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Operation: Christmas Hearts
Ashley Torrington never cared much about Christmas before. But this year she’s having a particularly blue holiday because Marine Special Operations Team member, Nick Turner got under her skin just before he was deployed to Afghanistan. With her neighbors’ precocious daughter Bella volunteering Ashley for a special project at school, and a mysterious white-haired stranger named Estelle in town buying gifts from Ashley’s shop, not to mention the odd assortment of presents Ashley’s been receiving from an anonymous source, she shouldn’t have time to worry about her guy. But when he and his team go missing the week before Christmas, she realizes only a Christmas miracle will reunite them.
Captain Nicholas Turner never backed down from challenges—on the battlefield or in his personal life. But he’d never met a challenge like Ashley, who doesn't want to be anyone’s “girl back home.” Now he’s on the other side of the world, wanting to be anywhere but in Afghanistan for Christmas. About to embark on one of the most dangerous missions of his life, he needs Ashley to know she’s much more than the girl he’d left behind, and he does plan to come home to her. But in the meantime, a little Christmas magic would be appreciated. Little does he know, he’s about to get his wish.
Captain Nicholas Turner never backed down from challenges—on the battlefield or in his personal life. But he’d never met a challenge like Ashley, who doesn't want to be anyone’s “girl back home.” Now he’s on the other side of the world, wanting to be anywhere but in Afghanistan for Christmas. About to embark on one of the most dangerous missions of his life, he needs Ashley to know she’s much more than the girl he’d left behind, and he does plan to come home to her. But in the meantime, a little Christmas magic would be appreciated. Little does he know, he’s about to get his wish.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2011
8 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 6, 2012
Yet another wonderful book from this author, this is a delightful series with new characters and a few oldie but goodies. Skillfully written, the author pulls you along through the present and through memories to piece together a sweet romance and the heartbreak of waiting for a soldier to come home. Ashley is a wonderful character, realistic and easy to connect with. Nick is a great character who is both a wonderful soldier and a wonderful man. The inclusion of Trish, Dan and Bella were great since I already knew and loved them from the first book. Add in a little bit of Christmas magic and you have a wonderful story. I would definitely recommend this one!
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October 13, 2025
How beautiful
I loved especially the ending of this story. There were sad times too but keeping the faith is always a good thing. Highly recommend this series.
I loved especially the ending of this story. There were sad times too but keeping the faith is always a good thing. Highly recommend this series.
December 22, 2011
Operation: Christmas Hearts was one of the sweetest books I've ever read...and just in time for Christmas!
Ashley never wanted to be the woman left at home waiting, yet as hard as she tried, she was unable to stop herself from falling in love with Nick Turner during his short stint at the nearby military base. Their story is told in the days leading up to Christmas while Nick is deployed and through a series of flashbacks from the past summer when they met.
It becomes clear immediately that neither have been straightforward with their feelings for the other, and both are left regretting the decision to leave it unsaid when Nick finds himself on a dangerous mission.
Our hearts are pulled back and forth as we watch their fear of never seeing each other grow and unfold in the scenes in the present, while we see them falling in love during the brief flashbacks.
Of course, because this is one of the most precious stories I've ever read, there is a gentle hand weaving little miracles together throughout the story that gives us hope that these two will be together again. Add in the sweet little girl with Downs’ syndrome who can see angles, and you have yourself a story filled with hope and the belief that miracles do happen.
This is a great story that I would have enjoyed at any time of the year, but what a special treat to have read in the week before Christmas. I can't wait to read Heartsight by Ms. Springsteen.
This book is recommended for anyone who loves a sweet story, YA & up.
Ashley never wanted to be the woman left at home waiting, yet as hard as she tried, she was unable to stop herself from falling in love with Nick Turner during his short stint at the nearby military base. Their story is told in the days leading up to Christmas while Nick is deployed and through a series of flashbacks from the past summer when they met.
It becomes clear immediately that neither have been straightforward with their feelings for the other, and both are left regretting the decision to leave it unsaid when Nick finds himself on a dangerous mission.
Our hearts are pulled back and forth as we watch their fear of never seeing each other grow and unfold in the scenes in the present, while we see them falling in love during the brief flashbacks.
Of course, because this is one of the most precious stories I've ever read, there is a gentle hand weaving little miracles together throughout the story that gives us hope that these two will be together again. Add in the sweet little girl with Downs’ syndrome who can see angles, and you have yourself a story filled with hope and the belief that miracles do happen.
This is a great story that I would have enjoyed at any time of the year, but what a special treat to have read in the week before Christmas. I can't wait to read Heartsight by Ms. Springsteen.
This book is recommended for anyone who loves a sweet story, YA & up.
October 20, 2016
This story is my favorite of the series (so far). There is a level of realism that Kay Springfield manages to reach when portraying the emotional turmoil that is experienced when a loved one is deployed that few other novels can achieve.
Another clean novel, you are able to experience the relationship between Nick and Ashley via flashbacks while they are currently separated due to deployment. It was a wonderfully sweet story seeing not only how these two managed to find love with one another, but also the clever ways that Nick managed to avoid hitting Ashley's "four date" rule.
As this story also takes place in the shore town of Lookout Island, we get to catch up with old favorites (namely Dan, Trish and their daughter Bella from Heartsight) as well. And let me tell you, their story is far from over!
An underlying message throughout this story is angels and believing in miracles (even when we don't see them for what they are), and I felt the author did a beautiful job of getting this message across without the book coming across as "pushing" any one religion on someone (which I know is off-putting for some readers).
Overall, I highly recommend this story to those who enjoy a sweet and well written romance novel with interesting characters. I would read more from this author!
Another clean novel, you are able to experience the relationship between Nick and Ashley via flashbacks while they are currently separated due to deployment. It was a wonderfully sweet story seeing not only how these two managed to find love with one another, but also the clever ways that Nick managed to avoid hitting Ashley's "four date" rule.
As this story also takes place in the shore town of Lookout Island, we get to catch up with old favorites (namely Dan, Trish and their daughter Bella from Heartsight) as well. And let me tell you, their story is far from over!
An underlying message throughout this story is angels and believing in miracles (even when we don't see them for what they are), and I felt the author did a beautiful job of getting this message across without the book coming across as "pushing" any one religion on someone (which I know is off-putting for some readers).
Overall, I highly recommend this story to those who enjoy a sweet and well written romance novel with interesting characters. I would read more from this author!
January 6, 2012
It's a treat to get sucked into a Kay Springsteen love story and this one pulled me in right away. I loved the characters from the start. Nick, the hunky Marine and Ashley the art gallery owner began as an unlikely couple but I fell in love with them as they fell in love with each other. The supporting characters added depth and flavor to a rich story with many twists and turns I didn't see coming.
The evocative writing transported me right into the homes and lives of the people of the small North Carolina town. Ms. Springsteen never uses a boring word when a more descriptive one is available. The Afghanistan military scenes were incredibly real and you could almost taste the dust, sand and feel the cold of night. I loved the way she moved effortlessly back and forth between the past and present, too. That filled in their story without lecturing me but actually taking me back so I could watch their romance unfold. I've never read a story like this and I was enthralled.
If you're looking for hot sex scenes, this isn't the book for you. But the sexual tension between Nick and Ashley is palpable and provided enough heat, without sex, for me to believe the strength of their chemistry. This is the best book I've read in ages, I can't recommend it highly enough.
The evocative writing transported me right into the homes and lives of the people of the small North Carolina town. Ms. Springsteen never uses a boring word when a more descriptive one is available. The Afghanistan military scenes were incredibly real and you could almost taste the dust, sand and feel the cold of night. I loved the way she moved effortlessly back and forth between the past and present, too. That filled in their story without lecturing me but actually taking me back so I could watch their romance unfold. I've never read a story like this and I was enthralled.
If you're looking for hot sex scenes, this isn't the book for you. But the sexual tension between Nick and Ashley is palpable and provided enough heat, without sex, for me to believe the strength of their chemistry. This is the best book I've read in ages, I can't recommend it highly enough.
November 27, 2011
Kay Springsteen delivers again. (Warning: spoilers below!)
This contemporary holiday romance stars Ashley, the art gallery owner from Heartsight by Kay Springsteen, and Nick, a Marine facing deployment to Afghanistan. Their separation is naturally heart rending, with both remembering good times they've shared (loved the bumper boats scene) and worrying for the future. Add in adorable Bella, a Down syndrome child, her parents Trish and Dan, all from Heartsight, and new characters Estelle Eastman and a dog named Hal, who aren't what they seem.
The story's fun rockets along to an ending perhaps predictable but wholly satisfying. Springsteen's knowledge of Marine procedures clearly stems from either personal experience or that of a close friend, rather than Internet research. As usual, her relationships build believably through the novel without relying upon sex scenes for their fire, so if you're looking for heavy romantica this one isn't for you. I personally enjoyed it to the last page.
This contemporary holiday romance stars Ashley, the art gallery owner from Heartsight by Kay Springsteen, and Nick, a Marine facing deployment to Afghanistan. Their separation is naturally heart rending, with both remembering good times they've shared (loved the bumper boats scene) and worrying for the future. Add in adorable Bella, a Down syndrome child, her parents Trish and Dan, all from Heartsight, and new characters Estelle Eastman and a dog named Hal, who aren't what they seem.
The story's fun rockets along to an ending perhaps predictable but wholly satisfying. Springsteen's knowledge of Marine procedures clearly stems from either personal experience or that of a close friend, rather than Internet research. As usual, her relationships build believably through the novel without relying upon sex scenes for their fire, so if you're looking for heavy romantica this one isn't for you. I personally enjoyed it to the last page.
December 31, 2011
I was offered this book in exchange for an honest review. So, here it goes:
If you know me, then you know that my brother served in the military (Operation: Iraqui Freedom)... I became close with alot of his friends as well... Well, this story brought back ALOT of sweet memories...
The book was exactly what I expected and more. I enjoy that you can indulge yourself in a good healthy clean read with this book. I wasn't able to put the book down once I started reading it!
I fell in love with Nick Turner. He is so thoughtful and caring; he is so comitted to what he sets his mind to. The trials that he has had to go through really do something to your soul. I can't imagine what it must be like to not be able to share your life with someone because of privacy issue. And Ashley, well she just has a spunk to her that I can enjoy. I like that the story is told from 2 different POV and that they narrate it as a memory from their past. There was just so much good chemistry between these characters!
This book did have a "magical" touch to it, but didn't go overboard.
All in all, I really did like this book. I definitely would recommend it to anyone.
If you know me, then you know that my brother served in the military (Operation: Iraqui Freedom)... I became close with alot of his friends as well... Well, this story brought back ALOT of sweet memories...
The book was exactly what I expected and more. I enjoy that you can indulge yourself in a good healthy clean read with this book. I wasn't able to put the book down once I started reading it!
I fell in love with Nick Turner. He is so thoughtful and caring; he is so comitted to what he sets his mind to. The trials that he has had to go through really do something to your soul. I can't imagine what it must be like to not be able to share your life with someone because of privacy issue. And Ashley, well she just has a spunk to her that I can enjoy. I like that the story is told from 2 different POV and that they narrate it as a memory from their past. There was just so much good chemistry between these characters!
This book did have a "magical" touch to it, but didn't go overboard.
All in all, I really did like this book. I definitely would recommend it to anyone.
December 5, 2013
Hott Synopsis:
Ashley Torrington promised she’d never be the girl left at home until she meets Marine Special Operations Team member, Nick Turner. Still she can’t bring herself to utter the words they both need to hear.
With a heavy heart Ashley tries to get into the Christmas Spirit with the help of her friends and some adorable angles.
Until a mission goes terribly wrong and Ashley may have to change her heart forever.
Hott Review:
Wow. This is quite a good book but it’s not light nor is it superficial. This is a very heart wrenching story about fear and trust. It was so funny but at the middle I couldn’t image that there was so much left to the story but at the end I realized that the ‘extra pages’ were the best part!
The only thing I didn’t enjoy was that it switched around a lot. We saw what was going on and remembered from both Ashley’s and Nick’s points of view. It wasn’t confusing – it was very well laid out – but it’s not something I always enjoy.
More…
Author: Kay Springsteen
Source: I have no idea!
Grade: A
Ages: 16+
Steam: Just some steamy kissing & obscure references
Ashley Torrington promised she’d never be the girl left at home until she meets Marine Special Operations Team member, Nick Turner. Still she can’t bring herself to utter the words they both need to hear.
With a heavy heart Ashley tries to get into the Christmas Spirit with the help of her friends and some adorable angles.
Until a mission goes terribly wrong and Ashley may have to change her heart forever.
Hott Review:
Wow. This is quite a good book but it’s not light nor is it superficial. This is a very heart wrenching story about fear and trust. It was so funny but at the middle I couldn’t image that there was so much left to the story but at the end I realized that the ‘extra pages’ were the best part!
The only thing I didn’t enjoy was that it switched around a lot. We saw what was going on and remembered from both Ashley’s and Nick’s points of view. It wasn’t confusing – it was very well laid out – but it’s not something I always enjoy.
More…
Author: Kay Springsteen
Source: I have no idea!
Grade: A
Ages: 16+
Steam: Just some steamy kissing & obscure references
November 4, 2016
"I received this book for free through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. I voluntarily reviewed this book and this is my honest review."
Operation Christmas Hearts is the fourth book is the Heart Stories series by Kay Springsteen. It is the first book written by this author that I have had the pleasure to read, but it will definitely not be the last. Even though I hadn't read the first three books in the series it didn't distract from this incredible story. And because I loved this book I will be going back to read this series from the start.
