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Hope Valley Saga #2
Worlds Apart
You never forget your first love. And sometimes that hurts your chances at a second love. Anjaline has moved to Ontario and soon realizes her dream of becoming a journalist for one of Toronto's leading newspapers. Gabriel has stayed behind in Hope Valley and has embraced his dream of becoming a skilled carpenter. Together they were two kids in love. Apart they have a chance to grow into the people they were meant to be. If part of that growth means taking a chance on new love, will they embrace it? Or will they cling to what they once had and miss out on what the future has to offer? And if they do take a second chance on love, does that mean they will never see each other again? Or is there something even better in store for them both?
370 pages, Paperback
First published December 22, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 13, 2014
This was a very good book. The beginning captured me the most, as I had read the first book and was very interested in where the second one would lead. The mid section of this book seemed to drag on a little bit but still kept me interested enough to keep reading. This is a great young adult series when so many young adult books can take strange turns unexpectedly. I would highly recommend it to my high school students.
April 24, 2026
This is one of those books that quietly settles into your mind and stays there long after you’ve turned the last page. Worlds Apart is not just a story about love, it’s a story about time, change, and the emotional distance that can grow between people even when the connection never fully disappears.
What stood out to me the most was Charity’s journey. Watching her step into a new life, trying to reshape her identity and move forward, felt incredibly real. There’s something very honest about the way her past continues to linger in the background. It’s not loud or dramatic, but it’s always there, influencing her decisions, her relationships, and even the way she sees herself. That quiet emotional weight is what made this story feel so authentic.
Gabriel’s character added another layer of depth that I really appreciated. His connection to Charity felt unfinished in a way that mirrors real life. Not every relationship gets closure, and not every love story gets a second chance. There’s something almost haunting about that, and I think the book captures it beautifully. It doesn’t try to fix everything or tie it up neatly, and that’s what makes it powerful.
I also liked how the story explored the idea of growing apart. It’s something a lot of people experience but don’t often talk about. Sometimes it’s not about conflict or betrayal, it’s just life moving people in different directions. This book handles that with a lot of sensitivity and realism.
Overall, this felt less like reading a fictional story and more like looking into someone’s life. It’s reflective, emotional, and very human. Definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories that focus on real emotions rather than perfect endings.
What stood out to me the most was Charity’s journey. Watching her step into a new life, trying to reshape her identity and move forward, felt incredibly real. There’s something very honest about the way her past continues to linger in the background. It’s not loud or dramatic, but it’s always there, influencing her decisions, her relationships, and even the way she sees herself. That quiet emotional weight is what made this story feel so authentic.
Gabriel’s character added another layer of depth that I really appreciated. His connection to Charity felt unfinished in a way that mirrors real life. Not every relationship gets closure, and not every love story gets a second chance. There’s something almost haunting about that, and I think the book captures it beautifully. It doesn’t try to fix everything or tie it up neatly, and that’s what makes it powerful.
I also liked how the story explored the idea of growing apart. It’s something a lot of people experience but don’t often talk about. Sometimes it’s not about conflict or betrayal, it’s just life moving people in different directions. This book handles that with a lot of sensitivity and realism.
Overall, this felt less like reading a fictional story and more like looking into someone’s life. It’s reflective, emotional, and very human. Definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories that focus on real emotions rather than perfect endings.
April 24, 2026
I went into this book expecting a romance, but what I got was something much deeper and more thought-provoking. Worlds Apart is really about how people grow, change, and sometimes lose each other along the way, even when the feelings are still there.
One of the things I appreciated most was how natural everything felt. The relationships weren’t idealized, and the characters weren’t perfect. Charity, Gabriel, and the others all made choices that felt real, sometimes frustrating, but always believable. That’s what made me stay connected to the story. It didn’t feel like something written to impress, it felt like something written to reflect real life.
The emotional pacing of the book was also very well done. Nothing felt rushed. The story takes its time to build the connections and show how the past continues to shape the present. I especially liked the moments where memories and current events overlapped. It gave the story a sense of depth and continuity that made everything more meaningful.
Another thing that stood out to me was how the book handles the idea of “what could have been.” That feeling of looking back and wondering how things might have turned out differently is something I think a lot of readers will relate to. It’s handled in a very subtle but powerful way throughout the story.
By the time I finished the book, I found myself reflecting on my own experiences and relationships. That’s always a sign of a strong story to me. It doesn’t just entertain you, it makes you think and feel.
This is definitely a book I would recommend to readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven stories with a realistic approach to love and life.
One of the things I appreciated most was how natural everything felt. The relationships weren’t idealized, and the characters weren’t perfect. Charity, Gabriel, and the others all made choices that felt real, sometimes frustrating, but always believable. That’s what made me stay connected to the story. It didn’t feel like something written to impress, it felt like something written to reflect real life.
The emotional pacing of the book was also very well done. Nothing felt rushed. The story takes its time to build the connections and show how the past continues to shape the present. I especially liked the moments where memories and current events overlapped. It gave the story a sense of depth and continuity that made everything more meaningful.
Another thing that stood out to me was how the book handles the idea of “what could have been.” That feeling of looking back and wondering how things might have turned out differently is something I think a lot of readers will relate to. It’s handled in a very subtle but powerful way throughout the story.
By the time I finished the book, I found myself reflecting on my own experiences and relationships. That’s always a sign of a strong story to me. It doesn’t just entertain you, it makes you think and feel.
This is definitely a book I would recommend to readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven stories with a realistic approach to love and life.
April 24, 2026
I don’t say this often, but Worlds Apart genuinely made me pause and reflect on my own life. It’s one of those stories that goes beyond the pages and makes you think about your own relationships, your choices, and how time shapes everything.
What really impacted me was the theme of holding onto the past. The connection between Charity and Gabriel felt so real because it wasn’t perfect or complete. It was unfinished, and that’s what made it powerful. It reminded me that not every relationship is meant to have closure, and sometimes the most meaningful connections are the ones that leave questions behind.
Reading this made me realize how often we carry pieces of our past into our present without even noticing. The book doesn’t judge the characters for that, it simply shows it as part of being human. That perspective felt very comforting in a way.
There were also moments where I found myself relating to Charity’s struggle to move forward while still being tied to who she used to be. It made me think about my own growth and the ways I’ve changed over time. It even pushed me to reconsider a few things in my personal life, which I didn’t expect from a novel.
I think what makes this book stand out is its honesty. It doesn’t try to give easy answers or perfect resolutions. Instead, it shows that life is complicated, emotions are layered, and people are constantly evolving.
For me, this wasn’t just a reading experience, it was a reflective one. And those are the kinds of books that stay with you the longest.
What really impacted me was the theme of holding onto the past. The connection between Charity and Gabriel felt so real because it wasn’t perfect or complete. It was unfinished, and that’s what made it powerful. It reminded me that not every relationship is meant to have closure, and sometimes the most meaningful connections are the ones that leave questions behind.
Reading this made me realize how often we carry pieces of our past into our present without even noticing. The book doesn’t judge the characters for that, it simply shows it as part of being human. That perspective felt very comforting in a way.
There were also moments where I found myself relating to Charity’s struggle to move forward while still being tied to who she used to be. It made me think about my own growth and the ways I’ve changed over time. It even pushed me to reconsider a few things in my personal life, which I didn’t expect from a novel.
I think what makes this book stand out is its honesty. It doesn’t try to give easy answers or perfect resolutions. Instead, it shows that life is complicated, emotions are layered, and people are constantly evolving.
For me, this wasn’t just a reading experience, it was a reflective one. And those are the kinds of books that stay with you the longest.
April 24, 2026
There’s something quietly powerful about Worlds Apart that makes it stand out from other books in this genre. It’s not loud or overly dramatic, but it carries a steady emotional weight that builds as you keep reading. By the time I finished, I realized I had become deeply attached to the characters without even noticing when it happened.
What really stayed with me was how the story handles emotional distance. Not just physical separation, but the kind of distance that grows when people change over time. Charity’s journey reflects that so well. She’s not the same person she used to be, and watching her try to balance who she was with who she’s becoming felt very real. It made me think about how much we all evolve, sometimes without realizing the impact it has on the people around us.
Gabriel’s presence in the story adds a layer of quiet tension that never fully disappears. There’s always this sense of unfinished emotion, like something left unsaid or unresolved. I appreciated that the author didn’t try to force closure where it didn’t naturally belong. That choice made the story feel more honest and grounded.
This book doesn’t rely on big twists or dramatic reveals. Instead, it focuses on the emotional journey of the characters, and that’s what makes it memorable. It’s a slow, thoughtful read that rewards patience and reflection. Definitely one of those stories that lingers with you.
What really stayed with me was how the story handles emotional distance. Not just physical separation, but the kind of distance that grows when people change over time. Charity’s journey reflects that so well. She’s not the same person she used to be, and watching her try to balance who she was with who she’s becoming felt very real. It made me think about how much we all evolve, sometimes without realizing the impact it has on the people around us.
Gabriel’s presence in the story adds a layer of quiet tension that never fully disappears. There’s always this sense of unfinished emotion, like something left unsaid or unresolved. I appreciated that the author didn’t try to force closure where it didn’t naturally belong. That choice made the story feel more honest and grounded.
This book doesn’t rely on big twists or dramatic reveals. Instead, it focuses on the emotional journey of the characters, and that’s what makes it memorable. It’s a slow, thoughtful read that rewards patience and reflection. Definitely one of those stories that lingers with you.
April 24, 2026
Reading Worlds Apart through Readers Connect was such a rewarding experience. This book naturally invites discussion, and being part of a community made it even more impactful.
What I loved most was how the story sparked real conversations about life, choices, and relationships. Everyone had a slightly different reaction to the characters, which made it even more interesting. Some people connected deeply with Charity’s growth, while others were more drawn to Gabriel’s emotional journey. That variety of perspectives made me appreciate the story even more.
The book itself is very reflective. It doesn’t rush to give answers, and it doesn’t try to simplify complicated emotions. Instead, it lets you sit with them, which is something I really value in a story.
Through our discussions, I found myself noticing details I might have missed on my own. That’s what made this such a memorable reading experience.
If you’re part of a reading group or community like Readers Connect, this is definitely a book worth picking up and discussing together.
What I loved most was how the story sparked real conversations about life, choices, and relationships. Everyone had a slightly different reaction to the characters, which made it even more interesting. Some people connected deeply with Charity’s growth, while others were more drawn to Gabriel’s emotional journey. That variety of perspectives made me appreciate the story even more.
The book itself is very reflective. It doesn’t rush to give answers, and it doesn’t try to simplify complicated emotions. Instead, it lets you sit with them, which is something I really value in a story.
Through our discussions, I found myself noticing details I might have missed on my own. That’s what made this such a memorable reading experience.
If you’re part of a reading group or community like Readers Connect, this is definitely a book worth picking up and discussing together.
April 15, 2014
First I have to say 2 things. Love love robin and Gabriel. victoria no she is not nice and what she did to Gabriel ugh. But seriously after what Gabriel has gone through why are people surprised he's angry and not being kind. I will be surprised if he doesn't get angry and not kind to others for a while. He has been stomped and crushed in the love department too much and the last one with that letter from Charity (Anjaline) at the same time is just the last straw.
This is a book about maturing and finding love after one door closes or you think it has closed. You never really get over your first love. Gabriel and Anjaline try during high school to have a long distance relationship but they are two far apart and need to mature. Misunderstandings occur and even a friendship is tenuous. As they break apart new relationships with others are formed that help them on their way to new discoveries of who they are and what they want. For Anjaline, Kevin and Tom and for Gabriel Victoria. Ugh Victoria. I still can't believe she goes and is like I am so sorry I did that but can we be friends. I mean you just crushed him took his heart and put it in the blender. He was supportive and loyal to you and you were just ugh ugh. No don't ask him to be your friend between you and Anjaline the dude needs a vacation and I am surprised he doesn't want to join the monastery to get away from women.
Anjaline goes on to college and Tom is her third love. The one that gets Gabriel back in her thoughts. She to me becomes selfish and wishes for his friendship after all this time of not writing to him and wants him at her wedding. Gabriel never let go of Anjaline. He tried even was loyal and loving to Victoria but he always held out hope. Poor poor guy no wonder in the end he feels duped and has a lot of pent up anger that is just constantly coming out. dude has been put through the ringer. Anjaline not as bad as Victoria.
Robin is a great supporting character and friend to Gabriel. gabriel does feel bad about his actions towards Robin in the end but his hurt and anger over everything is clouding his judgement. Robin understands this and is being a friend at a distance until gabriel can come to terms with things.
As for Anjaline, her dreams come true and Tom is her guy. In her subconscious though Gabriel is never far from her thoughts and heart. That is why she writes the letter. Me it's selfish and when Gabriel finally gets to read it it puts him over the edge. I hope we get sweet kind Gabriel back. I do miss him but understand where he is right now. Two girls ripping his heart out. One unintentionally and will always be there the other through betrayal.
I hope that Gabriel and Anjaline are able to come back together and work things out. They obviously still love one another and this time apart allowed them to grow and mature. Find themselves and what they want. Now that Anjaline is back in Hope Valley lets hope this means these two get a HEA together. a heartbreaking book but sweet and beautiful just the same.
This is a book about maturing and finding love after one door closes or you think it has closed. You never really get over your first love. Gabriel and Anjaline try during high school to have a long distance relationship but they are two far apart and need to mature. Misunderstandings occur and even a friendship is tenuous. As they break apart new relationships with others are formed that help them on their way to new discoveries of who they are and what they want. For Anjaline, Kevin and Tom and for Gabriel Victoria. Ugh Victoria. I still can't believe she goes and is like I am so sorry I did that but can we be friends. I mean you just crushed him took his heart and put it in the blender. He was supportive and loyal to you and you were just ugh ugh. No don't ask him to be your friend between you and Anjaline the dude needs a vacation and I am surprised he doesn't want to join the monastery to get away from women.
Anjaline goes on to college and Tom is her third love. The one that gets Gabriel back in her thoughts. She to me becomes selfish and wishes for his friendship after all this time of not writing to him and wants him at her wedding. Gabriel never let go of Anjaline. He tried even was loyal and loving to Victoria but he always held out hope. Poor poor guy no wonder in the end he feels duped and has a lot of pent up anger that is just constantly coming out. dude has been put through the ringer. Anjaline not as bad as Victoria.
Robin is a great supporting character and friend to Gabriel. gabriel does feel bad about his actions towards Robin in the end but his hurt and anger over everything is clouding his judgement. Robin understands this and is being a friend at a distance until gabriel can come to terms with things.
As for Anjaline, her dreams come true and Tom is her guy. In her subconscious though Gabriel is never far from her thoughts and heart. That is why she writes the letter. Me it's selfish and when Gabriel finally gets to read it it puts him over the edge. I hope we get sweet kind Gabriel back. I do miss him but understand where he is right now. Two girls ripping his heart out. One unintentionally and will always be there the other through betrayal.
I hope that Gabriel and Anjaline are able to come back together and work things out. They obviously still love one another and this time apart allowed them to grow and mature. Find themselves and what they want. Now that Anjaline is back in Hope Valley lets hope this means these two get a HEA together. a heartbreaking book but sweet and beautiful just the same.
April 17, 2014
I was half expecting a typical YA romance, but the fact that this was a trilogy in the making had me intrigued. Whereas this type of material is usually hard pushed to fill one novel substantially, Amy McGuire has created a classic romance that just grows on you from the very first chapter.
As far as romance stories go, in my opinion The Hearts Desire has more depth than the classic Romeo and Juliet. They only had each other to worry about and it all seems a little flat compared to Amy McGuire's romance with all its complex relationships.
There are more characters involved, more drama, more difficult choices to be made and agonised over. In short, it leaves you eager to read the sequel Worlds Apart.
Worlds Apart is the second book in the Hope Valley Trilogy, where the romance between Anjaline and Gabriel struggles to continue, despite their being so far apart.
The clear distinction between their locations is well written. The reader shares the experience of being in two very different worlds, exploring all the facets of this long distance relationship.
But complications inevitably arise when they each meet many new interesting and attractive people, subjecting them to temptation and despair. They are young and inexperienced, quite unprepared for the complicated jealousies that tend to grow out of uncertainty.
They discover that writing letters in substitute for what they had shared, and that time has a way of dimming reality, making them doubt what they had and if in fact it was real. Will they continue to drift apart as the years pass, or is their romance doomed to die? Will they ever meet again?
You desperately want them to, for despite all the twists and turns that life has thrown at them, you have the feeling they are meant to be together.
The title of the last part of the trilogy Dreams Come True might lead you to believe that they do, but maybe not.
For this trilogy is not just about Anjaline and Gabriel. There are a wealth of complicated relationships in these books and each and every one of them deserves a happy ending. But because of the complex romantic tangle that Amy McGuire has so cleverly devised you know this will not be the case for everyone...
April 16, 2014
I read the first book in this series, and won the second book. McGuire is doing a fine job building her characters and "growing them up" as the story progresses. Anjaline undergoes some startling changes in this book, even a name change to Charity, and the surprise reconciliation impressed me a lot. This book covers every possible perspective on relationships. Misunderstandings and secrets in families can cause unnecessary hurt. Gabriel learns that loyalty among friends can stand the test of time and turmoil. Both of them discover that romantic love is not always as strong as the distances, the careers, and the many changes the characters go through. But Hope Valley is well-named, because there's always a flicker of things turning slowly toward a hoped-for ending. Sometimes it's a wild ride with some hairpin turns, physical and emotional. Charity is back in the valley as the books ends, and faithful readers can't wait to see who she's running to meet and hug, and what will happen next!
August 6, 2016
I received this book in exchange for a review. I wanted to like this book but it was very hard to follow. The time periods didn't follow. I think it kept jumping back and forth in time. The characters would also change in the middle of a paragraph. The character would fall in love almost upon meeting. This wasn't very believable.
The book could use some editing. This might solve a lot of the problems with the story.
The book could use some editing. This might solve a lot of the problems with the story.
June 16, 2015
The good thing about this book is that it was clean - no sex, swearing or violence.
At 342 pages this is a long book. And it felt even longer. There was a large cast of characters that came in and out of the story. It was like a soap opera with no real overarching plot. It also never had and ending at all. Just stopped.
If you like books centred on people talking and thinking about what they're feeling then this may be the book for you.
At 342 pages this is a long book. And it felt even longer. There was a large cast of characters that came in and out of the story. It was like a soap opera with no real overarching plot. It also never had and ending at all. Just stopped.
If you like books centred on people talking and thinking about what they're feeling then this may be the book for you.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews