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Woodland Church #4
Hearts Key
A chorus of faith sung in the key of second chances.
Once the effervescent leader of the pack, Amy Maxwell should have had the perfect marriage. Instead, she escapes with nothing but the clothes on her back and her daughter, Pyper.
Once the shy teen, Tyler Brock has evolved into a powerhouse in Christian music, and when he returns to Woodland for a benefit concert, Amy can’t believe he is as faithful and tender as ever. He even manages to touch the heart of a doubtful Pyper.
But Amy can’t escape her own self-doubt, and she questions the wisdom of her heart when it comes to the charismatic musician who is so different now, yet so much the same.
Can the key to their hearts unlock a lifetime of love?
Once the effervescent leader of the pack, Amy Maxwell should have had the perfect marriage. Instead, she escapes with nothing but the clothes on her back and her daughter, Pyper.
Once the shy teen, Tyler Brock has evolved into a powerhouse in Christian music, and when he returns to Woodland for a benefit concert, Amy can’t believe he is as faithful and tender as ever. He even manages to touch the heart of a doubtful Pyper.
But Amy can’t escape her own self-doubt, and she questions the wisdom of her heart when it comes to the charismatic musician who is so different now, yet so much the same.
Can the key to their hearts unlock a lifetime of love?
- GenresChristian Fiction
254 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Evans
53 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.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 20, 2012
A sweet, irresistible romance from the first page to the last…
Hearts Key opens with a heart-wrenching scene, the dissolution of a marriage. Once a vibrant youth leader, Amy Samuels barely escapes her husband’s drunken rage with her daughter, Pyper. Estranged from family and friends because of her husband’s abusive behavior, Amy places a collect call to her former pastor for help.
A year later, settled within the loving arms of the Woodland Church family, Amy and Pyper begin the healing process. Hiding behind the safety of a camera lens, Amy arrives at Woodland Church to shoot the homecoming of Tyler Brock. Tyler Brock, whose love she’d tossed aside because she’d been enamored with football star, Mark Samuels. Now a powerhouse in Christian music, Tyler is still the gentle, faithful guy Amy knew in high school. And he still loves her. With his gentle spirit, Tyler breaks down Pyper’s fearful “male” barrier and reminds Amy that God’s love is all she needs to overcome her self-doubts.
I have to admit that once Tyler entered the scene, I wondered if Ms. Evans would be able to sustain the book, but did she ever deliver! Not only does Tyler battle his own fears when an agent woos him with crossing over into mainstream music, but he also helps break down Amy and Pyper’s insecurities. Ms. Evans built the romantic tension to such a level that I found myself whispering, “Kiss her! Just kiss her already!”
Hearts Key is a sweet, irresistible romance from the first page to the last! Even at two hundred and fifty four pages, I wasn’t ready for Hearts Key to end. Sadly, Hearts Key is the last in the series, but that won’t stop me from going back and reading the first three books. Congratulations, Ms. Evans. Five stars from this reader!
Hearts Key opens with a heart-wrenching scene, the dissolution of a marriage. Once a vibrant youth leader, Amy Samuels barely escapes her husband’s drunken rage with her daughter, Pyper. Estranged from family and friends because of her husband’s abusive behavior, Amy places a collect call to her former pastor for help.
A year later, settled within the loving arms of the Woodland Church family, Amy and Pyper begin the healing process. Hiding behind the safety of a camera lens, Amy arrives at Woodland Church to shoot the homecoming of Tyler Brock. Tyler Brock, whose love she’d tossed aside because she’d been enamored with football star, Mark Samuels. Now a powerhouse in Christian music, Tyler is still the gentle, faithful guy Amy knew in high school. And he still loves her. With his gentle spirit, Tyler breaks down Pyper’s fearful “male” barrier and reminds Amy that God’s love is all she needs to overcome her self-doubts.
I have to admit that once Tyler entered the scene, I wondered if Ms. Evans would be able to sustain the book, but did she ever deliver! Not only does Tyler battle his own fears when an agent woos him with crossing over into mainstream music, but he also helps break down Amy and Pyper’s insecurities. Ms. Evans built the romantic tension to such a level that I found myself whispering, “Kiss her! Just kiss her already!”
Hearts Key is a sweet, irresistible romance from the first page to the last! Even at two hundred and fifty four pages, I wasn’t ready for Hearts Key to end. Sadly, Hearts Key is the last in the series, but that won’t stop me from going back and reading the first three books. Congratulations, Ms. Evans. Five stars from this reader!
June 1, 2012
I read this book out of sequence in the series, but that little error in no way lessened my enjoyment of the story.
Having watched Tyler Brock and Amy Maxwell tiptoe around their feelings for each other in Heart’s Surrender, I was pleased to revisit this couple in the heartwarming finale to the Woodland Series.
Amy’s abusive marital situation bursts into existence from the first page. Her courage in the last moments of that mistaken union puts the reader firmly on her side, and longing for something better for her and her adorable little girl, Pyper. When Tyler, now a rapidly rising Christian music artist, re-enters Amy’s life, the sparks from five years earlier burst into flame.
This author has an incredible insight into human emotion, and what makes people tick. She makes it easy to feel Amy’s hesitation about entering Tyler’s Nashville-colored world, and her simultaneous longing to be with him, wherever he is. Little Pyper’s heart-breaking fear of men, fostered by her father’s shameful abuse, is poignantly painted and beautifully handled. Tyler’s constant and undying love for Amy, his gentleness with Pyper, his consecration to Christ…he’s a beautiful picture of Christian dedication and true love in its purest form.
Once again, I am utterly “wowed” by a Marianne Evans novel. Evans knows how to write, and how to keep readers reading. Absolutely, unequivocally, unconditionally, without question…recommended!
Having watched Tyler Brock and Amy Maxwell tiptoe around their feelings for each other in Heart’s Surrender, I was pleased to revisit this couple in the heartwarming finale to the Woodland Series.
Amy’s abusive marital situation bursts into existence from the first page. Her courage in the last moments of that mistaken union puts the reader firmly on her side, and longing for something better for her and her adorable little girl, Pyper. When Tyler, now a rapidly rising Christian music artist, re-enters Amy’s life, the sparks from five years earlier burst into flame.
This author has an incredible insight into human emotion, and what makes people tick. She makes it easy to feel Amy’s hesitation about entering Tyler’s Nashville-colored world, and her simultaneous longing to be with him, wherever he is. Little Pyper’s heart-breaking fear of men, fostered by her father’s shameful abuse, is poignantly painted and beautifully handled. Tyler’s constant and undying love for Amy, his gentleness with Pyper, his consecration to Christ…he’s a beautiful picture of Christian dedication and true love in its purest form.
Once again, I am utterly “wowed” by a Marianne Evans novel. Evans knows how to write, and how to keep readers reading. Absolutely, unequivocally, unconditionally, without question…recommended!
January 3, 2012
Heart’s Key is the last in the Woodland Series and in my opinion, the best! It was well worth the wait. The poignant re-kindling of romance between teen-age friends, Tyler and Amy, is touching from beginning to end. Tyler’s steadfast love is strong enough to heal even Amy’s deepest wounds and she has many after her abusive marriage. But is Amy strong enough to live life in the limelight of Tyler’s musical career? Ms. Evan’s already descriptive writing style has entered a new phase and you will feel as if you are walking the through Tennessee. Her characters are multi-dimensional and real enough to touch. Treat yourself to a sweet, hope-filled read!
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December 28, 2011Marianne Evans delivered another emotionally driven, hard-to-put-down story that I didn't want to end.
August 16, 2012
“Faith is a risk. Faith always requires trust. Faith requires vulnerability and absolute belief that, despite everything, God leads you to goodness.”
These are words that Amy Maxwell really needs to believe and embrace with her entire heart. She has almost been able to receive the truth of these words, but her past is holding her captive. Rather than believe God is blessing her with second chances in many areas of her life, the pain of her past continues to whisper lies into her present, casting doubt and shadows over relationships that will move her boldly forward in her faith and every other aspect of her life.
Tyler Brock has overcome his shyness and embraced all that God has gifted him with, and when his life intersects with Amy more than a decade after they shared a high school mission trip, he must prove the sincerity and faithfulness of his intentions toward both Amy and her precious daughter Pyper.
There are many emotional and spiritual battles to be overcome in both Amy and Tyler’s lives, and it’s a very sweet, tender journey of growth and discovery as these two become reacquainted.
All of the characters in this story will become very dear to your heart as this story develops. Their pain and joy are very real, and your heart will be deeply touched by the time you spend together. I’m very glad to discover that there are more books in this series!
The Wordsmith Journal strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer’s own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.
These are words that Amy Maxwell really needs to believe and embrace with her entire heart. She has almost been able to receive the truth of these words, but her past is holding her captive. Rather than believe God is blessing her with second chances in many areas of her life, the pain of her past continues to whisper lies into her present, casting doubt and shadows over relationships that will move her boldly forward in her faith and every other aspect of her life.
Tyler Brock has overcome his shyness and embraced all that God has gifted him with, and when his life intersects with Amy more than a decade after they shared a high school mission trip, he must prove the sincerity and faithfulness of his intentions toward both Amy and her precious daughter Pyper.
There are many emotional and spiritual battles to be overcome in both Amy and Tyler’s lives, and it’s a very sweet, tender journey of growth and discovery as these two become reacquainted.
All of the characters in this story will become very dear to your heart as this story develops. Their pain and joy are very real, and your heart will be deeply touched by the time you spend together. I’m very glad to discover that there are more books in this series!
The Wordsmith Journal strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer’s own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.
January 20, 2012
Wanting more Woodlands action ? In Book #3 Heart's Communion we read about the coming together of Jeremy and preschool teacher Monica and now with Heart's Key , we meet newcomer Amy and her daughter Pyper (I love the way that is spelt and the name) , Amy was according to other reviews one of the main characters in Book #2 Heart's Surrender . Now five years later Amy has been married and divorced and has a beautiful daughter. Her marriage though didn't finish on great terms with her fleeing away from her home with her daughter to the one place on earth she has always felt safe and sound - Woodlands. Now one year later, Amy has made a life for herself and Pyper in Woodlands and working two jobs , when former Woodlands resident now turned big famous Singer Tyler heads home for a stop on his tour -Tyler was also the other lead character in Heart's surrender. Tyler always had a soft spot for Amy and notices that she's a shell of her former self , his heart aches for her and longs to get to know her. Amy, feeling inadequate wants to get know Tyler but when she sees him with Rebecca- she assumes he's already in a relationship and who would want to be in a relationship with a single mother and a five year old daughter . Heart's Key to sum it up is about the reunion of former lovers Tyler and Amy and their chance of second love . Can they prove to each other that they want this ? Is Tyler ready for the commitment of an automatic family and will Amy be able to overcome the hurt of her past love and self-rejection to let Tyler in ?
A great finale to an amazing series , which I am hoping to go back and read Books #1 and #2 in the series and I look forward to reading in the future more books by Marianne Evans.
A great finale to an amazing series , which I am hoping to go back and read Books #1 and #2 in the series and I look forward to reading in the future more books by Marianne Evans.
May 25, 2014
Hearts Key
BY: Marianne Evans
This story is wonderful. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. You will not want to put this book down till finished. Wonderful characters you will fall in love with. This is the final book in the Woodland Series. What a awesome story it is. Amy popular girl in school wants to be with Mr. popular. Someone else in her class has always loved her. Amy marries the man of her dreams, but will Mr. Popular be the guy she dreamed of being married too? After what her and her daughter Pyper went through can she learn to put fear aside and trust another man again? Will Pyper except another man in their lives? Story of love, overcoming fear and trusting again. Can she do it???
BY: Marianne Evans
This story is wonderful. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. You will not want to put this book down till finished. Wonderful characters you will fall in love with. This is the final book in the Woodland Series. What a awesome story it is. Amy popular girl in school wants to be with Mr. popular. Someone else in her class has always loved her. Amy marries the man of her dreams, but will Mr. Popular be the guy she dreamed of being married too? After what her and her daughter Pyper went through can she learn to put fear aside and trust another man again? Will Pyper except another man in their lives? Story of love, overcoming fear and trusting again. Can she do it???
April 11, 2012
This story is wonderful! Oh my goodness, I can't tell you how many times it made me smile, or laugh...or cry.
Ms. Evans touched on many sensitive subjects in this one story, and handled them with tender loving care. The way she develops Amy's personality and shows the depth of her love, as well as Tyler's is indescribable. Amy is such a spiritual work-in-progress, and after all she's been through it's like watching a flower blossom - then start to wilt - then come to full bloom. It's beautiful. And the patience Tyler shows, after waiting a lifetime for this love to come to fruition, can only come from God.
Wonderful story! Don't miss it!
Ms. Evans touched on many sensitive subjects in this one story, and handled them with tender loving care. The way she develops Amy's personality and shows the depth of her love, as well as Tyler's is indescribable. Amy is such a spiritual work-in-progress, and after all she's been through it's like watching a flower blossom - then start to wilt - then come to full bloom. It's beautiful. And the patience Tyler shows, after waiting a lifetime for this love to come to fruition, can only come from God.
Wonderful story! Don't miss it!
November 25, 2012
We all make choices. Sometimes we push away God's best for what we want. But as illustrated in this book, God doesn't walk away. When the time is right, He may surprise us with what He intended all along.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews