Surrendered Hearts

Vermont Blessings #2

by Carrie Turansky

A gas pipeline explosion and fire destroy Jennifer Evan's apartment and change her life forever. Not only does she lose her home and beloved dog, the ugly scars that cover her arm, neck and shoulder steal her confidence and cause her fiancé to desert her. With her funds depleted and her job on hold, she heads for Vermont where she hopes to reconnect with her brother and find a way to rebuild her shattered life.

Bill Morgan, head naturalist at the Wild River Nature Center and her brother's roommate, is a strong quiet man whose faith runs deep. He and Jenn's brother determine to help Jenn make a new start in Vermont. Bill's stumbling attempts to share his faith with Jenn seem to fall flat and push her farther away, but she can see the difference his faith makes in his life, and her heart is still drawn to him. Will she hold on to the pain of her past, or will she surrender her heart and finally find the faith and love she longs for?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Contemporary, Ebooks, Christian Romance

184 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Bestselling Author Carrie Turansky writes inspirational historical and contemporary novels and novellas set in England and the US. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the International Digital Award. Readers say her stories are: "Heartwarming and inspiring! I couldn't put it down!" . . . "A touching love story. It captured me from the first page! Rich characters, beautifully written" . . . "My new favorite author!" Visit her website and sign up for her email newsletter at Carrie Turansky.com. Follow Carrie on Facebook and Instagram.

Reviews

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, contemporary romance set in Vermont. Jennifer's life has imploded literally. She lost her job, her house exploded and killed her dog, and she has severe scarring on her neck, arm, and shoulder. On top of all this, she has lost her faith in God. She heads to Vermont to stay with her brother until his upcoming wedding. When she meets Bill, her brother's college roommate and now director of the Wild River Nature Center, things don't go right from the very beginning, but they soon find things in common. Bill feels a connection, but he can't have a relationship with a non-believer so keeps his distance.

This book definitely demonstrates the power of God when hearts are yielded to him. He will work out any problem in His timeline. I loved how the relationship between Bill and Jennifer developed over time as they found things they both loved, and Jennifer found her way back to God. Truansky's books are always well written with interesting plots and characters you feel right at home with.

FAVORITE QUOTES: This is our chance to show her how much God loves her and how faith makes a difference in our everyday lives. We can be the Bibloe she hasn't read, the Jesus she's never considered."

"Praying together, serving together, sharing common goals and values, that was what made a marriage work."

[Vinita · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is said that we identify with what we have experienced. Surrendered Hearts by Carrie Turansky is a book with many serious themes. However, the one that stayed with me is the one about Jenn Evans’ realization that God has always loved her and has been waiting for her.
We all have a choice and when our eternity rests on that choice, it becomes the most important choice of our life. However, when we don’t even want to consider God, it becomes harder to see His protection and love in our life.
Jenn’s parents were killed when she was quite young. She prayed to God but they died anyway. Then she was raised by family who were unable or unwilling to show her love. The final nail, in her mind, was the fact that a fire destroyed her apartment, killed her dog (the only unconditional love in her experience) and scarred her, making her fiancé reject her when she was at the lowest point in her life. She refuses to believe in a loving God because she doesn’t believe that a loving God would have let her go through all these calamities.
And isn’t that how we think, when things don’t go our way? That God really doesn’t love us? It takes a lot of faith to come to the realization that God uses the bad to develop the good in us. Does Jenn develop this faith? Does she make the ultimate decision? That, as they say, is the rest of the story.
The second theme that stayed with me has to do with submission to God. Bill Morgan is a practicing Christian, a naturalist and Jenn’s brother Wes’ roommate. When Jenn unexpected shows up to stay with her brother, Bill’s first impulse is to refuse her. When Wes explains that he sees this as an opportunity to reconcile with his sister and to model God’s love to her, Bill reluctantly agrees to let her stay, and to help Wes. However, his feelings for Jenn are strong and they grow stronger as he gets to know her. The hardest part for Bill is to wait on the God’s timing.
Since I read this book, I’ve been even more conscious of when I try to push for things to happen on my schedule, instead of waiting on God.
There are other themes throughout this book, including physical and spiritual beauty, and relationships between Christ-believers and non-believers. Turansky realistically portrays these with honesty and integrity.
My hope for you is that you experience the greatest love, the greatest romance, there is to be had - the love of God for you. If romance with a spiritual basis is your cup of tea, I heartily recommend this book.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrie Turansky pens wonderful historical books. This is the first of her contemporary books that I have read. It was delightful!
This is one of a series but it can be read as a stand alone. We do meet up with Wes and Lauren from the first book.
The beautiful Vermont setting is invitingly portrayed. The conversations between characters is natural and believable.
The story centers on Jenn and her struggle back to God. She has had a lot to deal with : her parents’ death, her brothers trials as a missionary, as well as losing everything to a fire and scars and trauma from being caught in the blaze.
While going to her brother’s wedding in Vermont, she encounters his roommate and best friend, Bill.
Bill wants to witness to her but Jenn shuts off all talk about God. So Bill trys to live out his faith in order to woo her to the Lord. Trouble is, he slowly discovers that he wants to be more than friends. Will Jenn come around in her feelings toward both God and Bill? And what of the fiancé that left her after her debilitating injuries from the fire?
An excellent book showing a character dealing with the aftermath of a trauma and learning to trust again.

[Silver James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surrendered Hearts is a lovely and emotional book about a scarred heroine who meets a kind man who's faith in God sees him over every obstacle. After suffering the loss of a beloved dog and disfiguring scars in an explosion, Jennifer Evans retreats to Vermont where her brother works at a wildlife refuge. Her fiance abandoned her, her job is on hold, and she has profound spiritual questions that are seared in her soul as deeply as the burns that scarred her skin.

Jennifer learns beauty isn't skin deep, that hearts *see* with love, and that life can be good again even after a devastating tragedy--all through the love and faith of the hero, Bill Morgan. A quiet man of faith, he restores Jenn's faith in the world and God.

Ms.Turansky's prose and description creates characters and setting which provide a satisfying read. This book placed first in the International Digital Awards Long Inspirational Novel category and well-deserves the win.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed "Surrendered Hearts" by Carrie Turansky because of the flawed characters. Even Bill, the mature Christian hero, isn't a perfect prince charming (though he does lend some aid to the damsel in distress.) The dialog kept me turning the pages. There's lots of genuine emotion, from Jenn's struggle to trust God to funny lighthearted romance. The nature park setting adds a lot to the story and I really felt like I'd traveled to Vermont. There's a cast of charming supporting characters and a very realistic "bad guy." The ending felt a tad rushed but it was a satisfying end to a very enjoyable read. This is book two in a the Vermont Blessings series and I'm going to buy number one "Along Came Love."

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me of all the reasons why I love Carrie Turansky. Her characters are so sympathetic and likable, and even when her books are on the shorter side (as this one was) there’s still plenty of character development. I loved Bill so much. He was a great character and was really good to Jenn. This is connecting to the first book in the series as Jenn is the sister of the MMC in that book. It was nice to see that couple again. I will say this started off very sad with Jenn losing her beloved dog in an apartment fire (sob!) but it wasn’t graphically described or anything. I’m just such an animal lover (and a dog lover specifically) that I didn’t like that scene at all. However, the rest of the book was just lovely. Another great read from this author!

[Marguerite Gray]

A beautiful contemporary love story set in Vermont . Past hurts and disappointments hinder the chance for a fresh start. This is my first book by this author. I look forward to reading more of her work .

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Integrity is the word I have to use for Ms. Turansky and her writing. In Surrendered Hearts she had the integrity to write her characters with biblical knowledge and they weren't afraid to be obedient to what they knew to be right. The believers in this book reminded me of many passages from Proverbs that speak of the importance to act in wisdom and knowledge of the Word, even when their hearts feel contrary. Being pulled in different directions, they still prayed for what they needed to do, and then, surprise of surprises... they DID it.
- Bill was clearly attracted to his roommate's sister, Jenn, but knowing she wasn't walking with the Lord meant he couldn't pursue a relationship with her. Integrity. Do you know how many authors won't write their characters that way so to avoid offending fence-sitters? Or to attract a wider variety of readers, thereby risking their own spiritual integrity?
- His roommate, Wes, wanted what was best for his sister (which might have been a wonderful man like Bill), but agreed that a relationship based on attraction alone wasn't healthy. It needed a mutual love for the Lord. Integrity.
- Everyone shared their faith in some ways with Jenn and encouraged her to realize God's blessings without minimizing her hurts. Integrity!
Jenn, healing from burns, and the inward scars burns can leave in a person was a part of the book, but not so central that a reader would feel apprehensive about reading it. Very well dealt with. In fact, in my own life, as a teenager, I suffered pretty severe burns that left one hand "not normal" looking. Reading this book has actually caused me to do a lot of thinking about how I deal with it publicly, which is to basically hide it and never speak of it. Clearly this book has pushed me into working on that, as this week is the first time I've ever spoken of it publicly.
The supportive characters let her know that anyone who counts in her life and who loves her doesn't really see the scars... they see her. What the Lord sees, and what loved ones see is her heart, and the scars are peripheral.
This is the first of Ms. Turansky's books I've read, and I can see I missed the first one about Wes and his bride. Looking forward to picking it up and anything else she puts out.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Surrendered Hearts’ by Carrie Turansky is a beautiful story of how God reveals his unconditional love and mercy through the attitudes and actions of others.

Following the death of her parents, Jenn gives up on God, who could have prevented the accident that killed them. Years later, a fire rips through her apartment and her life, leaving her feeling unbeautiful, unloved, and even more lost. With only a duffel bag of belongings to call her own, she journeys to the home of her older brother, Wes(a Christian and former missionary), unsure of how she’ll be received.

Upon her arrival, Wes welcomes her warmly. Eager to have a relationship with his sister but concerned about the bitterness lingering in her spirit, he and his roommate Bill agree in faith to model Christ for Jenn, so that she can see Him through their lives. With prayer and patience, they hope she will form her own relationship with Jesus. However, as Bill acknowledges a growing attraction to Jenn, it becomes harder and harder to heed the still small voice inside that says, “Don’t take what isn’t yours. She needs a Savior, and you are not Him.”

Finding it difficult to put Jenn’s spiritual needs before his earthly desires, Bill reflects on the commitment he made to God, to give his heart only to a woman who shares his faith. But the struggle to seek God’s will instead of his own turns into a raging battle when Jenn’s estranged fiancé materializes out of the blue, fully intending to whisk her back to Oregon and pick up where they left off. Bill is terrified of losing her forever, and unhappy with God for not opening her heart in time.

Crushed with the realization that he has been seeking Jenn’s salvation for his own selfish reasons, he surrenders his desires and hopes to God, trusting Him to protect her and give her the life and love she deserves. Even if that life does not include him.

I recommend ‘Surrendered Hearts’ to readers like me, who love the sad and happy tears that accompany a well-crafted story, the twists and turns of an exciting journey, and a healthy serving of food for faith.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a sweet story about how our scars in life can effect our outlook on life. The Christian message of God healing our hurts and never leaving us sang loud and clear, but did not dominate the story line. The characters were real and very well done. I especially love how Turansky portrayed Bill. He had flaws but was a gentleman clean through. I fell in love with him.

The story left me feeling very satisfied and I closed the book with a smile on my face. The author tied up loose ends very neatly and to the reader's satisfaction. It was a perfect afternoon escape.

The only reason that I'm giving this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because there were a couple of grammatical errors that would have been corrected if proof-read by an editor. Very minor though - had instead of has.

Is it worth the money? Absolutely. The work is not shabby, quite the contrary, it is very well done.

I'm excited to have found a new author to read. I will be buying more of her books.

NOTE: This book is only available in eBook form.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Evans is a young woman who has experienced a great deal of loss in her life. She grew up knowing about God, however, she lost any fledgling faith she had when she lost her parents. In Surrendered Hearts we discover that Jenn carries scars deeper than the scars on her body from an apartment fire that she survived.

Bill Morgan is attracted to Jenn from the start. As a Christian man, he realizes that he is not to be unequally yoked. But can his love and desire for Jenn be put on hold in order to allow her the time to possibly come to know Jesus?

This is such a beautiful story of healing past hurts and allowing God to be in control. I discovered as I began reading this story, that it is actually the second book in a series. I plan to read the first book, Along Came Love, so I can read about Wes and Lauren's love story.

Surrendered Love was such an enjoyable read. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian romantic fiction.

[Cynthia Marcano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read for me. I liked Bill but every other character feel flat for me. Main character Jenn was hot and cold and not very likeable at first. Took too long for me to warm up to the whole book.

Lots of predicatable bits. Blaming God for parents not saving parents has been done so many times that I didn't feel the empathy I should have for Jenn and her character.

Not a bad book, just wished it had a bit more depth.

I did like that Bill and Wes were naturalists and worked for a nature center. I can say that WAS original. Everytime Bill was touring groups and children it reminded me of my youth and school trips our local Environmental Center and the nature walks we took.

[A J Hawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrie Turansky's novel, Surrendered Hearts, is a story of love developing through life's pain and suffering. This is the story of Bill Morgan who first appeared in Carrie's novel, Along Came Love, and Jennifer Evan. Jenn needs a new start after her life was devastated by a fire that left her scared, physically and emotionally. Bill, a quiet man of faith, is ready for the right girl. But is Jennifer the one God has led him to embrace?
A sweet story set in a great location with likeable characters. Well worth the read.

[Ane Mulligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book every mother should give her young teenage daughters to show them what to look for in a man. It's a romance that shows the power of God when hearts are yielded to Him. It's a story of God's grace and healing. Carrie Turansky reminds me of a modern day Grace Livingston Hill, whose love stories enthralled an entire generation. The characters are so real, with hurts and preconceived notions about people ... in other words, just like us. You'll want the story to go on and not end. Novel Journey and I give it a high recommendation.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of family, friends and new beginnings. The descriptions are lovely and the characterization is wonderful.
I enjoyed the way Ms Turansky reveals little bits of her character's backgrounds throughout the story, helping the reader see the reasons for their actions and feelings.
Support characters are also well-developed and believable. The setting makes you want to live in the town -- or at least visit there for a while.

[Carla Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely romance in beautiful Vermont! Perfect for a quick summer read. I loved Carrie's tender voice and heartfelt characters.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, clean contemporary romance focused around Jenn and her struggle back to God. She had given up on God after her parents died. She comes to Vermont after an explosion which scarred her arm. When her fiance saw her after the explosion, he left without saying anything and didn't come back. The story shows how God works in all our lives, often when we don't even recognize it. Jenn was going to visit anyway for her brother Wes and his fiancee Lauren's wedding, just ended up coming early since she had nowhere to go. This is a blessing, as through getting to know Lauren and other Christians, she gradually comes back to God.
Bill meets Jenn when she stays with him and Wes. He starts caring a lot about her, but knows she isn't a Christian so kind of gives her mixed signals off and on.
Through spending time with all her new friends and talking to them, Jenn slowly stops worrying so much about her scars. Then her fiance shows up wanting to stay with her. Then he says he has consulted an attorney and wants her to sue for a million dollars. It becomes clear that he really wants to get back with her so he can live on her money from the lawsuit, which Jenn doesn't want to sue for anyway. She breaks off with him, which leads to a happy ending.

[Sara Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet, an enjoyable read

I enjoyed this story.. I think it was well written with likeable characters and a believable plot. The romantic relationship progressed nicely and I enjoyed how Jenm's spiritual journey professed realistically and that it was not glossed over, but a central part of the story

. I would like to have seem more character development of Brian . I felt jenn' s back story was stronger

Still I couldn't put it down!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarred & scared, will love ever come?

After losing her home, her career, her dog, & her fiancé life was looking pretty bleak for Jenn. As she worked to rebuild a life for herself across the country her fiancé returns, and she wonders is it because of love? Will she ever find true love? Or is life just a pain-filled struggle? Find out how God can bring beauty from ashes in this story.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was everything I think a Christian fiction novel should be. There were strong spiritual themes throughout the book as well as a good story. I empathized with Jenn right away and which drew me into the book. I thought the emotions felt by both characters seemed very realistic. This is the second book in the series, but was easily read as a standalone.

[J. Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surrendered Hearts was very good book about Jenn who was in an explosion and some of her body was scared. A stupid boyfriend sent her to her brother to stay until she could figure out her life. While there, she not only met wonderful people that accepted her for herself, but she found God. This was a very good book and I thought very well written.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story with an important message.
It felt a smidge on the “telling instead of showing” side of “show don’t tell”.

I’ve enjoyed some of the author’s other books a bit more but enjoyed reading how this character walked through her recovery and into (or back to) a stronger faith and will look for more by this author.

[Paula Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story

I was hooked from the first page...the story of Jenn's journey is so inspiring. Most people have their scars on the inside, and Jenn does as well...but she also carries them in the outside as well. It takes a village, but God works in all ways and this story shows it so well!

[Sara Gorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my second read by Carrie Turansky, but my first in this series. I felt this book did well as a standalone and told a beautiful story of a woman who lost everything only to find what matters most in the end. While none of the characters are perfect, and there are a few points where I couldn't put the book down, this was a great read, and an author I will keep coming back to!

[Ruth Jessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surrendered Hearts made for Happy Hearts

A sweet story of reunion...between friends, family, and faith. Wounded and imperfect, all the characters add different levels of healing to the story.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

This is one of my favorite Carrie Turansky books. You always hear people say actions speak louder than words, that’s certainly the case with Bill, Wes, Lauren and the many others who showed Jenn what faith means.

[Tracy Wainwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

This story was enjoyable, if predictable. The writing is as cozy and inviting as the setting. Love the healing that's presented.

[Margaret Boehm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent novel.

[Lynda Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story

I definitely recommend this book. I will be on the lookout for more by Carrie Turansky. The characters were realistic and the book was well-written.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

God-Honoring

Very God-honoring. A pleasant storyline and characters who live out their faith. A pleasure to read. Can’t wait to read more by this author who honors God’s word.