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Change of Heart
From the beloved author of Right on Cue and Lease on Love comes a whimsical new rom-com about a workaholic forced to aim for a goal she never thought she'd love.
Campbell Andrews despises exactly three things in incompetence, tardiness, and love stories. Making partner at her law firm at thirty-four, she has no time for anything or anyone else. And certainly no respect for those who choose love over work. That is, until she wakes up in Heart Springs—her own personal hell.
The good news? She's not dead. She's been magically transported to a small town straight out the Hallmark channel, complete with a meddling mayor, seasonal festivals, and friendly townsfolk. Cam can't stand it, but in order to make it back to her real life, she has to fulfill three tasks . . . most importantly, she has to find true love. It seems impossible. But anything's possible with a Change of Heart.
Campbell Andrews despises exactly three things in incompetence, tardiness, and love stories. Making partner at her law firm at thirty-four, she has no time for anything or anyone else. And certainly no respect for those who choose love over work. That is, until she wakes up in Heart Springs—her own personal hell.
The good news? She's not dead. She's been magically transported to a small town straight out the Hallmark channel, complete with a meddling mayor, seasonal festivals, and friendly townsfolk. Cam can't stand it, but in order to make it back to her real life, she has to fulfill three tasks . . . most importantly, she has to find true love. It seems impossible. But anything's possible with a Change of Heart.
323 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2025
233 people are currently reading
7203 people want to read
About the author
Falon Ballard
7 books1,998 followersFalon Ballard is a Los Angeles native who has been writing stories her whole life. After graduating with a degree in Creative Writing, Falon embarked on an eight-year teaching adventure before opening her own event planning business. When she’s not trolling Etsy for the latest merch from her favorite fandoms, she’s hanging out at Disneyland with a pretzel and beer in hand.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,478 reviews
September 15, 2024
જ⁀➴
4 stars
-`🧁´-
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Plot:
the story follows Cam and Ben from a disastrous blind date. the next day they wake up in a picturesque small down with no escape and where everything is good and happy.
My Thoughts:
~ This was such a cute, fun and fast-paced romcom. i haven't read one that was this fun in a minute! and i absolutely LOVED the authors writing.
I really enjoyed Cams journey and all the side characters we meet along the way. I do wish we got to see more of Ben and got to know him a little better. I feel for most of the book he was a side character to Cam and I feel he needed more to make his character more rounded, but overall i loved both of them as a couple.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Plot:
the story follows Cam and Ben from a disastrous blind date. the next day they wake up in a picturesque small down with no escape and where everything is good and happy.
My Thoughts:
~ This was such a cute, fun and fast-paced romcom. i haven't read one that was this fun in a minute! and i absolutely LOVED the authors writing.
I really enjoyed Cams journey and all the side characters we meet along the way. I do wish we got to see more of Ben and got to know him a little better. I feel for most of the book he was a side character to Cam and I feel he needed more to make his character more rounded, but overall i loved both of them as a couple.
October 9, 2025
I was still recovering from that nightmare of
All I Want Is You
, so it took me a while to fully feel invested in the story, BUT *bigger sigh ever*… this was better!
It was!
Better!
Than the worst book I read last year.
Change of Heart is a cute and funny story set in an idyllic Hallmark town where everything goes as you may expect; also, you can read it in a day as so fast-paced this is.
And the smut, we can't forget that!
Listen, idk what's going on with Falon Ballard and her need to write unlikable characters, but she must be stopped because this is not the way.
Did I like for our FMC to go from being a bitch to the Hallmark version of every woman possible — with blonde extensions, too — because that's the meaning of life? You can't be a badass lawyer and be a decent person at the same time? Absolutely not.
And did I like that, for someone who only talks about themselves and their needs, there was really little of the true Cam and what made her what she is, completely ignoring the toxic relationships with both her mother and grandmother? Nope.
But it's a big cliché of a book, so the “mean girl” has to change her entire personality by the end of the movie, right?
And, at least, she has one.
Yeah, not everybody here has a personality: Ben is a pediatric surgeon with a loving family, but he only exists for falling in love at first sight with Cam and believing she can be less *that* and more empathic towards others.
So, moral of the story: maybe just try being less rude to others who don't deserve it, and maybe you won't be trapped in another dimension with the imposition of finding the best version of yourself if you don't want to celebrate Christmas six months per year.
↠ 2.5 stars
Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
It was!
Better!
Than the worst book I read last year.
Change of Heart is a cute and funny story set in an idyllic Hallmark town where everything goes as you may expect; also, you can read it in a day as so fast-paced this is.
And the smut, we can't forget that!
Listen, idk what's going on with Falon Ballard and her need to write unlikable characters, but she must be stopped because this is not the way.
Did I like for our FMC to go from being a bitch to the Hallmark version of every woman possible — with blonde extensions, too — because that's the meaning of life? You can't be a badass lawyer and be a decent person at the same time? Absolutely not.
And did I like that, for someone who only talks about themselves and their needs, there was really little of the true Cam and what made her what she is, completely ignoring the toxic relationships with both her mother and grandmother? Nope.
But it's a big cliché of a book, so the “mean girl” has to change her entire personality by the end of the movie, right?
And, at least, she has one.
Yeah, not everybody here has a personality: Ben is a pediatric surgeon with a loving family, but he only exists for falling in love at first sight with Cam and believing she can be less *that* and more empathic towards others.
So, moral of the story: maybe just try being less rude to others who don't deserve it, and maybe you won't be trapped in another dimension with the imposition of finding the best version of yourself if you don't want to celebrate Christmas six months per year.
↠ 2.5 stars
Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 30, 2024
Omg, did I hate this book? I might hate this book. HATE. I can’t believe I’m even considering this of a Falon Ballard book. She’s only ever gotten five stars out of me, but this? This book? Oh my lord, it was not for me. Ugh, I’m so annoyed right now.
First the bad, then I’ll get further into the bad and will end on the bad.
Campbell is a very rude lawyer woman who treats our hero Ben horrifically on a blind date in the first chapter. Like, you entitled POS heroine I want to slap you. She berates Ben and basically is like “I only go on dates for free dinner and to appease my Grandma, don’t speak to me while I eat this dinner you paid for and check my emails,” But! I’m not completely hating her at this point (no that comes later.)
So Cam wakes up in a magical Hallmark town and has to complete three tasks in order to go home. And of course these tasks will make her a better person. And also Ben is there (because of course.)
Here’s the thing about this book. It really suspends belief because it’s like everyone in the town knows that Cam has to fulfill these magical tasks to go home. Which is just odd to me. And Ben is only there because of Cam. Which is also odd to me. The entire premise of it wasn’t great for me. The way it was told was just…idk. I was expecting more of A Novel Story town vibes and it just wasn’t. It never really worked for me.
And then. AND THEN. I really hated the last 30%. With a passion. With the fires of a thousand blazing wildfires.
Ben and Cam don’t make sense to me. To me, they don’t fall in love. Ben is LITERALLY too good to be true and he’s so unbelievable that he’s a flat NO personality NO nothing kind of man and it’s frustrating to me. Cam is a complete trash bag human at the beginning of the book, but what? Ben doesn’t mind? He doesn’t care? He’s great with this? At no point does he need to tell her that he deserves someone who will actually care about him and treat him well? Omgggggggg. Yall. I’m screaming.
Here’s an actual quote that I’m so angry about. Probably some unwarranted anger, but it sent me to the raaaails:
“I struggled to find the perfect gift for him because what does one get for the man who truly has no needs and doesn't ever express his wants beyond wanting me to be happy?”
Oh my sweet Jesus. Like. Shut up. Shut the hell up. What the F kind of fictional crap is this? Ben doesn’t have ANY NEEDS or WANTS outside of whatever life crisis Cam has? Omg. Kill me. Just kill me. This is so utterly ridiculous. I can’t with this people. I just can’t. I can’t have these paper cut out heroes like this. Men have needs. They have wants outside their relationships and guys, that’s wonderful. It should be celebrated. This? This right here?! This is a red flag and it’s so freaking cringe I can’t take it. Ben!! Have dreams dude!! Have wants and needs and desires because YOU’RE A PERSON TOO not just some emotional subservient pillow for our heroine!! Gah!!!!! Is this the standard of romance now? Men, just bow down and support women and keep your mouth shut on whatever you have going on? No. No. No. Noooooooooo.
And also there’s a comment made at the epilogue how all straight white men are terrible, but obviously this doesn’t include our no needs or wants or personality straight white hero, amiright? Cause as long as he’s a freaking doormat to women he’s great, right?
I’M LOSING IT. I. AM. LOSING. IT.
And then when our heroine completes her tasks I’m so furious by the way it came about that there’s no celebrating to be had. There’s no warm fuzzies. There’s only me glaring at my Kindle like…!!!! What the hell is this dumb crap. UGHHHHHHHHH. NOOOOOOOOO.
GAAAAAHHHH!!
Ahem.
This is an ARC I received, I hope from this scathing review you’ll believe me when I say that this is my review and I’m not in anyway influenced by the publishers ✌🏻
First the bad, then I’ll get further into the bad and will end on the bad.
Campbell is a very rude lawyer woman who treats our hero Ben horrifically on a blind date in the first chapter. Like, you entitled POS heroine I want to slap you. She berates Ben and basically is like “I only go on dates for free dinner and to appease my Grandma, don’t speak to me while I eat this dinner you paid for and check my emails,” But! I’m not completely hating her at this point (no that comes later.)
So Cam wakes up in a magical Hallmark town and has to complete three tasks in order to go home. And of course these tasks will make her a better person. And also Ben is there (because of course.)
Here’s the thing about this book. It really suspends belief because it’s like everyone in the town knows that Cam has to fulfill these magical tasks to go home. Which is just odd to me. And Ben is only there because of Cam. Which is also odd to me. The entire premise of it wasn’t great for me. The way it was told was just…idk. I was expecting more of A Novel Story town vibes and it just wasn’t. It never really worked for me.
And then. AND THEN. I really hated the last 30%. With a passion. With the fires of a thousand blazing wildfires.
Ben and Cam don’t make sense to me. To me, they don’t fall in love. Ben is LITERALLY too good to be true and he’s so unbelievable that he’s a flat NO personality NO nothing kind of man and it’s frustrating to me. Cam is a complete trash bag human at the beginning of the book, but what? Ben doesn’t mind? He doesn’t care? He’s great with this? At no point does he need to tell her that he deserves someone who will actually care about him and treat him well? Omgggggggg. Yall. I’m screaming.
Here’s an actual quote that I’m so angry about. Probably some unwarranted anger, but it sent me to the raaaails:
“I struggled to find the perfect gift for him because what does one get for the man who truly has no needs and doesn't ever express his wants beyond wanting me to be happy?”
Oh my sweet Jesus. Like. Shut up. Shut the hell up. What the F kind of fictional crap is this? Ben doesn’t have ANY NEEDS or WANTS outside of whatever life crisis Cam has? Omg. Kill me. Just kill me. This is so utterly ridiculous. I can’t with this people. I just can’t. I can’t have these paper cut out heroes like this. Men have needs. They have wants outside their relationships and guys, that’s wonderful. It should be celebrated. This? This right here?! This is a red flag and it’s so freaking cringe I can’t take it. Ben!! Have dreams dude!! Have wants and needs and desires because YOU’RE A PERSON TOO not just some emotional subservient pillow for our heroine!! Gah!!!!! Is this the standard of romance now? Men, just bow down and support women and keep your mouth shut on whatever you have going on? No. No. No. Noooooooooo.
And also there’s a comment made at the epilogue how all straight white men are terrible, but obviously this doesn’t include our no needs or wants or personality straight white hero, amiright? Cause as long as he’s a freaking doormat to women he’s great, right?
I’M LOSING IT. I. AM. LOSING. IT.
And then when our heroine completes her tasks I’m so furious by the way it came about that there’s no celebrating to be had. There’s no warm fuzzies. There’s only me glaring at my Kindle like…!!!! What the hell is this dumb crap. UGHHHHHHHHH. NOOOOOOOOO.
GAAAAAHHHH!!
Ahem.
This is an ARC I received, I hope from this scathing review you’ll believe me when I say that this is my review and I’m not in anyway influenced by the publishers ✌🏻
February 13, 2025
4.5 Bright and Bubbly ✨'s
Workaholic and high-powered attorney Campbell is content to spend her days putting time into her family's business and begrudgingly going on blind dates to appease her grandmother. However, after her recent date with the charming doctor, Ben, Campbell wakes up the next day to find herself transported into a picturesque small town. To return to the real world, she must find happiness with a new career, help the community, and experience true love all with the help of Ben and the well-meaning townspeople.
This was the sweetest magical realism romance! The hallmark town and plot were very entertaining and bright, getting to explore the quaint and quirky little town was just so fun. The slow burn romance was the perfect balance to the crazy and fast paced plot. Ben and Campbell were so sweet for each other, I loved that Ben was willing to do anything to make Cam happy and fulfilled. The cozy vibes tied this romance together perfectly. If you are a fan of sweet and simple romances with hints of humor, magic, steam, and yearning, I absolutely think you would love this!
~Many thanks to Putnam for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Workaholic and high-powered attorney Campbell is content to spend her days putting time into her family's business and begrudgingly going on blind dates to appease her grandmother. However, after her recent date with the charming doctor, Ben, Campbell wakes up the next day to find herself transported into a picturesque small town. To return to the real world, she must find happiness with a new career, help the community, and experience true love all with the help of Ben and the well-meaning townspeople.
This was the sweetest magical realism romance! The hallmark town and plot were very entertaining and bright, getting to explore the quaint and quirky little town was just so fun. The slow burn romance was the perfect balance to the crazy and fast paced plot. Ben and Campbell were so sweet for each other, I loved that Ben was willing to do anything to make Cam happy and fulfilled. The cozy vibes tied this romance together perfectly. If you are a fan of sweet and simple romances with hints of humor, magic, steam, and yearning, I absolutely think you would love this!
~Many thanks to Putnam for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
March 31, 2025
3.5/5
- Went into this story expecting a cutesy story full of fluff and that’s exactly what I got!! This one was so fun! I’ve never read a book that felt more like a hallmark movie than this one.
- Can’t believe I’ve never read anything by this author! This one was so good! I do wish that there were a bit less spice. Mostly because fluffy reads that give hallmark vibes always seem like they shouldn’t be quite as heavy on the spice, but that’s a person preference!
- If you want a sickeningly sweet romance, this is the one for you!
- Went into this story expecting a cutesy story full of fluff and that’s exactly what I got!! This one was so fun! I’ve never read a book that felt more like a hallmark movie than this one.
- Can’t believe I’ve never read anything by this author! This one was so good! I do wish that there were a bit less spice. Mostly because fluffy reads that give hallmark vibes always seem like they shouldn’t be quite as heavy on the spice, but that’s a person preference!
- If you want a sickeningly sweet romance, this is the one for you!
August 18, 2024
Falon Ballard did it again! This book is a delightful journey that blends romance with a touch of magical realism, bringing the enchanting charm of a small town straight out of a Hallmark movie to life.
Campbell Andrews, a workaholic lawyer who has always prioritized her career over love, finds herself transported to the idyllic town of Heart Springs, where her tightly controlled world is upended by a series of unexpected challenges. Tasked with finding true love, community, and passion beyond her demanding job, Cam’s journey is both heartwarming and humorous. The book is filled with witty banter, charming side characters, and a vivid small-town atmosphere that’s hard not to fall for. Cam’s evolution from a fierce, career-driven woman to someone who discovers the deeper meaning of love and connection is engaging.
However, while Cam’s development is richly portrayed, the chemistry with Ben, her romantic counterpart, could have been explored more deeply. Despite this, Change of Heart is a breezy and enjoyable read that will leave you smiling and hoping for your own magical escape to a town like Heart Springs."
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing me this lovely romcom’s digital reviewer copy in exchange of my honest thoughts.
Campbell Andrews, a workaholic lawyer who has always prioritized her career over love, finds herself transported to the idyllic town of Heart Springs, where her tightly controlled world is upended by a series of unexpected challenges. Tasked with finding true love, community, and passion beyond her demanding job, Cam’s journey is both heartwarming and humorous. The book is filled with witty banter, charming side characters, and a vivid small-town atmosphere that’s hard not to fall for. Cam’s evolution from a fierce, career-driven woman to someone who discovers the deeper meaning of love and connection is engaging.
However, while Cam’s development is richly portrayed, the chemistry with Ben, her romantic counterpart, could have been explored more deeply. Despite this, Change of Heart is a breezy and enjoyable read that will leave you smiling and hoping for your own magical escape to a town like Heart Springs."
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing me this lovely romcom’s digital reviewer copy in exchange of my honest thoughts.
February 7, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for my early copy of this title!
It is going to physically pain me to write this review, but reviews are meant to be honest, right? *sigh*
For starters, I've liked or loved the other four books I've read by Falon Ballard. They were fun, fast paced, had likable main characters (both male and female), and great banter. Great romcom's, and she's been an auto read author for me since I read her first book, Lease on Love.
Unfortunately, CHANGE OF HEART had none of those characteristics. And I am so, so sad about it.
The plot read like a horrible Hallmark Christmas movie with 50 plot holes. The FMC was intolerable throughout most of the story, and she was the narrator - so if you don't like her, you're stuck with her! The MMC seemed decent and charming...from what we saw of him, but he was hardly present for the first 50% of the story. So the banter and chemistry we're used to getting in her books? Basically non existent. And for whatever reason, the pacing felt sooooo sloooooow - probably because the book was almost a Groundhog Day sort of trope, but not really?
And don't ask me how many times the MMC said the word "sweetheart". My soul (and will to continue reading) crumpled a little more each time he said it, and it was easily over 200 times throughout the story. It started out as a sarcastic pet name and turned into an actual nickname that he used for her after they fell for one another - I was not at all amused.
Once I got to the 70% mark or so, I was so bored that I found myself essentially only skimming and reading dialogue. That's when you know it's bad.
As much as I love Falon Ballard and will read another book of hers in the future, this one was a no from me.
It is going to physically pain me to write this review, but reviews are meant to be honest, right? *sigh*
For starters, I've liked or loved the other four books I've read by Falon Ballard. They were fun, fast paced, had likable main characters (both male and female), and great banter. Great romcom's, and she's been an auto read author for me since I read her first book, Lease on Love.
Unfortunately, CHANGE OF HEART had none of those characteristics. And I am so, so sad about it.
The plot read like a horrible Hallmark Christmas movie with 50 plot holes. The FMC was intolerable throughout most of the story, and she was the narrator - so if you don't like her, you're stuck with her! The MMC seemed decent and charming...from what we saw of him, but he was hardly present for the first 50% of the story. So the banter and chemistry we're used to getting in her books? Basically non existent. And for whatever reason, the pacing felt sooooo sloooooow - probably because the book was almost a Groundhog Day sort of trope, but not really?
And don't ask me how many times the MMC said the word "sweetheart". My soul (and will to continue reading) crumpled a little more each time he said it, and it was easily over 200 times throughout the story. It started out as a sarcastic pet name and turned into an actual nickname that he used for her after they fell for one another - I was not at all amused.
Once I got to the 70% mark or so, I was so bored that I found myself essentially only skimming and reading dialogue. That's when you know it's bad.
As much as I love Falon Ballard and will read another book of hers in the future, this one was a no from me.
June 30, 2025
3.5 stars i had fun! like this was a great quick listen!
Want to read
July 27, 2024I have become such a Falon Ballard fan. I cannot wait to read this one (hopefully soon).
January 18, 2025
3.25 Stars
Ok so is this totally cheesy and predictable? Yes. But did I love it anyway? Also, yes. Sometimes you just need that book to escape into and this was that for me.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Ok so is this totally cheesy and predictable? Yes. But did I love it anyway? Also, yes. Sometimes you just need that book to escape into and this was that for me.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
February 11, 2025
Thank you to Putnam and PRH Audio for the gifted copies. As I think will be abundantly clear, these views are my own.
If I never hear the word “Sweetheart” again, it will be too soon.
I’m not going to sugarcoat this, Change of Heart is one of the worst trad published books from an established author that I’ve ever read, at least from a character development and plotting perspective. The MMC is one of the flattest characters I’ve ever encountered. I don’t know if I’d honestly even call him a main character — he feels more like a side character, which is a massive issue in a romance novel that should, by definition, have at least two leads. I think everything I didn’t like about this book really comes back to this. The plot doesn’t make much sense, but I think that’s a symptom of the lack of character development of anyone other than the FMC.
That said, I truly believe there’s a book for every reader and a reader for every book. In that spirit, Change of Heart might work for readers who enjoy a workaholic FMC on a journey to rediscover herself. That aspect is hands down the best part of this book, so if a reader is eager for that journey, I could see this being a hit!
Overall, I don’t recommend this book. If you’re looking for something in this vein, there are much more compelling options: A Novel Love Story by Ashely Poston, The Good Part by Sophie Cousens, The Second Chance Year by Melissa Weisner, or Prime Time Romance by Kate Robb immediately come to mind.
If I never hear the word “Sweetheart” again, it will be too soon.
I’m not going to sugarcoat this, Change of Heart is one of the worst trad published books from an established author that I’ve ever read, at least from a character development and plotting perspective. The MMC is one of the flattest characters I’ve ever encountered. I don’t know if I’d honestly even call him a main character — he feels more like a side character, which is a massive issue in a romance novel that should, by definition, have at least two leads. I think everything I didn’t like about this book really comes back to this. The plot doesn’t make much sense, but I think that’s a symptom of the lack of character development of anyone other than the FMC.
That said, I truly believe there’s a book for every reader and a reader for every book. In that spirit, Change of Heart might work for readers who enjoy a workaholic FMC on a journey to rediscover herself. That aspect is hands down the best part of this book, so if a reader is eager for that journey, I could see this being a hit!
Overall, I don’t recommend this book. If you’re looking for something in this vein, there are much more compelling options: A Novel Love Story by Ashely Poston, The Good Part by Sophie Cousens, The Second Chance Year by Melissa Weisner, or Prime Time Romance by Kate Robb immediately come to mind.
January 28, 2025
This was sooo cute, def more on the cheesy thing so fyi if that bugs you but I thought it was really fun. I love the author and always enjoy her books and her writing style and while this wasn’t her best (for me) it was still worthwhile for me. If you like a little magic in your romance you may like this and the narrator is always so enjoyable to listen to.
May 31, 2025
Falon Ballard’s magical realism romance novel “Change of Heart” takes readers on a journey with two people who, after a disastrous first date, find themselves transported to a magical town where they are given a second chance at love.
Thirty-four-year-old Campbell "Cam" Andrews is laser-focused on her career. As a partner at her grandmother's prestigious law firm in New York City, she is preparing to bring in the firm’s most high-profile case to date. However, her controlling grandmother is less concerned with her professional success and more fixated on marrying Cam off to secure an heir who will carry on the family’s legal legacy. As a result, Cam finds herself regularly being set up on blind dates, one of which leads her to Dr. Ben Loving, a pediatric surgeon. Late to the date, Cam struggles to engage in conversation, instead boasting about the number of emails she answers. The evening ends poorly, but as they part ways, the two are left with a cryptic message from their server. The following morning, they wake up in the quaint, Hallmark-like town of Heart Springs, a place devoid of phones and automobiles.
Cam is initially struck by how flawless her appearance seems in this new world, her makeup is perfect, her skin is glowing, and her hair is untouched. Her closet is now filled with pastel-colored dresses, a stark contrast to her usual professional attire. She encounters Mimi "Meem," the town’s mayor, coffee shop owner, and the waitress from the previous night, who tells Cam that she must complete three tasks to return to her life in New York.
1. You must find a career you are passionate about
2. You must become a valued member of the community
3. You need to experience true love
Not accustomed to failure, Cam attempts to meet these challenges head-on. She takes on jobs as a bookstore owner and a wedding planner, but it is only after finding work and friendship with Emma at the local bakery that she begins to feel more at home. Meanwhile, Mimi sets up Cam with three potential suitors to help her find love. Despite her skepticism about love, stemming from her traumatic past, including her parents’ abandonment and her grandmother’s harsh control, Cam’s attitude begins to change. Each job she takes and each date she embarks on fails miserably, forcing her to rely on her neighbor, Ben, the man she so easily dismissed on their first date. Ben, too, is trapped in this magical world and cannot return home until Cam completes her three tasks.
Ballard’s novel bears some resemblance to Kate Robb’s Prime Time Romance but while Robb’s novel alternates between characters’ perspectives, “Change of Heart” focuses solely on Cam’s point of view. This means readers learn little about Dr. Ben Loving beyond Cam’s observations. Though Ben claims to have been smitten with Cam from the beginning, this seems implausible given the way Cam treated him. In the novel, Ben comes across as a passive character with little motivation, and though he becomes Cam's main support system, he never challenges her or voices his frustration about being stuck in Heart Springs for an entire season. His willingness to stay, even as he misses his family, leaves his character underdeveloped.
Ballard also portrays Cam as a villain in the beginning, presenting her work in corporate law, specifically in acquisitions and mergers, as something that makes her cold and unlikable. Cam’s preference for espresso and salads is a symbol of her disciplined, work-focused lifestyle. However, as she spends more time in Heart Springs, she begins to embrace sugary coffee drinks and comfort foods, and her views on her career begin to shift. She starts to see herself as a "bad person" for prioritizing work over personal connections, and this internal transformation leads her to reconsider her professional path.
This narrative takes an anti-feminist turn, suggesting that the only way Cam can be lovable and deserving of love is by changing her career. The novel implies that women can only be "good" if they embrace traditional femininity, enjoy sweets, and make personal sacrifices for love. This view is damaging, as it implies that women who work demanding jobs, such as in corporate law, are inherently flawed. Women can be both career-driven and kind, powerful and loving. It is harmful to suggest that a woman can only be worthy of love if she alters her career or her personality to fit a more conventional mold.
Thank you NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thirty-four-year-old Campbell "Cam" Andrews is laser-focused on her career. As a partner at her grandmother's prestigious law firm in New York City, she is preparing to bring in the firm’s most high-profile case to date. However, her controlling grandmother is less concerned with her professional success and more fixated on marrying Cam off to secure an heir who will carry on the family’s legal legacy. As a result, Cam finds herself regularly being set up on blind dates, one of which leads her to Dr. Ben Loving, a pediatric surgeon. Late to the date, Cam struggles to engage in conversation, instead boasting about the number of emails she answers. The evening ends poorly, but as they part ways, the two are left with a cryptic message from their server. The following morning, they wake up in the quaint, Hallmark-like town of Heart Springs, a place devoid of phones and automobiles.
Cam is initially struck by how flawless her appearance seems in this new world, her makeup is perfect, her skin is glowing, and her hair is untouched. Her closet is now filled with pastel-colored dresses, a stark contrast to her usual professional attire. She encounters Mimi "Meem," the town’s mayor, coffee shop owner, and the waitress from the previous night, who tells Cam that she must complete three tasks to return to her life in New York.
1. You must find a career you are passionate about
2. You must become a valued member of the community
3. You need to experience true love
Not accustomed to failure, Cam attempts to meet these challenges head-on. She takes on jobs as a bookstore owner and a wedding planner, but it is only after finding work and friendship with Emma at the local bakery that she begins to feel more at home. Meanwhile, Mimi sets up Cam with three potential suitors to help her find love. Despite her skepticism about love, stemming from her traumatic past, including her parents’ abandonment and her grandmother’s harsh control, Cam’s attitude begins to change. Each job she takes and each date she embarks on fails miserably, forcing her to rely on her neighbor, Ben, the man she so easily dismissed on their first date. Ben, too, is trapped in this magical world and cannot return home until Cam completes her three tasks.
Ballard’s novel bears some resemblance to Kate Robb’s Prime Time Romance but while Robb’s novel alternates between characters’ perspectives, “Change of Heart” focuses solely on Cam’s point of view. This means readers learn little about Dr. Ben Loving beyond Cam’s observations. Though Ben claims to have been smitten with Cam from the beginning, this seems implausible given the way Cam treated him. In the novel, Ben comes across as a passive character with little motivation, and though he becomes Cam's main support system, he never challenges her or voices his frustration about being stuck in Heart Springs for an entire season. His willingness to stay, even as he misses his family, leaves his character underdeveloped.
Ballard also portrays Cam as a villain in the beginning, presenting her work in corporate law, specifically in acquisitions and mergers, as something that makes her cold and unlikable. Cam’s preference for espresso and salads is a symbol of her disciplined, work-focused lifestyle. However, as she spends more time in Heart Springs, she begins to embrace sugary coffee drinks and comfort foods, and her views on her career begin to shift. She starts to see herself as a "bad person" for prioritizing work over personal connections, and this internal transformation leads her to reconsider her professional path.
This narrative takes an anti-feminist turn, suggesting that the only way Cam can be lovable and deserving of love is by changing her career. The novel implies that women can only be "good" if they embrace traditional femininity, enjoy sweets, and make personal sacrifices for love. This view is damaging, as it implies that women who work demanding jobs, such as in corporate law, are inherently flawed. Women can be both career-driven and kind, powerful and loving. It is harmful to suggest that a woman can only be worthy of love if she alters her career or her personality to fit a more conventional mold.
Thank you NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up.
As a devoted reader of Ballard’s books, I had high hopes for this one, but it didn't quite deliver. The story dragged to where I felt bored, and the characters lacked depth, making it difficult to become invested. The supposed romance felt forced (and sometimes nonexistent), especially Ben’s overuse of "sweetheart," which came across as insincere and annoying.
While I'll remain a fan, this book was a bit of a letdown. If you’re going to give this author try, I suggest Lease on Love or Just My Type!
As a devoted reader of Ballard’s books, I had high hopes for this one, but it didn't quite deliver. The story dragged to where I felt bored, and the characters lacked depth, making it difficult to become invested. The supposed romance felt forced (and sometimes nonexistent), especially Ben’s overuse of "sweetheart," which came across as insincere and annoying.
While I'll remain a fan, this book was a bit of a letdown. If you’re going to give this author try, I suggest Lease on Love or Just My Type!
June 9, 2025
Fricken cute dude.
May 4, 2025
I absolutely love magical realism romance! Seriously the world they ended up in is truly a magical down home charm place. There is a ton of character growth with those adorable magical touches. Think The Good Witch meets any fairytale with the rules of three.
# Change of Heart
# 4/5/2025 ~ 4/7/2025
# 5.0 / 5.0
# Change of Heart
# 4/5/2025 ~ 4/7/2025
# 5.0 / 5.0
June 24, 2025
this was so interesting idk how to feel about it
Read
July 6, 2025dnf because I can't. this woman was insufferable even after just a few chapters. these kinds of alt reality stories are generally tough for me, and this immediately gave me the ick. aside from Just My Type (which I loved), I am accepting that fb's books are not for me.
June 2, 2025
this one was definitely different. don’t get me wrong, i love magical realism!! especially in romance!! but this just didn’t quite work for me.
the story follows campbell andrews, a dedicated workaholic with zero interest in love, dating, or anything that might slow her down on her climb to the top. after a disastrous blind date, she wakes up in heart springs, a pastel-hued, picture-perfect small town straight out of a hallmark movie.
the catch? she has no idea how she got there, and she definitely doesn’t belong. everything from her wardrobe to her coffee order has changed. the only way back to her real life in new york is to complete a set of mysterious tasks. her reluctant partner? ben loving, the pediatric surgeon she barely tolerated during her blind date the night before.
i started this book last year and it took me forever to finish because cam was insufferable and ben felt flat. their romance had a few sweet moments but overall felt one-dimensional, and i mostly kept reading just to see how it would end. the ending was satisfying, but the characters stayed disconnected. also, the oddly eerie beginning and ben’s constant use of “sweetheart” really threw me off.
this one comes out in a few days, and honestly, if you don’t mind some cheesiness, it’s worth a shot. a special thank you to netgalley and putnam books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
the story follows campbell andrews, a dedicated workaholic with zero interest in love, dating, or anything that might slow her down on her climb to the top. after a disastrous blind date, she wakes up in heart springs, a pastel-hued, picture-perfect small town straight out of a hallmark movie.
the catch? she has no idea how she got there, and she definitely doesn’t belong. everything from her wardrobe to her coffee order has changed. the only way back to her real life in new york is to complete a set of mysterious tasks. her reluctant partner? ben loving, the pediatric surgeon she barely tolerated during her blind date the night before.
i started this book last year and it took me forever to finish because cam was insufferable and ben felt flat. their romance had a few sweet moments but overall felt one-dimensional, and i mostly kept reading just to see how it would end. the ending was satisfying, but the characters stayed disconnected. also, the oddly eerie beginning and ben’s constant use of “sweetheart” really threw me off.
this one comes out in a few days, and honestly, if you don’t mind some cheesiness, it’s worth a shot. a special thank you to netgalley and putnam books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2025
A workaholic city lawyer with no interest in love gets magically transported to a cute small town where she has to learn how to love in order to get back home.
This magical realism romcom was super fun, I loved the jaded FMC, Cam and the forced proximity to her date Ben, the man she was with just before she was transported and who also finds himself stuck in the town tasked with helping Cam.
Charming with delicious slow burn spice, this also takes place over the holidays towards the end and had great anti-Hallmark holiday movie vibes. Good on audio narrated by Carly Robbins and perfect for fans of books like Ashley Poston’s A novel love story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.
This magical realism romcom was super fun, I loved the jaded FMC, Cam and the forced proximity to her date Ben, the man she was with just before she was transported and who also finds himself stuck in the town tasked with helping Cam.
Charming with delicious slow burn spice, this also takes place over the holidays towards the end and had great anti-Hallmark holiday movie vibes. Good on audio narrated by Carly Robbins and perfect for fans of books like Ashley Poston’s A novel love story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.
March 3, 2025
Cam was horrible, from the first page. The Town felt too.. sweet and sticky-adorable like. I could not get into it.
February 12, 2025
What would it look like if Pleasantville had a baby with a Hallmark movie plus a little steam? It would be this book!
Campbell (Cam) is a workaholic. She lives to work. And she's good at it. Her dream is to take over her grandmother's firm, not to find love. So when her grandmother puts her up for a blind date, she's not interested in a love connection, just work.
When she wakes up the next morning, though, it's not... home. It's a sweet little town called Heart Springs. Where everything is sweet. As in, everybody knows your name, and everyone is as kind as can be.
One person who looks familiar is Cams waitress from the night before. The other is her blind date.
What comes next is a challenge. One that Cam doesn't think she has in her. She's destined to take over her grandmother's law firm, not find true love. And what's Dr Ben Lovings' challenge? Why is he stuck here, too?
The book is so fun. Cam is truly a fish out of water who thinks she knows what she wants and doesn't want to compromise. Heart Springs is a super sweet town. This was a fun book. Cam really had to find her way.
Campbell (Cam) is a workaholic. She lives to work. And she's good at it. Her dream is to take over her grandmother's firm, not to find love. So when her grandmother puts her up for a blind date, she's not interested in a love connection, just work.
When she wakes up the next morning, though, it's not... home. It's a sweet little town called Heart Springs. Where everything is sweet. As in, everybody knows your name, and everyone is as kind as can be.
One person who looks familiar is Cams waitress from the night before. The other is her blind date.
What comes next is a challenge. One that Cam doesn't think she has in her. She's destined to take over her grandmother's law firm, not find true love. And what's Dr Ben Lovings' challenge? Why is he stuck here, too?
The book is so fun. Cam is truly a fish out of water who thinks she knows what she wants and doesn't want to compromise. Heart Springs is a super sweet town. This was a fun book. Cam really had to find her way.
August 13, 2025
This was an adorable little romcom about not only learning to help and love others, but ultimately to love yourself.
Cam is a high powered attorney in NYC, who works pretty much under her Grandmother’s thumb. She doesn’t have time to date, let alone be in a relationship. So when she meets Ben on a blind date, she’s quick to brush him off. When they both (separately) wake up the next morning, they’re no longer in NYC, but in Heart Springs, a small, idyllic town where they will have to complete some difficult tasks in order to return back home.
I enjoyed reading this. It was well paced, and I was invested enough in the characters to really want to see Cam succeed. The very end of the epilogue was a bit sad, but you can see there’s hope there.
4🌟
1.5🌶️
Cam is a high powered attorney in NYC, who works pretty much under her Grandmother’s thumb. She doesn’t have time to date, let alone be in a relationship. So when she meets Ben on a blind date, she’s quick to brush him off. When they both (separately) wake up the next morning, they’re no longer in NYC, but in Heart Springs, a small, idyllic town where they will have to complete some difficult tasks in order to return back home.
I enjoyed reading this. It was well paced, and I was invested enough in the characters to really want to see Cam succeed. The very end of the epilogue was a bit sad, but you can see there’s hope there.
4🌟
1.5🌶️
February 9, 2025
Thank you Putnam Books for my copy! All thoughts are my own!
Lease on Love by Fallon Ballard remains one of my all time favorite books and made her an auto-buy author for me. So, I was very excited to read her latest! Sadly, it felt a little disjointed and I didn’t connect to the romance or characters’ chemistry at all. It’s a fun, quick read, but not one I’ll return to.
Synopsis:
“Campbell Andrews despises exactly three things in life: incompetence, tardiness, and love stories. Making partner at her law firm at thirty-four, she has no time for anything or anyone else. And certainly no respect for those who choose love over work. That is, until she wakes up in Heart Springs—her own personal hell.The good news? She’s not dead. She’s been magically transported to a small town straight out of the Hallmark channel, complete with a meddling mayor, seasonal festivals, and friendly townsfolk. Cam can’t stand it, but in order to make it back to her real life, she has to fulfill three tasks . . . foremost among them, experience true love. It seems impossible. But anything’s possible with a change of heart.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Premise—I loved Book Lovers by Emily Henry, which she said was inspired by what happens to the “icy, corporate girlfriends” male characters in Hallmark movies leave behind. I thought the premise of this one kind of captured that feeling as well!
The Self Awareness—It was funny and cute toin this fictional Hallmark-esque town.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
The Pacing—Everything happened very fast and very slow.
The Characters’ Chemistry—I did not vibe with this Romance. It felt so forced and not natural at all.
General Disconnect—Overall, this book just wasn’t for me. I was sad, cause Fallon’s books are usually some of my favorites, but this one felt disjointed and forced in so many ways.
Character Authenticity: 3/5 Spice Rating:1/5 Overall Rating: 2.75/5
Content Warnings:
sexism, abandonment, toxic relationship
Lease on Love by Fallon Ballard remains one of my all time favorite books and made her an auto-buy author for me. So, I was very excited to read her latest! Sadly, it felt a little disjointed and I didn’t connect to the romance or characters’ chemistry at all. It’s a fun, quick read, but not one I’ll return to.
Synopsis:
“Campbell Andrews despises exactly three things in life: incompetence, tardiness, and love stories. Making partner at her law firm at thirty-four, she has no time for anything or anyone else. And certainly no respect for those who choose love over work. That is, until she wakes up in Heart Springs—her own personal hell.The good news? She’s not dead. She’s been magically transported to a small town straight out of the Hallmark channel, complete with a meddling mayor, seasonal festivals, and friendly townsfolk. Cam can’t stand it, but in order to make it back to her real life, she has to fulfill three tasks . . . foremost among them, experience true love. It seems impossible. But anything’s possible with a change of heart.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Premise—I loved Book Lovers by Emily Henry, which she said was inspired by what happens to the “icy, corporate girlfriends” male characters in Hallmark movies leave behind. I thought the premise of this one kind of captured that feeling as well!
The Self Awareness—It was funny and cute toin this fictional Hallmark-esque town.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
The Pacing—Everything happened very fast and very slow.
The Characters’ Chemistry—I did not vibe with this Romance. It felt so forced and not natural at all.
General Disconnect—Overall, this book just wasn’t for me. I was sad, cause Fallon’s books are usually some of my favorites, but this one felt disjointed and forced in so many ways.
Character Authenticity: 3/5 Spice Rating:1/5 Overall Rating: 2.75/5
Content Warnings:
sexism, abandonment, toxic relationship
February 8, 2025
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Change of Heart
Author: Fallon Ballard
ARC review! Thank you Netgalley and Putnam books for this copy. I absolutely loved it, as I do with all of Fallons books! Also, I have to add we just got “All I Want Is You” in September and a new book already? 🥹🥹🥹. This was probably my favorite of hers yet! A workaholic, who does not believe in love, is set up on a date. She instantly is like.. nope don’t have time for this, not interested. But when she goes home and goes to sleep, she wakes up in her own personal hell in the form of a cute small town called Heart Springs which pretty much is like a Stars Hollow / small town romance/rom com movie setting. Oh and surprise, the man from her date is also stuck in this weird alternate reality type of state. Apparently the only way she can return home is by finding true love.. 🤩. It was so sweet and cute. I actually really loved Cam as an FMC. I can be a workaholic myself so I can relate to her mindset, and her always needing to be on the go type of mentality. This book really shows you the need to slow down, appreciate the ride of life, connections with other people, and yes.. true love.❤️. Simply perfection from Fallon! This releases 2/11/25!
Change of Heart
Author: Fallon Ballard
ARC review! Thank you Netgalley and Putnam books for this copy. I absolutely loved it, as I do with all of Fallons books! Also, I have to add we just got “All I Want Is You” in September and a new book already? 🥹🥹🥹. This was probably my favorite of hers yet! A workaholic, who does not believe in love, is set up on a date. She instantly is like.. nope don’t have time for this, not interested. But when she goes home and goes to sleep, she wakes up in her own personal hell in the form of a cute small town called Heart Springs which pretty much is like a Stars Hollow / small town romance/rom com movie setting. Oh and surprise, the man from her date is also stuck in this weird alternate reality type of state. Apparently the only way she can return home is by finding true love.. 🤩. It was so sweet and cute. I actually really loved Cam as an FMC. I can be a workaholic myself so I can relate to her mindset, and her always needing to be on the go type of mentality. This book really shows you the need to slow down, appreciate the ride of life, connections with other people, and yes.. true love.❤️. Simply perfection from Fallon! This releases 2/11/25!
February 16, 2025
3 stars.
December 21, 2024
This was a cozy rom-com that had me laughing and kicking my feet and really cemented Falon Ballard as a romance author on my radar.
Cam Andrews is a fierce, staunchly independent and driven attorney who has lived her life in a prescribed manner. She’s not willing to sacrifice anything - including love - for her career. One day, after going on an arranged and ultimately tepid date with Dr. Ben Loving, she wakes up to find herself in an alternate idyllic universe.
So much of the town she becomes a member of reminded me of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. She begins exploring her new surroundings and meeting idiosyncratic characters, including Ben.
This is a story of love in all forms - romantic, platonic and self-love. I loved how there wasn’t a fixation purely on romantic love as being the most valid form, and I appreciated that the lessons Cam learned didn’t feel ham-fisted or forced.
The biggest critique I had was that Ben kept calling Cam “sweetheart”, which gave me the ick every time I read those words. Otherwise, this was a delightful little read, perfect if you’re a fan of Emily Henry!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Cam Andrews is a fierce, staunchly independent and driven attorney who has lived her life in a prescribed manner. She’s not willing to sacrifice anything - including love - for her career. One day, after going on an arranged and ultimately tepid date with Dr. Ben Loving, she wakes up to find herself in an alternate idyllic universe.
So much of the town she becomes a member of reminded me of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. She begins exploring her new surroundings and meeting idiosyncratic characters, including Ben.
This is a story of love in all forms - romantic, platonic and self-love. I loved how there wasn’t a fixation purely on romantic love as being the most valid form, and I appreciated that the lessons Cam learned didn’t feel ham-fisted or forced.
The biggest critique I had was that Ben kept calling Cam “sweetheart”, which gave me the ick every time I read those words. Otherwise, this was a delightful little read, perfect if you’re a fan of Emily Henry!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
February 23, 2025
As a big fan of Lease on Love and Just My Type, I was thrilled to gain access to another new Falon Ballard novel. And with this story releasing around Valentine’s Day, now seemed like the perfect time to finally get around to this eARC. Unfortunately, Ballard’s previous two novels—Right on Cue and All I Want is You—were misses for me, and that streak continued with Change of Heart.
It’s safe to say this novel was missing Ballard’s usual charm and execution. Despite reading an ARC—I recognize that is an earlier, unpolished draft compared to what is printed—the novel did feel like it need another developmental edit. There were numerous points where I found myself wanting differences from what was on page. To start, the plot did not spend enough time establishing the normal for Cam and Ben before they were magically whisked off to Heart Springs. I wish the reader had received the chance to see Cam’s grandmother and see the true pressures of her job and family life prior to requiring the magical realism intervention. While in Heart Springs, I struggled with the story execution. Much of the events and relationship developments—whether romantic or platonic—were written via summary or occurred off page. I didn’t feel like I knew much about the minor characters, which meant I didn’t care much about their relationships with Cam. The entire story felt like the reader was being held at arm’s length from what was happening, instead of digging into what was unfolding on page.
Of course, Cam was another reason why the novel failed for me. It is okay to have a main character that is unlikeable, so long as they received that redemption arc or show growth throughout the story. I never really got the feeling that Cam was changing until the story was well past the 70% mark. What worked against her characterization was the execution of the story. I never truly felt that I had a sense of who Cam was, as a person, outside of her lawyer career, her attempts to outsmart Mimi, and shallow views she had of the world. I wish her characterization felt more grounded so I could, in turn, have felt more grounded in the story.
As for the romance between Cam and Ben—it fell rather flat for me. When reading a romance, I look for the plots and relationships that carry emotions and yearning, which shows the reader development at a character and romance plot level. In Change of Heart, we didn’t get much of that. The story started with Cam icing out Ben; the following 50% of the novel was largely mundane interactions between the two of them; and by the 80% mark, they were saying “I love you.” I felt myself missing the depth from Ballard’s first two novels. I know her writing can draw out the emotions that make a romance novel truly great. Instead, I found myself not caring about either Cam or Ben and wanted to know more about them as people before and throughout their development into a loving relationship.
Overall, this novel was a miss for me. I found myself skimming through it at parts, while wishing the development of plot and characterization was stronger. And with Ballard’s last three novels being misses for me, well, it makes me wonder if it’s worth considering her future work for reading.
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
It’s safe to say this novel was missing Ballard’s usual charm and execution. Despite reading an ARC—I recognize that is an earlier, unpolished draft compared to what is printed—the novel did feel like it need another developmental edit. There were numerous points where I found myself wanting differences from what was on page. To start, the plot did not spend enough time establishing the normal for Cam and Ben before they were magically whisked off to Heart Springs. I wish the reader had received the chance to see Cam’s grandmother and see the true pressures of her job and family life prior to requiring the magical realism intervention. While in Heart Springs, I struggled with the story execution. Much of the events and relationship developments—whether romantic or platonic—were written via summary or occurred off page. I didn’t feel like I knew much about the minor characters, which meant I didn’t care much about their relationships with Cam. The entire story felt like the reader was being held at arm’s length from what was happening, instead of digging into what was unfolding on page.
Of course, Cam was another reason why the novel failed for me. It is okay to have a main character that is unlikeable, so long as they received that redemption arc or show growth throughout the story. I never really got the feeling that Cam was changing until the story was well past the 70% mark. What worked against her characterization was the execution of the story. I never truly felt that I had a sense of who Cam was, as a person, outside of her lawyer career, her attempts to outsmart Mimi, and shallow views she had of the world. I wish her characterization felt more grounded so I could, in turn, have felt more grounded in the story.
As for the romance between Cam and Ben—it fell rather flat for me. When reading a romance, I look for the plots and relationships that carry emotions and yearning, which shows the reader development at a character and romance plot level. In Change of Heart, we didn’t get much of that. The story started with Cam icing out Ben; the following 50% of the novel was largely mundane interactions between the two of them; and by the 80% mark, they were saying “I love you.” I felt myself missing the depth from Ballard’s first two novels. I know her writing can draw out the emotions that make a romance novel truly great. Instead, I found myself not caring about either Cam or Ben and wanted to know more about them as people before and throughout their development into a loving relationship.
Overall, this novel was a miss for me. I found myself skimming through it at parts, while wishing the development of plot and characterization was stronger. And with Ballard’s last three novels being misses for me, well, it makes me wonder if it’s worth considering her future work for reading.
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
November 9, 2024
Change of Heart by Falon Ballard is a rom-com featuring magical realism, in which a workaholic, Campbell, and her love interest, Ben, get stuck in a Hallmark movie style town after a disastrous first date. Campbell has to complete 3 seemingly impossible tasks in order to return home.
I am a big fan of this author and was thrilled to be given an e-ARC for her latest novel (coming in February 2025). Ms Ballard has always delivered on sweet rom-coms with great banter and chemistry. Unfortunately this novel was a bit of a miss for me. I never felt fully connected with Campbell, who was initially meant to be a Grinch-like character, however her character growth didn’t feel sincere. And I didn’t feel that I was given enough description or overall development for Ben. He almost immediately started calling her “sweetheart” and the overuse of the nickname felt off to me.
Overall, I feel somewhat disappointed by this novel. I had such high hopes, and it IS entertaining and funny at times. I think many will enjoy it, but I don’t feel it is her best work. 3/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and GP Putnam’s Sons for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I am a big fan of this author and was thrilled to be given an e-ARC for her latest novel (coming in February 2025). Ms Ballard has always delivered on sweet rom-coms with great banter and chemistry. Unfortunately this novel was a bit of a miss for me. I never felt fully connected with Campbell, who was initially meant to be a Grinch-like character, however her character growth didn’t feel sincere. And I didn’t feel that I was given enough description or overall development for Ben. He almost immediately started calling her “sweetheart” and the overuse of the nickname felt off to me.
Overall, I feel somewhat disappointed by this novel. I had such high hopes, and it IS entertaining and funny at times. I think many will enjoy it, but I don’t feel it is her best work. 3/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and GP Putnam’s Sons for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
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