Change of Heart

Savannah Martin Mystery #6

by Jenna Bennett

It’s late February, just two months after Savannah Martin and Rafael Collier finally worked things out between them, and Rafe is already sneaking out of bed in the wee hours.

Catching fellow realtor Tim Briggs rinsing blood from his hands in the office sink makes for a welcome distraction, and when Tim disappears just as one of his clients is found dead in a nearby park, Savannah throws herself into the investigation with abandon.

But even the murder mystery taking place right under her nose can’t completely distract her from worrying about personal problems. Has Rafe changed his mind about their relationship, or is something else going on? And what are the chances of Savannah coming out of this latest debacle with her life – and her heart – intact?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 8, 2013

About the author

Jenna Bennett writes the USA Today bestselling Cutthroat Business mysteries featuring Southern Belle and new-minted real estate agent Savannah Martin in Nashville, Tennessee.

As Jennie Bentley, she writes the New York Times bestselling Do-It-Yourself Home Renovation mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime, featuring designer and amateur sleuth Avery Baker and her boyfriend, handyman Derek Ellis, who renovate houses in Waterfield, Maine.

She also writes a variety of romance for a change of pace.

aka Jennie Bentley

The DIY series:

FATAL FIXER-UPPER (November 2008)
SPACKLED AND SPOOKED (August 2009)
PLASTER AND POISON (March 2010)
MORTAR AND MURDER (January 2011)
FLIPPED OUT (October 2011)
WALL TO WALL DEAD (September 2012)
HOME FOR THE HOMICIDE (December 2013)

The Cutthroat Business series:

A CUTTHROAT BUSINESS (May 2011)
HOT PROPERTY (June 2011)
CONTRACT PENDING (July 2011)
CLOSE TO HOME (September 2011)
A DONE DEAL (December 2011)
CONTINGENT ON APPROVAL (November 2012)
CHANGE OF HEART (May 2013)
KICKOUT CLAUSE (October 2013)

Soldiers of Fortune series:

FORTUNE'S HERO (December 2012)

Various:

ISLAND GETAWAY (October 2012)
VIRGINIA CREEPER (October 2013)
BEFORE YOU (March 2014)

Reviews

[Sonia Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talvez por ter lido este logo a seguir ao anterior, mas também porque andei com os pensamentos muito dispersos por outros lados, não consegui "entrar" mesmo no espírito desta nova aventura da Savannah. Ainda por cima com o Rafe a escapar-se de casa de mansinho de madrugada, sem dizer nada à Savannah, levantando incertezas nela.
Achei curioso que a autora pusesse Tim em lugar de destaque, acho giro como ela pega nos personagens recorrentes, quer aparecessem pouco ou não, e os traz de novo à série. Nunca vi Tim como assassino, é tão jovial, easy-going que me custava vê-lo capaz de tal coisa, e gostei que não fosse ele o assassino e tudo se deslindou sem que ele sequer morresse.
Também acho giro como os irmãos de Savannah aceitam Rafe, para desgosto da mãe mas pronto LOL Ah, sim, também foi engraçado que Rafe soubesse sempre que Savannah o seguia e como aparecia nos momentos mais difíceis para salvar o dia. Adoro este Rafael Collier!

[Jay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cut! Cut! This just went downhill AGAIN.

I just.... I just can't go on. I love Rafe, he's exactly how I like my male leads in romance books but I just don't get how they are together. What could he possibly see in Savannah? I'm just not buying that they're in love, I'm sorry.

It honestly feels like Savannah is with Rafe as a way of rebelling against her mother and Rafe is with Savannah because she's a high class "well-bred" southern belle (*vomit*) who somehow accepted him even though everyone else refused to treat him well.



All of my previous reviews were mostly negative, yet increasingly positive as Savannah seemed to be growing the tiniest bit character wise. From a an arrogant, mean and closed-minded grade A bitch, she started to morph into someone who was still all that but less in your face about it.


Past Savannah sins:
- Went to school to become a "better wife material"
- Was prepared to marry a guy she had no chemistry with, just because he could provide for her and her mother approved of him
- Constantly looked down anyone who wasn't as "well-bred" as her
- Her goal in life seemed to be satisfying her controlling mother
- Even though she was IN LOVE with Rafe (and it wasn't any of his fault), she never missed an opportunity to throw his past in his face and often referred to him as "trailer/white trash"

New Savannah sins from this book:
- Remember how she was appalled after Todd was crazy jealous and sent a P.I. to investigate Rafe? She was THE most annoyingly jealous, distrustful and clingy girlfriend ever. She practically stalked Rafe every hour of every day. Then she started contradicting herself in EVERY CHAPTER after saying that she trusted him, only to go into pages and pages and pages of inner monologue describing all the possible (bad) reasons why Rafe wasn't next to her 24/7.

IF I continue this series, it will be solely to swoon over Rafe and see if Tamara and Dix get together. Screw you, Savannah.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuing saga of Savannah Martin. Still love this girl and certainly intended, to finish this series. But, there are aspects of her personality that are beginning to get on my nerves. One, her shear stupidity of walking into situations where no one in real life would. This makes the story line a little unbelievable. Second, her continued lack of self confidence where Rafe is concerned. How many times does he have to prove he loves her. Third, the sex scenes & talk are getting a little old. I mean, really, let us use our imagination a little bit. Fourth, as I mentioned in my review of #5, there’s a lot of repeating details from one book to the next, I.e, where she & Rafe grew up, describing her Southern upbringing, explaining how the characters inter-relate, kind of a “who’s who”. If you’re just jumping into the series, then put the book down & go back to catch up. Don’t make me invest my time with repeat information. Still, the series is keeping me reading & keeping me entertained. So, here I go with #7. Hopefully, my next review will be more positive

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am currently reading Book 6 of the Savannah Martin Mystery series by Jenna Bennett. I have loved the series and always looked forward to the next one. However, I am not as excited as I once was and it's taking a long time to get through this one. Savannah and Rafe are an interesting couple but both are unsure of each other, although they have professed their love. What's really bothering me about the book is the constant reference to the first 5 books in the series. It would be helpful to someone who started with Book 6, but who does that? I find myself scrolling through these repetitive references to the past. I will complete this book today but will have to think if I will want to pay $5.99 for a book that may not interest me. I gave it 4 stars for the mystery aspect of the story.

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in this series (book #6). This book took a little time to get exciting. At times it was a little like a soap opera - he loves me, he loves me not, he loves me.....The communication between Savannah & Rafe is the reason for some of the problems. Once the mystery picked up, it got exciting. Savannah is a Realtor and goes to the office earlier than usual because she is upset with Rafe. Her boss Tim is there washing blood off his hands. Then one of his clients ends up dead. What happened and what is Tim involved in? This mystery was exciting but a little more complicated and it isn't as good as the other books. Of you love this series, you will still enjoy this bok.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a disappointment after the high of the last couple stories. In this book Savannah was the most annoyingly insecure jealous woman I’ve ever had the misfortune of reading. I give the author huge credit for giving me mysteries that I couldn’t outthink, but Savannah and the terrible miss-characterizations of the Lifestyle drove me mental.

[Lyn Soulia-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This southern belle and her insecurities is a nut. I can't believe that someone could be so strange when it comes to relationships but loves the way she works things out with the mysteries. Can't wait for the next set of books.

[Leigh Goldian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, as usual!

I’ve mentioned this before in my other reviews of the previous books in the series - I usually dislike sequels. But this series has me wrapped around its little finger! I definitely recommend it.

[Ann Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a character driven reader. I fell in love with most of these characters in book # 1 of this series. The dialog between Rafe and Savannah will make you laugh.

[Tracy Overcast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good mystery with a flare of romance!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this series, but I wish Savannah would quit worrying about Rafe's fidelity! Get a backbone! Southern Belle = Steel Magnolia! Lol.

[THERESA TRUDE · Rating 5 out of 5]

every time I think….

Every time I think I haven’t figured out there’s another turn great. Great series and a great writer. Start now!

[Teresa Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Another good romantic mystery. Love this series. Rafe is swoon worthy. Savanah is a little clingy, but with good reason. Together they're fabulous.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Savannah Martin Mystery is the only cozy mystery series that I actually wait for each release date and completely read the entire series. Initially I assume that A Done Deal (Book 5) is the end of the series with the HEA between Savannah and Rafe, but when I heard Jenna is writing the 6th book, I'm thrilled. There are a lot of recaps in Change of Heart that for once I actually appreciate because it had been a long time since I read the last book and I kinda forgotten most of the things that happened in the past.

The past 5 books is about Savannah Martin, a new real estate agent on the field and also a true Southern Bella. You know, the kind who appear all proper and ladylike, punctual to the dot, always polite and etc. It always amuse me to see her trying to do the right thing. Rafe Collier, is the colored-boy from her Sweetwater hometown that her mum always warn her against. He is an ex-convict and seems to be still on the wrong side of the law. But later was reveal that he had been working undercover for the TBI. They are of polar opposite, but faith brought them together much to Savannah's family dismay.

Change of Heart start with Rafe leaving his undercover job behind and move in with Savannah, but the poor man seems to be bored out with putting up his grandma's house for sale to be his only work. Savannah is trying to make everything right for Rafe and hope he is content with the domestic life she offered. However, when Rafe keeps sneaking out in the early morning and coupled with many occasions where she is unable to locate his whereabouts, Savannah is getting suspicious with Rafe's side activities. Either he is with another woman or he is back into the undercover job or he is doing something illegal. She actually hope that he hooked up with some random chick rather than endanger himself though.

Of course, the story will not be a cozy mystery without our dear Savannah stumble into another mystery death. This time Tim's client, Brian was found dead in a park, with Tim being the major suspect since Savannah saw him washing his hand off blood in the morning at the office and then Tim goes MIA. We got a lot Detective Tamada's scene, but she is yet to officially hooked up with Savannah's brother, Dix.

While trying locate Tim and questioning Brian's wife, Savannah was busy finding out what is Rafe been doing. Reading this book gives me a feeling of reconnecting with old friends. It reminds me how much I miss Savannah and Rafe. Love to read them both all lovey dovey without the previous drama of distrust, betrayal and Todd as third wheel.

[ElaineY · Rating 1 out of 5]

>B?REVIEW OF RELISTEN: DNF AT 17%; MARCH 20, 2025

It was a big mistake to decide to relisten to this. It's been over 4 years since I first listened to it (review below) and I was planning to continue with the series. Having forgotten everything about the plot, I only knew - from my review below - that I was irritated by Savannah's whining over Rafe.

So, I knew what to expect. I just did not expect to hate it this much this time round and just couldn't stand much more than the 2 hours I gave it. God, what an annoying woman. But I should blame the author, not the character, because Savannah does have cause to question Rafe's feelings for her and isn't being unreasonable for wanting to know where he disappeared to from dawn to night, not just one but two nights in a row with no explanation given. They are living together even if not "officially" so creeping out of bed before the sun rises and creeps back home in the dead of night without a phone call or a text is really unacceptable.

So no, I don't fault Savannah but I do fault the author for making Savannah such a needy woman without the balls to make her stand and is oh-so-grateful when Rafe comes crawling back into bed late again. Then, poor Sav is justified in her fears that Rafe doesn't feel about her the way she does him because when she finally has the guts to ask him where he went the last two days with no word to her, he tells he needed to get away and just be alone bcos this being together 24/7 was driving him crazy.

Ouch. Poor Sav. Poor silly me for thinking this could be a cozy mystery I could sink my teeth into. This has turned out to be a Savannah/Rafe-centric series with more relationship drama lama to come.

So nope. Not going any further.

====================================
I've run out of steam with this series - got tired of Savannah's constant doubts over Rafe and his vanishing act is getting old. I'd like them to settle down happily so that we can get on with the murder mysteries. And surely we can do without the rehashing of the previous books!

I didn't bother to finish this and what I did listen to is barely 2 stars worth.

[Jackie Dickson]

Such a good book. The characters, namely Savannah and Rafe, continue to grow and develop and change. I love that you get a little more insight into Rafe and his interests, outside of Savannah and getting the bad guys. Savannah has another epiphany and actually begins to stand up for herself, even to her own mother. She's actually even letting some of that 'southern belle' persona go by the wayside, which makes her an even more likable character.

Where the other books in this series seem to focus a little more on the solving of the mystery, the focus here is slightly more on the romance. That being said, there are a couple of murders and a couple of mysteries to be solved in this book as well. So if you like a little mystery with your romance or a little romance with your mystery, this is a good series to read. If you are new to this series, there is enough background information in this book that you won't be completely lost. However, I would highly recommend starting from the first book, "A Cutthroat Business" just so that you would have a better understanding of Savannah and Rafe and their long and difficult journey to get where they are in this book.

Jenna Bennett does an excellent job of spinning a tale that keeps you guessing until the end, especially in this book. There were a couple of scenes that made me laugh aloud, and the intimate scenes are steamy yet tasteful. I highly recommend, not only this book, but the whole series. I would have a hard time choosing between "Change of Heart" and "Contract Pending" for my favorite. I hope Ms. Bennett keeps writing about Savannah and Rafe for a very long time.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Said it before and gonna say it again; at first I thought this was a series that was a Stephanie Plum "wannabe" and falling short. That was after I read the first book, I continued to read and I'm glad I did. Each book was better than the last. I have to say that I'm not ready to say good-bye to Savannah and her family. I also feel that there is more to tell about Savannah, Rafe, and probably even Todd. Unlike Stephanie Plum, Savannah is able to finally make a decision which I was grateful for. Stephanie's indecision got annoying halfway through the series. The Savannah Martin series has everything the Stephanie Plum series has: quirky characters, plenty of action, a mystery to solve, and two guys competing for the same girl. I won't spoil it for you as to which one wins, but when that happens don't worry, the tension is still plenty strong between Savannah and her man. That's why I say I hope there is more to come from this series. I feel like there are lots more adventures to be had. I want to continue to see Savannah's "humanization" and how she's going to handle her mother. OH, and what's going to happen with Dix??? There are lots of possibilities for these characters.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best yet. They are finally together! Need I say more? Hot, sweet, tense. Enough?

Savannah loves Rafe madly and believes he loves her too, but she really doesn't get why this amazing guy is interested in her. When he starts disappearing without telling her where he is going, and she can't reach him by phone for hours at a time, it is no wonder she becomes insecure about their relationship.

Just when she needs something else to think about, Savannah walks in on her broker Tim washing blood off his hands, her natural instinct is to be suspicious. His explanation is pretty weak, especially after she sees a bloody hand print on the trunk of his car. It isn't long before Tamara mentions a dead body that Savannah is able to link to Tim.

I love the characters in this book. Tamara opens herself a tiny bit more. We get a little visit with Dix and Catherine and of course Mrs. Martin. A hottie most of us liked is back, but not for long.

Love this series.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

well, i'm glad to see i'm not the only one who must have been waiting for this book. When i finished it three days ago it wasn't on goodreads yet; now there are 8 reviews already. and now i have to wait for the next one...

I have to say i didn't figure out the culprit in this mystery. considering his/her part of the story was so minute... i did like that Savannah and Rafe did more of the investigating together.

however, in this series, the mystery is just what happens in the background for me. i'm really interested in Savannah and Rafe. Savannah has worked so hard to be an independent woman, to take care of herself and to stand up for herself to her family. Every time Rafe left she was going on about how he must be cheating on her. She seemed needy in this one, really lacking self confidence. I was happy that she stood up for Rafe and herself to her mother.

[❂ Murder by Death · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and I thought this was an excellent addition. I'm hooked on the characters and deeply invested, as a reader, in what happens to them and how things work out. I absolutely love Rafe and Savannah together - their relationship is really well written, IMO.

Plotting in Change of Heart was done really well - a good solid murder mystery with lots of suspects and no clear killer. Cozies can sometimes be predictable, but I didn't find that to be the case here - I was surprised by the events following the discovery of the body in the park and right up until the end I hadn't a clue.

All of this combined to keep my nose in the book (or the e-reader, in this case) until the end. An ending, by the way, that left me smiling; and that's really a plus.

[M.E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful follow up to the first five Savannah books & the Christmas novella. With the pursuit of the relationship taking such a big role in the first five books, you might think the sizzle is gone but Bennett has crafted a satisfying mystery here. This moves the series from romantic suspense (where half the suspense is whether these two will get together) to stories where the mystery takes center stage. One thing has not changed - the chemistry between Rafe & Savannah is still smoking hot & a pleasure to read. I am thrilled that Bennett decided to continue this series & I look forward to more of Nashville's sassiest realtor & hottest "bad boy" in the future.

[D.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that Savannah's won Rafe's heart, can she keep it?

She has her doubts, especially when he starts disappearing from their bed and from his part-time work restoring the Potsdam property for eventual sale. But those worries take a backseat when Savannah's realtor boss shows up with blood on his hands. Naturally, Savannah's curiosity puts her on the case. The hunt takes our recovering Southern Belle to some rather unexpected places - namely a gay bar catering to the BDSM crowd. Can Savannah solve the case, save her relationship with Rafe, not to mention her life?

You'll have to read it to find out. The latest installment in the Savannah Martin mystery series doesn't disappoint!

[Misha726 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. This one addresses the idea of what happens after you get your HEA as Savannah and Rafe have to figure out how to be a couple and actually live with each other. The tension had me on edge at times, though I wish Savannah wasn't so insecure. At this point, she should be confident that Rafe loves her, after everything they've been through at this point to be together.

The mystery in this one was also one of the best in the series and I was stumped for most of the book, unable to put all the pieces together, but then they fit perfectly.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption! After my scathing review of the 5th book in this series I am happy to report Savannah is back to being “The old loveable “ Savannah!
This was a wonderful, charming entry into the series with all the twists , turns , romance and intrigue I had come to love in this series. Bravo! Way to get back on track.
This is a perfect example why you don’t give up on a series when just one book goes astray.

[Julie Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!! I just read that the author says at least 2 more books... while I'm excited, I don't know what I will do when the series is over. It has been a long time since I bonded with the characters as much as I have in this series. I don't want it to end!!!!!!

I like how the endings are not always what you would expect, and they keep you wanting more. Already read 5 1/2, can't wait for #6!

[Morghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has been my least favorite of the reread so far. The entire 1st 75% of the book is literally Savannah whining about how Rafe doesn't tell her where he is and what if he is cheating on her. And then, she tails the guy everywhere and gets herself into all sorts of trouble. The last 25% of the book is super exciting and good and worthwhile but the first bit is just annoying. I will keep reading, however, because I am addicted.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toally got sucked into this series. Author says at least two more books. I think I liked this one a lot better than number 5. Some parts of the book seriously makes me want to smack the main character but oh well. Fun little series to get hooked to

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay I spent the last 5 days reading the 10 current novels of this series and two short stories. Yes it was that good, in fact I didn't stop to update my feed so I'll put this short review on the whole dang set. its a goodread, go for it.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as great as the others in the serious but still a good read love Ms. Bennett

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

best book!you know its a great book when your sad it ended.!