What do you think?
Rate this book
Woodland Church #3
Hearts Communion
Jeremy "JB" Edwards dreams of one Having a loving wife and children of his own. Not a surprising ambition, since he was raised at the heart of a large, tight-knit family. Monica Kittelski spends her days at Sunny Horizons Daycare Center pouring her heart and faith into other people's children. But Monica harbors one impossible Having children of her own someday. JB and Monica seem the perfect match, but what will come of their electric, sassy relationship when Jeremy learns of Monica's infertility? Hopes and reality collide when they must confront the idea of finding God's plan and following His will when a dearest hope is destined to remain unfulfilled. Can these two loving, passionate hearts survive a communion of dreams and reality?
- GenresChristian FictionRomance
219 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2011
3 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Evans
52 books87 followersMarianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create.
Her Christian women’s fiction debut, Devotion, earned the prestigious Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Hearts Communion earned a win for Best Romance from the Christian Small Publisher's Association. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home.
Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President.
Her Christian women’s fiction debut, Devotion, earned the prestigious Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Hearts Communion earned a win for Best Romance from the Christian Small Publisher's Association. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home.
Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 7, 2011
Of author Marianne Evans’ many gifts, one is giving such life-like qualities to the characters that you feel they’re your friends. You ache for them when they hurt; you glow with them when their lives have light.
Hearts Communion, set in the beautiful Michigan lakeside community of St. Clair Shores at the holidays approach, is the wonderful third installment to Ms. Evan’s “Hearts Crossing” series, and as I expected, she didn’t disappoint. Heroine Monica Kittelski has found her life’s calling as a preschool director with a sideline of teaching ballet to young girls at the local community center. Like most young women, she longs for love and a family of her own. Monica stole my heart right away, for she holds deep inside the agony of an irreparable physical ailment (no spoilers here). Her shaky faith is completely understandable. Likeable and appealing, Monica shows us her sorrow, her crushing disappointment, even the occasional bitterness without whining or alienating the reader. Her hurt is real and comes to life on the page. In fact, her humanness touches you to the core: upon her first meeting with hero Jeremy’s family, she can’t bear the family’s joy over some exciting news and behaves in a somewhat hurtful manner towards her hosts. You can truly identify with her actions. Although the situation causes a bit of a clash with Jeremy’s mother, the resolution of which is one of the book’s sweetest moments.
As for hero Jeremy Edwards, or JB, his manliness and success are obvious from the start: successful construction company; charity work; loving brother, son and nephew. He posses the physical attributes we associate with the romance hero and the strength of faith we expect in an inspirational story. I found his special nickname for Monica, Jelly Bean, a sweet take on his own initials. His goals are the same as hers—someday a spouse and family of his own. He falls for Monica deep and quick, and is confused and troubled while she holds him off at arm’s length.
Despite her raging feelings for him, Monica is hesitant to reveal the pain of her heart, her irreversible situation that she is sure would turn a man against her. The reader can totally feel Jeremy’s hurt at her lack of trust in him, her doubt in his vow to understand and support no matter what.
Jeremy persists, heart full of love and faith, and brings down Monica’s resistance with the help of the wondrous pastor Ken Lucerne. This is a stand alone book to be sure, but the cast of the two previous novels makes meaningful, important appearances, making you long either to re-read the first books again, or to read them for the first time. Pastor Ken helps guide Monica with messages good and true, messages pertinent to anyone bearing pain in their bodies or hearts, and uncertainty in their souls. (He is also continuous source of counsel to Jeremy in the aftermath of his policeman-brother’s tragic death.)
Secondary characters –a couple involved in a bitter divorce and custody struggle –add poignancy, for this is an all-too common sign of our troubled times. Their little daughter manages to open Monica’s heart, mind and eyes to limitless possibilities. This family, as it heals, brings Hearts Communion a delicious surprise twist that I didn’t see coming, a twist that has a direct effect on Monica and Jeremy’s future plans.
Indeed, a novel or book cover with a dog instantly has my immediate interest. But it’s the people of Hearts Communion that make you want to go home with them. I call this book a “Kindle Keeper” and intend to re-read it again and again.
Hearts Communion, set in the beautiful Michigan lakeside community of St. Clair Shores at the holidays approach, is the wonderful third installment to Ms. Evan’s “Hearts Crossing” series, and as I expected, she didn’t disappoint. Heroine Monica Kittelski has found her life’s calling as a preschool director with a sideline of teaching ballet to young girls at the local community center. Like most young women, she longs for love and a family of her own. Monica stole my heart right away, for she holds deep inside the agony of an irreparable physical ailment (no spoilers here). Her shaky faith is completely understandable. Likeable and appealing, Monica shows us her sorrow, her crushing disappointment, even the occasional bitterness without whining or alienating the reader. Her hurt is real and comes to life on the page. In fact, her humanness touches you to the core: upon her first meeting with hero Jeremy’s family, she can’t bear the family’s joy over some exciting news and behaves in a somewhat hurtful manner towards her hosts. You can truly identify with her actions. Although the situation causes a bit of a clash with Jeremy’s mother, the resolution of which is one of the book’s sweetest moments.
As for hero Jeremy Edwards, or JB, his manliness and success are obvious from the start: successful construction company; charity work; loving brother, son and nephew. He posses the physical attributes we associate with the romance hero and the strength of faith we expect in an inspirational story. I found his special nickname for Monica, Jelly Bean, a sweet take on his own initials. His goals are the same as hers—someday a spouse and family of his own. He falls for Monica deep and quick, and is confused and troubled while she holds him off at arm’s length.
Despite her raging feelings for him, Monica is hesitant to reveal the pain of her heart, her irreversible situation that she is sure would turn a man against her. The reader can totally feel Jeremy’s hurt at her lack of trust in him, her doubt in his vow to understand and support no matter what.
Jeremy persists, heart full of love and faith, and brings down Monica’s resistance with the help of the wondrous pastor Ken Lucerne. This is a stand alone book to be sure, but the cast of the two previous novels makes meaningful, important appearances, making you long either to re-read the first books again, or to read them for the first time. Pastor Ken helps guide Monica with messages good and true, messages pertinent to anyone bearing pain in their bodies or hearts, and uncertainty in their souls. (He is also continuous source of counsel to Jeremy in the aftermath of his policeman-brother’s tragic death.)
Secondary characters –a couple involved in a bitter divorce and custody struggle –add poignancy, for this is an all-too common sign of our troubled times. Their little daughter manages to open Monica’s heart, mind and eyes to limitless possibilities. This family, as it heals, brings Hearts Communion a delicious surprise twist that I didn’t see coming, a twist that has a direct effect on Monica and Jeremy’s future plans.
Indeed, a novel or book cover with a dog instantly has my immediate interest. But it’s the people of Hearts Communion that make you want to go home with them. I call this book a “Kindle Keeper” and intend to re-read it again and again.
September 12, 2011
This is a great book! Although it is the first book I have read by this author, I am highly impressed by her writing! ( Marianne has since sent me the first two books of this series and I am SO VERY, VERY EXCITED TO READ THEM) and review them and recommend them for others to read! (These are kindle e-books) I was so interested in this book, as it involved a lady who was unable to get pregnant, therefore the talk of adoption became a big part of the future with her future husband! Because I have 10 adopted kids, I was very excited to become a part of their discussion, as I read the pages very diligently! I am usually a speed reader, but I read these pages very slowly! Marianne just pulls you into the story and I literally forgot I was sitting on the couch in my living room!
Please read these books: "HEARTS SURRENDER"; "HEARTS CROSSING";
And the one I read "HEARTS COMMUNION" . You will be so happy you did!!!
Please read these books: "HEARTS SURRENDER"; "HEARTS CROSSING";
And the one I read "HEARTS COMMUNION" . You will be so happy you did!!!
July 15, 2011
What I love about writing a book is the way it forces you to examine your own belief systems, and find your way through issues that are common to us all. Hearts Communion asks: How do you find God's grace when your dearest wish is destined to go unfulfilled? Jeremy and Monica face that daunting challenge while embracing a forever love that is full of sparks, heart and depth of emotion. This book was such a joy to write - I pray it blesses you and that you enjoy their journey!!
April 4, 2012
Ooh, a mystery woman, and an all-around nice guy - with chemistry flying all over the pages. What a great story!
Between Monica trying to protect her heart for some hinted at reason, and Jeremy on his mission to get to know her better, this story just flies by. I loved it. I can't begin to say how sweet it is, what a joy to read!
Really, if you haven't read this one, get yourself a copy, and sit down and enjoy. Warning. You won't want to put it down!
Between Monica trying to protect her heart for some hinted at reason, and Jeremy on his mission to get to know her better, this story just flies by. I loved it. I can't begin to say how sweet it is, what a joy to read!
Really, if you haven't read this one, get yourself a copy, and sit down and enjoy. Warning. You won't want to put it down!
December 31, 2011
What if the one thing that you had always dreamed of having when you met the right person turned out never to happen ? Would you leave that person and settle for second best or would you accept that as God's plan and live happily ever after with that person ?
For Jeremy aka JB , he has always dreamt of being a father and having a large family as he dotes and cares for his nephew so much . One day when his nephew is sick , JB picks him up from Daycare and it's love at first sight for JB and Early Childhood teacher Monica. The pair hit it off and after a few dates , JB is taking Monica around to meet his family as he can't wait to share this amazing person that God has given him . However, Monica is hiding a secret - one that could tear her happiness apart forever. She has endometris , a disease which has made her infertile and never to have children . When JB discovers this , we see that for a split second he is hurt as he realises his dreams of having a family with Monica are no longer realistic . However with God and his love for Monica , will JB accept Monica's fate and live happily ever after with their hearts entwined or will he take the easy road out ?
Find out with God's help the decision that JB will have to make - one that will change his life and it's path forever.
Check out Book #3 Hearts Communion in the Woodlands Series by Marianne Evans.
For Jeremy aka JB , he has always dreamt of being a father and having a large family as he dotes and cares for his nephew so much . One day when his nephew is sick , JB picks him up from Daycare and it's love at first sight for JB and Early Childhood teacher Monica. The pair hit it off and after a few dates , JB is taking Monica around to meet his family as he can't wait to share this amazing person that God has given him . However, Monica is hiding a secret - one that could tear her happiness apart forever. She has endometris , a disease which has made her infertile and never to have children . When JB discovers this , we see that for a split second he is hurt as he realises his dreams of having a family with Monica are no longer realistic . However with God and his love for Monica , will JB accept Monica's fate and live happily ever after with their hearts entwined or will he take the easy road out ?
Find out with God's help the decision that JB will have to make - one that will change his life and it's path forever.
Check out Book #3 Hearts Communion in the Woodlands Series by Marianne Evans.
June 19, 2012
What a truly wonderful book!
Jeremy (JB) Edwards and Monica Kittelski are two of the most likeable and enjoyable characters I’ve read in some time. JB’s love for and loyalty to family is touching, as is his flirty, fun, and wholly sincere courtship with Monica, his nephew’s lovely, sassy daycare owner. But Monica has a secret that could destroy their relationship before it has a chance to grow.
As has been true of every Evans novel I’ve read, I found nothing NOT to love in Hearts Communion. It’s well written, totally riveting, filled with all the angst and heart-pounding passion any true romance reader yearns for…and all presented outside the bedroom door. Sweet!
A wonderful romance that truly portrays a sincere communion of two hearts. Read it!
Jeremy (JB) Edwards and Monica Kittelski are two of the most likeable and enjoyable characters I’ve read in some time. JB’s love for and loyalty to family is touching, as is his flirty, fun, and wholly sincere courtship with Monica, his nephew’s lovely, sassy daycare owner. But Monica has a secret that could destroy their relationship before it has a chance to grow.
As has been true of every Evans novel I’ve read, I found nothing NOT to love in Hearts Communion. It’s well written, totally riveting, filled with all the angst and heart-pounding passion any true romance reader yearns for…and all presented outside the bedroom door. Sweet!
A wonderful romance that truly portrays a sincere communion of two hearts. Read it!
November 25, 2012
What do you do when you fall in love with someone, and then find out your dream of a large family like the one you grew up in may not be possible? JB faces this question when he meets the woman of his dreams. Find out his answer within the pages of this book, where Marianne tenderly, beautifully paints a word picture of love.
February 18, 2016
short romantic novella
June 30, 2016
This was my favorite in the series so far.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews