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Heart of Gold
Ashlyn Carter feels as brittle as the lifeless roses that border her new house. A year after the tragic death of her husband, the young widow discovers a horrifying secret. Heartbroken and humiliated, she resolved that no one could ever know. Now, back in her hometown with her three-year-old daughter, she’s ready for a fresh start. But Ashlyn is unprepared to find that an embarrassing memory, buried deep in her past, is about to resurface... Ryan Anderson was the last person Ashlyn expected to see. After the unexpected kiss they’d shared years earlier, she assumed she’d never see him again. Though she tries to avoid him at all costs, Ashlyn finds herself running into her former flame far more often than she’d like. Between her uncomfortable history with Ryan and the series of well-meaning suitors pursuing her, Ashlyn finds herself disenchanted with dating altogether. Yet as she and Ryan slowly become reacquainted, she feels her resolve to avoid a relationship slipping. But when moving forward with Ryan means revealing the secret she’s worked so hard to keep, will Ashlyn have the courage to leave behind her late husband’s legacy of deceit and learn to love again?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 9, 2015
I love the cover! Right away, I knew I was going to love this one and I wasn't disappointed.
I can't even image how Ashlyn felt. Not only is it hard enough to lose a husband to an accident, but to discover a life-changing secret around the same time is devastating and I couldn't blame her at all for having issues. Her decision to move close to her family is a good one because she has a cute daughter to worry about. Katie is one of my favorite characters! She's busy, but very endearing and I was completely attached to her.
Ashlyn didn't expect to run into Ryan again. She was his tutor and is a few years older than him and after a chance encounter in the past, she ran, never looking back. I fell in love with Ryan! No truer gentleman can be found for her...but he's dating her sister.
I love a good romance and this one had me swooning without even a kiss! The author has a way of weaving romance through looks, glances, casual encounters, and with the brief touch of a hand. Ashlyn has many issues to work through and is determined that she knows what she's doing by denying herself what she wants most. It was a little frustrating, but I love that it took time to work through and wasn't instantaneous. Ryan has issues of his own, but he is very loveable and persistent.
Ashlyn did have a few other guys after her and some of them just suddenly disappeared, especially when there were hints of conflict. I would've liked to have seen those situations resolved. This one isn't preachy, but if you aren't familiar with LDS terms and customs, you might find yourself lost in parts.
Content: Clean romance (kissing and very swoony moments); no language or violence; moderate religious elements specific to the LDS church (talk of missions, temples, church--but not preachy)
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
I can't even image how Ashlyn felt. Not only is it hard enough to lose a husband to an accident, but to discover a life-changing secret around the same time is devastating and I couldn't blame her at all for having issues. Her decision to move close to her family is a good one because she has a cute daughter to worry about. Katie is one of my favorite characters! She's busy, but very endearing and I was completely attached to her.
Ashlyn didn't expect to run into Ryan again. She was his tutor and is a few years older than him and after a chance encounter in the past, she ran, never looking back. I fell in love with Ryan! No truer gentleman can be found for her...but he's dating her sister.
I love a good romance and this one had me swooning without even a kiss! The author has a way of weaving romance through looks, glances, casual encounters, and with the brief touch of a hand. Ashlyn has many issues to work through and is determined that she knows what she's doing by denying herself what she wants most. It was a little frustrating, but I love that it took time to work through and wasn't instantaneous. Ryan has issues of his own, but he is very loveable and persistent.
Ashlyn did have a few other guys after her and some of them just suddenly disappeared, especially when there were hints of conflict. I would've liked to have seen those situations resolved. This one isn't preachy, but if you aren't familiar with LDS terms and customs, you might find yourself lost in parts.
Content: Clean romance (kissing and very swoony moments); no language or violence; moderate religious elements specific to the LDS church (talk of missions, temples, church--but not preachy)
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
February 20, 2015
I picked this one up because of the cover knowing nothing about it. Heart of Gold is LDS fiction but is in no way preachy. Temple marriage & sealings are mentioned throughout the book and there are home teachers, missions and singles ward activities but it is just part of the way of life is since the characters are Mormon.
I loved Ryan, Katie & Ashlyn. This book shows that life does not always end up how we planned it but sometimes that's a good thing.
Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it
Content: clean (just kissing), no language or innuendo
Source: ebook Review copy
I loved Ryan, Katie & Ashlyn. This book shows that life does not always end up how we planned it but sometimes that's a good thing.
Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it
Content: clean (just kissing), no language or innuendo
Source: ebook Review copy
March 30, 2015
Ashlyn Carter, a recent widow, and her adorable little 3 year-old daughter Katie, have just moved back to her hometown. Ashlyn has been struggling and is deeply hurt and ready for a fresh start. Little did she know how her past and future were going to collide.
I absolutely adored this sweet LDS romance. The story flowed so well and was a beautiful tale of forgiveness, hope, and true love. Sometimes life just doesn't turn out how we always planned...but a lot of times that's the true blessing in itself.
I absolutely adored this sweet LDS romance. The story flowed so well and was a beautiful tale of forgiveness, hope, and true love. Sometimes life just doesn't turn out how we always planned...but a lot of times that's the true blessing in itself.
March 28, 2015
(4.5 stars) Ashlyn Carter is a young widow who decides to move back to her hometown so she'll be close to family. She has a 3-year-old daughter, Katie. She's having a hard time with the death of her husband but not for the reasons most people think. She learned something about him that was heartbreaking and she needs the support of her family.
Her sister tells her about this new guy she's dating and is crazy about named Ryan Anderson. Ashlyn and Ryan have some history and she's not looking forward to seeing him again. She tries to keep her distance but he's so good with Katie and she feels something when she looks at him. There are a couple of other men interested in dating her and she's hoping they will distract her so she can get away from Ryan.
I liked Ashlyn. Life has thrown her a curve ball and she's having a hard time dealing with it. She has some self-esteem issues and doesn't want to confide in anyone. She's doing all she can to make sure her daughter is happy. She's content to stay single but there are men who want to change her mind.
I loved Ryan! He made Ashlyn uncomfortable and nervous at first but he was so great with Katie which helped her warm up to him. Their history was something she had never told anyone so her family had no idea about them. Their age difference made me cringe a little bit at what happened before (she's four years older than he is) and I see why she's not eager to talk about it but they're older now so age isn't an issue anymore. They have great chemistry and I loved how I could feel the heat between them without them even touching.
There's a lot to this book and I enjoyed it from beginning to end! It's definitely LDS since there's talk of missions, temple marriage, home teachers, singles' ward activities and she meets with her bishop a few times. It's not preachy, though--it's all just part of her life. I also can't forget to mention that I love the cover!! This is a great book for anyone that enjoys good, clean romance!
I received a copy of this to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Her sister tells her about this new guy she's dating and is crazy about named Ryan Anderson. Ashlyn and Ryan have some history and she's not looking forward to seeing him again. She tries to keep her distance but he's so good with Katie and she feels something when she looks at him. There are a couple of other men interested in dating her and she's hoping they will distract her so she can get away from Ryan.
I liked Ashlyn. Life has thrown her a curve ball and she's having a hard time dealing with it. She has some self-esteem issues and doesn't want to confide in anyone. She's doing all she can to make sure her daughter is happy. She's content to stay single but there are men who want to change her mind.
I loved Ryan! He made Ashlyn uncomfortable and nervous at first but he was so great with Katie which helped her warm up to him. Their history was something she had never told anyone so her family had no idea about them. Their age difference made me cringe a little bit at what happened before (she's four years older than he is) and I see why she's not eager to talk about it but they're older now so age isn't an issue anymore. They have great chemistry and I loved how I could feel the heat between them without them even touching.
There's a lot to this book and I enjoyed it from beginning to end! It's definitely LDS since there's talk of missions, temple marriage, home teachers, singles' ward activities and she meets with her bishop a few times. It's not preachy, though--it's all just part of her life. I also can't forget to mention that I love the cover!! This is a great book for anyone that enjoys good, clean romance!
I received a copy of this to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
March 7, 2015
**4.5 stars**
The first think I noticed about the book was the cover. I love it! I immediately fell in love with the skirt and boots. It's a girl thing, I know. I admit that if the cover is appealing, it helps me take a second look at the synopsis.
Ashlyn returns to her California hometown broken. Her husband was killed in a car accident a year ago leaving her with a cute daughter and emotional baggage. Her desire is to create a life with family nearby and without a man.
Little does she know that Ryan has also returned home. There was a brief attraction several years ago, when she was 20 and he was 16, that left her embarrassed and running.
This book was a very fun book to read. I loved the characters. Ashlyn is in an emotionally bad place and it takes awhile for her to warm up to neighbors, family, and men. I loved the persistence of Ryan. He is a genuine nice guy who has great quality to offer. His interactions with Ashlyn's daughter were some of my favorite scenes of the book.
Ashlyn's emotional healing takes a while. It wasn't overnight, which was realistic to me. The author took her through the process.
My absolute favorite theme of the book was on gold. Finding gold. Looking for the golden attributes of others and keeping them close to you. This theme keeps presenting itself to me in various forms and I was thrilled to have the point reemphasized in a fictional story.
The first think I noticed about the book was the cover. I love it! I immediately fell in love with the skirt and boots. It's a girl thing, I know. I admit that if the cover is appealing, it helps me take a second look at the synopsis.
Ashlyn returns to her California hometown broken. Her husband was killed in a car accident a year ago leaving her with a cute daughter and emotional baggage. Her desire is to create a life with family nearby and without a man.
Little does she know that Ryan has also returned home. There was a brief attraction several years ago, when she was 20 and he was 16, that left her embarrassed and running.
This book was a very fun book to read. I loved the characters. Ashlyn is in an emotionally bad place and it takes awhile for her to warm up to neighbors, family, and men. I loved the persistence of Ryan. He is a genuine nice guy who has great quality to offer. His interactions with Ashlyn's daughter were some of my favorite scenes of the book.
Ashlyn's emotional healing takes a while. It wasn't overnight, which was realistic to me. The author took her through the process.
My absolute favorite theme of the book was on gold. Finding gold. Looking for the golden attributes of others and keeping them close to you. This theme keeps presenting itself to me in various forms and I was thrilled to have the point reemphasized in a fictional story.
November 8, 2019
This isn't a fluff book. There's all kinds of depth. It's excellent writing. I would recommend it to anyone.
April 14, 2015
I liked it, ended up reading it in one sitting.
The book opens with Ashlyn moving back to her hometown after her husband passes away . She's in the middle of unpacking when her sister shows up with her new boyfriend, Ryan, a guy Ashlyn never thought she'd see again.
This is a nice story of Ashlyn finding herself again, learning to forgive and to trust. The romance was good, but it did bother me that Ryan was dating her sister for a big chunk of the book. It's clear he has feelings for Ashlyn. It would have been nice to hear his POV and what he was thinking along the way. They do have a fun relationship though and Ryan was a great guy.
Overall, I thought this was a good read. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from Ms. Miller.
Content
Romance: Squeaky clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: Mild-Moderate. Christian character that are active in their faith, going to church, etc. Not preachy.
Source: Amazon
The book opens with Ashlyn moving back to her hometown after her husband passes away . She's in the middle of unpacking when her sister shows up with her new boyfriend, Ryan, a guy Ashlyn never thought she'd see again.
This is a nice story of Ashlyn finding herself again, learning to forgive and to trust. The romance was good, but it did bother me that Ryan was dating her sister for a big chunk of the book. It's clear he has feelings for Ashlyn. It would have been nice to hear his POV and what he was thinking along the way. They do have a fun relationship though and Ryan was a great guy.
Overall, I thought this was a good read. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from Ms. Miller.
Content
Romance: Squeaky clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: Mild-Moderate. Christian character that are active in their faith, going to church, etc. Not preachy.
Source: Amazon
April 23, 2015
3.5 rounding up. This was a cute, clean, romantic story of finding true love after loss and heartbreak. My only beef was that the guy should have broke up with the sister sooner, in my opinion. I really did feel bad for the little sister, but this was a good book and I am glad I read and own it.
March 10, 2015
I absolutely adored this one!
So well written you actually feel the emotions as you anxiously turn the pages...wanting for more.
And emotions do run high in this book!
Ashlyn is grieving the sudden death of her husband, John.
She is also angry at him for his betrayal.
She has come back home and if feeling loved by her siblings and her parents, yet she is confused at their offers to set her up with a date.
Is her heart ready to trust another man AND why couldn't she have had her happily-ever-after with John?
She is grateful for and fully loves her three-year-old daughter, Katie.
Doesn't Katie deserve to have a daddy that loves her too?
And then there is Ryan.
Ryan and Ashlyn share a secret from their past.
But Ryan is now dating Ashlyn's sister.
Can the plot get any more emotional?
OH. YES. IT. CAN :)
Read to find out who else's emotions are involved in this wonderful tale of a young widow and her little girl.
LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. IT!
So want to read more from this author!
Don't miss out on this one!
So well written you actually feel the emotions as you anxiously turn the pages...wanting for more.
And emotions do run high in this book!
Ashlyn is grieving the sudden death of her husband, John.
She is also angry at him for his betrayal.
She has come back home and if feeling loved by her siblings and her parents, yet she is confused at their offers to set her up with a date.
Is her heart ready to trust another man AND why couldn't she have had her happily-ever-after with John?
She is grateful for and fully loves her three-year-old daughter, Katie.
Doesn't Katie deserve to have a daddy that loves her too?
And then there is Ryan.
Ryan and Ashlyn share a secret from their past.
But Ryan is now dating Ashlyn's sister.
Can the plot get any more emotional?
OH. YES. IT. CAN :)
Read to find out who else's emotions are involved in this wonderful tale of a young widow and her little girl.
LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. IT!
So want to read more from this author!
Don't miss out on this one!
June 23, 2015
I'm always hesitant to write a less-than-favorable review, because what if someone would have enjoyed this book, but didn't read it because of my review? Nevertheless, this book for me was just -- meh. It's written by an LDS author, and I appreciated that it was clean and talked of faith & temples, and our Savior's love for us. Unfortunately, the plot was tired, the prose felt like the author was trying too hard, and the protagonist was sometimes stupid. She's getting over something traumatic, but seriously... she could have used some therapy. I knew exactly where the story was going, and of course, they all live happily-ever. I read another book recently with this storyline and it was A LOT better (though definitely not by an LDS author :) It was hard to keep from comparing the two. Loads of other people gave this book glowing reviews and the library waiting list is long... but for me, this was just ok.
July 12, 2022
This was an LDS romance about a young widow who must come to terms with some things in her past and work to move forward. I liked following along on her journey and seeing her overcome some of her issues. I thought the characters were all well done - really enjoyed it!
May 12, 2017
gah... I think I'm overly critical... I read it all, it was. but, but so many parts just irked me. lots of repeating the same thoughts over and over. the first 1/3 of the story seemed like a continuous gush of awkwardness. the guy's back story was depressingly flat. so many conflicts that weren't resolved, it just ended once (spoiler alert) they main characters finally stopped being stupid and admitted they loved each other and got engaged. ashlyn, the main character, had a great back story with a lot of depth, but I felt it wasn't explored enough to don't justice and resolve it. it's a complete love story with not much else. that said, I think the premise was great. I enjoyed reading a clean romance. there were moments of beautiful writing that made it worth it to keep reading. I enjoyed reading this as classify it as "jelly beans reading"- sweet, simple, small, and easy, but too much makes you sick, no nutritional/literary value beyond making you feel sweet and escaping for a bit, totally enjoyable, good parts and the occasional "black licorice" that makes you think "why??? " but you keep reading anyway.
July 23, 2018
A cute enough book. The emotions of loss and betrayal were convincingly portrayed although it is somewhat surprising that it is all coming up over a year after the death, but the romance moved a little to fast for me. Katie is just a little too precious, no three-year-old is that good, and that excited, all the time.
February 25, 2023
I loved this book so much I basically read it in one sitting!
The author’s other book Montana Summer is one of my favorite books and I’ve read it at least half a dozen times, so when I found out she had another one I hadn’t read, I immediately bought it. It did take me quite a while to finally pick it up, but I am so glad I did!
It was just what I needed. Just a feel good romance that left me feeling happy and lucky that I've already found my person.
The author’s other book Montana Summer is one of my favorite books and I’ve read it at least half a dozen times, so when I found out she had another one I hadn’t read, I immediately bought it. It did take me quite a while to finally pick it up, but I am so glad I did!
It was just what I needed. Just a feel good romance that left me feeling happy and lucky that I've already found my person.
December 15, 2018
This book was a quick read. However, the plot was a bit slow moving for me & I would have enjoyed it more if it picked up pace. I loved the character of little Katie, who reminded me of my daughter when she was 3 years old - they even spoke using the same verbiage! Altogether a cute story.
January 18, 2019
It's been a long time since I've read this book. But, I really liked it. Even if I don't remember all the details. I remember the story was fun. Clean. I read the sequel. This was better than the sequel. I would like to read more by this author.
May 16, 2017
Gotta love a good clean romance! worth the read.
July 2, 2017
Loved this book! So cute! Also a great story on forgiveness and learning to trust again.
March 5, 2019
This was such a cute story! I loved it, and I loved all the quotes and poems references that were included. It had a great plot and was funny as well.
September 23, 2019
Sweet book about a young widow with a big secret who moves and runs into someone she shared a passionate and embarrassing kiss with long ago.
July 15, 2020
This was a cute story. It started out a little depressing. Ryan was a little too clingy for my tastes. Overall a nice easy weekend read.
March 10, 2022
Interesting story of a woman whose husband has died and she has a hard time letting the past go. She
discovers a secret about him that she doesnt want others to know. I enjoyed it.
discovers a secret about him that she doesnt want others to know. I enjoyed it.
November 11, 2024
cute book. happily ever after. I used it for the prompt going for gold 2024 summer mini -52 books.
February 20, 2025
There are parts of this book that feel a little silly and could be a little more developed, but overall it's a really sweet love story with a really beautiful descriptive setting.
December 27, 2016
Nice story.
March 12, 2015
The parts of Heart of Gold that took place in the present day made for an entertaining romance. A grieving, young widow returns to her hometown with her daughter to try to heal and move on with her life. Her faith in relationships has been shattered by what she learned about her husband after he died, and she has no intention of dating or marrying again. But, with encouragement from everyone, she does go on some dates, and a person from her past comes back into her life that is determined to help her heal.
There were a lot of elements that I enjoyed about the story. I liked the characters, especially the goodness found in Ryan. The small town element was endearing. I liked the cute, helpful neighbors, the matchmakers at church and around town, and just the overall feel of trying to find the positive and move forward with one's life.
I was hung up the entire time by the past kiss between a twenty-year-old woman and a sixteen-year-old boy. It was mentioned early on in the story, but briefly, so I hoped that as the story went on the explanation would make me feel better. It was explained, sort of, but the explanation didn't make me feel better. ILLEGAL kept flashing through my mind. I would have enjoyed the story more if that aspect had been changed so the age gap was closer, or the kiss had happened when Ryan was at least 18.
That part aside, I thought the present day romance was sweet. I would try other books by Jeanette Miller.
There were a lot of elements that I enjoyed about the story. I liked the characters, especially the goodness found in Ryan. The small town element was endearing. I liked the cute, helpful neighbors, the matchmakers at church and around town, and just the overall feel of trying to find the positive and move forward with one's life.
I was hung up the entire time by the past kiss between a twenty-year-old woman and a sixteen-year-old boy. It was mentioned early on in the story, but briefly, so I hoped that as the story went on the explanation would make me feel better. It was explained, sort of, but the explanation didn't make me feel better. ILLEGAL kept flashing through my mind. I would have enjoyed the story more if that aspect had been changed so the age gap was closer, or the kiss had happened when Ryan was at least 18.
That part aside, I thought the present day romance was sweet. I would try other books by Jeanette Miller.
September 16, 2016
I like how Ashlyn feels lonley. Ashlyn lost her husband. Ashlyns husband past away. So Ashlyn know lives with just her daugher. Ashlyn dosnt really want to love anymore. Ashlyn felt like she should only love her daugher.
Ashlyns daugher is 3-years old. Ashlyn really loves her little girl. Ashlyn right at the moment dosen't want to meet her neighbors yet. Ashlyn little girl sees two lovely neighbors of theres and decides to run outside to go meet them. Ashlyn has to chase her little girl to there fence in the front of there house. Ashlyn meet two of her neighbors.
Finally Ashlyn decides it's time to start a new life. Ashlyn learns how to love again. Ashlyn meet her Ex and decides she actually loves him. She decides it time to move on from her past. Ashlyns past she didnt want to remember it any more. She decided it wasnt worth her time to remember it. Ashlyn finally learns to love again.
Ashlyns daugher is 3-years old. Ashlyn really loves her little girl. Ashlyn right at the moment dosen't want to meet her neighbors yet. Ashlyn little girl sees two lovely neighbors of theres and decides to run outside to go meet them. Ashlyn has to chase her little girl to there fence in the front of there house. Ashlyn meet two of her neighbors.
Finally Ashlyn decides it's time to start a new life. Ashlyn learns how to love again. Ashlyn meet her Ex and decides she actually loves him. She decides it time to move on from her past. Ashlyns past she didnt want to remember it any more. She decided it wasnt worth her time to remember it. Ashlyn finally learns to love again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2015
I liked parts of the storyline, I had a hard time with such a big age difference, and the ending just leaves you hanging. The age difference worked with the story and why she felt guilty about it, but would have still been that effective with two years. Ashlyn takes so much time deciding to go with her feelings for Ryan, but then the ending doesn't give you that happily ever after. It just ends with an engagement. I'd have liked to know more. I liked how hard things were worked out, the death of her husband and his unfaithfulness, the single mom, the feelings of worry, etc. those were well written and it was a good love story overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2015
They say that you should never judge a book by is's cover, but this one drew me right in along with having read " Montana summer" and loving this authors clean, down to earth stories that wrap you up in a warm blanket and keep you wanting more.
Spoiler:
Ashlyn is dealing with a lot of change with her husband's recent car accident, the unshared news of his unfaithfulness, moving back to her hometown, trying to be a good mom, dealing with guilt for past choices about marriage in the temple and her ability to trust and be loved, and now everyone is trying to set her up on dates. How much can one woman be expected to backpack without falling over and knowing she needs help.
Spoiler:
Ashlyn is dealing with a lot of change with her husband's recent car accident, the unshared news of his unfaithfulness, moving back to her hometown, trying to be a good mom, dealing with guilt for past choices about marriage in the temple and her ability to trust and be loved, and now everyone is trying to set her up on dates. How much can one woman be expected to backpack without falling over and knowing she needs help.
May 18, 2015
I don't know what it is about this author, but she always has a love triangle between the two main characters and a sibling. Not a bad thing, but she did the same in Montana Summer. This was a fun read. It took a little too long of "will they, won't they" and then once they finally confessed their love for each other it was more hurried than I would have liked. I liked her working through her struggle though of hating her husband for what he did to her and then her realizing that she is worth something and deserving of the love that Ryan was willing to give. It was a sweet story and I will read more of her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews