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No One But You
More Than Words: Bestselling authors & Real-life heroines
We all have the power to effect change--we just need to find the strength to harness it. With every good deed done, and helping hand offered, we are making the world a better place. The dedicated women selected as this year's recipients of Harlequin's More Than Words award have changed many lives for the better, through their compassionate hearts and unshakable commitment. To celebrate their accomplishments, bestselling authors have written stories inspired by these real-life heroines.
In this book, Jillian Hart honors the work of Mary Byberg, a committed volunteer for Nellie's Shelter for Women and Children in Toronto, Ontario.
We hope More Than Words inspires you look inside your heart and to get in touch with the heroine inside of you.
We all have the power to effect change--we just need to find the strength to harness it. With every good deed done, and helping hand offered, we are making the world a better place. The dedicated women selected as this year's recipients of Harlequin's More Than Words award have changed many lives for the better, through their compassionate hearts and unshakable commitment. To celebrate their accomplishments, bestselling authors have written stories inspired by these real-life heroines.
In this book, Jillian Hart honors the work of Mary Byberg, a committed volunteer for Nellie's Shelter for Women and Children in Toronto, Ontario.
We hope More Than Words inspires you look inside your heart and to get in touch with the heroine inside of you.
83 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2012
159 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Hart
192 books602 followersJillian Hart grew up on her family's homestead in Washington state, where she raised cattle, rode horses and scribbled stories in her spare time.
After earning her English degree from Whitman College, she worked in travel and advertising before selling her first novel.
When Jillian isn't working on her next story, she can be found puttering around her rose garden, curled up with a good book and spending quiet evenings at home with her family.
After earning her English degree from Whitman College, she worked in travel and advertising before selling her first novel.
When Jillian isn't working on her next story, she can be found puttering around her rose garden, curled up with a good book and spending quiet evenings at home with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
April 2, 2012
No One But You by Jillian Hart
This is a fictional story but contains the truth of spousal abuse. Mariah Duncan had left her husband when her son Jake was still just a toddler. She realized the danger he not only posed to her but their son. Fifteen years later she has opened her own shelter, Mary's Place. She is independent and distrustful of men. When a man from her past enters back into her life she finds her heart trying to open once again and the fear of that happening.
Wyatt Royce is a broken man. After a tragedy in his life, the battle to repair is marriage was lost. He is trying to start over and live again but it's hard to do. When he sees his first love after eighteen years his dead heart tries to come back to life.
This is a shorter story but glimpses into lives that were damaged. Women who were abused by those who say they love them. Hearts that fear opening up again...not trusting that not all men are alike. And hopefully it will help someone out there realize they are in an abusive situation and they need help.
This is a fictional story but contains the truth of spousal abuse. Mariah Duncan had left her husband when her son Jake was still just a toddler. She realized the danger he not only posed to her but their son. Fifteen years later she has opened her own shelter, Mary's Place. She is independent and distrustful of men. When a man from her past enters back into her life she finds her heart trying to open once again and the fear of that happening.
Wyatt Royce is a broken man. After a tragedy in his life, the battle to repair is marriage was lost. He is trying to start over and live again but it's hard to do. When he sees his first love after eighteen years his dead heart tries to come back to life.
This is a shorter story but glimpses into lives that were damaged. Women who were abused by those who say they love them. Hearts that fear opening up again...not trusting that not all men are alike. And hopefully it will help someone out there realize they are in an abusive situation and they need help.
June 13, 2012
A bit too short and therefore a quick read with lots of things remaining superficial.
I would have liked to know how Mariah, after hving dumped her high-school sweetheart whom she felt was too domineering found herself married to someone who finally abuses her.
I would also have liked to know what Jake, Mariah's now teenage kid, knows about his biological father, and how he dealt with that (at 15 or 16, he cannot not ask questions and think about it when a new man comes into the picture).
I did not like so much the fact that the neighbour is also being abused by her husband, that Wyatt also had a tragedy in his past, that most characters have had to deal with abuse either directly or through one of their close relatives / friends. It gave me the impression they all lived in a bad environment where life was always dealing bad blows to everyone. A bit too much drama to my opinion, especially for such a short story.
Last thing : editing could have been more thorough; there were a few grammatical mistakes, spelling errors, which are not to be expected in a Harlequin book.
I would have liked to know how Mariah, after hving dumped her high-school sweetheart whom she felt was too domineering found herself married to someone who finally abuses her.
I would also have liked to know what Jake, Mariah's now teenage kid, knows about his biological father, and how he dealt with that (at 15 or 16, he cannot not ask questions and think about it when a new man comes into the picture).
I did not like so much the fact that the neighbour is also being abused by her husband, that Wyatt also had a tragedy in his past, that most characters have had to deal with abuse either directly or through one of their close relatives / friends. It gave me the impression they all lived in a bad environment where life was always dealing bad blows to everyone. A bit too much drama to my opinion, especially for such a short story.
Last thing : editing could have been more thorough; there were a few grammatical mistakes, spelling errors, which are not to be expected in a Harlequin book.
September 23, 2012
This is the first Jillian Hart book I read. I really like how the author gives you a glimpse into a domestic violence victims life. I really love how Mariah didn't let situation stop her from loving again. I really admired Mariah for opening Mary's House. This was free book worth reading. I would definitely read more books by this author.
January 4, 2014
Absolutely loved this book. In this book you saw the after effects that domestic abuse can leave on a woman. Mariah was very closed off and after divorcing her husband never thought she would trust another man let alone open herself up to love. But Wyatt showed her that she didn't need to be afraid anymore and that all men weren't like her ex. Overall really good story and I loved the epilogue.
July 19, 2016
two short too simple too perfect.. but it is your typical harlequin book you ooo and ahhh and contemplate eating chunky monkey ice-cream. so it did that for me the writing in itself was far too simple for me and that put me off
July 23, 2014
This was a wonderful short story. This books was in honor of a real person. This book was about spousal abuse and in the end a love so very strong.
February 21, 2020
A clean, sweet second chance story. The biggest positive? The banter between mother and teenage son. I was sooooo jealous. I raised 2 sons and was convinced that they had been abducted by aliens at intervals who suddenly bring them back (mentally and emotionally) at the most unexpected, loving times. Both MC's were likeable and both were capable of a deep love and serious commitment. Thank goodness, no insta-love but a slow return of former feelings.
February 19, 2018
I always enjoy the Harlequin More Than Words line that brings attention to various good causes started by real-life heroines. I particularly enjoyed the author's note in this offering resources in case any readers find they identify with one of the secondary characters, who is facing domestic abuse - a subtle but powerful way to use fiction to help improve reality.
July 6, 2017
Old flames never die
Nice tale of finding love again. Sometimes we can never just forget our first love. Hurts when we let the ONE get away. But who knows? We might just get a second chance to fall in love again. ;)
Nice tale of finding love again. Sometimes we can never just forget our first love. Hurts when we let the ONE get away. But who knows? We might just get a second chance to fall in love again. ;)
October 3, 2019
No One But You by Jillian Hart
This one was a tough one to read as it covers such triggering subject matter. But it was short and ended sweetly. It was really pretty surface with the details, but enough to keep me involved in the story.
*I dropped a star for editing.
This one was a tough one to read as it covers such triggering subject matter. But it was short and ended sweetly. It was really pretty surface with the details, but enough to keep me involved in the story.
*I dropped a star for editing.
November 9, 2016
Great story.
This was a. great quick feel good story with a HEA ending. It made me want to go out and help someone.
This was a. great quick feel good story with a HEA ending. It made me want to go out and help someone.
February 15, 2017
Such a great story. I needed something to fill the space until I got book 2 from another series and happened upon this book. What a great find!
November 29, 2017
Loved it.
All of my family. It was a very good book. I enjoy reading. Interested in getting more books. Love westerns and roman
All of my family. It was a very good book. I enjoy reading. Interested in getting more books. Love westerns and roman
October 2, 2018
A must read!
Jillian is a brilliant author, and did a great job telling this story. I only wish it had been longer. I love it when I find a great, CLEAN read.
Jillian is a brilliant author, and did a great job telling this story. I only wish it had been longer. I love it when I find a great, CLEAN read.
August 15, 2019
A tender, inspiring romance.
March 2, 2021
Love the book
Jillian Hart is an awesome writer, I love her books. This is a must to read. All her books are a must
Jillian Hart is an awesome writer, I love her books. This is a must to read. All her books are a must
March 9, 2022
Awesome
I loved this book it a geat book. I lived it from the get go. It's a really good book. Awesome.
I loved this book it a geat book. I lived it from the get go. It's a really good book. Awesome.
July 26, 2025
So far, of all the short stories in this Harlequin collection that I have read, this was the least exciting one . Not to mention the amount of errors such as “who’s” instead of “whose” and “paper” instead of “pepper” and quite a few typos as well. The poor writing definitely affected my enjoying of the story which is a shame, considering how important this organization is. Moreover the “romance”, if I can even call it that, was very lackluster. Pity…
February 12, 2014
This book is wonderful! I loved every word of it. The under lying story behind it is not so good but the characters within the story line know how to handle tough situations and are always willing to help out a friend in need. Jillian Hart knows how to tell a story but at the same time keep her readers interested in the storyline.
Mariah Duncan was a victim of abuse from her husband years and she currently runs a women’s shelter for other abuse victims. She is in the process of getting a bigger land donation to make an even bigger shelter for the woman of Mary’s Place. When she runs into her old high school boyfriend she realizes that even after so long the feelings that she has for him haven’t gone away. She has a son who is a big basketball player and he is becoming fast friends with Wyatt, however Mariah isn’t so sure is a good idea but what mother can say no to her child? When Mariah recognizes the pattern of abuse going on in her neighbor’s house she wants to do everything that she can to help mother and daughter to get out of the abuse anyway that she can.
Wyatt Royce never thought that he would ever see Mariah again. He has been divorced before and has had his share of heart breaks but the love that he has/had for Mariah hasn’t gone away. He wants to take things slow with her and make her see that he won’t break her heart once again. He finds that he can relate to Jake, Mariah’s son because he used to play basketball in high shoal as well. Wyatt has the reputation of trying to run Mariah’s life like he used to do before but she isn’t having any of it.
The attraction between Mariah and Wyatt is not something that you can ignore and after a while it’s not something that you would want to ignore. The storyline flows beautifully, the characters are some believable, there is everything that you need in a book to keep your interest that you won’t want to put this book down.
Mariah Duncan was a victim of abuse from her husband years and she currently runs a women’s shelter for other abuse victims. She is in the process of getting a bigger land donation to make an even bigger shelter for the woman of Mary’s Place. When she runs into her old high school boyfriend she realizes that even after so long the feelings that she has for him haven’t gone away. She has a son who is a big basketball player and he is becoming fast friends with Wyatt, however Mariah isn’t so sure is a good idea but what mother can say no to her child? When Mariah recognizes the pattern of abuse going on in her neighbor’s house she wants to do everything that she can to help mother and daughter to get out of the abuse anyway that she can.
Wyatt Royce never thought that he would ever see Mariah again. He has been divorced before and has had his share of heart breaks but the love that he has/had for Mariah hasn’t gone away. He wants to take things slow with her and make her see that he won’t break her heart once again. He finds that he can relate to Jake, Mariah’s son because he used to play basketball in high shoal as well. Wyatt has the reputation of trying to run Mariah’s life like he used to do before but she isn’t having any of it.
The attraction between Mariah and Wyatt is not something that you can ignore and after a while it’s not something that you would want to ignore. The storyline flows beautifully, the characters are some believable, there is everything that you need in a book to keep your interest that you won’t want to put this book down.
February 11, 2013
No One But You by Jillian Hart is part of Harlequin’s More than Words projects that allows noteworthy authors to write on important topics, even highlighting pioneers and leaders in the field. No One But You tackles the sensitive topic of domestic violence. Mariah, our heroine, is a domestic abuse survivor and runs a center for abused woman.
Mariah never expects to date again, never mind love. Life threw her a cruel curve in the form of her ex-husband Jasper. Having escaped the prison of domestic abuse with her young son, Jake, she chooses not to date the following fifteen years. Instead, she puts all her energy into the center and her son. Maybe that’s one of the reasons she is so surprised to see her old boyfriend Wyatt Royce.
Wyatt Royce is a gorgeous billionaire businessman who decided to relocate in Mariah’s town. Could it be fate, or was it intentional? Wyatt strikes up a friendship with Mariah’s son, Jake, who encourages Wyatt’s visitations.
Mariah and Wyatt have one strange relationship. Wyatt thinks all the time that he is incapable of love or caring about anyone, but gives Mariah the full court press treatment. Mariah on the other hand, acts uninterested, rebuffs him until the last chapter when they decide to get married.
No One But You is a sweet love story, but horribly unrealistic. There are no details of how Mariah escaped or why Jasper has no contact with his son. I would have liked it much better if Wyatt had been an ordinary guy who owned a hardware store. It is hard to swallow that a rich man decked out in Armani doesn’t have women throwing themselves at him. The story is more about the issue, domestic violence, which received fair treatment at the hands of the author. It is a fair read, and is typical of Harlequin. Harlequin fans should be more than satisfied.
Mariah never expects to date again, never mind love. Life threw her a cruel curve in the form of her ex-husband Jasper. Having escaped the prison of domestic abuse with her young son, Jake, she chooses not to date the following fifteen years. Instead, she puts all her energy into the center and her son. Maybe that’s one of the reasons she is so surprised to see her old boyfriend Wyatt Royce.
Wyatt Royce is a gorgeous billionaire businessman who decided to relocate in Mariah’s town. Could it be fate, or was it intentional? Wyatt strikes up a friendship with Mariah’s son, Jake, who encourages Wyatt’s visitations.
Mariah and Wyatt have one strange relationship. Wyatt thinks all the time that he is incapable of love or caring about anyone, but gives Mariah the full court press treatment. Mariah on the other hand, acts uninterested, rebuffs him until the last chapter when they decide to get married.
No One But You is a sweet love story, but horribly unrealistic. There are no details of how Mariah escaped or why Jasper has no contact with his son. I would have liked it much better if Wyatt had been an ordinary guy who owned a hardware store. It is hard to swallow that a rich man decked out in Armani doesn’t have women throwing themselves at him. The story is more about the issue, domestic violence, which received fair treatment at the hands of the author. It is a fair read, and is typical of Harlequin. Harlequin fans should be more than satisfied.
January 29, 2016
Have to say that is been long since i have read a book in one standing or even in just few hours and even enjoy it (did not realized it was done). Have to give the book a 5 starts although i did not love it is just that what is said in the book is so often in real life that at some points it made me so angry.
This is a fictional story about a woman that has been abused but is trying to change her life and help all the other women that are going through the same thing. Mariah is been out of the abuse for years but she wants to give back to all the people that help her and make a better life for her and her son. Also trying to show everyone that women can get back up stronger then ever. However her past life has harden her heart and scared her to trust any man she came in contact with until a long lost friend that she had dated in high school. When she finds out his story and what he went through all the years they have been apart she realized how much he has suffered and changed. Everything changes when her son is in big danger and he is the first person to go to her sons side to help him and do anything he can to keep him calm until help arrives to take him to the hospital.
It is a very fast reading book and you will enjoy every chapter of it , in my opinion is perfect for a reading slam. Also i will stop her because if i will continue i will give to much away from this lovely and beautiful story.
This is a fictional story about a woman that has been abused but is trying to change her life and help all the other women that are going through the same thing. Mariah is been out of the abuse for years but she wants to give back to all the people that help her and make a better life for her and her son. Also trying to show everyone that women can get back up stronger then ever. However her past life has harden her heart and scared her to trust any man she came in contact with until a long lost friend that she had dated in high school. When she finds out his story and what he went through all the years they have been apart she realized how much he has suffered and changed. Everything changes when her son is in big danger and he is the first person to go to her sons side to help him and do anything he can to keep him calm until help arrives to take him to the hospital.
It is a very fast reading book and you will enjoy every chapter of it , in my opinion is perfect for a reading slam. Also i will stop her because if i will continue i will give to much away from this lovely and beautiful story.
June 28, 2012
Jillian Hart writes this story in honouring the work of Mary Byberg, a committed volunteer for Nellie's Shelter for Women and Children in Toronto, Ontario.
She has written a fictional account of a young mom, Mariah DUncan, who has taken her toddler son, Jake, and left her marriage after living w/ violent spousal abuse. The care she received while staying at Nellie's Shelter, influences her greatly, resulting in her answering her call to go on to found her own shelter in her home town.
The story includes our protagonist aiding a neighbour caught in the dilemma of leaving or staying with her abusive husband and the conflict of thought involved.
While the topic of abuse is included, it is not the main plot. We follow Mariah's reacquaintance to her highschool flame when he appears at a fundraiser to make a donation. A five figure donation! As a novella, the story is abbreviated to accomodate the various plot twists at a quick pace winding up with a satisfying conclusion {with added epilogue}.
Jillian has also included a great descriptive of Canadian, Mary Byberg, herself ~ An abused woman who has gone on to become a lawyer while contributing untold hours of assistance to other women who have experienced abuse and have sought shelter at Nellie's Shelter in Toronto.
She has written a fictional account of a young mom, Mariah DUncan, who has taken her toddler son, Jake, and left her marriage after living w/ violent spousal abuse. The care she received while staying at Nellie's Shelter, influences her greatly, resulting in her answering her call to go on to found her own shelter in her home town.
The story includes our protagonist aiding a neighbour caught in the dilemma of leaving or staying with her abusive husband and the conflict of thought involved.
While the topic of abuse is included, it is not the main plot. We follow Mariah's reacquaintance to her highschool flame when he appears at a fundraiser to make a donation. A five figure donation! As a novella, the story is abbreviated to accomodate the various plot twists at a quick pace winding up with a satisfying conclusion {with added epilogue}.
Jillian has also included a great descriptive of Canadian, Mary Byberg, herself ~ An abused woman who has gone on to become a lawyer while contributing untold hours of assistance to other women who have experienced abuse and have sought shelter at Nellie's Shelter in Toronto.
June 4, 2012
I definitely liked the concept of the story. It's about a formerly abused wife, Mariah, who found the courage to leave her abusive husband with her toddler son and found the help she neeeded at an amazing women's shelter. She is compelled to create a similar shelter in her old home town. There her first boyfriend, Wyatt, shows up unexpectedly. They each felt that their teenage relationship and subsequent break-up were both somewhat "challenging". Mariah feels that Wyatt was always trying to control her and after one failed marriage to a man that always had to feel in control, she definitely doesn't want to repeat mistakes, besides, she doesn't need a man. Wyatt is coming out of his own divorce and loss and feels that his heart was broken into so many pieces that he'll never feel whole again. Each of their lives has led them to this point and neither is willing to trust that feelings won't get hurt. Mariah tries to keep Wyatt at arm's length. Wyatt is finally starting to feel alive again, does he want to take a chance on love again? Can Mariah find it in herself to trust a man again?
October 22, 2012
No One But You was based on a true story about a women, Mariah, who is struggling in life with her teenage son, Jake, were abused by her ex- husband, Jasper. When Mariah thinks there is no hope left in the world, her ex boyfriend from high school, Wyatt, comes along and starts making everything better. Not just for her but for Jake too. This book was very sweet, short and to the point. It had its long moments but you knew the entire time that something would happen. This is based on a true story which makes the book even more the better. From the book, you can tell the characters are nice, loving people with hearts as big as a lions. I recommend this book to all. You'll love it just like i did.
October 18, 2015
This ebook was free for download to my Nook library as it is part of Harlequin's 2012 More Than Words foundation. This book honors the work of Mary Byberg, a committed volunteer for Nellie's Shelter for Women and Children in Toronto, Canada.
The fictional romance is between a woman who survives spousal abuse and her former high school sweetheart. The author packs so much stuff into this novella I think she may be more comfortable with a longer format.
I recommend this to all readers who enjoy this genre of contemporary romance.
The fictional romance is between a woman who survives spousal abuse and her former high school sweetheart. The author packs so much stuff into this novella I think she may be more comfortable with a longer format.
I recommend this to all readers who enjoy this genre of contemporary romance.
June 4, 2012
This is a novella based on the life of a real person. The main character runs a women's shelter, and has been a victim of domestic violence herself. The characters in the story are well developed, it was a clean romance, which I appreciated, and the banter between Mariah, Wyatt, and her teenage son, Jake, was realistic and funny. The story, in the end, was just too short for Jillian Hart to work quite the magic she usually does; I would have liked to know much more about what happened next. It is well worth reading, however.
June 4, 2012
This was a nice easy read. Even though the story revolves around the heavy subject of domestic abuse, it sort of soft stepped around those areas and didn't get too dark. Now this can be seen as a good or bad thing. It didn't make light of domestic abuse, but it didn't get too deep into the heart of the subject either. In my opinion, it is a romance, so the author took the right approach. It did really keep my interest and I really felt for the characters. I think I even had tears in my eyes during one part!
June 17, 2012
Part of harlequin's series of short novels based on "real heroines."
Former abuse victim Mariah now runs a women's shelter patterned after the one that helped her. During a fund-raising event she runs into high-school flame Wyatt and the sparks are still there. But, she's not sure she wants to risk another relationship...
Wyatt has his own past issues, but finds himself drawn to both Mariah and her teenage son Jake.
A really well done short novel about two hurting people facing the possibility of a new future...and having to decide if it's worth the risk.
Former abuse victim Mariah now runs a women's shelter patterned after the one that helped her. During a fund-raising event she runs into high-school flame Wyatt and the sparks are still there. But, she's not sure she wants to risk another relationship...
Wyatt has his own past issues, but finds himself drawn to both Mariah and her teenage son Jake.
A really well done short novel about two hurting people facing the possibility of a new future...and having to decide if it's worth the risk.
January 6, 2013
Domestic Violence is very important to me so I fell in love with Mariah and her ideas to help those who are victims. I think the book fell short on giving background into her first marriage and the subject of domestic violence which is the ONLY reason I did not give it a 5 instead of a 4. I also love a story when high school sweethearts who never really got the chance to say good bye meet again by chance. I think Mariah's son loving Wyatt so much early on gave me the feeling that he trusts way to early but, hey what can I say a pretty sweet and good romance novel! [
March 26, 2013
For me this is a 3-1/2 book, as so many sentences had a very awkward feel reading forward, and I constantly needed to go back and re-read to make sense of the words. The topic is very contemporary, battered women and the author did a good job in bringing forward the obvious reluctance of the heroine to engage in any further encounters with men. The fact that a battered women lived next door to the woman seemed a bit convenient to the plot, but as a reader I was glad she got help in the end. Basically it is an hea book and I liked it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews