Hearts Never Lie

Lily's House #4

by Rachel Branton

Some Secrets are Meant to be Shared

Caring for the animals at Safe Haven Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary has filled the holes in Zoey Morgan’s life and soothed the memories that haunt her. It helps that she works with Stephen Carey, whose uncle owns the sanctuary, and Declan Walker, who is as wild and untouchable as the animals they help. When a storm hits, flattening buildings and flooding roads, the sanctuary goes into lockdown. Zoey learns that her younger sister is lost in the storm, and she will risk anything to find her. So will the man who loves her—if she’d let him. Can he slip past the walls Zoey has built to hide her secrets?

All Ruth Truman wanted was to open a little cafe and do what she does best, but the price tag is years out of reach. Then a not-so-chance meeting with a gorgeous photographer and help from her hodgepodge family might just put the goal in reach. Except now both her future and her heart are at risk—will the cost be too high?

You loved them as teenagers in House Without Lies, now see some of the runaway girls from Lily's House all grown up. This sweet contemporary romance can be read alone or part of the series.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2017

About the author

Teyla Rachel Branton grew up avidly reading science fiction and fantasy and watching Star Trek reruns with her large family. They lived on a little farm where she loved to visit the solitary cow and collect (and juggle) the eggs, usually making it back to the house with most of them intact. On that same farm she once owned thirty-three gerbils and eighteen cats, not a good mix, as it turns out. Teyla always had her nose in a book and daydreamed about someday creating her own worlds. She is now married, mostly grown up, and has seven kids, so life at her house can be very interesting (and loud), but writing keeps her sane. She thrives on the energy and daily amusement offered by her children, the semi-ordered chaos giving her a constant source of writing material. Grabbing any snatch of free time from her hectic life, Teyla writes novels full of mystery, romance, and imagination. She warns her children that if they don’t behave, they just might find themselves in her next book! She’s been known to wear pajamas all day when working on a deadline, and is often distracted enough to burn dinner. (Okay, pretty much 90% of the time.) A sign on her office door reads: DANGER. WRITER AT WORK. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK. She loves writing fiction and traveling, and she hopes to write and travel a lot more. She also loves shooting guns, martial arts, and belly dancing. She has worked in the publishing business for over twenty years.

Reviews

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

These were two novellas combined and connected by common characters. Actually, I've read this series in order (almost), so although each book can be read as a standalone, I think it will be helpful to start out with reading the first book - since it provides the background of all the girls in Lily's House.
First story was short, but cute. It takes place in the course of one night. Declan and Zoey work together at a wildlife sanctuary. He seems unreachable, but when a storm hits, Zoey goes out to rescue her sister and Declan goes with her to help.
Sensuality: clean
Religion: none
Narrative: 1st person, following Zoey.
Second story is about Zoey's foster sister Ruth, whose passion is cooking. She dreams of opening a café, but is struggling to find the funds. By chance she meets Zane, a photographer captivated by Ruth's naturalness and beauty. Ruth is not a fan of posing in front of the camera and Zane's passion is taking pictures. Both a attracted to each other, but can they make it work?
Sensuality: clean
Religion: none
Narrative: 1st person, following Ruth and Zane.
There is a third story I thing is a natural continuation of these two - the story of Bianca, Zoey's sister. But you can find it in a different place - in the A Timeless Romance Anthology Book: Blind Date Collection.

[Stasia Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved all three stories

The first story had the most adventure and introduced us to most of the characters. The romances in all were sweet.
We got a glimpse into different vocational callings. The way the characters loved and cared for each other was delightful.
Really a fun series.
I had read and enjoyed the first book where Lilly took in all these girls; it was nice to see how they were growing and getting along.

[Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts Never Lie

I loved reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone who loves short stories. The plot for this novel is fun, romantic and an easy reading one. It is fast reading and the topic about women with difficult childhood backgrounds and how they overcame their trials and challenges leaves the reader with a positive outlook on life. I also love the stories written by this author.

[Susan Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastry, raccoons and pottery

Three interwoven stories kept me enthralled and eager for more. Life and love can be hard when you have come from a foster care background. Even as adults, these three women still feel the ghosts of their pasts. But healing can happen, and as life moves on , love can form new memories full of joy.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the storm in the beginning of the book is such a big part of all three storylines, and Betsy! Who wouldn't love Betsy. I'm happy that each of the sisters from Lily's house are getting happily ever afters. This one definitely held my attention through all three stories. Everyone has their own place.

[Rainbow Unicorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another feel good book about finding love after a tough start in life. This book is two novellas combined and connected by common characters in the Lily's House series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but I think it will be helpful to read them in order since as each separate book provides the background of all the girls.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story of Zoey, Ruth & Bianca when they are adults & dealing with the issues of adulthood. All of the stories in this series are excellent & worth the time to read. I think Ms. Branton is an excellent writer.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Great Series

I'm so enjoying this series and all the characters. These are characters with real life issues and how they overcome them. Of course there's romance and I really enjoyed the stories in this book. You get 3 instead of one. A really great read.

[Gregory Trammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Feel Good Short

Reading how two very different people find each other and fall in love is heartwarming. Both their sad pasts bring them closer as they discover the many things they have in common.

[Barbara Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome i couldnt put it down !

There's only one more in the series that's where I'm heading now ! Good Day to read well any day is a good day to read her books !

[Jan Trewhitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this author - real life

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three short stories that were pretty good. I like finding out what happened to the girls from the first book in the series.

[Joanne Beal · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyable read.

After reading other books about the same characters, I was t as hooked on this book. I found my concentration waning.