The Heart Code

by Laura Matson Hahn

THE HEART BEGINS TO BEAT ON THE 22ND DAY ,. . .
180 DAYS BEFORE THE BRAIN IS FULLY FORMED . . .
NO ONE YET KNOWS THE CAUSE OF ITS SPONTANEOUS START.
COULD THERE BE A SPECIAL INTELLIGENCE FOUND ONLY IN THE HEART?

The Heart Code is a dynamic family story illuminating the how-to of following one's heart.

Led by a wise grandmother with Bohemian roots and thwarted by a social climbing mother, the two families of the story intertwine around Romance, Business, Travel, Art, the game of Squash, Story Pillows, A Prague Ball, Debutantes, the Original Bohemians, Best Friendships, Big Dreams and Family Secrets in a small Community town where all the characters are touched and challenged by the idea that their heart already knows what they most desire in life, if they would but heed its voice.

INSPIRED by modern science's discovery of the heart's intelligence separate from the brain, this novel delivers JOY and HEART OPENING ADVENTURES in 1930's Connecticut, Bohemia and NYC, with a dozen characters to love. (FIRST OF A SERIES)

394 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2013

About the author

As a young girl, my favorite questions were What Dat? and Why?. Born in Chicago, my youth was spent in suburban northern New Jersey, where I creatively crafted my way though boredom and wondered how I was ever going to find my way in this life. I very much wanted a mentor to guide me but, alas, that was not to be. So I persevered on my own, cobbling together a philosophy of living that kept me true to myself and thriving in the world. Along the way, I had some important "gamma's" who helped me discover my own path.
Someone described THE HEART CODE as a historic family saga meets self improvement book - and I think that is rather accurate. I love books that entertain and inform at the same time and have tried to provide the same. Wondering which character you loved most ... and which one(s) reminded you of yourself at different stages of your life. All good. Thanks for stopping by.

Reviews

[Roxane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely worth the time to read and reflect. The universal message of being true to ones self if followed by more people would certainly change the world. This is a quick paced read that is hard to put down. The story is suitable for young and old, man, women and child alike. Wish it would be required reading for middle school life experience class along with the flour sack babies life lessons. Anxiously awaiting the next chapters.

[Roya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was like getting a big hug. The characters are rich (especially Gamma), and the plot and historical context are engaging and well-researched, respectively. I believe i would have enjoyed this book at any age, and would have found something different in it (yet relevant) as both a young adult, about to strike out on my own, as well as a (ahem) mature woman, reflecting back on life, but also forward too, The book (mostly through Gamma) validated my life choices. I tend to follow my heart too :) And this will be a series...???

[Jay Cannata · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading a novel by the talented, Laura Matson Hahn, and it will not be the last. Laura has a natural ability for story telling from beginning to end. Flowing like a river, just enough rough water to excite and then bringing you to a pleasurable destination. Her true ability is not the story which keeps you turning pages, but rather her skill of creating characters so real, that you can almost smell and feel them! Bravo, Laura! I am an instant fan of your story telling!
Jay

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story. I tend to rate books as either great or rubbish. This one is great. If you like a warm story with history, great characters and thought provoking, you will definitely enjoy this book. I couldn't put this book down. I love the characters and I can't wait to see what becomes of them in the future. Write on Ms Maston Hahn!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one day. It was fantastic. I loved the story and the message to follow your heart. The characters are real and well written. I can not wait for the next book.

[Phyllis Runyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I liked this book, I thought it dragged in places.

[Colette · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horribly written sophomoric, predictable and zero plot.

[Laura Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What did I think? Well, as the author, that's a loaded question. But I can honestly say I love this book, because of the characters, some of whom came out of thin air and I can't can't wait to get back to them for the next book in the series.

This book has a storyline that moves and characters to love: like Gamma - who represents that certain someone(s)in your life who sees you as your really are and helps you be true to yourself.

This book has history - with the lore of the first Bohemians (circa 3000 BCE) with a culture of being true to their spirits ... and how the word "bohemian" represents the uniqueness of an individual today as it did back then.

The underpinnings of this story was inspired by the contemporary investigation of the unique intelligence of the heart - and the idea that we really, truly each have a heart code all our own to guide us to our true path for this life. That makes me happy to think about.

I love all things 1930's.
I love the mix of spiritual soul searching and Cinderella
I love the men characters: Mild,Modest Martin - Bold, Jovial Jack - Handsome, Haughty James and Robust,Rebounding Ron.

I love the cooking and recipes and fashion and travel.
I love the grandeur of Steamship Travel and the Terror of Airflight.
I love being on the top step before making a cotillion entrance.
I love seeing Celeste change before my eyes as she puzzles out what is true for her in the world as well as her heart.

I love hearing from readers as to what they loved about it.
I love that Jen has read it 3 times and is reading it again, as it reveals something new to her every time.
I love that Greg thought Chapter 16 should be required reading for every High School Senior.
I love that people are sharing this book with people they love.
I love that Gamma is out in the world.

What did you love?

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful tale of a young girl finding her true heart and self in life, with the help of the wisdom of her Bohemian grandma Gamma. Characters were all well developed and you got to know them well through the story. I took my time reading this one and didn't want to race through it. Some books are just like that, wher you kind of want to savor the whole story and time period you are in. Will be looking for more from Laura Matson Hahn in the future.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although many of the U.S. historical details were interesting, I can't say much more positive about this book. Plot and characters were thin. I kept hoping for more connection with Bohemia (which is why I chose this book to read, initially) and more delopment of new science... neither of which ever came!

[Alexa Nordstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!!

It takes no time at all to be totally submerged in this book. Once you start reading, The Heart Code is nearly impossible to put down. From the beautifully descriptive writing to the carefully crafted characters, this novel is truly a literary masterpiece. Great read for all ages to learn the importance of following your heart and finding your heart's code.

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was recommended by the author who recognized my Bohemian roots. The parts about Bohemia were quite interesting to me. An enjoyable book, however, I think she may have hit a bit too hard on the "self-help" aspect of the story.

[Rdslaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't judge a book by it's sleeve! A warm story with diverse characters. I'm a historical fiction nerd and enjoyed the settings and Gamma's story telling. My father is a lot like the female lead's. I really enjoyed it!

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book with a message that stays with you long after the last words are read. Although not an exciting book, I enjoyed the characters and would recommend to other readers.

[Velvetink]

kindle

[Patricia D. Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This book was written really well. The story was captivating and I did not want to put it down!! Can't wait to read the next chapter of Celeste's life.

[La" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.