I thoroughly enjoyed not only the authors extremely well thought out storyline but also her ability to create such amazing characters that I really wanted to spend time with. I found myself rooting for Ashley and Nick and hoping for the happy ending they both so desperately deserved.
I would definitely recommend this beautifully written heartwarming romantic story to anybody who would like to believe that angels exist and the hope that miracles really can happen.
Operation Christmas Hearts is the fourth book is the Heart Stories series by Kay Springsteen. It is the first book written by this author that I have had the pleasure to read, but it will definitely not be the last. Even though I hadn't read the first three books in the series it didn't distract from this incredible story. And because I loved this book I will be going back to read this series from the start.
I thoroughly enjoyed not only the authors extremely well thought out storyline but also her ability to create such amazing characters that I really wanted to spend time with. I found myself rooting for Ashley and Nick and hoping for the happy ending they both so desperately deserved.
I would definitely recommend this beautifully written heartwarming romantic story to anybody who would like to believe that angels exist and the hope that miracles really can happen.
February 6, 2012
I received this book free in exchange for my review of the book.
Operation: Christmas Hearts is a good, clean read. Ashley Torrington is convinced she will never date anyone more than three times, until she meets Nick Turner. She tells him he can only have three dates too, that is her rule, but Nick thinks he can change that. Ashley runs a small art gallery in a small town and Nick is in the military. The story is told from each person's perspective. At first, I didn't like this, but then I began to appreciate each person's perspective. The story is well written and you keep turning the pages to find out what happens. I liked how the lost necklace incident turned out. Overall this book is a great read. My one sadness is that I would have liked more to the ending; an epilogue so I know what happens. More info would have been nice!
Operation: Christmas Hearts is a good, clean read. Ashley Torrington is convinced she will never date anyone more than three times, until she meets Nick Turner. She tells him he can only have three dates too, that is her rule, but Nick thinks he can change that. Ashley runs a small art gallery in a small town and Nick is in the military. The story is told from each person's perspective. At first, I didn't like this, but then I began to appreciate each person's perspective. The story is well written and you keep turning the pages to find out what happens. I liked how the lost necklace incident turned out. Overall this book is a great read. My one sadness is that I would have liked more to the ending; an epilogue so I know what happens. More info would have been nice!
December 4, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this sweet and tingly (not syrupy) romance as it took me back to the days of meeting my sailor (now husband of 35 years). The story is based in 2011 so its very up to date. Ashley is a gift shop owner in a small beach front town and Nick is the marine she meets and a delightful romance follows. Nick and Ashley think back on their dates as they are separated by his deployment and strange things happen that seem to say they do belong together. Even moreso when Nick is hurt by bomb in Afghanistan and is missing in action. A wonderful and different christmas story dealing with military lives, romance, friends and even angels!
January 27, 2017
Ashley Torrington just isn't the sort of girl who will wait at home. Not, that is, until her heart is caught by a soldier before he is deployed.
This was the story I've wanted to read. Ashley was first introduced in Heartsight. I was intrigued and really wanted her to find love. As ever, Kay Springsteen's writing is excellent and makes a reader envision the scenes. The back and forth from the past and the present was a nice way to tell the tale.
That being said, Christmas based stories are not my cup of tea. Add to it the 'supernatural' elements and I simply did not enjoy it, however much I enjoyed the characters.
This story, like the others before it, is clean.
This was the story I've wanted to read. Ashley was first introduced in Heartsight. I was intrigued and really wanted her to find love. As ever, Kay Springsteen's writing is excellent and makes a reader envision the scenes. The back and forth from the past and the present was a nice way to tell the tale.
That being said, Christmas based stories are not my cup of tea. Add to it the 'supernatural' elements and I simply did not enjoy it, however much I enjoyed the characters.
This story, like the others before it, is clean.
March 23, 2012
Ashley has never been the one to date men more than 3 dates. But she finally falls for a wonderful Marine, Nick just as he is deployed. Not wanting to be the one left at home waiting, she is pulled in many directions of love. When something happens to Nick she has to rely on the faith of Bella knowing Nick has angels with him.
Estelle keeps you on your toes and wondering. She keeps buying stuff from Ashleys store and seems to appear out of no where.
This 3rd book of the series is the best and a must read~
Estelle keeps you on your toes and wondering. She keeps buying stuff from Ashleys store and seems to appear out of no where.
This 3rd book of the series is the best and a must read~
November 28, 2012
This is a touching sweet romance perfect for the holiday season—complete with angels! I normally am not a fan of military romances, but Springsteen’s writing really brings the characters to life and makes the pages fly by.
March 16, 2012
Kay Springsteen writes the sweetest love stories! Full review to come
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