Heart to Heart

by M.J. Candland

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2026

Reviews

[Tammi Nott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart to Heart had me laughing, and crying! Riley, a modern day teen, struggling to find her place in her new blended family, travels back in time where her family tree comes to life . While she experiences life among her ancestors, their trials and tribulations, they become living, complicated people. The authors attention to intimate human moments, acts of courage, and painful compromises make this coming of age tale a must read. This book makes you want to keep a journal to share current life experiences and feelings with future generations. At its core, Heart to Heart asks the enduring question: how well can we ever truly know those who came before us?

[Mindy LeMieux · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing journey this story is! We get a feel of Riley’s teenage pov in both modern times and pioneer times. True bits of history are woven throughout the story, adding a measure of awe and appreciation for what the Saints went through while trekking west. I hope you enjoy the story!

[John Quante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley Burke time‑travel story is a fun and heartfelt adventure that blends humor, faith, and historical drama. Riley Burke is just trying to survive the chaos of her modern teenage life—dealing with a new stepfamily, a baby sibling, and the emotional sting of her absent father—when everything suddenly takes a shocking turn.

After a family hike goes terribly wrong, Riley wakes up in the body of a girl traveling the Mormon Trail in 1848. Thrown into a completely different era, she struggles to adapt to the exhausting pioneer life while desperately trying to find a way back home. What starts as a comical culture shock soon turns into a deeper journey of faith, resilience, and self-discovery as Riley faces challenges far greater than she ever imagined.

With humor, emotional growth, and a powerful historical backdrop, the story delivers an engaging mix of adventure and personal transformation. It’s a compelling read for fans of time-travel stories, inspirational fiction, and coming-of-age journeys.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A splendidly crafted journey! MJ Candland delivers an impactful perspective shift that lands in the heart to stay. By thrusting the restless teen, Riley, into the soul-stirring experiences of her ancestors, Candland not only has her protagonist seeing through new eyes, but her readers too. A compelling story of finding true identity by connecting with family from the past.

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting