The Heart Hopes

Opposites Attract #2

by Lyn Cote

What could unite a disgruntled DA and the pretty teacher, responsible for his hung jury? Perhaps a little boy in need of love...

Young and eager, Patience begins her first year of teaching. One first grader, Jackson, sparks her concern. Can she help him start off his school years on the right foot? She knows first hand what getting a reputation for trouble may do to a child’s future. A stint of jury duty takes her out of the classroom, away from Jackson, and into conflict with Jackson’s dad, by-the-book DA Gil Montgomery. Her “not guilty” vote means he’ll have to try the assault and burglary case over again. And she’s upset that her absence had a bad effect on Jackson. He’s been branded the “class troublemaker,” just what she was trying to prevent.

After Gil’s wife left him, Gil and his ex-wife’s conflicting parenting styles continue to jeopardize Jackson’s emotional well-being. As irritated as Gil is with Patience, he soon realizes she is the key to helping his son. And Gil wants to be a better father than his dad was to him. Patience is willing to help. But is Gil willing to “hear” her as she uncovers evidence for the re-trial that could change his mind about who assaulted Bertha Perkins and stole her valuable antiques?

Four unlikely couples find opposites do attract even in the shadow of mystery~

Genres: Romance

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2019

About the author

Lyn grew up loving books. Her favorite night of the week was Friday night, when the Bookmobile came to her neighborhood in Illinois. She’d spend those two hours chatting with the driver of the Bookmobile and the librarian and making the big decision of the week — which books to check out! In those distant days, children were limited in how many books they could check out. Lyn could only take home six a week — and there were so many to choose from. Her favorites were Cotton in my Sack by Lois Lenski, The Little House series and the One of a Kind Family series. Later, she discovered Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances!
This love of books led to a desire to write. Lyn won prizes in high school and college for her poetry and, not surprisingly, Lyn became a history and English teacher. When she became a mother, she gave up teaching, and while raising a son and a daughter, she began working on her first novel. Then she wrote her second and third. Long years of rejection followed — as it does for most writers. Finally in 1997, Lyn got "the call." Her first book, Never Alone, was chosen to appear in the first year of the new Love Inspired line. Lyn has written many articles on writing and the emerging Christian Booksellers Assoc. (CBA) fiction market. In 2006, Lyn's book, Chloe, is a finalist for the RWA's RITA, the highest award in the romance genre in the inspirational category.
Now, Lyn spends her days writing books that show the power of divine as well as human love. Her nest is empty and she and her real life hero, her husband, have more and more time to spend together in their home on a lake in the lovely northwoods. And books are still dear to her heart.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable book that involved me emotionally. As an educator and adoptive parent I loved the way Patience understood little Jackson when most other people didn't, and the difference she made in so many people's lives. The emotions she and Gil experience because of hurts in the past seem very real. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I was given a digital copy of this book by the author but was not required to give a positive review.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Christian romance. The main character is a first year teacher. Patience has a heart concern for her first grade students. I liked the way she dealt with a potential trouble maker, Jackson, showing a great deal of wisdom. A stint of jury duty takes her away from her classroom but points her in the direction of romance.

I liked that Patience is a woman of principle. She maintains her opinion when others on the jury want to make a decision on prejudice rather than evidence. She is even willing to endure the scorn of the townspeople and challenge the ego of the prosecutor. Her life gets a little complicated when the prosecutor, Jackson's dad, finds himself attracted to her.

Both Patience and Gil, the prosecutor, have issues that must be overcome before romance can blossom. Misunderstandings abound and almost sabotage their relationship. Both struggle with forgiving those who hurt them in the past. Their Christianity is essential to being free to trust and love another. Cote has crafted an enjoyable story that is entertaining and contains good lessons on life.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heart Hopes was an interesting story. Even though there was some initial attraction between the main characters, Patience and Gil, it seemed fairly unlikely that these two people could ever come together for a relationship.

I really enjoyed seeing how Patience had such a good sense of what Gil’s son, Jackson, needed in order to help him feel more secure in his life. Gil began to recognize that Patience was actually a very caring and discerning person, regardless of their differences.

This story had drama, romance, and a hint of mystery. It is the second book in the Opposites Attract series, but reads as a stand alone novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of the author although I am not required to write a review.

Of course I will. I loved this book! I loved the heroine for sticking to her convictions not matter what she faced. I was thoroughly happy with how the story turned out and all the lessons learned along the way.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Heart Hopes is the second book in the Opposites Attract series by Lyn Cote. Patience is eager to begin her first official year teaching the first grade. She immediately recognizes that one little boy, Jackson, needs a little extra attention. Unfortunately, she is selected for jury duty when she hears a case prosecuted by Gil Montgomery, the “by the book” DA and Jackson’s father. Her not guilty vote results in a hung jury and she becomes the pariah of their small town. However, Patience was not convinced the accused was behind the crime. Despite his annoyance at the mistrial, and at Patience, Gil realizes that she is the key to helping his son. Can he put aside his preconceived notions to hear Patience out about his son and new evidence in the case?
Oh where do I begin? The Heart Hopes started out strong, then it fell off the deep end. I loved that Patience saw a little boy on the verge of being labeled “the troublemaker,” a label that would follow him, leaving him floundering. Then she gets a jury summons. I find it very unlikely that a juror who has a connection to anyone involved with the case, especially the DA, would be allowed to stay on the jury. A halfway decent defense attorney would argue for her removal. And the judge allowing it after she makes their connection known was unbelievable! I tried so hard to enjoy this series; however, after the disappointment of the first book and then the unlikely plot of the second book, I will not be finishing this series.

The Heart Hopes is available in eBook.

[Faith Posten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Difference of Opinion

As a new teacher in her first year of teaching in a small town, Patience is soon called for Jury Duty. She wants to be in school instead, but is quickly chosen to serve in a robbery case. The handsome D.A. thinks it’s really slam dunk. But Patience disagrees with all of the eleven other jurors. She won’t budge either. Because it is such a small town, it’s soon common gossip throughout the town. Gil, the D.A., doesn’t understand how she could be so stubborn. But because his son Jackson is in her class at school, they soon meet.

Not long afterward, Gil knows he is in big trouble. He is angry with her, but at the same time, he is extremely drawn to her voice and her poise as well as her genuine concern for his troubled son. Jackson adores her. Patience is furious that Gil doesn’t even see any other possible robbers! She knows that Jackson longs for more attention from the people he loves particularly. But why does Gil stir her heart like no other man has ever done?

And that’s only the beginning. There is plenty of drama with both of their parents. Then there is the need for forgiveness, kindness, loyalty not to mention love.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heart Hopes by Lyn Cote
Opposites Attract Series Book Two
Patience Andrews has moved to a new town and started teaching first grade. All seemed well and her life was falling into place. It didn't last long. She received a jury summons and everything changed.

District Attorney Gilbert Montgomery was surprised at the immediate attraction he felt for his son's new teacher. Even more surprised to see her as part of the jury on his big case. She might be beautiful, but Gil and the pretty blonde already had too many things going against them.

Wonderful story! Patience quickly learns the joys...or woes...of living in a small town. There's the good and bad and she's determined to survive.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love The Heart Hopes. I felt immediately drawn to Patience, Gil and Jackson. While the series is Opposites Attract both Patience and Gil have a lot of baggage from their childhoods. Until they learn to forgive their parents, they will not heal from the hurt. There is a mystery involved. Who is responsible for the theft of antiques? Patience and Gil cross paths often as she is both his son's teacher and the lone not guilty verdict in a trial Gil is prosecuting. There is a ton of well written drama in this book. Ms. Cote manages to tie up all the lose ends and bring this book to a most satisfying conclusion. I could not put it down.

[Mary Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good inspirational book.

This was a deep book in the many complicated feeling in characters all through the story. There are mysteries and emotions that influence how we see people and define situations. This story kept me reading and also had me questioning my own reactions to similar situation. It will make you think and take you on a journey through your passed actions. Thanks for the journey.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that drew me in from the first page. I enjoy reading clean romances with a bit of mystery. Life situations and the past cause mixed emotions for the main characters. The author gives each character relatable personalities. This is a good story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and thought provoking

I enjoyed this book. It is well written and gave me much to think about. I wish my daughter and her ex would read this.. Putting the child first is so important. But the typos?! Maybe I didn't notice them in paper books, but they sure are common in Kindle books.

[Judith Barillas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The heart hopes

Love the author’s combo of mystery, wholesome romance and well-developed characters. This was a joy to read! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series as well as another of her already written 45 books.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book a lot because it has a mystery along with the romance. Patience really lives up to her name. She's good at helping solve mystery also. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Dorothy J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wounded hearts

Patience and Gil both have childhood baggage that hurts their ability to love. Realizing that they need to trust God, they journey with God to find happiness.

[Paula Dunfee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hearts Hopes

I enjoyed the story, and recommend it to others.
Note to the author: there are situations in this book I have experienced in my own life and was surprised.