When Hearts Collide

Heartbeats #3

by Lorana Hoopes

When Hearts Collide is the third book in the Heartbeats series. It follows the story of three women who had nothing in common, but their lives become intertwines. Amanda is the spirited red-head who wants to share God's love, but her own faith will be tested after a lapse in judgement. Jess is trying to run from her sordid past, but her actions will cause her life to change forever. Alyssa wants nothing more than to be a mother, but will she ever have a child of her own?

324 pages, Paperback

Published November 26, 2016

About the author

Lorana Hoopes is an inspirational romance and children’s author originally from Texas. She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three children. When not writing, she can be found singing or acting on stage or kickboxing at her gym. You can also find her hosting her show Write the World where she interviews authors and writers.

Reviews

[Timothy Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I was surprised at the connection I had with this book. The setting of this book is at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Lubbock is where I was born and raised. I spent 21 years in the military and then a few other places and came back to Lubbock to look after my Mother. I graduated from Texas Tech University and I work at Texas Tech University so almost all of the places both on campus and off campus that is mentioned in the book I am familiar with. I almost felt like I was one of the characters in the book.

It was a very good book. I enjoyed it. Although the subject dealt with in the book is very serious. It deals with the subject of Date Rape especially where a drug is put in the drink of a victim. They are rendered helpless. They are aware of what is going on with them at the time of the rape; but they are unable to resist. Sometimes they can remember what happened to them; but often they don't, finding themselves pregnant or having other issues that only come from being violated in such a way as discussed in this book. This has happened too often and has been in the news from time to time. Also there has been some serious issues such as those covered in this book that have taken place in fraternities and sororities too. This book is also about the struggles of living a Christian Life in today's world.

I am glad I read it and recommend it to others.

[Joyful · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Inspiritional Christian romance has the plot of a date rape attack and an unplanned pregnancy. Can faith overcome and bring forgiveness?
Amanda Adams, a Christian, but a novice at relationships. Durinh her first year in college, she falls for a man that is not who she thinks he is, and he has ulterior motives. How does she miss the signs? Jess Peterson is Amanda's toxic roommate and has lived a life of abuse losing her self worth, but when she meets Amanda, she begins to wonder if her life can be different. Her decisions lead her one way, and she ends up pregnant. She must make some major changes whiling finding she needs to be the rock for Amanda after her faith is shaken. This is the third book in the Heartbeats series, yet it can be read as a stand alone.

I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Hearts Collide is a thought-provoking book in Lorana Hoopes Heartbeats series. The reader is quickly drawn into the life of Amanda, a young woman starting out at college. The author does a great job of portraying a freshman girl as she looks for friends she can relate to, deals with a curmudgeony roommate, and begins her first romantic relationship. Date rape is one of the subplots of the story and the author seems to have a good handle on the emotions and reactions of a victim and those around her, making the story realistic and relatable. There is a strong thread of faith in God and how Christians respond to difficult circumstances and find strength and help in God. Readers who enjoy romance, a little suspense, and coming of age stories will not want to miss When Hearts Collide.
I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and Ariel Troutman does a nice job narrating Amanda's story, making for an enjoyable listening experience. I was not required to write a review and the opinions are my own.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Hearts Collide is from A Heartbeats (University) Romance series by Lorana Hoopes

This is a well written and well narrated book written especially for coming of ages adults. It takes place in college as two young women that are polar opposites are having to room together. With the struggles in living arrangements, meeting a handsome charmer, a really wonderful Christian young man, and a pro-life college ministry, she starts to find her way through the maze of college life.

She encounters some very difficult situations, including sexual assault and the trials afterward. She has made amazing friends that come to her aid just when she need them.

I would definitely recommend this book to high school and college bound students. These issues can be very real.

I was given a copy of this audiobook by the author.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda is starting college. She didn’t date in high school, so when she met Caleb and he took a liking to her, she was smitten. Caleb is that one guy that everyone flocks to, good looking, popular and says he is a man of faith. Jared is part of Amanda’s prayer group and has his suspicions about Caleb. This is a fantastic story of coming of age. Amanda and Caleb are both people we all know. Amanda is naïve, and wants to trust, but knows Caleb may not be the one. Caleb is that stuck up, self-indulgent brat we love to hate. It’s real, and gritty and lets us feel how faith can help you live your life and get through the worst of times and celebrate the best.

Narrated by Ariel Troutman, it will shoot you back to that time and remind you of what is important with just an inflection in her voice. She is a wonderful narrator.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a difficult book to read because it brought up my own abuse. But it's a poignant story that needs to be told and shared! Girls need to understand they are victims and no one asks to be raped no matter how they dress or act. Guys need to understand that girls are not toys for their pleasure and they need consent if they want any contact with a girl. Everyone needs to understand that God can heal and restore both the victim and the abuser. They need to know that they are valuable and precious to God. They need to know that there are other options besides abortion. Lorana did a great job covering all of this and also naturally intertwining a romance into this story of redemption and hope, forgiveness and healing!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's Hidden is Revealed

Although reading about sexual trauma isn't exciting, it is refreshing to read a story on how God saves. Amanda was one of the lucky ones to have great friends around to protect her, rarely does this happen. As for creepy Caleb... in this story he and his pals got what they deserved. There are many college guys that get away with rape and have no repercussions. Let this be a reminder to all young adults. The more you love and put God first, the more The Spirit will give you guidance and warning signals to flee from danger. Amanda ignored those signals and walked right into the arms of temptation. Good story; looking forward to reading more of Lorana Hopped books.

[Marie Pinkham · Rating 5 out of 5]

While a little graphic in a couple places (though not inappropriate for the context) for my personal taste, I nonetheless enjoyed this story very much, especially the last half where relationships began to deepen and the story gained heart. But from the beginning this was a page turner, and very thought-provoking. This story would be appropriate for college aged girls in that it touches on some important topics pertinent to their age group. I look forward to going back to the beginning of this series and finding out more about past characters who play a small but important role in this book. I was gifted a copy of this book. The review and words are of my choosing.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book accurately describes a portion of college life, especially for freshman who feel lonely. Amanda didn't have much previous dating experience so she was flattered by the first good looking guy who asked her out. Unfortunately he wasn't a believer like she was and she just ignored some of the warning signs. Thankfully she had made some friends who were watching out for her when she found herself in a bad situation at a Frat party. Sweet story of sharing faith and being kind even when people try to push you away. Lorana did a good job dealing with some touchy subjects.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Hearts Collide shows the temptations a young person may face when going off to college. Amanda is a strong leading character and has been a strong Christian but she goes to college not knowing anyone until an attractive young man, Caleb, shows her attention. Suddenly Amanda realizes she has gone three weeks without writing in her prayer journal! This is a great book for teens and young adults. I received a complimentary copy of When Hearts Collide from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Hearts Collide: A Heartbeats College Romance. Book Three was another great read by Lorana Hoopes. Amanda was too busy in high school to date. She meets Caleb and is flattered that he seems to like Amanda. Jared has suspected that Caleb was part of the reason that Jared’s girlfriend disappeared. He meets Amanda and he’s secretly in love with her. He finds out that Amanda is seeing Caleb and knows that he has to keep history from repeating itself. I really enjoyed reading Amanda and Jared’s story.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is NOT in the fluffy romance section. There are serious issues addressed and not swept under the rug. Lorana Hoopes has written a book that deals with sexual assault and abortion without being graphic or sugar-coating the issues. I would highly recommend this book, especially to young women about to go off to college and to their mothers. There is a sweet romance; and the main characters get their HEA, but it's after going through rough times.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This emotional book will touch your heart as you follow Amanda and her relationship with her boyfriend, Caleb. It will make you think about other women or girls who are drugged at parties and attacked. I really liked the strength of Amanda's Christian beliefs and how she is able to testify against Caleb and begin to heal. I received an advance copy if this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Misty Goan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing touching well written story. I was engaged in this standalone from beginning to end and loved how previous characters from the series were worked in. A beautiful story of redemption, temptations, hope, forgiveness, healing, abuse, rape, family, friends, support, and romance in such a sweet story of sharing faith. The characters and issues are relatable and show the meaning of having faith and a reminder to pay attention to signs. A beautifully narrated and expressed story.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the audible book from the author. For me this is not an easy book to listen to because of the subject matter- college girls who get druged & raped by college men who are only interested in being sexual conquerors of women. It is an important subject for it happens on many campuses. It is very well writen & has an HEA. I very much liked the female voice of the woman who read the book. This is my voluntary review.

[Eunice Marsala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rape needs to be addressed

The h has not had a boyfriend prior, so she is happy to be noticed by a good-looking guy. Her roommate warns her not to go to a fraternity party. She is almost raped there by the "boyfriend" & saved by friends. These friends help her heal & get through the trial. Characters are realistic. Sexual abuse is so applicable to what happens on college campuses & needs to be addressed to alert students for their safety & and well-being.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Hearts Collide is a very well written book. The book deals with date rape and an unplanned pregnancy. I truly enjoyed this book and hope to read more by this author. I received a complimentary copy of the book and this is my unbiased review.

[Wanda Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holding on to your Ideals

I enjoyed this book by Lorana Hoopes, as I have enjoyed all of the books I've read by her. She presents real life situations adding the element of Faith in God.

[Clara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It addressed real life issues in a way that was hopeful. Rape is a very serious thing and she addressed it in a way that was thoughtful, but not horrific. I also liked that there were strong morals in that story. It was a very good book.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

My third read from author Lorana Hoopes in a week. The author’s Texas roots show as the books are set in The Lonestar State. Bringing Callie, from The Power of Prayer, was a nice touch, tying the series together. A must read. No spoilers from me.

[Judith Seale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative book on College

Having never going to college myself, this was heartbreaking to see what happens to Amanda her first year of college. It was hard to read what some girls are faced with. You must read this book to see what I am talking about.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this audio book for an honest review. This is the first book that i’ve listened to with Ariel Troutman. She has a wonderful voice & does a fantastic job with all the characters. This story by Lorana Hoopes was fantastic.

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book that really showed how characters had to deal with hard life situations. It also provides a warning to students heading off to college of a few possible things to watch out for. I enjoyed seeing the characters grow in their relationship with Christ.

[Sara Glancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story hits home. It's a great book that shows that you can overcome terrible things that happen. It's another EXCELLENT book my Lorana Hoopes!

[Lorana Hoopes]

A great read showing the power of God to help his people and the power of adoption.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story with realistic characters. This is another story about the characters' journey to salvation. A well done, emotional read. I love Lorana Hoopes books. The characters always speak to me because they are not perfect. They are fallible humans who make mistakes but through God's grace they learn to forgive themselves.

[Bonny Rambarran]

This book was NOT what I expected at all. Yes it is a love story. And a story of abortion and healing. I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!