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The Heart Knows: El Corazón Sabe
From the author of Haunted, The Rock Season, and Teacher: The Hollywood Rock and Romance Trilogy comes a new love story sure to tug on your heartstrings. R.L. Merrill presents El Corazón Sabe –The Heart Knows…
My name is Leah Mariana Trujillo Roberts and I teach English from mi corazón - my heart. My fragile students are my purpose in life and I give them my all every day. At least I did, until a violent act of retaliation nearly ended my life. I became a shell of a woman, paralyzed with grief, hiding in my closet with my booze-of-the-day wishing the pain would just disappear.
But no self-respecting Latina is allowed to let life get her down, not in mi familia. They scooped me up out of my miserable existence and forced me to face my demons until I was well enough to move on. Which I did—cross country to a new town, new school, and new purpose.
I’d never expected to like Iowa. I definitely never thought I’d have room in my life for a tall, goofy, blond, gringo Science teacher. The first time he hit me with a door, a chain-reaction began and I suddenly found clarity after months of despair. The more we collide, the more conflicted he becomes after experiencing his own devastating loss. Pero cuando el corazón sabe—when the heart knows—it’s time to listen.
For Mature Readers
This is Book One of a planned trilogy
My name is Leah Mariana Trujillo Roberts and I teach English from mi corazón - my heart. My fragile students are my purpose in life and I give them my all every day. At least I did, until a violent act of retaliation nearly ended my life. I became a shell of a woman, paralyzed with grief, hiding in my closet with my booze-of-the-day wishing the pain would just disappear.
But no self-respecting Latina is allowed to let life get her down, not in mi familia. They scooped me up out of my miserable existence and forced me to face my demons until I was well enough to move on. Which I did—cross country to a new town, new school, and new purpose.
I’d never expected to like Iowa. I definitely never thought I’d have room in my life for a tall, goofy, blond, gringo Science teacher. The first time he hit me with a door, a chain-reaction began and I suddenly found clarity after months of despair. The more we collide, the more conflicted he becomes after experiencing his own devastating loss. Pero cuando el corazón sabe—when the heart knows—it’s time to listen.
For Mature Readers
This is Book One of a planned trilogy
- GenresRomance
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2016
1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Merrill
79 books702 followersWhether she’s writing contemporary romance featuring quirky, queer, and relatable characters or diving deep into the supernatural to give readers a shiver, R.L. Merrill loves creating compelling stories that will stay with readers long after closing the book. Ro writes inclusive romance for the Happily Ever After collective, contributes paranormal hilarity to Robyn Peterman’s Magic and Mayhem Universe, and pens horror-inspired tales and music reviews for HorrorAddicts.net. A mom, wife, daughter, and former educator, you can find her rocking out in her Bronco with Great Dane pup Velma, being terrorized by feline twins Dracula and Frankenstein, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area! Stay Tuned for more…
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 6, 2016
I was fortunate to be an ARC reader on this book and again for R.l.Merrill. This book, wow, what do I say about this book...... it is well written, held my attention from the first chapter right down to the last words of the boook! I admitted to R. l. Merrill already that I was like, What!? No more to read? I kept trying to turn the last page, but there was no more. So with that said, the story begins with Leah who is a teacher. A very real and serious tragedy occurs and Leah needs a new life in a new town with her BFF from teacher college. Let's just say that Leah's life becomes anything but boring! Many funny parts I would read and bust out laughing and my hubby would look at me like I lost it! This book is a definite must. A must be on my book shelf kind of book instead of in my kindle. !DiosMio! You just gotta read it! !Pronto!
February 13, 2016
What an amazing new story! I absolutely loved it! Definitely different from her other writing but just as awesome! Two broken hearts coming together as one! Can't wait for the next book!
September 1, 2017
This is one of those books that sits with you for awhile. The author has weaved a story that is heartbreaking, sweet, and real. The story is filled with complex characters that are believable, as well as likable. The story will have you laughing one minute, then crying the next. This is a story well worth reading. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
January 23, 2016
I received an early copy of this from the author, what a great book! It is a bit different from the others she has written, but still fantastic! It is a fast moving story of a teacher trying to escape her past, moving to the middle of the country from her California home to take a new job. She meets a fellow teacher who she seems to connect with, and I love how things develop! I am hoping this will become a series, I would love to see what happens!
February 13, 2016
Another awesome book by RL Merrill!
If you enjoy books where the heroine has a bit of struggle to get through in order to get the guy this one is perfect for you! I will say that the male interest (Donovan) was unlike what I expected for this story.
The book ended too early for me though!! I wanted so much more to happen before the ending came! I am one of those readers though that when it comes to RL Merrill's books I tend to open the book and fall right on in.
If you enjoy books where the heroine has a bit of struggle to get through in order to get the guy this one is perfect for you! I will say that the male interest (Donovan) was unlike what I expected for this story.
The book ended too early for me though!! I wanted so much more to happen before the ending came! I am one of those readers though that when it comes to RL Merrill's books I tend to open the book and fall right on in.
August 17, 2017
This book is heartbreaking, intense an funny at times. Leah an Donovan find each other at a time in their lives that they needed to. Both facing heartbreaking pasts an watching them learn to deal with then together makes this story one of the best I have read in a long time.
February 13, 2016
What an amazing new story! I absolutely loved it! Definitely different from her other writing but just as awesome! Two broken hearts coming together as one! Can't wait for the next book!
September 2, 2017
R.L. Merrill never disappoints me, this book was definitely a great read. It was a tear jerker about a woman trying to move on with her life after she suffers from a trauma. She moves to a new place trying to start over and meets a man who also suffered in his life. Can they move on together or is it too soon to start up a relationship while they're still trying to find their footing?
Everyone deals with things differently and these 2 come together with a shared history of sadness. They can lean on each other, but it may not seem healthy to others.
There is also humor in this book, when Leah and Donovan get together they can't stop hurting each other, usually it's Donovan hurting Leah. It's definitely laugh out loud. Add into the mix, a town that has some angry in laws, hormonal friends, and racist neighbors and it's a very interesting book.
Everyone deals with things differently and these 2 come together with a shared history of sadness. They can lean on each other, but it may not seem healthy to others.
There is also humor in this book, when Leah and Donovan get together they can't stop hurting each other, usually it's Donovan hurting Leah. It's definitely laugh out loud. Add into the mix, a town that has some angry in laws, hormonal friends, and racist neighbors and it's a very interesting book.
September 4, 2017
I have yet to be disappointed by this author. I loved that this book was a bit diffrent than others that I have read by R.L. Merrill. It's fast-paced and filled with lots of emotion while still being relateable. The characters are so easy to love and the storyline holds your attention from beginning to end. I loved this book so much. A must read!
September 4, 2017
Sigue siendo mi corazón: Be still my heart
Moving past traumatic life circumstances can seem almost impossible. Many turn to addictive and harmful substances to numb the pain. Sometimes the only reason we survive is intervention by friends and family. Beautiful story of healing and moving on.
Moving past traumatic life circumstances can seem almost impossible. Many turn to addictive and harmful substances to numb the pain. Sometimes the only reason we survive is intervention by friends and family. Beautiful story of healing and moving on.
September 14, 2017
A great story that has love, and a little mystery. You will love all the characters and be cheering for everything to come out for them. You will laugh and cry along with the characters. This is one of my fav authors, and as usual she has delivered a great story!
February 27, 2016
El Corazón Sabe: The Heart Knows, is such a beautiful and powerful story.
The story starts with a little introduction of who the main character is, Leah. She is a latin woman working as a teacher on a school in the USA, that on a terrible day suffers a tragedy that changed and marked her life forever. After this incident she is traumatized and inmerse herself in depression. She blames herself for what it happened and doesn't know how to get ouf that dark hole, she stops going to work, paying rent and living her life, until one day, her mom comes to get her, and takes her to live with her mom's family. She stars seeing a therapist and step by step she climbs out ouf the depression and shock she was in and makes the decision to rebuild her life. But she can't do it there so she decides to move away, start a new life in Iowa, with the help of her best friends: Crystal and Curtis, she comes to live with them on an mini apartment that they have in their house there. They both work as teachers in that little town, so they managed to find spot for Leah there.
And with that, Leah starts rebuilding her life, her confidence, and her future, little by little. On the way she finds herself involved with one of the best heroes that exist on books, Donovan. He is a blonde and hansome guy who has a lot of baggage with him. He went through a tragedy as well and he's also trying to live again. They complement each other. Their relationship starts with a friendship but soon it becomes something more. The hard part is that they both have a past they are not comfortable with, and neither of them know to get through it without feeling guilt, how to continue living their lives without the ones they lost.
These two characters are haunted by their past lives, by the tragedies that struck them and tore them apart. But they realize that maybe they belong together, and they want to be together but the guilt and the suffering they've had doesn't let them. As they struggle with their feelings, they also struggle with what's the people going to say. Interracial issued. And none of them is accepting that of course. Donovan wants to protect Leah from that, and from any harm that comes her way. He can make her ghosts and nightmares go away, and she makes him want to live again, to let himself find love again.
It's amazing how the author managed to create a story with a big amount of reality in it. It teaches about how we can't judge people about their looks, or about the way they live in, we have no right doing it. It teaches about faith and hope, how important it is to live with this values so when a tragedy strucks you, you have to ability to get up and keep fighting, and never give up. It also teaches a lesson about love and how powerful it can be, how it heals, how it makes it all better, and how important it is to have it, with yourself and with the others around you.
Leah, Donovan, Crystal and Curtis, they are all amazing characters. This makes you feel a part of them. I swear I want to be friends with them. They are cool people. Intelligent, kind, gentle, caring, loving, fun and SO SUPPORTIVE. This story is about how life can change in a minute or two, and how will you get past that. Their friendship was an important catalyst in the develop of the story. They were always supporting each other, and worrying about the others. They are strong and complex characters, that give us a lesson on the values everybody should have.
I loved this story, I loved everything about it, the characters, the plot, the twists and turns in it, and all the valuable lessons it teaches us.
Can't wait for book 2!
The story starts with a little introduction of who the main character is, Leah. She is a latin woman working as a teacher on a school in the USA, that on a terrible day suffers a tragedy that changed and marked her life forever. After this incident she is traumatized and inmerse herself in depression. She blames herself for what it happened and doesn't know how to get ouf that dark hole, she stops going to work, paying rent and living her life, until one day, her mom comes to get her, and takes her to live with her mom's family. She stars seeing a therapist and step by step she climbs out ouf the depression and shock she was in and makes the decision to rebuild her life. But she can't do it there so she decides to move away, start a new life in Iowa, with the help of her best friends: Crystal and Curtis, she comes to live with them on an mini apartment that they have in their house there. They both work as teachers in that little town, so they managed to find spot for Leah there.
And with that, Leah starts rebuilding her life, her confidence, and her future, little by little. On the way she finds herself involved with one of the best heroes that exist on books, Donovan. He is a blonde and hansome guy who has a lot of baggage with him. He went through a tragedy as well and he's also trying to live again. They complement each other. Their relationship starts with a friendship but soon it becomes something more. The hard part is that they both have a past they are not comfortable with, and neither of them know to get through it without feeling guilt, how to continue living their lives without the ones they lost.
These two characters are haunted by their past lives, by the tragedies that struck them and tore them apart. But they realize that maybe they belong together, and they want to be together but the guilt and the suffering they've had doesn't let them. As they struggle with their feelings, they also struggle with what's the people going to say. Interracial issued. And none of them is accepting that of course. Donovan wants to protect Leah from that, and from any harm that comes her way. He can make her ghosts and nightmares go away, and she makes him want to live again, to let himself find love again.
It's amazing how the author managed to create a story with a big amount of reality in it. It teaches about how we can't judge people about their looks, or about the way they live in, we have no right doing it. It teaches about faith and hope, how important it is to live with this values so when a tragedy strucks you, you have to ability to get up and keep fighting, and never give up. It also teaches a lesson about love and how powerful it can be, how it heals, how it makes it all better, and how important it is to have it, with yourself and with the others around you.
Leah, Donovan, Crystal and Curtis, they are all amazing characters. This makes you feel a part of them. I swear I want to be friends with them. They are cool people. Intelligent, kind, gentle, caring, loving, fun and SO SUPPORTIVE. This story is about how life can change in a minute or two, and how will you get past that. Their friendship was an important catalyst in the develop of the story. They were always supporting each other, and worrying about the others. They are strong and complex characters, that give us a lesson on the values everybody should have.
I loved this story, I loved everything about it, the characters, the plot, the twists and turns in it, and all the valuable lessons it teaches us.
Can't wait for book 2!
February 25, 2016
* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *
I have read all of author R.L. Merrill's books and this one is so completely unlike any of her others that I was skeptical about it....turns out there was no need to be! She has proven herself as a versatile author with this one! The book hooks the reader right from the start and never lets them go, even after it ends. The reader continues to argue with their kindle that NO - that couldn't be the end of the book, there needs to be more! It is a losing battle on the readers end as that really was the end....for now! With that being said, I hope that the wait isn't too long for book 2 in this planned trilogy!!
This book starts out with a BANG - literally, a gunshot bang and continues on with a myriad of other kinds of bangs....The plot is quick moving, it flows seamlessly and it leaves the reader with a ton of conflicting emotions as they zoom through the book. The characters reach inside of the reader and grab them and don't let go. The author does such an amazing job with the details of this story that the reader feels like they jumped right into the pages of the book and are experiencing all of the emotions of the characters....you will laugh, cry, ugly cry, yell, get angry and then you will start all of those emotions and feelings all over again. The author really puts the reader through the wringer in this one and even though the reader doesn't want to, they love the author for evoking feelings this strongly from them.
Leah can't run from her past, but she can work to make a future - and that future includes a guy who may be just as damaged as her....the reader will root for the couple throughout all of the twists, turns, loops and curves of this book. They can't help but love Crystal and Curtis as well and the author makes all of her characters so incredibly real that the reader wants to be friends with them in everyday life.
Don't skip this one by author R.L. Merrill - this may be one of her best yet! Different doesn't mean not as good - in this case it may mean a master at all of the genres! I am looking forward to book 2 and also to what project this author has in store for us next! Don't be surprised to find author R.L. Merrill's name on the best-selling list some day soon!! Enjoy this book and all of her others - they are can't miss, must reads!!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
I have read all of author R.L. Merrill's books and this one is so completely unlike any of her others that I was skeptical about it....turns out there was no need to be! She has proven herself as a versatile author with this one! The book hooks the reader right from the start and never lets them go, even after it ends. The reader continues to argue with their kindle that NO - that couldn't be the end of the book, there needs to be more! It is a losing battle on the readers end as that really was the end....for now! With that being said, I hope that the wait isn't too long for book 2 in this planned trilogy!!
This book starts out with a BANG - literally, a gunshot bang and continues on with a myriad of other kinds of bangs....The plot is quick moving, it flows seamlessly and it leaves the reader with a ton of conflicting emotions as they zoom through the book. The characters reach inside of the reader and grab them and don't let go. The author does such an amazing job with the details of this story that the reader feels like they jumped right into the pages of the book and are experiencing all of the emotions of the characters....you will laugh, cry, ugly cry, yell, get angry and then you will start all of those emotions and feelings all over again. The author really puts the reader through the wringer in this one and even though the reader doesn't want to, they love the author for evoking feelings this strongly from them.
Leah can't run from her past, but she can work to make a future - and that future includes a guy who may be just as damaged as her....the reader will root for the couple throughout all of the twists, turns, loops and curves of this book. They can't help but love Crystal and Curtis as well and the author makes all of her characters so incredibly real that the reader wants to be friends with them in everyday life.
Don't skip this one by author R.L. Merrill - this may be one of her best yet! Different doesn't mean not as good - in this case it may mean a master at all of the genres! I am looking forward to book 2 and also to what project this author has in store for us next! Don't be surprised to find author R.L. Merrill's name on the best-selling list some day soon!! Enjoy this book and all of her others - they are can't miss, must reads!!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
July 20, 2016
Review originally posted on Rach Lawrence Books.
*I was provided a copy of El Corazón Sabe by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*
English teacher Leah Roberts grew up in the barrio, so she’s no stranger to gangs and violence. But when she’s caught in the middle of gunfire and seriously wounded, she becomes a shell of the woman she once was. Starting her life over in Iowa with her best friend is the perfect solution. Leah accepts a teaching position at a new school where she doesn’t exactly fit in, and on her first day a goofy science teacher literally bumps his way into her life. She doesn’t think Donovan could be her type, and they both have demons to overcome, but perhaps Leah has finally found her place in this world so far away from everything she’s ever known.
El Corazón Sabe: The Heart Knows is book one in a planned trilogy, but it can be read as a standalone book. This book focuses on the background of both main characters and their budding romance while they each overcome their issues. Although there was instant attraction, the pace of the romance felt natural with both characters taking their time to get to know the other before entering a serious relationship. I appreciated the contrast between cultures and races and also how Leah had to adapt to life in small town Iowa.
Unfortunately, much of the story fell flat for me. The characters were one-dimensional. Leah went from a successful, outgoing teacher to the bottom of a bottle and a dark closet, and then pretty quickly picked herself back up and went back to where she started. Although she had some lingering issues, that part of the plot didn’t feel very well fleshed out. Donovan was either happy and goofy or sad and guilty about his wife who passed away with nothing else to round out his characterization.
The writing style left some things to be desired as well. The story moved a little too slowly for my taste, and many scenes felt like bits of dialogue with a lot of telling instead of action. There were some inconsistencies, and the plot could have used a little more focus outside the blossoming relationship.
The story has a good base, but just didn’t hold my attention as much as I would have liked.
*I was provided a copy of El Corazón Sabe by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*
English teacher Leah Roberts grew up in the barrio, so she’s no stranger to gangs and violence. But when she’s caught in the middle of gunfire and seriously wounded, she becomes a shell of the woman she once was. Starting her life over in Iowa with her best friend is the perfect solution. Leah accepts a teaching position at a new school where she doesn’t exactly fit in, and on her first day a goofy science teacher literally bumps his way into her life. She doesn’t think Donovan could be her type, and they both have demons to overcome, but perhaps Leah has finally found her place in this world so far away from everything she’s ever known.
El Corazón Sabe: The Heart Knows is book one in a planned trilogy, but it can be read as a standalone book. This book focuses on the background of both main characters and their budding romance while they each overcome their issues. Although there was instant attraction, the pace of the romance felt natural with both characters taking their time to get to know the other before entering a serious relationship. I appreciated the contrast between cultures and races and also how Leah had to adapt to life in small town Iowa.
Unfortunately, much of the story fell flat for me. The characters were one-dimensional. Leah went from a successful, outgoing teacher to the bottom of a bottle and a dark closet, and then pretty quickly picked herself back up and went back to where she started. Although she had some lingering issues, that part of the plot didn’t feel very well fleshed out. Donovan was either happy and goofy or sad and guilty about his wife who passed away with nothing else to round out his characterization.
The writing style left some things to be desired as well. The story moved a little too slowly for my taste, and many scenes felt like bits of dialogue with a lot of telling instead of action. There were some inconsistencies, and the plot could have used a little more focus outside the blossoming relationship.
The story has a good base, but just didn’t hold my attention as much as I would have liked.
May 5, 2016
Once again R.L. Merrill delivers a story with a very unique premise and even more unique characters. She considers both emotional and social subject matter with grace and compassion.. Her characters are complex with many layers and unique motivators. Merrill does not shy away from taking on heavy subjects, but she balances by giving us characters who can be awkward, that have biting humor (a.k.a. snark) , and who are courageous.
El Corazón Sabe: The Heart Knows is about second chances in many different forms. The main character, Leah is recovering from a traumatic event and takes a job as a teacher in a smallish in American town in farm country. This alone is a huge change for her, but she when she finds herself very magnetically drawn to a peer, she’s challenged to open up herself up to new possibilities. Donovan, said peer, is completely charming but finds himself fighting his own emotional battle. Together, they have so much possibility. They get up to some shenanigans and even in the humor of it Merrill’s writing is poetic:
There’s a bit of angst as Donovan works through his past and the “...many obstacles…” they face. While they have a very clear connection, they experience that slow-burn, going from one step to the next with thoughtful consideration. They are surrounded by a wonderful cast of secondary characters that provide each personal support and help them contemplate life together. Crystal and Curtis provide comedic relief and give Leah a sense of belonging.
El Corazon Sabe is smart read and I can’t stress enough how skillfully Merrill takes on PTSD, grief, school violence, and forgiveness. I LOVE the concept of Leah and Donovans “Magnetic Pull” and I’m very excited for book 2.
El Corazón Sabe: The Heart Knows is about second chances in many different forms. The main character, Leah is recovering from a traumatic event and takes a job as a teacher in a smallish in American town in farm country. This alone is a huge change for her, but she when she finds herself very magnetically drawn to a peer, she’s challenged to open up herself up to new possibilities. Donovan, said peer, is completely charming but finds himself fighting his own emotional battle. Together, they have so much possibility. They get up to some shenanigans and even in the humor of it Merrill’s writing is poetic:
“The wind howled outside the truck, even rocking us a bit, but it was nothing compared to the storm brewing between us.”
There’s a bit of angst as Donovan works through his past and the “...many obstacles…” they face. While they have a very clear connection, they experience that slow-burn, going from one step to the next with thoughtful consideration. They are surrounded by a wonderful cast of secondary characters that provide each personal support and help them contemplate life together. Crystal and Curtis provide comedic relief and give Leah a sense of belonging.
El Corazon Sabe is smart read and I can’t stress enough how skillfully Merrill takes on PTSD, grief, school violence, and forgiveness. I LOVE the concept of Leah and Donovans “Magnetic Pull” and I’m very excited for book 2.
February 29, 2016
As you can probably tell from the blurb, this is an ugly cry, at least at the beginning. It was actually more of an emotional rollercoaster than I expected. The very first line, “ ‘Today feels wrong,’ ” sets the stage. As a former teacher, the first several chapters were a tough read for me, but they were worth it. This is a wonderful story about healing, both physical and spiritual.
The author is very talented with characterization. I couldn’t believe how quickly I fell in love with each character. Seriously, she had me within a paragraph of describing each of them, which made some of the story even more heartbreaking, especially knowing how realistic the plot is. I’m really glad I stuck with the book because it was worthwhile to see the healing and the strength of character of the heroine, Leah. I felt total empathy for her struggle with the after effects of the “incident.”
I loved that the author was able to bring humor into the story and lighten it up some once Leah moved to Iowa. The hero, Donovan, has a tragic backstory of his own and has his own healing to do. Although they both face obstacles, from their pasts and the present, they are able to help each other overcome them. It was so rewarding watching Leah get her strength back and rebuild her confidence, one step at a time, and to see Donovan allow himself to love again.
The author is very talented with characterization. I couldn’t believe how quickly I fell in love with each character. Seriously, she had me within a paragraph of describing each of them, which made some of the story even more heartbreaking, especially knowing how realistic the plot is. I’m really glad I stuck with the book because it was worthwhile to see the healing and the strength of character of the heroine, Leah. I felt total empathy for her struggle with the after effects of the “incident.”
I loved that the author was able to bring humor into the story and lighten it up some once Leah moved to Iowa. The hero, Donovan, has a tragic backstory of his own and has his own healing to do. Although they both face obstacles, from their pasts and the present, they are able to help each other overcome them. It was so rewarding watching Leah get her strength back and rebuild her confidence, one step at a time, and to see Donovan allow himself to love again.
July 2, 2016
Amazing Read....Get ready for a collision that will have the stairs rattling and lights breaking!
After a very unfortunate incident left Leah rattled and clinging to life, something had to give or she was going to lose herself. She had faced enough loss in her life. It was up to her familia to shake her by the collar and bring her out of her funk. Just as Leah was starting to become reestablished, her nearest and dearest friend called to check in. During which Crystal mentioned an opening at her school. The timing was perfect, Leah knew she had to make a change and what could be more of a change than moving from Del Norte, CA to Ayre Valley, IA? Leah had such a passion for teaching that she jumped at the opportunity, though she did fear being accepted. It was more her self doubt and battered shell that had her concerned. But with her two best friends by her side she was sure to feel at home and be introduced to new people.
On the first day on orientation, Leah met the other new teachers she'd be working with as well as a few me!beds of the faculty.
After a very unfortunate incident left Leah rattled and clinging to life, something had to give or she was going to lose herself. She had faced enough loss in her life. It was up to her familia to shake her by the collar and bring her out of her funk. Just as Leah was starting to become reestablished, her nearest and dearest friend called to check in. During which Crystal mentioned an opening at her school. The timing was perfect, Leah knew she had to make a change and what could be more of a change than moving from Del Norte, CA to Ayre Valley, IA? Leah had such a passion for teaching that she jumped at the opportunity, though she did fear being accepted. It was more her self doubt and battered shell that had her concerned. But with her two best friends by her side she was sure to feel at home and be introduced to new people.
On the first day on orientation, Leah met the other new teachers she'd be working with as well as a few me!beds of the faculty.
February 13, 2016
The start of this book was Heartbreaking and I completely understood how broken Leah feels and felt she needed a change. I found her Strong, beautiful and compassionate and was happy she had fiery and sweet friends to help her overcome the trauma. The in comes Donovan a sex sweet but man whose life had broken him down. He also picked himself up and was working on putting himself back together when the rules of physics take a part in putting these two broken pieced that together can make a wonderful whole. It is sexy gave me a whole new appreciation for stairs. I loved this story and cannot wait for more of Leah and Donovan's story but I also would like to hear the girls story who came between Micah and Sam.
March 14, 2016
Keep a tissue nearby for sure. When I first read this book (Yes I have read it more than once) it was right after the last school shooting that happened. I was so touched by this book.
Leah goes from teaching her city's most hardest to teach students, to almost losing everything. I felt for her during her recovery. I cheered for her mom and aunts for pulling her out of her despair and back into the world of the living. When an opportunity to teach near an old friend in a rural area, Lean goes for it.
She is nearly literally knock on her butt when she gets her first look at the science teacher in her new school. Leah really starts to heal and the heart does know what it needs.....Love.
Leah goes from teaching her city's most hardest to teach students, to almost losing everything. I felt for her during her recovery. I cheered for her mom and aunts for pulling her out of her despair and back into the world of the living. When an opportunity to teach near an old friend in a rural area, Lean goes for it.
She is nearly literally knock on her butt when she gets her first look at the science teacher in her new school. Leah really starts to heal and the heart does know what it needs.....Love.
March 10, 2016
I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book. The characters were realistic and funny. As a reader, and a language teacher myself, I almost wanted to be living in Iowa and teaching with Leah, Donovan, Curtis and others at their HS. Donovan Masters is seriously a "dreamboat." The story is one that will make you smile, laugh and feel an overwhelming sense of sadness for the emotional struggles Leah and Donavan are both facing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a bit of a mush for a good love story, like me. ****For mature readers.
June 1, 2016
I have read all of R.L. Merrill's books so far and loved them all and this one definitely did not disappoint! Since It is quite a bit different than her other books I wasn't sure if I was going to like it as well but there was no need to worry!! I was immediately hooked and could not put it down!! Can't wait to read more of Leah's story!!
March 2, 2016
Another amazing book. It starts with a broken woman and a heart man that come together on their road to healing. The story grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go. I loved it so much. Thanks once again RL Merrill.
September 5, 2017
Absolutely love this author. She writes of strong women doing there best to get through life and does an amazing job of it. Highly recommend this book. Might be her best one yet.
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