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The Heart Trilogy #1
Where Did Your Heart Go
Stephanie never truly let go of her first love James in 1988. When the relationship ended she kept her diaries, letters and memories safe in the attic and her heart locked away from any future heartbreak. Now her daughter Charlotte is experiencing the same relationship break up that she did. Handing her daughter the diaries she hopes to save her from the bleakness she felt at the loss of first love. The diaries inspire Charlotte to strive for true love as she realises that finding the right man is worth the wait.
Can Charlotte heal two broken hearts at the same time through a strange twist of fate, destiny, music and dance?
Linking the lives of a mother and daughter together you can join them on their journey of discovery through the highs and lows of first love. Will Stephanie finally face the future after the scars from the past, and find out why James left her? Charlotte starts to discover that dancing with Mitchell will be the time of her life. Does anyone ever forget their first love and can you go back?
Can Charlotte heal two broken hearts at the same time through a strange twist of fate, destiny, music and dance?
Linking the lives of a mother and daughter together you can join them on their journey of discovery through the highs and lows of first love. Will Stephanie finally face the future after the scars from the past, and find out why James left her? Charlotte starts to discover that dancing with Mitchell will be the time of her life. Does anyone ever forget their first love and can you go back?
- GenresComing Of Age
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2013
13 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 27, 2014
The reviews were correct on this one, it is a very touching story that you will have trouble putting down. I just adore this read and it did keep me up very late at night. I had this read within two days which should tell you how much I love it. I just had to find out the ending and lord what an ending. The author does have a very special talent for story telling that will keep you hooked.
You have two love stories here, one from long ago, where hearts were broken, life’s were destroyed and friendships lost. How many of us would love a second chance, just one more time to get it right? Do you really think we would have done things different? Keep this thought in mind, if you could redo you life and make different choices would your life be as it is today? Would you have the kids, family, job etc that you have today? I do believe that everything happens for a reason and that it is to make us a better person. I feel this author reminds us of this and the important things in life.
Stephanie has never gotten over her true love James, even after 20 years has gone by, all it takes is a song to put her right back into his arm in her mind. No man has ever hurt her like James has because she never let another one get that close. Oh she moved on, got married and had a daughter but she never could forget that one man who rocked her world.
James feels the same way, one night was all it took for him to make the biggest mistake of his life. In doing so he had to give up the one woman he will love for all time. Did he make the right choices he wonders, then looks at his two boys and thinks he made the only choice he could. These boys are his life he would do it all over again just to have them.
Charlotte Stephanie’s daughter just had her heart broken, but like most young people they think we adults know nothing. Stephanie didn’t know how to show her daughter that she understood, she thought that maybe if she gave her, her diary that she would understand more and maybe it would help her grow and get over the pain. Charlotte learns a lot from this book, she even learned her mother’s secrets.
They say it is a small work and Stephanie and James are about to find out just how small it really is. Stephanie and James to Charlie and Mitch this is a very touching story of loosing love, finding love and maybe loosing it again.
The reason for the 4 stars and not a 5 which I really think this story and this author deserves is this book is 574 pages long. You could have cut a quarter at least if not more out of this book and still had the same effect. I didn’t feel we had to read each page of her diary that has little or no meaning to it. Yes it did make the book more believable but I felt it was not needed. I really wanted to give this book a 5+ for I really feel it does deserve it. In no way was this a boring book, but I did find myself wanting to flip through some meaningless parts and move on.
Would I buy this book for myself or others you damn right I would. It is a very touching story of love, love lost, getting second chances, growing, learning and so much more. The author did an outstanding job of keeping your attention. The book flows easy and the plot is to die for. I do highly recommend this book and I will be making it my pick of the week. If there is one story you should read it is this one.
You have two love stories here, one from long ago, where hearts were broken, life’s were destroyed and friendships lost. How many of us would love a second chance, just one more time to get it right? Do you really think we would have done things different? Keep this thought in mind, if you could redo you life and make different choices would your life be as it is today? Would you have the kids, family, job etc that you have today? I do believe that everything happens for a reason and that it is to make us a better person. I feel this author reminds us of this and the important things in life.
Stephanie has never gotten over her true love James, even after 20 years has gone by, all it takes is a song to put her right back into his arm in her mind. No man has ever hurt her like James has because she never let another one get that close. Oh she moved on, got married and had a daughter but she never could forget that one man who rocked her world.
James feels the same way, one night was all it took for him to make the biggest mistake of his life. In doing so he had to give up the one woman he will love for all time. Did he make the right choices he wonders, then looks at his two boys and thinks he made the only choice he could. These boys are his life he would do it all over again just to have them.
Charlotte Stephanie’s daughter just had her heart broken, but like most young people they think we adults know nothing. Stephanie didn’t know how to show her daughter that she understood, she thought that maybe if she gave her, her diary that she would understand more and maybe it would help her grow and get over the pain. Charlotte learns a lot from this book, she even learned her mother’s secrets.
They say it is a small work and Stephanie and James are about to find out just how small it really is. Stephanie and James to Charlie and Mitch this is a very touching story of loosing love, finding love and maybe loosing it again.
The reason for the 4 stars and not a 5 which I really think this story and this author deserves is this book is 574 pages long. You could have cut a quarter at least if not more out of this book and still had the same effect. I didn’t feel we had to read each page of her diary that has little or no meaning to it. Yes it did make the book more believable but I felt it was not needed. I really wanted to give this book a 5+ for I really feel it does deserve it. In no way was this a boring book, but I did find myself wanting to flip through some meaningless parts and move on.
Would I buy this book for myself or others you damn right I would. It is a very touching story of love, love lost, getting second chances, growing, learning and so much more. The author did an outstanding job of keeping your attention. The book flows easy and the plot is to die for. I do highly recommend this book and I will be making it my pick of the week. If there is one story you should read it is this one.
February 27, 2016
Being the age I am, the 80's aren't some magical 'olden times' ideal that my kids have. Reading this story, particularly the music references, brought back memories of my childhood. The way the author has used these songs, and films to move the story along and to emphasise certain parts on it is very clever, and worked so well, one of the best I have read.
The characters were, on the whole, relateable even if at times they were annoying. but, 16 year old girls are like that most of the time, I know I was. The way both Stephanie and her daughter, Charlotte were very similar, sometime they read like the same character just with different names. In some ways, this worked well, and showed genetics between a mother and daughter who are very close after the death of Charlotte's father. In fact, it was their relationship that was my favourite aspect of the story. The interaction between them is realistic and relateable - the same with the raltionship between Mitch and James, when we get to view it.
The intertwining of the two romance plotlines is very clever, and done seamlessly. Each couple meets doing something they enjoy and it gives them an instant connection - Charlie and Mitch with their dancing and Stephanie and James at the swimming pool. However, it is here that I started to get jerked out of the story.
The dialogue's formality is my biggest bugbear with this story. It didn't read as teenagers, but rather as an older couple. A few more contractions would have prevented this and made the flow a lot more natural. Also, in places, the two love stories felt a little unnatural - but as we're seeing them through the eyes of loved up teenage girls, that could explain the 'perfection' to each plotline, despite the angst.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and will certainly read the follow ups, I just hope the formality of the dialogue won't jar me as much as it did in this first book.
The characters were, on the whole, relateable even if at times they were annoying. but, 16 year old girls are like that most of the time, I know I was. The way both Stephanie and her daughter, Charlotte were very similar, sometime they read like the same character just with different names. In some ways, this worked well, and showed genetics between a mother and daughter who are very close after the death of Charlotte's father. In fact, it was their relationship that was my favourite aspect of the story. The interaction between them is realistic and relateable - the same with the raltionship between Mitch and James, when we get to view it.
The intertwining of the two romance plotlines is very clever, and done seamlessly. Each couple meets doing something they enjoy and it gives them an instant connection - Charlie and Mitch with their dancing and Stephanie and James at the swimming pool. However, it is here that I started to get jerked out of the story.
The dialogue's formality is my biggest bugbear with this story. It didn't read as teenagers, but rather as an older couple. A few more contractions would have prevented this and made the flow a lot more natural. Also, in places, the two love stories felt a little unnatural - but as we're seeing them through the eyes of loved up teenage girls, that could explain the 'perfection' to each plotline, despite the angst.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and will certainly read the follow ups, I just hope the formality of the dialogue won't jar me as much as it did in this first book.
December 18, 2015
*Rated 4.5*
Okay, I stayed awake all night to read this story, and it's now 6am! That's how much the story drew me in.
The Author brings romance, sadness and smiles throughout the book. AND... 80's music!! OMG I loved reading and remembering all of those great songs. As I read certain lyrics, I found I was singing them in my mind, like when you see a quote by Morgan Freeman and you can only read them in his voice. I need to re-do my Spotify sometime.
I also enjoyed reading the diary entries. I recently found my diary from my teenage self, but have yet to look through it incase of the cringe factor. But these entries by the Author are nowhere near cringy, they were so sweet and romantic when Steph is falling for James - the lifeguard.
There was so much to this story that can be very relatable, especially the moments between Steph and her daughter. I don't know how much more I can say about the romantic and sweet moments and build up in this book. Just BUY it. It was my first read of this Author, and I wasn't disappointed, but I knew that already. Hoping all the relationships continue through book two.
Okay, I stayed awake all night to read this story, and it's now 6am! That's how much the story drew me in.
The Author brings romance, sadness and smiles throughout the book. AND... 80's music!! OMG I loved reading and remembering all of those great songs. As I read certain lyrics, I found I was singing them in my mind, like when you see a quote by Morgan Freeman and you can only read them in his voice. I need to re-do my Spotify sometime.
I also enjoyed reading the diary entries. I recently found my diary from my teenage self, but have yet to look through it incase of the cringe factor. But these entries by the Author are nowhere near cringy, they were so sweet and romantic when Steph is falling for James - the lifeguard.
There was so much to this story that can be very relatable, especially the moments between Steph and her daughter. I don't know how much more I can say about the romantic and sweet moments and build up in this book. Just BUY it. It was my first read of this Author, and I wasn't disappointed, but I knew that already. Hoping all the relationships continue through book two.
December 30, 2015
if you grew up in the 80's then this book will take you back in time and you will totally relate to everything in this story of romance. This is a true teenage love story that with all the music references and real life situations it pulls you back in to it and with the relationship between mum and daughter it gives you both sides of thinking. You will certainly enjoy this read as I have totally got captivated by the characters and their lives and how their paths have crossed years later, it is heart warming stuff.
July 20, 2015
I enjoyed the heartfelt story and nostalgia, and it was certainly relatable. The way the author managed to use songs and movies to strengthen the feelings of the characters was very commendable and unique, done in a way I’ve never read before. The characters themselves were well developed as were their relationships with each other. There were a few times when I felt the plot was a tad unbelievable, but I guess real-life fate and destiny can sometimes play out like that.
I felt that in parts it dragged on too much without really adding anything to the story, the sex scenes were too repetitive for me. The author did a great job of emotionally hooking me into the lives of Stephanie, James, Charlotte and Mitchell and towards the end of the book it was like a soap opera that I just couldn’t wait to finish and find out how it would all end.
If you enjoy erotic romance, a trip down memory lane and a date with fate and destiny then The Heart Trilogy is definitely for you.
My favorite bits:
Was it the right thing to do to show my daughter that love could be wonderful and magical but also destructive and deadly?
I just felt his lips on mine, soft and firm against the liquid coolness of the water that surrounded us and held us both. We were suspended in a timeless moment. And into that timeless moment I eventually slipped as I dreamed of kissing James for the rest of my life.
“Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight someone’s thinking of me and loving me tonight.” I sighed and shut the door and tried to shut out the memories that had returned unbidden to haunt me.
Our kisses were gentle, loving and ultimately meant to see us through our next stretch apart. Every touch of our fingers created an indentation, a shadow in our memories of how our bodies fitted together.
As the music played on they danced on, it didn’t matter whether the music was fast or slow they just swayed to it and let it wash over them, through them, into them, binding them together with its invisible bars.
I felt that in parts it dragged on too much without really adding anything to the story, the sex scenes were too repetitive for me. The author did a great job of emotionally hooking me into the lives of Stephanie, James, Charlotte and Mitchell and towards the end of the book it was like a soap opera that I just couldn’t wait to finish and find out how it would all end.
If you enjoy erotic romance, a trip down memory lane and a date with fate and destiny then The Heart Trilogy is definitely for you.
My favorite bits:
Was it the right thing to do to show my daughter that love could be wonderful and magical but also destructive and deadly?
I just felt his lips on mine, soft and firm against the liquid coolness of the water that surrounded us and held us both. We were suspended in a timeless moment. And into that timeless moment I eventually slipped as I dreamed of kissing James for the rest of my life.
“Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight someone’s thinking of me and loving me tonight.” I sighed and shut the door and tried to shut out the memories that had returned unbidden to haunt me.
Our kisses were gentle, loving and ultimately meant to see us through our next stretch apart. Every touch of our fingers created an indentation, a shadow in our memories of how our bodies fitted together.
As the music played on they danced on, it didn’t matter whether the music was fast or slow they just swayed to it and let it wash over them, through them, into them, binding them together with its invisible bars.
July 27, 2014
How do you describe the romance of a first love and loss of that relationship? Well this author has done and oh so well. I'm not a reader of books based in other countries because I don't know the geography but Audrina has made me fall in love with Ross-on-Wye.
From Stephanie and James to Charlie and Mitch, I was so in love with this book. It took me a while to learn British lingo but this book just made me happy. I couldn't read it fast enough because I wanted to see what was gonna happen. Audrina added songs that I've dances to, listened to, cried to and just man I loved this story. There wasn't a bad part to this book and I can't wait for book 3.
From Stephanie and James to Charlie and Mitch, I was so in love with this book. It took me a while to learn British lingo but this book just made me happy. I couldn't read it fast enough because I wanted to see what was gonna happen. Audrina added songs that I've dances to, listened to, cried to and just man I loved this story. There wasn't a bad part to this book and I can't wait for book 3.
March 18, 2017
Excellent novel of finding and falling in love again.
This is a well written novel of a young lady who had her heart broken many years before by her first love. She had thought her life and love were over for her like regime until she gives her daughter a diary written herself from the same year her tender heart was shattered. Memories flood like rain as she relives that fateful year. Could love find her for a second time? Will it be worth putting herself out there, where have all the good men gone, where are all the Gods? Where's the street wise Hercules to fight the rising odds? This recommendation is for anyone looking for just plain old fashioned romance with a better movie soundtrack! Excellent and inspiring.
This is a well written novel of a young lady who had her heart broken many years before by her first love. She had thought her life and love were over for her like regime until she gives her daughter a diary written herself from the same year her tender heart was shattered. Memories flood like rain as she relives that fateful year. Could love find her for a second time? Will it be worth putting herself out there, where have all the good men gone, where are all the Gods? Where's the street wise Hercules to fight the rising odds? This recommendation is for anyone looking for just plain old fashioned romance with a better movie soundtrack! Excellent and inspiring.
June 23, 2016
Typically I review things that are advanced or new releases, however, last month I was contacted by the lovely Audrina Lane offering a copy of “Where Did Your Heart Go” in exchange for a review. So now I sit at my computer having finished reading and listening to the playlist for this novel, The Heart Trilogy. Have I mentioned that I absolutely love it when an author provides a song playlist for their novel? Anyway, back to the novel, “Where Did Your Heart Go,” which is such a sweet yet sad story about finding and losing your first love.
Audrina takes us along a journey of reminiscing with her character Stephanie and her teenage daughter, Charlotte. When she comes home crying one day after being dumped by her boyfriend, Stephanie gives her daughter her own diary, detailing her first love and first heartbreak from many years ago, a heartbreak that she never received an explanation. The novel shifts between flashbacks from Stephanie’s diary, to present time moments as a radio DJ, and with her daughter. Stephanie’s diary tells the story of her and her first love James, as well as, friends Sarah and Chris. Charlotte’s father, Mark, had been killed when she was a baby and the diary doesn’t really give her much insight into who he was. However, through reading her mother’s diary, Charlotte learns a great deal about her mother and James, and also about herself and what she wants for herself and from a relationship. The reader slowly sees Stephanie becoming happy and light-hearted again as Charlotte reads her diary, and Charlotte’s amazing talent as a dancer brings many unexpected surprises and love into her life, as well as, Stephanie’s.
“Where Did Your Heart Go” will propel into your own past remembering how quickly you can become consumed and head over heels with another person as a teenager. You will find yourself thinking back to the time when you thought you knew everything and that you were destined to a fairy-tale life with your first true love. In reality, most of us do not find our true love until much after our high school years and have to kiss a few frogs before finding our prince (I didn’t meet my prince until I was 38, but worth the wait!), but this novel touches your heart and makes you think that regardless of age or circumstances when two people fall in love, they could truly be destined for each other. Lane also reminds us how bad it hurts when your heart is first broken, and can continue to hurt for long after. As a person that is almost as obsessed with music as books, I loved that this novel tied in so many songs from when James and Stephanie were young, and how revisiting those songs evoked so many feelings in each of them as Charlotte also builds her own connections with her boyfriend Mitch through songs, lyrics, and dance. This novel was a beautiful connection between mother and daughter, with Stephanie trying to assure her daughter that she is not the first to have a broken heart, and with Charlotte trying to help her mother open her heart again. Luckily, there are two more novels in The Heart Trilogy that I anxiously await to reading, so stay tuned for future reviews regarding Audrina Lane.
P.S. The author really, really has a thing for Rick Astley. And George Michael.. But I’ve enjoyed rocking her playlist while writing this review!
*Review reposted from Dandelion Inspired.
Audrina takes us along a journey of reminiscing with her character Stephanie and her teenage daughter, Charlotte. When she comes home crying one day after being dumped by her boyfriend, Stephanie gives her daughter her own diary, detailing her first love and first heartbreak from many years ago, a heartbreak that she never received an explanation. The novel shifts between flashbacks from Stephanie’s diary, to present time moments as a radio DJ, and with her daughter. Stephanie’s diary tells the story of her and her first love James, as well as, friends Sarah and Chris. Charlotte’s father, Mark, had been killed when she was a baby and the diary doesn’t really give her much insight into who he was. However, through reading her mother’s diary, Charlotte learns a great deal about her mother and James, and also about herself and what she wants for herself and from a relationship. The reader slowly sees Stephanie becoming happy and light-hearted again as Charlotte reads her diary, and Charlotte’s amazing talent as a dancer brings many unexpected surprises and love into her life, as well as, Stephanie’s.
“Where Did Your Heart Go” will propel into your own past remembering how quickly you can become consumed and head over heels with another person as a teenager. You will find yourself thinking back to the time when you thought you knew everything and that you were destined to a fairy-tale life with your first true love. In reality, most of us do not find our true love until much after our high school years and have to kiss a few frogs before finding our prince (I didn’t meet my prince until I was 38, but worth the wait!), but this novel touches your heart and makes you think that regardless of age or circumstances when two people fall in love, they could truly be destined for each other. Lane also reminds us how bad it hurts when your heart is first broken, and can continue to hurt for long after. As a person that is almost as obsessed with music as books, I loved that this novel tied in so many songs from when James and Stephanie were young, and how revisiting those songs evoked so many feelings in each of them as Charlotte also builds her own connections with her boyfriend Mitch through songs, lyrics, and dance. This novel was a beautiful connection between mother and daughter, with Stephanie trying to assure her daughter that she is not the first to have a broken heart, and with Charlotte trying to help her mother open her heart again. Luckily, there are two more novels in The Heart Trilogy that I anxiously await to reading, so stay tuned for future reviews regarding Audrina Lane.
P.S. The author really, really has a thing for Rick Astley. And George Michael.. But I’ve enjoyed rocking her playlist while writing this review!
*Review reposted from Dandelion Inspired.
May 25, 2016
Let me just say before I start, that this is not the sort of book that I would usually pick up, but I am so glad I did. I was gifted an eBook copy by the author in return for an honest review.
Stephanie and James meet in the New Year of 1988 and begin an intense love affair, promising to love each other forever. When James suddenly ends the relationship, he leaves Stephanie broken hearted. She pours her heart and soul into her diaries, eventually stowing them away in the attic along with letters from James. Fast forward twenty-four years, when Stephanie's teenage daughter experiences the same heartbreak her mother went through. In an attempt to help her daughter deal with this heartbreak, Stephanie allows her to read the diaries, opening up the floodgates for her own suppressed emotions. Stephanie hopes that reading her diaries will help her daughter to realise that the right man is worth waiting for.........but what unexpected secrets will be revealed?
Where Did Your Heart Go is first and foremost, a love story. It is a story of heartbreak, tragedy and happiness all in one, it will make you laugh and cry, and will have you hooked from the word go! Lane's style of writing is different to that of other authors I read and it did take me a little while to acclimatise to it, but once I did I couldn't stop reading. The way in which the story moves backwards and forwards through time, from 'present' day to 1988, as more and more of Stephanie's past comes to light, works surprisingly well, as does the switching perspective of the characters. The characters are written in such a way that they feel like long-lost friends, and the storyline flows beautifully, drawing the reader in to the "need to know what happens next". Relationships are built slowly and handled sensitively, the sexual content is not over the top, and does not overpower the story, which has often been the case in similar books I have read. Lane's references to the songs and films of the 1980s took me back to my own teenage years and memories of my own 'first love', which made me want to read even more!
The only gripe I have is that there were a few misspellings, typos and repeated words, which I find off putting myself, hence the 4 star rating. Otherwise Where Did Your Heart Go is a beautifully written rollercoaster of emotions, which enables the reader to feel every single ounce of what the characters feel, through the haze of teenage infatuation, to the reality of adulthood. It has definitely made me want to read the other books in the trilogy. I highly recommend this book - even if you are reading outside of your usual zone!
Stephanie and James meet in the New Year of 1988 and begin an intense love affair, promising to love each other forever. When James suddenly ends the relationship, he leaves Stephanie broken hearted. She pours her heart and soul into her diaries, eventually stowing them away in the attic along with letters from James. Fast forward twenty-four years, when Stephanie's teenage daughter experiences the same heartbreak her mother went through. In an attempt to help her daughter deal with this heartbreak, Stephanie allows her to read the diaries, opening up the floodgates for her own suppressed emotions. Stephanie hopes that reading her diaries will help her daughter to realise that the right man is worth waiting for.........but what unexpected secrets will be revealed?
Where Did Your Heart Go is first and foremost, a love story. It is a story of heartbreak, tragedy and happiness all in one, it will make you laugh and cry, and will have you hooked from the word go! Lane's style of writing is different to that of other authors I read and it did take me a little while to acclimatise to it, but once I did I couldn't stop reading. The way in which the story moves backwards and forwards through time, from 'present' day to 1988, as more and more of Stephanie's past comes to light, works surprisingly well, as does the switching perspective of the characters. The characters are written in such a way that they feel like long-lost friends, and the storyline flows beautifully, drawing the reader in to the "need to know what happens next". Relationships are built slowly and handled sensitively, the sexual content is not over the top, and does not overpower the story, which has often been the case in similar books I have read. Lane's references to the songs and films of the 1980s took me back to my own teenage years and memories of my own 'first love', which made me want to read even more!
The only gripe I have is that there were a few misspellings, typos and repeated words, which I find off putting myself, hence the 4 star rating. Otherwise Where Did Your Heart Go is a beautifully written rollercoaster of emotions, which enables the reader to feel every single ounce of what the characters feel, through the haze of teenage infatuation, to the reality of adulthood. It has definitely made me want to read the other books in the trilogy. I highly recommend this book - even if you are reading outside of your usual zone!
September 24, 2016
*****5-star read*****
“A single song could make your heart race, tears fall or just plain laughter over a precious moment in time.”
Oh my days!! I haven’t been able to shut up about this book to my family and friends since reading it.
I couldn’t agree more. For me, my memories are inextricably linked to certain songs and pieces of music. Evoking a certain time and place, both good and bad.
And music plays such an integral part in this story……
In trying to help her daughter get over her recent heartbreak, Stephanie loans Charlie her diary from 1988. The year she, herself, turned seventeen. The year she loved and lost James. The year that led to a series of events which shaped Stephanie to this day.
Against the backdrop of some of the best (and worst) must of the 80s, Charlie is transported back in time to a place which gives her a greater understanding of the woman that is her mum.
It is an emotional, heartfelt and poignant read. Fate will not be denied. As past and present collide, can Charlie help her mum get the HEA she truly deserves?
“He was the only one who could turn the key and unlock my sealed heart.”
I was a discombobulated, blubbery mess reading this book. I didn’t want to put it down. I experienced all the flutterings of first love, wept with joy and sadness and laughed till my sides hurt.
What a stunning debut and the book has cemented its place in my Top Ten reads of 2016 so far. Now, you’ll have to excuse me, I know my Wham Greatest Hits CD *snorts* is around here somewhere #IJestNot
Note: Copy kindly received from author in exchange for honest review.
“A single song could make your heart race, tears fall or just plain laughter over a precious moment in time.”
Oh my days!! I haven’t been able to shut up about this book to my family and friends since reading it.
I couldn’t agree more. For me, my memories are inextricably linked to certain songs and pieces of music. Evoking a certain time and place, both good and bad.
And music plays such an integral part in this story……
In trying to help her daughter get over her recent heartbreak, Stephanie loans Charlie her diary from 1988. The year she, herself, turned seventeen. The year she loved and lost James. The year that led to a series of events which shaped Stephanie to this day.
Against the backdrop of some of the best (and worst) must of the 80s, Charlie is transported back in time to a place which gives her a greater understanding of the woman that is her mum.
It is an emotional, heartfelt and poignant read. Fate will not be denied. As past and present collide, can Charlie help her mum get the HEA she truly deserves?
“He was the only one who could turn the key and unlock my sealed heart.”
I was a discombobulated, blubbery mess reading this book. I didn’t want to put it down. I experienced all the flutterings of first love, wept with joy and sadness and laughed till my sides hurt.
What a stunning debut and the book has cemented its place in my Top Ten reads of 2016 so far. Now, you’ll have to excuse me, I know my Wham Greatest Hits CD *snorts* is around here somewhere #IJestNot
Note: Copy kindly received from author in exchange for honest review.
January 20, 2016
I received a free .pdf copy of Where did your heart go? (The Heart Trilogy Book 1) by Audrina Lane from the author for fair review. I gave it four stars.
Present day lives of Stephanie & her daughter Charlotte are interspersed with the past via the reading of Stephanie's diaries & viewing letters or photographs. It's an interesting device but can be a little difficult to follow.
Stephanie has loved James forever but he ended it. She was broken hearted. Can a broken heart heal?
The music listed brought back many fond memories for her & for James as well. They had their ow songs to associate with different events. Also their movie was Top Gun. Great list of songs mentioned at end of book. I enjoyed playing some of them as they were mentioned on my Youtube account in the background.
This was a well written book. It did not receive five stars because of the length. I found myself feeling impatient when another sex scene showed up. At least one third of the 575 pages could have been edited out.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E...
Present day lives of Stephanie & her daughter Charlotte are interspersed with the past via the reading of Stephanie's diaries & viewing letters or photographs. It's an interesting device but can be a little difficult to follow.
Stephanie has loved James forever but he ended it. She was broken hearted. Can a broken heart heal?
The music listed brought back many fond memories for her & for James as well. They had their ow songs to associate with different events. Also their movie was Top Gun. Great list of songs mentioned at end of book. I enjoyed playing some of them as they were mentioned on my Youtube account in the background.
This was a well written book. It did not receive five stars because of the length. I found myself feeling impatient when another sex scene showed up. At least one third of the 575 pages could have been edited out.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E...
August 20, 2015
As an eighties girl I absolutely loved all the music references and found myself singing along almost every time there were lyrics printed. The story is a heartfelt delve into the intricacies of heartbreak and the hope of happy every after. I enjoyed the diary entries as the time flashbacks, this was an inspired idea. The only reason I didn't give this the 5th star was the changing of tense mid-chapter. I found it slightly odd jumping from third to first person in such a random way. This may have been completely intentional so apologies to the author if that was the case. It did not, however hinder my complete enjoyment of this story, nor would it prevent me from whole-heartedly recommending it to all romance lovers out there.
Well done Audrina Lane for an inspired and heart-warming/wrenching story. I loved it!
Well done Audrina Lane for an inspired and heart-warming/wrenching story. I loved it!
September 16, 2015
"...Linking the lives of a mother and daughter together you can join them on their journey of discovery through the highs and lows of first love..."
When Stephanie finds out about her daughter's Charlotte broken heart, she gives her to read her old personal diary. In it Stephanie kept the story of her first love and the story of her broken heart when that love story finished. Stephanie gives that diary to her daughter to help her realise that time heals all scars.
I liked the story, but I had some problems with jumping from one woman to another reading and reliving the same story again and again. But that was my problem and it might not be yours. It was enjoyable read although I figured out quite soon the plot of the story. There are hints and if you pay enough attention to the story, you'll find them too. But don't make this put you off to reading it to the end. It's worth your time.
When Stephanie finds out about her daughter's Charlotte broken heart, she gives her to read her old personal diary. In it Stephanie kept the story of her first love and the story of her broken heart when that love story finished. Stephanie gives that diary to her daughter to help her realise that time heals all scars.
I liked the story, but I had some problems with jumping from one woman to another reading and reliving the same story again and again. But that was my problem and it might not be yours. It was enjoyable read although I figured out quite soon the plot of the story. There are hints and if you pay enough attention to the story, you'll find them too. But don't make this put you off to reading it to the end. It's worth your time.
February 4, 2018
True love is hard to find.. Stephanie fall in love with her first boyfriend they share so much great memories together.. James a gentleman who loves Stephanie with all his heart, when you love until the end of time, a love that is forever.
When all the happy memories are crumble down in a blink of an eye. Your heart will ache for an eternity because that's how loves feels, it will burn you until there's no more tears. Nothing will be able to mend your broken heart.
Sometimes we have to do sacrifices to avoid to hurt the love of your life will be worth it.?
Second chances comes once in a million, if you're that one embrace it and enjoy it until the end.
Audrina Lane did an awesome job Steph and James story..
I wish I can rated more than 5*****
Great story.. Love each one of the character. Looking forward to read more of Mitchell and Charlotte..
When all the happy memories are crumble down in a blink of an eye. Your heart will ache for an eternity because that's how loves feels, it will burn you until there's no more tears. Nothing will be able to mend your broken heart.
Sometimes we have to do sacrifices to avoid to hurt the love of your life will be worth it.?
Second chances comes once in a million, if you're that one embrace it and enjoy it until the end.
Audrina Lane did an awesome job Steph and James story..
I wish I can rated more than 5*****
Great story.. Love each one of the character. Looking forward to read more of Mitchell and Charlotte..
June 26, 2016
This was a true love story, very romantic with gushing of emotion. I loved all the references to Ross-on Wye and felt that I knew parts of it, although I had never been. The lead characters, as well as the lesser ones were all very in-depth, fully formed and very believable. I loved the descriptions of everyday family life from the meals they ate to what they were wearing. Going back to the 1980s was a treat as I remembered what it was like to rely on letter writing and phone calls and the comparisons with today was very interesting.
The best thing for me in this books was the soundtrack and all the songs that were mentioned, I could sing along with as well.
The best thing for me in this books was the soundtrack and all the songs that were mentioned, I could sing along with as well.
February 28, 2015
Teenager Steph loses that loving feeling when with her first love, James, breaks up with her. Years later, in a dance competition, her daughter Charlie meets and falls in love with Mitch, James son, and through them, their parents have a chance to reunite. Will James take Steph's breath away once more?
Where Did Your Heart Go is a love story that will take you back to the eighties with the music mentions, interwined with references to a couple of films I absolutely loved - Dirty Dancing and Top Gun!
Where Did Your Heart Go is a love story that will take you back to the eighties with the music mentions, interwined with references to a couple of films I absolutely loved - Dirty Dancing and Top Gun!
July 29, 2016
I loved this book. We meet 2 couples James/Strph an d Mitch/Charlie. Steph relives her love story to first love James through her diary from 1988. After heartbreak can she learn to love again. Charlie has a great love story with Mitch. Their love for dance helps their romance. We see how long distance relationships are hard. The songs included in this book take me back to my youth great addition I telling the story Audrina.
August 22, 2016
***4 Stars***
This is the first time I've read by this author, I love discovering new ones to add to my go to list...
I absolutely adored reading Stephanie's story as I grew up in the 80's... the music & films that I have heard and seen growing up (I loved that by the way!)
I'm not going to rehash the storylines, but honestly this book has it all! I mean everything!!!
Definitely will be reading more by this author! Thank you for taking me down to my memory lane :)
This is the first time I've read by this author, I love discovering new ones to add to my go to list...
I absolutely adored reading Stephanie's story as I grew up in the 80's... the music & films that I have heard and seen growing up (I loved that by the way!)
I'm not going to rehash the storylines, but honestly this book has it all! I mean everything!!!
Definitely will be reading more by this author! Thank you for taking me down to my memory lane :)
August 14, 2015
I enjoyed this story. The characters drew me in right away and I spent most of a long weekend reading it as I had trouble putting it down. I liked the use of the mother's journal entry to tell her story from the past. It's very romantic and sexy and the music and movie references reminded me of being a teenager in love.
April 18, 2016
Loved all the music references it made me want to listen to George Michael. Using the diary to tell the story of their relationship was well done. Some of the twists were a bit unbelievable but couldn't put it down and am already 20% in to the second book.
September 11, 2016
Well what can I say I cried and was happy and sad all at the same time I loved reading where did your heart go. I couldnt put it down I loved all the carecter and how well it was written it is must read
June 2, 2015
Love it couldn't put it down.
February 27, 2016
Fantastic, spell binding journey of first love. A must read. A real page turner!
January 15, 2018
When I started reading this book I found it slow going at first, enjoyable but slow going. I could easily put this book down but when I picked it up again it was like putting on a pair of slippers. The author allowed you to get to know the characters until they got under your skin and what happened to them actually mattered to you. This is a story of a love that spans generations, realistic friendships and a spiteful woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. I think I was about three-quarters of the way through this book when it became un-put-down-able and I devoured the rest of it and went straight into the second book in the series.
Now about the book: Charlotte is struggling with a teenage romance and in order to help her daughter, Stephanie allows her to read her our diary from when she was a teenager. This is a triple thread story, as we follow Charlotte and Stephanie in the present day and Stephanie’s past through her diary but it isn’t only Charlotte who is reading it, Stephanie can’t resist the urge to go back and take a peep herself. All the deep emotions come back to haunt her. Not sure I’d want my daughter (if I had one) to read through my diary but I thought it was a beautiful idea and slowly Charlotte manages to put the angst of her teenage romance behind her as she meets Mitchell. But this new love brings up unexpected complications.
I sometimes find it hard to read a series by the same author as it can feel samey, but once Audrina had me hooked I couldn’t not read the whole series. The only thing I would have liked is to have had the name of the character’s whose POV we were in. Even though the author did distinguish between them having their name at the beginning would have made it a bit easier for the reader.
Now about the book: Charlotte is struggling with a teenage romance and in order to help her daughter, Stephanie allows her to read her our diary from when she was a teenager. This is a triple thread story, as we follow Charlotte and Stephanie in the present day and Stephanie’s past through her diary but it isn’t only Charlotte who is reading it, Stephanie can’t resist the urge to go back and take a peep herself. All the deep emotions come back to haunt her. Not sure I’d want my daughter (if I had one) to read through my diary but I thought it was a beautiful idea and slowly Charlotte manages to put the angst of her teenage romance behind her as she meets Mitchell. But this new love brings up unexpected complications.
I sometimes find it hard to read a series by the same author as it can feel samey, but once Audrina had me hooked I couldn’t not read the whole series. The only thing I would have liked is to have had the name of the character’s whose POV we were in. Even though the author did distinguish between them having their name at the beginning would have made it a bit easier for the reader.
April 2, 2018
This book is ideal for anyone who grew up or was familiar with the music of the 80's. It transported me back to my childhood and the activities that entertained the 80's generation.
Stephanie is a loveable character with a damaged heart and the story is both shattering however, also uplifting. It takes you through first love, the tragedy that can occur from this and the hope from second chances.
The other characters in the book are fun loving and to me they came to life and I wanted them as my friends. Charlie is Stephanie's daughter and I loved how it showed her using her life experience to educate her daughter about life.
The character of Felicity reminded me of my arch enemy growing up and despite the fact you hate this character there is an element of feeling sorry for someone so destroyed that they have to create so much havoc and destruction for others.
My only flaw of the book was the time it took to read. It is a standard 9 hour read and although I would highly recommend the book for me it did not need to be so long to get the plot and impact of the story. This has not stopped me reading the rest of the series as the next one is already sitting waiting for me to start.
Stephanie is a loveable character with a damaged heart and the story is both shattering however, also uplifting. It takes you through first love, the tragedy that can occur from this and the hope from second chances.
The other characters in the book are fun loving and to me they came to life and I wanted them as my friends. Charlie is Stephanie's daughter and I loved how it showed her using her life experience to educate her daughter about life.
The character of Felicity reminded me of my arch enemy growing up and despite the fact you hate this character there is an element of feeling sorry for someone so destroyed that they have to create so much havoc and destruction for others.
My only flaw of the book was the time it took to read. It is a standard 9 hour read and although I would highly recommend the book for me it did not need to be so long to get the plot and impact of the story. This has not stopped me reading the rest of the series as the next one is already sitting waiting for me to start.
March 29, 2019
Can a mother help her daughter heal from this break up. Steph hopes that by letting her daughter read her diary that she might be able to see that life does go on. Steph met the love of her life all those years ago but everything went wrong. Years later she married a good man and they had Charlie but she always longed for James. Charlie can't believe how her mom grew from a young girl into the mom that she is now. She never knew what she had gone through and everything changes when she meets the one. Charlie has just met a young man Mitch that will change everything as he is James's son and she is scared to tell her mom. But maybe it won't matter and she might be happy to see him again. Steph is shocked when she sees him again and it brings back everything can she give this man her heart again? Will she ever recover if he breaks it again? James knows that he has to prove to her that he can be her forever and there isn't anything that can stop them from being together now? A good read.
June 1, 2017
I'd love to give this book more than 5 stars!!!
Stephanie and James meet just before he leaves town with his parents. Both are heartbroken but they stay in touch and an amazing love story develops. Enter the heartbreak. 24 years later they reconnect through their children.
For me, this was a really nostalgic read, as I grew up around the time it's set and could relate to so much of the story. I found myself smiling, laughing, and yes, I cried a few times, even at the happy bits.
It's beautifully written and the characters are so real and lovable.
I've just bought the next book and can't wait to get started on it!!!
Stephanie and James meet just before he leaves town with his parents. Both are heartbroken but they stay in touch and an amazing love story develops. Enter the heartbreak. 24 years later they reconnect through their children.
For me, this was a really nostalgic read, as I grew up around the time it's set and could relate to so much of the story. I found myself smiling, laughing, and yes, I cried a few times, even at the happy bits.
It's beautifully written and the characters are so real and lovable.
I've just bought the next book and can't wait to get started on it!!!
July 23, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. I loved the characters, the plot, the twists in the books and of course there is nothing like a good romance story to bring out the emotions. Just one thing that niggled me and that was that I would have liked a heading indicating which character's POV I was reading. The story was written from both Stephanie's and Charlie's POVs and as the story sometimes went back to repeat the same scenario but with the other person's POV, it would have been nice to have an indicator of who it was when it changed.
August 6, 2019
I’m a sucker for 80s music and romance so this book worked on so many levels for me! I had my first love in 1988 like Steph, so the music and film references fitted into my own story.
I really enjoyed how the author told the story through the diary and Charlie’s own romance, it was utterly compelling to read.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I could completely identify with all the emotions felt.
An amazing story told in a very novel way.
I’m definitely going to be reading more books by this talented writer ❤️
I really enjoyed how the author told the story through the diary and Charlie’s own romance, it was utterly compelling to read.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I could completely identify with all the emotions felt.
An amazing story told in a very novel way.
I’m definitely going to be reading more books by this talented writer ❤️
August 1, 2017
Music &Love
Great story! I love when the use of music can stir your heart and soul, taking you back to memories. I love the use the diary tying the past with the present. The only thing that was a little weird for me was the ages of the girls. Otherwise totally loved the book and the music in it. Need to do a soundtrack lol
Great story! I love when the use of music can stir your heart and soul, taking you back to memories. I love the use the diary tying the past with the present. The only thing that was a little weird for me was the ages of the girls. Otherwise totally loved the book and the music in it. Need to do a soundtrack lol
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