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Square Hearts
The heart has many sides. But people have even more.
Nicola’s husband always said hearts have four sides. But ever since the night her world was shattered when he died in a car accident, Nicola Cooper can’t find a side that loves herself, let alone connects with her neurodivergent daughter.
Determined to start living again, Nicola finds herself in a number of precarious situations. Her muffin-making neighbor turns out to be more narcissistic than nice. She’s getting lessons in lust from her daughter’s violin teacher. And every margarita night gets her closer to her late husband’s best friend, who is a constant reminder of all that she lost.
Nicola’s life is definitely changing—which isn’t ideal because her daughter Daisy hates change.
As secrets surface and hearts collide, Nicola must face an impossible choice—the security of the past or the uncertain promise of a new beginning.
Nicola’s husband always said hearts have four sides. But ever since the night her world was shattered when he died in a car accident, Nicola Cooper can’t find a side that loves herself, let alone connects with her neurodivergent daughter.
Determined to start living again, Nicola finds herself in a number of precarious situations. Her muffin-making neighbor turns out to be more narcissistic than nice. She’s getting lessons in lust from her daughter’s violin teacher. And every margarita night gets her closer to her late husband’s best friend, who is a constant reminder of all that she lost.
Nicola’s life is definitely changing—which isn’t ideal because her daughter Daisy hates change.
As secrets surface and hearts collide, Nicola must face an impossible choice—the security of the past or the uncertain promise of a new beginning.
227 pages, Paperback
Published May 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 12, 2026
This was such a powerful read. I enjoyed it a lot, but it is also pretty emotional. Nicola is a mother who is dealing with life after the loss of her husband in a car accident. And on top of that, she's having a hard time connecting with her neurodivergent daughter. I could truly feel for everything that Nicola was going through. I always enjoy reading about mother/daughter books and this one was excellent. I really connected to this one. I hope the author writes more books because I loved this book. It was a short read that grabbed me the whole way through.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy.
June 18, 2026
I have been looking for a good romance for a while now and I feel like I definitely found it with SQUARE HEARTS. This was a heartfelt story about loss and recovery and it was written perfectly. Get ready for all the emotions in this one!
Many thanks to Julee Balko for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
Many thanks to Julee Balko for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
January 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This books is one I didn’t know I needed to read.
It was refreshing to read about a mom who’s kind of a hot mess. She’s had incredible loss, and having to navigate that is never easy. She has a daughter who’s on the spectrum, and the ups and downs that can bring.
My heart felt all of the feelings for more than just the FMC… I wanted to hug her and tell her all would be ok. I wanted to smack a child for how she treated another child.
Loved it!!
This books is one I didn’t know I needed to read.
It was refreshing to read about a mom who’s kind of a hot mess. She’s had incredible loss, and having to navigate that is never easy. She has a daughter who’s on the spectrum, and the ups and downs that can bring.
My heart felt all of the feelings for more than just the FMC… I wanted to hug her and tell her all would be ok. I wanted to smack a child for how she treated another child.
Loved it!!
January 29, 2026
I cannot wait to read the new Balko book! Everything this author writes is worth a read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Julee Balko, the Author of "Square Hearts" has written an emotional, captivating, heart-felt and poignant story. The genres for this book are: Contemporary Women, Small Town Fiction, Disabilities, Mothers and Daughter, Families, and Fiction, with a dash of Romance. The author visually and vividly describes the quaint small town, and the colorful and dramatic characters. The characters are described as complex, complicated, and flawed. I love that there are rescue kittens, and there is such an emotional importance for that.
The female protagonist in the story is Nicola Cooper, who is recently a widow, living with her neurodivergent daughter. After the car crash that killed Nicola's husband, the husband's best friend, Henry and his young son looks after Nicola and her daughter. He rents them a small cottage. Every Tuesday they have a Tacos night.Nicola is feeling lost, and wants to find herself. Her husband always said ," the heart has many sides. "Daisy, her daughter likes predictability, and can't deal with changes. When a new couple and their daughter move into their neighborhood, there might be a chance that Daisy will have a friend, and so will Nicola. There are betrayals, secrets and unacceptable behavior. The new neighbor's husband plays the violin, and starts giving lessons to Daisy.
Nicola's parents call with a proposition that Nicola and Daisy, move back home and take over the house, so the parents can go into an assisted living arrangement. They also feel that Nicola and Daisy will be closer to them.
There is something about the new neighbors that is upsetting to Daisy, and Henry as well. Nicola finds herself in a position to have to make a decision, about her life circumstances. Will Nicola be able to find acceptance, and allow herself to find love? I appreciate how the author mentions the importance of family, friends, and neighbors that communicate and are honest. The author discusses differences in people and how to make them comfortable and acceptable. I enjoyed this memorable novel and highly recommend this thought-provoking book to others.
The female protagonist in the story is Nicola Cooper, who is recently a widow, living with her neurodivergent daughter. After the car crash that killed Nicola's husband, the husband's best friend, Henry and his young son looks after Nicola and her daughter. He rents them a small cottage. Every Tuesday they have a Tacos night.Nicola is feeling lost, and wants to find herself. Her husband always said ," the heart has many sides. "Daisy, her daughter likes predictability, and can't deal with changes. When a new couple and their daughter move into their neighborhood, there might be a chance that Daisy will have a friend, and so will Nicola. There are betrayals, secrets and unacceptable behavior. The new neighbor's husband plays the violin, and starts giving lessons to Daisy.
Nicola's parents call with a proposition that Nicola and Daisy, move back home and take over the house, so the parents can go into an assisted living arrangement. They also feel that Nicola and Daisy will be closer to them.
There is something about the new neighbors that is upsetting to Daisy, and Henry as well. Nicola finds herself in a position to have to make a decision, about her life circumstances. Will Nicola be able to find acceptance, and allow herself to find love? I appreciate how the author mentions the importance of family, friends, and neighbors that communicate and are honest. The author discusses differences in people and how to make them comfortable and acceptable. I enjoyed this memorable novel and highly recommend this thought-provoking book to others.
May 26, 2026
After reading The Me List by Julee Balko, I couldn’t wait for Square Hearts to be released, and it absolutely did not disappoint. The story follows Nicola after the tragic death of her husband as she slowly begins to rediscover life again. Now a single parent to her neurodivergent daughter, Daisy, she is struggling not only to connect with her daughter, but also with herself. Her journey is complicated further by difficult new neighbours and by her late husband’s best friend, whose constant support begins to stir feelings Nicola is unsure she should allow herself to have.
The story is written mainly from Nicola’s perspective, but I also loved the moments where we are given a glimpse directly into Daisy’s mind too. The neurodivergent aspects of the story are handled beautifully, giving real insight into both Daisy’s experiences and Nicola’s challenges as a parent. What makes the novel especially compelling is that it is not simply about raising a neurodivergent child, but also about navigating the assumptions and judgements of others. Nicola is constantly balancing her daughter’s needs with her own hopes, desires, and sense of self, and Julee Balko captures just how deeply intertwined those things become.
The writing is warm, thoughtful, and emotionally perceptive without ever feeling forced or overly sentimental. The author has such a talent for creating women who feel completely real – fiercely loyal yet deeply vulnerable, carrying both strength and uncertainty at the same time. I think this story offers powerful insight for any parent, not just parents of neurodivergent children – and honestly, for anyone at all. At its core, it is about grief, love, vulnerability, and the ways people try to protect one another by hiding their own pain. In doing so, they often end up silencing the people they care about most, making them feel shut out rather than protected. I have to end this review with one of my favourite lines from Daisy and her beautiful way of seeing the world: “Mom, I love you like the numbers, not the letters. Because the letters end.”
The story is written mainly from Nicola’s perspective, but I also loved the moments where we are given a glimpse directly into Daisy’s mind too. The neurodivergent aspects of the story are handled beautifully, giving real insight into both Daisy’s experiences and Nicola’s challenges as a parent. What makes the novel especially compelling is that it is not simply about raising a neurodivergent child, but also about navigating the assumptions and judgements of others. Nicola is constantly balancing her daughter’s needs with her own hopes, desires, and sense of self, and Julee Balko captures just how deeply intertwined those things become.
The writing is warm, thoughtful, and emotionally perceptive without ever feeling forced or overly sentimental. The author has such a talent for creating women who feel completely real – fiercely loyal yet deeply vulnerable, carrying both strength and uncertainty at the same time. I think this story offers powerful insight for any parent, not just parents of neurodivergent children – and honestly, for anyone at all. At its core, it is about grief, love, vulnerability, and the ways people try to protect one another by hiding their own pain. In doing so, they often end up silencing the people they care about most, making them feel shut out rather than protected. I have to end this review with one of my favourite lines from Daisy and her beautiful way of seeing the world: “Mom, I love you like the numbers, not the letters. Because the letters end.”
May 25, 2026
Nicola is settling into life in North Carolina and Daisy seems to also be setting in somewhat. They have a nice little cottage, the neighbor and her renter has been wonderful in letting them stay in this place and providing dinner every taco Tuesday. When new neighbors move in next door and seem very friendly, Nicola wonders if maybe it is time for her to have more friends than just Henry and they have a girl that appears to be Daisy's age. Maybe she can make another friend besides Theo. It seems that Maeve appears just when Nicola needs a friend, and yet Daisy is still a bit standoffish. Henry isn't so sure of them either, but Nicola thinks this might be good. Maeve has a way of getting her out of her comfort zone and her husband isn't bad on the eyes either. But as time goes on, Maeve seems to be pushy and over the top. Daisy really doesn't like being around Sage and often things are done as Maeve says. So after a few incidents, Nicola realizes that maybe this isn't the type of friends she wants in her life, they only seem to upset Daisy and she has also created a wedge between her and Henry. Her mother is pushing for her to move back to Virginia and yet Henry seems to be hinting that he wanted more than just friendship. When things come to a head, Nicola must decide what's best for her, her daughter and if she can love once again. I loved Daisy's character and learned a lot about how parenting a neurodivergent child can be. I also enjoyed so many different lines in this novel, I have tabs and notes all over! Thank you to the author and publisher for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
Favorite line from the novel: "Nicola realized some people are meant to be in your life just to make you understand why they shouldn't be."
Favorite line from the novel: "Nicola realized some people are meant to be in your life just to make you understand why they shouldn't be."
Review of advance copy received from Author
I needed this book— I just didn't realize how bad until I read it!!!
Getting older has been one disappointment and disillusionment after another. From romance to parenting, all the things I dreamt of as a kid, came differently than I expected. And I didn't know what to do with that, which is exactly the situation Nicola finds herself in.
Never have I related to a character more! What I loved about this book was that I could deeply relate to all of her feelings about love, aging, friendship, & parenting a neurodivergent kiddo.
There are complexities that Balko captures that made me feel less alone like desiring to feel attractive in midlife, the hardships of navigating new friendships, figuring out when and where to apply boundaries, understanding/overcoming desire, and learning to love one's self.
I found myself laughing out loud, getting upset when Nicola or Daisy were upset, and flipping the pages feverishly when the scenes got spicy. This book truly has it all: romance, parenting, loss, grief, family drama, frenemies, fosters, and laugh-out-loud uncomfortable moments that will make you remember what it's like to feel all the emotions life throws at you.
Square Hearts weaves wisdom, heartbreak, and love together to create an unforgettable story about what it means to become a woman stitching herself back together when her world falls apart at the seams.
You will not be disappointed. I promise you 🖤
Getting older has been one disappointment and disillusionment after another. From romance to parenting, all the things I dreamt of as a kid, came differently than I expected. And I didn't know what to do with that, which is exactly the situation Nicola finds herself in.
Never have I related to a character more! What I loved about this book was that I could deeply relate to all of her feelings about love, aging, friendship, & parenting a neurodivergent kiddo.
There are complexities that Balko captures that made me feel less alone like desiring to feel attractive in midlife, the hardships of navigating new friendships, figuring out when and where to apply boundaries, understanding/overcoming desire, and learning to love one's self.
I found myself laughing out loud, getting upset when Nicola or Daisy were upset, and flipping the pages feverishly when the scenes got spicy. This book truly has it all: romance, parenting, loss, grief, family drama, frenemies, fosters, and laugh-out-loud uncomfortable moments that will make you remember what it's like to feel all the emotions life throws at you.
Square Hearts weaves wisdom, heartbreak, and love together to create an unforgettable story about what it means to become a woman stitching herself back together when her world falls apart at the seams.
You will not be disappointed. I promise you 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nicola Cooper is a self-proclaimed mess, and who can blame her? Her beloved husband died in a car crash, her neurodivergent daughter is brilliant but challenging, her father has dementia, and her mother is pressuring her to move back to her childhood home. As if that weren’t enough, Nicola guiltily harbors lustful thoughts about not one but two neighbors—one of them her late husband’s best friend, the other a flirty violinist married to an earth-mother type who smothers Nicola with attention. These intertwined friend and family relationships form the backdrop of Square Hearts, the newest offering from Julee Balko.
Square Hearts is realistic women’s fiction – with a touch of romance and sizzle – at its finest. Balko brings us a memorable cast of characters revolving around the flawed but sympathetic heroine who struggles to repair her damaged life. In this character-driven work, the portrayals of Nicola and the other players are consistently multi-faceted and authentic. (I particularly enjoyed the nuanced depiction of the violinist’s family.) Though this is not an action-packed page-turner, there’s plenty here that will keep readers engaged – from the unexpected plot twists to the clear and fluid writing, to the satisfying emotional depth that Balko delivers with every page. Highly recommended!
Square Hearts is realistic women’s fiction – with a touch of romance and sizzle – at its finest. Balko brings us a memorable cast of characters revolving around the flawed but sympathetic heroine who struggles to repair her damaged life. In this character-driven work, the portrayals of Nicola and the other players are consistently multi-faceted and authentic. (I particularly enjoyed the nuanced depiction of the violinist’s family.) Though this is not an action-packed page-turner, there’s plenty here that will keep readers engaged – from the unexpected plot twists to the clear and fluid writing, to the satisfying emotional depth that Balko delivers with every page. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
TW: pet euthanasia.
Oh dear. This book has (so far) such overwhelmingly positive reviews that I had to check myself for a moment. But no, other reviews shouldn’t detract from my own experience.
In the pro column, we have a female MC, Nicola, who is pressing on after a tragic loss. She’s also mom of a neurodivergent child, Daisy, who is processing that loss in her own way. Nicola develops a backbone as the story progresses (more on that in a bit). She is also buoyed by her neighbor (and late husband’s friend) Henry and his son Theo. Daisy, Henry, and Theo were the only characters I liked.
Now for the cons. Are most of these adults out of their minds? The creepy family next door, awash in organic baked goods and perfectionism while both of the parents (yes, both) creepily hit on Nicola? Or the little monster Sage who is a liar and manipulator who never gets called out? And Nicola’s mom, who just doesn’t get it? And so, so much exposition?
I very much appreciate the chance to read an advance copy. This did not happen to be my cup of tea.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.
Oh dear. This book has (so far) such overwhelmingly positive reviews that I had to check myself for a moment. But no, other reviews shouldn’t detract from my own experience.
In the pro column, we have a female MC, Nicola, who is pressing on after a tragic loss. She’s also mom of a neurodivergent child, Daisy, who is processing that loss in her own way. Nicola develops a backbone as the story progresses (more on that in a bit). She is also buoyed by her neighbor (and late husband’s friend) Henry and his son Theo. Daisy, Henry, and Theo were the only characters I liked.
Now for the cons. Are most of these adults out of their minds? The creepy family next door, awash in organic baked goods and perfectionism while both of the parents (yes, both) creepily hit on Nicola? Or the little monster Sage who is a liar and manipulator who never gets called out? And Nicola’s mom, who just doesn’t get it? And so, so much exposition?
I very much appreciate the chance to read an advance copy. This did not happen to be my cup of tea.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Square Hearts” by Julie Balko is the beautiful and heartwarming story of how Nicola tries to pull her life together after the tragic death of her husband. She’s barely hanging on—things aren’t easy being the mom of her neurodivergent daughter, Daisy. But her husband’s best friend Henry has been standing by her side, even offering her a cottage to live in on his property. Is this friendship enough? Should she take up her mother’s offer to move into the family home in a different state?
A family moves in, and at first, Nicola is swept in by their easy offer of friendship. Their daughter, Sage, is the same age as Daisy, and wouldn’t it be nice if Daisy could have a new friend? For the first time in ages, Nicola feels like she has a friend. But something isn’t quite right, and it takes her a while to put her finger on the problem.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. The writing was beautiful and my heart ached for the difficult times Nicola was going through. I finished the book in just a day and I’m looking forward to more by this author. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for anARC of this book.
A family moves in, and at first, Nicola is swept in by their easy offer of friendship. Their daughter, Sage, is the same age as Daisy, and wouldn’t it be nice if Daisy could have a new friend? For the first time in ages, Nicola feels like she has a friend. But something isn’t quite right, and it takes her a while to put her finger on the problem.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. The writing was beautiful and my heart ached for the difficult times Nicola was going through. I finished the book in just a day and I’m looking forward to more by this author. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for anARC of this book.
May 29, 2026
An emotional and poignant story about life after loss; about navigating motherhood, friendships, and finding love after losing the love of your life.
As Nicola tries to create a new life for herself and her neurodivergent child, Daisy, she is greeted by her new neighbors, who are overly friendly and forward. Soon, she and Daisy are entangled in their narcissistic, overbearing world. Luckily, Henry, Nicola’s dead husband’s best friend, is always there as her support and rock, and maybe something more.
For a relatively short read, 213 pages, this explored so many powerful elements and stirred up many emotions. Nicola is a grieving widow, now a single working mother, and she is riddled with guilt for having feelings for her dead husband’s best friend. The way her neighbors and even their child manipulated and mistreated both Nicola and Daisy was infuriating. But it was a good example that not all kind acts are motivated by a pure heart.
I was rooting for Nicola to listen to her heart and not let grief cloud her chance at love again.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @juleebalko for this gifted book.
As Nicola tries to create a new life for herself and her neurodivergent child, Daisy, she is greeted by her new neighbors, who are overly friendly and forward. Soon, she and Daisy are entangled in their narcissistic, overbearing world. Luckily, Henry, Nicola’s dead husband’s best friend, is always there as her support and rock, and maybe something more.
For a relatively short read, 213 pages, this explored so many powerful elements and stirred up many emotions. Nicola is a grieving widow, now a single working mother, and she is riddled with guilt for having feelings for her dead husband’s best friend. The way her neighbors and even their child manipulated and mistreated both Nicola and Daisy was infuriating. But it was a good example that not all kind acts are motivated by a pure heart.
I was rooting for Nicola to listen to her heart and not let grief cloud her chance at love again.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @juleebalko for this gifted book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a thoughtful and unique story of a young widow picking up the pieces of her life. Nicola is wrestling with how to best parent her neurodivergent daughter after the sudden death of her husband and wondering if her heart will ever heal enough to imagine falling in love again. Along with her full-time grief, she’s attempting to find deeper friendships, unsure whether her new neighbors will fill that need. Her late husband’s best friend provides a brightness to her life during their weekly taco nights, but is it possible their feelings might one day grow beyond friendship?
I enjoyed the realistic treatment of parenting and struggling to balance the needs of your child with your own needs. Nicola's appreciation of her daughter is a fantastic example for anyone who wants to better understand neurodiversity.
If you’re looking for a novel that doesn’t shy away from grief and the tough parts of life but also gives you an injection of hope, this is not to be missed. Thanks to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the ARC.
May 21, 2026
This is a deeply human book written by an author with something to share, a vision of life in which self-loathing and pain can yield to self-love and joy.
Square Hearts teaches as it entertains and challenges, squaring up to difficulties such as representing a neurodiverse character, and reckoning with death, tragedy, human sexuality, and family difficulties, taking them on with strength, insight, determination, and, yes, humor.
Its characters are complex, compelling, and real as are the emotions that the novel investigates, and both will have you locked in until the final page. Ultimately, I think we pick up books in order to learn more about ourselves and the lives we inhabit, and Square Hearts allows us to make good on that endeavor, to learn and experience and grow with the characters and situations it sets before us.
Well done Ms. Balko.
Square Hearts teaches as it entertains and challenges, squaring up to difficulties such as representing a neurodiverse character, and reckoning with death, tragedy, human sexuality, and family difficulties, taking them on with strength, insight, determination, and, yes, humor.
Its characters are complex, compelling, and real as are the emotions that the novel investigates, and both will have you locked in until the final page. Ultimately, I think we pick up books in order to learn more about ourselves and the lives we inhabit, and Square Hearts allows us to make good on that endeavor, to learn and experience and grow with the characters and situations it sets before us.
Well done Ms. Balko.
June 6, 2026
Square Hearts by Julee Balko is a beautifully emotional and heartfelt novel that explores grief, healing, motherhood, and second chances. Nicola's journey after the loss of her husband is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and I found myself deeply invested in her story from the very first page. The characters feel authentic and relatable, especially Nicola and her neurodivergent daughter, Daisy, whose relationship adds so much depth and warmth to the novel. Balko's writing is compassionate and engaging, balancing difficult themes with hope, humour, and romance. Square Hearts is a touching reminder that even after immense loss, it is possible to find love, happiness, and a new beginning. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy emotional women's fiction with memorable characters and a powerful message of resilience.
May 17, 2026
Yes, your heartstrings (of course I went there) will be pulled! This was a great novel.
I felt for Nicola. As a mom of a neurodivergent kid myself, it can sometimes be hard to find ways to connect. I could empathize with her struggles. But Nicola is also still dealing with the loss of her husband due to a drunk driver. She is feeling some guilt over kind of lusting after his best friend, Henry.
She also gets sucked into the weird world of new neighbors Silas and Maeve. They both seem so sweet and innocent at first but their true selves show up eventually. It did bug me that she was lusting after a married man also. But sometimes our hearts can betray us. I'm just glad when Nicola got away from that toxicity.
I felt for Nicola. As a mom of a neurodivergent kid myself, it can sometimes be hard to find ways to connect. I could empathize with her struggles. But Nicola is also still dealing with the loss of her husband due to a drunk driver. She is feeling some guilt over kind of lusting after his best friend, Henry.
She also gets sucked into the weird world of new neighbors Silas and Maeve. They both seem so sweet and innocent at first but their true selves show up eventually. It did bug me that she was lusting after a married man also. But sometimes our hearts can betray us. I'm just glad when Nicola got away from that toxicity.
June 13, 2026
Julee Balko writes so beautifully that her books draw me in and before I know it I'm experiencing what the characters are feeling and going through a spectrum of emotions. This story reminded me why I do what I do, drive a special needs school bus, and how my own neurodivergence helps me find ways to make it a safe place to just be them. I loved the love story that grew out of grief and friendship and the natural way it progressed to something more. The toxic neighbors were the perfect example of unhappy people and I think aided Nicola's choice to be with the people that made her feel happy again. A fantastic story that explores all sides and even the complicated angles of the heart.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2026
I read this book in one sitting. It has so many wonderful elements.
It has a widow, Nicola, trying to find her way as she grieves the loss of her husband, Peter. It has a wonderful neurodivergent character in Daisy, Nicola’s daughter. We get Daisy’s point of view during parts of the book which adds such a depth to the story.
There is also this tension as Nicola gets new and dynamic neighbors which seem too good to be true.
And finally, there is Henry. He was Peter’s best friend and is now providing a cottage for Nicola and Daisy on his property.
I loved each aspect of this book and I thought each piece came together to make this a page turner for me.
It has a widow, Nicola, trying to find her way as she grieves the loss of her husband, Peter. It has a wonderful neurodivergent character in Daisy, Nicola’s daughter. We get Daisy’s point of view during parts of the book which adds such a depth to the story.
There is also this tension as Nicola gets new and dynamic neighbors which seem too good to be true.
And finally, there is Henry. He was Peter’s best friend and is now providing a cottage for Nicola and Daisy on his property.
I loved each aspect of this book and I thought each piece came together to make this a page turner for me.
June 18, 2026
Square Hearts took me on quite the emotional ride. Nicola’s story of navigating grief, single motherhood, and the possibility of loving again felt honest, messy, and deeply relatable. I especially loved the bond between Nicola and her neurodivergent daughter, Daisy, which added so much heart to the story. The cozy North Carolina setting, animal rescue elements, and lovable cast balanced the heavier moments beautifully. While a few characters tested my patience, their actions highlighted the complexities of grief and trust. This touching novel is ultimately about healing, hope, and finding the courage to embrace new beginnings.
July 6, 2026
I’m not sure if five stars is enough.
A woman, grieving the accidental death of her husband. Moving to a different state for a fresh start. Meeting people who aren’t really what they seem. Mother of a neurodivergent child. As she grieves her husband, she tries her best to stay strong and encouraging for her child. This only drives the child farther away. This isn’t a story about how to live with a neurodivergent child, it’s a story about modern life. about modern problems and modern diagnosis. This is a story of a strong woman processing grief, responsibilities. And learning to focus on the goodness around her. I’m not sure five stars is enough.
A woman, grieving the accidental death of her husband. Moving to a different state for a fresh start. Meeting people who aren’t really what they seem. Mother of a neurodivergent child. As she grieves her husband, she tries her best to stay strong and encouraging for her child. This only drives the child farther away. This isn’t a story about how to live with a neurodivergent child, it’s a story about modern life. about modern problems and modern diagnosis. This is a story of a strong woman processing grief, responsibilities. And learning to focus on the goodness around her. I’m not sure five stars is enough.
June 17, 2026
OMG Can authors please stop making me FEEL THINGS?
Don’t they know that I’m a perimenopausal Enneagram 7?
I CANNOT COPE.
Ahem.
My neurosis aside, this book was lovely.
I loved all the different relationships:
Mother/Daughter
Dead Husband/Living Wife
Widow/New Love(?)
There were strange blocks of text missing from the NetGalley reader, but - while I'll one day reread to see what I missed, overall, it didn’t detract from my experience.
I can’t wait to see what this author tackles next.
Don’t they know that I’m a perimenopausal Enneagram 7?
I CANNOT COPE.
Ahem.
My neurosis aside, this book was lovely.
I loved all the different relationships:
Mother/Daughter
Dead Husband/Living Wife
Widow/New Love(?)
There were strange blocks of text missing from the NetGalley reader, but - while I'll one day reread to see what I missed, overall, it didn’t detract from my experience.
I can’t wait to see what this author tackles next.
August 5, 2026
I love stories that feel real, with characters that I can relate to. Square Hearts is that kind of story. A young widow, mourning her loss and raising her neurodivergent daughter alone, navigates life alongside a charming friend harboring a secret guilt and desiring a deeper connection. The new neighbors who seem to have it all together, in every way perfect, until they aren’t. Understanding and realization dawn gradually, much like in real life, through individual events. This was a quick and enjoyable read that I looked forward to reading each evening.
Review of advance copy received from Author
After the devastating and tragic loss of her husband, Nicola struggles with how to live and raise her neurodivergent daughter without him. Written with heart-tugging depth, Square Hearts is irresistible, endearing, and an emotional journey toward acceptance and healing. With a shocking twist, forgiveness hangs in the balance and sometimes comfort is found in the most unexpected places. A heartwarming story about finding oneself after loss and learning to love again. Don’t miss it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Author Julee Balko knocked it out of the park, speaking as both an author and psychotherapist. Her real, complex, and satisfying storyline in Square Hearts kept me flipping the pages to know what happened next, for both the grief and neurodivergent parent journeys. She was spot on with mental health representation and human experience in general, weaving both masterfully into a story that will stay in any heart for a long time.
May 12, 2026
An emotional journey from start to finish.
I loved the way this story was written, and of course I loved the themes of second chances and new beginnings. After losing her husband, Nicola must find a way to start over, rediscover herself, and learn how to move forward through life’s challenges.
It was messy, emotional, and refreshing. A beautiful story about family, friendship, motherhood, and second chances that will capture your heart.
I loved the way this story was written, and of course I loved the themes of second chances and new beginnings. After losing her husband, Nicola must find a way to start over, rediscover herself, and learn how to move forward through life’s challenges.
It was messy, emotional, and refreshing. A beautiful story about family, friendship, motherhood, and second chances that will capture your heart.
May 28, 2026
Julee writes characters you feel like you already know. This book is no different. Nicola is real, honest and someone you want to root for from the very beginning. Taking this journey with her brought tears to my eyes and literally made me laugh out loud. The interactions she has are just so relatable! I loved this story and experiencing all the complicated relationships and feelings that go along with them. Beautifully written with a satisfying and fulfilling conclusion 💜
June 1, 2026
I loved how this opened with the explanation of the four sides of a heart. The story tugged at my heartstrings from cover to cover. Nicola was such a likable character and I was rooting for her to find peace and hopefully happiness after the sudden loss of her husband. I loved the animals that were woven throughout the book and that animal rescue was an included. The cozy North Carolina setting perfect for this story.
June 9, 2026
Listen.
We’ve talked about my allergy to Sad Books.
But every once in a while, one sneaks through my defenses.
And thank goodness.
This book was so earnest and deep and hopeful and LOVELY.
I loved the Mother/Daughter bond, in particular, and was prepared to throw metaphorical hands over it.
This author’s back catalogue doesn’t have much on it, so I’m hoping that means she’s got more to come.
Bring it…just ALSO bring the Kleenex.
We’ve talked about my allergy to Sad Books.
But every once in a while, one sneaks through my defenses.
And thank goodness.
This book was so earnest and deep and hopeful and LOVELY.
I loved the Mother/Daughter bond, in particular, and was prepared to throw metaphorical hands over it.
This author’s back catalogue doesn’t have much on it, so I’m hoping that means she’s got more to come.
Bring it…just ALSO bring the Kleenex.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The title of this book is drew me in and I'm so glad that it did, because this story was incredible.. this book navigates motherhood(and neurodivergent child), grief, change and adjusting to new normals. As a mom I wanted to hug the FMC more than once. This was my first book by this author but won't be my last!
May 18, 2026
Just finished Square Hearts by Julee Balko.
Excellent story about a widowed Mum and a neurodivergent child, struggling with next steps after the death of her spouse. Her husband’s best friend provides them with a cottage to live in as the rollercoaster of life happens. One feels for the FMC as she allows herself to live again.
Well written. Would read this author again.
Excellent story about a widowed Mum and a neurodivergent child, struggling with next steps after the death of her spouse. Her husband’s best friend provides them with a cottage to live in as the rollercoaster of life happens. One feels for the FMC as she allows herself to live again.
Well written. Would read this author again.
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