From the Heart: Book Five of the Guiding Emily series

Guiding Emily #5

by Barbara Hinske

Settling into the rhythms of married life with her blended family, Emily finds herself at the epicenter of a storm—juggling the intricacies of managing a distant division following a promotion, navigating the unexpected challenges of a dear friend’s pregnancy, and orchestrating the delicate balance of her children’s burgeoning lives. As Zoe and Diedre navigate the tumultuous seas of a new school, Emily and Grant find themselves entangled in a web of commitments. From overseeing Zoe's ambitious science fair project to supporting Diedre's role in a youth theater musical, the family's fragile equilibrium is stretched to its limits. When Grant's professional pursuits lead to a lucrative out-of-town contract, demanding his presence on site, the elaborate framework they've carefully constructed begins to unravel. Now, with the plates of her life spinning precariously, Emily faces the ultimate test of strength and resilience. Can she maintain the intricate balance, or will the weight of her responsibilities send everything crashing down around her? With Garth at her side, will Emily find grace amidst the chaos? Follow along as they lead from the heart…

344 pages, Paperback

Published April 25, 2024

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Barbara Hinske is an attorney who recently left the practice of law to pursue her career as a full-time novelist. She inherited the fiction gene from her father who wrote mysteries when he retired and told her a story every night of her childhood. Barbara is the bestselling author of the beloved Rosemont series; the acclaimed Guiding Emily series; a collection of murder mystery thrillers in her "Who's There?" collection; and her sweet Christmas novellas The Christmas Club (adapted for the Hallmark Channel in 2019), Paws & Pastries, and No Matter How Far.

She and her husband share their own Rosemont with two adorable and spoiled dogs. She is besotted with decorating, entertaining, cooking and gardening. Now that her novel The Christmas Club has been made into a Hallmark Channel movie, she is completely star-struck and thrilled to have her work on the screen.

Reviews

[Barbara Hinske]

I loved writing this latest installment in my Guiding Emily Series. My goal in the series is to show visually impaired people living the same lives we all live--facing the same challenges--but coping and accomplishing their goals in different ways than a sighted person might.

Due to the success of the Hallmark Channel movie Guiding Emily (based on the first book in the series), I've connected with dozens of additional people living with visual impairments. They've educated me and have contributed greatly to my understanding of their lives, which translates into my writing. I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who has shared their story with me.

One of the startling facts I've learned in my research is that the unemployment rate of visually impaired people seeking employment is a staggering 70%! My past careers as an industrial engineer, attorney, and now novelist have been key components in my satisfying life. I can't imagine not being able to get a job I'm qualified for simply because I might be blind! As I've learned and show in this series, visually impaired people can do everything except drive cars and fly planes.

The inequity behind this unemployment rate has spurred me into action. I've set myself a goal to reduce that rate by 10% in 2024. I'll do that by bringing awareness of this untapped talent pool--the visually impaired--to the sighted community. Find me on FB or subscribe to my newsletter to follow my progress--or to share your ideas.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this next installment in the Guiding Emily series, author Barbara Hinske takes us into the hectic and beautiful blending of Emily and Grant’s families. This is a wonderful story where I could easily relate to the everyday challenges as the newlyweds are setting up a new home, working through conflicts that arise due to the many activities pulling parents into different directions, when this two-working parent household is met with work obligations that cause major scheduling conflicts and when the new sisters begin growing apart with experiences in a new school. The story is so relatable that many times when reading it’s easy to forget that Emily and her friend Stephanie are blind. This new story ensures we continue to feel like a part of the family as we read along and learn about the additional challenges the blind face while educating us on the solutions used to assist the blind.
The story continues to be told through Garth’s viewpoint which I have enjoyed immensely in all 5 books. In this story, From the Heart, I was struck by the many partnerships formed throughout this new story. As expected, I noted the newlyweds partner as they navigate married life and parenting while trying to expand their professional lives. Garth and Biscuit as they not only perform their guide dog duties but also intuitively work together to support each other both on and off-duty. To the new sisters as they are being pulled apart when starting in a new school and making new friends which challenges them to create the ultimate partnership as sisters who support each other. To the grandmothers who provide unwavering support in their partnership with each other support this new family while ensuring their independent lives are not put on hold. To Emily and Stephanie who provide unwavering support to each other in working to overcome the challenges of daily work and home life. They prop each other up when needed and provide a challenge to get the other to step up and realize the things they can do better than if they were sighted. To Garth and Sabrina, the non-guide dog with her own form of providing emotional support, whose silent partnership provides a team effort in providing solace to their family members when working to “restore peace in the family”. As a dog lover, I can easily see Garth providing the support to Emily and to his family and feel the author created a very lovable character who I wouldn’t mind meeting.

I really love this series and enjoy feeling a part of a family as they all learn a very valuable lesson - “Happiness could always get happier”.

[ANTHONY CORONA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series) As someone who lost my sight at 40 years old, I can truly appreciate the journey Emily has taken throughout this series. Guiding Emily has become a personal favorite, and I eagerly anticipate each new installment in the lives of Emily, Garth, Zoe, Deidre, Grant, and the rest of this wonderfully crafted cast. This book delivers a bit of everything—from frustrating public encounters familiar to many in the blind and low-vision community to a heartwarming moment as a new life enters the world. Barbara Hinske masterfully shines a light on the realities of blindness, particularly the experiences of guide dog users, in a way that is both enlightening and deeply engaging. The chapters told from Garth’s perspective are simply adorable, adding a layer of charm that makes this story even more special. What makes this series stand out is its authenticity. Through fiction, Hinske brings to life the real-world scenarios that those of us who “see the world differently” navigate every day. As a guide dog user myself—shoutout to my boy Boaty!—I often find myself chuckling at Garth’s thoughts and wondering what my own dog must be thinking. Ultimately, From the Heart is more than just a great read; it’s an incredible glimpse into the life of the visually impaired, wrapped in a story that’s engaging, heartfelt, and thoroughly entertaining. Way to go, Barbara, and thank you for what you do for our community!

[Stephanie Pieck · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the finale of this series, Emily must work hard to integrate work teams in San Francisco and Denver while juggling the increasingly busy schedules of Zoe and Deirdre as they settle into fourth grade at a new school. Meanwhile, her friend Stephanie discovers she's pregnant. She and her husband are overjoyed, but some friends and family members don't believe blind people can be safe and effective parents. Readers will want to follow along as Emily and Garth navigate all these challenges together.
Kudos to the author for raising timely issues that face blind and other disabled parents, such as misconceptions among the medical community and the general public about their fitness as parents. Even in the twenty-first century, our society continues to cling to harmful stereotypes that force disabled parents to prove themselves far beyond what's expected (and assumed to be true) of parents without disabilities. Some of this can be traced to negative attitudes in some cultures about disabled people, including the belief that having a disabled family member is shameful. While this series is not the most well-written, featuring artificial dialogue and unnecessary repetition of details, it offers a welcome portrayal of a diverse cast of characters facing obstacles together and supporting one another as they search for solutions.

[Lisa G. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

EMILY & GRANT’S HECTIC, BEAUTIFUL LIFE

The Guiding Emily Series is one of my all-time favorites! In Book Five, From the Heart, author Barbara Hinske again presents readers with another heartfelt story of Emily and Grant’s hectic, beautiful life. I am so impressed with how Hinske writes from the viewpoint of Garth, Emily’s beloved Black Lab Guide Dog. Hinske’s plots are constantly engaging, enlightening, and entertaining as she describes the life of a successful blind woman who has married the man of her dreams and their two daughters, Zoe and Diedre.

In this book, Hinske has Emily and Grant’s family facing everyday situations other families face. She details how much more challenging it is when one parent is blind and how it affects normal day-to-day activities when the other parent is out of town. The stress begins to take a toll on everyone and Emily and Grant decide changes must be made. Even though they have a great support system and couldn't do anything without Garth, Emily, and Grant realize they need to make decisions together...from the heart.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author/publisher. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last book in a series. Although a reader could read and enjoy this book, I think it would be so much better to start at the beginning of the series, with "Guiding Emily." This entire series is about a talented woman, who lost her sight as an adult and her guide dog, Garth.

In this book, Emily and her new, blended family are discovering how to meet everyone's needs. The girls are great friends and Emily and her husband are very busy at work. There are new challenges for all. Some chapters are written from Garth's point of view.

There are some excellent points of how some people view others with "disabilities.," but stresses that although some accommodations may need to be made, each person can live a rewarding life and contribute to society. One example is that blind people may developed other abilities, such as more acute hearing, and that everyone has value and things to offer.

The book is written in a manner that I think most readers can enjoy, even older children.

The first book was made into a movie. This book could very easily be envisioned as a TV series.

[Diana Foxworthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Heart is the fifth book in the series written by author, Barbara Hinske. She continues the story about the life of Emily and Gran't Main's and their family as they happen day to day newly married. Emily and Gran'ts daughters deal with bullying of a friend which affects their relationship of getting along. We learn about Druv and his wife's surprising news of an unexpected pregnancy that they thought was something more serious. Craig and Gina also bring excitement to the story. As in the other books in this wonderful series, Barbara Hinske shows us what the visually impaired can and do to live normal lives, just a little differently. This story is not over. Barbara has some much more to tell about the lives of the characters in the story. When you end the book, you find yourself anxious wanting to read more.

Don't wait... Just treat yourself to the continuation of this heartwarming journey of Emily Main. Tou won't regret it!!!

I was asked by Barbara Hinske to be an advanced reader for this book.

[Susie Sellner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this smart and unique family who deal with the challenges of Emily's blindness as she manages family life as well as a demanding career. Husband Grant, who usually drives the girls to school, has landed an important contract out of town and must travel more than usual. The daughters, who have been extremely close, begin to branch out individually, causing some friction between the two. I especially love the family dogs--Sabrina, a cute and perky Schnauzer, and Garth, a well-trained black lab guide dog. This entire series of five books introduces the reader to what life is like for a blind person using a guide dog. For instance, in the first book Garth shares what his training as a guide dog is like, and then the reader eavesdrops as Emily is trained to team up with Garth. In the subsequent books, the reader sees how Emily handles situations at work, traveling alone with Garth, interacting with other people, organizing her kitchen, etc. The Guiding Emily series is heartwarming, fascinating, and well written!

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, I love all of the books in the Guiding Emily series, and this one is no different. I loved reading about Grant and Emily dealing with family obligations and work and how they balanced there schedules. I loved reading about Stephanie's teaching job and how she helped an autistic child. I loved getting to read about Zoe and Diedre's school committments, but how they stuck up for one of their friends. And of course, I loved reading different chapters from Garth's point of view. And I loved how this book shows that blind people are as capable as any sighted one, but they just do things in different ways. As a visually impaired person myself, I try to show people the same thing. Just because I am blind doesn't mean I can't do what everyone else does, just in a different way. This book series has been by far favorite to read and the one I relate to the most. I hope more books come out in this series.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think I could love this series any more than I already did. Well, I was wrong. We get to follow along and see how these wonderful people handle their lives and everything that is thrown at them. We get to meet Ava in this book. What a wonderful child who doesn’t let her differences slow her down. I love her. Zoe just keeps showing her kindness and concern for others. You have to be impressed with Stephanie. She is so much stronger and courageous than she realizes. I could go on and on about these wonderful folks, but I think you should meet them yourself, if you haven’t already. And, of course, there is Garth, who I have loved from the beginning and who is always so helpful, especially if Crunchy Cheetos are involved. I received an ARC of this book, but my opinion is my own.

[Victoria Bahnsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 in this series continues the story of Emily, her guide dog, Garth, and the family and friends that surround them. The author has crafted a heartwarming story with a group of characters who are easy to like. Woven throughout the series are chapters written from the dog’s perspective, which are fun and add insight into the special bond between a person and their guide dog.

The story is also educational in the sense that the author portrays multiple characters who are vision- or hearing-impaired in a realistic and empathetic way. They’re going about their lives and doing what everyone else does (if they’re fortunate) – adapting to whatever challenges they face and striving to live their lives to the fullest. It’s such a good reminder that we can all benefit from more compassionate and kindness.

All in all, this is an easy-to-enjoy series.

[Bridget Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guiding Emily series is one of my all time favorites, and From the Heart did not disappoint. It is the heartfelt story of a new marriage, demanding careers, a blended family, family demands and friendships. All at the same time, we are reminded that Emily, the protagonist, is dealing with all of these stressors while being visually impaired. We are guided through all of the accommodations and adaptations that are made to enable her to live a comfortable lifestyle. It is fascinating to see how she seamlessly deals with her “differing ability” as opposed to a disability. We also get to follow the star of the series, Garth, Emily’s guide dog, as he works to make her successful and competent, as well as loved unconditionally. You will love this addition to the series, and beg for a Book 6.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to Emily’s story. Told from both Emily’s point of view and then Garth’s perspective. Emily and Grant have started their married life together. Grant’s daughter Deidra and Emily’s foster daughter Zoe are learning in to be part of the blended family. As the girls begin a new school, they each struggle to find friends and develop their identities and personalities. Zoe is drawn to a deaf girl, Ava, and work to gain their trust and friendship. grant and Emily are trying to balance hectic work schedules and parenting responsibilities. As it is revealed Dhruv and Stephanie are expecting a baby, Stephanie works to prove a blind person is capable of parenting a child. So much emotion and family dynamics make this story a winner.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Heart is the fifth book in the Guiding Emily series by Barbara Hinske and it was like we never left. The story continues with Emily and Grant newly married and blending their families. Garth, Emily’s guide dog, is front and center a lot of the time and it was interesting to “hear” his thoughts and take on things.

There are family and friends, lots of work commitments, activities for their daughters, disabilities, vivid descriptions, memories, romance and love. There are multiple stories being told that are nicely woven together. The story has a good flow and I kept turning the pages to see what would happen next. There is closure but I wish the book had gone on just a little longer. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Pam Vogt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful story about a busy family consisting of Emily, Grant and their children Zoe and Deidre. A typical busy family with mom and dad invested in their careers and active children involved in their activities. One of the differences of this family is that Emily is blind. She has a great seeing eye dog, Garth, who definitely knows how to keep Emily safe. A family who runs into babysitting issues and juggling schedules. Emily is a very self-sufficient mom who doesn’t consider her blindness a disability, she just does things in different ways. This is such a special lesson in this book. I received an advanced free reader copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rosana Cogle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful series, I enjoyed reading each one. From the Heart gives us a glimpse of the life of a blind person or someone with hearing loss. We learn how Emily, Stephanie and Ava handle their disabilities and live their lives to the fullest. I admire their courage! I found it sad that others sometimes treat persons with disabilities badly and that they often think that thy are limited. I feel that this book speaks volumes on this. Provo to Barbara Hinske. I highly recommend this book, I cried and laughed. I received the opportunity to read this book early. I am leaving an unbaised review.

[Anna Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Barbara Hinske does a great job of writing this book. Emily now has a very full life. A husband, who is bidding on a new job that he knows will have him away from home. Her girls now have their own things going on. Then Emily, trying to keep it all together. A page turner indeed, Can't put down book! Garth, her ever trusting guide, helps Emily through her days, and nights. He knows where Emily needs to be and when to lead her to her place. Through it all, even a sighted person struggles through a day to day events, Emily does it with grace and finesse! I loved being an Advanced reader for this book. Pick up your copy and add it to the rest of the series.

[Lois Strachan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. I particularly enjoy the way Emily and Stephanie’s blindness is represented, showing them living completely ordinary lives using their assistive technology unobtrusively. Their blindness is seen as neither a tragedy nor a triumph, which is how it is usually shown in fiction. Full respect to the author for her accurate portrayal of the lived experience of blind people. A sweet story of people coping with the demands of busy schedules and the realities of blending two families. And, of course, the series continues to spotlight the cast of delightful dogs who frequently steal the show… not to mention the Crunchy Cheetos!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’d ask one thing of all of you today. As you resume your activities, remember that blind people are as capable as sighted ones. We simply do things in different ways.”

This is a wonderful story that I could not put down.
Emily and Grant’s lives are so busy between work and trying to juggle Zoe and Deidre’s school and activity schedules.
Having spent over 30 years working with children
with disabilities this story really brings forth
the struggles and realities of their lives.
Emily and Stephanie have so much strength and perseverance. I hope this brings a better understanding to those who think someone with a disability is not as capable as anyone else. They have the same daily life struggles as everyone else. As they really are not “different,”they just approach things another way.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily and Grant are finding it difficult juggling their careers and family life. Grant’s career is suddenly requiring more time away from home, while Emily is having issues with her expanded team at work. Their girls, Zoe and Diedre, are at odds for some reason, and their usual group of available babysitters isn’t as available as they used to be. Will they be able to come up with a solution?

Loved this story!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Heart is the next chapter in the awesome, hectic life of Garth, Emily and Grant. I just love the chaptes written from Garth’s point of view! This extremely well written book details the day to day lives for the characters and shows how much harder tasks can be for a blind parent - especially when the sighted parent is out of town. You will not want to miss seeing how this great couple works out these difficulties in their professional lives as well as in blending their families and supporting their friends - from the heart, of course. I could not put this delightful book down.

[Janice Rogala · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Heart is the newest novel in the Barbara Hinske series that has introduced us to Emily and her guide dog Garth. Emily is newly married and she and her husband face many of the same issues of any newly blended family.
They must work out new schedules, sharing of responsibilities, and raising two fourth grad girls who are entering a new school and life as sisters together. Pressures from their jobs add to what any of us would face. I love how the focus shifts from one family member to the other with many comments and observations from guide dog Garth.

[Bryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book five of the Guiding Emily series. Although I haven't yet read the first four books, I still thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was enlightening and insightful, and the variety of family situations held my interest.

My only issue was periodically, Emily's guide dog Garth would be the "narrator." It took me a few sentences each time to figure out that a dog was "talking. " I LOVE dogs, but I'm not a fan of them narrating in a book.

Thank you to the author for the ARC of From the Heart, the Guiding Emily series book 5 in exchange for my honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dogs, Babies and Love

I just love this series! Each book is like visiting old friends.
This book was especially interesting because it showed how people assume because one is blind you can't function. And the mean girls were so typical of today's children which is so sad.
I love this author because I know her books are free of bad language and implicit sex and she writes such wholesome stories.
I recommend this author to anyone that asks, "have you read any good books lately?"

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Written!

I have really enjoyed reading all the books in this series. You can tell that the author did a great job on research in order to write this series. I'm hearing impaired and was glad that the author created a character that was deaf. The story is well written in telling us people with disabilities can lead normal lives with the help of technology and items that are able to guide then through their daily lives.
I really hope there is another book in this series!

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is #5 in the series and I’ve read them all. The books are very enjoyable and very easy reading. Each book tells about the life of Emily Main and how she navigates her blindness. I found all the books educational in that it made me aware of all the technology we have to help those with little or no sight.
I love all the characters and in book #5, Emily has merged two families together. It shows how it’s not a perfect world and problems come up. In book #5 another issue arrives: a blind person raising a newborn.
I’ve already loaded #6 in my Kindle ready and waiting!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the Guiding Emily series, but start at the beginning with Guiding Emily so you get the full story, development and enjoyment of the characters. Zoe and Diedre start at a new school and develop problems between each other. Zoe makes a new friend who is deaf. Stephanie and Dhruv get some unexpected news and others have mixed feelings about it. Grant and Emily both struggle with things taking place at their jobs. Garth is always a delight! Wonderful series!

[Beth Morrissette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the previous books in this series, and loved this one. You don’t need to read the prior books to understand and appreciate this story. No spoilers here - the story line revolves around the issues facing someone with disabilities and family relationships/life. Well written and thought provoking. I’d recommend this book to all ages. Loved it.
Note: I was provided with an advance reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol Ardeeser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series; it has certainly increased my knowledge and perception of what the visually impaired face and all that is available for them to adapt to situations whether at home or in the workplace. The story in itself is wonderful and the journey of Emily and Garth is related through both of their views. As Emily is adjusting to a new marriage as well as children and the stress of work, she begins to find a balance and I can't wait to see what's next.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so good to catch up with everyone from Garth to our newcomer, Amelia. I love how this series shows the blind and also the deaf community are not disabled, but differently abled. Emily and Stephanie are excellent examples. I love the dynamics of the newly blended family, not easy with tweens. Of course, Garth is my favorite, so well trained, and so modest. I hope we’ll be doing more catching up with these families.