Fragile Hearts

by Pat Nichols

Lives intertwined. Hearts tested. Futures rewritten.

Timing couldn’t be worse for Amanda. Just when she finally admits she’s falling in love with Gary, a stranger arrives with shattering news that upends everything she thought she knew about her past—and her future. With Millie and her mystery club investigating the stranger’s claims, Amanda must decide—will she protect her heart, or open it to someone who might change her family forever?

While Wendy juggles caring for a newborn and a toddler, her stepfather pleads for her and Chris to help deal with his troubled fourteen-year-old son. Zach’s refusal to attend school is only the beginning of the young man’s troubles. In the meantime, Wendy’s own father refuses to drop his lawsuit against her and his wife. What will it take to force a change of heart in the man who can’t admit the breakup of his marriage is his fault?

While Erica settles in as a newlywed, her daughter Abby, continues to push through painful therapy. Just as hope for recovery begins to shine brighter, a letter arrives that forces her to make one of the most difficult decisions of her life.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

Welcome to my author page. I'm delighted you stopped by.
Pat Nichols is an award-winning author who is proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Having retired from a corporate career, she draws on her experiences working with women from all walks of life to write emotion-filled, faith-driven contemporary women’s fiction. Book one in her new multiple-book series, Blizzard at Blue Ridge Inn, introduces three women who meet for the first time at a historic inn where secrets unravel, destinies collide, and nothing is as it seems. Pat and her high-school sweetheart husband of fifty-plus years live in the Atlanta area. They have two children and four grandchildren. One precious granddaughter lives with the angels. Pat enjoys riding in her hubby’s corvette, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite indulgence? Dark chocolate.

I'd love to give you a free copy of my award-winning short story. Simply come on over to www.patnicholsauthor.blog and sign up for my newsletter. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series, which is set in Blue Ridge, Georgia, a wonderful small town. I do suggest you start at the beginning of the series if you haven’t already. The cast of characters are so wonderful and it’s easier to meet them in order. I love the original casts and the way the story takes you through their lives. Once I start a book, I don’t get much else done till I finish it. I have to see what is happening next! I think you will fall in love with these folks just like I did. They are family and I’m along for the ride. I enjoy the surprises that are thrown in along the way. As you know with surprises, they can be good or not so good. Just like in real life. I am always ready for a trip to Blue Ridge and for a visit with my book friends. I received an ARC of this book, but my opinion is my own.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complex family!
Ms Nichols has created an intricate plot for each of her books and “Fragile Hearts”, leading on from “Whispers of Hope” without hesitation, does not disappoint!
Multiple laugh-out-loud moments when Millie is included in the gathering, complicated family dynamics that only become even more obfuscated as they continue to expand, trust issues in relationships, guests with volatile secrets, and so on and so on, ensure that the reader remains fully engaged in the story.
This is a narrative that flows well, with characters who have matured as the series has progressed and yet must keep adjusting to their continually changing circumstances. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alice Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy from the author, and boy was I glad that I did. Nichols' books have led me to think of their main characters as friends, people I want to keep up with. Her latest in the Blue Ridge Series did not disappoint. The title, Fragile Hearts, springs from parent-child conflict and marital betrayal. She does a superb job of exploring the consequences of those conflicts to those involved in the conflict as well as the effects flowing to those not directly in the situation. And there's plenty of other subplots with fun, romance, and interpersonal relationships. References to yummy sounding food are a bonus. Another great read!

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This newest book in the series is full of surprises. Some of the minor characters get a bigger role in this book and it is fun to see how they all fit into the storyline. As always, there is some drama but also lots of love and kindness. The ladies of Blue Ridge continue to change and become stronger as they face new challenges.

I'm always pleased to receive an ARC from the author because I know I'm in for a good read.

[MarR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fragile Hearts is book 8, the latest in the Blue Ridge series, written by author Pat Nichols. I am an advanced reader who finished this book in one sitting. Could not put it down. You will cheer for Wendy, root for Abby, and cry for Amanda. While this is a fantastic book, I highly recommend reading the previous books in the series. These three women will become some of your best friends.

[Sue Librandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My go-to books are series. I must say that the Blue Ridge Series are my very favorite. It got me from the first book with the "surprise" that started it all. Now we are on book#8 and we have gotten through many life problems. I love that most of the main characters are mature women and Millie is a hoot! I hated to see this book end and hope this series never ends.

[Janet Bunbuc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book. I loved this book! The small town setting is wonderful and the characters are like family. I read it so quickly because the story flows so beautifully. Every book I finish in this series leaves me looking forward to the next one.

[Leona Reed]

The book was good and I enjoyed it. I am very disappointed that the next book won’t be out until June. That’s a long time to wait.

[Robin M Rosequist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best series

I really love this continuing story! It's A story I can look forward to following. Thank you! Please keep going!

[Jill K Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous continuation of the Blue Ridge Series. The reader gets to spend a little more time with Amanda and Millie, meet a new character, and enjoy a reprieve from the dastardly Gunter Benson. I look forward to reading #9.

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The ladies are still dealing with old and new issues. Thankfully they have each other to lean on during these trying times.