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Encounters of the Heart #1
Shades of the Heart
WHEN PAST AND PRESENT SECRETS ARE REVEALED, ONE THING IS SURE - THINGS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.
All was well in Blake Montgomery’s magnificent world. He was actively involved in ministry at church, employed by a great company, and to top it all off, he was happily married to Gabrielle, and awaiting the new addition to his family.
Gabrielle found the love of her life. From the moment they met, their chemistry was undeniable. But, Blake had to work tirelessly to tear down the wall she had built up against ever loving again, and she was glad he did. They shared a love they attributed only to the grace of God on their lives…a love so rare.
When a dramatic turn of events disclosed shocking secrets, everything changed. As their marriage explodes and their lives shift in unexpected directions, both must learn to relinquish control and trust God in order to embrace the future.
Life-altering struggles can be the pathway to new beginnings. Will they find the courage to forgive and create a love for all times?
All was well in Blake Montgomery’s magnificent world. He was actively involved in ministry at church, employed by a great company, and to top it all off, he was happily married to Gabrielle, and awaiting the new addition to his family.
Gabrielle found the love of her life. From the moment they met, their chemistry was undeniable. But, Blake had to work tirelessly to tear down the wall she had built up against ever loving again, and she was glad he did. They shared a love they attributed only to the grace of God on their lives…a love so rare.
When a dramatic turn of events disclosed shocking secrets, everything changed. As their marriage explodes and their lives shift in unexpected directions, both must learn to relinquish control and trust God in order to embrace the future.
Life-altering struggles can be the pathway to new beginnings. Will they find the courage to forgive and create a love for all times?
ebook
First published February 23, 2015
30 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Ann Marie Bryan
14 books218 followersAnn Marie Bryan is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and writing consultant with more than a decade of experience providing top-notch literary services and innovative personal and professional development solutions to clients. As Founder and CEO of Victorious By Design, she uses her extensive knowledge and experience in human resources, information technology, banking, and writing to bring a well-rounded perspective when working with clients.
A Christian fiction author, Ann Marie writes to inspire and empower others. Her celebrated bestselling Encounters of the Heart series, blends faith and romance. In addition, Ann Marie serves as the Editor-in-Chief of VBD Magazine, a quarterly literary and empowerment resource for the faith-based community. When she is not writing and training, Ann Marie enjoys speaking at conferences, retreats, workshops, and special events.
Ann Marie's greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing, teaching, meeting people, and traveling. With all the knowledge and experiences that God has so graciously blessed her with, Ann Marie is determined to make her life a ministry for the Lord. Visit Ann Marie at www.annmariebryan.com.
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A Christian fiction author, Ann Marie writes to inspire and empower others. Her celebrated bestselling Encounters of the Heart series, blends faith and romance. In addition, Ann Marie serves as the Editor-in-Chief of VBD Magazine, a quarterly literary and empowerment resource for the faith-based community. When she is not writing and training, Ann Marie enjoys speaking at conferences, retreats, workshops, and special events.
Ann Marie's greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing, teaching, meeting people, and traveling. With all the knowledge and experiences that God has so graciously blessed her with, Ann Marie is determined to make her life a ministry for the Lord. Visit Ann Marie at www.annmariebryan.com.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorannmar...
Facebook Readers' Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autho...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorabryan
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorabryan
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bOw6sr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorabryan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 2, 2015
Nothing is perfect even among God-fearing people. Nothing is set in stone even the mistakes we make as fallible human beings, that's when faith has to take the wheel. This is the arc of Ann Marie Bryan's story "Shades of the Heart."
July 2, 2016
Shades of the Heart
Wow! I'm impressed. Most Christian novels don't want to deal with the subject of infidelity and the ones that do mostly show the couple ending the marriage in divorce. But, Shades of the Heart shows the real struggles of a couple who have been devastated by the bomb of infidelity, but are willing to seek God about how to proceed forth in their marriage. It shows that it is not an easy journey to restoration and healing, but it is a worth while journey. There is a great blessing on the other side of pain if couples are willing to allow God to reconcile and restore.
Gabby and Blake where so transparent that it was almost painful to read at times. They fought hard through those emotions that were trying to suck them into despair. And it was a blessing that they had people around them who were willing to minister to them or just listen to them vent, but still direct them back to God.
Shades of the Heart is a spot on portrayal of the struggles, pain, sorrow, hurt, healing, reconciliation, forgiveness and restoration that couples go through. This would be a great book to use in any marriage ministry and if you know of any couples dealing with infidelity give them a copy of this book.
Wow! I'm impressed. Most Christian novels don't want to deal with the subject of infidelity and the ones that do mostly show the couple ending the marriage in divorce. But, Shades of the Heart shows the real struggles of a couple who have been devastated by the bomb of infidelity, but are willing to seek God about how to proceed forth in their marriage. It shows that it is not an easy journey to restoration and healing, but it is a worth while journey. There is a great blessing on the other side of pain if couples are willing to allow God to reconcile and restore.
Gabby and Blake where so transparent that it was almost painful to read at times. They fought hard through those emotions that were trying to suck them into despair. And it was a blessing that they had people around them who were willing to minister to them or just listen to them vent, but still direct them back to God.
Shades of the Heart is a spot on portrayal of the struggles, pain, sorrow, hurt, healing, reconciliation, forgiveness and restoration that couples go through. This would be a great book to use in any marriage ministry and if you know of any couples dealing with infidelity give them a copy of this book.
January 10, 2017
Riveting, compassionate and thought provoking all describe this book about Gabrielle and Blake Montgomery. Blake was an IT professional who loved his beautiful wife. Gabbie was a HR manager who loved her husband. However, one night after a long nite at the office, Gabbie changed her life. Blake rushed home to have some private time with his wife only to come face to face with a nightmare. Gabrielle had committed adultery with her boss. Devastated beyond belief was the heart of this man.
The story unfolds as Gabrielle realizes her past has caught with her in many ways. Blake nearly feels like his life has ended and even worse, nearly loses his relationship with God.
Great story of healing, restoration and humility. A page turner to see if these two soulmates can find their way back to each other or will a mistake forever spoil their union. First time reading this author but will not be my last.
The story unfolds as Gabrielle realizes her past has caught with her in many ways. Blake nearly feels like his life has ended and even worse, nearly loses his relationship with God.
Great story of healing, restoration and humility. A page turner to see if these two soulmates can find their way back to each other or will a mistake forever spoil their union. First time reading this author but will not be my last.
March 23, 2015
I truly, truly enjoyed this book so much. I was going to wait and put up my review but something won't let me do that. I have NEVER read a book that I have connected with on so many levels. To me, this is a raw and emotional tale about pain, suffering, hurt, loss and love. The turmoil and guilt that Gabrielle goes through is something that I have experienced myself, along with the devastation and hurt from Blake. Ms. Bryan does an amazing job of conveying all of the emotions that these two individuals go through, without placing all of the blame at one's feet. I honestly couldn't make it through the book without shedding several tears. To steal a line from Helen Baylor, this book is "Highly Recommended."
April 2, 2018
Shades of the Heart
Soulmates Blake and Gabrielle had a loving passionate relationship until one mistake threatened it all driven by a childhood experience. I thought the story was a great read. The emotions of each character were expressed in grest detail allowing me to feel them which kept me engaged. I have to admit I was a little peeved by Blake's pride and unforgiveness even as Gabrielle begged for it. I rooted for Gabrielle as she walked toward her own personal healing and restoration. Thank you Ann for a well-told story.
Soulmates Blake and Gabrielle had a loving passionate relationship until one mistake threatened it all driven by a childhood experience. I thought the story was a great read. The emotions of each character were expressed in grest detail allowing me to feel them which kept me engaged. I have to admit I was a little peeved by Blake's pride and unforgiveness even as Gabrielle begged for it. I rooted for Gabrielle as she walked toward her own personal healing and restoration. Thank you Ann for a well-told story.
March 18, 2015
Where do I begin? Engaging comes to mind. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and all the emotional turmoil that I went through while reading it. The story flowed in a way that was right. Blake and Gabrielle are married and “their perfect home” was disrupted by secrets - past and present. It’s a great lesson on forgiveness and love. I cheered on Blake and Gabrielle as I read, hoping that they would make it…and start afresh. (Can’t say whether or not they did made it. Read and find out.) It was a quick read because I had to find out what happened in the end. Loved it. I’m looking forward to book 2 in the series.
April 9, 2018
A really page-turner! An emotional yet romantic read.
The story of Blake and Gabrielle touched my heart as it unfolded. This story reminded me that love and faith can endure all things. It underscores the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely care about your well-being. Loved it
The story of Blake and Gabrielle touched my heart as it unfolded. This story reminded me that love and faith can endure all things. It underscores the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely care about your well-being. Loved it
March 11, 2015
Blake and Gabby takes a journey that will test their love, faith, and future. The Author did an awesome job on the process we must go through toward forgiveness. The story touch my life in so many ways. Get your copy today!!
Angela Y. Hodge
Author of Daybreak: A Prayer Book for Children
Angela Y. Hodge
Author of Daybreak: A Prayer Book for Children
March 26, 2015
Shades of the Heart was a true pager turner. Ann Marie Bryan has an incredible way of drawing you in and making you feel part of the story. This work was not only heartfelt and moving, but it reveals the truth about love and the pathway we sometimes take along this journey...Great Work!
May 1, 2016
Through the fire
I absolutely love the love between Gabrielle and Blake. I smiled and cried while reading. I recommend any and every believer to read this story.
I absolutely love the love between Gabrielle and Blake. I smiled and cried while reading. I recommend any and every believer to read this story.
August 9, 2020
This is my first time reading something by this author. This was such an emotional and compassionate story, I found myself captivated right from the start. This is one book that will have you hooked and turning the pages well into the night because you just won't be able to put it down. I applaud a Christian fiction that is able to bring up the subject of infidelity with such sensitivity and compassion. Blake and Gabrielle 's lives are forever changed and it will take a lot of forgiveness, healing, and faith to get them through this. A well-written book with wonderful character definition, this story is not to be missed. I will definitely be looking for more books from this author!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2020
Don't die in a place that was only meant for you to pass through...
Gabrielle's confession shakes Blake's trust in her, and very nearly destroys their marriage. But rather than just call it quits, they separate and let their faith lead them to a place of healing and forgiveness. She must also trust him with her darkest secret from her youth. This is a beautiful and touching story, my first read from this author. The characters are well developed, real and relatable. The book is well written and flows nicely, making for an easy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gabrielle's confession shakes Blake's trust in her, and very nearly destroys their marriage. But rather than just call it quits, they separate and let their faith lead them to a place of healing and forgiveness. She must also trust him with her darkest secret from her youth. This is a beautiful and touching story, my first read from this author. The characters are well developed, real and relatable. The book is well written and flows nicely, making for an easy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2020
I just finished reading Shades of the Heart. This is a Christian romance novel that take you deep within. It is a wonderful inspirational book it teaches faith. Commitment and Love and endurance it grab you and you just can't wait to read the end to see what happened. The characters are very much alive as you read. You feel their emotions. I actually cry at some time and smile when they are happy. I really recommend this book if you has not yet read it... It will bless you. Thank you Ann Marie thoroughly enjoyed.
July 28, 2020
This is the first book that i have read by this author but it will not be the last. This story has pain, hurt, loss, betrayal, guilt, hope, secrets and so much suffering and emotional and i was really hoping that Gabrielle and Blake could overcome what they are both going through. This book was a real page turner and you had to keep reading to see what would happen next and it was so well written on such a difficult subject. I recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2025
This book unabashedly adressed the emotions felt by the main characters on both infidelity and childhood rape (and its aftermath). It was heart breaking the challenges each had to go through to grow and strengthen their faith and unconditional love. The h's mother was a piece of work who should have immediately called the police, given comfort and love to her broken daughter...she did nothing but remain an ice cube. The friend, Victoria, was worth her weight in gold.
Great writing, highly recommend.
Great writing, highly recommend.
January 19, 2017
Awesome book. There are times when secrets will destroy a relationship. Blake and Gabrielle was happily married. Blake was ready to start a family, but Gabrielle was not ready just yet. Gabrielle had a lapse in judgment and slept with another man. Once telling Blake that she has contracted a STD from another man, Blake leaves. Blake was so hurt and upset he did not want to forgive his wife. We have to lean and depend on God…
August 8, 2020
This was a beautifully written romance! Blake and Gabby are wonderful characters and it was great seeing them work through their issues. Reading this you alternate between crying for their heartache and cheering for their victories. Such a great uplifting story of the power of God's love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2020
This is the story of Gabriel and Blake. They are so in love with each other but Blake is spending a lot of time tending to his ministry. Choices will be made that may destroy what they’ve built. I enjoyed this emotional poignant story. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Ann Marie Bryan; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2020
Gabrielle is married to the love of her life Blake .blake is actively involved in the church, and all was well in the family. They were expecting the arrival of their child until dramatic events happened. . Can their love and marriage survive.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2018
Forgiveness
I have just recently had to forgive myself from all my past. I have had the book for over a year and God had me pick it up this week and wow it just confirmed some of what God was trying to get me to see. Great book
I have just recently had to forgive myself from all my past. I have had the book for over a year and God had me pick it up this week and wow it just confirmed some of what God was trying to get me to see. Great book
August 8, 2020
Shades of the Heart is the first book in the Encounters of the Heart series and is a great start to this series. This is an emotional Christian read about two people who have to work on their marriage together after infidelity. Well written!
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
January 1, 2019
Awesome Read
This book grabs your attention in the first chapter and keeps it to the very end. Great story on love and forgiveness!
This book grabs your attention in the first chapter and keeps it to the very end. Great story on love and forgiveness!
September 17, 2019
Well written Christian Romance.
Predictable but satisfying ending.
Loved it! Very enjoyable read
Predictable but satisfying ending.
Loved it! Very enjoyable read
October 15, 2022
This was such a beautiful reminder of love and redemption in marriage, and Jesus' hand in a broken marriage. It was clean, fun and serious in the right places. Definitely an enjoyable story.
October 26, 2024
Really, really good. The husband wife team of Blake & Gabrielle. He literally adores her. His love and interest is written very strongly in the novel. Their loves goes off the rails, and they endure a difficult and traumatic wilderness. This wilderness experience almost gobbles the once love, and have the couple thinking of ending it.
January 22, 2016
Ann Marie Bryan has thoughtfully crafted characters that are complex and realistic. Gabrielle and Blake are immersed in a storybook marriage, but when the scars of Gabrielle's past resurface, their storybook marriage is threatened. It is brought to the brink of collapse. Through the turmoil, Gabrielle and Blake turn to their friends, family and faith for guidance and support.
The story is beautiful! It is rich in character and story development. Ann Marie Bryan does a fantastic job of bringing these characters and their surroundings to life. She brings us down a very dark path in a storybook marriage that seems to be crumbling, and this dark path begins in the opening pages. However, the light on their horizon is lifted emphatically with the assistance of Gabrielle and Blake's friends, family and faith.
Every storybook must have a challenge. Every protagonist must have an antagonist. The challenge in this storybook are the secrets that threaten to dissolve a loving marriage. The antagonist in this story is the wound in Gabrielle's past that hasn't completely healed. To overcome the challenge and defeat the antagonist, Gabrielle must open a door that has remained closed to Blake for the entirety of their marriage. She must show him a past that she hasn't been willing to face herself.
Highly recommended! You won't be disappointed!
The story is beautiful! It is rich in character and story development. Ann Marie Bryan does a fantastic job of bringing these characters and their surroundings to life. She brings us down a very dark path in a storybook marriage that seems to be crumbling, and this dark path begins in the opening pages. However, the light on their horizon is lifted emphatically with the assistance of Gabrielle and Blake's friends, family and faith.
Every storybook must have a challenge. Every protagonist must have an antagonist. The challenge in this storybook are the secrets that threaten to dissolve a loving marriage. The antagonist in this story is the wound in Gabrielle's past that hasn't completely healed. To overcome the challenge and defeat the antagonist, Gabrielle must open a door that has remained closed to Blake for the entirety of their marriage. She must show him a past that she hasn't been willing to face herself.
Highly recommended! You won't be disappointed!
April 21, 2016
Pure Life Changing
Shades of the Heart absolutely took my breath away. Through tears, smiles, heart palpitations, and prayers...I experienced every emotion as if I were a friend of Gabrielle's. I found myself rooting for her heart and her healing.
The author takes you through a series of counseling sessions, as you watch the affects of infidelity from the perspectives of both: the cheater and the one cheated on.
She reaches deep into the reality of this matter, pulling prime emotions that causes her readers to come to this revelation....nothing just happens. Then with the keys of life (the Holy Scriptures), she gives her readers the proof that God's Word is therapy like no other; it reaches to the depths of our hearts to cure our hurt and it drives our darkest secrets, deepest fears, and dirtiest deeds to the surface where God alone can restore, clean, and deliver us.
If you have ever been a victim of infidelity or rape this book is an awesome tool to healing. I would even recommend this book if you are the friend of someone experiencing either because the author gives us a precise look at what a true supportive friendship role details. I will be reading more from this hidden jewel in the Christian Fiction world and pray you will also! Happy Reading and Be Blessed!
Shades of the Heart absolutely took my breath away. Through tears, smiles, heart palpitations, and prayers...I experienced every emotion as if I were a friend of Gabrielle's. I found myself rooting for her heart and her healing.
The author takes you through a series of counseling sessions, as you watch the affects of infidelity from the perspectives of both: the cheater and the one cheated on.
She reaches deep into the reality of this matter, pulling prime emotions that causes her readers to come to this revelation....nothing just happens. Then with the keys of life (the Holy Scriptures), she gives her readers the proof that God's Word is therapy like no other; it reaches to the depths of our hearts to cure our hurt and it drives our darkest secrets, deepest fears, and dirtiest deeds to the surface where God alone can restore, clean, and deliver us.
If you have ever been a victim of infidelity or rape this book is an awesome tool to healing. I would even recommend this book if you are the friend of someone experiencing either because the author gives us a precise look at what a true supportive friendship role details. I will be reading more from this hidden jewel in the Christian Fiction world and pray you will also! Happy Reading and Be Blessed!
May 27, 2015
Shades of the Heart is my first read from this author and it was a good one. Blake and Gabrielle have a solid marriage until a huge mistake throws their world into disarray. They are a Christian couple, which I thought would make the resolution of their problems easier, but not so.
Unforgiveness is a major hurdle that Blake can’t seem to cross. The story is realistic in that it points out our human failings and how in a moment we fall victim to weaknesses and make bad choices. No matter that we are serving God and try to live by His commandments, we find it hard to forgive others when we’ve been wronged and this is the case with Blake.
I got very impatient with him, because it was clear how much their relationship meant to Gabrielle and how much she loved him. Although she suffered through much, Gabrielle held on to her God, learned what motivated her actions and was sensible enough to work at forgiving herself.
Still, the path of true love never did run smooth . Get a copy of Shades of the Heart and read it because relationships are tested, weaknesses come to light, secrets are revealed and the reader learns that with understanding and love for one’s partner, relationships survive the worst trials.
Unforgiveness is a major hurdle that Blake can’t seem to cross. The story is realistic in that it points out our human failings and how in a moment we fall victim to weaknesses and make bad choices. No matter that we are serving God and try to live by His commandments, we find it hard to forgive others when we’ve been wronged and this is the case with Blake.
I got very impatient with him, because it was clear how much their relationship meant to Gabrielle and how much she loved him. Although she suffered through much, Gabrielle held on to her God, learned what motivated her actions and was sensible enough to work at forgiving herself.
Still, the path of true love never did run smooth . Get a copy of Shades of the Heart and read it because relationships are tested, weaknesses come to light, secrets are revealed and the reader learns that with understanding and love for one’s partner, relationships survive the worst trials.
June 30, 2016
Shades of the Heart by Ann Marie Bryan is the first book in the Encounters of the Heart series. The plot is clear from the first couple of pages. Gabrielle is married to the love of her life Blake. They both are successful professionals and have a growing relationship with God. However, Gabrielle has a moment of weakness with her employer that changes everything. This story deals with real topics like infidelity, rape, forgiveness, and most importantly faith.
The story has a challenging message—nobody is perfect, and we are all vulnerable to temptation. As you read about the characters, you can visualize them battling between the flesh and spirit—to follow God or to follow the flesh. The story also shows the importance of God’s Word, prayer, and the saints for healing and overcoming difficult situations.
The author’s writing is fluid, vivid, realistic, and impactful. It kind of has a Tyler Perry flavor to it. With that said, because the storyline is real, it does deal with some sensual situations that readers should be aware of. However, it is clear that the author tries to handle them in a tasteful manner.
The story has a challenging message—nobody is perfect, and we are all vulnerable to temptation. As you read about the characters, you can visualize them battling between the flesh and spirit—to follow God or to follow the flesh. The story also shows the importance of God’s Word, prayer, and the saints for healing and overcoming difficult situations.
The author’s writing is fluid, vivid, realistic, and impactful. It kind of has a Tyler Perry flavor to it. With that said, because the storyline is real, it does deal with some sensual situations that readers should be aware of. However, it is clear that the author tries to handle them in a tasteful manner.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews