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Riverview #1
A Healing Heart
On a bitter cold winter night Bailey Walsh’s family was killed in a traffic accident. Two years later as she lives with her aunt and uncle in Southern California, Bailey is still plagued by the nightmares of that terrible night. Everywhere around her are reminders of what she lost. Even her aunt, in a cruel twist of fate, is not just her mom’s sister, but her identical twin. Babysitting Riley, a spunky two-year old, is a sweet distraction and one constant light in her life. One day as she takes Riley to the park she meets Collin McKenna, a senior at her high school and her life is changed forever as he helps her find herself and realize her life is worth living. As the romance between them grows her broken heart begins to heal. However, still nagging in the back of her conscious is the fear that her new found happiness could come crashing down and she could lose everything she loves, yet again. Outside forces begin to tear them apart and Bailey must learn to trust in herself and realize that she is worthy of happiness. That sometimes love and healing comes in unexpected forms.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2012
6 people are currently reading
998 people want to read
About the author
Melissa A. Hanson
4 books78 followersMelissa A. Hanson lives in Southern California with her husband and two sons. Growing up in Southern California, inspiration for the city of “Riverview” is based on her hometown, Redlands.
Melissa's journey to writing began with a passion in reading that started in sixth grade. In high school she started writing, but writing took a back seat when she decided to pursue a career in architecture. Almost twenty years later, her first novel was written.
“A Healing Heart” was her first completed novel, and is book 1 of the Riverview Series.
It is Bailey and Collin's story.
“A Healing Spirit", is book 2 of the Riverview Series.
It is Mia and Dylan's story.
"A Healing Touch" book 3 of the Riverview Series.
It is Natasha and Troy's story
Each book is a stand-alone novel.
While Melissa spends most days designing buildings, she still loves reading and creating stories.
Melissa's journey to writing began with a passion in reading that started in sixth grade. In high school she started writing, but writing took a back seat when she decided to pursue a career in architecture. Almost twenty years later, her first novel was written.
“A Healing Heart” was her first completed novel, and is book 1 of the Riverview Series.
It is Bailey and Collin's story.
“A Healing Spirit", is book 2 of the Riverview Series.
It is Mia and Dylan's story.
"A Healing Touch" book 3 of the Riverview Series.
It is Natasha and Troy's story
Each book is a stand-alone novel.
While Melissa spends most days designing buildings, she still loves reading and creating stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
January 11, 2016
If i could give this book more than 5 stars... I would.
So i have to start by saying that this book is literally the CUTEST book I've ever read. It has a tragedy, and sadness on it. But the amount of love between the two main characters Bailey and Collin, is just... i don't know if i should say breathtaking or that im really jealous hahaha.
Anyway, A Healing Heart is just beautiful. Collin is the dreamed guy (at least for me), and the way he takes care of Bailey, and *tittle of the book* heals her heart, is just, AMAZING!
-I honestly kind of didn't like Savannah. It was like I was in Bailey's place, feeling threatened by her.
I can't wait to read A Healing Spirit!! and will seriously recommend this book to anyone, seriously I am just in love.
So i have to start by saying that this book is literally the CUTEST book I've ever read. It has a tragedy, and sadness on it. But the amount of love between the two main characters Bailey and Collin, is just... i don't know if i should say breathtaking or that im really jealous hahaha.
Anyway, A Healing Heart is just beautiful. Collin is the dreamed guy (at least for me), and the way he takes care of Bailey, and *tittle of the book* heals her heart, is just, AMAZING!
-I honestly kind of didn't like Savannah. It was like I was in Bailey's place, feeling threatened by her.
I can't wait to read A Healing Spirit!! and will seriously recommend this book to anyone, seriously I am just in love.
February 10, 2016
Girl bumped to this total hottie, guy seemed to be a snubbish one (but is not). Suddenly the girl can’t get the guy out of her mind, cliché.
Bailey just lost her family, and Collin. Well Collin is with his dad and younger sister. His mom left them. One day, Bailey just felt really comfortable opening up to him. Twists and turns came, a girl from Collin’s past tried to tear them apart. They remained strong, and survived.
The story was told in multiple point of views. Collin’s, Bailey’s, Savannah’s. It’s a huge help because it made the reader gather more information about them, having read the character’s POV made things easier to understand. It gave us more knowledge on each side, more thoughts. Made the story easier to dwell in to.
Bailey and Collin’s romance is the typical, cliche one. I hate insta-love in stories but this one’s cute! It didn’t make me feel all the feels I’ve been anticipating to have. It’s not dull, but it’s not romantic either. It’s was just okay. Maybe it’s because both of them seemed perfect, and sometimes perfect is boring. They can easily get over their arguments, which is good, but I expected more twists, more complications in their relationship.
I loved how MAH wrote too many details about Collin, Bailey, Lacey and Riley’s trip to Disneyland! It’s as if I was there too! And I’ve always wanted to go to that place, I think I just explored it.
I also want to mention the lack of sentiment in the character dialogues it was kind of blunt, like it’s forced and that’s kind of awkward.
The book failed to make me feel a lot of emotions but it did gave me a lot of lessons.
Though the story line is common, and it was fast-paced, I must admit that Melissa has a very exquisite writing style! Really! Because if it wasn’t for her writing style I wouldn’t have to finish the book.
A 3.5-star for this one because everything about A Healing Heart was okay. I hope that the second book on the Riverview series will be better! It’ll be my next read!
Bailey just lost her family, and Collin. Well Collin is with his dad and younger sister. His mom left them. One day, Bailey just felt really comfortable opening up to him. Twists and turns came, a girl from Collin’s past tried to tear them apart. They remained strong, and survived.
The story was told in multiple point of views. Collin’s, Bailey’s, Savannah’s. It’s a huge help because it made the reader gather more information about them, having read the character’s POV made things easier to understand. It gave us more knowledge on each side, more thoughts. Made the story easier to dwell in to.
Bailey and Collin’s romance is the typical, cliche one. I hate insta-love in stories but this one’s cute! It didn’t make me feel all the feels I’ve been anticipating to have. It’s not dull, but it’s not romantic either. It’s was just okay. Maybe it’s because both of them seemed perfect, and sometimes perfect is boring. They can easily get over their arguments, which is good, but I expected more twists, more complications in their relationship.
I loved how MAH wrote too many details about Collin, Bailey, Lacey and Riley’s trip to Disneyland! It’s as if I was there too! And I’ve always wanted to go to that place, I think I just explored it.
I also want to mention the lack of sentiment in the character dialogues it was kind of blunt, like it’s forced and that’s kind of awkward.
The book failed to make me feel a lot of emotions but it did gave me a lot of lessons.
Though the story line is common, and it was fast-paced, I must admit that Melissa has a very exquisite writing style! Really! Because if it wasn’t for her writing style I wouldn’t have to finish the book.
A 3.5-star for this one because everything about A Healing Heart was okay. I hope that the second book on the Riverview series will be better! It’ll be my next read!
August 18, 2016
A healing heart by Melissa A. Hanson is a moving tale of loss, love and finding hope.
The writing style is simple and beautiful, I exactly knew what was going to happen but still I couldn't stop reading, just beacuse it is so well written and is so darn readable. This is more romance focused and I was honestly more sold on our female protagonist's grievances. Minor critism : Bailey's character really lacked gravitas, but I have to say, her naivete is lovable and that makes her a protagonist whom you can learn to acclimatise to.
The relationship that burgeoned between our protagonists felt genuine and believable. I think this is a very decent debut. Although, this is supposedly deals with a heavy topic, I pass it for light, fluffy escapism. A healing heart would be highly appreciated by romance lovers.
The writing style is simple and beautiful, I exactly knew what was going to happen but still I couldn't stop reading, just beacuse it is so well written and is so darn readable. This is more romance focused and I was honestly more sold on our female protagonist's grievances. Minor critism : Bailey's character really lacked gravitas, but I have to say, her naivete is lovable and that makes her a protagonist whom you can learn to acclimatise to.
The relationship that burgeoned between our protagonists felt genuine and believable. I think this is a very decent debut. Although, this is supposedly deals with a heavy topic, I pass it for light, fluffy escapism. A healing heart would be highly appreciated by romance lovers.
January 31, 2016
Absolutely freaking loved every bit of this book! Definitely didn't expect how devastating and sad this book was going to be. I knew from the blurb it wouldn't be a light read, but wow, I was blown away. I was getting some serious anxiety towards the end because I wasn't sure how it was going to play out. Loved it all, especially the extra point of view, I thought that was awesome having that. I will add more thoughts on my full review.
November 2, 2015
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this story, I couldn't put it down...
review to come!!!!
I loved this story, I couldn't put it down...
review to come!!!!
January 2, 2016
(3.3) Bailey, a teenager who lost all her family in a tragic accident and since then, she has to live with the pain of being the only one who survived. She moved in with her aunt and uncle and is trying to start a new life along with two of her best friends , Natasha and Mia. One day, she babysits Riley, a really cute and adorable little boy in the park and he starts playing with another girl, Lacey. The girl is Collin's little sister and also Bailey's biggest crush. We follow the journey to their blooming romance, how she's coping with her loss and how Collin helps her heal with love. Overall, the story is enjoyable but not impressive. The romance was predictable and redundant. There was some unnecessary drama here and there. I think it may be more appropriate for middle school - high school audience than people in their 20's and over. To be honest, I was even more intrigued in Riley and Lacey's friendship than the main characters haha these two were so cute when they play together. The story is told through the eyes of different characters so it was nice to see the real motives behind their actions.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
P.S: Full review coming soon on my blog :)
Trang - Book Blogger
http://bookidote.wordpress.com
Thank you so much to the author for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
P.S: Full review coming soon on my blog :)
Trang - Book Blogger
http://bookidote.wordpress.com
September 3, 2012
Can I just say for the record that I absolutely loved this sweet story?
I mean truly, this was such a great book I didn't even want to put it down. I was completely captivated by the story and immediately loved Collin and Bailey and Riley and Lacey. Something about all of them (their past more than likely) just pulled at my heart strings and demanded that I let them in.
I absolutely loved watching them grow. Growing as individuals and growing together as they both learned to live and to love and to just be.
This is just a beautiful story that will stay with you for a long long time after you have finished reading it.
It is real and raw and an emotional ride that you won't want to get off of.
Hanson is an extremely talented writer that knows how to draw emotions out of you and truly care about the characters that she has created.
She has made me a fan and I plan on reading anything and everything she writes in the future.
I mean truly, this was such a great book I didn't even want to put it down. I was completely captivated by the story and immediately loved Collin and Bailey and Riley and Lacey. Something about all of them (their past more than likely) just pulled at my heart strings and demanded that I let them in.
I absolutely loved watching them grow. Growing as individuals and growing together as they both learned to live and to love and to just be.
This is just a beautiful story that will stay with you for a long long time after you have finished reading it.
It is real and raw and an emotional ride that you won't want to get off of.
Hanson is an extremely talented writer that knows how to draw emotions out of you and truly care about the characters that she has created.
She has made me a fan and I plan on reading anything and everything she writes in the future.
April 14, 2016
This was such an adorable book! I've been needing a cute romance for a while now, and this was perfect. Like all romances, it was a bit predictable. But still, very sweet.
Let's start with what I loved; the relationship between Collin and Bailey. They're teenagers, and for once, they acted like teenagers. I'm so sick of young adult books telling romances like we're old enough to get married. This was so real. Yes, they did say they loved each other. Except they did it after they'd been dating for a while, and they acted like they loved each other. They did their best to spend every possible second with each other, trying to get around school and work schedules. They went on adorable dates, including one to Disneyland, which is one of the best romance scenes I've ever read of anything. I wanted to be on that date! Most importantly, they did. Not. Have. Sex. I repeat - they were in love, as teenagers, and didn't have sex. When was the last time you read a book like that? I love that they could have relationship that wasn't about being physical. They had the sort of relationship I want, and as a teenager, that's exactly what you should be thinking when you read a young adult romance. I want to keep going on and on about this, but I know I shouldn't! Just trust me, it was perfect relationship-wise.
This book was far from perfect, though. Hanson tried to make it about more than just a romance, which is, of course, a good idea. Except none of the ideas were expanded very well. We had Collin in a car accident, Savannah, the family friend that was in love with him, and countless other little things. That's all they were, though - little things. None of them were big enough to make a lasting impact on the book. They were just little bumps in the road, that were resolved in a few chapters. I would have really liked to see a big problem that lasted a while. I guess this did add to the reality of the relationship, and I do hate it when books exaggerate things that should be little problems. Maybe one overarching problem, and little bumps on top of that? I'm not sure how I would have done it, but I do know I wasn't entirely happy with how it was done.
Would I recommend this book? A hundred times yes! If you like young adult books, go for it. For once, I've found a book that realistically shows what life for a teenager is like
Let's start with what I loved; the relationship between Collin and Bailey. They're teenagers, and for once, they acted like teenagers. I'm so sick of young adult books telling romances like we're old enough to get married. This was so real. Yes, they did say they loved each other. Except they did it after they'd been dating for a while, and they acted like they loved each other. They did their best to spend every possible second with each other, trying to get around school and work schedules. They went on adorable dates, including one to Disneyland, which is one of the best romance scenes I've ever read of anything. I wanted to be on that date! Most importantly, they did. Not. Have. Sex. I repeat - they were in love, as teenagers, and didn't have sex. When was the last time you read a book like that? I love that they could have relationship that wasn't about being physical. They had the sort of relationship I want, and as a teenager, that's exactly what you should be thinking when you read a young adult romance. I want to keep going on and on about this, but I know I shouldn't! Just trust me, it was perfect relationship-wise.
This book was far from perfect, though. Hanson tried to make it about more than just a romance, which is, of course, a good idea. Except none of the ideas were expanded very well. We had Collin in a car accident, Savannah, the family friend that was in love with him, and countless other little things. That's all they were, though - little things. None of them were big enough to make a lasting impact on the book. They were just little bumps in the road, that were resolved in a few chapters. I would have really liked to see a big problem that lasted a while. I guess this did add to the reality of the relationship, and I do hate it when books exaggerate things that should be little problems. Maybe one overarching problem, and little bumps on top of that? I'm not sure how I would have done it, but I do know I wasn't entirely happy with how it was done.
Would I recommend this book? A hundred times yes! If you like young adult books, go for it. For once, I've found a book that realistically shows what life for a teenager is like
March 27, 2016
4.5/5 Full Review can be found at Http://thegraduatedbookworm.blogspot.ca
Before I step into my review on this pretty great book, let me start off by saying Thank-You to Melissa A. Hanson for sending me both the first and second book in this series for review.
Well this story jumps right in, and it leaves nothing to the imagination! You get full understanding of what has and is happening to Bailey within the first few chapters! So much loss and heartache, you can't help but feel something for her! I honestly could feel the devastation that she went through at some points of the book.
I did find though that there was an instant attraction between Collin and Bailey, which was very cute, but I would have wanted something a little more "hard to get" as in their relationship didn't bloom until a little later on. Because their romance started so early on, I found that there was more drama going on since it was such a new "blossoming" romance. Another thing that I wish happened was that there was a little more mature of a romance. I feel like if the romance did blossom a little more slowly, but also if they were a little older, then it would have been that much better.
I have to say that there were some moments were I laughed over some of the petty things that she ended up doing, because she thought it would actually work....There was the beach scene, where I totally knew that nothing good was going to happen, and since then, I just couldn't put it down.
Overall I did really like the book. I found it to be compelling with all of the drama, loss, and love that went on from beginning to end. If you've read this, all I can say is *The Lookout* I did really see a big connection between the two, and I found the book filled with a lot of FEELS and a roller coaster of emotions! Definitely something that I would want to read on a snowy, rainy kind of day.
Before I step into my review on this pretty great book, let me start off by saying Thank-You to Melissa A. Hanson for sending me both the first and second book in this series for review.
Well this story jumps right in, and it leaves nothing to the imagination! You get full understanding of what has and is happening to Bailey within the first few chapters! So much loss and heartache, you can't help but feel something for her! I honestly could feel the devastation that she went through at some points of the book.
I did find though that there was an instant attraction between Collin and Bailey, which was very cute, but I would have wanted something a little more "hard to get" as in their relationship didn't bloom until a little later on. Because their romance started so early on, I found that there was more drama going on since it was such a new "blossoming" romance. Another thing that I wish happened was that there was a little more mature of a romance. I feel like if the romance did blossom a little more slowly, but also if they were a little older, then it would have been that much better.
I have to say that there were some moments were I laughed over some of the petty things that she ended up doing, because she thought it would actually work....There was the beach scene, where I totally knew that nothing good was going to happen, and since then, I just couldn't put it down.
Overall I did really like the book. I found it to be compelling with all of the drama, loss, and love that went on from beginning to end. If you've read this, all I can say is *The Lookout* I did really see a big connection between the two, and I found the book filled with a lot of FEELS and a roller coaster of emotions! Definitely something that I would want to read on a snowy, rainy kind of day.
November 2, 2015
Bailey suffers from nightly nightmares reliving her family’s tragic car accident that took the lives of everyone but her. She has bags under her eyes. She makes the motions to live but she hasn’t been living or happy. Her aunt and uncle love her. Bailey loves the little boy Riley that she babysits often. Riley’s mom lost her husband in the military and Bailey and her have a bond with their losses.
Collin’s mom ran out on them after his little sister was born. His dad works hard and long and they move a lot to find jobs that will keep food on their table. This leaves Collin to raise his little sister. He adores her.
When Bailey and Collin meet the stars align and they have a connection that most couples don’t have. As time goes on, Bailey finds her nightmares diminishing. Her circles under eyes go away and she sleeps better.
There are twists and turns that threaten their relationship. Many are out of their control. One of them is Samantha, Collins childhood friend. When Samantha and her family visit Collin’s family, Bailey sees the threat that she is. Collin only has eyes for Bailey and is oblivious to the conniving Samantha.
The story is cute and very much like real teenagers with the drama that goes along with being a teenager as well as some maturity that the two have from their heartbreaks in life.
The story is told in alternating Points of View, leaving you with a better understanding of their thoughts and actions.
Some of their teenage drama was a little too drama and irrational to me, leaving me a sour taste of Bailey and Samantha at times.
The next book is about Mia, one of Bailey’s best friends. The trailer is beautiful and makes me cry!
Collin’s mom ran out on them after his little sister was born. His dad works hard and long and they move a lot to find jobs that will keep food on their table. This leaves Collin to raise his little sister. He adores her.
When Bailey and Collin meet the stars align and they have a connection that most couples don’t have. As time goes on, Bailey finds her nightmares diminishing. Her circles under eyes go away and she sleeps better.
There are twists and turns that threaten their relationship. Many are out of their control. One of them is Samantha, Collins childhood friend. When Samantha and her family visit Collin’s family, Bailey sees the threat that she is. Collin only has eyes for Bailey and is oblivious to the conniving Samantha.
The story is cute and very much like real teenagers with the drama that goes along with being a teenager as well as some maturity that the two have from their heartbreaks in life.
The story is told in alternating Points of View, leaving you with a better understanding of their thoughts and actions.
Some of their teenage drama was a little too drama and irrational to me, leaving me a sour taste of Bailey and Samantha at times.
The next book is about Mia, one of Bailey’s best friends. The trailer is beautiful and makes me cry!
September 18, 2015
This book grabbed me from the prologue, the first 2 pages of the book. The prologue sets up the basis of the story and recreates the car accident that wipes out Bailey's whole family. Her mom, dad, brother and sister, all gone. Just like that! How intense!
Bailey then goes to live with her aunt, her mom's identical twin sister. Oh my, that must have been heartbreaking. To 'see' your mom everyday, but it's really not your mom. Just a reminder that she is not there anymore.
One day at school Bailey runs into Colin. Literally. She runs into him in her hurry to get to class. And after that her life starts to change. That encounter starts a friendship that helps Bailey get through her dark days. Colin has his own demons and together they find happiness. But .... as in every relationship, they have their ups and downs. Oops!
I really loved A Healing Heart. Melissa does a wonderful job of portraying a teenager's life and the issues that they have to go through, complete with all the self-doubt and romance angst that everyone has suffered.
And did you notice the lovely necklace on the cover? I know I didn't until I was reading the story. It is so symbolic to what is happening to Bailey and Colin and it is such a gorgeous piece of jewelry. I want one!
All in all, this is a beautiful story of 2 teenagers who find out that the other one is just what they need to heal their heart. How can you not love a story like that? I know I did!
I received a copy of A Healing Heart from the author for my honest review.
Bailey then goes to live with her aunt, her mom's identical twin sister. Oh my, that must have been heartbreaking. To 'see' your mom everyday, but it's really not your mom. Just a reminder that she is not there anymore.
One day at school Bailey runs into Colin. Literally. She runs into him in her hurry to get to class. And after that her life starts to change. That encounter starts a friendship that helps Bailey get through her dark days. Colin has his own demons and together they find happiness. But .... as in every relationship, they have their ups and downs. Oops!
I really loved A Healing Heart. Melissa does a wonderful job of portraying a teenager's life and the issues that they have to go through, complete with all the self-doubt and romance angst that everyone has suffered.
And did you notice the lovely necklace on the cover? I know I didn't until I was reading the story. It is so symbolic to what is happening to Bailey and Colin and it is such a gorgeous piece of jewelry. I want one!
All in all, this is a beautiful story of 2 teenagers who find out that the other one is just what they need to heal their heart. How can you not love a story like that? I know I did!
I received a copy of A Healing Heart from the author for my honest review.
February 9, 2016
*COPY PROVIDED BY AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.*
I always review books that I don't like fast, never knew why. And its never a good thing. I hate when I don't like a certain book, I feel like I am rejecting someone close to my heart or hurting the author. But blame it on Bailey and Collin...
Bailey irritated me, in a bad way. I didn't want to read more about her. She was weird. Going back and fourth between being nice/cute and just ugh. Her choices and reactions weren't that nice, I was always left confused.
Collin was an idiot sometimes -sorry not sorry-. He was an okay guy, and I loved the effort he did with/for Bailey.
" I love you so much, my heart hurts."~
I can't express how I felt while reading. I just felt disconnected from the start. I didn't even feel the connection between Bailey and Collin, and I think if this series went on and on, these two won't still be together.
There was a lot of exaggeration going on, that made me roll my eyes, a lot.
The writing was plain most of the book and pretty basic, maybe because its the author's first book, I don't know...
Her friends, Riley's mum and Quinn get a bonus point though!!
Still I can't say that I totally hated or loved it.
I loved the cover and how simple it was.
And at the end of the book, I was happy that Bailey and Collin had their happily ever after, with Collin's encourging words, confidence and Bailey's healing heart.
I always review books that I don't like fast, never knew why. And its never a good thing. I hate when I don't like a certain book, I feel like I am rejecting someone close to my heart or hurting the author. But blame it on Bailey and Collin...
Bailey irritated me, in a bad way. I didn't want to read more about her. She was weird. Going back and fourth between being nice/cute and just ugh. Her choices and reactions weren't that nice, I was always left confused.
Collin was an idiot sometimes -sorry not sorry-. He was an okay guy, and I loved the effort he did with/for Bailey.
" I love you so much, my heart hurts."~
I can't express how I felt while reading. I just felt disconnected from the start. I didn't even feel the connection between Bailey and Collin, and I think if this series went on and on, these two won't still be together.
There was a lot of exaggeration going on, that made me roll my eyes, a lot.
The writing was plain most of the book and pretty basic, maybe because its the author's first book, I don't know...
Her friends, Riley's mum and Quinn get a bonus point though!!
Still I can't say that I totally hated or loved it.
I loved the cover and how simple it was.
And at the end of the book, I was happy that Bailey and Collin had their happily ever after, with Collin's encourging words, confidence and Bailey's healing heart.
November 4, 2015
A Healing Heart is a story about a girl named Bailey who has had a horrific tragedy happen early in her life. She is struggling with nightmares and getting over this event when a boy enters her life, Collin. He seems to be the way she can break out of her grief. Then things get complicated when his beautiful friend Savannah re-enters his life.
There is a lot to like about this book. Bailey and Collin are both very likeable characters and there were moments in their interactions where my breath caught and reminded me of meeting my husband. There is something so pure and amazing about love like this.
There are issues with this book. Sometimes one character monologues for a page or two without stopping. Sometimes this dialogue repeats what the reader already knows. There is an abruptness to how the viewpoints of Savannah and Collin come into play. At points, I felt that the author thought it might be interesting to see what was going on in their minds, but I feel like this is really Bailey's book and her perceptions. Either it needs to be evenly split between her and Collin or it needs to be written in a tight third. I think Savannah (while an interesting character in some aspects) is very two dimensional and her perspective detracts from the story.
That said, this was a fast, entertaining read.
There is a lot to like about this book. Bailey and Collin are both very likeable characters and there were moments in their interactions where my breath caught and reminded me of meeting my husband. There is something so pure and amazing about love like this.
There are issues with this book. Sometimes one character monologues for a page or two without stopping. Sometimes this dialogue repeats what the reader already knows. There is an abruptness to how the viewpoints of Savannah and Collin come into play. At points, I felt that the author thought it might be interesting to see what was going on in their minds, but I feel like this is really Bailey's book and her perceptions. Either it needs to be evenly split between her and Collin or it needs to be written in a tight third. I think Savannah (while an interesting character in some aspects) is very two dimensional and her perspective detracts from the story.
That said, this was a fast, entertaining read.
January 3, 2016
SPOILER ALERT
A healing heart is a unique book in its own way. Even tough clichés might be found on it, they do have their way of being different from other stories. It's full of plot twist that keep your nose inside the book the whole time, the characters are interesting and attractive, specially Riley and Lacey. The mixing of different generations stories is great, cause it's not only teens the ones who can feel identified, it also has adults and toddlers touches all over it. Anyway, the best thing the book has given me is feelings, it made me experience not only the love for Collin that Bailey has, but also the hate towards Savannah, and also the pity for her at the end. It's also great to have different narrators, it kind of gives the readers a 360° understand meant of what's going on. It might be one only thing that I just personally didn't love, which is the excessive sweetness between Collin and Bailey, tough I would give anything for someone to give me such a lovely present as Bailey's necklace!
Overall, I would definitely recommend the book to a friend, or to whomever! It really makes you see things from different perspectives, not only from the personal one!
Oh, and special THANKS to Melissa, who send me the book across a whole continent! It was worth it's long travel!! I really enjoyed through every page.
A healing heart is a unique book in its own way. Even tough clichés might be found on it, they do have their way of being different from other stories. It's full of plot twist that keep your nose inside the book the whole time, the characters are interesting and attractive, specially Riley and Lacey. The mixing of different generations stories is great, cause it's not only teens the ones who can feel identified, it also has adults and toddlers touches all over it. Anyway, the best thing the book has given me is feelings, it made me experience not only the love for Collin that Bailey has, but also the hate towards Savannah, and also the pity for her at the end. It's also great to have different narrators, it kind of gives the readers a 360° understand meant of what's going on. It might be one only thing that I just personally didn't love, which is the excessive sweetness between Collin and Bailey, tough I would give anything for someone to give me such a lovely present as Bailey's necklace!
Overall, I would definitely recommend the book to a friend, or to whomever! It really makes you see things from different perspectives, not only from the personal one!
Oh, and special THANKS to Melissa, who send me the book across a whole continent! It was worth it's long travel!! I really enjoyed through every page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2015
This book was so precious. I literally read it in one sitting. I found myself drawn to these characters. The story was so cute. If you are looking for a fast passed, sweet love story, then this is the book for you. Collin and Bailey were two battered young characters. That had way too much heartache in their young years. I felt for Bailey and her situation. I immediately fell for Collin. And his oh so sweet romantic ways. These two together were so much stronger, they both complimented each other very well. I loved all the side characters, except for Savannah. Lacey and Riley were absolutely precious. I love me a good smutty romance but this book was such a breath of fresh air. Exactly what I needed to read. I'm looking forward to reading A Healing Spirit. All in all this book was really cute and I recommend reading it!
March 14, 2012
Kindle Version (gifted to me by author for an honest review)
Bailey is just an average teenage girl on her way home with her family from a little family trip to see nearby friends, when her life is changed forever and she becomes a teenage girl with a broken heart. On their way home they were in a horrible car accident that left only Bailey alive, killing her Mom, Dad, little brother, and little sister. Bailey is sent to live wither her aunt and uncle, who are very nice people that she loves very much, but her aunt is also her Mom’s twin sister so is a constant reminder to her what she has lost. Since the accident Bailey just goes through the motions of everyday life and sleepless/nightmare filled nights. She goes to high school, has a couple good friends, reads, baby-sits, and every once in awhile goes out with her friends to movies or for fun. Bailey is living, but not really living. She feels guilt for being the only one to survive the crash and even more that if she would have been in her usual seat in the family van she would be dead and her little brother alive. The little boy Bailey baby-sits for is her saving grace, Riley. His mom Eileen went through a lot of the same type of distress Bailey did, having lost her husband, so they become quick friends and support each other. Bailey thinks she is destined to be “broken” her whole life and to never be happy or have a happy ending. That’s when she meets Collin, a boy at her school who is a year ahead of her in school. They have an instant bond and connection. After she starts talking more and seeing Collin, Bailey’s nightmares stop and restful sleep comes to her and she is happier than she could ever have imagined. Collin feels the same way, but fears his Dad’s tendency to move a lot will break them apart. He is 18, but since his Mom left he is also the main caretaker of his 4 year old little sister Lacey and he knows if his Dad chose to move again he would have to go for Lacey’s sake. As time goes by Bailey and Collin become more in love than ever and closer than ever. But, as Bailey feared from the start, nothing is meant to last forever in her life. Her life starts to change when old family friends of Collin’s come to visit with their kids, one of which is close to Collin’s age and thinks they are meant to be together. Savannah wants Collin for her own and knows the only way to do that is to make sure Bailey leaves the picture. Savannah stoops to horrible lows to get what she wants. Then the inevitable happens, Collin’s Dad announces yet another move. Can Bailey and Collin still make it work when they are hours apart and Collin is now living near Savannah? And just how many obstacles can one young couple go through before it is too much for one or both of them?
I really enjoyed this book, read it in one sitting. I found myself having many emotions with this book too. There was happy, excited, wonder, relief, and sadness. I think I cried through a good quarter of the book. The author did an amazing job with making me feel connected to Bailey and what she was feeling and going through. I couldn’t help but cry at one point when so much was going on with Bailey and her life, I felt so bad for her and wanted to just reach into the book and hug her. Bailey is a strong teenager and person though. She makes the ups and downs of her life seem almost bearable with how she responds to them. She may have breakdown, but who wouldn’t after some of the things that she goes through? Bailey, by far, was my favorite character. Followed very closely by Collin. This book reminded me that even though life can be very unstable and rough, if we push through there is something good on the other side of all the bad somewhere. It is all in how we look at things, that makes or breaks us as human beings. Very touching and deeply emotional book, and I loved every minute of reading it, even if my emotions did go up and down like Baileys because I was so into the book. Would definitely recommend this book!
4/5 Stars!
Bailey is just an average teenage girl on her way home with her family from a little family trip to see nearby friends, when her life is changed forever and she becomes a teenage girl with a broken heart. On their way home they were in a horrible car accident that left only Bailey alive, killing her Mom, Dad, little brother, and little sister. Bailey is sent to live wither her aunt and uncle, who are very nice people that she loves very much, but her aunt is also her Mom’s twin sister so is a constant reminder to her what she has lost. Since the accident Bailey just goes through the motions of everyday life and sleepless/nightmare filled nights. She goes to high school, has a couple good friends, reads, baby-sits, and every once in awhile goes out with her friends to movies or for fun. Bailey is living, but not really living. She feels guilt for being the only one to survive the crash and even more that if she would have been in her usual seat in the family van she would be dead and her little brother alive. The little boy Bailey baby-sits for is her saving grace, Riley. His mom Eileen went through a lot of the same type of distress Bailey did, having lost her husband, so they become quick friends and support each other. Bailey thinks she is destined to be “broken” her whole life and to never be happy or have a happy ending. That’s when she meets Collin, a boy at her school who is a year ahead of her in school. They have an instant bond and connection. After she starts talking more and seeing Collin, Bailey’s nightmares stop and restful sleep comes to her and she is happier than she could ever have imagined. Collin feels the same way, but fears his Dad’s tendency to move a lot will break them apart. He is 18, but since his Mom left he is also the main caretaker of his 4 year old little sister Lacey and he knows if his Dad chose to move again he would have to go for Lacey’s sake. As time goes by Bailey and Collin become more in love than ever and closer than ever. But, as Bailey feared from the start, nothing is meant to last forever in her life. Her life starts to change when old family friends of Collin’s come to visit with their kids, one of which is close to Collin’s age and thinks they are meant to be together. Savannah wants Collin for her own and knows the only way to do that is to make sure Bailey leaves the picture. Savannah stoops to horrible lows to get what she wants. Then the inevitable happens, Collin’s Dad announces yet another move. Can Bailey and Collin still make it work when they are hours apart and Collin is now living near Savannah? And just how many obstacles can one young couple go through before it is too much for one or both of them?
I really enjoyed this book, read it in one sitting. I found myself having many emotions with this book too. There was happy, excited, wonder, relief, and sadness. I think I cried through a good quarter of the book. The author did an amazing job with making me feel connected to Bailey and what she was feeling and going through. I couldn’t help but cry at one point when so much was going on with Bailey and her life, I felt so bad for her and wanted to just reach into the book and hug her. Bailey is a strong teenager and person though. She makes the ups and downs of her life seem almost bearable with how she responds to them. She may have breakdown, but who wouldn’t after some of the things that she goes through? Bailey, by far, was my favorite character. Followed very closely by Collin. This book reminded me that even though life can be very unstable and rough, if we push through there is something good on the other side of all the bad somewhere. It is all in how we look at things, that makes or breaks us as human beings. Very touching and deeply emotional book, and I loved every minute of reading it, even if my emotions did go up and down like Baileys because I was so into the book. Would definitely recommend this book!
4/5 Stars!
November 29, 2015
All I got to say is WOW! Melissa Hanson just gave us a really good book and one in my opinion that touched at least four gripping things in my mind. There is a car accident/survivor's guilt, romance, friendships, and high school. I am going to be giving this book five butterflies because Melissa A. Hanson knows how to make a story so realistic and well written that you believe that you are there with the characters and are seeing them go through all these different emotions that you can’t help but encourage in your head for the characters to keep going to not give up.
The first gripping thing that Melissa incorporated into her novel is the car accident/survivor's guilt. The main character that we get introduced to is Bailey and she has had to deal with the aftermath of the car accident that killed her parents and then slowly killed her younger siblings. Which leads to her having survivor's guilt and not really moving on from the accident. I feel bad for Bailey since she had been dealing with the survivor's guilt for two years before she was able to get over it slowly but surely.
The second gripping thing that Melissa incorporated into her novel is the romance. Now this was weaved into it slowly and it was kind of cool to see it blossom for these two throughout the story. The main romance in the story is of Bailey and Collin. Those two throughout the book made me feel so happy for them at least until Collin's friend Savannah came into the picture. That is all I am going to say about that. Collin and Bailey preserved through it and came out stronger than ever by the time Bailey graduated the next year.
The third gripping thing that Melissa incorporated into her novel is the friendships. This is a big thing between Bailey, Natasha, and Mia in the beginning because those three have been friends since Bailey first arrived two years ago. Natasha and Mia where friends a little bit longer and when Bailey came to Riverview they took her under their wing. This friendship was the first of many that started to help Bailey recover. Her second friendship happens to be with the little boy that she is babysitting named Riley. Well not only him but his mom. I think the reason for that is because with the help of Bailey Riley's mom was able to recover from losing Riley's mom to the war. Plus it gave Riley someone to play with.
The fourth and last gripping thing that Melissa incorporated into her novel is the high school. To me, and I'm only twenty-two, I feel like high school for any teenager especially one dealing with survivor's guilt from being the only one to survive in a car accident, to the romance that you might lose because you are insecure, to the friendships that you have and one that is also a job takes a toll on someone. Even more so when it's your last year of high school and you have just a whole lot of stuff to do. I don't think anyone really realizes the amount of stress you go through with anything during your four years of high school until you go through it.
I think that Melissa A. Hanson has done a wonderful job with this book and I can't wait to read the next book and any others that she might put out from the Riverview series. A Healing Heart by Melissa A. Hanson in my opinion deserves having a five butterfly rating.
Anyways until the next time enjoy this book review brought to you by
Baroness’ Book Trove.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER ASKED ME TO READ AND GIVE AN HONEST REVIEW FOR THIS BOOK!
The first gripping thing that Melissa incorporated into her novel is the car accident/survivor's guilt. The main character that we get introduced to is Bailey and she has had to deal with the aftermath of the car accident that killed her parents and then slowly killed her younger siblings. Which leads to her having survivor's guilt and not really moving on from the accident. I feel bad for Bailey since she had been dealing with the survivor's guilt for two years before she was able to get over it slowly but surely.
The second gripping thing that Melissa incorporated into her novel is the romance. Now this was weaved into it slowly and it was kind of cool to see it blossom for these two throughout the story. The main romance in the story is of Bailey and Collin. Those two throughout the book made me feel so happy for them at least until Collin's friend Savannah came into the picture. That is all I am going to say about that. Collin and Bailey preserved through it and came out stronger than ever by the time Bailey graduated the next year.
The third gripping thing that Melissa incorporated into her novel is the friendships. This is a big thing between Bailey, Natasha, and Mia in the beginning because those three have been friends since Bailey first arrived two years ago. Natasha and Mia where friends a little bit longer and when Bailey came to Riverview they took her under their wing. This friendship was the first of many that started to help Bailey recover. Her second friendship happens to be with the little boy that she is babysitting named Riley. Well not only him but his mom. I think the reason for that is because with the help of Bailey Riley's mom was able to recover from losing Riley's mom to the war. Plus it gave Riley someone to play with.
The fourth and last gripping thing that Melissa incorporated into her novel is the high school. To me, and I'm only twenty-two, I feel like high school for any teenager especially one dealing with survivor's guilt from being the only one to survive in a car accident, to the romance that you might lose because you are insecure, to the friendships that you have and one that is also a job takes a toll on someone. Even more so when it's your last year of high school and you have just a whole lot of stuff to do. I don't think anyone really realizes the amount of stress you go through with anything during your four years of high school until you go through it.
I think that Melissa A. Hanson has done a wonderful job with this book and I can't wait to read the next book and any others that she might put out from the Riverview series. A Healing Heart by Melissa A. Hanson in my opinion deserves having a five butterfly rating.
Anyways until the next time enjoy this book review brought to you by
Baroness’ Book Trove.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER ASKED ME TO READ AND GIVE AN HONEST REVIEW FOR THIS BOOK!
September 1, 2016
**I received this book in exchange for my fair and honest review, but this in no way affects my thoughts or opinion on this book**
On the open of this book, you are immediately taken into the story. You read along as the impossible happens to Bailey, as her entire family is ripped from her. Two years later, she's still having nightmares and trying to pick up the pieces. She lives with her aunt, who happens to be her mother's twin, and her uncle. Night after night, the nightmares continue to plague her. There is one bright spot in her life, though: two year old Riley and his mother, who lost her husband in a tragic military accident overseas. Babysitting Riley brings her much joy, and also brings along a chance meeting that changes everything for her.
Collin is a senior in high school, and since his mother abandoned their family a few years prior, he's spent lots of time moving around with his father and four year old sister. Settling into life in southern California, he really only allows himself one friend, until a little boy comes running up to play with his sister at the park one day. That's where he meets(officially, at least) Bailey.
Immediately upon meeting each other, there is an instant connection between the two. I felt that it read pretty genuine, there are times when it toed the cliche line, but in a pleasant, comfortable way--if that makes sense. I really enjoyed this book, it was a lovely story and I felt one of the more realistic ones I've read as it went on. This couple has their problems, and there are definitely some bumps along the way. You learn a lot about each character, and I would love to read more. In fact, I know this itself is a young adult book, but I think it would be really nice to get a story for Riley's mom, she's been through a lot as well and definitely deserves her shot at happiness.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to young adult fans, and romance fans alike. There are ups and downs with emotions galore, but the end result will leave a smile on your face. To be honest, the only thing I'm not too fond of about the book is that the ending left me wanting more! Of course, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Bailey was put through something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, and yet through this journey she begins to heal. Great for early teens on up!
On the open of this book, you are immediately taken into the story. You read along as the impossible happens to Bailey, as her entire family is ripped from her. Two years later, she's still having nightmares and trying to pick up the pieces. She lives with her aunt, who happens to be her mother's twin, and her uncle. Night after night, the nightmares continue to plague her. There is one bright spot in her life, though: two year old Riley and his mother, who lost her husband in a tragic military accident overseas. Babysitting Riley brings her much joy, and also brings along a chance meeting that changes everything for her.
Collin is a senior in high school, and since his mother abandoned their family a few years prior, he's spent lots of time moving around with his father and four year old sister. Settling into life in southern California, he really only allows himself one friend, until a little boy comes running up to play with his sister at the park one day. That's where he meets(officially, at least) Bailey.
Immediately upon meeting each other, there is an instant connection between the two. I felt that it read pretty genuine, there are times when it toed the cliche line, but in a pleasant, comfortable way--if that makes sense. I really enjoyed this book, it was a lovely story and I felt one of the more realistic ones I've read as it went on. This couple has their problems, and there are definitely some bumps along the way. You learn a lot about each character, and I would love to read more. In fact, I know this itself is a young adult book, but I think it would be really nice to get a story for Riley's mom, she's been through a lot as well and definitely deserves her shot at happiness.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to young adult fans, and romance fans alike. There are ups and downs with emotions galore, but the end result will leave a smile on your face. To be honest, the only thing I'm not too fond of about the book is that the ending left me wanting more! Of course, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Bailey was put through something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, and yet through this journey she begins to heal. Great for early teens on up!
January 23, 2016
I RECIEVED A COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR A HONEST REVIEW. THIS DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION IN ANY WAYS.
This book was a clean, easy, and fun read.
A Healing Heart is about a teenage girl named Bailey. She is living with her aunt and uncle after her parents and siblings were killed in a car accident. When Baily takes the little kid she is babysitting she meets a boy named Collin she falls in love with. Things go smoothly until another girl beomes part of Collin's life. Will everything be okay with their romance?
The book is really good. At first I found myself kind of bored with it, but the plot turned out to be really good after all. Just when it was starting to drag, it got more exciting. The plot kept going and also surprised me many times.
The characters were one of the best parts in this book. Bailey was a responsible yet realistic teenager. Collin was a dream boy, at least in my opinion. He was caring, responsible, and never rude. All of Bailey's friends are supportive and nice, but they do have their own personalities. There was one villain in this story. Her name was Savannah, and she wanted to date Collin. They had been childhood friends, but now she wants much more.
A big part of the story is Bailey's past. As you already know, her parents and siblings were killed in a car accident. Bailey often talks about that moment, and blames herself for being the only one to survive a few times.
The romance kept me guessing. It was beautifully described, and I just wanted to be Bailey. The romance started out a bit too quick for my taste. But just like I thought, the romance wouldn't stay that way forever. Savannah is a major setback in their relationship.
There was a hospital visit in this book that added to the story as well. Collin gets in a car accident, and that really strengthens the relationship between him and Bailey.
This book was wonderfully written overall. I found many descriptive phrases and paragraphs that enhanced the story. Melissa A. Hanson really knows how to write descriptively.
In conclusion, this is a great, easy, clean, and fun read that touches on some serious topics!
This book was a clean, easy, and fun read.
A Healing Heart is about a teenage girl named Bailey. She is living with her aunt and uncle after her parents and siblings were killed in a car accident. When Baily takes the little kid she is babysitting she meets a boy named Collin she falls in love with. Things go smoothly until another girl beomes part of Collin's life. Will everything be okay with their romance?
The book is really good. At first I found myself kind of bored with it, but the plot turned out to be really good after all. Just when it was starting to drag, it got more exciting. The plot kept going and also surprised me many times.
The characters were one of the best parts in this book. Bailey was a responsible yet realistic teenager. Collin was a dream boy, at least in my opinion. He was caring, responsible, and never rude. All of Bailey's friends are supportive and nice, but they do have their own personalities. There was one villain in this story. Her name was Savannah, and she wanted to date Collin. They had been childhood friends, but now she wants much more.
A big part of the story is Bailey's past. As you already know, her parents and siblings were killed in a car accident. Bailey often talks about that moment, and blames herself for being the only one to survive a few times.
The romance kept me guessing. It was beautifully described, and I just wanted to be Bailey. The romance started out a bit too quick for my taste. But just like I thought, the romance wouldn't stay that way forever. Savannah is a major setback in their relationship.
There was a hospital visit in this book that added to the story as well. Collin gets in a car accident, and that really strengthens the relationship between him and Bailey.
This book was wonderfully written overall. I found many descriptive phrases and paragraphs that enhanced the story. Melissa A. Hanson really knows how to write descriptively.
In conclusion, this is a great, easy, clean, and fun read that touches on some serious topics!
August 29, 2012
Okay, first I want to thank Melissa for the book!
I LOVE when the two persons implicated in the book tell their side of the history, is a very good way to get attached to the book and not bore. In this case I’m going to omit Savannah narration because she wasn’t really really the narrator, although his side of history remind me of the evil bitch always present in the books.
I thought that this book would be the typical tragic book, she cries a lot and he help her to discover that the life it’s good and all that. This book was more than that, the added drama, Savannah and all the problems she caused, his accident and the little Riley. All the love that Riley had for her and the way he show it was heart melting, with Riley are all the histories in the park and the lesson that Eileen taught her, the loss in the life of Eileen related to the one that Bailey felt on the final point on the book.
For me the book affected me personally because I’m having a difficult loss, I lost my best friend recently and that had hurt me so bad. Through the book, I thought a lot of him but I want to say the two sentences that remind of him a lot: “While we are going through it, we don’t know why, but somewhere down the road we’ll understand. Each experience in life teaches us something; it helps us grow and be a better person.” My best friend always said that I had to believe in me and no matter what, everything happens for a reason. So while I was reading the book, I imagined him telling me that exactly sentence. The other one was: “Those little things that bugged me so badly then are now precious memories.” My friend had the most horrible habits and manners and I used to tease him a lot about being polite and all that, but now that he’s away I only remember that moments like the most precious ones, the reminder of his personality and his soul.
Indeed, I loved the book and it made cry so much, but also I feel like I needed a history like that to remind that I’m alive and I have a purpose in life. That those things that had been taken away from me, give me the strength to continue and love my life.
I LOVE when the two persons implicated in the book tell their side of the history, is a very good way to get attached to the book and not bore. In this case I’m going to omit Savannah narration because she wasn’t really really the narrator, although his side of history remind me of the evil bitch always present in the books.
I thought that this book would be the typical tragic book, she cries a lot and he help her to discover that the life it’s good and all that. This book was more than that, the added drama, Savannah and all the problems she caused, his accident and the little Riley. All the love that Riley had for her and the way he show it was heart melting, with Riley are all the histories in the park and the lesson that Eileen taught her, the loss in the life of Eileen related to the one that Bailey felt on the final point on the book.
For me the book affected me personally because I’m having a difficult loss, I lost my best friend recently and that had hurt me so bad. Through the book, I thought a lot of him but I want to say the two sentences that remind of him a lot: “While we are going through it, we don’t know why, but somewhere down the road we’ll understand. Each experience in life teaches us something; it helps us grow and be a better person.” My best friend always said that I had to believe in me and no matter what, everything happens for a reason. So while I was reading the book, I imagined him telling me that exactly sentence. The other one was: “Those little things that bugged me so badly then are now precious memories.” My friend had the most horrible habits and manners and I used to tease him a lot about being polite and all that, but now that he’s away I only remember that moments like the most precious ones, the reminder of his personality and his soul.
Indeed, I loved the book and it made cry so much, but also I feel like I needed a history like that to remind that I’m alive and I have a purpose in life. That those things that had been taken away from me, give me the strength to continue and love my life.
June 24, 2016
"The chemistry that was beginning to simmer between us baffled me. Girls did not have this effect on me; it was always the other way around. Having the tables turned didn't sit well."
I first need to say, if any of you are fans of Stephanie Perkins and her 3 cute little love stories, then Melissa A. Hanson is your girl! The Riverview books are cute, romantic, and a little bit heartbreaking at times! They are PERFECT!
I am still speechless. This book tore me open and played my heart strings like a guitar. I cried, then laughed, and then cried some more. I think I mostly cried. It was all good crying though, so don't think the whole book was just sad. I'm a baby so I cry when I'm emotional and this book had me extremely emotional.
Bailey lost her family due to a horrible car accident and is now living with her aunt and uncle. Bailey has really great friends, Mia and Natasha, and family that really cares about her. She babysits a little boy named Riley, and he and his mother have become close to Bailey also. Bailey is still unhappy. She can't sleep, she never smiles, and hates waking up in the morning. Bailey was watching Riley one day and met a boy named Collin. She recognizes him from school. Bailey and Collins lives are forever changed.
"I had an overwhelming need to protect Bailey, to comfort her, wishing that I could take all her hurt and pain away. I didn't like feeling that my thoughts and emotions were no longer mine to control, but that they were now somehow tied up with Bailey."
This is an adorable story about love and the hardships it goes through. At one point, there is a lot trying to pull the two apart. Will their love survive? You have to read this book to find out!
Melissa A. Hanson writes so beautifully. I was in the book with Bailey, feeling Bailey's pain. This book played like a movie right before my eyes. I wrote down so many beautiful quotes from this book! Melissa uses the perfect words, so descriptive and vivid! I am super excited to start A Healing Spirit! Everyone needs these books on their bookshelves.
"You have completely invaded my soul and consumed my heart."
I first need to say, if any of you are fans of Stephanie Perkins and her 3 cute little love stories, then Melissa A. Hanson is your girl! The Riverview books are cute, romantic, and a little bit heartbreaking at times! They are PERFECT!
I am still speechless. This book tore me open and played my heart strings like a guitar. I cried, then laughed, and then cried some more. I think I mostly cried. It was all good crying though, so don't think the whole book was just sad. I'm a baby so I cry when I'm emotional and this book had me extremely emotional.
Bailey lost her family due to a horrible car accident and is now living with her aunt and uncle. Bailey has really great friends, Mia and Natasha, and family that really cares about her. She babysits a little boy named Riley, and he and his mother have become close to Bailey also. Bailey is still unhappy. She can't sleep, she never smiles, and hates waking up in the morning. Bailey was watching Riley one day and met a boy named Collin. She recognizes him from school. Bailey and Collins lives are forever changed.
"I had an overwhelming need to protect Bailey, to comfort her, wishing that I could take all her hurt and pain away. I didn't like feeling that my thoughts and emotions were no longer mine to control, but that they were now somehow tied up with Bailey."
This is an adorable story about love and the hardships it goes through. At one point, there is a lot trying to pull the two apart. Will their love survive? You have to read this book to find out!
Melissa A. Hanson writes so beautifully. I was in the book with Bailey, feeling Bailey's pain. This book played like a movie right before my eyes. I wrote down so many beautiful quotes from this book! Melissa uses the perfect words, so descriptive and vivid! I am super excited to start A Healing Spirit! Everyone needs these books on their bookshelves.
"You have completely invaded my soul and consumed my heart."
November 29, 2015
On the way home from a friend's house one night, Bailey Walsh’s life was turned upside down. A drunk driver forced her family off the road on a cold winter night, killing everybody in the car except for Bailey. Bailey’s life was spared, but she wasn’t left untouched. Not only did she suffer broken bones and bruised ribs and now she suffers daily from a broken heart, she’s lost her smile and her love for life is gone. Bailey moves in with her Mom’s identical twin sister and lives day to day suffering from survivor’s guilt. She walks around constantly with rings around her eyes because even after 2 years she suffers nightly from nightmares. Bailey has two protective best friends and a sweet two-year old that she tends to help her get through life and gives her a reason to go on every day. However, Bailey may be able to learn to open her heart again when she accidentally runs into Collin McKenna, a senior, and his calm sweet nature wins her over and puts the smile back on her face. Collin, Bailey’s friends, and Riley work together in their own special ways, and with all their love combined Bailey begins to heal and smile again.
My heart broke for Bailey, she lost everyone she loved in one night and she had to learn how to survive. When Collin entered the picture I felt myself cheering and smiling for Bailey as she got ready for dates, the first time Collin held her hand, the first time he kissed her and I loved how so protective Collin is. Not only does Collin take care of her but he also is very protective of his little sister after their mom walked out on them. Bailey and Collin have both been dealt a tough hand in life, and together they mend each other. What an amazing story of how love helps you heal, move forward and survive tragedies. Melissa A. Hanson did a great job in creating characters, catching the raw emotions and sharing it through writing to her readers. I really enjoyed this book and already have A Healing Spirit on my list to read.
My heart broke for Bailey, she lost everyone she loved in one night and she had to learn how to survive. When Collin entered the picture I felt myself cheering and smiling for Bailey as she got ready for dates, the first time Collin held her hand, the first time he kissed her and I loved how so protective Collin is. Not only does Collin take care of her but he also is very protective of his little sister after their mom walked out on them. Bailey and Collin have both been dealt a tough hand in life, and together they mend each other. What an amazing story of how love helps you heal, move forward and survive tragedies. Melissa A. Hanson did a great job in creating characters, catching the raw emotions and sharing it through writing to her readers. I really enjoyed this book and already have A Healing Spirit on my list to read.
September 3, 2012
I love reading a book that genuinely tugs at my heart strings and A Healing Heart did just that. This book was just a good ol' sweet romance that makes your heart melt. I felt such a range of emotions while reading this book. I went from smiling and cheerful to sad and crying and then happy and then angry and then in the end satisfied.
Bailey was such a likable character. You can't help but feel for her and want the best for her. She has been through an unthinkable tragedy and then comes along Collin. He is the quintessential good guy that you can't help but adore. He treats Bailey well and gives her the strength she needs to begin the healing process. With all that said about the two main characters, I think my favorite character was Riley. What a little cutie. His interactions were so innocent and cute I just had to smile while reading them. Eileen, his mother, was great for Bailey to have in her life. Her strength and courage to pick up the pieces after losing her husband and move on was a testament to Bailey that life does go on. It will be difficult, but you have to learn to take it one day at a time.
My only gripe is that there could have been a little more narration from Collin and a little less from Bailey, at times. I really wanted to hear Collin's side a few times, but all I got was Bailey's. A more 50/50 split in the narration would have been more intriguing to me. That's not to say it was poorly written, just my opinion. :)
I want to thank the author Melissa A. Hanson for the opportunity to read her novel and review it. It was a pleasure to read such a sweet love story with a great message about internal strength.
Bailey was such a likable character. You can't help but feel for her and want the best for her. She has been through an unthinkable tragedy and then comes along Collin. He is the quintessential good guy that you can't help but adore. He treats Bailey well and gives her the strength she needs to begin the healing process. With all that said about the two main characters, I think my favorite character was Riley. What a little cutie. His interactions were so innocent and cute I just had to smile while reading them. Eileen, his mother, was great for Bailey to have in her life. Her strength and courage to pick up the pieces after losing her husband and move on was a testament to Bailey that life does go on. It will be difficult, but you have to learn to take it one day at a time.
My only gripe is that there could have been a little more narration from Collin and a little less from Bailey, at times. I really wanted to hear Collin's side a few times, but all I got was Bailey's. A more 50/50 split in the narration would have been more intriguing to me. That's not to say it was poorly written, just my opinion. :)
I want to thank the author Melissa A. Hanson for the opportunity to read her novel and review it. It was a pleasure to read such a sweet love story with a great message about internal strength.
October 14, 2015
A Healing Heart was a sweet, clean teenage romance novel. I really enjoyed both of the main characters that Ms. Hanson chose to base the story around - Bailey and Collin. I felt like they were typical teenagers and the story line pulling them to and from each other was natural and realistic. It brought me back to all of those feelings of young love in high school and how that "one special guy" can make you feel on top of the world, but he can also bring you spiraling down at the drop of a hat. Bailey's instincts about Savannah were spot on, and I appreciated the dialog and "looks" exchanged between them. It was completely what it feels like (and how you act) in those teenage years and exchanges with "the other woman".
There were a few parts where I felt the language or writing style was simplistic or maybe just not as eloquently written as the rest of the text, but not enough for me to lose interest at all. It had a very YA feel and dialogue to it, which fit well with the characters ages, thoughts, feelings, etc.
The turmoil in both Collin and Bailey's lives in their past helped to make the rest of the story line very well understood. You appreciated their backgrounds and what they had been through when it applied to how they dealt with each other. I can't imagine having to go through what either of them did, but it was remarkable to see their strength and how they focused their energy into Riley and Lacey. While a little more selfless than I think some teenagers are, they do exist and give me hope that others like them are out there!
Overall a quick, easy read. It was a little simple, but not to a fault. I'll be reading the second in this series as well and look forward to it.
Romance: clean
**Please note: I have received this book for free from the We ♥ YA Books! group and the author in exchange for a honest review.**
There were a few parts where I felt the language or writing style was simplistic or maybe just not as eloquently written as the rest of the text, but not enough for me to lose interest at all. It had a very YA feel and dialogue to it, which fit well with the characters ages, thoughts, feelings, etc.
The turmoil in both Collin and Bailey's lives in their past helped to make the rest of the story line very well understood. You appreciated their backgrounds and what they had been through when it applied to how they dealt with each other. I can't imagine having to go through what either of them did, but it was remarkable to see their strength and how they focused their energy into Riley and Lacey. While a little more selfless than I think some teenagers are, they do exist and give me hope that others like them are out there!
Overall a quick, easy read. It was a little simple, but not to a fault. I'll be reading the second in this series as well and look forward to it.
Romance: clean
**Please note: I have received this book for free from the We ♥ YA Books! group and the author in exchange for a honest review.**
November 18, 2015
The Southern Californian suburb of Riverview provides a picturesque backdrop to a teenage romance. A Healing Heart is the sort of read that makes you feel like meeting up with an old friend you have not seen in a decade over coffee for a catch-up - a stilted beginning that soon settles into a comfortingly familiar rhythm. There are sweet characters, scarred pasts and all the thrills and tears that come with first love.
Bailey is sweet, but scarred and as a result is more than a little reserved. Her world is defined by family, school, friends and a part-time job. That is all shaken up when she meets Caleb. They share a connection and it has an immediate positive effect on Bailey. But with a past like that of Bailey, there is a fear of when the other shoe will drop.
I found that it was easy to connect with Bailey, to celebrate with her and to understand her fears. She is a character that undergoes a drastic transformation as she grows and matures. I really enjoyed reading her story and watching her learn about healing a hurting heart.
Something that I really struggled with when reading this book was getting past the writing in order to connect to the characters. At times there was too much detail, almost information dumps, that slowed down the reading and made it difficult to connect with the story. Some of the conversations early in the book felt a bit stiff, but that soon eased into a more natural rhythm. All that being said, it was worth powering through those bits to get to know the characters and accompany them on their journey.
A Healing Heart is a great quick read once you get into it and become invested in the characters. It is a heartwarming read whose portrayal of first love was real. Be prepared for a book that will make you laugh, sigh, cry and scream at the characters (for various reasons at various times).
Bailey is sweet, but scarred and as a result is more than a little reserved. Her world is defined by family, school, friends and a part-time job. That is all shaken up when she meets Caleb. They share a connection and it has an immediate positive effect on Bailey. But with a past like that of Bailey, there is a fear of when the other shoe will drop.
I found that it was easy to connect with Bailey, to celebrate with her and to understand her fears. She is a character that undergoes a drastic transformation as she grows and matures. I really enjoyed reading her story and watching her learn about healing a hurting heart.
Something that I really struggled with when reading this book was getting past the writing in order to connect to the characters. At times there was too much detail, almost information dumps, that slowed down the reading and made it difficult to connect with the story. Some of the conversations early in the book felt a bit stiff, but that soon eased into a more natural rhythm. All that being said, it was worth powering through those bits to get to know the characters and accompany them on their journey.
A Healing Heart is a great quick read once you get into it and become invested in the characters. It is a heartwarming read whose portrayal of first love was real. Be prepared for a book that will make you laugh, sigh, cry and scream at the characters (for various reasons at various times).
March 19, 2021
This was really sweet, and not a this is so cheesy sweet that I always call out on, well alright it had it's close moments but it never went too far. It 's so simple and yet it's that simplicity that made it great.
Read it in two days how I managed to put it down in between I don't know. I actually found myself longing to go home and finish it. I can't say the last time I did that for a book.
If I cried I would, I don't even know exactly why. Which annoys me a little, or a lot, I like to think of my self as a rational person who doesn't cry over a romance but that's just a lie.
I love (and hate) that it made me feel something, I was so immersed in it.
Only problem: I couldn't exactly buy into teenagers taking about love the way they did it; seemed kind of old-fashion to me. Although me; I do like old-fashion.
What I really couldn't get past was the sudden turn into over-dramatic "teen-dom". I just kind of wanted to go "it's HIGH SCHOOL!"
I never had a Collin, nor have I ever experienced love or loss like Bailey has, so maybe that's why I felt it went a little bit overboard. I do know that what minor losses I have gone through are what made me what I am today, which might not completely be a good thing and is probably why I think things got way over dramatized.
It made me think but not a thought-filled type of way more of a huh so that's something to wonder about.
A week after finishing at it's still with me.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read it in two days how I managed to put it down in between I don't know. I actually found myself longing to go home and finish it. I can't say the last time I did that for a book.
If I cried I would, I don't even know exactly why. Which annoys me a little, or a lot, I like to think of my self as a rational person who doesn't cry over a romance but that's just a lie.
I love (and hate) that it made me feel something, I was so immersed in it.
Only problem: I couldn't exactly buy into teenagers taking about love the way they did it; seemed kind of old-fashion to me. Although me; I do like old-fashion.
What I really couldn't get past was the sudden turn into over-dramatic "teen-dom". I just kind of wanted to go "it's HIGH SCHOOL!"
I never had a Collin, nor have I ever experienced love or loss like Bailey has, so maybe that's why I felt it went a little bit overboard. I do know that what minor losses I have gone through are what made me what I am today, which might not completely be a good thing and is probably why I think things got way over dramatized.
It made me think but not a thought-filled type of way more of a huh so that's something to wonder about.
A week after finishing at it's still with me.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2016
A paperback of this story was gifted to me by a friend who knew I needed healing, hope and a little uplifting.
I've not been able to bring myself to read in some time yet I was so drawn to the title. I began reading and immediately became engrossed. I couldn't put it down and when I had to, I wanted to get back to it. I needed to know what was going to happen next. There were a few times I was convinced something would go a cetain way but the Author certainly surprised me.
With all the emotions in the story, I felt the pressure leaving my own chest as I was carried away with what was going on in this story and feeling what the characters were feeling. This truly is a story of healing and hope.
I so love the main characters, Bailey and Collin, and all the other characters, except for 1 but I won't give anything away in my review. They are extraordinary! A few of the characters reminded me fondly of old high school friends. The Author sure delivered a compelling read.
This Young Adult story made me remember so many similar things from way back to my high school days. Precious memories I had completely forgotten about! Often while reading, I'd pause and let the memory invade my thoughts for a few, then I'd dive right back in.
Melissa A. Hanson delivers a strong message just by the title of this story and you'll understand why when you read it! I highly recommend to folks of all ages! I'll surely be recommending to friends.
I thank MY dear friend who brought this Author and book into my life and let me ENJOY reading again! Thoroughly enjoyed this.
I've not been able to bring myself to read in some time yet I was so drawn to the title. I began reading and immediately became engrossed. I couldn't put it down and when I had to, I wanted to get back to it. I needed to know what was going to happen next. There were a few times I was convinced something would go a cetain way but the Author certainly surprised me.
With all the emotions in the story, I felt the pressure leaving my own chest as I was carried away with what was going on in this story and feeling what the characters were feeling. This truly is a story of healing and hope.
I so love the main characters, Bailey and Collin, and all the other characters, except for 1 but I won't give anything away in my review. They are extraordinary! A few of the characters reminded me fondly of old high school friends. The Author sure delivered a compelling read.
This Young Adult story made me remember so many similar things from way back to my high school days. Precious memories I had completely forgotten about! Often while reading, I'd pause and let the memory invade my thoughts for a few, then I'd dive right back in.
Melissa A. Hanson delivers a strong message just by the title of this story and you'll understand why when you read it! I highly recommend to folks of all ages! I'll surely be recommending to friends.
I thank MY dear friend who brought this Author and book into my life and let me ENJOY reading again! Thoroughly enjoyed this.
February 28, 2012
Bailey, having lost her whole family, tries to keep on living with the deep pain of loss and survivors guilt. Helping her keep from deep despair is a little boy, Riley, show she babysits. Eileen, the boys mother, becomes an example of strength. Bailey has grown to love them dearly. Then... literally running into Collin turns out to be the best thing, in a long time, to happen to her.
Collin, having his own loss, focuses his life around his little sister, Lacey, making sure she has what she needs. When Bailey collides into his life, his world is never the same again. His thoughts are consumed by her. He cannot deny there is an immediate spark, a thread that pulls them together.
I am a sucker for books like this one, which are told from both sides of the story. Getting to hear inside their heads keep the plot rolling on an equal balance. I got a better feel for the characters, instead of one-sided judgement. I fell for Bailey and Collin, with their innocense, but with the weight of the world on their shoulders. I cried my eyes out during both the beautiful times and the hard times that life threw at them, so much like real life. Bailey blossoms into a beautiful, strong young woman, while Collin sees that sometimes loving means doing the hard thing.
If you are looking for a clean-read, full of life, love and romance, I would recommend this book. Being a debut novel for Melissa, I will definitely be looking for her next book!
Collin, having his own loss, focuses his life around his little sister, Lacey, making sure she has what she needs. When Bailey collides into his life, his world is never the same again. His thoughts are consumed by her. He cannot deny there is an immediate spark, a thread that pulls them together.
I am a sucker for books like this one, which are told from both sides of the story. Getting to hear inside their heads keep the plot rolling on an equal balance. I got a better feel for the characters, instead of one-sided judgement. I fell for Bailey and Collin, with their innocense, but with the weight of the world on their shoulders. I cried my eyes out during both the beautiful times and the hard times that life threw at them, so much like real life. Bailey blossoms into a beautiful, strong young woman, while Collin sees that sometimes loving means doing the hard thing.
If you are looking for a clean-read, full of life, love and romance, I would recommend this book. Being a debut novel for Melissa, I will definitely be looking for her next book!
March 5, 2014
Reviewed for Reader's Favorite
Bailey is young and pretty, she has everything going for her until a drunk driver changes her world. In the blink of an eye she goes from a happy teen to the only survivor of a terrible accident. Why did she survive? How can she go on in life? Will the nightmares ever end? A Healing Heart is a wonderfully touching story that follows Bailey, two years after the crash as she tries to rebuild her life and move on. It will take a chance encounter with another teen who has faced their own struggles for her to come to grips with the pain and move on. Melissa A. Hanson tells a remarkable story of loss, pain and guilt that is slowly overcome by love and happiness. All this through the eyes of teenagers making it a moving and inspirational story.
A Healing Heart is a wonderful book for teens, as the main characters are high school teens who have had to face some terrible events in their lives. How they rebound from those events and what happens next will leave you in tears as you journey with them to a healing place. Viewing the story through the eyes of the teen characters sheds a different light on the feelings and emotions they have to deal with. Melissa A. Hanson writes a powerful story of survivor guilt, and how to get past it with the help of friends and family. It is an inspirational story for the young adult and teen readers, but at the same time as an adult it is a compelling read as well.
Bailey is young and pretty, she has everything going for her until a drunk driver changes her world. In the blink of an eye she goes from a happy teen to the only survivor of a terrible accident. Why did she survive? How can she go on in life? Will the nightmares ever end? A Healing Heart is a wonderfully touching story that follows Bailey, two years after the crash as she tries to rebuild her life and move on. It will take a chance encounter with another teen who has faced their own struggles for her to come to grips with the pain and move on. Melissa A. Hanson tells a remarkable story of loss, pain and guilt that is slowly overcome by love and happiness. All this through the eyes of teenagers making it a moving and inspirational story.
A Healing Heart is a wonderful book for teens, as the main characters are high school teens who have had to face some terrible events in their lives. How they rebound from those events and what happens next will leave you in tears as you journey with them to a healing place. Viewing the story through the eyes of the teen characters sheds a different light on the feelings and emotions they have to deal with. Melissa A. Hanson writes a powerful story of survivor guilt, and how to get past it with the help of friends and family. It is an inspirational story for the young adult and teen readers, but at the same time as an adult it is a compelling read as well.
June 26, 2017
I received this book from the author for an honest review. This was a sweet romance novel about overcoming grief and becoming stronger, and falling in love.
This story was told by three different people: Bailey, Collin, and Savannah. Bailey starts off as an almost 17 year old girl that has been getting over the deaths of her family for the past couple years, and is constantly having nightmares. Then after a chance run in with Collin, her life begins to change for the better. I really loved both of these characters. Bailey grew stronger throughout the story, and Collin had his own grief that made him more understanding and loveable. And then of course, who can have a story with an antogonist. In came Savannah who was a long time family friend to Collin. I really hated Savannah. She is that girl from high school that thinks she's all that and a bag of chips, and always gets what she wants. She has such a possessive mean attitude. I actually wish she would've got what was coming to her. I kind of think the story could've done without her. The romance wasn't perfect and there were a few misunderstanding that may bring you some tears, and cause a little heartbreak, or mke you want to wring someone's neck. But is was very enjoyable.
This book was very well written, even though at times seemed to ramble on a little bit. An enjoyable romance that I will recommend to my friends.
This story was told by three different people: Bailey, Collin, and Savannah. Bailey starts off as an almost 17 year old girl that has been getting over the deaths of her family for the past couple years, and is constantly having nightmares. Then after a chance run in with Collin, her life begins to change for the better. I really loved both of these characters. Bailey grew stronger throughout the story, and Collin had his own grief that made him more understanding and loveable. And then of course, who can have a story with an antogonist. In came Savannah who was a long time family friend to Collin. I really hated Savannah. She is that girl from high school that thinks she's all that and a bag of chips, and always gets what she wants. She has such a possessive mean attitude. I actually wish she would've got what was coming to her. I kind of think the story could've done without her. The romance wasn't perfect and there were a few misunderstanding that may bring you some tears, and cause a little heartbreak, or mke you want to wring someone's neck. But is was very enjoyable.
This book was very well written, even though at times seemed to ramble on a little bit. An enjoyable romance that I will recommend to my friends.
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