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Hearts of Three Rivers #3
Secondhand Heart
Widower Finn Baylor helps troubled horses, not troubled people. When Lily Jacobs shows up with her damaged horse in tow, something in her eyes tells him this woman is the latter, and his first instinct is to tell her to get gone. Still trying to piece himself together, the last thing he needs in his life is a woman who won't take no for an answer.
Reeling from the accident that nearly claimed her life and her horse's, Lily is desperate to make things normal again. The horse has become unpredictable and dangerous, and Lily is terrified -- but she's not giving up.
Out of options, Lily's last hope for her horse is the brooding Finn. And though he's done his best to close himself off, Lily's determined spirit means she might be the last hope for Finn's heart.
Reeling from the accident that nearly claimed her life and her horse's, Lily is desperate to make things normal again. The horse has become unpredictable and dangerous, and Lily is terrified -- but she's not giving up.
Out of options, Lily's last hope for her horse is the brooding Finn. And though he's done his best to close himself off, Lily's determined spirit means she might be the last hope for Finn's heart.
Unknown Binding
First published August 16, 2015
24 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Amity Lassiter
11 books70 followersAmity Lassiter lives in Eastern Canada with her herding dog, her barn cat, two horses and her Mister. She has loved telling stories her entire life and even before she could write could be found in her grandmother’s basement, reciting fiction into an ancient cassette recorder.
The most influential author in Amity’s life would be Peter S. Beagle, the author of The Last Unicorn, who introduced her to her first achingly impossible love story and made her believe in magic. She met, and shared the most surreal small talk with Beagle in May 2014.
She loves critters, coffee, and cowboys – and she still believes in unicorns.
The most influential author in Amity’s life would be Peter S. Beagle, the author of The Last Unicorn, who introduced her to her first achingly impossible love story and made her believe in magic. She met, and shared the most surreal small talk with Beagle in May 2014.
She loves critters, coffee, and cowboys – and she still believes in unicorns.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 24, 2015
Arc copy of "Secondhand Heart" received from author for an honest review.
Thank you Ms Lassiter, I have loved this whole series. How can one not ? Each book has been a beautiful love story with a wonderful warm family of characters in a classic small town America!
From the very first book I new that Finn's story would be worth the wait; and Ms Lassiter did not dissapoint.
Finn Baylor, horse whisperer extrodanaire and a man stuck in his past, held their by his love and devotion to his deceased wife and his fear of moving on, of maybe having to feel the pain of loss again.
So when his sister in law Emma brings Lily Jacobs to the family farm with her horse Encore in tow,he wants nothing to do with the sweet beautiful strong girl , he just wants to fix her horse and send her on her way. Finn is not use to having to deal with the owners . Worse yet this troubled women with her broken horse arouses a feeling in his heart he has not felt since his wife Sunny was alive.
Finn Baylor has been widowed for five years loosing his beloved Sunny, his wife,his high school sweetheart to cancer all too soon, before they could start a family of their own; since then Finn has dedicated himself to his work and her pet project of working with children in foster care, helping them put smiles on their face with getting them on the back of horses.
Lily Jacobs unwittingly challenges Finn's boundaries , first by insisting that she stay while he works with her horse Encore , but then by making him start to feel after so many years. Finn comes off as a grouch at first , but the attraction is more than evident between the two, one that Finn will eventually give into. However in a sell town such as three rivers trying to keep anything a secret is a challenge , never mind his mother. The Baylor family however wants nothing but what's best for Finn and after so many years they feel it is time for Hume to give love another try and they believe Lily is perfectly try again with!
If you like a true romance , with some sexy times and a wonderful family connections I can not recommend " Secondhand Heart" and the whole Hearts of Three River series enough!
Thank you Ms Lassiter, I have loved this whole series. How can one not ? Each book has been a beautiful love story with a wonderful warm family of characters in a classic small town America!
From the very first book I new that Finn's story would be worth the wait; and Ms Lassiter did not dissapoint.
Finn Baylor, horse whisperer extrodanaire and a man stuck in his past, held their by his love and devotion to his deceased wife and his fear of moving on, of maybe having to feel the pain of loss again.
So when his sister in law Emma brings Lily Jacobs to the family farm with her horse Encore in tow,he wants nothing to do with the sweet beautiful strong girl , he just wants to fix her horse and send her on her way. Finn is not use to having to deal with the owners . Worse yet this troubled women with her broken horse arouses a feeling in his heart he has not felt since his wife Sunny was alive.
Finn Baylor has been widowed for five years loosing his beloved Sunny, his wife,his high school sweetheart to cancer all too soon, before they could start a family of their own; since then Finn has dedicated himself to his work and her pet project of working with children in foster care, helping them put smiles on their face with getting them on the back of horses.
Lily Jacobs unwittingly challenges Finn's boundaries , first by insisting that she stay while he works with her horse Encore , but then by making him start to feel after so many years. Finn comes off as a grouch at first , but the attraction is more than evident between the two, one that Finn will eventually give into. However in a sell town such as three rivers trying to keep anything a secret is a challenge , never mind his mother. The Baylor family however wants nothing but what's best for Finn and after so many years they feel it is time for Hume to give love another try and they believe Lily is perfectly try again with!
If you like a true romance , with some sexy times and a wonderful family connections I can not recommend " Secondhand Heart" and the whole Hearts of Three River series enough!
January 2, 2016
Another satisfying book from the Hearts of Three Rivers series. It was nothing to blow me away, but it's hard not to love a nice cowboy, a stubborn woman, a tight-knit family, ranch life, and a few good horses. I appreciate that the author knew a thing or seventeen about horses and riding. And I will say, this book had a tear or two falling out of these eyes towards the end. I wish that we would have gotten a little bit more about Encore in the epilogue... but, hey. That's fine. A solid read that left me feeling some warm-fuzzies.
August 23, 2015
Received a review copy of the title from author in exchange for an honest review.
IT'S FINALLY HERE!
In any THREE RIVERS book I've reviewed (ok, that's only two), I have mentioned how much I wanted Finn to find a forever love. The man and his story have broken my heart again and again. First, when he's talking to Ren about not getting a second chance at life; and then again and again as he finds calm in his horses but doesn't find a woman to make a home with.
What I found different in this book was Amity's descriptions... or maybe I just never noticed them in the first two books. The first chapter or so of SECONDHAND HEART is primarily in the head of Finn, and while internal dialogue tends to be descriptive, I found myself disappointed that I wasn't quite enjoying Finn's story as much as I wanted to.
However...
After I got past that internal dialogue introducing us to the story (only proving what an internal guy Finn had become since Sunny's passing), once we met Lily and the horse that terrifies her... the story pulled me along -- and my heart broke for Finn yet again.
It's been five years since Sunny's passing, but her presence on the Baylor family has always been huge. Finn has a difficult time with the idea of moving on without her -- it was Sunny he made his forever plans with, Sunny he planned on having children with, Sunny who was supposed to hold his hand in the end.
Unfortunately, her end came entirely too soon and Finn is simply going through the motions, day to day, and using his horse therapy to make it to tomorrow. Finn is extremely talented when it comes to reading horses, and in such, he reads people well too, so when he first meets Lily (while he mistakes her for Nate's newest flame) he is taken aback by the stark fear on her face when her horse, Encore, freaks.
Lily's story is pretty tremendous in it's own right, and the bits and pieces you get of her past (before learning it all) make you feel for the woman -- and help you understand that while she's terrified of her horse, why she wants to repair that relationship.
My biggest heart break moment would have to be in the cemetery, 'seeing' Sunny besides Finn's family, and the absolute heartbreak Finn has as he struggles to accept it's ok for him to move on.
Another beautiful story by Amity Lassiter, and likely my favorite -- but then again, Finn was my favorite from book one.
IT'S FINALLY HERE!
In any THREE RIVERS book I've reviewed (ok, that's only two), I have mentioned how much I wanted Finn to find a forever love. The man and his story have broken my heart again and again. First, when he's talking to Ren about not getting a second chance at life; and then again and again as he finds calm in his horses but doesn't find a woman to make a home with.
What I found different in this book was Amity's descriptions... or maybe I just never noticed them in the first two books. The first chapter or so of SECONDHAND HEART is primarily in the head of Finn, and while internal dialogue tends to be descriptive, I found myself disappointed that I wasn't quite enjoying Finn's story as much as I wanted to.
However...
After I got past that internal dialogue introducing us to the story (only proving what an internal guy Finn had become since Sunny's passing), once we met Lily and the horse that terrifies her... the story pulled me along -- and my heart broke for Finn yet again.
It's been five years since Sunny's passing, but her presence on the Baylor family has always been huge. Finn has a difficult time with the idea of moving on without her -- it was Sunny he made his forever plans with, Sunny he planned on having children with, Sunny who was supposed to hold his hand in the end.
Unfortunately, her end came entirely too soon and Finn is simply going through the motions, day to day, and using his horse therapy to make it to tomorrow. Finn is extremely talented when it comes to reading horses, and in such, he reads people well too, so when he first meets Lily (while he mistakes her for Nate's newest flame) he is taken aback by the stark fear on her face when her horse, Encore, freaks.
Lily's story is pretty tremendous in it's own right, and the bits and pieces you get of her past (before learning it all) make you feel for the woman -- and help you understand that while she's terrified of her horse, why she wants to repair that relationship.
My biggest heart break moment would have to be in the cemetery, 'seeing' Sunny besides Finn's family, and the absolute heartbreak Finn has as he struggles to accept it's ok for him to move on.
Another beautiful story by Amity Lassiter, and likely my favorite -- but then again, Finn was my favorite from book one.
August 22, 2015
When I first began this series, one thing that struck me was how classically romantic the books were. This series isn't just a story about couples falling in love; they are stories about family and struggles and how love fits in and enhances our everyday lives, how all-encompassing a lasting relationship is. From the very first book, I wanted to know more about Finn Baylor. I just found his situation heartbreaking, having lost his wife to cancer at a very young age. I'm a sucker for good characters who need TLC because I just want to see them happy again.
Five years into his widowhood, Lily Jacobs comes pulling onto the Baylor Ranch with a wounded heart and horse. She and Finn have an immediate, unacknowledged attraction and while Lily is slightly more open to her feelings, Finn is not at all. He still wears his wedding band, traces of his late wife are strewn about his home; he hasn't let go of the love he had. But while working with Encore, Lily's traumatized horse, both Finn and Lily come to learn things about themselves and each other and their relationship begins to grow and change.
We are treated to time with former book characters and fellow Baylor family members, which is great. I feel like Lassiter's writing is really strong in this book, the characters seem whole and well-rounded, as does their evolution in the story, and the details and descriptions of ranching life are vivid and clear.
Loved it!!
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review**
Five years into his widowhood, Lily Jacobs comes pulling onto the Baylor Ranch with a wounded heart and horse. She and Finn have an immediate, unacknowledged attraction and while Lily is slightly more open to her feelings, Finn is not at all. He still wears his wedding band, traces of his late wife are strewn about his home; he hasn't let go of the love he had. But while working with Encore, Lily's traumatized horse, both Finn and Lily come to learn things about themselves and each other and their relationship begins to grow and change.
We are treated to time with former book characters and fellow Baylor family members, which is great. I feel like Lassiter's writing is really strong in this book, the characters seem whole and well-rounded, as does their evolution in the story, and the details and descriptions of ranching life are vivid and clear.
Loved it!!
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review**
August 18, 2015
I have a confession. I didn't finish this book the first time around. It's unfortunately often that I come across a book I can't finish. Writing quality, characters backgrounds, story content and the voices the writer has given the characters are all reasons of this but not Amity's book. Oh no. I couldn't bear to endure their struggles. I couldn't live through the raw emotion. I couldn't handle it being over! Uncharacteristic of Amity's other novels, Secondhand Heart was approximately 25,000 words longer and thankfully so! Never has, in my opinion, there been a story of two pained individuals been able to collide, conflict and unite in 50,000 words. It's that simple. If so, then you would think they were vague and disinteresting. Again, my opinion.
Finn Baylor is infuriatingly stubborn and closed off but to experience his growth as a ruined man through inner conflict and then finally to resolve was refreshing to say the least. Lily Jacobs, on the other hand, is determination and drive packed into a tiny, blonde spitfire. Sure, the whole traumatic accident and now lifelong pain hinder her physically and mentally but her hearts strong. She didn't just will herself to survive, she willed herself to live! Live the life she used to. She just didn't see him falling into it.
Must read, bring tissues, and time to take a breather. You're going to want to brace yourself for what's coming.
Finn Baylor is infuriatingly stubborn and closed off but to experience his growth as a ruined man through inner conflict and then finally to resolve was refreshing to say the least. Lily Jacobs, on the other hand, is determination and drive packed into a tiny, blonde spitfire. Sure, the whole traumatic accident and now lifelong pain hinder her physically and mentally but her hearts strong. She didn't just will herself to survive, she willed herself to live! Live the life she used to. She just didn't see him falling into it.
Must read, bring tissues, and time to take a breather. You're going to want to brace yourself for what's coming.
August 19, 2015
This is the third book in the Hearts of Three Rivers books, and I personally think the strongest so far.
Finn is the grouchy Baylor brother who lost his high school sweetheart (then wife) to cancer and just cannot seem to move forward. Lily is the woman that ends up staying on the ranch while Finn attempts to work a miracle on her horse who was scarred on the inside as well as the outside in an accident that also gave her plenty of internal scars in addition to the physical damage she suffered.
Naturally, they don't get off to a good start, and neither does Encore, the gorgeous equine star of the book. Finn resents Lily being around, and she can't deal with his gruff demeanour one minute, followed by a grudging smile the next. The rest of the Baylor clan make regular appearances throughout the story, which is why it's wise to read them in order (and because they are great reads) and I got a sense of a real family shining through the pages. Nothing is cutesy, or written to fill up the pages; everything is neatly tied in. And it's a decent length too, not one of those "oh is that it?" kind of books, which really annoy me.
As for whether they get a happy ending? Well, you should read it and find out.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
Finn is the grouchy Baylor brother who lost his high school sweetheart (then wife) to cancer and just cannot seem to move forward. Lily is the woman that ends up staying on the ranch while Finn attempts to work a miracle on her horse who was scarred on the inside as well as the outside in an accident that also gave her plenty of internal scars in addition to the physical damage she suffered.
Naturally, they don't get off to a good start, and neither does Encore, the gorgeous equine star of the book. Finn resents Lily being around, and she can't deal with his gruff demeanour one minute, followed by a grudging smile the next. The rest of the Baylor clan make regular appearances throughout the story, which is why it's wise to read them in order (and because they are great reads) and I got a sense of a real family shining through the pages. Nothing is cutesy, or written to fill up the pages; everything is neatly tied in. And it's a decent length too, not one of those "oh is that it?" kind of books, which really annoy me.
As for whether they get a happy ending? Well, you should read it and find out.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2016
Heartbreakingly beautiful!
Loved this story, although I went through a box of tissues...
Lily and her horse were hit by a car, she brings him to Finn Baylor to see if he can fix the skittish behaviour.. Lily is lucky to walk, let alone be alive.. Empire's wounds have healed, but have left deep scars on his mind..
Finn was young when he married his childhood sweetheart, but then she became sick and died.. Since then he has locked his heart away, but Lily awakens a part of him, that he wants to stay buried..
Just being around her brings back memories that hurt too much..
But he can't deny the attraction..
This story is heart breaking and beautiful, get the tissues ready as it will make you cry!
Loved this story, although I went through a box of tissues...
Lily and her horse were hit by a car, she brings him to Finn Baylor to see if he can fix the skittish behaviour.. Lily is lucky to walk, let alone be alive.. Empire's wounds have healed, but have left deep scars on his mind..
Finn was young when he married his childhood sweetheart, but then she became sick and died.. Since then he has locked his heart away, but Lily awakens a part of him, that he wants to stay buried..
Just being around her brings back memories that hurt too much..
But he can't deny the attraction..
This story is heart breaking and beautiful, get the tissues ready as it will make you cry!
August 24, 2015
Lily has survived an incredible trauma, right along with her horse Encore, however the scars remain. Finn Baylor becomes her last hope to heal Encore's spirit now that his overcome the injuries from the accident. Will healing Encore allow Lily to heal herself? Finn is challenged by Encore and Lily. He has his own scars that he carries after the death of his wife Sunny. Will Lily be able to break down his walls and open his heart again? Can these two broken spirits find solace and healing with each other? This is a truly magical journey of romance, redemption and hope with a sexy cowboy thrown in to keep you on your toes.
September 14, 2016
Okay this book is my favourite so far. Really enjoyable read with two beautiful characters that carried a lot of baggage.
August 30, 2015
Incredible. There's literally no other words to describe it.
March 21, 2016
another great book from Amy Lassiter
January 20, 2020
Enjoyed the story, but the poor editing kept breaking the spell.
March 30, 2016
The third book of the Hearts of Three Rivers was by far the best story of all the Baylor brothers. Finn and Lily have an amazing chemistry. They have definitely went through different struggles with loss, fear, pain and confidence. They both want to help the other with overcoming their own demons but are to stubborn to realize it until it's almost to late. I recommend this series of books to anyone who wants to enjoy a true cowboy lifestyle and love. Thank You Amity Lassiter for your amazing talent. I also appreciate the opportunity of winning the free series through Facebook.
August 15, 2016
Sweet Read
Amity Lassiter is a new author for me. I have read all 3 books
From this series and anxiously awaiting the 4th book Secret Heart. Her characters are believable. They work and have lives like the rest of us.
They are good people who help each other and the people of their small town of Three Rivers. Even though they struggled with the personal relationships it is still a "feel good " book.
Amity Lassiter is a new author for me. I have read all 3 books
From this series and anxiously awaiting the 4th book Secret Heart. Her characters are believable. They work and have lives like the rest of us.
They are good people who help each other and the people of their small town of Three Rivers. Even though they struggled with the personal relationships it is still a "feel good " book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews