attention. Becky’s children Jen and Jeff are onboard to hook up their mother after a long singleness of 9 years. Matchmakers in the wings they are trying to help Mom choose the right match. Love is a bit more complex than that though.
Ever feel like you are not communicating with someone, that though you think you are on the same page, you are not getting through. That the lack of actual words, and assumptions make the reality of the situation mist filled? That is how I felt with Pearce, one of the bachelors in the story. Though Becky and he seem to have a bond with each other, they struggle to bring their voice to the relationship. Becky knows where the others stand, Jack and Scott as they are forward with their thoughts and ideas.
Is being hurt in the past preventing Pearce from communicating his feelings? Is Becky going to be able to get him past that?
I love how Amanda not only creates a wonderful small town feel in her book, but creates the emotions and feelings to go along with it. I enjoyed getting to know each of the bachelors and their unique characteristics, trying to guess which would be the best suited for Becky if any. Amanda so kindly had Becky be a homeschooling mom, though single and I found that very encouraging. I did like the explanation on how that came to be as well as I think the readers would question how that was possible. As a homeschooler myself I run into some of the same questions and false assumptions that Becky was confronted with and I loved how she was able to rise above the common gossip.
Beautiful character development and a well though through love story with mention of God as the center.
You can read more about Amanda Stephan on her website at www.booksbyamanda.com , her blog www.thepriceoftrust.com, and on facebook at www.facebook.com/creativehomemomma
Amanda Stephan
Widowed Mother Becky and her 2 children relocate to an out of the way small town and soon realize just how out of the way they are living. Strangers in a new place, yet soon Becky has 3 eligible bachelors vying for her attention. Becky’s children Jen and Jeff are onboard to hook up their mother after a long singleness of 9 years. Matchmakers in the wings they are trying to help Mom choose the right match. Love is a bit more complex than that though.
Ever feel like you are not communicating with someone, that though you think you are on the same page, you are not getting through. That the lack of actual words, and assumptions make the reality of the situation mist filled? That is how I felt with Pearce, one of the bachelors in the story. Though Becky and he seem to have a bond with each other, they struggle to bring their voice to the relationship. Becky knows where the others stand, Jack and Scott as they are forward with their thoughts and ideas.
Is being hurt in the past preventing Pearce from communicating his feelings? Is Becky going to be able to get him past that?
I love how Amanda not only creates a wonderful small town feel in her book, but creates the emotions and feelings to go along with it. I enjoyed getting to know each of the bachelors and their unique characteristics, trying to guess which would be the best suited for Becky if any. Amanda so kindly had Becky be a homeschooling mom, though single and I found that very encouraging. I did like the explanation on how that came to be as well as I think the readers would question how that was possible. As a homeschooler myself I run into some of the same questions and false assumptions that Becky was confronted with and I loved how she was able to rise above the common gossip.
Beautiful character development and a well though through love story with mention of God as the center.
You can read more about Amanda Stephan on her website at www.booksbyamanda.com , her blog www.thepriceoftrust.com, and on facebook at www.facebook.com/creativehomemomma
August 3, 2011
Lonely Hearts by Amanda Stephan
Amanda's writing style is different then what I usually read but once I got into the story I could not stop reading it until I finished.
Becky Callis and her two children, Jen & Jeff, have just moved to a new town. The house they are renting is quite different then the picture she received and the town people are unfriendly. Becky just smiles at everyone. Jen is shy at thirteen and Jeff is outgoing at eleven. Becky still misses the love of her life, Frank, even nine years after his death.
When they go to the diner and Scott the cowboy hits on Becky her kids decide to play matchmaker and find a man for their mom. Becky is pleased by Scott's attention but he's too young for her. The pastor of the church, Jack, ends up being a childhood friend of Becky. Jack has always cared for her but she only sees them as friends. At church Becky also meets Pearce Morgan and his shy daughter Emily. He has sad lonely eyes that touch Becky but he seems to shun her.
Becky and the kids end up moving to a cabin on Pearce's property after Emily takes to them and pulls out of her shell. She is his housekeeper and homeschools Emily along with Jen and Jeff. Scott is one of his ranch hands and still flirts with Becky. When an unexpected guest comes to the ranch everything changes.
Amanda's writing style is different then what I usually read but once I got into the story I could not stop reading it until I finished.
Becky Callis and her two children, Jen & Jeff, have just moved to a new town. The house they are renting is quite different then the picture she received and the town people are unfriendly. Becky just smiles at everyone. Jen is shy at thirteen and Jeff is outgoing at eleven. Becky still misses the love of her life, Frank, even nine years after his death.
When they go to the diner and Scott the cowboy hits on Becky her kids decide to play matchmaker and find a man for their mom. Becky is pleased by Scott's attention but he's too young for her. The pastor of the church, Jack, ends up being a childhood friend of Becky. Jack has always cared for her but she only sees them as friends. At church Becky also meets Pearce Morgan and his shy daughter Emily. He has sad lonely eyes that touch Becky but he seems to shun her.
Becky and the kids end up moving to a cabin on Pearce's property after Emily takes to them and pulls out of her shell. She is his housekeeper and homeschools Emily along with Jen and Jeff. Scott is one of his ranch hands and still flirts with Becky. When an unexpected guest comes to the ranch everything changes.
August 29, 2011
When Becky Callis, the widowed mother of two children, moves to a new town, she faces a rough road from day one: unfriendly townspeople, a rented house that’s literally falling apart, a weedy, overgrown lawn--even racoons in a closet. It’s not the new beginning she hoped for, but Becky, her faith in God unshaken, is determined to make the most of it. And with her sense of humor and adventure intact.
Becky is torn between a longing for her husband, who died nine years earlier, and a yearning for love in her life. Almost before she can catch her breath, she and her matchmaking children--Jen, age 13, and Jeff, age 11--meet Scott, a young, brash cowboy; Jack, pastor of Becky’s new church and an old friend of hers; and Pearce, a father raising his daughter Emily on his own. I alternately liked and wanted to shake each one of them. They surprised me, changing and shifting like people in real life--the mark of true-to-life characters.
The plot surprised me too. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, Ms. Stephan would throw in an unexpected twist, tossing a monkey wrench into her characters’ lives--and a rather large monkey wrench near the end of the story. If you like romance, a touch of sweet humor, and characters who face life head-on, this is the perfect book to curl up with!
Becky is torn between a longing for her husband, who died nine years earlier, and a yearning for love in her life. Almost before she can catch her breath, she and her matchmaking children--Jen, age 13, and Jeff, age 11--meet Scott, a young, brash cowboy; Jack, pastor of Becky’s new church and an old friend of hers; and Pearce, a father raising his daughter Emily on his own. I alternately liked and wanted to shake each one of them. They surprised me, changing and shifting like people in real life--the mark of true-to-life characters.
The plot surprised me too. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, Ms. Stephan would throw in an unexpected twist, tossing a monkey wrench into her characters’ lives--and a rather large monkey wrench near the end of the story. If you like romance, a touch of sweet humor, and characters who face life head-on, this is the perfect book to curl up with!
September 15, 2011
Lonely Hearts
By Amanda Stephan
Amanda Stephan addresses an issue that too few authors write about—second chance at love. There are plenty of books written about first time love. Two young beautiful human beings find each other in this wide world and know that they were meant to be together forever. Yeah, yeah, yeah. What about if something tears them apart? Are they destined to be alone forever? Surely not.
In Lonely Hearts Becky is a widow, with two kids, who lost the love of her life in an accident. Pearce is a man who fell in love with the wrong woman, who ultimately left him to satisfy her worldly physical needs. Jack is a preacher who was left standing at the altar and has never married. He grew up with Becky and has secretly loved her for years.
This book will capture your heart and like Becky’s kids, your heart will flip-flop as you embrace one then the other for Becky. Who will win Becky’s heart and how will the other handle her decision?
This book is full of hope, anticipation, optimism, faith, and possibilities. If you have lost a love, this book will restore your faith that the possibility of true love has not withered as a flower in the hot summer sun. Amanda will capture your heart from the first page with this delightful story.
Great job, Amanda. Keep those books coming.
By Amanda Stephan
Amanda Stephan addresses an issue that too few authors write about—second chance at love. There are plenty of books written about first time love. Two young beautiful human beings find each other in this wide world and know that they were meant to be together forever. Yeah, yeah, yeah. What about if something tears them apart? Are they destined to be alone forever? Surely not.
In Lonely Hearts Becky is a widow, with two kids, who lost the love of her life in an accident. Pearce is a man who fell in love with the wrong woman, who ultimately left him to satisfy her worldly physical needs. Jack is a preacher who was left standing at the altar and has never married. He grew up with Becky and has secretly loved her for years.
This book will capture your heart and like Becky’s kids, your heart will flip-flop as you embrace one then the other for Becky. Who will win Becky’s heart and how will the other handle her decision?
This book is full of hope, anticipation, optimism, faith, and possibilities. If you have lost a love, this book will restore your faith that the possibility of true love has not withered as a flower in the hot summer sun. Amanda will capture your heart from the first page with this delightful story.
Great job, Amanda. Keep those books coming.
December 2, 2011
Romantic, endearing, romantic, uplifting, did I mention romantic? I simply loved this book and had a hard time putting it down! I was captivated from the first syllable to the very last period. What an emotional ride with characters believable and lovable that you're pulling for them from the very first introduction, while other characters make your spine tingle in that "creeper" kind of way.
Ms. Amanda Stephan takes us on a journey through several lives as we follow Becky, a widow of two adorable children, as she becomes the "most available woman" in her new town after her most recent move. Jack, a small town preacher and Becky's old friend from childhood; Scott, a self-proclaimed ladies man; and Pearce, a divorced father raising his small daughter; each vie for a place in Becky's life and heart.
This is a wonderful story of trust, loyalty, love, compassion, doubt, fear, and second chances when all hope feels lost. The best part; this story is clean, sweet, and very romantic with no explicit scenes to distract from the uplifting spirit of this story!!
I would recommend this novel to any and all who are ready for a cozy night and a great romantic read! Very well done, Ms. Stephan! I will defiantly be reading more from this author in the future!
Ms. Amanda Stephan takes us on a journey through several lives as we follow Becky, a widow of two adorable children, as she becomes the "most available woman" in her new town after her most recent move. Jack, a small town preacher and Becky's old friend from childhood; Scott, a self-proclaimed ladies man; and Pearce, a divorced father raising his small daughter; each vie for a place in Becky's life and heart.
This is a wonderful story of trust, loyalty, love, compassion, doubt, fear, and second chances when all hope feels lost. The best part; this story is clean, sweet, and very romantic with no explicit scenes to distract from the uplifting spirit of this story!!
I would recommend this novel to any and all who are ready for a cozy night and a great romantic read! Very well done, Ms. Stephan! I will defiantly be reading more from this author in the future!
October 17, 2011
Amanda Stephan hits a homerun with her latest novel Lonely Hearts. Becky Callis lost her husband nine years ago and is now a single parent raising, Jen and Jeff, her two children. Becky is a good-hearted woman who puts her children first, which I find a very admirable trait especially in the times we live in today. But as Becky soon finds out, doing what's right is not always the easy road to follow. She and her children move to a new town into a house that is on the verge of falling apart. Becky home-schools her children and does small jobs to make ends meet. When she is offered a full-time job, she is hesitant, but believes it's what's best for her children. Along the way she meets a few young gentlemen who could be perspective callers. Her children definitely have ideas on who should be "the one" for their mother. Amanda Stephan weaves a story with interesting plot twists, with romance, and with delicious apple pie!
August 2, 2011
Lonely Hearts, by Amanda Stephan, is a book that will certainly grab your heart as you follow the story of Becky, a widowed mother of two, as she tries desperately to move on and get her life together. You will get caught up in her life as she struggles with holding on to memories of a love taken from her and falling in love again.
How does a godly woman deal with a man infatuated with her whom she does not love, and a heatless woman trying to drive an irreparable wedge between her and the one who she truly loves?
You will not want to put this book down once you start it and you will be encouraged as you realize it is possible to live a godly life, even when the odds are stacked against you.
So, pick up Lonely Hearts, curl up in your favorite chair, and let author Amanda Stephan take you away to a world where love is messy and yet not forsaken.
How does a godly woman deal with a man infatuated with her whom she does not love, and a heatless woman trying to drive an irreparable wedge between her and the one who she truly loves?
You will not want to put this book down once you start it and you will be encouraged as you realize it is possible to live a godly life, even when the odds are stacked against you.
So, pick up Lonely Hearts, curl up in your favorite chair, and let author Amanda Stephan take you away to a world where love is messy and yet not forsaken.
November 2, 2011
I had the priviledge of reading Ms. Stephan's newest work, Lonely Hearts, and loved it. Her writing style quickly draws the reader in and doesn't let them go until the tale has been spun. Ms. Stephan's uncompromised faith based writing will gently draw the reader to examine their own beliefs without feeling preached at. I highly recommend this work.
Lonely Hearts had me glued. This romantic tale, following a tragic loss, is a light and humor filled story of one woman, three men and apple pie. Ms. Stephan does a fantastic job of drawing the reader in and holding them captive. One cannot help but sympathize with the heroine as she overcomes grief while at the same time enduring her childrens' attempts at matchmaking. Not too heavy, not too deep, Lonely Hearts if the perfect read for a relaxing evening by the fire. Enjoy!
Lonely Hearts had me glued. This romantic tale, following a tragic loss, is a light and humor filled story of one woman, three men and apple pie. Ms. Stephan does a fantastic job of drawing the reader in and holding them captive. One cannot help but sympathize with the heroine as she overcomes grief while at the same time enduring her childrens' attempts at matchmaking. Not too heavy, not too deep, Lonely Hearts if the perfect read for a relaxing evening by the fire. Enjoy!
October 23, 2011
Amanda has done it again!
"Lonely Hearts" is a well written tale of finding love later in life, after you're certain it will never again be yours. Injected with gentle humor and fierce faith, it is a story that can be read by all ages without concern.
The interwoven practices of church and prayer and the strong belief in homeschooling tell us much about the heroine, Becky, and the author, Amanda.
With enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and enough joy to make you rejoice, "Lonely Hearts" is a sweet and enriching read.
Thank you, Amanda, for being the author and muse in this story!
Another Success--like "The Price of Trust" (Amanda's first novel...)
"Lonely Hearts" is a well written tale of finding love later in life, after you're certain it will never again be yours. Injected with gentle humor and fierce faith, it is a story that can be read by all ages without concern.
The interwoven practices of church and prayer and the strong belief in homeschooling tell us much about the heroine, Becky, and the author, Amanda.
With enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and enough joy to make you rejoice, "Lonely Hearts" is a sweet and enriching read.
Thank you, Amanda, for being the author and muse in this story!
Another Success--like "The Price of Trust" (Amanda's first novel...)
April 22, 2012
Family values, romance, & second chances will keep you wanting to read more. This is a delightful, well written love story. Amanda does a excellent job helping the reader to care for the characters. Every parent can relate to the love they feel for their children as well as remembering the excitement of a new love. Curl up with this entertaining story that will leave you wanting to read more from Amanda Stephan.
May 26, 2012
All widow Becky wanted to do was to take her two children to another state and start over. The house she rented wasn't what she expected, but she met Scott. Then she met Pearce. Then she ran into Frank, an old friend. What could go wrong? Maybe everything. For the romantic, there's everything you would want in a novel. Will it all work out? You'll have to read the novel to find out.
January 17, 2012
One lonely mother. Two matchmaking kids. Three eligible bachelors and some very yummy apple pie...
Becky Callis is the widowed mother of two, trying to make ends meet. Moving to a new town, things get a little complicated when her mischievous children think she's been lonely far too long and try to take romantic matters into their own hands.
Scott Boone seems to be everything their mother could like. Handsome and friendly, Scott makes his interest in Becky clear ~ even though she's older. Is he the handsome, debonair cowboy Becky needs, or just a rake looking for another notch in his belt?
Jack Anderson and Becky have been friends since childhood. When they're reunited years after their lives have taken very different paths, this lonely preacher begins to wonder if God has brought her back into his life for a reason.
Pearce Morgan is a single parent raising his young daughter. Divorced and disillusioned, an unlikely friendship arises between him and Becky when his shy daughter decides she loves Becky and her kids.
True love is more complicated than it looks.
*Exclusive Apple Pie Recipe Included!* (excerpt from Books by Amanda)
I had previously read a book by Amanda Stephan called "The Price of Trust" (Review here) and absolutely loved it! Amanda has a way of writing that draws the reader into the story and makes you not want to put the book down. After reading and reviewing that book, Amanda and I quickly became friends, even though we have never met in person. She is such an encouragement in my life and I am blessed to call her friend. So when I found out her next book, "Lonely Hearts" was coming out, I was ecstatic! I knew it would be yet another great read. And I was so right!
SPOILER ALERT!!!
Becky Callis and her children were a lot like the typical single mom and kids (though it would be nice to have the money to homeschool like she did). The kids have a great relationship with their mother, but they are still kids and therefore can be rebellious, moody, and not always obedient. Becky is a lot like me in that she feels the weight of her responsibility very deeply and gives all she has to ensure that her kids are taken care of. Both of Becky's kids are set on matchmaking and finding Becky a husband, but with three prospects on the horizon who will they choose?
Right off the bat the kids meet Scott, who in my opinion is too good looking for his own good and knows it. He immediately strikes me as a player even though Becky, like most of us, doesn't see it at first.
Jack, an old friend of Becky's from childhood, is a sweet man who is close enough to Becky to be perceptive when she's in need or hurting. He's always there for her and only wants the best for her. I kind of figured from the beginning of the story that he would have a crush on Becky, but I never really saw him as her future but more of a confidant and forever friend/brother type.
When Becky first meets Pearce at church, he is sullen and withdrawn and a little rude, but I realized very quickly that it wasn't that he was rude, he was simply so shy and unsure of how to act around this woman who intrigued him so. It didn't take long for Pearce to ingrain himself into Becky's life and heart. I have to say that I was rooting for Pearce from the get-go. something about him just really got to me.
Like all good reads, trials sink in and an unforseen complication tries to break Becky up with her beau. Through miscommunications, misunderstandings, and the jealousy and greed of one visitor (who I wanted to jump into the book and punch!), they almost succeed. Thankfully, through the grace of God and the help of friends, Becky is able to reconcile with her intended and the book ends happily ever after.
So, do you think I would recommend this book? Wholeheartedly!
I also want to say a very heartfelt THANK YOU to Amanda for all she has done to lay encouragement in my life and the lives of others. I truly am blessed to call you my friend!
Becky Callis is the widowed mother of two, trying to make ends meet. Moving to a new town, things get a little complicated when her mischievous children think she's been lonely far too long and try to take romantic matters into their own hands.
Scott Boone seems to be everything their mother could like. Handsome and friendly, Scott makes his interest in Becky clear ~ even though she's older. Is he the handsome, debonair cowboy Becky needs, or just a rake looking for another notch in his belt?
Jack Anderson and Becky have been friends since childhood. When they're reunited years after their lives have taken very different paths, this lonely preacher begins to wonder if God has brought her back into his life for a reason.
Pearce Morgan is a single parent raising his young daughter. Divorced and disillusioned, an unlikely friendship arises between him and Becky when his shy daughter decides she loves Becky and her kids.
True love is more complicated than it looks.
*Exclusive Apple Pie Recipe Included!* (excerpt from Books by Amanda)
I had previously read a book by Amanda Stephan called "The Price of Trust" (Review here) and absolutely loved it! Amanda has a way of writing that draws the reader into the story and makes you not want to put the book down. After reading and reviewing that book, Amanda and I quickly became friends, even though we have never met in person. She is such an encouragement in my life and I am blessed to call her friend. So when I found out her next book, "Lonely Hearts" was coming out, I was ecstatic! I knew it would be yet another great read. And I was so right!
SPOILER ALERT!!!
Becky Callis and her children were a lot like the typical single mom and kids (though it would be nice to have the money to homeschool like she did). The kids have a great relationship with their mother, but they are still kids and therefore can be rebellious, moody, and not always obedient. Becky is a lot like me in that she feels the weight of her responsibility very deeply and gives all she has to ensure that her kids are taken care of. Both of Becky's kids are set on matchmaking and finding Becky a husband, but with three prospects on the horizon who will they choose?
Right off the bat the kids meet Scott, who in my opinion is too good looking for his own good and knows it. He immediately strikes me as a player even though Becky, like most of us, doesn't see it at first.
Jack, an old friend of Becky's from childhood, is a sweet man who is close enough to Becky to be perceptive when she's in need or hurting. He's always there for her and only wants the best for her. I kind of figured from the beginning of the story that he would have a crush on Becky, but I never really saw him as her future but more of a confidant and forever friend/brother type.
When Becky first meets Pearce at church, he is sullen and withdrawn and a little rude, but I realized very quickly that it wasn't that he was rude, he was simply so shy and unsure of how to act around this woman who intrigued him so. It didn't take long for Pearce to ingrain himself into Becky's life and heart. I have to say that I was rooting for Pearce from the get-go. something about him just really got to me.
Like all good reads, trials sink in and an unforseen complication tries to break Becky up with her beau. Through miscommunications, misunderstandings, and the jealousy and greed of one visitor (who I wanted to jump into the book and punch!), they almost succeed. Thankfully, through the grace of God and the help of friends, Becky is able to reconcile with her intended and the book ends happily ever after.
So, do you think I would recommend this book? Wholeheartedly!
I also want to say a very heartfelt THANK YOU to Amanda for all she has done to lay encouragement in my life and the lives of others. I truly am blessed to call you my friend!
December 5, 2012
I loved this book. Fun, clean, romantic, and intense. I would read more by this author. Clean enough for my teen daughter. Great story, but a little bit unrealistic.
January 23, 2013
Quick read. Sweet plot. I didn't know eyes could "twinkle" and cheeks could "flame" that much though. The author needs a thesaurus. Or something.
February 5, 2013
This book was a good read, but got very frustrating to me when a situation happened that I thought was unnecessary and totally out of character.
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