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Where the Heart Lives: A Milford-Haven Novel - Book Two
Fleeing her privileged life for a new start in a small California Central Coast community, artist Miranda Jones bonds with an older PhD who gave up a son years earlier and a restaurant owner who also left home to pursue her dreams, a friendship that is shaped by a journalist's murder.
365 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2011
32 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Mara Purl
48 books38 followersWhy do we read? Because reading throws open a window into new realms of possibility...windows that become doors as we walk through them.
The world I've created is "Milford-Haven" -- a small coastal town on California's somewhat undiscovered Central Coast. It's a town of both small town simplicities and global complexities. But it's also a town of infinite possibilities...YOUR possibilities. It's a place to discover the next chapter of your life.
I thought I was writing fiction...but it turns out I'm writing women's fiction. Men are included in my stories every step of the way, but we see situations mostly from the perspective of the women in the story. Are these women like you? Or like some of the folks you know? Join the conversation and find out!
The world I've created is "Milford-Haven" -- a small coastal town on California's somewhat undiscovered Central Coast. It's a town of both small town simplicities and global complexities. But it's also a town of infinite possibilities...YOUR possibilities. It's a place to discover the next chapter of your life.
I thought I was writing fiction...but it turns out I'm writing women's fiction. Men are included in my stories every step of the way, but we see situations mostly from the perspective of the women in the story. Are these women like you? Or like some of the folks you know? Join the conversation and find out!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 21, 2012
This is an introductory book to the Milford-Haven series & while I found it enjoyable enough, I don't have a burning desire to get right to the next in the series. The murder mystery (which was the draw in reading this for me) was tied up well enough but I mostly felt that this was all just to set the stage for the next in the series. I did enjoy the feel of the setting. I love sleepy seaside hamlets & felt the author did a very good job giving a sense of place. There are quite a few characters to keep up with & it felt like I was being introduced to the whole town in a flurry, whether or not they were really relevant to the mystery. Honestly, I didn't commit all the characters to memory because I was more focused on the dead reporter resolution. Even so, I feel that this wrapped up well enough to be satisfying even as a standalone if you decide not to read the remainder of the series. This is a light enough read for the weekend or while travelling.
October 14, 2018
"Where the Heart Lives" is the second Milford Haven novel. Set in a fictional town on California's Central Coast, Milford Haven has a great deal of drama per capita.
There are plots involving the commission of a painting, rival oil companies and rival men, missing babies and babies on the way ... and the possible murder of a journalist.
I'll admit that it's frustrating that many of these subplots were not resolved (there are many books in the series, and I'll be picking them up), but given that author Mara Purl was an actress in a soap opera, it's no surprise. The story arc of life (as with daytime dramas) does not always resolve in a tidy little box.
Purl's prose is elegant; it was a delight to read each carefully constructed paragraph. Her characters are rounded and believable, and I felt like I knew every person she introduced.
This is women's fiction at its finest. Highly recommended.
There are plots involving the commission of a painting, rival oil companies and rival men, missing babies and babies on the way ... and the possible murder of a journalist.
I'll admit that it's frustrating that many of these subplots were not resolved (there are many books in the series, and I'll be picking them up), but given that author Mara Purl was an actress in a soap opera, it's no surprise. The story arc of life (as with daytime dramas) does not always resolve in a tidy little box.
Purl's prose is elegant; it was a delight to read each carefully constructed paragraph. Her characters are rounded and believable, and I felt like I knew every person she introduced.
This is women's fiction at its finest. Highly recommended.
February 17, 2020
Milford Haven is a small art town between Santa Barbara and Big Sur. This first book in the series serves mostly to introduce the cast of characters. Not much action really happens, and the mystery itself is only touched on. Still the characters were interesting enough to make me put the 2nd book on my list.
September 27, 2013
This is the first in a series about a fictional town located on California's Central Coast, Milford-Haven. There is an introductory novella, "When Hummers Dream," where the main character, Miranda Jones is introduced.
In "What the Heart Knows," more residents and characters are introduced and some background information is provided. There are a lot of loose ends at the end, which means I have to get the next book, "Where the Heart Lives."
This book started as a radio series, which explains some of the episodic structure. Point-of-View changes with each chapter, but it's not confusing. And I can begin to see how these characters are related (some don't know they are)--provided Ms. Purl doesn't pull a fast one.
Ms. Purl does capture much of the ambiance of small Central Coast towns, where San Luis Obispo is considered a "city." There is a LOT of detailed description--do I really need to know that the sheets are "leaf-patterned"? Some detail, such as a "Donna Karan dress," is a short-hand for the type of character. Some is superfluous, in my opinion. I would have rather had a bit more action or interaction.
This book is like living in a small town, where everyone has secrets and tangled relationships. Fun to visit, especially vicariously.
In "What the Heart Knows," more residents and characters are introduced and some background information is provided. There are a lot of loose ends at the end, which means I have to get the next book, "Where the Heart Lives."
This book started as a radio series, which explains some of the episodic structure. Point-of-View changes with each chapter, but it's not confusing. And I can begin to see how these characters are related (some don't know they are)--provided Ms. Purl doesn't pull a fast one.
Ms. Purl does capture much of the ambiance of small Central Coast towns, where San Luis Obispo is considered a "city." There is a LOT of detailed description--do I really need to know that the sheets are "leaf-patterned"? Some detail, such as a "Donna Karan dress," is a short-hand for the type of character. Some is superfluous, in my opinion. I would have rather had a bit more action or interaction.
This book is like living in a small town, where everyone has secrets and tangled relationships. Fun to visit, especially vicariously.
May 18, 2012
What the heck is a platform step or an agenda book? Zack and Jack, Susan, Samantha and Sally...ugh! If you're going to have bland stock cardboard characters AT LEAST give them distinctive names. This had a horrible non-ending. It just faded away towards the back of the book ... I guess to lead you into buying the next in the series. What a cheap trick.
May 26, 2012
I enjoyed this book & look forward to the sequels. Living a couple hours from the Central Coast, & having spent wonderful weekends there, personalized the book for me. I recommend it.
June 7, 2016
Too many unresolved plot lines, because you have to continue in the series to find out what happens and I only found this book at the library book sale.
February 24, 2020
I only made it about 35% through. It wasn’t my cup of tea. Disjointed.
November 30, 2023
What the Heart Knows, by Mara Purl, offers a gentle narrative set in the serene town of Milford-Haven, California. Distinct from the bustling energy of Los Angeles, Milford-Haven is characterized by its tranquility and charm, making it an ideal backdrop for self-discovery and personal growth. The story primarily follows Miranda Jones, an artist who finds her identity and purpose in this quaint setting.
The book captivates from the start with a suspenseful prologue in which a reporter delves into a possibly illicit construction project, setting the stage for an unfolding mystery. The story then skillfully shifts to Miranda Jones in her art studio, introducing her as a key figure in a tapestry of intriguing characters. Although the narrative leaves room for further development of characters like Jack Sawyer and his ex-wife Samantha, their presence adds depth and intrigue. The initial mystery around the reporter's death, while not fully resolved, serves as a compelling backdrop that enriches the overall narrative.
Purl's writing style is fluid and accessible, effortlessly drawing readers into the world she crafts. Her attention to detail is particularly noteworthy, vividly painting scenes that come alive in the reader's imagination. This aspect was especially appealing to me, as it allowed the narrative to unfold like a film in my mind. One of the intriguing aspects of What the Heart Knows is its diverse cast of characters. As a fan of the rich ensembles found in science fiction and fantasy, I appreciated the variety of personalities in this story. Among them, Miranda and Zack stand out as particularly engaging, and the subtle tension involving Cynthia adds an interesting dynamic. Although I believe these relationships and plotlines offer room for further exploration, they contribute to the novel's rich tapestry and keep the reader engaged with their potential.
What the Heart Knows is a well-written, sweet story set in an idyllic town. It presents a tapestry of characters and a hint of mystery, but I feel the narrative could benefit from a more focused exploration of fewer characters and a clearer resolution of its central mysteries. Despite these elements, the book offers an enjoyable journey into a world of introspection and artistic discovery.
The book captivates from the start with a suspenseful prologue in which a reporter delves into a possibly illicit construction project, setting the stage for an unfolding mystery. The story then skillfully shifts to Miranda Jones in her art studio, introducing her as a key figure in a tapestry of intriguing characters. Although the narrative leaves room for further development of characters like Jack Sawyer and his ex-wife Samantha, their presence adds depth and intrigue. The initial mystery around the reporter's death, while not fully resolved, serves as a compelling backdrop that enriches the overall narrative.
Purl's writing style is fluid and accessible, effortlessly drawing readers into the world she crafts. Her attention to detail is particularly noteworthy, vividly painting scenes that come alive in the reader's imagination. This aspect was especially appealing to me, as it allowed the narrative to unfold like a film in my mind. One of the intriguing aspects of What the Heart Knows is its diverse cast of characters. As a fan of the rich ensembles found in science fiction and fantasy, I appreciated the variety of personalities in this story. Among them, Miranda and Zack stand out as particularly engaging, and the subtle tension involving Cynthia adds an interesting dynamic. Although I believe these relationships and plotlines offer room for further exploration, they contribute to the novel's rich tapestry and keep the reader engaged with their potential.
What the Heart Knows is a well-written, sweet story set in an idyllic town. It presents a tapestry of characters and a hint of mystery, but I feel the narrative could benefit from a more focused exploration of fewer characters and a clearer resolution of its central mysteries. Despite these elements, the book offers an enjoyable journey into a world of introspection and artistic discovery.
December 10, 2017
Small town and big hearts
An artist colony and a haven for many. The starting place for new lives and the ending place for others. Magic and misery can be two halves of the heart shell. Joy and sorrow are often drunk from the same cup. Wonderful depiction of life
An artist colony and a haven for many. The starting place for new lives and the ending place for others. Magic and misery can be two halves of the heart shell. Joy and sorrow are often drunk from the same cup. Wonderful depiction of life
November 19, 2017
Mara Purl is a great story teller and a master of character development. I want to know these people and luckily What the Heart Knows is the first in a series. I definitely will read them all.
July 2, 2024
Ms. Purl captures the small town atmosphere of a community on the periphery of coastal urban influences. Just like Cambria! A romance with some bite. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
February 3, 2024
Mara Purl's "Where the Heart Lives: A Milford-Haven Novel" stands out as compelling women's fiction, originating from her radio drama, Milford-Haven U.S.A., which garnered an impressive audience of 4.5 million on BBC radio. Set in the enchanting town of Milford-Haven on California's Central Coast, this book serves as the second installment in Purl's captivating series.
The picturesque town becomes the backdrop for a diverse cast of characters, each escaping from different corners of the world, contributing to the narrative with their unique journeys, hopes, and concealed pasts. Senior Deputy Delmar Johnson initiates the story by investigating the disappearance of TV journalist Christine Christian, laying the foundation for a tale reminiscent of a soap opera.
As the plot unfolds, readers immerse themselves in the life of protagonist Miranda Jones, an artist contemplating her creative path and navigating the changing seasons of her existence. The narrative introduces other intriguing characters such as Sally, the owner of Sally's Restaurant, and Samantha, on a quest to find her son.
Initially, comprehending the characters and piecing together the plot presented a challenge. However, persistence led to a narrative that grew more engaging and fulfilling. Reading the first book of the series could prove beneficial.
The author, drawing on her experience as a former journalist and actor, brings a rich background to her storytelling. Her writing is clear, clean, and classy, skillfully crafting realistic, likable, and relatable characters. She cleverly incorporates their inner thoughts in italics, and the detailed character list at the end sheds light on their names, ages, occupations, and appearances.
I appreciate the suggestion to map out one's life and display it visibly, adjusting as inspiration strikes. Another charming touch is the inclusion of Milford-Haven recipes for beef tournedos and anise cookies. Despite encountering occasional pacing hurdles, the overall experience remains enjoyable, with the plot gaining momentum and making it a worthwhile read. I highly recommend this novel to fellow fans of soap operas and dramas, eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
The picturesque town becomes the backdrop for a diverse cast of characters, each escaping from different corners of the world, contributing to the narrative with their unique journeys, hopes, and concealed pasts. Senior Deputy Delmar Johnson initiates the story by investigating the disappearance of TV journalist Christine Christian, laying the foundation for a tale reminiscent of a soap opera.
As the plot unfolds, readers immerse themselves in the life of protagonist Miranda Jones, an artist contemplating her creative path and navigating the changing seasons of her existence. The narrative introduces other intriguing characters such as Sally, the owner of Sally's Restaurant, and Samantha, on a quest to find her son.
Initially, comprehending the characters and piecing together the plot presented a challenge. However, persistence led to a narrative that grew more engaging and fulfilling. Reading the first book of the series could prove beneficial.
The author, drawing on her experience as a former journalist and actor, brings a rich background to her storytelling. Her writing is clear, clean, and classy, skillfully crafting realistic, likable, and relatable characters. She cleverly incorporates their inner thoughts in italics, and the detailed character list at the end sheds light on their names, ages, occupations, and appearances.
I appreciate the suggestion to map out one's life and display it visibly, adjusting as inspiration strikes. Another charming touch is the inclusion of Milford-Haven recipes for beef tournedos and anise cookies. Despite encountering occasional pacing hurdles, the overall experience remains enjoyable, with the plot gaining momentum and making it a worthwhile read. I highly recommend this novel to fellow fans of soap operas and dramas, eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
February 25, 2024
Mara Purl's Where the Heart Lives, the second installment in the Milford-Haven Series, offers a delightful continuation of the narrative established in the series' first book. This novel primarily centers around the protagonist, Miranda Jones, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, both personally and as an artist.
Where the Heart Lives allows readers to delve deeper into the lives of the series' characters, fostering a sense of intimacy and connection, particularly with Miranda. Purl's narrative artfully navigates an ensemble of characters, enriching the story with diverse subplots like Delmar Johnson's investigation into Christine Christian's disappearance. These engaging narratives complement Miranda's journey and bring a dynamic contrast to the central focus of her character development.
Purl skillfully captures the essence of her characters' internal thoughts and observations and enriches the narrative throughout by integrating these engaging elements into the storytelling. I found Delmar Johnson's perspective as a cop adds a layer of intrigue, and I feel that weaving his observations directly into the narrative could offer an even more immersive experience for the reader. (The author does give Johnson's perspective in the related novella, What the Soul Suspects.) The novel's strength lies in its well-crafted narrative and the compelling subplot involving Deputy Johnson's investigation.
Where the Heart Lives is a charming and well-composed story, inviting readers to engage more deeply with its cast of relatable characters. The book succeeds in bringing together various elements of its characters' lives and offers readers a welcome addition to what promises to be a compelling series.
Where the Heart Lives allows readers to delve deeper into the lives of the series' characters, fostering a sense of intimacy and connection, particularly with Miranda. Purl's narrative artfully navigates an ensemble of characters, enriching the story with diverse subplots like Delmar Johnson's investigation into Christine Christian's disappearance. These engaging narratives complement Miranda's journey and bring a dynamic contrast to the central focus of her character development.
Purl skillfully captures the essence of her characters' internal thoughts and observations and enriches the narrative throughout by integrating these engaging elements into the storytelling. I found Delmar Johnson's perspective as a cop adds a layer of intrigue, and I feel that weaving his observations directly into the narrative could offer an even more immersive experience for the reader. (The author does give Johnson's perspective in the related novella, What the Soul Suspects.) The novel's strength lies in its well-crafted narrative and the compelling subplot involving Deputy Johnson's investigation.
Where the Heart Lives is a charming and well-composed story, inviting readers to engage more deeply with its cast of relatable characters. The book succeeds in bringing together various elements of its characters' lives and offers readers a welcome addition to what promises to be a compelling series.
September 5, 2016
The story takes place in a beautiful town in California, Purl pulls you into her world right away. With her smart and sassy characters. A local artist Miranda Jones that is finally getting recognized for her work. And is Zack her total love interest? what are they doing? where are they going? I loved the relationship with Samantha and Jack. Purl brings in total strangers from different parts of the world. Why? Why not? they each have nothing to loose. The stakes are high for each of them as they search and struggle to start each of their lives over again.
Purls’ new Milford-Haven series is wonderful. I received the book for an honest review. A lovely illustrated cover and I can see why Purl is a National Award-Winning Author. What The Heart Knows is a perfect story to be book 1 in the Milford-Haven Series.
Purls’ new Milford-Haven series is wonderful. I received the book for an honest review. A lovely illustrated cover and I can see why Purl is a National Award-Winning Author. What The Heart Knows is a perfect story to be book 1 in the Milford-Haven Series.
September 5, 2016
A new series set in coastal California lured me into its depths this weekend. I spent an enjoyable, but sometimes unsettling two days reading What the Heart Knows by Mara Purl, a Milford-Haven novel. Mara Purl delves into the psyche of her characters with numerous paragraphs to reveal a character’s thoughts. I especially like that Mara provides a list of characters at the end of the book, and would appreciate if more authors followed this practice. The scenery swims around the characters in the words of Mara and through the eyes of Miranda Jones, an artist. Cattiness and deception flow from many of the women, and true friendship shimmers in the distance. Ruthlessness and aloofness gush from the men, who hide any hint of feeling. I see the characters on a disastrous journey with the ice berg hiding, but ready to plummet the individuals into chaos. Mara utilizes the scenery and nature in the story to provide a sense of calm and danger, as the reader wonders what has become of Christine Christian.
August 30, 2015
Reading What the Heart Knows was a bit like taking a step back into time. I’d be reading along and think, “Why didn’t she use her cell phone?”, only to remember that not everyone had cell phones1990s. There are a lot of twists and turns in this story, which keep the reader interested and engaged. While Miranda is the primary character, there are so many other interesting people coming to life in almost every chapter, I found myself referring to Purl's cast of characters at the back of the book to determine who was who and where they fit. Purl writes in a serial-type style that signals the reader to watch for the next installment. I really enjoyed the descriptions of Miranda’s paintings, of the scenery in and around Milford-Haven, and of the lives of some very complex people. This is a series that I hope doesn’t end for a long time to come.
~ Linda Thompson, Host of www.theauthorsshow.com
~ Linda Thompson, Host of www.theauthorsshow.com
October 5, 2015
I'm a big fan of Mara Purl's writing and this latest book does not disappoint. Her ability to weave a travel guide into the lives of complex characters is amazing and keeps me awake until I get to the end. I got caught up in Meredith's life, then Sally jumps in with an equally intriguing story; then, of course, there is Samantha who comes with a lot of baggage. Each is equally interesting and are people I would very much like to meet. Then there is Christine's disappearance which is playing out in the background, but what I feel may bring these characters together in some unlikely way. Having lived in both small towns and Los Angeles, I admit I prefer the city, but I would visit Milford-Haven in a heartbeat and, who knows, I just might want to stay. I almost consider these characters my friends, so I am now eagerly awaiting the next in the Milford-Haven series
~ Linda Thompson, Host of TheAuthorsShow.com
~ Linda Thompson, Host of TheAuthorsShow.com
June 14, 2012
I'm feeling generous, so I'll give this book two stars although I think it deserves about 1.25. The story begins with a mystery that is never fully solved. The rest of the book is basically the introduction of a long list of characters who are snarky, conniving and distrustful of one another. The author lets us into the innermost thoughts of each of these people by switching from third person to first person (in italicized print) for half of almost every paragraph. Really, you don't want to read these people's minds! The author has also provided a list of the characters at the end of the book, describing them down to their height and hair color. I haven't figured out how height is relevant in this context and I prefer to leave hair and eye color to my imagination. But wait, there's more--more books in this series. I won't be reading any of them.
November 29, 2012
Knowing this is the first of a series, I am eager to read the next book. I'm happy to get lost in a romantic soap opera story with multi-layered characters weaving a tangled web of who-knows-what; who's-out-to-get-whom and who-ends-up-with-whom!! The twists and turns keep you turning the page. There are many characters, but the author develops them clearly. There is anticipation of hearing more from certain characters in the rest of the series. I've been to the Central Coast of California and immediately fell in love with the area. Mara Purl cleverly and creatively recreates the landscape and charm of the fictional Milford-Haven which closely resembles that of the real quaint town of Cambria.
July 29, 2013
I generally don't read much commercial fiction but something caught my eye with this one. I immediately liked the way Purl handles her characters' deep point of view, how their lives intersect and the town of Milford-Haven itself. This is the second one in the book and I would have liked more about the missing woman and perhaps one or two less characters. I was having trouble keeping up with them all towards the end.
Favourite characters Deputy Delmar Johnson and Miranda, the artist. I really enjoyed the passages where Miranda is working on her art and the references to synchronicity. An enjoyable read.
Favourite characters Deputy Delmar Johnson and Miranda, the artist. I really enjoyed the passages where Miranda is working on her art and the references to synchronicity. An enjoyable read.
April 30, 2008
This book is published by an independent publishing company. I received some information about the book at last year's L.A. Times Festival of Books. The setting is a fictional town (resembling Cambria) along California's Central Coast. The story line was fine, not great, but I felt there were too many characters for such a short book. Thank goodness for the charcter listing at the back to keep everyone straight. As far as editing is concerned, there were some typographical errors, which really bugs me as an English teacher!
May 30, 2012
Terrible. The author lovingly describes the expensive brand-name things owned by characters in the novel and obviously thinks this substitutes for actual character development.
And, as others have noted, the book is padded with notes and book club questions and lengthy acknowledgements, leaving no room for resolution of even one of the many characters' situations. This is transparently a device to get you to buy the next padded, overwritten book in the series.
Pass on the rest of this contrived series.
And, as others have noted, the book is padded with notes and book club questions and lengthy acknowledgements, leaving no room for resolution of even one of the many characters' situations. This is transparently a device to get you to buy the next padded, overwritten book in the series.
Pass on the rest of this contrived series.
March 18, 2013
I read this book in a week, which considering that I am a teacher and mom to a 2 year old, that's pretty quick. It was a quick read and I am curious about the series pans out, but I don't have that urgent need to buy it. It's one of those books I'll check the library for or wait til I find it on sale. My major gripe is that there were too many characters thrown in, with not enough time spent on some of them to be able to easily recall who they were.
May 20, 2013
It is rare for me to not at least like a book. This one was a quick read, except for the part that I put it down about 3/4 the way through and could not bring myself to pick it back up for more than a few minutes. My usual policy is give it 50 pages and if it hasn't sucked me in then it's not worth my time. This book didn't seem to even make sense by 50 pages, so I stuck with it. I really wish now that I wouldn't have bothered.
June 21, 2013
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed the author's description of the quaint California seaside town, but ultimately found the book hard to get through and it didn't really hold my interest. I can see that the author intended this to be like a soap opera, but I expected at least a couple of the story lines to be resolved. There were so many different characters and subplots that I felt some of the stories were barely beginning when the book ended.
April 17, 2013
I think I need to quit getting pulled into a book just because the setting is in San Francisco. I am not really into "sagas", especially when absolutely nothing is resovled in one of the books. This is the first in her Milford-Haven series, and I will not be continuing with them. I just was not involved in the plot or with the characters enough to continue.
June 23, 2013
Oh my! I do not like to be harsh, but if I had bought this book, I would have never finished it! There were way to many characters (28) to keep up with in one book. It is NOT an easy read. I had to keep going back and re-reading what I had already read to catch up with where I was at! Not memorable.
February 8, 2013
These books were written for a radio serial and they are basically a serial soap opera about a town on the central California coast. Great characters (running from scheming, to innocent and naive....think Dallas in California) and entertaining but not too memorable.
February 8, 2013
These books were written for a radio serial and they are basically a serial soap opera about a town on the central California coast. Great characters (running from scheming, to innocent and naive....think Dallas in California) and entertaining but not too memorable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews