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Heartstrings
What happens when you bury your heart with the love of your life—but someone gives its strings an unexpected tug?
Tiercy Somerville is quite sure you only get one love of your life. But just as she was building a life with hers, he was torn from her forever. Five years later, the popular high school English teacher and single mom has healed to a place of grief-tinged acceptance and peace, but her love of a lifetime still very much fills her heart, leaving no room for any other really big love. Or so she believes.
John Sims “Cole” Colburn is tired of playing the field. The construction firm CEO longs for the harmony, partnership, and deep abiding love his parents had. The problem is…his standards are probably impossibly high.
When their paths cross, the chemistry is instant, but neither is prepared for the intensity and passion of the journey ahead of them.
As their love deepens, Tiercy finds herself emotionally torn, questioning what she’s always known. How can one person have two soulmates? And having found the love of his life, Cole must decide if he can bear not being the love of hers.
Tiercy Somerville is quite sure you only get one love of your life. But just as she was building a life with hers, he was torn from her forever. Five years later, the popular high school English teacher and single mom has healed to a place of grief-tinged acceptance and peace, but her love of a lifetime still very much fills her heart, leaving no room for any other really big love. Or so she believes.
John Sims “Cole” Colburn is tired of playing the field. The construction firm CEO longs for the harmony, partnership, and deep abiding love his parents had. The problem is…his standards are probably impossibly high.
When their paths cross, the chemistry is instant, but neither is prepared for the intensity and passion of the journey ahead of them.
As their love deepens, Tiercy finds herself emotionally torn, questioning what she’s always known. How can one person have two soulmates? And having found the love of his life, Cole must decide if he can bear not being the love of hers.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2025
18 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 7, 2025
#Debut #SingleMom #ARC
I have been working to write shorter reviews, but this book is one I couldn't say enough about.
"Thou touchest my inmost centre. Thou art tied to me by cords woven of my heartstrings."- Moby Dick, Herman Melville
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book. As someone facing the potential loss of the love of my life with a recent, scary diagnosis, I hesitated briefly before reading this book when I saw the premise. But I had asked for an advanced copy, so I jumped in with both feet and didn’t look back. If I do have to face the worst in the future, this book gave me hope and courage to face whatever comes.
This debut novel is written in third person from an alternating dual POV, is a standalone, and ends with a HEA. The author begins each chapter with a literary quote that sets the tone for what is to come. I found the concept to be one that inspired me to read or reread some of those classic books and poems that I have not looked at in forever. Most of all, I was thoroughly impressed at how accurately the literary quotes meshed with the content of each chapter. I also loved that those quotes fit so perfectly with Tiercy’s character as a high school English teacher.
"I love words. And I love how different writers can string the same exact words together, in a different way, and create something unique. Words are dynamic and flexible, and glorious."
Tiercy is a 33-year-old single mom at the start of the book. Readers are led through her grieving process after the sudden loss of her husband 5 years prior. Her 4-year-old daughter, Jemma, is a precocious bundle of joy and sass. I adored her and her confident little voice. Tiercy is such a good mom to her. Tiercy also has a phenomenal support system, which I feel would be necessary in this instance. Her parents and her friends Brinder and Ross are exceptional. Her relationship with Brinder is marked with love and understanding. Her best friend Ross is a stand-out character in the book. Everyone needs a friend like her. I want a friend like Ross. I love it when a book builds my vocabulary and Tiercy and Ross’ SAT word competition was a fun way that expanded my knowledge without feeling over the top.
"But in the land of grief, reason and sense were awkward strangers."
Cole is a 35-year-old CEO of his family-owned construction company. He has always been single and has been a playboy at times. Recently he has been feeling discontented with his life. When he spots Tiercy across the room for the first time, he is completely entranced. Tiercy feels it too, but she struggles to embrace the idea of having a second big love in her life. I adored their immediate and magnetic connection. I loved Cole’s determination to allow her the time to work through her complex emotions while being completely lost in his feelings for her. He is a wonderful guy. They share passion, romance, and intimate emotional moments along the way to their happy ending.
"They'd only met a half hour ago. And yet...he was overtaken with the sensation of...recognition. As if he'd known Tiercy all along in his soul, and now life was finally catching up."
This was a beautifully written debut novel. It captured me from the beginning prologue and wouldn't let me go. The way the author writes about Tiercy's grief was profound and very moving to me. Her courage in the face of tragic loss and Cole’s patience and understanding of her journey was truly special. I didn't want to leave the love between Tiercy and Cole. I found myself slowing my reading process as I didn’t want the book to end. I, too, was besotted with their feelings for each other. There are scenes that are so swoony, and even cinematic in nature. (Oh! This would make a great film!) It’s not every day that a debut author produces a book with such well-developed characters, an emotional and gripping story line, and lyrical writing. I found the dialogue to be funny, smart, and emotional. She even channels a little Jane Austen flare, and it was fabulous.
"We all break things in our relationships---sometimes intentionally, but more often unintentionally with some notion of positive intent behind it. What separates a relationship that can go the distance is that both parties want to do better. And they recognize it and work at it."
Sometimes I feel like I can tell how good a book is by the number of passages I highlight. I don't think I have ever highlighted so many passages in a debut novel before. Honestly, I don't even highlight many authors I regularly read as much as I did this book. Now, I really want to read it again. And that is what I consider the ultimate sign of a 5-star read for me.
If you only read one debut book this year, make it this one.
I have been working to write shorter reviews, but this book is one I couldn't say enough about.
"Thou touchest my inmost centre. Thou art tied to me by cords woven of my heartstrings."- Moby Dick, Herman Melville
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book. As someone facing the potential loss of the love of my life with a recent, scary diagnosis, I hesitated briefly before reading this book when I saw the premise. But I had asked for an advanced copy, so I jumped in with both feet and didn’t look back. If I do have to face the worst in the future, this book gave me hope and courage to face whatever comes.
This debut novel is written in third person from an alternating dual POV, is a standalone, and ends with a HEA. The author begins each chapter with a literary quote that sets the tone for what is to come. I found the concept to be one that inspired me to read or reread some of those classic books and poems that I have not looked at in forever. Most of all, I was thoroughly impressed at how accurately the literary quotes meshed with the content of each chapter. I also loved that those quotes fit so perfectly with Tiercy’s character as a high school English teacher.
"I love words. And I love how different writers can string the same exact words together, in a different way, and create something unique. Words are dynamic and flexible, and glorious."
Tiercy is a 33-year-old single mom at the start of the book. Readers are led through her grieving process after the sudden loss of her husband 5 years prior. Her 4-year-old daughter, Jemma, is a precocious bundle of joy and sass. I adored her and her confident little voice. Tiercy is such a good mom to her. Tiercy also has a phenomenal support system, which I feel would be necessary in this instance. Her parents and her friends Brinder and Ross are exceptional. Her relationship with Brinder is marked with love and understanding. Her best friend Ross is a stand-out character in the book. Everyone needs a friend like her. I want a friend like Ross. I love it when a book builds my vocabulary and Tiercy and Ross’ SAT word competition was a fun way that expanded my knowledge without feeling over the top.
"But in the land of grief, reason and sense were awkward strangers."
Cole is a 35-year-old CEO of his family-owned construction company. He has always been single and has been a playboy at times. Recently he has been feeling discontented with his life. When he spots Tiercy across the room for the first time, he is completely entranced. Tiercy feels it too, but she struggles to embrace the idea of having a second big love in her life. I adored their immediate and magnetic connection. I loved Cole’s determination to allow her the time to work through her complex emotions while being completely lost in his feelings for her. He is a wonderful guy. They share passion, romance, and intimate emotional moments along the way to their happy ending.
"They'd only met a half hour ago. And yet...he was overtaken with the sensation of...recognition. As if he'd known Tiercy all along in his soul, and now life was finally catching up."
This was a beautifully written debut novel. It captured me from the beginning prologue and wouldn't let me go. The way the author writes about Tiercy's grief was profound and very moving to me. Her courage in the face of tragic loss and Cole’s patience and understanding of her journey was truly special. I didn't want to leave the love between Tiercy and Cole. I found myself slowing my reading process as I didn’t want the book to end. I, too, was besotted with their feelings for each other. There are scenes that are so swoony, and even cinematic in nature. (Oh! This would make a great film!) It’s not every day that a debut author produces a book with such well-developed characters, an emotional and gripping story line, and lyrical writing. I found the dialogue to be funny, smart, and emotional. She even channels a little Jane Austen flare, and it was fabulous.
"We all break things in our relationships---sometimes intentionally, but more often unintentionally with some notion of positive intent behind it. What separates a relationship that can go the distance is that both parties want to do better. And they recognize it and work at it."
Sometimes I feel like I can tell how good a book is by the number of passages I highlight. I don't think I have ever highlighted so many passages in a debut novel before. Honestly, I don't even highlight many authors I regularly read as much as I did this book. Now, I really want to read it again. And that is what I consider the ultimate sign of a 5-star read for me.
If you only read one debut book this year, make it this one.
May 2, 2025
Beautiful emotional story. The feelings after a death of your soulmate is greatly described in here, but not only that. The trouble of opening up to love again, to be able to be open to love like that again is the focus of this story. What is right, the questions to herself.
I love how the author clearly thought about all this in her story. It feels real and meaningful.
Definitely worth the read and the tears happy and sad ones.
I love how the author clearly thought about all this in her story. It feels real and meaningful.
Definitely worth the read and the tears happy and sad ones.
May 13, 2025
I am completely in love with the characters of Heartstrings! The author, Cathryn Lyons, did a wonderful job creating characters whose stories I became invested in. From the cute little Jemma to Tiercy and Cole. Tiercy was a relatable woman whose heartache was palpable through the words used to describe her and her interactions with Cole. I found myself cheering for their relationship. When Tiercy opened up to Cole my heart was aching for her. Then when Cole compared love to a novel saying that Tiercy would not have stopped reading after the “first amazing, life-changing novel”, I thought to myself, I hope that Lyons doesn’t stop at this first amazing novel. I cannot wait to meet more of her characters and their stories!
May 8, 2025
I received an ARC of this novel.
Heartstrings is a fantastic debut novel which deals with, amongst other things, the themes of grief and second chances.
I loved the all characters, Tiercy’s grief, pain, anguish and joy was laid bare, so well written, and I grieved along with her. Cole came across as a really great guy, and I rooted for him from the beginning.
The supporting characters all added their own to the story without overshadowing.
The quotes at the beginning of each chapter were perfectly chosen and added another layer to the story.
Heartstrings is a fantastic debut novel which deals with, amongst other things, the themes of grief and second chances.
I loved the all characters, Tiercy’s grief, pain, anguish and joy was laid bare, so well written, and I grieved along with her. Cole came across as a really great guy, and I rooted for him from the beginning.
The supporting characters all added their own to the story without overshadowing.
The quotes at the beginning of each chapter were perfectly chosen and added another layer to the story.
May 15, 2025
This was a journey! While this really meets grief with living, it explores life after the loss of a soulmate, how do you deal with a spark that ignites when you unexpectedly meet someone new?
Wonderfully told with sensitivity, and thoughtfulness, Heartstrings won’t leave your mind for a while after reading it.
I want rolling out that I very much enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of each chapter.
ARC was received for an honest review.
Wonderfully told with sensitivity, and thoughtfulness, Heartstrings won’t leave your mind for a while after reading it.
I want rolling out that I very much enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of each chapter.
ARC was received for an honest review.
May 14, 2025
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC copy of this book. The title is very appropriate as this story definitely pulled on my heartstrings. if you've dealt with the death of a romantic partner, this book can be very triggering..... but with that being said, as someone who is a member of this unfortunate club, this is the first story that I've read that truly gets into the depths of how grief can manifest. So much of the way that Tiercy dealt with her grief over her husband Luke truly resonated with me, as well as her concerns about what love, if it can ever could be a part of her life again, would look like.... especially as a single mother of a young child. All the characters are folks that I would want to spend time around, from Tiercy's adorable daughter Jemma & her ride or die best friend Ross, to Cole's massive family. Speaking of Cole... wow! A thoughtful, insanely good looking and a romantic at heart. He is quite the leading man! This story is powerful and really gets the true power of love and hope. What a fantastic debut novel for author Cathryn Lyons!
May 21, 2025
I was lucky to be an advanced reader for Cathryn Lyons’ debut novel, Heartstrings. Lyons’ writing and well-developed characters draw you in from the first page where we meet Tiercy Somerville. Throughout the book we mourn and we hope with Tiercy as she navigates the grief from losing her first husband several years ago and the joy of finding new love with John “Cole” Colburn. While the main plot will draw any reader in, the wonderful cast of supporting characters makes the book even more engaging as we meet Tiercy’s young daughter, Tiercy’s parents and Cole’s family, Cole’s friend Xander, and Tiercy’s bestie, Ross. Anyone who is looking for a romance to read that will bring a tear to your eye, have you laughing out loud, enjoying the spicy scenes, and eagerly turning the pages to see what will happen should read Heartstrings. This is a fantastic debut novel and I look forward to Lyons’ future works.
May 19, 2025
New to me author and I had no idea what to expect from her but Heartstrings, wow, the name says it all!!
Such a powerful story of lost love and struggling to open a heart up again for the possibility of finding love again. Tiercy lost her chance of a forever love when she lost hers, so she shut her heart down with no chance of ever finding love again.
Cole, realizing he isn’t really happy being the single playboy all the time and is really missing having that special someone to spend his time with. When he sees Tiercy for the first time, he is drawn to her like no one ever before.
Cole is determined to give Tiercy everything she needs even if she doesn’t realize she does. Cole is captivated by how strong she is even if she doesn’t think so.
Cole is just what Tiercy needs if she will open her heart up for love again, she just may find what she is looking for.
Such a powerful story of lost love and struggling to open a heart up again for the possibility of finding love again. Tiercy lost her chance of a forever love when she lost hers, so she shut her heart down with no chance of ever finding love again.
Cole, realizing he isn’t really happy being the single playboy all the time and is really missing having that special someone to spend his time with. When he sees Tiercy for the first time, he is drawn to her like no one ever before.
Cole is determined to give Tiercy everything she needs even if she doesn’t realize she does. Cole is captivated by how strong she is even if she doesn’t think so.
Cole is just what Tiercy needs if she will open her heart up for love again, she just may find what she is looking for.
June 2, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this novel.
I was surprised to learn that this was a debut novel. The thoughtfulness of the story and the way you feel every emotion from Tiercy's loss to Cole's desire to support her however she needs it. Great characters big and small (Ross is the best friend I think we ALL deserve in our lives) driving this love story, I can't wait to read what's to come.
I was surprised to learn that this was a debut novel. The thoughtfulness of the story and the way you feel every emotion from Tiercy's loss to Cole's desire to support her however she needs it. Great characters big and small (Ross is the best friend I think we ALL deserve in our lives) driving this love story, I can't wait to read what's to come.
December 28, 2025
What a wonderful debut story! This will certainly pull at your”heartstrings” and the sensitivity the author describes the grieving process is so spot on. The opening of each chapter with an authentic quote from other masterpieces was very effective. The characters are strong and the inclusion of Tiercy’s journaling was an important element of her journey through her grief. This is one of the best stories I have read recently and I will be continuing the series.
May 15, 2025
Great story!!
I absolutely loved this book! Tiercy and Cole’s story was so emotional and heartfelt—it pulled me in from the very first page. I was completely invested in their journey and couldn’t put it down. Their happily-ever-after was well deserved and so satisfying. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a powerful romance! 💙💜
I absolutely loved this book! Tiercy and Cole’s story was so emotional and heartfelt—it pulled me in from the very first page. I was completely invested in their journey and couldn’t put it down. Their happily-ever-after was well deserved and so satisfying. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a powerful romance! 💙💜
June 11, 2025
My book of the year 2025.
I loved this so much. It was jam packed full of love, loss, joy, sorrow, giggles, tears,devastation and hope. I can't find enough words to explain all the reasons why you need to read this.
I loved this so much. It was jam packed full of love, loss, joy, sorrow, giggles, tears,devastation and hope. I can't find enough words to explain all the reasons why you need to read this.
August 25, 2025
Amazing!
I read this book without any prior knowledge of the content or author, and it was absolutely amazing.
A story or heart, of love, lost and found, and characters that linger in the memory.
A truely inspirational new author.
I read this book without any prior knowledge of the content or author, and it was absolutely amazing.
A story or heart, of love, lost and found, and characters that linger in the memory.
A truely inspirational new author.
August 25, 2025
The characters were so vivid they felt like good friends and the dialogue had me laughing out loud, despite dealing with challenging themes. This author is very gifted and I look forward to all her future work!
September 20, 2025
Romance is not my usual genre but I read because I’ve met the author in the past. I enjoyed this sweet and spicy story of learning to love again after loss. It’s not just a love story, it’s an authentic walk through someone’s grief journey. As a reader, you feel connected to the characters and their emotions. I can see this being an encouragement to someone who wonders if they will love again.
May 20, 2025
I was lucky to be an advanced reader for Cathryn Lyons’ debut novel, Heartstrings. I can't believe this is her first book release!! The story grabbed me from the first page, until the last line of the book, which I read at 2 AM in the morning. 😳
My husband and I met under similar circumstances. His wife of 10 years passed away in her early 30's, leaving her husband and eight year old son. To say this story resonated with me is putting it mildly. The author did such a fantastic job writing this story, I felt like I was reading my real life story.
My Husband and I have been married for 30+ years, so we're living proof that you can have two soulmates. 💓
I can't wait to read her next story!
My husband and I met under similar circumstances. His wife of 10 years passed away in her early 30's, leaving her husband and eight year old son. To say this story resonated with me is putting it mildly. The author did such a fantastic job writing this story, I felt like I was reading my real life story.
My Husband and I have been married for 30+ years, so we're living proof that you can have two soulmates. 💓
I can't wait to read her next story!
June 1, 2025
As a fan of a romance novels, I take the stories and character development seriously. Too often, romance novels head south in a hurry for me, either because of the writing, structure, completely unlikeable and annoying characters, or the annoying "meet cute" concept (a term I detest).
Cathryn Lyons had me at the prologue, but I will give an example from the first paragraph of Chapter One that said to me, KEEP READING: "Tiercy Somerville could sort her life neatly into one of five categories: Way Before. Before. That Day. Right After. After." THAT intrigued me to keep going, to learn what happened in those five phases of her life. And do we learn!
It's a beautifully written and beautifully structured novel of love, loss, love, courage, determination, understanding, and forgiveness. I loved the characters! And the epilogue took my breath away. Yes, I dribbled tears on my Kindle.
Never a fan of esoteric (to me) lines from classic novels or poetry at the beginning of chapters (It always seemed to me the authors were showing off! If I have to work THAT hard, is it worth it?), I read each of these carefully. And lo and behold - they actually had relatable relevance to the chapter! Alleluia!
Perhaps the shining element of this debut novel is the dialogue. It is smart, often funny, real dialogue that often made me laugh and certainly brought tears to my eyes and a big lump to my throat.
I am grateful to have been an advanced reader of this wonderful novel.
Cathryn Lyons had me at the prologue, but I will give an example from the first paragraph of Chapter One that said to me, KEEP READING: "Tiercy Somerville could sort her life neatly into one of five categories: Way Before. Before. That Day. Right After. After." THAT intrigued me to keep going, to learn what happened in those five phases of her life. And do we learn!
It's a beautifully written and beautifully structured novel of love, loss, love, courage, determination, understanding, and forgiveness. I loved the characters! And the epilogue took my breath away. Yes, I dribbled tears on my Kindle.
Never a fan of esoteric (to me) lines from classic novels or poetry at the beginning of chapters (It always seemed to me the authors were showing off! If I have to work THAT hard, is it worth it?), I read each of these carefully. And lo and behold - they actually had relatable relevance to the chapter! Alleluia!
Perhaps the shining element of this debut novel is the dialogue. It is smart, often funny, real dialogue that often made me laugh and certainly brought tears to my eyes and a big lump to my throat.
I am grateful to have been an advanced reader of this wonderful novel.
June 10, 2025
Tiercy was not expecting Cole, but he was exactly what she needed. Their story beautifully explored how to move forward after tragedy. Cole is steady and unwavering in his desire for Tiercy, while she is struggling to accept that a person can have more than one great love. This story definitely pulls on your Heartstrings, but love finds a way…. Enjoy
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews