Heart of a Soldier

by Belle Calhoune

Returning soldier Dylan Hart heads to Texas to finally meet pen pal Holly Lynch. When he arrives, he's shocked to discover the plucky beauty he fell in love with has kept a very big secret. Scarred emotionally by his past, Dylan is deeply hurt that Holly didn't trust him with such a vital truth about herself. When he's hired as a cowboy on her family's vast ranch, he's committed to staying in town. And as he slowly reconnects with the woman whose letters once saved him, he'll have to take a look inside his heart to discover what matters most.

Genres: Love Inspired, Fiction, Christian Romance, Christian, Romance, Contemporary, Christian Fiction

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 16, 2014

About the author

Belle Calhoune writes heartwarming, inspirational romance novels set in small, cozy towns. Married to her college sweetheart and living in southern Connecticut, she is the mother of two girls. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she is one of five children. Growing up across the street from a public library allowed her to become an avid reader who aspired to be a romance writer. When she isn't writing, she enjoys reading, spending time in Cape Cod, traveling and enjoying time with friends and family.
Belle hopes her books will provide readers with inspiration, entertainment and an escape from day to day life.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book and the characters!

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEART OF A SOLDIER by Belle Calhoune is an absolutely awesome heartwarming story. It
will have you crying tears of joy, as well as tears of sadness as you read the story of
Holly Lynch, a paraplegic, and Dylan Hart, a handsome soldier who had proudly served in
Afghanistan, a pen pal to Holly for over a year, but had no idea of her physical condition.
The story is so well written, that it draws on all of ones emotions. Joy, sadness, pity, hostility,
humbleness, etc.. It will touch your heart and soul like no other book has ever done.
I loved this book and I highly recommend it to everyone liking a good Christian novel
written by a lovely and devout Christian lady. I felt so privileged to be reading such
a brilliant and sweet love story. I am certainly a lover of happy endings and this one
has an awesome heart warming ending. Thanks Belle, for sharing your God given talent of
writing with us and the promise of more wonderful stories to come. May God continue His
blessings on you.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author by being a
member of the "Belle's Brigade". in exchange for an honest review of the book. All
thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story! I love books that deal with the topic of a disability of some kind and do so in a realistic way. Holly and Dylan were great characters and the author did a wonderful job of creating great tension and attraction between these two. She also wrote these characters with realistic flaws. Not only did Holly struggle with a physical disability, she had some fear, self-worth, and forgiveness issues to overcome in this book. Dylan didn't have to overcome any physical disabilities in the story (although he has a very interesting back story), yet the anger and doubt he carries with him from childhood are just as debilitating. I had not read the book that came before Heart of a Soldier, yet I had no trouble at all reading (and loving) this one. I am definitely planning to read more books written by Belle Calhoune.

[Harlequin Books]

"Holly is a strong, inspiring heroine who reminds the reader that while life is not always easy, it is always worthwhile" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars).

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are so predictable, and pretty much all the same, but I still enjoy them. This one was very good, and brought tears to my eyes!

[Sara Archibald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Heart of a Soldier, and would recommend it to everyone!
Holly and Dylan became pen pals for over a year while he was in Afghanistan. She receives a letter stating that he is state side and is coming to see her, however by the time the letter reaches her it’s the same day he shows up. Holly hasn’t told him that she is a paraplegic, every time she was going to tell him she didn’t and so she never did. When Dylan shows up Holly answers the door and tells him that her name is Cassidy, which he knows from Holly’s letters, is her best friend whom is engaged to Holly’s brother Tate. Dylan ends up leaving stating he will be back to see Holly. The only thing Holly thinks to do is call Cassidy to come over ASAP and pretend to be her and send Dylan on his way even though she has feelings for him. He ends up figuring out that Cassidy isn’t Holly and isn’t happy when he figures it out. Since Dylan is going to be staying in West Falls, Texas for a few months and is looking for work Holly suggests he work on the ranch. Dylan ends up working on her family’s ranch getting to know Holly better but keeping his distance. Will Dylan be able to forgive her for trying to deceive him? Will he be able to get past her being in a wheelchair? Will his past make him run from his future?

[Barbara Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a beautiful story! This is my first book to read by Belle Calhoune and Heart of a Soldier is a fabulous book. The two main characters were pen pals for a long time and thought they really knew each other, but they had their secrets. The author was brilliant in combining the characters' inward and outward tremendous depth issues. As a reader's perspective, I'm impressed how Ms. Calhoune was able to capture my attention from the beginning and I was totally captivated with this book to the end. This will not be the last book I read by this author and I highly recommend reading Heart of a Soldier.

I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of over coming self doubt and learning to forgive others so you can go into your future stronger. I loved this story because they each had something to give the other and something to learn for the other. This is the second book with the best friends called the roses - four girls all very close and then a night of recklessness changes their lives forever. Holly the most, she looses the ability to walk. Now in a wheelchair she has to learn she is still enough and not lacking. Can all of her old dreams be resurrected? She is the sister of Sheriff Tate Lynch, the hero in the first book: Reunited with the Sheriff. These books are stand alone and can be read out of order.

[Evelitza Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I had been looking forward to Holly's story and I have to say I was not disappointed. Sometimes in our life we go through some rough times and we don't realize how bless we are, we don't see the blessing that God gives us daily. I know this story is fiction but I also know there are people out there that has gone through similar situations, some more than others. I highly recommend this book, and all her books. I think I have read all of them and now I'm waiting for her next ones.

[keltrinswife · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to have received an advanced copy from the author if I gave an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The story is such a sweet one about Holly and Dylan. Even though it is the 2nd book in a series, it stands on its own. However, I want to read the first one now.
This is such a fun, easy, clean read that anyone can enjoy.
Be blessed :)

[Catherine Simons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. First I love books about soldiers. This is a wonderful book about Gods forgiveness and the forgiveness that we give to others. I also liked that Sandra had a character who is in a wheelchair, it shows us that we are all loved by God no matter who we are.

[Harlequin Books]

received 4 1/2 stars @ RT Book Reviews

[Loraine Nunley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice clean love story.

[Sue Stinnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courage

Courage comes in many forms as in this story courage to fall in love when you feel you would be a burden. This story shows love is never a burden. Great story that captures your heart.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved coming back to West Falls, Texas to get Holly’s story after meeting her in one of Belle’s earlier stories. Holly and Dylan had great chemistry and their friendship/romance was sweet. Good read!

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boo.

[Dorel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I read by Belle Calhoune. I can relate to Holly, but what made me stop reading this story 📖 at chapter 3 because Holly lied to Dylan then guilted Cassidy into her lie.

[Kaye Wingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome book

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Firstreads.

I must say that after reading this book I cannot understand all the 5 star reviews except that maybe the author got all of her family and friends to leave a 5 star review. I gave this book 1 star because although I didn't hate it there were no redeeming qualities about it either. The characters were very flat and predictable or entirely different characters than they had been presented at first. There would also be events that Halen in the story that were not in any way very remarkable or even mentionable. For instance, the female lead when writing to her soldier pen pal never told him that she is a paraplegic and will never walk again. So when the male lead unexpectedly shows up at her house he never even suspects that she is his pen pal and is angry at her when she clears that up. This is a very shaky and unbelievable argument at best and at worst isn't even worth the mention, but the author makes it into this huge deal that is the sole reason that the male lead won't be with the female lead (besides the fact that he thinks she is less because she is paralyzed). Due to this development, from the very first the reader sees the male lead as a shallow and insensitive excuse of a man. On the other hand, the female lead is so spineless and wishy-washy that you can't respect or even like her at all. She doesn't do anything wrong and she will be justified in her feelings and then someone will tell her she is being a selfish sinner, and she will not only believe them but whine and cry until they tell her what to do to fix something that didn't need fixing in the first place. Another thing that really got to me in this book (and probably ultimately is what resulted in the one star review) is that the author was very preachy and constantly telling, through the characters, that any little thing will make you a horrible sinner and that it is not acceptable to make even the smallest human mistakes. As a Christian myself, that is something that immediately turns me away from something and angers me that people will say that this is an example of a perfect Christian because it is not. A good Christian can accept that mistakes happen and aren't a big deal as long as you are able to fix them and want to because it is the right thing to do. Not because someone is laying a guilt trip on you about it and telling you that eternal damnation is in your future if you don't fix things the way they want you to on their own personal agenda. All in all, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone due to the first-attempt nature of the storyline.

[Anna Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this up because the back of it said that it was about two people who were 'penpals', and I happen to have a thing for letter-writing novels. Naturally, there's the ONE last letter in the book (on page 2), and that's it for the letter writing. Which pixxed me RIGHT the heck off.

Then there's the REAL story in this book. I don't think the 'wounded heroine' genre could be done more pitifully. From moment one, the heroine is a liar, pulling of a deception to try to hide her condition, all while praying to God to 'help her'. Great chrischun chicka, there. ((insert eye roll)). She's overdramatic the ENTIRE book, throwing tantrums, playing martyr, accusing her mother of ruining her friendship with deception (pot-kettle-black)... she's a total brat, and not at ALL admirable, in any way, regardless of what the author has her other characters tell us.

Then there's the whole thing, where she's tried to ride horses again but couldn't muster up the courage until *HE* is there, and suddenly she's riding just fine. And immediately after that, Dylan has to take over her riding lessons? Lame, lame, lame writing.

And a hero who's real identity is Dylan McDermott? Seriously?!?! Do we have a fanfic crush going on here or something? Because that's just sad, if that's what the author is doing. Caught a few references to the movie 'The Christmas Card', too - curly fries on pg 114, for example? Meanwhile, Dylan is written as articulate and sweet and caring as a woman... more bad writing. Until he gets mad at his dad, and then he's as immature as Holly. Which is a major character deviation for him. More bad writing.

BTW, soldiers can't take pets to Afghanistan, so Leo as a pet he wrote about is wrong on every level.

The cowboy angle was absolutely laughable, too. Dylan lifts a colt's hoof, pries a stone out of the frog, and the Ranch manager is ETERNALLY grateful... it saved him all sorts of money, calling the vet. (Like *anyone* on a ranch wouldn't know to check for stones? Seriously?!)

Also, the author handles disability ridiculously badly. On the top of pg 82 Holly is suffering nerve pain so bad she can hardly function, and the moment Dylan offers to drive her to town (bottom of same page), her nerve pain is immediately, magically *gone*! Bad writing.

I skimmed the second half, just to be sure that the author didn't have a miraculous healing as a big fat ugly cherry on this disaster. The only good thing I can say about the book is that she *isn't* completely restored at the end, by the grace o' gawd. But WHA. What a colossally horrible book, regardless.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to this book for quite awhile! I even asked the author if she was going to write a story about Holly (the main character in this book) when I finished reading her previous book in this series, Reunited with the Sheriff! I was intrigued by Holly's character so much and I wanted to see a book written just for her! I was so glad when the author told me she was writing Holly's book. I enjoyed Heart of a Soldier so much! Not many romances are written about characters who are paraplegics in wheelchairs. It was so refreshing to read one about a main character that was! Holly was in an accident as a teenager that left her in a wheelchair. In the present day, she's able to do just about anything on her family's ranch, except ride a horse but she's going to learn to do that too! She's determined to! She's been writing to Dylan Hart who is a soldier in Afghanistan for months as part of a pen pal campaign she got involved in through her community. Suddenly Holly finds out Dylan's tour of duty is over and he's coming to meet her....that day! The problem? Holly never told Dylan she is a paraplegic in a wheelchair! Holly thought she had more time to tell Dylan. I LOVED the realistic emotions and conversations that take place in this book. I was swept along with the characters as they discover what friendship, and eventually true love is about. Of course Holly feels that no man can love her for herself because of her disability but Dylan has big issues of his own in his background that cause a barrier so they are both battered souls and needed each other! This book was fantastic and I enjoyed every part of it! Can't wait for another book to come out! Read it !!!!!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars ***** out of 5
Inspirational Contemporary


First of all I love the cover. So much of the story is told in this scene, without giving away the plot. I loved Holly, strengths and weaknesses, flaws and beauty. I wondered why one of the issues became so big in Dylan's life, as he had some big secrets he was keeping, and then I remembered, we live in a world with other humans. And Belle caught this very well with the situations her characters found themselves in, as well as the circumstances they faced. Although I read it in one day, Belle gave me a lot of food for thought. I may not ever find myself in a story of this nature, but because I read this, I will view others in a more compassionate and understanding way. Well done, Ms. Calhoune. You gave me just enough snippets of those characters in secondary positions in this story to make me want to read theirs, too, but not enough to pull me out of this one.


Thank you to the author, Belle Calhoune and Harlequin the publisher of this book in the Love Inspired series for the opportunity to read this. In exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions are my own.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

AMAZING!

[Adrienne · Rating 1 out of 5]

HEART OF A SOLDIER
---------------------
Books that I do not complete because "I just didn't want to read on," garner a one-star rating.

This may be a personal preference, but I do not and have almost never liked premises that involve this kind of lie and/or someone pretending to be another person. In my opinion, the premise is difficult to pull off in general, but it is even more difficult to flesh out in the digital age.

Second, I cannot think of a single instance of someone pulling a stunt like this, regardless of the underlying reason, and it all working out in the end. (Not that I am stating that it does in this book, but since this is the genre of happy endings, it is probably safe to assume).

So, again, this may just be a personal preference, but I did want to read on when I learned that the protagonist was going to lie. Up until then, I was "on board" and enjoying the story, so I will definitely consider another title by this author.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

With an increasing number of wounded warrior romances being released, Belle Calhoune's Heart of a Soldier rises above with its different take on the theme. Soldier Dylan returns to his cowboy roots and his pen pal, whose correspondence saved him in Afghanistan, only to discover she is not all she claimed to be. Holly, who has kept her disability a secret, finds herself having to rebuild their relationship, built so solidly in letters, and open herself to the possibility of a future she'd denied herself. Both are wounded emotionally. Both must find the courage to heal. Calhoune's ability to convey the real life emotions and challenges of a relationship is never more evident than in this lovely story of healing and forgiveness. A keeper for me!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read, hard to put down, such a sweet story. This love story of Dylan and Holly is precious. Dylan's heart is tender, raw, and so full of compassion. Though he wears his heart on his sleeve, it is by no means in an unmanly (is that even a word?!) way. He is rugged and masculine...a soldier AND a cowboy...doesn't get much better than that. His emotions run deep, and resonated loudly with my own.

Holly, though she hid her deepest secret from Dylan, is beautiful inside and out. Fear causes us to do the craziest, nonsensical things, especially when face to face with it. Yet, when we take it head on, with the grace of God, that fear becomes powerless. Forgiveness, reconciliation, deep love can all then blossom.

I highly recommend this read to anyone facing fear.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet, inspirational book about a soldier returning from Afghanistan and meeting the pen pal he had corresponded with over the previous year. Unbeknownst to him, his pen pal was in a wheelchair. The way our hero, Dylan, handled this difficult situation was touching yet realistic. He had struggles with it, doubted he could handle it, but was able to come to terms with it. Our heroine, Holly, was a brave woman who accepted her circumstances and used it to help others. She and Dylan had a difficult road but it was tender and authentic. I enjoyed this book and will be reading others by Belle.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Of A Soldier by Belle Calhoune was a very good book. For a year Holly Lynch was writing letters to a soldier who was at a war zone. Dylan Hart was the Soldier. While there he was in an accident and couldn't walk for several months. He healed and all is fine, health wise but not emotion wise. The letters Holly wrote to him helped him get though the war. He is out now and looked Holly up. Holly didn't mention she was in a wheelchair and would never walk. There is a lot of ups and downs in this story of healing emotions and past hurts. A must read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved everything about this story! Belle Calhoune is a recently discovered author for me, and I plan to catch up on all of her books. I always love stories where the characters fall in love through letters before they even meet. Dylan and Holly's story was an emotional journey. I loved how Holly is a paraplegic, showing that everyone can find love, not just 'perfect' people. It's always nice to get a little insight into the struggles that others go through. I'd highly recommend this book to those who enjoy contemporary romance.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Belle Calhoune and I really enjoyed it. The realism in the characters was incredible! I felt like I was right there wrestling with their issues. I identified with them and struggled along with them. The fact that one of them is a paraplegic, allowed me to see the world through her eyes and how I feel just as self-conscious about myself as she does. Belle is the first author to write a story with a character in a wheel chair. I wish that more authors will include a more diverse cast of characters - including those with disabilities.