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Heartland Homecoming #1
From This Day Forward
They thought their marriage was over—but can forgiveness open the door to a new future?
After his surgical career ends in tragedy and his marriage shatters, Dr. Sam Martin leaves Philadelphia for a new life in Oak Hill, Missouri. But he’s never stopped loving the woman who stole his heart. Determined to win her back, Sam invites Cara to recover at his home after she suffers a trauma of her own.
Desperate to find a way to conquer the panic attacks that are paralyzing her, Cara accepts—though she wants no part of the husband who betrayed her. Deep in America’s heartland she discovers a changed man—but can she and Sam find a way to build a new future from the ashes of their past?
In this HOLT Medallion winner, bestselling author Irene Hannon takes listeners on an uplifting journey that illustrates the healing power of love…and hope.
After his surgical career ends in tragedy and his marriage shatters, Dr. Sam Martin leaves Philadelphia for a new life in Oak Hill, Missouri. But he’s never stopped loving the woman who stole his heart. Determined to win her back, Sam invites Cara to recover at his home after she suffers a trauma of her own.
Desperate to find a way to conquer the panic attacks that are paralyzing her, Cara accepts—though she wants no part of the husband who betrayed her. Deep in America’s heartland she discovers a changed man—but can she and Sam find a way to build a new future from the ashes of their past?
In this HOLT Medallion winner, bestselling author Irene Hannon takes listeners on an uplifting journey that illustrates the healing power of love…and hope.
Audible Audio
First published May 1, 2007
329 people are currently reading
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About the author
Irene Hannon
126 books3,032 followersIrene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 65 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
May 27, 2024
Good story and characters.
March 20, 2023
Very hard to read SPOILERS
The heroine Found her husband with another woman 16 months ago. They are in the process of divorce and now she's had a traumatic incident and is suffering from uncontrollable panic attacks. He lives in a small town and her friend asks him to help her. He agrees because he loves her and wants her back. They live together and work things out. He hadn't cheated but he was going to and seeing his wife's face when she saw them together woke him up to how he needed to change so he could get her back. He moved away but has been faithful to her since then. The ow was a waitress from the bar he went to when he was recovering from an injury to his hand that made it so he can't do surgery any more. They both were in bad places and he messed up. They both took responsibility. I felt for the wife because she lost trust in her husband and then when she saw someone murdered in front of her, she stopped trusting anything. Everything made her panic. It was hard to read. But all works out and it was a good story. Not great, but good.
The heroine Found her husband with another woman 16 months ago. They are in the process of divorce and now she's had a traumatic incident and is suffering from uncontrollable panic attacks. He lives in a small town and her friend asks him to help her. He agrees because he loves her and wants her back. They live together and work things out. He hadn't cheated but he was going to and seeing his wife's face when she saw them together woke him up to how he needed to change so he could get her back. He moved away but has been faithful to her since then. The ow was a waitress from the bar he went to when he was recovering from an injury to his hand that made it so he can't do surgery any more. They both were in bad places and he messed up. They both took responsibility. I felt for the wife because she lost trust in her husband and then when she saw someone murdered in front of her, she stopped trusting anything. Everything made her panic. It was hard to read. But all works out and it was a good story. Not great, but good.
September 2, 2017
From This Day Forward by Irene Hannon was a sweet surprise. I honestly wasn't sure I'd care for it, but I really did. It was intelligently written with words of wisdom from several characters. Well thought out sermons, counseling, and just friendly advise from new friends. This is a good book!
Satisfying book that I was glad to read. Now on to the next in the series
Satisfying book that I was glad to read. Now on to the next in the series
June 2, 2008
WOW!!! this book was VERY realistic about most of what happened in this couple's life, which i truly appreciated. on the other hand, i would also say that she was a bit unrealistic about how they helped each other out after having separated, especially under the circumstances of their split. BUT ...
altho i personally have NOT had this kind of a relationship w/ my ex, i've met a few people in the past 5 or so years, who have, SO ...
maybe how they came together in a crisis is NOT as far fetched as i think. sure would be nice to think so! especially for marriages ending where there are children involved (altho, w/ this one, there were not)
this book definitely made me want to hunt down the others in the small series!
altho i personally have NOT had this kind of a relationship w/ my ex, i've met a few people in the past 5 or so years, who have, SO ...
maybe how they came together in a crisis is NOT as far fetched as i think. sure would be nice to think so! especially for marriages ending where there are children involved (altho, w/ this one, there were not)
this book definitely made me want to hunt down the others in the small series!
October 25, 2017
FROM THIS DAY FORWARD
Very good Christian romance, with a strong forgiveness theme. Loved the small town setting and all of the local characters.
Very good Christian romance, with a strong forgiveness theme. Loved the small town setting and all of the local characters.
March 10, 2023
From This Day Forward by Irene Hannon
Heartland Homecoming #1
6h 9m narrated by Thérèse Plummer, 256 pages
Genre: Love Inspired, Romance > Contemporary Romance, Christian Romance; Christian Fiction, Chick Lit,
Adult
Featuring: Missouri, Exes in Close Proximity Trope, PTSD, Philadelphia, Violence, Cooking, Second Chance Trope, Doctor, Chef
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "We Can't Be Friends" by Deborah Cox featuring RL, "From This Moment On" by Shania Twain
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
My thoughts: 📱59% 3:36:59 Ch. 10 - I was loving this story so much; it was right up Sunshine Alley, but I was given some bad library news, and it diminished my spirits. I'm going to put a pin in this for now, so I can be happy while reading it. It's enjoyable, but I'm missing some of the feelings that are supposed to come with it.
This story was fun. I was disappointed with the epilogue, haha. I think I found a new author to binge. It could have been Thérèse Plummer's voice, but this story gave me Robyn Carr vibes, and I'm out of those, so this is a welcome addition to my reading menu. I am interested in checking out her suspense after I knock the romance titles.
Recommend to others?: Yes, this a lighthearted reconciliation story with minimal emotional drama.
Heartland Homecoming #1
6h 9m narrated by Thérèse Plummer, 256 pages
Genre: Love Inspired, Romance > Contemporary Romance, Christian Romance; Christian Fiction, Chick Lit,
Adult
Featuring: Missouri, Exes in Close Proximity Trope, PTSD, Philadelphia, Violence, Cooking, Second Chance Trope, Doctor, Chef
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "We Can't Be Friends" by Deborah Cox featuring RL, "From This Moment On" by Shania Twain
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
My thoughts: 📱59% 3:36:59 Ch. 10 - I was loving this story so much; it was right up Sunshine Alley, but I was given some bad library news, and it diminished my spirits. I'm going to put a pin in this for now, so I can be happy while reading it. It's enjoyable, but I'm missing some of the feelings that are supposed to come with it.
This story was fun. I was disappointed with the epilogue, haha. I think I found a new author to binge. It could have been Thérèse Plummer's voice, but this story gave me Robyn Carr vibes, and I'm out of those, so this is a welcome addition to my reading menu. I am interested in checking out her suspense after I knock the romance titles.
Recommend to others?: Yes, this a lighthearted reconciliation story with minimal emotional drama.
June 20, 2023
A beautiful second chances story! I will admit the premise of how Cat and Sam end up in each others company again is a bit far fetched, but it was easy to over look for the sake of the tale. Watching Sam show his feelings instead of speak them, as well as watching his patience, was delightful. And Cat's willingness to not run away encouraged me to hold out hope for the best. To top it off, there was Marge! What a fun eccentric and wise character. Looking forward to reading the others in this series.
November 20, 2018
Good Christian romance/chick lit book.
February 17, 2023
second chances
A heartwarming story of tragedy and recovery. Touching second chance love story. Well written story of God answering earnest prayers.
A heartwarming story of tragedy and recovery. Touching second chance love story. Well written story of God answering earnest prayers.
March 13, 2023
Christian romance with HEA ending.
February 26, 2023
Great read! And free on kindle unlimited.
May 24, 2023
I just couldn't get into this book, worst in a while - almost went right into the fire pit. I wish I did and could get back my wasted time. It wasn't the traumas mentioned, I get it as a plot.
He ruins their marriage, then decides he doesn't want to be alone, uses his wife's trauma to prove he's a changed man and wants her back now that he's not a hot shot anymore, bam! they are back together. Good thing she's ok giving up being a huge successful professional chef in a big city for cooking for 2 nights in podunk nowhere where he took the first job he got, and couldn't give back when he realized he was awful at it because the other doctor passed away. And let's throw some Christian bible verses in and trope-ic prayer so maybe that crowd will read it because there isn't any attempt at romancing bringing them back together. Making the reverend go to her house because the husband asked him. Ugh, please.
I've read some great Christian generalized and specific romance books before, those were great. This was crap.
I will not continue reading this series.
He ruins their marriage, then decides he doesn't want to be alone, uses his wife's trauma to prove he's a changed man and wants her back now that he's not a hot shot anymore, bam! they are back together. Good thing she's ok giving up being a huge successful professional chef in a big city for cooking for 2 nights in podunk nowhere where he took the first job he got, and couldn't give back when he realized he was awful at it because the other doctor passed away. And let's throw some Christian bible verses in and trope-ic prayer so maybe that crowd will read it because there isn't any attempt at romancing bringing them back together. Making the reverend go to her house because the husband asked him. Ugh, please.
I've read some great Christian generalized and specific romance books before, those were great. This was crap.
I will not continue reading this series.
November 27, 2011
I read this book for the Red Dress Ink Challenge. I have not been disappointed yet by an Irene Hannon novel.
Synopsis:
Cara Martin has suffered through a traumatic event. The event is so traumatic her best friend Liz calls her estranged husband Sam a doctor for help. He and Cara have had their own problems in the past. Liz calls Sam to see if he can help Cara to heal but with some reservations in regards to the past. Will Cara and Sam both be able to heal and put the past behind them?
My Thoughts:
I am not a fan of the short story. I find myself putting books like this off in favor of the long novel. I very much enjoyed this story. The book was a quick read and very enjoyable. I look forward to reading more by Irene Hannon.
Synopsis:
Cara Martin has suffered through a traumatic event. The event is so traumatic her best friend Liz calls her estranged husband Sam a doctor for help. He and Cara have had their own problems in the past. Liz calls Sam to see if he can help Cara to heal but with some reservations in regards to the past. Will Cara and Sam both be able to heal and put the past behind them?
My Thoughts:
I am not a fan of the short story. I find myself putting books like this off in favor of the long novel. I very much enjoyed this story. The book was a quick read and very enjoyable. I look forward to reading more by Irene Hannon.
August 19, 2017
Nice inspirational romance with a second chance story. Sam and Cara are a married couple, separated by anger and betrayal. When Cara becomes a crime victim, she suffers from PTSD and can't leave her home.
Sam has left his big-time surgeon post in a Philadelphia hospital due to a horrible event. He is now a small-town doctor and living a different life. When Cara comes to him for refuge, Sam is grateful for a chance to mend fences.
It takes a lot of trust to get over the betrayal and loss on both sides, but there is a love there that can't be beaten.
First of the Heartland Homecoming stories.
Sam has left his big-time surgeon post in a Philadelphia hospital due to a horrible event. He is now a small-town doctor and living a different life. When Cara comes to him for refuge, Sam is grateful for a chance to mend fences.
It takes a lot of trust to get over the betrayal and loss on both sides, but there is a love there that can't be beaten.
First of the Heartland Homecoming stories.
November 23, 2019
Second Chances
The question of the ages: why does God let bad things happen to good people? In this story, we learn that tragic events can set a course for reconciliation. Sam and Cara Martin didn't have time to nurture their love when their careers took off, then a sequence of setbacks give them a second chance to fan the embers of a love that never really died.
The question of the ages: why does God let bad things happen to good people? In this story, we learn that tragic events can set a course for reconciliation. Sam and Cara Martin didn't have time to nurture their love when their careers took off, then a sequence of setbacks give them a second chance to fan the embers of a love that never really died.
May 30, 2016
Inspiring Lesson in Forgiveness
My kind of book. Author not afraid to show that real life has tough struggles that can only be over come with God's help and our willingness to forgive.
My kind of book. Author not afraid to show that real life has tough struggles that can only be over come with God's help and our willingness to forgive.
August 14, 2010
A good Christian book about how to trust again and build a good marriage.
November 10, 2013
Dr. Sam Martin and his wife Cara both experience trauma and try to come to terms on their own. With each other together with God's help they do much better.
March 23, 2018
An enjoyable Christian novel, written by Irene Hannon, for the Love Inspired series.
November 24, 2018
Good book about surviving trauma and coming out of the darkness stronger.
January 11, 2019
Not a bad book, but you can guess the ending within the first few chapters. So that made it very slow to read.
January 13, 2022
Dr. Sam Martin (←I spent the WHOLE BOOK calling him Doc Martin and giggling) is something of a Dr. Strange. You know the story - egotistical top surgeon who shits on everyone around himself, has no friends, then gets knocked down by way of an event that messes up his hands and makes it so that he can't perform surgery anymore. That's Dr. Strange, that's also Doc Martin.
Only this one isn't sci-fi, so it doesn't have magical Eastern Mysticism to heal him. No, eighteen months after his hand is 'unrecognizable' and has 'nerve damage', he's able to use it to put stitches in a little girl's chin. Hey, I didn't write it. He has grasp, he has full return of feeling... I had a very hard time with this, and it bought the story a star.
The other four stars, however, are for the redemption of Doc Martin. His sous-chef near-celebrity wife left him after he took to drinking, breaking things, screaming at her, and then going out with another woman (although this is chrischun, so nothing happened there). Nine months later his wife is held at gunpoint and her co-worker shot in a dark alley, and she's NOT okay. Conveniently, none of her friends or family can give her the help she needs, only Doc Martin, who has become a country doctor in a sleepy little town in the middle of nowhere, where they (can you believe it?!) don't have a decent restaurant, but there's an inn with *JUST* the right amount of space for one, and the inn owner wants her to stay, so she makes an offer that is impossible to pass up...
I sound cynical about all of this. I swear, I don't mean to!
MOSTLY I loved the way Doc tries so hard to be a better person, to win his wife back, to care and nurture her, to show her how he feels, and to communicate his feelings better. I love the way Cara melts under his ministrations. I love the verses shared, the church visit, the community that they can tentatively enter together... all of that is amazing and beautiful. THAT'S what I loved about this book.
You have to overlook the weirdnesses... like the fact that Cara drives from Philly to Missouri, but the author says 'she's got a flight to catch home' (?!!) and things like that. But it's WORTH it for the verses, for the prayers, for the sermon, for the relationship healings, on all fronts.
And not that it matters to anyone, but I had Gennifer Goodwin and (RL husband) Josh Dallas as Cara and Sam. Mostly because the author wanted her a redhead, but the innkeeper is so psychedelic, she screamed 'redhead' off the pages at me. But that's just me... and hey, it *really* worked. So there's that.
Only this one isn't sci-fi, so it doesn't have magical Eastern Mysticism to heal him. No, eighteen months after his hand is 'unrecognizable' and has 'nerve damage', he's able to use it to put stitches in a little girl's chin. Hey, I didn't write it. He has grasp, he has full return of feeling... I had a very hard time with this, and it bought the story a star.
The other four stars, however, are for the redemption of Doc Martin. His sous-chef near-celebrity wife left him after he took to drinking, breaking things, screaming at her, and then going out with another woman (although this is chrischun, so nothing happened there). Nine months later his wife is held at gunpoint and her co-worker shot in a dark alley, and she's NOT okay. Conveniently, none of her friends or family can give her the help she needs, only Doc Martin, who has become a country doctor in a sleepy little town in the middle of nowhere, where they (can you believe it?!) don't have a decent restaurant, but there's an inn with *JUST* the right amount of space for one, and the inn owner wants her to stay, so she makes an offer that is impossible to pass up...
I sound cynical about all of this. I swear, I don't mean to!
MOSTLY I loved the way Doc tries so hard to be a better person, to win his wife back, to care and nurture her, to show her how he feels, and to communicate his feelings better. I love the way Cara melts under his ministrations. I love the verses shared, the church visit, the community that they can tentatively enter together... all of that is amazing and beautiful. THAT'S what I loved about this book.
You have to overlook the weirdnesses... like the fact that Cara drives from Philly to Missouri, but the author says 'she's got a flight to catch home' (?!!) and things like that. But it's WORTH it for the verses, for the prayers, for the sermon, for the relationship healings, on all fronts.
And not that it matters to anyone, but I had Gennifer Goodwin and (RL husband) Josh Dallas as Cara and Sam. Mostly because the author wanted her a redhead, but the innkeeper is so psychedelic, she screamed 'redhead' off the pages at me. But that's just me... and hey, it *really* worked. So there's that.
September 24, 2023
I only discovered this series on friday as I was browsing Audible to see weather there was any more news of another hope Harber book. I came across this series and thought it sounded interesting so decided to read it. While I did not like this series as much as Hope harber and other stuff I've read by this author it was stil a lovely story. Sam and Cara had a lot to overcome and work through however it was lovely to share there journey with them. I am looking forward to meeting other characters in the town and reading there stories as I think this will be a charming little series. This author tells lovely heart-warming stories and although I like some better than others there is not one book i've read by this author that i've not liked. I don't normally like shorter books however given my experiences of this authors material in the past I could not resist it. I'll be reading the other books for sure and as usual there was a lovely christian element to them.
July 2, 2023
Great clean romance
Recrimination & forgiveness. And a deep love that never disappeared for good. Thankfully I've never experienced anything close to the harrowing experiences these 2 characters had. But I do know stress, fear or anger can cause us to things we later regret. The author did a wonderful job, getting the reader to sympathize with Cara & the doc as they relearn what it takes to have a good marriage. I had a perfect one..as close to perfect as any couple could ever have. So I know the secret.. selflessness & forgiveness. The reverend pointed these things out as well. This author has the ability to make this reader feel like I was a friend to both the doc & Cara. Great writing!
Recrimination & forgiveness. And a deep love that never disappeared for good. Thankfully I've never experienced anything close to the harrowing experiences these 2 characters had. But I do know stress, fear or anger can cause us to things we later regret. The author did a wonderful job, getting the reader to sympathize with Cara & the doc as they relearn what it takes to have a good marriage. I had a perfect one..as close to perfect as any couple could ever have. So I know the secret.. selflessness & forgiveness. The reverend pointed these things out as well. This author has the ability to make this reader feel like I was a friend to both the doc & Cara. Great writing!
August 19, 2023
Cara needs a safe haven after her botched burglary results in the death of a co-worker. She is struggling with PTSD, she has isolated herself from her family and friends.
As a last resort, she decides to stay with her estranged husband who has moved to a small town after his own challenges. I liked this second-chance romance, and I liked both of the main and supporting characters, however, I felt that most of the odds were stacked against Cara's husband, Sam. Yes, he did something that was hard for her to lead her to trust him fully again, and it was realistically portrayed, but it niggled at me, and that's just me, as Cara had every right to be hesitant to go back to her marriage.
Overall, I really enjoyed From This Day Forward.
As a last resort, she decides to stay with her estranged husband who has moved to a small town after his own challenges. I liked this second-chance romance, and I liked both of the main and supporting characters, however, I felt that most of the odds were stacked against Cara's husband, Sam. Yes, he did something that was hard for her to lead her to trust him fully again, and it was realistically portrayed, but it niggled at me, and that's just me, as Cara had every right to be hesitant to go back to her marriage.
Overall, I really enjoyed From This Day Forward.
April 18, 2023
This book is the first Irene Hannon book I have read and I am pleasantly surprised. I can't say that I didn't see what was coming the whole time I read the book, but what I liked about the book is that it was an easy, light read. It also looks at marriage in a real, yet positive light, and books that do that these days seem few and far between. The only reason I give it four stars is that I reserve five stars for those books that I would read again or for books with characters who will remain with e for a very long time. I enjoyed my time with Sam and Cara, but likely won't revisit the house or the Inn.
February 26, 2022
After a serious incident Cara Martin, was in need if a safe haven ti get over her frightening ordeal, and when her estranged husband, Dr. Sam Martin, offers to share his home to give her the time and space she needs. Now living with him, Sam is determined to show the only women he ever loved, that he is a change man. As Cara sees the change in him and her heart starts to open to him again she wonders if she takes that step will he hurt her again. For she can't live with being hurt again, and Sam is willing to do anything to win her back, because he can't take it if she walks out and go home.
February 20, 2023
Engaging
The characters sure have intensely demanding careers, plus diverse personalities. They say opposites attract. The story is a well crafted journey from trauma and damaged relationship, through genuine repentance and proven restitution efforts, to a satisfying ending. I especially liked how they both learned and leaned on each other through the re-growing stages. A lot of good advice amid the developing story. Felt good after reading it. Loved the characters and the changes. A very enjoyable read from a new author, for me.
The characters sure have intensely demanding careers, plus diverse personalities. They say opposites attract. The story is a well crafted journey from trauma and damaged relationship, through genuine repentance and proven restitution efforts, to a satisfying ending. I especially liked how they both learned and leaned on each other through the re-growing stages. A lot of good advice amid the developing story. Felt good after reading it. Loved the characters and the changes. A very enjoyable read from a new author, for me.
September 30, 2021
The protagonists in this Love Inspired story both had experienced PTSD. Cara’s best friend reached out to Sam thus causing him to reach out to Cara once again. The events that transpired after she went to the small town to heal were realisticaly with Sam and Cara gaining insight to their past. Will Cara find answers to where she really needs to be instead of returning to city life?
A friend loaned me this used book she had purchased at a library sale. I have shared my own thoughts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews