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I Found My Heart In West Virginia
Cheyenne, or Shy as she is better known, makes the huge decision to move her and her four young children to the mountains of West Virginia. Despite coming from a small town in west-central Florida, she had been living in upstate New York with her ex-husband...had been, those were the key words. After finding out her ex-husband was having an affair with a childless eighteen year old girl, Shy calls it quits. West Virginia had long ago found a special place in her heart. The mountains are beautiful, the people are friendly, and you can find a piece of the old life hidden out in the hollers. It doesn't hurt that Cheyenne's favorite cousin, Jace, and his family abide there either. Nor does the cheap property prices. Shy hopes she will find a new life for her and her children. She wants freedom, and a simpler way of life. What she doesn't expect to find is a rough-around-the-edges backwoods boy with plenty of troubles of his own to entrap her heart so quickly after the end of her marriage...or ever, come to think of it.
- GenresRomance
324 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2013
136 people want to read
About the author
Chelsea Falin
62 books296 followersChelsea Falin is the self published author of 21 current titles, including five contemporary fiction novels. She is, as always, working on her newest title.
Chelsea was born and raised in the small town of Dade City, located in west-central Florida. Currently, she resides in southern New Jersey.
Chelsea was born and raised in the small town of Dade City, located in west-central Florida. Currently, she resides in southern New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 6, 2013
I had the sincere pleasure of reading this book for review.
This is not the typical angsty romance where the main people involved hate each others guts on sight and yet are so physically drawn to each other they practically get busy right there on isle five when they bump into each other at the grocery store.
This is a sweet tale of life, starting over even when you think all is lost and finding romance, true romance, along the way. The characters in this book actually fall in love, not lust. They face everyday worries and some that aren't everyday. They face the issues of blending two families together.
There is such a warm sense of family in this book, it made me wish I had one of those big close families.
There is no wild danger throwing together the love interests, no diabolical ex bent on killing one of them, no gangsters, after them. Instead they must face the real life dangers of hurtful pasts that still shadow their emotions, the struggle to make enough money, and other such real-life demons.
This was a joy to read. I enjoyed getting to 'see' West Virginia through the eyes of this book. I enjoyed getting to spend a moment in time surrounded by loyal friends and a large, close-knit family. I enjoyed watching the family grow in unexpected ways. This is a story I will return to again just visit all of that again and one I was sorry to see end.
This is not the typical angsty romance where the main people involved hate each others guts on sight and yet are so physically drawn to each other they practically get busy right there on isle five when they bump into each other at the grocery store.
This is a sweet tale of life, starting over even when you think all is lost and finding romance, true romance, along the way. The characters in this book actually fall in love, not lust. They face everyday worries and some that aren't everyday. They face the issues of blending two families together.
There is such a warm sense of family in this book, it made me wish I had one of those big close families.
There is no wild danger throwing together the love interests, no diabolical ex bent on killing one of them, no gangsters, after them. Instead they must face the real life dangers of hurtful pasts that still shadow their emotions, the struggle to make enough money, and other such real-life demons.
This was a joy to read. I enjoyed getting to 'see' West Virginia through the eyes of this book. I enjoyed getting to spend a moment in time surrounded by loyal friends and a large, close-knit family. I enjoyed watching the family grow in unexpected ways. This is a story I will return to again just visit all of that again and one I was sorry to see end.
November 7, 2013
The book was offered to me as a free promotional copy and I was ever so happy to accept it given the fact I loved all the previous work of the author.
The book had many similarities with all other novels written by Chelsea. Large families, teenagers who willingly take much responsibilities for their tender age, young parents who are ever so excited to have as many as kids they would be blessed with irrespective of their income, all had their fare share in this book. The story being set in the country side and being lead by strong men and helpful women made me realize my favorite stories in childhood “Little House on the Prairie” by Laura Ingalls. It is always soothing to come across family stories like this.
Somehow, I always felt that the story belongs to an era of 80’s or 90’s rather than in the millennium because I used to read modern day tales set up in sophisticated cities with stylish women and men with white color jobs unlike the story here. Hence, this one being soothing and different was a good break for me after reading a chain of books which belong to the bustling cities and noise.
Being born and brought up in a totally different culture, I was amazed to know how easily a young woman with kids could move on after a divorce and how lovingly and respectfully she was accepted by the society and family. I couldn’t stop falling in love with all the people Cheyenne met in West Virginia and appreciate for being such understanding and helpful. In fact, the characters sound too good to be true and sometimes even made the story look little unrealistic. For example, they all were quite ok with having so many kids despite the shortcomings in their income and also Cheyenne and Will were too selfless to be caring someone else’s children as their own without a single complaint or a sigh.
In my view, story lacked plot twists. It sure was full of surprising turn of events, but unfortunately they were not properly emphasized. An incident like unexpected pregnancy or an accident or a family dispute, they all were meant to be just few paragraphs or pages and were unsuccessful to build the tension of the situation and appropriate effects on the reader’s feelings. May be it’s because the book was having too many events and too many characters that none has enough time to develop into a major one. Even Cheyenne, the protagonist’s character had almost same joys and worries as the other characters so her life story didn’t stand out well or was unique from others’.
The events to occur next were quite predictable hence the story lacked the charm in triggering the curiosity of me. It mostly portrayed the daily life of few struggling young people. At times the details were too much and painfully slow that I really had to push myself through the pages. In other times the story was too fast paced that there wasn’t enough time to settle in that incident and take in what’s happening. Problems were shot with the answers tailed so there was no time to even ponder over the difficult situations.
However, I noticed that the writing style of the author and the quality of the story has improved a lot. The incidents were well connected to make a smooth flow and there were hardly any typos or grammar mistakes. Starting and the epilogue were well written. Even David’s character was nicely developed for all of us readers to hate him and his sinful behavior. All in all it’s a good and light read therefore I rate this 4 stars. The book would be suitable for anybody who love to read family stories set up in country side.
The book had many similarities with all other novels written by Chelsea. Large families, teenagers who willingly take much responsibilities for their tender age, young parents who are ever so excited to have as many as kids they would be blessed with irrespective of their income, all had their fare share in this book. The story being set in the country side and being lead by strong men and helpful women made me realize my favorite stories in childhood “Little House on the Prairie” by Laura Ingalls. It is always soothing to come across family stories like this.
Somehow, I always felt that the story belongs to an era of 80’s or 90’s rather than in the millennium because I used to read modern day tales set up in sophisticated cities with stylish women and men with white color jobs unlike the story here. Hence, this one being soothing and different was a good break for me after reading a chain of books which belong to the bustling cities and noise.
Being born and brought up in a totally different culture, I was amazed to know how easily a young woman with kids could move on after a divorce and how lovingly and respectfully she was accepted by the society and family. I couldn’t stop falling in love with all the people Cheyenne met in West Virginia and appreciate for being such understanding and helpful. In fact, the characters sound too good to be true and sometimes even made the story look little unrealistic. For example, they all were quite ok with having so many kids despite the shortcomings in their income and also Cheyenne and Will were too selfless to be caring someone else’s children as their own without a single complaint or a sigh.
In my view, story lacked plot twists. It sure was full of surprising turn of events, but unfortunately they were not properly emphasized. An incident like unexpected pregnancy or an accident or a family dispute, they all were meant to be just few paragraphs or pages and were unsuccessful to build the tension of the situation and appropriate effects on the reader’s feelings. May be it’s because the book was having too many events and too many characters that none has enough time to develop into a major one. Even Cheyenne, the protagonist’s character had almost same joys and worries as the other characters so her life story didn’t stand out well or was unique from others’.
The events to occur next were quite predictable hence the story lacked the charm in triggering the curiosity of me. It mostly portrayed the daily life of few struggling young people. At times the details were too much and painfully slow that I really had to push myself through the pages. In other times the story was too fast paced that there wasn’t enough time to settle in that incident and take in what’s happening. Problems were shot with the answers tailed so there was no time to even ponder over the difficult situations.
However, I noticed that the writing style of the author and the quality of the story has improved a lot. The incidents were well connected to make a smooth flow and there were hardly any typos or grammar mistakes. Starting and the epilogue were well written. Even David’s character was nicely developed for all of us readers to hate him and his sinful behavior. All in all it’s a good and light read therefore I rate this 4 stars. The book would be suitable for anybody who love to read family stories set up in country side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2014
3 & 1/2 Stars from Iva for Kota's Book Kollection
I found my heart in West Virginia is a well written, cozy romance by Chelsea Falin & Cory Hammond.
Cheyenne is determined to make a new start for herself and her four children in West Virginia, a place she remembers fondly from her childhood. She stays with her cousins, after she discovers her husband has been cheating on her.
The family has barely unpacked when Shy's cousin Jace introduces her to Willy. Willy too, has had his view of love disillusioned by a cheating partner and has no desire to embark on another relationship so soon after. In full agreement about this, Shy and Willy strike up a friendship that slowly blossoms into love. But will they be able to put their distrust of the opposite sex behind them, and will their relationship be accepted by their families?
The authors have used dual perspectives of the two main characters to tell the story. There are a couple of unclear switches between the narrators but you work it out within a sentence or two and it doesn't affect the readers enjoyment of the book. The authors use of West Virginians lingo gives the characters a tangible feel.
Cheyenne is a woman completely focused on her children, which probably accounts to why she was so blind to her husband's abusiveness and neglect. She seems very strong and confident as a mother, but is completely the opposite when it comes to her needs as a woman. She is reluctant to explore her feelings for Willy, but concedes when she realises that they have been doing things couples do without putting an official title to what they are.
Willy is a thoughtful man, who is quietly supportive of Cheyenne and her decisions without taking over control. He seems to take everything in his stride and is very comfortable with who he is.
This is a very family orientated story and I quite enjoyed the fact that the children and Willy's younger brother played a large part in the story rather than just being faded into the background. The romance between the two main characters is cozy rather than sizzling, and as such the sex scenes are pleasant rather than highlights.
Overall this is a nice story, that is well written and enjoyable. It even has the plus that it's a book you can recommend to your mother without having to warn her about crude language or pretending to be horrified at the sex scenes.
http://kotasbookkollection.blogspot.c...
I found my heart in West Virginia is a well written, cozy romance by Chelsea Falin & Cory Hammond.
Cheyenne is determined to make a new start for herself and her four children in West Virginia, a place she remembers fondly from her childhood. She stays with her cousins, after she discovers her husband has been cheating on her.
The family has barely unpacked when Shy's cousin Jace introduces her to Willy. Willy too, has had his view of love disillusioned by a cheating partner and has no desire to embark on another relationship so soon after. In full agreement about this, Shy and Willy strike up a friendship that slowly blossoms into love. But will they be able to put their distrust of the opposite sex behind them, and will their relationship be accepted by their families?
The authors have used dual perspectives of the two main characters to tell the story. There are a couple of unclear switches between the narrators but you work it out within a sentence or two and it doesn't affect the readers enjoyment of the book. The authors use of West Virginians lingo gives the characters a tangible feel.
Cheyenne is a woman completely focused on her children, which probably accounts to why she was so blind to her husband's abusiveness and neglect. She seems very strong and confident as a mother, but is completely the opposite when it comes to her needs as a woman. She is reluctant to explore her feelings for Willy, but concedes when she realises that they have been doing things couples do without putting an official title to what they are.
Willy is a thoughtful man, who is quietly supportive of Cheyenne and her decisions without taking over control. He seems to take everything in his stride and is very comfortable with who he is.
This is a very family orientated story and I quite enjoyed the fact that the children and Willy's younger brother played a large part in the story rather than just being faded into the background. The romance between the two main characters is cozy rather than sizzling, and as such the sex scenes are pleasant rather than highlights.
Overall this is a nice story, that is well written and enjoyable. It even has the plus that it's a book you can recommend to your mother without having to warn her about crude language or pretending to be horrified at the sex scenes.
http://kotasbookkollection.blogspot.c...
January 12, 2014
Synopsis: Cheyenne, or Shy as she is better known, makes the huge decision to move her and her four young children to the mountains of West Virginia. Despite coming from a small town in west-central Florida, she had been living in upstate New York with her ex-husband...had been, those were the key words. After finding out her ex-husband was having an affair with a childless eighteen year old girl, Shy calls it quits. West Virginia had long ago found a special place in her heart. The mountains are beautiful, the people are friendly, and you can find a piece of the old life hidden out in the hollers. It doesn't hurt that Cheyenne's favorite cousin, Jace, and his family abide there either. Nor does the cheap property prices. Shy hopes she will find a new life for her and her children. She wants freedom, and a simpler way of life. What she doesn't expect to find is a rough-around-the-edges backwoods boy with plenty of troubles of his own to entrap her heart so quickly after the end of her marriage...or ever, come to think of it.
Review: I was given a copy of I found my heart in West Virginia by Sunshine and Mountains book blog for an honest review. I liked the way the language flowed in this story. It was a beautiful love story that was tastefully done and had a few sex scenes that were good but didn’t overpower the story. I liked the way you got to see how the characters really were and be able to see into how they were thinking. It was done in a first person story coming from both main characters. This was a very uplifting story and I really enjoyed reading it. I give it an A. (4 out of 5 stars)
Review: I was given a copy of I found my heart in West Virginia by Sunshine and Mountains book blog for an honest review. I liked the way the language flowed in this story. It was a beautiful love story that was tastefully done and had a few sex scenes that were good but didn’t overpower the story. I liked the way you got to see how the characters really were and be able to see into how they were thinking. It was done in a first person story coming from both main characters. This was a very uplifting story and I really enjoyed reading it. I give it an A. (4 out of 5 stars)
March 6, 2014
The story line of “I Found My Heart in West Virginia ” was very good, and it could have been a GREAT book. However, it fell a little flat for me in a number of ways.
I think my main issue with this book was the writing style. It was a book set in the American South, and I would have been fine with that, however, the author went a bit too far trying to write with a Southern drawl. It was distracting for me and felt a little forced at times. The dialogue between the characters didn’t flow well and I couldn’t tell if it was because of the accent, or something else.
My second issue with this book was that everything was so ‘nice’. Almost too nice…without any drama. Not that every book needs to have death, heartache or be a thriller, but I felt like it was all just very even and didn’t invoke ANY emotion from me. There were too many details in places that weren’t necessary and not enough in places that would have helped the story line a bit. There were two key points in this story that could have helped create the emotional connection I needed. One was a car crash that could have been built up so much more and another was the birth of a premature baby. However, both scenes tied up nice and neatly with little to no drama or emotion at all. They lacked the story arc that I’ve come to expect when I’m reading.
I really wanted to like this book, but I almost didn't finish it. I kept reading in hopes that I would feel that connection to the characters that I always feel with a good story. Unfortunately that didn’t happen this time.
I think my main issue with this book was the writing style. It was a book set in the American South, and I would have been fine with that, however, the author went a bit too far trying to write with a Southern drawl. It was distracting for me and felt a little forced at times. The dialogue between the characters didn’t flow well and I couldn’t tell if it was because of the accent, or something else.
My second issue with this book was that everything was so ‘nice’. Almost too nice…without any drama. Not that every book needs to have death, heartache or be a thriller, but I felt like it was all just very even and didn’t invoke ANY emotion from me. There were too many details in places that weren’t necessary and not enough in places that would have helped the story line a bit. There were two key points in this story that could have helped create the emotional connection I needed. One was a car crash that could have been built up so much more and another was the birth of a premature baby. However, both scenes tied up nice and neatly with little to no drama or emotion at all. They lacked the story arc that I’ve come to expect when I’m reading.
I really wanted to like this book, but I almost didn't finish it. I kept reading in hopes that I would feel that connection to the characters that I always feel with a good story. Unfortunately that didn’t happen this time.
November 25, 2013
4.3 Star Review - I Found My Heart In West Virginia
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed this story for many reasons. I felt that the characters were believable and very down to earth. This is not a lust filled story. This story is about LOVE. The characters fall in love as they go along. They must blend their families and work out everyday issues between the two of them. I think it give a little more to the story by throwing them into situations that are happening every day around us. Money struggles and family issues are front and center.
Cheyenne has just divorced her husband. She moved her family (4 kids) to West Virginia. When she is introduced to her cousin’s friend, everyone thinks they should be a couple. They start out as friends and build upon that friendship. As the story goes on that friendship develops into a love story.
I feel that the author pulls you into the town and introduces you around so you also get a feel for the other character in the story.
One thing I didn't like about the story was that Cheyenne (or better known as Shy) drinks and parties while someone else watches her kids. I was not cool with that but really this also happens every day and does not pull from the story line so no points taken off for something I personally don't like.
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed this story for many reasons. I felt that the characters were believable and very down to earth. This is not a lust filled story. This story is about LOVE. The characters fall in love as they go along. They must blend their families and work out everyday issues between the two of them. I think it give a little more to the story by throwing them into situations that are happening every day around us. Money struggles and family issues are front and center.
Cheyenne has just divorced her husband. She moved her family (4 kids) to West Virginia. When she is introduced to her cousin’s friend, everyone thinks they should be a couple. They start out as friends and build upon that friendship. As the story goes on that friendship develops into a love story.
I feel that the author pulls you into the town and introduces you around so you also get a feel for the other character in the story.
One thing I didn't like about the story was that Cheyenne (or better known as Shy) drinks and parties while someone else watches her kids. I was not cool with that but really this also happens every day and does not pull from the story line so no points taken off for something I personally don't like.
November 5, 2013
"I Found My Heart In West Virginia" by Chelsea Falin is a lovely romance story about Cheyenne/ Shy, a 24 year old divorcee with children who moves to West Virginia for a fresh start.
With the help of her cousin Jace and a few new friends she sets herself up through a renewed allimony battle and a not completely uncomplicated emerging new romance with Willy.
Told from alternating viewpoints the story focuses on the relationship between Shy and Willy. It gives the reader great insight into the mindsets of the two characters who both have baggage and need to overcome their trust issues.
The book is a wonderful tribute to community spirit and love as the new moral and hands on support system that Shy experiences is a great contrast to her past. Without naively painting a black and white picture the story remains very realistic, which also shows in the very life like dialogue and plot. There are great many scenes in the book, for example when the ex-husband demands a reduction of the allimony payments for 'her' kids.
The book left me feeling elevated, happy and oprimistic. A great read.
With the help of her cousin Jace and a few new friends she sets herself up through a renewed allimony battle and a not completely uncomplicated emerging new romance with Willy.
Told from alternating viewpoints the story focuses on the relationship between Shy and Willy. It gives the reader great insight into the mindsets of the two characters who both have baggage and need to overcome their trust issues.
The book is a wonderful tribute to community spirit and love as the new moral and hands on support system that Shy experiences is a great contrast to her past. Without naively painting a black and white picture the story remains very realistic, which also shows in the very life like dialogue and plot. There are great many scenes in the book, for example when the ex-husband demands a reduction of the allimony payments for 'her' kids.
The book left me feeling elevated, happy and oprimistic. A great read.
November 15, 2013
My Review: This is a cute contemporary romance. Set in the mountains of West Virginia Chelsea gets a second chance at life and romance. While it is a cute story it is very simply written. The characters are not well developed and it moved way to fast. The main character was contradictory as well. The author tried to portray her as a woman with a good head on her shoulders while she also had her drinking like a fish with the boys without a regard as to what would happen to her children if she ended up at the bottom of the holler. Everything just worked out a little too easy for everyone in this book. While I did enjoy the fact that it was not constant conflict life just does not flow this easy. The ending was rushed. Now let’s get to my main problem with this book. The editing was nonexistent as far as I could tell. If the author took time to invest a little in her book it would help the finished product a lot. I give this book 3 stars.
December 1, 2013
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Cheyenne moves to West Virginia after her failed marriage with her four kids. She has always loved it there even from a young age to visit family. Starting new with her family, she slowly starts fresh and meets Willy, her cousin's friend.
This is an actual love story that grows over a period of time. There were some crazy unexpected things that happened that I totally didn't see coming. This was a really great story about big families coming together without any real crazy drama.
My only real complaint would be that Shy has had four kids, all accidental. At some point I feel like she should learn how to use birth control.
Cheyenne moves to West Virginia after her failed marriage with her four kids. She has always loved it there even from a young age to visit family. Starting new with her family, she slowly starts fresh and meets Willy, her cousin's friend.
This is an actual love story that grows over a period of time. There were some crazy unexpected things that happened that I totally didn't see coming. This was a really great story about big families coming together without any real crazy drama.
My only real complaint would be that Shy has had four kids, all accidental. At some point I feel like she should learn how to use birth control.
December 28, 2013
This is a really nice sweet romance, a step away from my usual naughty reads. I really liked Shy and was rooting for her. The best thing is that even though she is young, she is not angsty or immature!!
This is one of those feel good, uplifting romance reads. rather clean but nice anyway. I love the mixed narrative, helps you understand both characters motivations and feelings. Really smooth pace that wasn't rushed our too slow, just right. Great storytelling and engaging plot line, I loved all the supporting cast as well. Ms. Falin is one to watch for sure!
*Disclosure- I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
This is one of those feel good, uplifting romance reads. rather clean but nice anyway. I love the mixed narrative, helps you understand both characters motivations and feelings. Really smooth pace that wasn't rushed our too slow, just right. Great storytelling and engaging plot line, I loved all the supporting cast as well. Ms. Falin is one to watch for sure!
*Disclosure- I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
October 30, 2013
LOVE this book!!! This is a wonderful read!!! I did not want to put this book down!!!! This book starts out about Shy starting over. She takes her kids to West Virginia, where she has supportive family. She makes new friends & gets back to being the person she was before she married. She meets Willy. He's definitely easy character to like & can see why Shy gives him a chance. I don't want to give too much away but this is a definite must read!!!! Thank you to the authors for letting me read this awesome book!!!! Love, love, love especially 99% of the characters!!!
November 7, 2013
Maybe I should start off by stating that I am not into love stories. So then why did I like this book!? I think it was because the characters were truly relatable, in real life situations. It was not a fuzzy, easy period of life for the main character, Cheyenne, and I'm sure everyone can relate on a level. It's an easy read, good for bedtime or snuggly rainy days. I definitely was interested in following the characters further through their lives. All in all I really enjoyed it! Kudos to the writers.
December 30, 2013
This is a nice and sweet romance. I enjoyed the characters, especially Willy. I think he is great. I love that we get to learn both main characters points of views and opinions. I like knowing what each person is thinking. This story feels so real, with real life scenarios. I also enjoyed the speech of the characters, I felt like I was sitting with individuals from West Virgina. I enjoyed this story and the way the author tells it.
Disclosure- I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own
Disclosure- I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own
November 23, 2013
What a great story!!! I loved the language that they used, as it was so informal and felt very much like being inside the characters heads. I also loved the way that the story was told in first person from two of the characters in an alternating fashion – a real ‘he said, she said’ format. There was only a few small sex scenes, and it was really tastefully done. Overall, if you want to read a sweet love story that includes a touch of family love as well as him and her, this is a do not miss tale you will be happy that you took the time to enjoy…
November 4, 2013
Loved this book!! I hated that I had to work in between starting it and finishing it. I wanted nothing to interrupt my time with Shy and Willy. They are such an attainable couple. The things they deal with, we all deal with. Loved their love for each other and their kids. Would honestly like to live in their town. Read this book, my friends. I hope we get to read about Tori and her kids finding someone. Hope there is more to come, Chelsea!
November 11, 2013
This is a sweet book about Shy, a 24 year old divorcee who moves with her 4 young children to West Virginia to start a new life. Written in the first perspective of both the main characters this story moves along swiftly and gives plenty of insight into the mindset of both Shy and her love interest Willy. This is not your normal romance novel, this one actually has a credible story and characters with depth. Lovely weekend read.
November 26, 2013
Review coming soon!
January 7, 2020
I was ready to quit this book in the early chapters but made myself stick it out, so I just skim-read through most of it. This is a light plot containing likable characters but the story could have benefited from stronger editing and proofreading for typographical errors.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews