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True Heart #1
Heart to Heart
ASIN B06VXR63PQ moved to the more recent edition
Who says you can’t go home again?
Amy's fast paced New York City life is interrupted by her mother's illness. She returns home to Fenton, Missouri after many years to find her childhood home on fire and her aging mother in need of long-term care. It's more than she can handle, but with the help of her new found friends, she finds a life—and love— she wasn’t expecting.
Parker is a self-made woman and owns her own carpentry business. She has had plenty of girlfriends in her life. The only problem is none of them seem to stick around for the long haul. Parker is tired of rejection and has reconciled her fate to being alone. Until the new girl in town hires her to renovate her burned house. Parker is torn between falling for Amy or guarding her heart and playing it safe.
Heart to Heart is an emotionally charged novel that explores loss, friendship, and a love that is discovered where you least expect it.
This is book one of the True Heart series.
Who says you can’t go home again?
Amy's fast paced New York City life is interrupted by her mother's illness. She returns home to Fenton, Missouri after many years to find her childhood home on fire and her aging mother in need of long-term care. It's more than she can handle, but with the help of her new found friends, she finds a life—and love— she wasn’t expecting.
Parker is a self-made woman and owns her own carpentry business. She has had plenty of girlfriends in her life. The only problem is none of them seem to stick around for the long haul. Parker is tired of rejection and has reconciled her fate to being alone. Until the new girl in town hires her to renovate her burned house. Parker is torn between falling for Amy or guarding her heart and playing it safe.
Heart to Heart is an emotionally charged novel that explores loss, friendship, and a love that is discovered where you least expect it.
This is book one of the True Heart series.
238 pages, ebook
First published February 18, 2017
91 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Saxon Bennett
53 books180 followersSaxon Bennett is an admitted bibliophile and has the bookcases to prove it. Her favorite book is Harriet the Spy. She grew up among the pine trees of Washington where she learned to be a Keeper of Odd Knowledge with a special liking for new words - the queerer the better. She has a penchant for inspirational quotes - the more motivational the better. A serious aficionado of pie, she also drinks a lot of coffee and tea - especially when she’s writing, which she does every day. Saxon is a parent and a wife—two things she never thought she’d be - and she writes blogs about her family in the style of Erma Bombeck. In her next life she wants to be a professional snowboarder. She likes to grow flowers and tend to her pond. Jelly beans, gummy bears and licorice are her favorite candies. An avid walker with a goal to walk every street in her small town, she hits the pavement each morning. To keep herself limber, she does beginner yoga. She’d like to learn to meditate but her mind is as restless as a squirrel trapped in a box. As an amateur seamstress, she is endlessly trying to create the perfect butch purse. Her favorite quote is “Man plans, God laughs.” Saxon is the author of fifteen novels. Her book Family Affair won the Goldie for General Fiction in 2009. She won the Alice B. Reader Award for her body of work in 2012. Her second book in the Family Affair trilogy entitled Marching to a Different Accordion won a Golden Crown Literary Award for general fiction in 2012. Her book In the Unlikely Event is the final book in the Family Affair trilogy. All her books are available at Amazon and Bella Books in both print and electronic format. She has also written two books with her partner Layce Gardner and they are More than a Kiss and Crazy Little thing. Check them out on Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 20, 2018
“Heart to Heart (True Heart, #1)” is a wonderful story, and is narrated wonderfully by Layce Gardner, one of the authors (the other author is Layce’s wife!)
The main romance is between MCs Amy and Parker, but their story is tightly interwoven with married couple Steph and Rosa, and another developing couple, Susan and Tess. The next two books in the series focus on these other couples. Overall the “True Heart” series is reminiscent of other series that feature groups of friends who find love while living their interconnected lives by authors such as Melissa Braden, Harper Bliss, Radclyffe, Fiona Riley, Georgia Beers, Cheyenne Blue and Maggie Cummings. If you like the connected-character works by those authors, you’ll really enjoy “Heart to Heart”.
This series is much more realistic than the authors’ wacky “Tats” and “Tats Too”, or their book featuring love between a human and an angel: “Big Love”. There’s plenty of humor, but this is a lesfic romance much more than a lesfic romcom.
The women in “Heart to Heart” are all very likable, and the secondary characters are terrific too. They are not, however, perfect, nor are their lives perfect…which makes for a much more believable story. While there is some uncertainty for what the future may bring, and several characters have not had the easiest of times in their past, Saxon and Gardner never succumb to the current trend in lesfic of tossing in one (or more!) unnecessary moments of angst to create painful drama.
Parker, as gorgeous and successful as she is, has a mild case of Aspergers, and her bluntness and directness doesn’t always sit well with potential girlfriends. She likes doing things for her girlfriends, and Amy is the first who seems appreciative of her attention and care. Parker sometimes struggles with social niceties and humor….but when she’s on, she’s on!
Amy was reluctant to return to her small hometown to care for her mother, but quickly grows to appreciate the many friendly lesbians who quickly become part of her life. Amy does frequently bring up leaving town and returning to New York as a possibility, but Parker is very clear about expressing her desire for Amy to stay. Yay for communication instead of miscommunication!!!!!!
There’s tenderness and drama with Amy’s ailing mother, glimpses of small town life (bingo-rama rivalries!!), bits of foreshadowing for the two sequels, one of which is already out, but not part of the Audible Unlimited Program, lots of fun flirty banter, hot sex, and a delightful HEA. 5* - highly recommended! Get the audiobook, don’t rely on Kindle to bring these characters to life as well as Layce Gardner!
The main romance is between MCs Amy and Parker, but their story is tightly interwoven with married couple Steph and Rosa, and another developing couple, Susan and Tess. The next two books in the series focus on these other couples. Overall the “True Heart” series is reminiscent of other series that feature groups of friends who find love while living their interconnected lives by authors such as Melissa Braden, Harper Bliss, Radclyffe, Fiona Riley, Georgia Beers, Cheyenne Blue and Maggie Cummings. If you like the connected-character works by those authors, you’ll really enjoy “Heart to Heart”.
This series is much more realistic than the authors’ wacky “Tats” and “Tats Too”, or their book featuring love between a human and an angel: “Big Love”. There’s plenty of humor, but this is a lesfic romance much more than a lesfic romcom.
The women in “Heart to Heart” are all very likable, and the secondary characters are terrific too. They are not, however, perfect, nor are their lives perfect…which makes for a much more believable story. While there is some uncertainty for what the future may bring, and several characters have not had the easiest of times in their past, Saxon and Gardner never succumb to the current trend in lesfic of tossing in one (or more!) unnecessary moments of angst to create painful drama.
Parker, as gorgeous and successful as she is, has a mild case of Aspergers, and her bluntness and directness doesn’t always sit well with potential girlfriends. She likes doing things for her girlfriends, and Amy is the first who seems appreciative of her attention and care. Parker sometimes struggles with social niceties and humor….but when she’s on, she’s on!
”How long have you lived here?”, Amy asks.
“Most of my life. I came to live with my grandmama when I was eight. My parents were biologists. They were on an expedition in the Amazon when they…disappeared.”
“Really!”
“No, silly. They got a divorce and I was too much work so they shipped me off to live with my grandma”.
Amy was reluctant to return to her small hometown to care for her mother, but quickly grows to appreciate the many friendly lesbians who quickly become part of her life. Amy does frequently bring up leaving town and returning to New York as a possibility, but Parker is very clear about expressing her desire for Amy to stay. Yay for communication instead of miscommunication!!!!!!
There’s tenderness and drama with Amy’s ailing mother, glimpses of small town life (bingo-rama rivalries!!), bits of foreshadowing for the two sequels, one of which is already out, but not part of the Audible Unlimited Program, lots of fun flirty banter, hot sex, and a delightful HEA. 5* - highly recommended! Get the audiobook, don’t rely on Kindle to bring these characters to life as well as Layce Gardner!
February 26, 2017
Hmmm...
So i have a read a few books by these authors and for some reason they never really click with me. Regardless, i thought I'd give this new series a try and try as I might, i ran into the same problem. The book is suppose to focus on Amy (returns home to ailing mother who burns part of house down) and Parker (introvert who has trouble communicating with everyone) and their issues with trust. Nice premise but there are some issues. First, the story is not really about them. About a third of it is about Rosa and Steph which if you ask me should have been the first story in this series since they are the "token lesbian couple" but actually they are not. And they a meddlesome as all heck. Maybe thats for future titles. Half of the book i will say is about Parker and Amy but i am confused because niether act like their characters are described. They trust way too easy, rely on each other way to fast, and commit to each other in a blink of an eye. Maybe im just picky but a little more resistance would be nice. And it seemed that the mother was an after thought. It would almost have been better if the mother passed away earlier in the book because she felt a bit like a filler.
Ok i know it sounds like i hated the book but,i really didnt. I just have to realize that its not my cup of tea. Will i read future books in the series...YES, mainly because i hate not finishing something i started plus i am actually intrigued by Susan and Tess's relationship. If done how i picture in my head it should be a good one :)
So i have a read a few books by these authors and for some reason they never really click with me. Regardless, i thought I'd give this new series a try and try as I might, i ran into the same problem. The book is suppose to focus on Amy (returns home to ailing mother who burns part of house down) and Parker (introvert who has trouble communicating with everyone) and their issues with trust. Nice premise but there are some issues. First, the story is not really about them. About a third of it is about Rosa and Steph which if you ask me should have been the first story in this series since they are the "token lesbian couple" but actually they are not. And they a meddlesome as all heck. Maybe thats for future titles. Half of the book i will say is about Parker and Amy but i am confused because niether act like their characters are described. They trust way too easy, rely on each other way to fast, and commit to each other in a blink of an eye. Maybe im just picky but a little more resistance would be nice. And it seemed that the mother was an after thought. It would almost have been better if the mother passed away earlier in the book because she felt a bit like a filler.
Ok i know it sounds like i hated the book but,i really didnt. I just have to realize that its not my cup of tea. Will i read future books in the series...YES, mainly because i hate not finishing something i started plus i am actually intrigued by Susan and Tess's relationship. If done how i picture in my head it should be a good one :)
March 8, 2017
Wow!
One word "WOW". I loved the story, the characters, the setting. I loved everything. The health issues were expressed very carefully, with tact and very realistic. The budding love was tender and full of warmth. There were lots of laughing out loud moments and moments where you shed a tear or two. Absolutely 5 star worthy.
One word "WOW". I loved the story, the characters, the setting. I loved everything. The health issues were expressed very carefully, with tact and very realistic. The budding love was tender and full of warmth. There were lots of laughing out loud moments and moments where you shed a tear or two. Absolutely 5 star worthy.
January 2, 2018
Book One of the True Heart series.
I loved Heart to Heart. It is about a place and people filled with lovingkindness. Of course, the book is heartfelt, gentle and very sweet. It takes on lesbians, love and life. Romance plays a lead role in the story, but there is so much more going on.
Amy and Parker meet when Amy's childhood home catches fire. Parker is a carpenter and home repair expert. More than the house is engulfed in flames. Amy's mother is at the end stage of Alzheimer disease. Leaving NYC to care for her mother has upended Amy's life. Luckily coming back to her home town opens a world of possibilities for Amy. Her hometown is full of heroes who come to help her rebuild.
I am glad that this story will continue in future books.
I loved Heart to Heart. It is about a place and people filled with lovingkindness. Of course, the book is heartfelt, gentle and very sweet. It takes on lesbians, love and life. Romance plays a lead role in the story, but there is so much more going on.
Amy and Parker meet when Amy's childhood home catches fire. Parker is a carpenter and home repair expert. More than the house is engulfed in flames. Amy's mother is at the end stage of Alzheimer disease. Leaving NYC to care for her mother has upended Amy's life. Luckily coming back to her home town opens a world of possibilities for Amy. Her hometown is full of heroes who come to help her rebuild.
I am glad that this story will continue in future books.
January 2, 2018
Great love story
What can I say. This book has it all. Another rollercoaster of emotions raging from humor, finding love and lost/sadness. The characters made this storyline come to life. I lost my great grandmother and my grandmother to this illness in this book. Thank you for a great adventure. Definitely recommend this book.
What can I say. This book has it all. Another rollercoaster of emotions raging from humor, finding love and lost/sadness. The characters made this storyline come to life. I lost my great grandmother and my grandmother to this illness in this book. Thank you for a great adventure. Definitely recommend this book.
March 21, 2017
Reading Heart to Heart is like being wrapped up in a hand-wrought afghan with a fuzzy kitten and a cup of tea. I really-really liked it, ok? This is not my first book by Layce Gardner and I guarantee it won't be the last. Extremely satisfying read. Heart to Heart is the first book in a series set in the small, cozy (literally and figuratively) town of Fenton, Missouri. As the anchor book it introduces the reader to the characters that populate the village and sets the tone for further exploration of the love lives and family lives of a group of closely knit women, many of them lesbians. Gardner does a great, heart-warming job of taking a simple, core seed, "your friends are your family," and nurturing that seed into a tale of interlocking lives in search of (and finding) love as partners, best friends, parents and soul mates. The tale begins when Amy, a 30-something writer, returns "home" to Missouri from NYC to care-take her failing mother. Amy falls into a village group that includes a lesbian doctor, firefighter, police officer, and--er--bingo team. Amy hires a hot-babe carpenter, Parker, to work on her mom's house only to have handsome Parker apply a little emotional WD-40 to Amy's heart which had been rusted shut by a series of not-so-awesome big city hook-ups. Based on the characters sketched out in the anchor book this series promises to be a love story that radiates in many directions as the women's lives unfold.
January 3, 2018
This was a re read from earlier in '17. I thought I'd catch up on the series (there's 4 of em). It's an interesting cast of characters. There's Steph and Rosa (long term partners), and in this one we've got Amy and Parker, and another set with Tess and Susan (also a new pairing). Quite the crew :)
Amy and Parker's book here is at times a lot of fun. Doesn't surprise me really since the authors typically write rom com's. I like these here where they back off the raw comedy and let the funny happen normally and don't force it as much.
This is in the face of Amy who is displaced from New York having to deal with her mom's declining health. I found Parker particularly endearing. She has a slight case of Aspergers and has a tendency to always say what's on her mind. :) Anyway loved it, and look forward to book 2.
Amy and Parker's book here is at times a lot of fun. Doesn't surprise me really since the authors typically write rom com's. I like these here where they back off the raw comedy and let the funny happen normally and don't force it as much.
This is in the face of Amy who is displaced from New York having to deal with her mom's declining health. I found Parker particularly endearing. She has a slight case of Aspergers and has a tendency to always say what's on her mind. :) Anyway loved it, and look forward to book 2.
November 12, 2017
Writing doesn't flow well, dialogue is awkward, words get repeated too often. There might be a decent story under all that but the delivery of it is not good. Skipping this one.
March 6, 2017
A sweet romance. Nothing earth shattering but an easy, quick read.
February 25, 2017
Family
This is a good story .I liked all the characters very much. I enjoyed the slow development of the story .not frantic it was very believable. The bingo story will make you laugh. The family part will make you cry we can all see yourself in that I think. At the end of the day it's about the family we make our self by being brave enough to love and trust that was portrayed beautifully in the book there are lots of opening for a follow up read and enjoy
This is a good story .I liked all the characters very much. I enjoyed the slow development of the story .not frantic it was very believable. The bingo story will make you laugh. The family part will make you cry we can all see yourself in that I think. At the end of the day it's about the family we make our self by being brave enough to love and trust that was portrayed beautifully in the book there are lots of opening for a follow up read and enjoy
June 7, 2017
Absolutely loved it!
I was surprised by how much I liked this book. The humor had me laughing out loud at times. I enjoyed not just the main characters, but the supporting cast of friends as well. I think I may have fallen a little bit in love with Parker. I can't wait for the sequel.
I was surprised by how much I liked this book. The humor had me laughing out loud at times. I enjoyed not just the main characters, but the supporting cast of friends as well. I think I may have fallen a little bit in love with Parker. I can't wait for the sequel.
February 22, 2017
Great story
I really liked the characters and the small town setting. I think it is going to be a very good series.
I really liked the characters and the small town setting. I think it is going to be a very good series.
October 13, 2021
Not my cup of tea I suppose. I didn't get very far because I prefer the focus to be on the main characters. It would've been nice if the description made it more clear that the "main" characters really aren't the sole protagonists at all. The book switches perspectives a lot, and into a ton of different characters, which personally had me pretty confused - "who was she again?" and "why am I interested in what this character thinks?"
I suppose the choice of perspective(s) is mostly to introduce the "cast" for the later books, but really: the book should be enjoyable on its own. As it stands, this really only makes sense if your reader already knows they're going to read the entire series. For me, the immediate bombardment with characters and the lack of clear protagonists didn't work at all.
I'm going to give the series a miss.
I suppose the choice of perspective(s) is mostly to introduce the "cast" for the later books, but really: the book should be enjoyable on its own. As it stands, this really only makes sense if your reader already knows they're going to read the entire series. For me, the immediate bombardment with characters and the lack of clear protagonists didn't work at all.
I'm going to give the series a miss.
January 26, 2018
My mom passed away a year ago after battling early onset Alzheimer’s I for 7 yrs. I can’t describe how devastating it is to watch your parent go through this and you in turn become the parent to the person who gave you life. I was lucky in that I had an amazing relationship with my mom. I can sympathize-with what Amy was going through. That being said, I honestly laughed out loud often as I was listening to the book on my runs. I’m sure the people sharing the trail thought there was something wrong with me. I loved every character brought into this story because they all cared and supported each other and were just flat out fun to get to know. So yes the subject that brought all of these characters(family) together was serious, but the story was entertaining, heartwarming and funny
January 31, 2023
Some times it is necessary to say what you feel!
Layce has created a story that is wishful if was true. Amy left NYC to go see her Mom on the other of the Mississippi river. Things didn't end well after Amy's father died. She and her mother were both head strong and living in the same house would not cut it. Arriving home she finds the house on fire, Mom is not there, she got out but unfortunately she needs help. Forgetting who Amy was and calling out for her dead sister and a brother Amy never knew. Luckily enough Amy finds a group of women, young and old help her and her Mom through this episode of her life. And a special butch who is fixing up her Moms burnt house. Enjoy!
Layce has created a story that is wishful if was true. Amy left NYC to go see her Mom on the other of the Mississippi river. Things didn't end well after Amy's father died. She and her mother were both head strong and living in the same house would not cut it. Arriving home she finds the house on fire, Mom is not there, she got out but unfortunately she needs help. Forgetting who Amy was and calling out for her dead sister and a brother Amy never knew. Luckily enough Amy finds a group of women, young and old help her and her Mom through this episode of her life. And a special butch who is fixing up her Moms burnt house. Enjoy!
June 8, 2017
Mellow and sweet
This book definitely deserves more than five stars. You find yourself feeling the feelings the author wanted to to feel. I love that in a good book and here we have one. Amy is a daughter that moved away from home at an early age so. When her mom gets sick she comes home to whole different reality than she thought to see. She even found new friends and even love.
If you come across this book YES get it and read it. I found I learned a few things here that has come at the right time in my life. You can learn something too.
This book definitely deserves more than five stars. You find yourself feeling the feelings the author wanted to to feel. I love that in a good book and here we have one. Amy is a daughter that moved away from home at an early age so. When her mom gets sick she comes home to whole different reality than she thought to see. She even found new friends and even love.
If you come across this book YES get it and read it. I found I learned a few things here that has come at the right time in my life. You can learn something too.
November 14, 2018
Heartfelt
An awesome love story. Especially love between friends and endearing neighbors.
Became so engrossed into the story, can't recall any errors. Story had drama, comedy and some tear jerkers, somewhat credible.
Favorite scene was the dog poop placed on a car after a bingo came. The competition was 'fierce'. Just loved Mabel. Millie is the ideal neighbor. Fenton a town where everyone knows everybody.
Looking forward to part two.
An awesome love story. Especially love between friends and endearing neighbors.
Became so engrossed into the story, can't recall any errors. Story had drama, comedy and some tear jerkers, somewhat credible.
Favorite scene was the dog poop placed on a car after a bingo came. The competition was 'fierce'. Just loved Mabel. Millie is the ideal neighbor. Fenton a town where everyone knows everybody.
Looking forward to part two.
September 6, 2017
Such a great story .
I truly enjoyed this book, it's engaging, funny, sad, as I know how hard it is to care for a parent who is sick. I couldn't put it down. This story is worth your time.. you won't be disappointed.
I truly enjoyed this book, it's engaging, funny, sad, as I know how hard it is to care for a parent who is sick. I couldn't put it down. This story is worth your time.. you won't be disappointed.
April 6, 2018
Loved it the second time around
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Thought it was great this time. On to the next. I'm very excited to read more of Layce Gardner and Saxon Bennett.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Thought it was great this time. On to the next. I'm very excited to read more of Layce Gardner and Saxon Bennett.
June 21, 2018
I like this book. Both Parker and Amy have personal baggage, but don't let it hold them back. There were moments that made me laugh, and moments that made me cry, but most of all, there were moments that made me not want to put this book down. I look forward to reading the rest of this series!
August 19, 2018
Fantastic Read and story line.
I read this in one day plus chapter one of series of two which will leave for another. It's a lovely story l just couldn't put it down. I have brought all 4 books and can't wait to read next one. Everyone will enjoy them. So get reading them.
I read this in one day plus chapter one of series of two which will leave for another. It's a lovely story l just couldn't put it down. I have brought all 4 books and can't wait to read next one. Everyone will enjoy them. So get reading them.
December 15, 2018
I loved this author’s Chase Banter books and this has some similarities, but it doesn’t have the edge of those books. It’s a nice cozy and amusing romance, which was easy and enjoyable to read, if possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
June 23, 2017
Good story with characters facing real challenges in life. Well written.
July 29, 2017
A must read
Thus is what its all about. You can't help but fall in love with the characters This is a must read!
Thus is what its all about. You can't help but fall in love with the characters This is a must read!
December 13, 2017
A amazing book. The friendship vibe is feeling so warm.
March 4, 2018
Great
I enjoyed all aspects of the book. The family part touched me. It was well written and kept me captivated the whole time.
I enjoyed all aspects of the book. The family part touched me. It was well written and kept me captivated the whole time.
July 26, 2019
Wow
I truly loved this book. I thought it was very sweet. Def a good book to read if you’re having a bad week
I truly loved this book. I thought it was very sweet. Def a good book to read if you’re having a bad week
April 30, 2021
Interesting story but I did not really click in with the people yet. Lot of introductions to MCs
March 26, 2018
Really liked this book. Amy is the main character, yet the author does a great job of showing us the town and introducing other characters that are equally lovable. Guess the beginning of a series. Can’t wait to read more about this bunch.
March 12, 2017
Entertaining and Light
While I enjoyed the story being told, I felt that the characters and storyline were not developed to their fullest. I will say that this was an entertaining and light read. There were a lot of positive messages about allowing others to support you and learning that leaning on others does not make you weak. I will be reading the other books in the series.
While I enjoyed the story being told, I felt that the characters and storyline were not developed to their fullest. I will say that this was an entertaining and light read. There were a lot of positive messages about allowing others to support you and learning that leaning on others does not make you weak. I will be reading the other books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews