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Connor Family #2
Where the Heart Leads
A childhood bond. An all encompassing love. An immovable man.
Joy
When Joy was twelve, she knew she loved Finn. He’s perfect. He’s her best friend. There’s no one else she could ever imagine building her life with— a life full of love and beautiful things. Including children.
But Joy’s world is soon shattered when Finn tells her he doesn’t want the same thing…he doesn’t want a family. After all these years, is this what will finally divide them? Or will fate find a way for Joy and Finn to prevail once more?
Finn
Loving Joy has never been a question for Finn. The hurdles and obstacles to happily ever after with Joy, however…that’s a different story. Finn has always wanted to give Joy everything she wants and deserves, since he was twelve years old. Until she asks for the one thing he can’t give her…children.
Finn knows his feelings for Joy won’t change, and neither will his feelings about having kids. Will Joy and Finn move past this hurdle? Or will Finn lose more than just his heart?
Tropes & other Contemporary romanceThird-person dual POVSmall townFriends-to-loversForced proximityHe falls firstEveryone can see itIt was always youVirgin FMC & MMCMental health repOpen door scenes
Joy
When Joy was twelve, she knew she loved Finn. He’s perfect. He’s her best friend. There’s no one else she could ever imagine building her life with— a life full of love and beautiful things. Including children.
But Joy’s world is soon shattered when Finn tells her he doesn’t want the same thing…he doesn’t want a family. After all these years, is this what will finally divide them? Or will fate find a way for Joy and Finn to prevail once more?
Finn
Loving Joy has never been a question for Finn. The hurdles and obstacles to happily ever after with Joy, however…that’s a different story. Finn has always wanted to give Joy everything she wants and deserves, since he was twelve years old. Until she asks for the one thing he can’t give her…children.
Finn knows his feelings for Joy won’t change, and neither will his feelings about having kids. Will Joy and Finn move past this hurdle? Or will Finn lose more than just his heart?
Tropes & other Contemporary romanceThird-person dual POVSmall townFriends-to-loversForced proximityHe falls firstEveryone can see itIt was always youVirgin FMC & MMCMental health repOpen door scenes
- GenresRomance
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2025
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Jenni Simonis
9 books35 followersJenni Simonis, an award winning writer, has been crafting stories since she was a young girl. Whenever school supplies were bought for the year, she always snuck in a few extra thick spiral notebooks for to fill with her tales. The pile grew over the years. eventually turning into digital notebooks and then a tablet.
Before finally succumbing to her passion of writing romance novels, she spent years working in the newspaper industry in Texas. There, she won multiple awards, both individually and as part of larger team projects.
Jenni lives in the Pacific Northwest of the United States with her husband, son, sister, and several pets.
Before finally succumbing to her passion of writing romance novels, she spent years working in the newspaper industry in Texas. There, she won multiple awards, both individually and as part of larger team projects.
Jenni lives in the Pacific Northwest of the United States with her husband, son, sister, and several pets.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 31, 2025
I was lucky enough to be given the ARC of Where The Heart Leads by Jennis Simonis,so let's discuss it!💚
Where The Heart Leads is the second book from the Connor Family series,and we follow the story of Joy and Finn🫶🏻
Our characters were just lovely,even if you watch them seperately even as a couple,I loved their strong personalities, their chemistry and the way the always find their peace being around each other.
Also,we have much much character development,mainly because we follow them from their pre-teens to their adult years,yet she did an excellent job showing the way of growing up and the physical,mental and emotional growth that comes with that.
Simonis's writing was lovely,she didn't rush things between the two characters and she let every relationship and character in this book to shine!More,I liked the way she described literally anything. Let her tell about a tree and she will do it in a way that you will want to reread it!
Plus,our romance 🎀 was the definition of lovey-dovey.Except from that,I loved that through a main incident,that left me speecless,their relationship and feelings got tested in such a hard way,as through that the reader understood how deeply their love was is and will be.
So,if you ask me I do recommend!
4⭐
Where The Heart Leads is the second book from the Connor Family series,and we follow the story of Joy and Finn🫶🏻
Our characters were just lovely,even if you watch them seperately even as a couple,I loved their strong personalities, their chemistry and the way the always find their peace being around each other.
Also,we have much much character development,mainly because we follow them from their pre-teens to their adult years,yet she did an excellent job showing the way of growing up and the physical,mental and emotional growth that comes with that.
Simonis's writing was lovely,she didn't rush things between the two characters and she let every relationship and character in this book to shine!More,I liked the way she described literally anything. Let her tell about a tree and she will do it in a way that you will want to reread it!
Plus,our romance 🎀 was the definition of lovey-dovey.Except from that,I loved that through a main incident,that left me speecless,their relationship and feelings got tested in such a hard way,as through that the reader understood how deeply their love was is and will be.
So,if you ask me I do recommend!
4⭐
February 7, 2025
3 ⭐
Love was something that built over time until one day it was so obvious you couldn’t ignore it.
Before I begin I want to thank the author, Jenni Simonis, for giving me this ARC.
I enjoyed the first 40%. I really did. But you need to know when to stop. This was so dragged out and I'm kind of disappointed because I really liked it in the beginning and the concept was right up my alley. But it felt repetitive and they felt so out of touch.
I know this sounds really harsh, but I don't want to lie just because I got an ARC for this. There were good things about this book.
I liked the dynamic between Joy and her parents. I appreciated how evolved they were in the story. In most books, the parents are often treated as props, which are nine out of ten times forgotten, or they take on the villain role. I'm happy to see that this is not the case here.
Overall, this book had its ups and downs, but I would recommend it to you if you like childhood friends to lovers, it was always you, and mental health rep.
Love was something that built over time until one day it was so obvious you couldn’t ignore it.
Before I begin I want to thank the author, Jenni Simonis, for giving me this ARC.
I enjoyed the first 40%. I really did. But you need to know when to stop. This was so dragged out and I'm kind of disappointed because I really liked it in the beginning and the concept was right up my alley. But it felt repetitive and they felt so out of touch.
I know this sounds really harsh, but I don't want to lie just because I got an ARC for this. There were good things about this book.
I liked the dynamic between Joy and her parents. I appreciated how evolved they were in the story. In most books, the parents are often treated as props, which are nine out of ten times forgotten, or they take on the villain role. I'm happy to see that this is not the case here.
Overall, this book had its ups and downs, but I would recommend it to you if you like childhood friends to lovers, it was always you, and mental health rep.
February 19, 2025
Where The Heart Leads is Joy and Finn's story. It shows their relationship from kids through college. They are best friends and both secret pining for the other. They are both scared and don't want to mess up their relationship. During their junior year of college, Joy finally gets the courage to just kiss Finn and it's fast tracked from there. They both realized how much they loved each other and wanted to take their relationship to the next step. This leads to Joy and Finn getting married the day after they kiss and profess their love for each other. The book then goes through the years of them growing together and making a life. Finn Is unsure if he wants to have kids so they decide to wait several years to have the discussion again. Want a tragic accident happens, Finn and Joy are seriously injured. It turns their world upside down. Can they make it through to have their happily ever after?
February 15, 2025
Rollercoaster emotions with this childhood friend to forever! Falling for the best friend should be easy, but not when they want different things. Joy and Finn story is a must read!
January 19, 2025
Where The Heart Leads by Jenni Simonis (A Connor Family Novel, Book 2)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book Quote; “There’s only one person I want and that’s Joy. I’m not willing to fill my time with poor imitations of her in the meantime.”
~Finn
Isn’t he the cutest? *sigh* young love 😩😍🥹 am I right? Like you know that kind that grows from friends to lovers but the kind that starts off as childhood friends that do everything together to a crush, to love as adults????
Mehn, I love that kind of love. A book like that and I’ll eat it up shamelessly. This is the book! It’s the book I’m gushing about, “WHERE THE HEART LEADS” by Jenni Simonis.
Joy Connor and Finn???? These two are sooooo adorable 🥰. They are so cute it hurts. Joy has a Worry Journal where she journals all her little cute anxious thoughts and secrets including her innocent love for her “best friend” that soon develops into a big ol’ crush then a big love.
I swear to God, I was rooting for the both of them so hard. And as you know, life does throw its curveballs but you gotta fight through for a love like that. Overcoming the anxiety that surrounds the thing that might be so that you can what you have to say in the moment isn’t always easy. We face so much anxiety about the consequences that we forget to live in the moment. We forget that sometimes it can actually work out. Instead of always asking “What if it doesn’t work out?” Try asking, “What if it works out?” You might surprised by the outcomes being better than you’ve ever expected or imagined. Well, that pretty much sums up Joy and Finn’s friendship that morphs into more as they grow and experience life together. I enjoyed it. A bittersweet slow burn… 🔥
It releases February 13, 2025 and I promise you it’s worth every reading minute you’ll give it. I’m so glad I signed up for the ARC and was accepted.
Ps: Anxiety sucks btw. I know people love downplaying it but it’s a serious condition. Such people need love, patience and understanding. They aren’t ‘too sensitive’ or attention-seeking. Their feelings are real and valid.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book Quote; “There’s only one person I want and that’s Joy. I’m not willing to fill my time with poor imitations of her in the meantime.”
~Finn
Isn’t he the cutest? *sigh* young love 😩😍🥹 am I right? Like you know that kind that grows from friends to lovers but the kind that starts off as childhood friends that do everything together to a crush, to love as adults????
Mehn, I love that kind of love. A book like that and I’ll eat it up shamelessly. This is the book! It’s the book I’m gushing about, “WHERE THE HEART LEADS” by Jenni Simonis.
Joy Connor and Finn???? These two are sooooo adorable 🥰. They are so cute it hurts. Joy has a Worry Journal where she journals all her little cute anxious thoughts and secrets including her innocent love for her “best friend” that soon develops into a big ol’ crush then a big love.
I swear to God, I was rooting for the both of them so hard. And as you know, life does throw its curveballs but you gotta fight through for a love like that. Overcoming the anxiety that surrounds the thing that might be so that you can what you have to say in the moment isn’t always easy. We face so much anxiety about the consequences that we forget to live in the moment. We forget that sometimes it can actually work out. Instead of always asking “What if it doesn’t work out?” Try asking, “What if it works out?” You might surprised by the outcomes being better than you’ve ever expected or imagined. Well, that pretty much sums up Joy and Finn’s friendship that morphs into more as they grow and experience life together. I enjoyed it. A bittersweet slow burn… 🔥
It releases February 13, 2025 and I promise you it’s worth every reading minute you’ll give it. I’m so glad I signed up for the ARC and was accepted.
Ps: Anxiety sucks btw. I know people love downplaying it but it’s a serious condition. Such people need love, patience and understanding. They aren’t ‘too sensitive’ or attention-seeking. Their feelings are real and valid.
February 22, 2025
"A childhood bond. An all encompassing love. An immovable man."
Jenni has only gone and done it again, she's brought out another amazing read, I thought book 1 was absolutely amazing and this was right up there with it. This book shook me to my core. It had me laughing and crying. I'm obsessed with this authors writing. Chefs kiss. It's action packed, cured heartwarming and emotional. And I loved every minute of it. It definitely took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride with twists and turns i didn't see coming. I could not for the life of me put it down once I started. I was hooked! And on the edge of my seat. These two where so adorable, their Chemistry and love they have for each other was amazing. They where written in the stars. Im becoming a huge fan of jenni's. I can't wait to read more from her, highly recommend!!!
“There’s only one person I want and that’s Joy. I’m not willing to fill my time with poor imitations of her in the meantime.”
This is the second book in the Connor family series, telling us the love story of joy and Finn and what a story it was. We get to see stages of there life as best friends when they where younger and in the present when they are older. They have loved each other secretly not wanting to ruin their friendship, but joy takes that leap and the rest is history, they become a couple , get married and think they are on the same page until children topic comes up. Finn doesn't want and she does. But it gets out aside for another time and then something bad happens and both of them are really hurt. Will they grow old together and have a family ? Grab the book and find out , so much happens you need to read it for yourself.
Jenni has only gone and done it again, she's brought out another amazing read, I thought book 1 was absolutely amazing and this was right up there with it. This book shook me to my core. It had me laughing and crying. I'm obsessed with this authors writing. Chefs kiss. It's action packed, cured heartwarming and emotional. And I loved every minute of it. It definitely took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride with twists and turns i didn't see coming. I could not for the life of me put it down once I started. I was hooked! And on the edge of my seat. These two where so adorable, their Chemistry and love they have for each other was amazing. They where written in the stars. Im becoming a huge fan of jenni's. I can't wait to read more from her, highly recommend!!!
“There’s only one person I want and that’s Joy. I’m not willing to fill my time with poor imitations of her in the meantime.”
This is the second book in the Connor family series, telling us the love story of joy and Finn and what a story it was. We get to see stages of there life as best friends when they where younger and in the present when they are older. They have loved each other secretly not wanting to ruin their friendship, but joy takes that leap and the rest is history, they become a couple , get married and think they are on the same page until children topic comes up. Finn doesn't want and she does. But it gets out aside for another time and then something bad happens and both of them are really hurt. Will they grow old together and have a family ? Grab the book and find out , so much happens you need to read it for yourself.
February 10, 2025
“If only I had the courage to tell her how I really feel. […] I could be the one to brush her hair out of her face when it inevitably slipped out of its ponytail, or even better, kissing her.”
Where the Heart Leads by Jenni Simonis is a contemporary friends-to-lovers romance novel set in a small town of Texas. I received a complimentary ARC from the author, and I swear this is my unbiased review. Hand on heart!
The book follows the story of Joy and Finn, who have been best friends since childhood. They ultimately decide to marry after finding the love for each other. But Finn isn’t too keen about having babies.
It’s like a heartfelt and emotional family drama. Mostly, lovey-dovey and cutesy.
The writing is engaging and evocative, making it easy to become invested in the story. It was my first spicy book in a long-time. And I liked it. Has a low to medium spice.
But the story did drag on a bit after the first half. The mental trauma part especially. It wasn’t unnecessary, but it stretched (and repeated) for far too long.
I loved Joy’s journal prompts (at each chapter’s beginning), by the way. An excerpt from her entry for each prompt gave you a peek into her progress. From being an anxious kid to being a confident adult.
Where the Heart Leads is really a touching, heart-warming read. It dives into the complexities of love and shows the growth of people with time.
Lovers of romance will love the book.
January 31, 2025
📚🩷ARC Thoughts and First Impressions 🩷📚
A heart-melting love story filled with childhood dreams, tough choices, and a bond that just won’t break! ❤️✨
She’s known since they were kids—he’s the one. Her best friend, her future, her everything. A life with him would be full of love, laughter, and… little feet running around. 👶💕 But just when their forever seems set in stone, he drops a heartbreaking truth—kids aren’t in his plan. 💔
He’s always loved her (everyone can see it! 👀), but this is the one thing he can’t give. Now, they’re stuck in a battle between love and longing, dreams and reality. Can they find a way to make it work? Or is this where their fairytale ends? 😢✨
Packed with it was always you moments, forced close quarters 🏡, and ALL the emotional tension, this small-town romance is as sweet as it is steamy! Get ready to swoon, sigh, and maybe shed a tear or two. 💕🔥
A heart-melting love story filled with childhood dreams, tough choices, and a bond that just won’t break! ❤️✨
She’s known since they were kids—he’s the one. Her best friend, her future, her everything. A life with him would be full of love, laughter, and… little feet running around. 👶💕 But just when their forever seems set in stone, he drops a heartbreaking truth—kids aren’t in his plan. 💔
He’s always loved her (everyone can see it! 👀), but this is the one thing he can’t give. Now, they’re stuck in a battle between love and longing, dreams and reality. Can they find a way to make it work? Or is this where their fairytale ends? 😢✨
Packed with it was always you moments, forced close quarters 🏡, and ALL the emotional tension, this small-town romance is as sweet as it is steamy! Get ready to swoon, sigh, and maybe shed a tear or two. 💕🔥
February 15, 2025
This is such a sweet gushy romance. It follows the first book with the story of Joy’s parents and this continues with Joy’s journey with her childhood best friend Finn. I like how the author gave us insight into how Joy and Finn were feeling for each other when they were 12 and the continuation through their teens, college years into adulthood.
The author did a great job in her writing about issues the characters had with anxiety and mental health. I felt this made the characters relatable. Also the addition of Joy’s worry journal writings at the beginning of each chapter is a touching way to connect with the characters and what they are feeling. I felt this story was emotional and tears were impossible to hold back. It definitely tugged at my heart. I enjoyed it immensely and would definitely recommend.
The author did a great job in her writing about issues the characters had with anxiety and mental health. I felt this made the characters relatable. Also the addition of Joy’s worry journal writings at the beginning of each chapter is a touching way to connect with the characters and what they are feeling. I felt this story was emotional and tears were impossible to hold back. It definitely tugged at my heart. I enjoyed it immensely and would definitely recommend.
February 17, 2025
This is the second book in the series which follows Finn and Joy in their friendship/relationship.
Both of them want more from each other but are too scared to make the first move. Joy takes it upon herself after trying all sorts to get Finn to make the first move.
This book shows the ups and downs of a normal relationship. But it's fast forwarded a lot. They get married the very next day.
This book had me in tears for some of it, laughing at others and just annoyed at other parts mainly towards Finn at the start.
The only reason I haven't given this book 5 stars is because how it was written confused me. It took me some time to figure out who was talking as it was from first person to third person but which between Joy and Finn without any sort of incline. Plus there was big jumps between parts. Certain sections were getting good and then the next paragraph would be a completely different day and perspective.
Both of them want more from each other but are too scared to make the first move. Joy takes it upon herself after trying all sorts to get Finn to make the first move.
This book shows the ups and downs of a normal relationship. But it's fast forwarded a lot. They get married the very next day.
This book had me in tears for some of it, laughing at others and just annoyed at other parts mainly towards Finn at the start.
The only reason I haven't given this book 5 stars is because how it was written confused me. It took me some time to figure out who was talking as it was from first person to third person but which between Joy and Finn without any sort of incline. Plus there was big jumps between parts. Certain sections were getting good and then the next paragraph would be a completely different day and perspective.
February 4, 2025
If you haven't read the first book in the Connor Family series, you probably don't have to, but you'll be missing out on seeing just how Joy came to be raised with such amazing coping practices for high anxiety in her life.
The book picks up with glimpses of Joy and Finn growing up as the best of friends (influenced in great part by their parents having been close friends with each other), then learning to navigate their teen and college years as their feelings for each other evolve to something more.
A classic tale of friends terrified to ask for more and risk losing their friendship entirely but executed so well, it'll still feel fresh.
Just be sure to pick up some tissues and emotional bandages on your way out.
The book picks up with glimpses of Joy and Finn growing up as the best of friends (influenced in great part by their parents having been close friends with each other), then learning to navigate their teen and college years as their feelings for each other evolve to something more.
A classic tale of friends terrified to ask for more and risk losing their friendship entirely but executed so well, it'll still feel fresh.
Just be sure to pick up some tissues and emotional bandages on your way out.
February 3, 2025
I loved getting to read this story! So thankful that I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this series!
Getting to see the "little babies" grow up and figure out life was the perfect progression of the series. I loved the ties back to the original story, but still giving these characters the story they deserved. Another cute "Hallmark" read with subtle spice to keep you going (because what story involving college kids/lovers/newlyweds does have a little love in it?!) There is also enough in the book to relate to in regards of teenage feelings, childhood crushes, and just life in general that you can easily get absorbed into the series.
I cannot wait until the next book in the series!
Getting to see the "little babies" grow up and figure out life was the perfect progression of the series. I loved the ties back to the original story, but still giving these characters the story they deserved. Another cute "Hallmark" read with subtle spice to keep you going (because what story involving college kids/lovers/newlyweds does have a little love in it?!) There is also enough in the book to relate to in regards of teenage feelings, childhood crushes, and just life in general that you can easily get absorbed into the series.
I cannot wait until the next book in the series!
February 7, 2025
This book was the perfect continuation of the Connor Family series. The similarities between Devlin/Diane's story and their daughter Joy's story with her childhood best friend Finn was so sweet.
The format of the books have added an extra layer with journal entries from the women to start each chapter. It gives you a deeper glimpse into their thoughts and feelings and really makes you feel like you know them personally.
Joy and Finn go through their own hardships through their journey from childhood into adulthood just like Joy's parents did and it was so great seeing them grow through the years.
If you like super sweet, romantic (and a tad spicy 😏) books then this series may be the right one for you!
The format of the books have added an extra layer with journal entries from the women to start each chapter. It gives you a deeper glimpse into their thoughts and feelings and really makes you feel like you know them personally.
Joy and Finn go through their own hardships through their journey from childhood into adulthood just like Joy's parents did and it was so great seeing them grow through the years.
If you like super sweet, romantic (and a tad spicy 😏) books then this series may be the right one for you!
February 11, 2025
This series so far are feel good, spicy, romantic and very easy to read. I absolutely recommend them both and look forward to the third and final book! ⚠️ Some spoilers ahead! ⚠️
The families story continues in the second book "Where the heart leads" in The Connor Family Novel series. I was very lucky to recieve the ARK for this book and couldn't wait to dive right in!
This story features Joy and Finn who are also best friends from childhood and their riveting journey through finally admitting they loved each other and their whirlwind start to their life together through all the twists and turns. Loved loved the ending it had me in tears!
4🌶️
The families story continues in the second book "Where the heart leads" in The Connor Family Novel series. I was very lucky to recieve the ARK for this book and couldn't wait to dive right in!
This story features Joy and Finn who are also best friends from childhood and their riveting journey through finally admitting they loved each other and their whirlwind start to their life together through all the twists and turns. Loved loved the ending it had me in tears!
4🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2025
We follow the story of Joy and Finn, I loved that we got to watch them grow from pre-teens into lovely adults. Just like the previous book the character descriptions and development are amazing. I fell in love with Jenni's writing by reading Where the heart is... But I think I loved this book even more. Her descriptive way of writing is amazing, the takes the time for every detail and lets every character have their spotlight.
I just could feel the love these characters have for eachother through the pages and that's exactly what I look for in a good romance..
Thanks to Jenni Simonis for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC and giving my honest opinion in return
I just could feel the love these characters have for eachother through the pages and that's exactly what I look for in a good romance..
Thanks to Jenni Simonis for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC and giving my honest opinion in return
November 22, 2025
Broken Book Therapist Reviews
While this is technically book 2, I read it as book 4 and so glad I did. Reading the grandparents novella, then both parents' love stories, made this novel a sweet adventure. As with all things in this series, communication, exploring love, exploring intimacy, and family planning are the main journeys. There is a plot twist that had my heart aching, so be prepared. And because I don't want to spoil things I will say while normally I would really caution to not approach a certain topic the way they did, I'm glad it worked out well for the two of them.
While this is technically book 2, I read it as book 4 and so glad I did. Reading the grandparents novella, then both parents' love stories, made this novel a sweet adventure. As with all things in this series, communication, exploring love, exploring intimacy, and family planning are the main journeys. There is a plot twist that had my heart aching, so be prepared. And because I don't want to spoil things I will say while normally I would really caution to not approach a certain topic the way they did, I'm glad it worked out well for the two of them.
February 2, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Finn and Joy’s story brought many feelings, deep connections, plenty of love and the importance of honesty. You could feel their deep and true love for each other throughout the pages.
You need to get ready to feel a whole range of emotions while reading this book. The plot twist broke my heart but the author managed to heal it piece by piece.
I truly appreciated the way the author approached mental health. It was raw and honest while also being respectful. The dialogue used by her characters was refreshing and relatable.
I really enjoyed this book and would like to thank Jenni Simonis for the opportunity to read and review Where The Heart Leads.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Finn and Joy’s story brought many feelings, deep connections, plenty of love and the importance of honesty. You could feel their deep and true love for each other throughout the pages.
You need to get ready to feel a whole range of emotions while reading this book. The plot twist broke my heart but the author managed to heal it piece by piece.
I truly appreciated the way the author approached mental health. It was raw and honest while also being respectful. The dialogue used by her characters was refreshing and relatable.
I really enjoyed this book and would like to thank Jenni Simonis for the opportunity to read and review Where The Heart Leads.
February 14, 2025
Love love love Jenni’s work! Joy and Finn’s story made for such a great read! I really enjoyed the character development watching both of them grow, yet not “fast forwarding” through it all and really making it a part of the story. I also really loved seeing representation for anxiety as it is something that many including myself struggle with daily!! I love reading Jenni’s books because they are really the sweet love, which makes it such and enjoyable and easy read!
February 15, 2025
If a childhood friends to lovers trope with mental health rep. novel is up your alley then this is definitely for you. There’s yearning, tension, spice. You also have parents who are actively involved/interested in their child’s life and not just cast aside in this read. You follow the characters development from a young age into their adulthood, where their love for each other is revealed and I absolutely gushed for.
February 5, 2025
This was an emotional and well written small town romance. Through this story you see the development of not only Finn and Joy's relationship but their lives. The storytelling of this book was so well written and you really felt you were a part of the characters lives.
I received a free copy from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free copy from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 9, 2025
When I tell you, the tears I cried were so real. I’m talking alligator tears. This is a friends to lovers romance that will have you saying, “awww..” , “what are you doing, Joy/Finn..?” And so much more. There is trauma and undying commitment. Just about anything you would want to see in a feel good romance situation, you get it. Cannot recommend enough!
June 30, 2025
Second book in the Connor family series and I must say I enjoyed this one as much as the first one.
It kind of follows the same story line as Devin and Diane, Joys parents
The one thing I do like about this series so far is the pace of the books. I like how you basically get their whole life story in one book.
It kind of follows the same story line as Devin and Diane, Joys parents
The one thing I do like about this series so far is the pace of the books. I like how you basically get their whole life story in one book.
January 28, 2025
Love Finn and Joy's story so much. It was like I was there sharing their journey and stages that they went through. Looking forward to reading more of this series - fantastic job Jenni, you've got me hooked.
January 27, 2025
Great read, you can feel the love of the characters, and the family bond! Love the twists that come up!
February 15, 2025
This book is so unique. We get the whole picture of the couples lives - from building Legos as kids to falling for each other. This story was so full of heart and love. Absolutely loved it
March 6, 2025
We follow the story of Joy and Finn, I loved that we got to watch them grow from pre-teens into lovely adults. Just like the previous book the character descriptions and development are amazing. I fell in love with Jenni's writing by reading Where the heart is... But I think I loved this book even more. Her descriptive way of writing is amazing, the takes the time for every detail and lets every character have their spotlight.
I just could feel the love these characters have for eachother through the pages and that's exactly what I look for in a good romance..
Thanks to Jenni Simonis for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC and giving my honest opinion in return
I just could feel the love these characters have for eachother through the pages and that's exactly what I look for in a good romance..
Thanks to Jenni Simonis for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC and giving my honest opinion in return
February 15, 2025
First off, I want to thank Jenni Simonis for giving me the chance to read this as an arc.
I enjoyed the first half of the book, and unfortunately, it went downhill from there. I felt it was repetitive, and honestly, I didn't gel with the characters after then.
The book is something that I normally really enjoy so I was disappointed. I did finish it because I felt it was worth more than to be a DNF. The concept of the book was great, I liked the fact the parents weren't forgotten about and were a good part of the story.
This book was a rollercoster of emotions, lots of strong personalities, chemistry, and good character growth.
If you like childhood friends to lovers, it's always been you, and mental health rep, this is for you.
I enjoyed the first half of the book, and unfortunately, it went downhill from there. I felt it was repetitive, and honestly, I didn't gel with the characters after then.
The book is something that I normally really enjoy so I was disappointed. I did finish it because I felt it was worth more than to be a DNF. The concept of the book was great, I liked the fact the parents weren't forgotten about and were a good part of the story.
This book was a rollercoster of emotions, lots of strong personalities, chemistry, and good character growth.
If you like childhood friends to lovers, it's always been you, and mental health rep, this is for you.
November 8, 2025
I received an ARC of Where the Heart Leads by Jenni Simonis, and it was such a heartwarming read! Childhood friends Joy and Finn navigate their evolving bond into love, with sweet, jealous Finn and their undeniable chemistry. Their journey from denial to a heartfelt ending had me grinning! Prepare for emotional moments this book is a must-read for anyone craving a romantic, touching story.
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