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Holly's Heart #1-5
Holly's Heart, Collection 1: Best Friend, Worst Enemy/Secret Summer Dreams/Sealed with a Kiss/The Trouble with Weddings/California Crazy
Thirteen-year-old Holly is dealing with the major concerns of every preteen and teenage girl: boys, family, and school. But with the help of her friends and her faith in God, Holly is able to survive her first boyfriend and her first breakup, a crush on her student teacher, and a new baby sister "invading" her house. Volume One includes Best Friend, Worst Enemy; Secret Summer Dreams; Sealed With a Kiss; The Trouble With Weddings; and California Crazy.
562 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2002
143 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Lewis
259 books3,025 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 25, 2022
Overall ratings for this collection:
Pre Teens- Two & a half Stars
New Teens- Three & a half Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
{Add a full star for girls in Public or Private school.}
Links to full content reviews:
Book #1
Book #2
Book #3
Book #4
Book #5 (coming soon)
Pre Teens- Two & a half Stars
New Teens- Three & a half Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
{Add a full star for girls in Public or Private school.}
Links to full content reviews:
Book #1
Book #2
Book #3
Book #4
Book #5 (coming soon)
September 28, 2009
Okay, this is the one I read. I didn't read the small ones seperately, I read them all in this one. It is fantastic! It's so realistic. It's not one of those books that's supposed to be realistic but isn't. This one is very realistic.
March 8, 2013
I Love it!! Teaches you lief lessons and respect.
May 19, 2025
Loved reading this fun teen book, but I definitely understand why my sister described Holly as boy crazy. That's an understatement to say the least. It's mentioned multiple times that Holly isn't allowed to date until she's older, yet she repeatedly thinks of herself as a boy's girlfriend. And the boy changes basically every three pages. So while the book is a fun read, I wouldn't recommend it to younger girls.
December 7, 2022
Winter = nostalgia reads even when said nostalgia reads are from back when I was a borderline fundie lol
September 19, 2010
A girly, reliogious though good
Read
September 28, 2011I love this whole series!!! It relates to preteen girls well & is a good read.
September 8, 2014
good ook! loved it! it was very compationate <3
October 13, 2014
I loved this book. I also am very much intrigued by this author. This series is one of the best I have ever read!
January 13, 2015
Holly's Heart, Collection 1 has several books in it. I'm going to review the separate books and then do an overview.
Best Friend, Worst Enemy--Holly is a kind-hearted, young girl who quickly learns that she and her best friend, Andie, have a crush on the same guy. Only Jared seems to like Holly instead of Andie. Holly and Andie soon learn that being friends is a whole lot harder when a guy is in the picture. Besides Holly's troubled friendship, she also has to deal with her dad suddenly back in her life again, along with a new wife and step-son.
This isn't the first time I've read Beverly Lewis' work, but I am stunned at how good the writing actually is. It's so realistic that I feel like I am right there with Holly. I like that this is a somewhat spiritual book--that Holly prays and is a Christian--and so far I like all of the characters except for Jared and Andie. I liked the book overall, but the one thing that kind of bothered me was how quickly Holly and Andie seemed to make up at the end. I know younger people forgive a lot easier, but it just seems too quick after how long it took Andie to actually believe in Holly. Then again, maybe seeing proof for herself is what she needed.
Secret Summer Dreams--In this book, Holly has a new and better love interest than Jared--a very nice guy named Danny. I like Danny a whole lot better than Jared, who is now pretty annoying. Holly also really wants to visit her dad over the summer, but her mother doesn't seem to want her to go. Her little sister, Carrie, and best friend, Andie, also make it clear that they don't agree with her leaving for the summer. Things get even worse when Holly realizes that her mother is dating--and the man has a spoiled little boy who also seems sick all the time. Holly struggles as she prays to God in the hopes that her answers of seeing her dad will be answered when she learns that there is something more important going on.
I kind of anticipated that something would happen with Holly and Danny from the last book, and I am glad. They are cute together and I like Danny. I still don't care much for Holly's best friend, Andie, because she is often selfish. I know she is still a kid but it annoys me that Andie is rarely ever happy for Holly. I didn't much care for her mother in this book. She seemed a bit harsh and should have told Holly the truth about her boyfriend and his sick little boy. I don't like the boyfriend very much but Zachary was adorable. I like how Holly realized that Zachary's needs were more important than her own and she still got what she wanted in the end. You can really see Holly growing as a character in this book.
Sealed with a Kiss--I am disappointed that this book isn't about Holly's visit with her dad. I was really looking forward to that. However, I did like the book better as it went on, but I would have liked to see one dealing with the visit to her dad. In this book, Holly learns that her mom and Mr. Tate are beginning to talk marriage plans. Meanwhile her mother has been getting strangely romantic secret admirer letters--someone who obviously knows her well. Holly is trying to figure out what is up with her and Danny--does he like her like that or what?--and also finds herself trying to impress an older boy who is her pen-pal.
I liked this book pretty well. I am very relieved that Holly's mom did not marry Mr. Tate because I thought he was a controlling butt. I do feel bad for Zachary, though. I think Holly's mom can also be a bit selfish, and I still don't like Andie. I like the relationship between Holly and Danny a lot, even if he sometimes doesn't agree with her--no relationship is perfect! I also thought it was pretty cool that Holly got to meet her favorite author. Holly definitely grows in this chapter.
The Trouble With Weddings--Holly's mother is getting married and Holly is determined to make her mother's wedding the best thing ever, even when her mother states she doesn't want a flashy wedding. She is also getting annoyed with Danny, who has been very preachy and controlling lately. When she discovers her first crush, Jared, still likes her, she can't help but be suspicious. So suspicious that she decides to test him.
I liked how Holly wanted to make her mother's wedding beautiful. I loved that her uncle wanted to include the cat in the wedding as well. As much as I liked Danny before, he was very preachy and controlling in this book and it got on my nerves almost as much as it got on Holly's. I was cautious about Jared but glad to see how caring he is. Holly continues to grow. I didn't care too much for Stan until toward the end, though.
California Crazy--It's almost Christmas time and Holly is about to go crazy with the current living arrangements. Since her mother re-married, there are more people living in the house, forcing Holly to room with her nosy little sister and cousin! Holly and Jared are doing well together but Holly begins to suspect that he is back to his old two-timing ways again. At least she can look forward to this Christmas since she and Carrie are spending two weeks of it with their dad in California.
Holly's bathroom scene was hilarious. It's totally something I would do if I ever tried what she did. I liked Stan much better in this book, and I even liked Andie a bit better. I am very glad that Jared was not actually doing anything wrong, but I can't say I wasn't curious about Sean either. I like how the relationship between Holly and her stepmother changes. Her dad reading the classic Christmas story--Jesus' birth--was also a nice addition.
Overall, I have genuinely enjoyed this collection. Holly is a very interesting, realistic character, and has a great family and friends. I like that this book doesn't focus on perfection, but rather on mistakes--it's very realistic. Holly's emotions felt very real to me, and even though this book is not exactly meant for my age group, I enjoyed it none-the-less. So far this is my favorite Beverly Lewis book, although I enjoyed the ones about Annie's people very much! I will definitely be checking out the next two books--I have to see how Holly continues to grow. 4 stars because I really liked this.
Best Friend, Worst Enemy--Holly is a kind-hearted, young girl who quickly learns that she and her best friend, Andie, have a crush on the same guy. Only Jared seems to like Holly instead of Andie. Holly and Andie soon learn that being friends is a whole lot harder when a guy is in the picture. Besides Holly's troubled friendship, she also has to deal with her dad suddenly back in her life again, along with a new wife and step-son.
This isn't the first time I've read Beverly Lewis' work, but I am stunned at how good the writing actually is. It's so realistic that I feel like I am right there with Holly. I like that this is a somewhat spiritual book--that Holly prays and is a Christian--and so far I like all of the characters except for Jared and Andie. I liked the book overall, but the one thing that kind of bothered me was how quickly Holly and Andie seemed to make up at the end. I know younger people forgive a lot easier, but it just seems too quick after how long it took Andie to actually believe in Holly. Then again, maybe seeing proof for herself is what she needed.
Secret Summer Dreams--In this book, Holly has a new and better love interest than Jared--a very nice guy named Danny. I like Danny a whole lot better than Jared, who is now pretty annoying. Holly also really wants to visit her dad over the summer, but her mother doesn't seem to want her to go. Her little sister, Carrie, and best friend, Andie, also make it clear that they don't agree with her leaving for the summer. Things get even worse when Holly realizes that her mother is dating--and the man has a spoiled little boy who also seems sick all the time. Holly struggles as she prays to God in the hopes that her answers of seeing her dad will be answered when she learns that there is something more important going on.
I kind of anticipated that something would happen with Holly and Danny from the last book, and I am glad. They are cute together and I like Danny. I still don't care much for Holly's best friend, Andie, because she is often selfish. I know she is still a kid but it annoys me that Andie is rarely ever happy for Holly. I didn't much care for her mother in this book. She seemed a bit harsh and should have told Holly the truth about her boyfriend and his sick little boy. I don't like the boyfriend very much but Zachary was adorable. I like how Holly realized that Zachary's needs were more important than her own and she still got what she wanted in the end. You can really see Holly growing as a character in this book.
Sealed with a Kiss--I am disappointed that this book isn't about Holly's visit with her dad. I was really looking forward to that. However, I did like the book better as it went on, but I would have liked to see one dealing with the visit to her dad. In this book, Holly learns that her mom and Mr. Tate are beginning to talk marriage plans. Meanwhile her mother has been getting strangely romantic secret admirer letters--someone who obviously knows her well. Holly is trying to figure out what is up with her and Danny--does he like her like that or what?--and also finds herself trying to impress an older boy who is her pen-pal.
I liked this book pretty well. I am very relieved that Holly's mom did not marry Mr. Tate because I thought he was a controlling butt. I do feel bad for Zachary, though. I think Holly's mom can also be a bit selfish, and I still don't like Andie. I like the relationship between Holly and Danny a lot, even if he sometimes doesn't agree with her--no relationship is perfect! I also thought it was pretty cool that Holly got to meet her favorite author. Holly definitely grows in this chapter.
The Trouble With Weddings--Holly's mother is getting married and Holly is determined to make her mother's wedding the best thing ever, even when her mother states she doesn't want a flashy wedding. She is also getting annoyed with Danny, who has been very preachy and controlling lately. When she discovers her first crush, Jared, still likes her, she can't help but be suspicious. So suspicious that she decides to test him.
I liked how Holly wanted to make her mother's wedding beautiful. I loved that her uncle wanted to include the cat in the wedding as well. As much as I liked Danny before, he was very preachy and controlling in this book and it got on my nerves almost as much as it got on Holly's. I was cautious about Jared but glad to see how caring he is. Holly continues to grow. I didn't care too much for Stan until toward the end, though.
California Crazy--It's almost Christmas time and Holly is about to go crazy with the current living arrangements. Since her mother re-married, there are more people living in the house, forcing Holly to room with her nosy little sister and cousin! Holly and Jared are doing well together but Holly begins to suspect that he is back to his old two-timing ways again. At least she can look forward to this Christmas since she and Carrie are spending two weeks of it with their dad in California.
Holly's bathroom scene was hilarious. It's totally something I would do if I ever tried what she did. I liked Stan much better in this book, and I even liked Andie a bit better. I am very glad that Jared was not actually doing anything wrong, but I can't say I wasn't curious about Sean either. I like how the relationship between Holly and her stepmother changes. Her dad reading the classic Christmas story--Jesus' birth--was also a nice addition.
Overall, I have genuinely enjoyed this collection. Holly is a very interesting, realistic character, and has a great family and friends. I like that this book doesn't focus on perfection, but rather on mistakes--it's very realistic. Holly's emotions felt very real to me, and even though this book is not exactly meant for my age group, I enjoyed it none-the-less. So far this is my favorite Beverly Lewis book, although I enjoyed the ones about Annie's people very much! I will definitely be checking out the next two books--I have to see how Holly continues to grow. 4 stars because I really liked this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2024
My favorite books from middle school and they were even better than I remembered :’)
December 15, 2024
My fav books as a teenager!!!
Read
January 19, 2021Wonderful book!!
November 13, 2014
best friend, worst enemy: holly struggles when trying to recover her friendship with andie and to show her that jared, the boy both andie and holly liked,is just a waste of time
secret summer dreams: holly's mom plans to get remaried to mr tate. holly wants to go to california see her dad but she doesn't want to leave her mom alone with mr tate.
sealed with a kiss: holly is desperate to let her secret pen pal publish her story "love times two" in his teen magazine "sealed with a kiss"
the trouble with weddings: holly's mom has moved on from mr tate and is now planing to marry HER UNCLE! good thing there not related.:)
secret summer dreams: holly's hoping to spend the holidays with her dad in california, but she doesn't want to spend it with her stepmom.
my favorite story was "the trouble with weddings" and "best friend worst enemy" because they both showed a great amount of excitement.
secret summer dreams: holly's mom plans to get remaried to mr tate. holly wants to go to california see her dad but she doesn't want to leave her mom alone with mr tate.
sealed with a kiss: holly is desperate to let her secret pen pal publish her story "love times two" in his teen magazine "sealed with a kiss"
the trouble with weddings: holly's mom has moved on from mr tate and is now planing to marry HER UNCLE! good thing there not related.:)
secret summer dreams: holly's hoping to spend the holidays with her dad in california, but she doesn't want to spend it with her stepmom.
my favorite story was "the trouble with weddings" and "best friend worst enemy" because they both showed a great amount of excitement.
August 31, 2018
I think if I were recommending a series like this I would recommend Christy Miller & Co. but this was cute. I enjoyed it.
I do have to say that I'm slightly annoyed with the whole boy thing. It is mentioned, repeatedly, that Holly can't date. But she still calls herself so-and-so's girlfriend and thinks of him as her boyfriend! (They boy changes constantly though).
Then she says that she and the different boys are "just friends" but she is getting her heart broken all the time and freaking out that they are friendly and friends with other girls! Seriously? Relax.
Don't date them. Fine, they like you and you like them, but you can like multiple boys and still all be friends! They can be friends with other girls and you can be friends with other boys.
Okay, rant over. They really are cute books.
I do have to say that I'm slightly annoyed with the whole boy thing. It is mentioned, repeatedly, that Holly can't date. But she still calls herself so-and-so's girlfriend and thinks of him as her boyfriend! (They boy changes constantly though).
Then she says that she and the different boys are "just friends" but she is getting her heart broken all the time and freaking out that they are friendly and friends with other girls! Seriously? Relax.
Don't date them. Fine, they like you and you like them, but you can like multiple boys and still all be friends! They can be friends with other girls and you can be friends with other boys.
Okay, rant over. They really are cute books.
February 8, 2011
Holly loves her cat goofey. She also has a fabulous birthday- Valentines Day - and her loving mother always calls her "holly heart." but she has got a lot of learning to do when it comes to dealing with life.
When the cute new boy (Jarred) comes to school Holly and her bff Andie get so caught up with impressing Jarred that their long friend-ship has almost come to an end, but just when you though things couldnt possibly get any worse they do.
I thought Beverly Lewis' stories were GRTEAT ! i just couldnt put my book down it was so addictive. I recomend this book for ANYONE who loves reading i give it two big thumbs up!
When the cute new boy (Jarred) comes to school Holly and her bff Andie get so caught up with impressing Jarred that their long friend-ship has almost come to an end, but just when you though things couldnt possibly get any worse they do.
I thought Beverly Lewis' stories were GRTEAT ! i just couldnt put my book down it was so addictive. I recomend this book for ANYONE who loves reading i give it two big thumbs up!
June 29, 2015
Holly's Heart: Collection One by Beverly Lewis is a fun-filled outlook into the life of a 13 year old girl who goes through the typical emotional and dramatic experiences that many girls her age can relate to. The only thing I regret about this book is that I didn't read it sooner especially around the time I was this age.
This book can be for all ages really. It allows you to be a kid again and reminiscence about your own childhood experiences. Everything is often highlighted when you are in your teen years, and Beverly Lewis did a great job at showing the dramatic life of a 13 year old girl.
This book can be for all ages really. It allows you to be a kid again and reminiscence about your own childhood experiences. Everything is often highlighted when you are in your teen years, and Beverly Lewis did a great job at showing the dramatic life of a 13 year old girl.
June 7, 2021
SUPER GREAT READ.
Or as Holly would put it, Fabulous.
This was so fun and I thought Holly was such a funny, interesting character.
A little too dramatic at times, but I suppose just one of the flaws that makes her her. :)
I would definitely recommend if you are looking for a fun, lighter read. A little on the thicker side, but totally worth it. You can also just get the individual books if 550 pages scare you a little. ;)
Here's what I rate the individual stories;
Best Friend, Worst Enemy - 5/5
Secret Summer Dreams - 5/5
Sealed with a Kiss - 4.5/5
The Trouble with Weddings - 5/5
California Crazy - 4.5/5
Super excited to start the second bind-up!
5/5.
Or as Holly would put it, Fabulous.
This was so fun and I thought Holly was such a funny, interesting character.
A little too dramatic at times, but I suppose just one of the flaws that makes her her. :)
I would definitely recommend if you are looking for a fun, lighter read. A little on the thicker side, but totally worth it. You can also just get the individual books if 550 pages scare you a little. ;)
Here's what I rate the individual stories;
Best Friend, Worst Enemy - 5/5
Secret Summer Dreams - 5/5
Sealed with a Kiss - 4.5/5
The Trouble with Weddings - 5/5
California Crazy - 4.5/5
Super excited to start the second bind-up!
5/5.
May 21, 2013
Best Friend, Worst Enemy, the first book in the series, is a book about what every teenage girl goes through, their first crush. What makes it even worse is that her best friend likes the same hunky guy. With her strong faith in God and her cuddly cat, Goofy, she can get through it. I recommend this book because it is about a normal Christian teenage girl going through her first crush. Though a rough journey, her friend didn't make it any easier, Holly comes out with a stronger relationship with The Lord and... A best friend or boyfriend? You will have to read and find out!
March 2, 2014
I really like this book! It is a bind up of five books. In the first book she passes pout and her friend and two boys dragged her into a room. According to her friend while she was passes out one of the boys tried to give her mouth to mouth. So that made her wonder which one it was because she really liked one of the guys. This book may sound cheesy, but it was a really fun read and I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
October 8, 2009
I ♥ this book it was really good!!!! i reccomend it to other people who are teens and ♥ jesus christ!!!! i read all of the holly heart books but i am putting down California crazy as "read"!!!!!!!!!! ♥ =b ;D ♥
August 28, 2011
I really loved this book a lot. It is perfect for any Christian and was really realistic. I usually only read a book at least 200 pages long, with a flawless plot that is perfectly well written and "Holly's Heart" certainly met my needs.
February 7, 2015
I absolutely LOVED this book! I couldn't put it down.My favorite part was probably when Holly met her father for Christmas or when she and Andie became best friends again in the first book. Can't wait to read the second one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2015
This series is simply fabulous, no matter how old you are. I would recommend it for girls ages 11 or so, but they are sooo funny and very sweet. Holly and one half of her family also have a solid grounding in the Christian faith.
January 10, 2022
I read these as a teen and loved them! I'm so excited about this republishing pack!
Want to read
March 16, 2010Bought this series for my sister-in-law, named Holly, when she was a teenager. I think I will read them so I can see if my daughter, now 9 would like them. Love Beverly Lewis' style in writing.
July 18, 2010
this book was really good!
April 13, 2011
great book on christian beliefs and how to live a more christian way. it is an very interesting book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2011
For a younger audience, but very enjoyable. Faith and Love are very important to Holly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews