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The Heart of the Matter: A Novel
There are two sides to every story, but you must be willing to listen.
Marsha Winslow believes she lives a charmed life. She has a loving husband, a successful business they built together, and a beautiful home overlooking the ocean in California. But when a devastating accident occurs only days before their twentieth wedding anniversary, Marsha must face some hard truths. Her life isn’t what she believed, and it’s up to her to face reality and fix the mess it’s become.
Amanda DeCarlo’s life was going along well. She is young, loves her job and the people she works with, and has worked her way up quickly. But the worst thing that could happen after a drunken one-night stand resulted in the best thing in her life. And the man responsible made sure to take care of her and her son—his son. But reality hits her hard when fate changes her life and she’s on the verge of losing everything. And the only person who can help her is the one who refuses to talk to her.
They say you should forgive and forget in order to move on. Marsha is unable to forget what happened to her. And the one person who holds the key to her understanding the truth is the only one who can also help her forgive.
Marsha Winslow believes she lives a charmed life. She has a loving husband, a successful business they built together, and a beautiful home overlooking the ocean in California. But when a devastating accident occurs only days before their twentieth wedding anniversary, Marsha must face some hard truths. Her life isn’t what she believed, and it’s up to her to face reality and fix the mess it’s become.
Amanda DeCarlo’s life was going along well. She is young, loves her job and the people she works with, and has worked her way up quickly. But the worst thing that could happen after a drunken one-night stand resulted in the best thing in her life. And the man responsible made sure to take care of her and her son—his son. But reality hits her hard when fate changes her life and she’s on the verge of losing everything. And the only person who can help her is the one who refuses to talk to her.
They say you should forgive and forget in order to move on. Marsha is unable to forget what happened to her. And the one person who holds the key to her understanding the truth is the only one who can also help her forgive.
- GenresContemporary
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2025
279 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Deanna Lynn Sletten
42 books633 followersDeanna Lynn Sletten is the author of MRS. WINCHESTER'S BIOGRAPHER, THE ONES WE LEAVE BEHIND, THE WOMEN OF GREAT HERON LAKE, MAGGIE'S TURN, THE LAKE HARRIET SERIES, and several other titles. She writes compelling historical fiction, heartwarming women's fiction, romance novels, and murder mysteries. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime.
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 14, 2025
Although the subtitle dubs this "a novel," at less than 150 pages, I would call it a novella. The writing is not quite YA nor is it sophisticated enough to be called Adult. New Adult, maybe?
This book focuses on a grieving widow, Marsha, who finds out that her husband Craig has betrayed her in the worst possible ways. He has a son with another woman, Amanda, and although Craig and Marsha lived as if their money was almost unlimited, he left his widow with a financial mess and debt that required hard financial choices to try to straighten things out. Not to mention the complication of the other woman with her husband's son.
As simplistic as the writing was, the thing that made me seriously consider giving this two stars or even one was the fact that, after a drunken one-night stand that resulted in pregnancy, the other woman and the main character's husband subsequently never had a physical relationship, even though the husband took care of her and his son financially in return for her allowing him to be a part of his son's life. That seems at best an extremely unrealistic scenario, especially between an older man and an attractive young woman.
This is why I don't read romance novels. Even though this wasn't straight romance, it does deal in relationships and their complications. It also has implausible plot twists and unexpected changes of heart that seem to happen too quickly and with too much ease.
Most people seem to have enjoyed this book. I prefer characters that have a little fire and don't simply give in to more domineering people. I had a great deal of sympathy for Marsha, the wife; not so much for Amanda, the one-night stand and mother of Craig's son. Drunk or not, if Amanda's memories are to be believed, she seduced Craig. Of course, Craig was older and ostensibly more mature, but what man is going to resist an attractive younger woman asking him to stay in her hotel room (that he paid for)?
Messy. That's the word for this novel. Messy with an attempt at a HEA ending, which was difficult because of the death of a central character in the beginning.
This book focuses on a grieving widow, Marsha, who finds out that her husband Craig has betrayed her in the worst possible ways. He has a son with another woman, Amanda, and although Craig and Marsha lived as if their money was almost unlimited, he left his widow with a financial mess and debt that required hard financial choices to try to straighten things out. Not to mention the complication of the other woman with her husband's son.
As simplistic as the writing was, the thing that made me seriously consider giving this two stars or even one was the fact that, after a drunken one-night stand that resulted in pregnancy, the other woman and the main character's husband subsequently never had a physical relationship, even though the husband took care of her and his son financially in return for her allowing him to be a part of his son's life. That seems at best an extremely unrealistic scenario, especially between an older man and an attractive young woman.
This is why I don't read romance novels. Even though this wasn't straight romance, it does deal in relationships and their complications. It also has implausible plot twists and unexpected changes of heart that seem to happen too quickly and with too much ease.
Most people seem to have enjoyed this book. I prefer characters that have a little fire and don't simply give in to more domineering people. I had a great deal of sympathy for Marsha, the wife; not so much for Amanda, the one-night stand and mother of Craig's son. Drunk or not, if Amanda's memories are to be believed, she seduced Craig. Of course, Craig was older and ostensibly more mature, but what man is going to resist an attractive younger woman asking him to stay in her hotel room (that he paid for)?
Messy. That's the word for this novel. Messy with an attempt at a HEA ending, which was difficult because of the death of a central character in the beginning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2025
A good quick read
There has never been a book written by Deanna Lynn Sletten that I have not liked. The Heart of the Matter is another good one. This book shows us all things are not as they seem in real life. I enjoyed it very much!
There has never been a book written by Deanna Lynn Sletten that I have not liked. The Heart of the Matter is another good one. This book shows us all things are not as they seem in real life. I enjoyed it very much!
February 16, 2025
Marsha had the absolute perfect life and was looking forward to her 20th Anniversary cruise celebration with her husband and best friends. Her husband was an insurance agent who owned multiple agencies in different towns in California and traveled frequently to visit the agencies. Craig decides to take a short trip before he goes on their Anniversary cruise always very attentive to Marsha they both leave home that morning to head to work and after a very long day Marsha realizes that Craig didn’t check in with her that night. Thinking she would hear from him the next day but gets a call that changes her life in a very unexpected way and finds out that the perfect life they lived wasn’t so perfect after all. Marsha has a huge mess to clean up after Craig and all the shortfalls of his last 10 years and has to mend her heart in the meantime.
A heartfelt story that I truly enjoyed!
I received ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
A heartfelt story that I truly enjoyed!
I received ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2025
This book, like all of Deanna’s well written books, is a great read. From the first chapter the story builds and keeps you involved with Marsha’s life. Dealing with the loss of a spouse would be overwhelming enough, but to find out that you’ve been living in the midst of a lie for years would destroy your identity. Marsha navigates the tasks that present after a loved one’s death, while being consumed by all the emotions of lost love, financial and legal matters, and the hardest of all facing the truth about her husband’s long term betrayal. The story triggers the question of how you would deal with the decisions and emotions presented by the loss of your partner and the acceptance of loving the person who betrayed you. You will not want to put this one down until the last page, and see how Marsha gets through the most difficult time of her life.
April 7, 2025
Realistic story
This short story captives you from the very beginning and you feel every moment. You get to hear both sides of the story its not pretty just something stupid. And you feel horrible for his wife after all the hiding and lies.
I liked how it played out and how she faced every thing that was thrown at her. She was a lot stronger that her husband gave her credit for. I liked the ending too.
This short story captives you from the very beginning and you feel every moment. You get to hear both sides of the story its not pretty just something stupid. And you feel horrible for his wife after all the hiding and lies.
I liked how it played out and how she faced every thing that was thrown at her. She was a lot stronger that her husband gave her credit for. I liked the ending too.
April 26, 2025
The book and story were OK. The plot was good, and it would have been so much better if it had been more worked out and the characters were deeper.
it was a quick read without any depth to the storyline and characters. It didn't draw out my emotions. I'm not gushing that I read the book.
I wouldn't recommend it if someone were looking for an emotional read.
I'd recommend it for a quick read if someone had a few hours to kill and had ZERO expectations of a "good" book.
it was a quick read without any depth to the storyline and characters. It didn't draw out my emotions. I'm not gushing that I read the book.
I wouldn't recommend it if someone were looking for an emotional read.
I'd recommend it for a quick read if someone had a few hours to kill and had ZERO expectations of a "good" book.
March 11, 2025
"The Heart of the Matter" by Deanna Lynn Sletten was such an enjoyable read. It's one of those books where once you start reading, you just can't put it down. It grabbed ahold of my attention, and I just couldn't wait to see what happened next. I have never read a book by this author before, but I will definitely be reading others because I enjoyed Deanna's writing style so much. The characters were very well written, and you just can't help but feel for them. I had no clue where this book was going to go, but by the end, I experienced happiness, I got goosebumps, and I may have even shed some tears (happy, of course). There were a few parts that just pulled at my heart. The scene where Marsha and Andrew were sitting and talking about his wife Irene was probably my favorite scene. There was one more scene that made my heart happy, but if I say what it is, it will spoil the story. I highly recommend giving this book a read and joining Marsha as she tries to get through something that should've brought her down.
March 11, 2025
As always, when I start a book by Deanna, I know I'm going to be in for a treat. I set aside time to completely immerse myself in the wonderfulness of her stories! The Heart of the Matter did not disappoint.
Marsha's life basically falls apart in seconds and that's when she realizes that the life she had with her husband was all a lie. How could he do this to her? How can she get past his betrayal? And what is going to happen to Amanda and her family now that he is gone?
This is an emotional, heart-wrenching story of two women thrown together as they try to deal with the cards that were dealt to them. Both characters have their redeeming qualities and I was rooting for both of them, hoping there would be a good resolution for them but not sure how it could happen.
Once again, Deanna has created a world with a wonderful setting and memorable characters. She has written an emotional, uplifting story that will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend The Heart of the Matter.
Marsha's life basically falls apart in seconds and that's when she realizes that the life she had with her husband was all a lie. How could he do this to her? How can she get past his betrayal? And what is going to happen to Amanda and her family now that he is gone?
This is an emotional, heart-wrenching story of two women thrown together as they try to deal with the cards that were dealt to them. Both characters have their redeeming qualities and I was rooting for both of them, hoping there would be a good resolution for them but not sure how it could happen.
Once again, Deanna has created a world with a wonderful setting and memorable characters. She has written an emotional, uplifting story that will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend The Heart of the Matter.
November 19, 2025
This is the fourth book I've read by this author and they are all three stars, although this one could easily have been 2 stars. Here's what ruined this book for me.
Towards the beginning of the book there is a scene with a billboard and as I read the scene I thought "I read this book before?", but there were details that did not add up. I finally figured out that the same scene was used in one of her other books that I had read earlier. I just found this to be a total turn off.
Also, the characters have no depth. Even a small book can be rich and full. I did not find that here and I had a hard time caring about the characters.
I saw the ending, final chapter, coming a mile away.
Will I read more from this author? Likely. But I need to put some space and time between this book and the next one by her.
Towards the beginning of the book there is a scene with a billboard and as I read the scene I thought "I read this book before?", but there were details that did not add up. I finally figured out that the same scene was used in one of her other books that I had read earlier. I just found this to be a total turn off.
Also, the characters have no depth. Even a small book can be rich and full. I did not find that here and I had a hard time caring about the characters.
I saw the ending, final chapter, coming a mile away.
Will I read more from this author? Likely. But I need to put some space and time between this book and the next one by her.
March 9, 2025
This was a clean romance, more of a women’s fiction book. TW – It deals with infidelity.
Marsha is married to Craig and they’ve had the perfect marriage, or so she thinks. He suddenly dies on a road trip, not where she thought. Her marriage has been a series of lies. This touches on her journey through her grief and finding out information regarding her husband.
This was a good story, though a little heavy. It is definitely a good read.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
Marsha is married to Craig and they’ve had the perfect marriage, or so she thinks. He suddenly dies on a road trip, not where she thought. Her marriage has been a series of lies. This touches on her journey through her grief and finding out information regarding her husband.
This was a good story, though a little heavy. It is definitely a good read.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
March 11, 2025
At first I wasn’t impressed by the story, it seemed trite and uninspiring, about a woman who suddenly becomes a widow when her husband of 20 years is killed in an auto accident. But, she finds that he has had a secret life with a woman and a child. He has sold a business, bought a home for this other woman and her child while letting his wife operate her own business at a loss.
But the more I read I realized that the story was an inspiring and uplifting book about a woman whose life is shattered but she goes on to find herself and forgive her husband.
But the more I read I realized that the story was an inspiring and uplifting book about a woman whose life is shattered but she goes on to find herself and forgive her husband.
June 20, 2025
To Death do us part
A poignant tale of unexpected revelations unfolded as a woman discovered her late husband's hidden life after two decades of marriage. The shocking truth emerged when she learned of a son born to another woman, a revelation that stunned both wives equally. The irony was not lost on her - while she had longed for children, the other woman had given birth to their shared husband's child. This complex narrative exposed the intricate layers of love, betrayal, and unforeseen connections that can emerge in a relationship.
A poignant tale of unexpected revelations unfolded as a woman discovered her late husband's hidden life after two decades of marriage. The shocking truth emerged when she learned of a son born to another woman, a revelation that stunned both wives equally. The irony was not lost on her - while she had longed for children, the other woman had given birth to their shared husband's child. This complex narrative exposed the intricate layers of love, betrayal, and unforeseen connections that can emerge in a relationship.
March 8, 2025
A heartwarming story about loss, betrayal, lies, and moving on.
Marsha’s world is upended with one phone call. Her husband’s lies catch up to her and now she is shattered.
The author deals with all the emotions in the book very deftly and realistically.
I probably wouldn’t have been as generous as Marsha was but I was glad that she picked herself up and was ready to love again.
Lots of life lessons packed into this story.
Thanks to the author Deanna Lynn Sletten for the advance copy.
Marsha’s world is upended with one phone call. Her husband’s lies catch up to her and now she is shattered.
The author deals with all the emotions in the book very deftly and realistically.
I probably wouldn’t have been as generous as Marsha was but I was glad that she picked herself up and was ready to love again.
Lots of life lessons packed into this story.
Thanks to the author Deanna Lynn Sletten for the advance copy.
February 18, 2025
What an emotional, captivating, uplifting read!
Marsha and Craig are soon to celebrate their 20 year anniversary when Craig is killed in a car accident. Reality hits when she discovers the mess he has left her financially and with a home she never knew they owned. What other secrets are there? Can Marsha forgive and deal with the issues left her. Grab this book for a heart tugging read!
Marsha and Craig are soon to celebrate their 20 year anniversary when Craig is killed in a car accident. Reality hits when she discovers the mess he has left her financially and with a home she never knew they owned. What other secrets are there? Can Marsha forgive and deal with the issues left her. Grab this book for a heart tugging read!
March 11, 2025
The Heart of the Matter by Deanna Lynn Sletten was a light-hearted and quick read that worked to soothe my soul. The story broaches difficult topics. However; Deanna was able to create loving characters that I found myself engrossed in with who they were rather than just the issues they were facing. The settings were absolutely perfect! I was able to visualize all the details, especially the gorgeous ocean views. The Heart of the Matter by Deanna Lynn Sletten is a book I would recommend.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy in return for my fair and unbiased review.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy in return for my fair and unbiased review.
March 10, 2025
I found this book to be a thought provoking story, putting myself in Marsha's shoes and wondering what I would do. The story touched my heart and made me rally behind Marsha and all that she had been going through and hoping she could move on from her anger and grief. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
March 11, 2025
I enjoyed this book very much. Marsha and Craig had been leading a great married life for 20 years. They both led busy lives. Marsha ran an art gallery with her friend and Craig had insurance agencies in several locations. He did travel some, but their marriage was still strong and happy. Life was good until a tragic traffic accident changed everything. It is a good read!
March 20, 2025
Having just finished this short read, the emotions it stirred make it very hard to rate for me. Not happy with the husband! It's a well written story but has more "in head" thinking than I prefer, but it certainly caught my interest and made me want to read to the end. I think other readers will feel the same.
March 27, 2025
Two Loves
I have read most of Ms. Sletten’s books and was glad to see she had written a new story. I really enjoyed this book. The story centers around a 20 year marriage. After a horrible experience the wife is forced to adjust to a difficult situation. I look forward to reading more of Ms Sletten’s books.
I have read most of Ms. Sletten’s books and was glad to see she had written a new story. I really enjoyed this book. The story centers around a 20 year marriage. After a horrible experience the wife is forced to adjust to a difficult situation. I look forward to reading more of Ms Sletten’s books.
April 16, 2025
Good short story
I really enjoyed this short story. It's about love, grief, and forgiveness. Marsha has the perfect life and perfect marriage with her husband Craig. Craig dies in a car accident. Marsha is devastated. Craig died leaving a big secret. Marsha's life takes a big turn. She has no idea how she will survive the secret.
I really enjoyed this short story. It's about love, grief, and forgiveness. Marsha has the perfect life and perfect marriage with her husband Craig. Craig dies in a car accident. Marsha is devastated. Craig died leaving a big secret. Marsha's life takes a big turn. She has no idea how she will survive the secret.
July 30, 2025
Lemons make great lemonade!
This story is full of surprises! Some good and some not so good, just like real life. I related to it on many levels, but even aside from that, I highly recommend it as a great story and a wonderful read for anyone who has ever lived and loved in the real world.
This story is full of surprises! Some good and some not so good, just like real life. I related to it on many levels, but even aside from that, I highly recommend it as a great story and a wonderful read for anyone who has ever lived and loved in the real world.
February 20, 2025
This story hits on so many difficult areas that can happen in what you might think is a happy life. Being able to deal with devastating loss and uncomprehensible betrayal, and coming out stronger than you ever thought possible make this an amazing read
March 15, 2025
Definitely an emotional “feel good”story!i
It kept me reading. I am not sure how realistic it was but I throughly enjoyed the story. You had to admire the widows decisions and were left feeling she was ready to move ahead.
It kept me reading. I am not sure how realistic it was but I throughly enjoyed the story. You had to admire the widows decisions and were left feeling she was ready to move ahead.
March 18, 2025
3.5 stars
It was rather predictable - Craig dies suddenly, and his wife discovers he was hiding a lot from her, both financially and about a one-night stand that produced a kid. Intoxication does not excuse the behavior.
It was rather predictable - Craig dies suddenly, and his wife discovers he was hiding a lot from her, both financially and about a one-night stand that produced a kid. Intoxication does not excuse the behavior.
March 11, 2025
ARC review. The Heart of the Matter by Deanna Lynn Sletten was a short heartfelt, emotional novel. The characters were “good” people whose lives changed as the result of one night. This one night would change the lives of four people. Time and forgiveness are all that can heal this emotionally devastating heartbreak.
March 11, 2025
It was a great book. Two women who didn’t know about each other learn to maneuver thru the truth. They both came out stronger on the other side. Highly recommend
March 20, 2025
great
Stumbled onto this little gem. Upon her twentieth wedding anniversary her husband dies. Read and find out how she survives when faced with huge secret
Stumbled onto this little gem. Upon her twentieth wedding anniversary her husband dies. Read and find out how she survives when faced with huge secret
March 22, 2025
Her books are the best!!
April 1, 2025
Sweet story!
April 28, 2025
Life isn’t always as it seems… either is marriage…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews