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Romance from the Heart #3
Joy of My Heart
When journalist Lucas Ruiz Morales returns to Arcadia Valley to help his ailing grandfather, he’s definitely not looking for love. After a disastrous marriage and a health scare, he plans to focus hard on a new book project about wellness and organic food.
After being harassed by her employer in Twin Falls, Veronica Quintana is back working as a hostess at El Corazon, living with her domineering older brother, and feeling desperate to regain her independence and self-esteem. The last thing she needs is to develop feelings for an older man who’s every bit as overprotective and macho as her three brothers.
But when Lucas needs an assistant for his book project, Veronica has no choice: it’s the only job in Arcadia Valley that can help her meet her goals. And Lucas turns out to be a kind and caring — if very bossy—boss. But there’s something about Lucas that Veronica doesn’t know… something that may cut out any possibility of a future together. Can the Arcadia Valley community help two determinedly-independent people realize they’re perfect for each other?
Joy of My Heart is Book Sixteen of the Arcadia Valley Romance series. These inspirational Christian romances all take place in the same Idaho town, with characters you'll come to love and a farm-fresh, sustainable foods focus. Look for a new book each month, and be sure to catch Lee's earlier books about the Quintana Family and El Corazon.
After being harassed by her employer in Twin Falls, Veronica Quintana is back working as a hostess at El Corazon, living with her domineering older brother, and feeling desperate to regain her independence and self-esteem. The last thing she needs is to develop feelings for an older man who’s every bit as overprotective and macho as her three brothers.
But when Lucas needs an assistant for his book project, Veronica has no choice: it’s the only job in Arcadia Valley that can help her meet her goals. And Lucas turns out to be a kind and caring — if very bossy—boss. But there’s something about Lucas that Veronica doesn’t know… something that may cut out any possibility of a future together. Can the Arcadia Valley community help two determinedly-independent people realize they’re perfect for each other?
Joy of My Heart is Book Sixteen of the Arcadia Valley Romance series. These inspirational Christian romances all take place in the same Idaho town, with characters you'll come to love and a farm-fresh, sustainable foods focus. Look for a new book each month, and be sure to catch Lee's earlier books about the Quintana Family and El Corazon.
188 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2018
About the author
Lee Tobin McClain
159 books562 followersNew York Times bestselling author of emotional, heartwarming romances. Visit http://www.leetobinmcclain.com to join newsletter, get book release details, and find out more.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 19, 2020
I didn't get very far before I noped out of this story. I got far enough for Lucas to reveal some of his motivation and I just couldn't. It's not that it's entirely negative*, it's that it makes zero sense! Here are thoughts from actual sequential paragraphs:
* What is important is the value of home and family
* Didn't dare get close to a woman again
* When old, wanted no regrets
Maybe I should clarify that this is an explicitly Christian faith-based story. So "home and family" equals marriage and kids. So that one nonsensically inserted into the middle? Yeah, that doesn't work. Even if his is a robust and numerous family that doesn't work, but the only family we've seen (or had mentioned) for Lucas at this point is his dying grandfather. So in a very short time, "home and family" is going to be . . . himself. Alone. Because he dare not get close to a woman again. This clown is 36 and should know better than to be afraid of literally every woman on the planet. I can't even imagine the pretzel McClain is going to tie herself into to make that "work" but I don't care. A character that stupid just isn't interesting to me.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
* What is important is the value of home and family
* Didn't dare get close to a woman again
* When old, wanted no regrets
Maybe I should clarify that this is an explicitly Christian faith-based story. So "home and family" equals marriage and kids. So that one nonsensically inserted into the middle? Yeah, that doesn't work. Even if his is a robust and numerous family that doesn't work, but the only family we've seen (or had mentioned) for Lucas at this point is his dying grandfather. So in a very short time, "home and family" is going to be . . . himself. Alone. Because he dare not get close to a woman again. This clown is 36 and should know better than to be afraid of literally every woman on the planet. I can't even imagine the pretzel McClain is going to tie herself into to make that "work" but I don't care. A character that stupid just isn't interesting to me.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
August 11, 2018
Another beautiful story. This one features Veronica, and Lucas who has come back to Arcadia Valley to help his grandfather. He is working on a project and hires Veronica to help him. Struggles with a health crisis and maturing in faith and emotionally, this book will leave you happy at the end, though with some sadness over what the characters are going through at times throughout.
May 8, 2018
A Sweet Love Story
Lucas Ruiz has come home to care for his aging grandfather and to recover both physically and emotionally. Veronica Quintana has returned to Acadia Valley when her chance at being a big time journalist ends in disillusion. When Lucas needs help, but with his grandfather and the book he's writing, Veronica's perfect for the job, but neither are expecting their hearts to get involved. This book introduced some issues that aren't discussed enough in Christian fiction - foster care, terminal diagnosis, workplace harassment, elder care. Unfortunately the story wasn't long enough to do them all justice. The characters were great, and I loved the ongoing family dynamic of the Quintana's. This was a quick, easy read that focused on the importance of prayer and healthy eating. Oh, and don't miss the link to the second epilogue at the very end!!
Lucas Ruiz has come home to care for his aging grandfather and to recover both physically and emotionally. Veronica Quintana has returned to Acadia Valley when her chance at being a big time journalist ends in disillusion. When Lucas needs help, but with his grandfather and the book he's writing, Veronica's perfect for the job, but neither are expecting their hearts to get involved. This book introduced some issues that aren't discussed enough in Christian fiction - foster care, terminal diagnosis, workplace harassment, elder care. Unfortunately the story wasn't long enough to do them all justice. The characters were great, and I loved the ongoing family dynamic of the Quintana's. This was a quick, easy read that focused on the importance of prayer and healthy eating. Oh, and don't miss the link to the second epilogue at the very end!!
August 25, 2019
Contemporary Christian Romance. Another bittersweet read as it means I have finished another author's entries in the Arcadia Valley community. I have so enjoyed this series that I have held off on reading the last few. This story is about Veronica Quintana, the younger sister to the three Quintana brothers we met earlier in the series. Lucas moves back home to care for his aging grandfather. Veronica and him hit it off right away, but can they overcome the ten year age difference, the interference of 3 overprotective brothrrs, and some hard truths from their recent pasts? A great romance, quick read, with the usual focus on food and health. This romance could be enjoyed on its own but is much more fun knowing the history of the family and the whole community.
April 16, 2018
When Lucas comes back to Arcadia Valley to check on his grandfather he has a secret. When Lucas meets Veronica his life will completely change. The way these two work together are help Belo is truly amazing. The characters in this book are all very special people. You will feel God working throughout this whole book. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could. You won’t be able to stop reading this book.
April 18, 2018
Veronica and Lucas are all wrong for each other. At least that's what they think. And what her overprotective big brothers tell them. This wonderful story of family, love, and commitment will keep you reading till the end. Loveable and memorable characters will have you wanting to know how their story turns out. I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. It in no way influenced my review. The thoughts and opinions are mine alone.
April 18, 2018
Beautiful Romance About Second Chances and God's Healing
Lee McClain gives us another Arcadia Valley romance about second chances and God's healing.
I love the well crafted storyline and the wonderful characters.
Other than romance,I always enjoy the foodie culture.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romance.
Lee McClain gives us another Arcadia Valley romance about second chances and God's healing.
I love the well crafted storyline and the wonderful characters.
Other than romance,I always enjoy the foodie culture.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romance.
April 20, 2018
A thought provoking romance with believable characters, who are dealing with many contemporary issues: over protective family members, cancer and its treatment, neglected teens, and elder care. This is the final book in the Romance from the Heart series. Lee Tobin McClain does an excellent job weaving details from Books 1 & 2, so this romance can be read as a stand alone.
April 28, 2018
Wow! Another great book in the Arcadia Valley series!
I really enjoyed reading Joy of My Heart. Reading about Veronica having to deal with all of her brothers over protecting her and how, when it was important, she could stand on her own. Anyone reading this book will love it!
I really enjoyed reading Joy of My Heart. Reading about Veronica having to deal with all of her brothers over protecting her and how, when it was important, she could stand on her own. Anyone reading this book will love it!
April 25, 2018
This story hit home due to the circumstances of the hero. Having experienced something like this in my family recently, this story went straight to my heart. Thank you, Lee Tobin McClain, for the hope portrayed here.
February 5, 2019
This series is a great one I’ve read most of them only like three more. Each author had done a would full job with tell the stories. I’ve read some from authors I’ve been reading for awhile and some new ones.
April 22, 2021
An Enjoyable Read
As always, Lee Tobin McClain delivers. This third, and final book in the series, neatly tied up the Quintana saga.
As always, Lee Tobin McClain delivers. This third, and final book in the series, neatly tied up the Quintana saga.
July 26, 2024
Heartwarming Read
I really liked these characters. Loved the story. Loved the series. Well done!!! Totally recommend this book. You will live it
I really liked these characters. Loved the story. Loved the series. Well done!!! Totally recommend this book. You will live it
June 4, 2026
Lucas moves back to Acadia Valley focused on caring for his grandfather and writing a book on wellness and healthy eating. He's dealt with a disastrous failed marriage and a serious health scare and is looking for nothing more in his life.
Veronica ran from her job in Twin Falls after being harassed by her employer.. a secret she's told no one...especially not her family. Feeling like a failure, she's home working again as hostess at her family's restaurant. When she hears Lucas needs an assistant for his book project, Veronica reluctantly applies. She is qualified and she needs a job that takes her out from her domineering older brother's thumb.
Just business.. that is all either wants.. but God has a way of showing us what we think we want isn't what we truly need.
Veronica ran from her job in Twin Falls after being harassed by her employer.. a secret she's told no one...especially not her family. Feeling like a failure, she's home working again as hostess at her family's restaurant. When she hears Lucas needs an assistant for his book project, Veronica reluctantly applies. She is qualified and she needs a job that takes her out from her domineering older brother's thumb.
Just business.. that is all either wants.. but God has a way of showing us what we think we want isn't what we truly need.
October 27, 2020
I liked how the main characters thought they were not good for each other, but didn’t discuss their thought. This story has a twist I didn’t see coming, but I liked how it led to the conclusion. I enjoyed this story very much!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews