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Phantom Heart
Luke Wainwright doesn’t remember leaving, can’t recall where he’s been for the past several weeks, and hasn’t a clue how he came to be so far from home. The only thing he knows is that he woke up one morning desperate to get back to his wife. But Rachel’s reception breaks his heart. She has questions he can’t answer, and even though he vows never to leave again, she refuses to let him in. Time all but stops for Rachel Wainwright when she loses the love of her life. She still goes to work every day, but she isn’t really living, doesn’t remember how to exist without Luke. Just as she picks herself up and starts to recover, he returns. Her mind can’t quite believe he’s back for good like he claims… even if her heart wants to trust that they’ve been given a second chance. Just when things are looking up for Luke and Rachel, a mysterious stranger threatens to destroy their fresh start. Rachel lost Luke once, and it was nearly her undoing. That was something she never wanted to go through again. But as each secret is revealed, as the story begins to unfold completely, the choice might not be hers to make.
206 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2015
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Kim Bowman
10 books20 followersIf you ask my husband, he'd say I spend my days emailing my cyber best friend and writing partner, Kay Springsteen, drinking soda, and eating white chocolate. And while that might be true, I also chase our four-year-old son Cage around, think about the housework I should be doing, and brainstorm my next favorite book. I’ve had the writing bug since I was a teenager and am happy to now live my dream of being a full-time author. I love to hear from readers, writers, fans, and book lovers of all genres.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 30, 2015
This was not your typical romantic read. I will admit, I had a few false starts. This is one that you really have to be in the right mindset to read and enjoy it and for the longest time, I just couldn't get in that head space.
This was an emotional roller coaster ride. Written as a multi pov. There was a HEA but not the one that I really wanted or how I expected it to end but that is okay. It wasn't my story to tell. It doesn't mean it was wrong by any means, just unexpected.
Well written and entertaining once I finally got going. The dialogue was engaging, the story line entertaining and the descriptions to details were done nicely.
All in all, a good read.
Would I recommend this book? If you like to expect the unexpected then yes.
Would I read more from this author? Yea
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
This was an emotional roller coaster ride. Written as a multi pov. There was a HEA but not the one that I really wanted or how I expected it to end but that is okay. It wasn't my story to tell. It doesn't mean it was wrong by any means, just unexpected.
Well written and entertaining once I finally got going. The dialogue was engaging, the story line entertaining and the descriptions to details were done nicely.
All in all, a good read.
Would I recommend this book? If you like to expect the unexpected then yes.
Would I read more from this author? Yea
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
October 17, 2015
The first things that I am going to tell you is that the synopsis of this story does NOT do it justice. When I was first asked to read this story, I was expecting a completely different story than the one I got - and that is definitely a good thing in this case.
What I was expecting was either a paranormal story where the main character falls in love with the actual ghost of her husband, or some campy story where her dead husband came back as some sort of zombie (without all the flesh eating).
What I got was a powerful and deeply meaningful story about love, loss and second chances. In Phantom Heart (an appropriate title if I do say so myself), we meet Rachel Wainwright, who is still deeply grieving the loss of her husband Luke. While at work one night, a stranger comes into her place of employment and collapses at her feet after calling her a pet name that was only known to her and Luke. After rushing to the hospital to demand answers from the man, she is instead thrust into something she cannot begin to comprehend. This stranger was the recipient of Luke's heart - and now due to what the doctors' call cellular memory - all of Luke's memories and mannerisms are now the stranger's.
Unfortunately, I can't give away any more than that without spoiling the rest of the story - and this is really one of those stories that you have to read for yourself. It speaks deeply of painful loss, and starting over - and the difference between just being alive and actually living.
The one thing I will say that I did not like was the ending. It wasn't a matter of the story not being wrapped up as it was completely, it was more the fact that at the end a certain character does something that I cannot agree with. Its not that I don't understand their reasoning because I do, but I don't feel as though their decision was the right one. If I had been in that situation it is something that I would have wanted to know.
Overall, this did not take away from the story as a whole, and I rather liked the way that things seemed to be better for everyone at the end (in more ways than one) than they were when the story began.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
What I was expecting was either a paranormal story where the main character falls in love with the actual ghost of her husband, or some campy story where her dead husband came back as some sort of zombie (without all the flesh eating).
What I got was a powerful and deeply meaningful story about love, loss and second chances. In Phantom Heart (an appropriate title if I do say so myself), we meet Rachel Wainwright, who is still deeply grieving the loss of her husband Luke. While at work one night, a stranger comes into her place of employment and collapses at her feet after calling her a pet name that was only known to her and Luke. After rushing to the hospital to demand answers from the man, she is instead thrust into something she cannot begin to comprehend. This stranger was the recipient of Luke's heart - and now due to what the doctors' call cellular memory - all of Luke's memories and mannerisms are now the stranger's.
Unfortunately, I can't give away any more than that without spoiling the rest of the story - and this is really one of those stories that you have to read for yourself. It speaks deeply of painful loss, and starting over - and the difference between just being alive and actually living.
The one thing I will say that I did not like was the ending. It wasn't a matter of the story not being wrapped up as it was completely, it was more the fact that at the end a certain character does something that I cannot agree with. Its not that I don't understand their reasoning because I do, but I don't feel as though their decision was the right one. If I had been in that situation it is something that I would have wanted to know.
Overall, this did not take away from the story as a whole, and I rather liked the way that things seemed to be better for everyone at the end (in more ways than one) than they were when the story began.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
October 8, 2015
Wow!!! Phantom Heart was an amazing read and a must read. This book had me page turning to see how this would all play out within the story.
Rachel Wainwright is still grieving from the death of her husband (Luke), when a stranger walks into the business she works for, calls her Ragdoll, then collapses. No one knew that name, except Luke and she wants answers. The stranger is rejecting his heart as he hasn't been taking his anti-rejection medication.
When Luke passed his organs were donated and the stranger received Luke's heart. The doctors explained to Rachel and Luke's parents that cellular memory occurred. The stranger has all of Luke's memories and feelings. This is hard from everyone to understand and they test the stranger in many different ways.
Rachel doesn't want anything to do with it, but she is visited by Zelda (Psychic) and informs her that her deceased mother told her to look her up. Zelda informs Rachel that Luke spirit is still on earth.
Rachel and the stranger start getting closer as Beth Ann (Luke's mother) believes that Luke's soul is within the stranger. Rachel has a strong pull to the stranger as does the stranger and finally she decide to give in to the feelings.
Love is never smooth and life is short as things come to an abrupt halt between the stranger and Rachel as the stranger's wife, Lara comes into the picture. The fight is over and the battle won, so who wins is it Rachel or Lara?
Kim Bowman writes a wonderful story full of love, sadness and hope for the future. The characters are real and I could relate to them on a very personal level.
This book is a must read and I would highly recommend you one click.
Rachel Wainwright is still grieving from the death of her husband (Luke), when a stranger walks into the business she works for, calls her Ragdoll, then collapses. No one knew that name, except Luke and she wants answers. The stranger is rejecting his heart as he hasn't been taking his anti-rejection medication.
When Luke passed his organs were donated and the stranger received Luke's heart. The doctors explained to Rachel and Luke's parents that cellular memory occurred. The stranger has all of Luke's memories and feelings. This is hard from everyone to understand and they test the stranger in many different ways.
Rachel doesn't want anything to do with it, but she is visited by Zelda (Psychic) and informs her that her deceased mother told her to look her up. Zelda informs Rachel that Luke spirit is still on earth.
Rachel and the stranger start getting closer as Beth Ann (Luke's mother) believes that Luke's soul is within the stranger. Rachel has a strong pull to the stranger as does the stranger and finally she decide to give in to the feelings.
Love is never smooth and life is short as things come to an abrupt halt between the stranger and Rachel as the stranger's wife, Lara comes into the picture. The fight is over and the battle won, so who wins is it Rachel or Lara?
Kim Bowman writes a wonderful story full of love, sadness and hope for the future. The characters are real and I could relate to them on a very personal level.
This book is a must read and I would highly recommend you one click.
November 30, 2015
I absolutely adored Phatom Heart. The love between Rachel and Lucas was tangible. It's the kind of love every girl dreams of. The concept of "phantom heart" and cellular memory is fascinating - even moreso as it is a real phenomenon. I can't even imagine going through what Rachel did with Lucas and Mack - what a roller coaster of emotions!
I'm so glad that Mack's part of the story was played out and that it was realistic. There's no way that Lara and Mack would have been able to just pick up where they had left off after what Mack went through. I felt for Mack, but understood Lara's struggles. Despite the fact that it's clear Lara is to Mack what Lucas was to Rachel, I didn't find Lara very likeable. Maybe that's because I was so immersed in Rachel's story and struggle, but I couldn't relate to the way she responded - to Mack, to the whole situation, and especially to L.G.'s gift. In my opinion, she came off as very shallow. It would have been nice to see Lara the way that Mack did - but things had changed by the time we meet Lara.
Overall this was a wonderful read - L.G. and Beth Ann were great supporting characters. Beth Ann was so sweet and L.G. tried in his own way - he definitely had good intentions. Zelda was a delight - such a fun character! I think Lucas was too good to be true, but I think it's the way it was supposed to be.
Honest Disclosure~ I received a copy in exchange for my honest review
FYI ~ open door intimate scenes
I'm so glad that Mack's part of the story was played out and that it was realistic. There's no way that Lara and Mack would have been able to just pick up where they had left off after what Mack went through. I felt for Mack, but understood Lara's struggles. Despite the fact that it's clear Lara is to Mack what Lucas was to Rachel, I didn't find Lara very likeable. Maybe that's because I was so immersed in Rachel's story and struggle, but I couldn't relate to the way she responded - to Mack, to the whole situation, and especially to L.G.'s gift. In my opinion, she came off as very shallow. It would have been nice to see Lara the way that Mack did - but things had changed by the time we meet Lara.
Overall this was a wonderful read - L.G. and Beth Ann were great supporting characters. Beth Ann was so sweet and L.G. tried in his own way - he definitely had good intentions. Zelda was a delight - such a fun character! I think Lucas was too good to be true, but I think it's the way it was supposed to be.
Honest Disclosure~ I received a copy in exchange for my honest review
FYI ~ open door intimate scenes
October 29, 2015
If you're not ready for a book that will have you laughing and crying in the same breath, then this book isn't for you. And if you expect every book to have a HEA, then just don't read this one. BUT if you skip Phantom Heart you will be missing out on one of the most poignant, romantic books that you will ever read.
It IS difficult material to deal with...a young widow trying to recover from the sudden tragic loss of her husband and a man who has his heart. It ripped my heart out, stuffed it back in and tried to sew up my chest before it ripped it out again! You can certainly understand that few ever find a love like Luke and Rachel's and you know why his heart takes over. There is romance (since when is a man playing a guitar and singing his girl a song NOT romantic?) and there is utter and complete heart break.
There is no hero in this story and there is no heroine...the true focus is on love. Love in all shapes and sizes. Love of a man for his wife, of a woman for her husband, of parents for their child/children, even of a man for his animals. At the end you certainly get a happily ever after, just not one that we are expecting and maybe we aren't fully capable of understanding unless we experience a loss like they had. But in the end everyone is happy with their life and families, and as a reader I really couldn't ask for more!
It IS difficult material to deal with...a young widow trying to recover from the sudden tragic loss of her husband and a man who has his heart. It ripped my heart out, stuffed it back in and tried to sew up my chest before it ripped it out again! You can certainly understand that few ever find a love like Luke and Rachel's and you know why his heart takes over. There is romance (since when is a man playing a guitar and singing his girl a song NOT romantic?) and there is utter and complete heart break.
There is no hero in this story and there is no heroine...the true focus is on love. Love in all shapes and sizes. Love of a man for his wife, of a woman for her husband, of parents for their child/children, even of a man for his animals. At the end you certainly get a happily ever after, just not one that we are expecting and maybe we aren't fully capable of understanding unless we experience a loss like they had. But in the end everyone is happy with their life and families, and as a reader I really couldn't ask for more!
October 28, 2015
I have to say that this story surprised me, it was not what I expected and I was totally blown away. The storyline itself was original and unique and the author presented it in a way that will touch your heart. I could feel all the emotions,doubts and fears as if it was happening to me saw all sides of the dilemma presented. Rachel was a strong character, way stronger then I would have been in her situation and I struggled right along with her as she tried to come to terms with what was happening. Mack/Luke was also top notch, he was a pawn not of his own choosing but a tool to give closure to a family in loss. The concept that a donated organ could retain information or memories of its donor is something I have wondered about and it was interesting to see this author put it down in a story. I thought it was well written, well thought out and I loved the characters. I laughed, I cried and felt torn while everything played out and was kept glued to the words as I went from page to page. I look forward to seeing what other stories this author has out as I would definitely read her again.
November 7, 2015
I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review by author Kim Bowman.
Rachael Wainwright had just buried her husband a few weeks ago and now she is in a tail spin over a stranger calling her a pet name her husband gave her. Fighting what the doctors are telling her when the truth keeps showing up Rachael can only submit to the truth about what is going on. When things start to unravel after feeling joy Rachael must not face the bitter fact and say good bye once again to her love.
The author gave the characters very good interaction.This is definitely a book that I could not put down.It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. My heart broke for Rachael.
This is for any romance book lover.
Rachael Wainwright had just buried her husband a few weeks ago and now she is in a tail spin over a stranger calling her a pet name her husband gave her. Fighting what the doctors are telling her when the truth keeps showing up Rachael can only submit to the truth about what is going on. When things start to unravel after feeling joy Rachael must not face the bitter fact and say good bye once again to her love.
The author gave the characters very good interaction.This is definitely a book that I could not put down.It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. My heart broke for Rachael.
This is for any romance book lover.
October 13, 2015
Phantom heart was one of those books that seeing the cover you would never guess the ending.
I really fell in love with Luke and Rachel because all though you get to see how they are with eachother in the present that they have now, you also get to see what Luke thought about her the first time they met and all of the experiences that they shared together.
I admit I was really sceptical about the plot line in this book but it really was great. I would not recommend it for avid "happily ever after" aficionado but it is a good read for those who like suspence and a little romance with sex.
Overall it wasnively written, and a real tearjerker.
I really fell in love with Luke and Rachel because all though you get to see how they are with eachother in the present that they have now, you also get to see what Luke thought about her the first time they met and all of the experiences that they shared together.
I admit I was really sceptical about the plot line in this book but it really was great. I would not recommend it for avid "happily ever after" aficionado but it is a good read for those who like suspence and a little romance with sex.
Overall it wasnively written, and a real tearjerker.
October 29, 2015
This story will leave you with a smile on your face. This story takes you for a ride through love and all of the stages of grief. It is unlike any other story I have read and I highly doubt I will read another one like it or as good as this one. The subject of organ donation is the backdrop of this story and it brings you the what if's that I am sure cross the minds of anyone who has ever thought about it or has had the painful journey through it. The story renewed my hope in second chances and giving life your all. These characters are very well thought out and put together and will make you bond with them. I really enjoyed this story!
October 26, 2015
Wow, what a great, emotionally gripping read. If you want a book that will draw on dang near every emotion, this is it! Phantom Heart does not come with the traditional romance HEA we all love where the H and h skip off into the sunset beaming with love and happiness, but there is a great ending. Maybe not the one I was originally hoping for, but as the book came to a close, it was a great way to end the story, and in the end, there is still a happy ending. This touches on love, loss, deep sadness, anger, despair, hope, forgiveness, starting over, and second chances.
January 21, 2016
Wow! What a book! I've actually read one other book that dealt with the Phantom Heart, as this book does, and I am blown away. Ms. Bowman does a great job with her research and presenting the story line in a very believable way. It is a very accurate read for anyone who has a family member that has gone through any type of medical trauma, but it is dealt with in a very kind and loving manner. The story takes us on a journey, with love and discovery, and while not a typical romance, I did fall in love at the end!
February 14, 2016
Ms. Bowman crafted a unique and powerful piece involving love, loss, and how to pick up the pieces of your life in the aftermath.
Read full review in the 2016 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews