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Seashell Cottage #2
Change of Heart
People and hearts can change...Emerson “Em” Jordan always wanted a Valentine’s Day wedding. But after being dumped by her boyfriend, she spends the holiday at Seashell Cottage on the Gulf Coast of Florida with Devin Gerard, a family friend who has no interest in her or any other woman and is instead concentrating on his pediatric medical practice and continuing medical missions in Costa Rica. Em, who’s always wanted a large family, doesn’t mind his disinterest. At thirty-two, she’s decided she doesn’t need a husband to have a child or to adopt one. First, she’s going to fulfill her dream of setting up her own landscape design business in upstate New York and has promised to continue to help run her grandmother’s flower shop. It isn’t until Em and Devin become friends that Em realizes she might want more than friendship from him. But with his work in Miami and Costa Rica and her busy life in New York, it’s out of the question until something happens that changes everything, even a couple of hearts. This book is a standalone novel that is one of others based at the Seashell Cottage on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Different stories, different characters, same location.Another of Judith Keim’s series books celebrating love and families, strong women meeting challenges, and clean women’s fiction with a touch of romance—beach reads for all ages with a touch of humor, satisfying twists, and happy endings. Be sure to check out her other delightful books and series that readers adore.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2019
973 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Judith Keim
129 books957 followers Judith Keim, A USA Today Best Selling Author, is a hybrid author who both has a publisher and self-publishes. Ms. Keim writes heart-warming novels about women who face unexpected challenges, meet them with strength, and find love and happiness along the way, stories with heart. Her best-selling books are based, in part, on many of the places she's lived or visited and on the interesting people that she's met, creating believable characters and realistic settings her many loyal readers love.
She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Kacy and Wally, and other members of her family.
While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.
Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories.
To sign up for her newsletter, go here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/oeiwdp1vkc
Her website: https://judithkeim.com/
Follow her on Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judit...
She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Kacy and Wally, and other members of her family.
While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.
Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories.
To sign up for her newsletter, go here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/oeiwdp1vkc
Her website: https://judithkeim.com/
Follow her on Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judit...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
June 14, 2019
Just when Em thought she was through with love, she meets Devin, a workaholic doctor who also believed he was through with relationships
Devin's work as a doctor and his volunteer work overseas made having and keeping a relationship almost impossible. Em and Devin meet while on vacation at a seaside cottage. Their growing friendship turns into more, but Devin's work takes him away, and Em busies herself with opening her own business.
Then, Devin returns to Em - he has adopted the daughter of a dying patient and wants Em to make a family with him.
Fans of Judith Keim will enjoy this sweet story of two hardworking people who find love after being jilted by their previous partners.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2020
A sweet romance that starts off with two people who have decided to swear off getting involved with anyone and focusing on their careers so they decide to be friends. Friendship it turns out is the best basis for a relationship. The story is sweet and decently written. Although the transition from friendship to more is a bit choppy in the story and could use a bit more finessing, the story is solidly sweet and definitely worth the read especially if you like happy endings.
August 23, 2019
I usually read nothing but mystery/suspense/thrillers but the author gave me a copy of this book. I put off listening to it for awhile since I am not always a big fan of sweet little romances, but I finally got to it and I am glad I did. The story is your typical love lost, return home, find new love romance but to my surprise I really liked it! The characters are great and made me care about them. Em is a strong woman who, after being dumped goes on a vacation to the beach and comes up with a plan for the rest of her life. She returns home anxious to get started. Gran is the perfect mentor. And Devin, well what's not to love?! This is a happy story, the type we all need once in a while to bring us out of the doldrums. The narrator did a wonderful job. Thanks to the author for allowing me to listen to this audiobook.
June 15, 2019
This is the second book I’ve read by Judith Keim. I enjoyed the first one so much, I eagerly accepted a chance to read and review Change of Heart when the offer came from the publisher, via Net-Galley. My opinions are my own are not influenced in any way.
Change of Heart has likable characters and an interesting plot. The pacing is steady, keeping me engaged throughout the book. I like Ms. Keim’s writing style, and the story developed logically with most of the book evolving around the heroine, and her life choices, making this a lovely women’s fiction with a romantic element.
Emerson Jordan’s character has been disappointed in love when her boyfriend ends their relationship at a wedding reception, when she is expecting a proposal. She believes romance is not for her and decides to focus on building her career. She is determined to start her own landscape design business, yet still help her grandmother with her flower shop. Em is extremely organized which is important because she has a lot the handle.
I loved the relationship between Em and her grandmother, which added a great deal to the book. I enjoyed Em’s fulfillment of her dream to have her landscaping design business. She’s an independent woman and doesn’t need a man in her life. Even though she is attracted to Devin, she keeps him in the friend category until she can no longer deny the growing attraction between them.
Devin Gerrard is the hero. He too, is focused on his career as a pediatric doctor and his work in Costa Rica. He has a genuine love for children. This comes out when he interacts with several delightful little girls in the story. When he meets Em, he’s relieved she is no more interested in romance then he is. It makes it easy for him to relax and enjoy her company, which helps their friendship develop into a strong one.
The romance is secondary to the plot. Em and Devin do not spend much time together, so it was hard to get excited about a happy ending for them. Their romance really only happens toward the end and there just wasn’t enough for me. Everything comes together really fast. The dilemma that would make it impossible for them, resolves much too easily. However, since this is women’s fiction, I didn’t expect a lot of romance.
Overall, I enjoyed Change of Heart. If you enjoy women’s fiction with a determined woman and don’t need much in the romance department, then you will enjoy this book. I look forward to reading Ms. Keim’s next book. Happy reading!
Change of Heart has likable characters and an interesting plot. The pacing is steady, keeping me engaged throughout the book. I like Ms. Keim’s writing style, and the story developed logically with most of the book evolving around the heroine, and her life choices, making this a lovely women’s fiction with a romantic element.
Emerson Jordan’s character has been disappointed in love when her boyfriend ends their relationship at a wedding reception, when she is expecting a proposal. She believes romance is not for her and decides to focus on building her career. She is determined to start her own landscape design business, yet still help her grandmother with her flower shop. Em is extremely organized which is important because she has a lot the handle.
I loved the relationship between Em and her grandmother, which added a great deal to the book. I enjoyed Em’s fulfillment of her dream to have her landscaping design business. She’s an independent woman and doesn’t need a man in her life. Even though she is attracted to Devin, she keeps him in the friend category until she can no longer deny the growing attraction between them.
Devin Gerrard is the hero. He too, is focused on his career as a pediatric doctor and his work in Costa Rica. He has a genuine love for children. This comes out when he interacts with several delightful little girls in the story. When he meets Em, he’s relieved she is no more interested in romance then he is. It makes it easy for him to relax and enjoy her company, which helps their friendship develop into a strong one.
The romance is secondary to the plot. Em and Devin do not spend much time together, so it was hard to get excited about a happy ending for them. Their romance really only happens toward the end and there just wasn’t enough for me. Everything comes together really fast. The dilemma that would make it impossible for them, resolves much too easily. However, since this is women’s fiction, I didn’t expect a lot of romance.
Overall, I enjoyed Change of Heart. If you enjoy women’s fiction with a determined woman and don’t need much in the romance department, then you will enjoy this book. I look forward to reading Ms. Keim’s next book. Happy reading!
August 14, 2019
Em got dumped by her boyfriend, who she wanted to marry and always wanted a Valentine's wedding. She decides to go to Seashell Cottage in Florida to get away. She had planned on going with a friend but the friend dropped some news to her and that got changed. Em's sister said she had a friend that was the best man in her wedding and he is looking for a vacation also and not interested in any strings.
Em has decided if she wants a family then she will have to just adopt because she is 32 and things are not looking great for a man in her life. She also wants to be a landscape designer so while in Florida she does a lot of investigating of plants.
Dev is a pediatrician and travels between his office and Costa Rica. They do spend quite a bit of time together while at the cottage.
But once they leave for their separate lives they end up being friends and chatting a lot on the phone.
She lives in NY and he is in Florida but they seem to becoming close.
I loved how these 2 came to be friends and their phone calls and how he looked out for her. She is also very close to her family and they are always there for each other.
Thank you to Judith Keim and NetGalley for sending this to me for review.
Em has decided if she wants a family then she will have to just adopt because she is 32 and things are not looking great for a man in her life. She also wants to be a landscape designer so while in Florida she does a lot of investigating of plants.
Dev is a pediatrician and travels between his office and Costa Rica. They do spend quite a bit of time together while at the cottage.
But once they leave for their separate lives they end up being friends and chatting a lot on the phone.
She lives in NY and he is in Florida but they seem to becoming close.
I loved how these 2 came to be friends and their phone calls and how he looked out for her. She is also very close to her family and they are always there for each other.
Thank you to Judith Keim and NetGalley for sending this to me for review.
July 9, 2022
This was a really good book. First time reading her snd won’t be a last
June 10, 2019
Change of Heart A Seashell Cottage Book by Judith Keim
Did not read the first book in the series and do not feel as if I missed anything.
Start with other works by the author, adult and children's. Praise for works are included.
Dedication is also included.
Emerson Jordan is a woman at her sister's wedding. Jared had broken off their engagement just a few days ago.
She works at the family's flower shop. Her dating troubles and her friends she hopes to rent the cottage in FL or just get away from Valentine's Day festivities. Until she learns her friend is in love with her ex fiancée.
Her sister gets another to share the cottage-the best man at her wedding-no attachments, no pressure. They each have a good time and are able to talk and learn about one another.
She wants a child-he missions at South American countries... she returns to start up her landscaping business in upstate NY while also running her grandmother's flower shop. She has to hire others so she can keep up with her business as she's just moved into her own condo.
Scary when she's there by herself before others move in. Love the 5 things one needs to protect themselves. So helpful information.
He arrives at the flower shop and they are able to talk more. Like how the story also follows her sister who's just delivered a baby, her parents are nearby and her grandmother has health concerns and maybe a new romance in her life.
Seems like a lot of characters but is easy to keep track of everyone. Love learning about the flower and landscaping businesses.
Just when you think the story is about over it's only just begun. so much more to come.
So many twists and turns and surprises. Excerpt from the next book in the series is included.
About the author and acknowledgements is included at the end.
Received this review copy from Wild Quail Publishing via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#ChangeOfHeart #NetGalley
Did not read the first book in the series and do not feel as if I missed anything.
Start with other works by the author, adult and children's. Praise for works are included.
Dedication is also included.
Emerson Jordan is a woman at her sister's wedding. Jared had broken off their engagement just a few days ago.
She works at the family's flower shop. Her dating troubles and her friends she hopes to rent the cottage in FL or just get away from Valentine's Day festivities. Until she learns her friend is in love with her ex fiancée.
Her sister gets another to share the cottage-the best man at her wedding-no attachments, no pressure. They each have a good time and are able to talk and learn about one another.
She wants a child-he missions at South American countries... she returns to start up her landscaping business in upstate NY while also running her grandmother's flower shop. She has to hire others so she can keep up with her business as she's just moved into her own condo.
Scary when she's there by herself before others move in. Love the 5 things one needs to protect themselves. So helpful information.
He arrives at the flower shop and they are able to talk more. Like how the story also follows her sister who's just delivered a baby, her parents are nearby and her grandmother has health concerns and maybe a new romance in her life.
Seems like a lot of characters but is easy to keep track of everyone. Love learning about the flower and landscaping businesses.
Just when you think the story is about over it's only just begun. so much more to come.
So many twists and turns and surprises. Excerpt from the next book in the series is included.
About the author and acknowledgements is included at the end.
Received this review copy from Wild Quail Publishing via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#ChangeOfHeart #NetGalley
June 21, 2019
This book - and far too many like it - are the reason why I’m so behind in my reading this year. The story and writing aren’t terrible, so I keep pushing through, despite not being particularly interested in reading the book. If a book is fairly good, I can plow through it in two or three evenings. Change of Heart took me seven nights to read. SEVEN. Yikes.
Emerson Jordan has had a bad run of luck with men. After her latest heartbreak has her moping for several months, her older sister convinces her to take a trip to Florida. While there, she evaluates what’s important to her, and decides to open her own landscape design business back home in upstate New York. She also wants to be a mother, and decides she doesn’t need a man to make that happen.
Before I go into all the reasons this book didn’t work for me, I will tell you two things I did like: a story that enfolds over the course of a year (so no insta love - hooray!), and a hero that isn’t an alpha male. There also wasn’t any droning on and on about how good looking he was, or how those good looks made the heroine’s body parts tingle. So that was nice too.
However...for a story that’s supposed to be a romance (that is, a story about a relationship between two people), there was more plot development for the heroine building her business than building a relationship with the hero. I was going to try to be spoiler-free here, but decided I couldn’t adequately explain how much things didn’t work for me without giving details, so here’s your warning - if you don’t want to know what happens, don’t keep reading.
Em and Devin first met at her sister’s wedding, but get to know each other when sharing a house for a week in Florida. They barely spend time together, and don’t give any hint of attraction to the other. Then they see each other a second time about a month later. He goes back to Florida. Then they apparently talk on the phone for several months, see each other again, share a kiss. There’s more talking on the phone. At 64% Devin shows up and proposes. WHAAAAT??? They’ve just spent the whole book telling everyone they're just friends. No talk between them of deeper feelings. No talk of them having a relationship. But he shows up, asks her to marry him, she gives an enthusiastic yes. You can’t just tell me they talked on the phone a lot, and expect me to feel their connection! Especially when the reader isn’t privy to any of their supposed long conversations.
On top of that, we get loads of info about Em starting her business, which not only makes the pacing drag, but does nothing to move the romance of the story forward. I’m not sure exactly what “change of heart” our heroine was supposed to have had. Also, the dialogue was stilted and contrived and had me thinking “no one talks like that!” And while I’m being negative (might as well go all in at this point), the nicknames sorta bugged me. I’m generally opposed to them to begin with, and I know Emerson is kinda long and sorta formal sounding, but calling her Em all the time bothered me. Then we have the floral shop helper whose real name is Allison Belle, but everyone calls her Tinker. I'm sure the author was trying to be cute, but it seemed out of place with the tone of the story. It also made me want to roll my eyes. So yeah, this book just didn’t work for me.
I think this story could have been good, but so much happened off page between the hero and heroine that you can’t sell me this as a romance. When the synopsis tells me that “something happens that changes everything” between the hero and heroine, that’s what I’m looking forward to finding out. (FYI, I thought it was going to be that these “friends” got carried away one night and she got pregnant. Nothing that exciting or scandalous happened between them, at all, in the book.) But I still don’t know what that something was. And if you tell me the story is a romance, and I’m expecting a romance, but don’t get a romance, that equals unmet expectations...also known as disappointment. Which is basically what this story was to me.
* thank you to NetGalley and Wild Quail Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Emerson Jordan has had a bad run of luck with men. After her latest heartbreak has her moping for several months, her older sister convinces her to take a trip to Florida. While there, she evaluates what’s important to her, and decides to open her own landscape design business back home in upstate New York. She also wants to be a mother, and decides she doesn’t need a man to make that happen.
Before I go into all the reasons this book didn’t work for me, I will tell you two things I did like: a story that enfolds over the course of a year (so no insta love - hooray!), and a hero that isn’t an alpha male. There also wasn’t any droning on and on about how good looking he was, or how those good looks made the heroine’s body parts tingle. So that was nice too.
However...for a story that’s supposed to be a romance (that is, a story about a relationship between two people), there was more plot development for the heroine building her business than building a relationship with the hero. I was going to try to be spoiler-free here, but decided I couldn’t adequately explain how much things didn’t work for me without giving details, so here’s your warning - if you don’t want to know what happens, don’t keep reading.
Em and Devin first met at her sister’s wedding, but get to know each other when sharing a house for a week in Florida. They barely spend time together, and don’t give any hint of attraction to the other. Then they see each other a second time about a month later. He goes back to Florida. Then they apparently talk on the phone for several months, see each other again, share a kiss. There’s more talking on the phone. At 64% Devin shows up and proposes. WHAAAAT??? They’ve just spent the whole book telling everyone they're just friends. No talk between them of deeper feelings. No talk of them having a relationship. But he shows up, asks her to marry him, she gives an enthusiastic yes. You can’t just tell me they talked on the phone a lot, and expect me to feel their connection! Especially when the reader isn’t privy to any of their supposed long conversations.
On top of that, we get loads of info about Em starting her business, which not only makes the pacing drag, but does nothing to move the romance of the story forward. I’m not sure exactly what “change of heart” our heroine was supposed to have had. Also, the dialogue was stilted and contrived and had me thinking “no one talks like that!” And while I’m being negative (might as well go all in at this point), the nicknames sorta bugged me. I’m generally opposed to them to begin with, and I know Emerson is kinda long and sorta formal sounding, but calling her Em all the time bothered me. Then we have the floral shop helper whose real name is Allison Belle, but everyone calls her Tinker. I'm sure the author was trying to be cute, but it seemed out of place with the tone of the story. It also made me want to roll my eyes. So yeah, this book just didn’t work for me.
I think this story could have been good, but so much happened off page between the hero and heroine that you can’t sell me this as a romance. When the synopsis tells me that “something happens that changes everything” between the hero and heroine, that’s what I’m looking forward to finding out. (FYI, I thought it was going to be that these “friends” got carried away one night and she got pregnant. Nothing that exciting or scandalous happened between them, at all, in the book.) But I still don’t know what that something was. And if you tell me the story is a romance, and I’m expecting a romance, but don’t get a romance, that equals unmet expectations...also known as disappointment. Which is basically what this story was to me.
* thank you to NetGalley and Wild Quail Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
August 6, 2019
This is a sweet and heart-warming story of family, love, loss and finding one’s way in the sea of life. Emerson Jordan was all set to get married on Valentine’s Day when she is unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend. She decides to leave New York and spend some vacation time licking her wounds and thinking about her future at Seashell Cottage on the Gulf Coast of Florida. There she meets Devin Gerard, an intensely focused pediatrician who goes on missions trips to Costa Rica to help the children there. He just needs a break to recharge and is staying at Seashell Cottage to get his energy reserves restored. Em and Devin are friends, knowing that they both have future plans that don’t include romance or marriage. Then, everything changes towards the end of the book. I was happy with the ending, but now with how quickly it concluded. I felt that I was kind of left hanging about Em’s plans with her landscaping business. Nevertheless, the book was a good story set in a tropical setting that was inviting. Readers of light romance will enjoy this second installment of the Seashell Cottage series. I did not read the first book, but that did not make any difference in my ability to understand all that was happening in this book.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
June 11, 2019
Emerson/Em was taking part in her sister’s wedding . the dreamy hadn’t proposed to her yet, but she was pretty sure he would. Then she woke up and remembered her boyfriend Jared broke up with hre . for the next few weeks Em continued to work at the family flower shop. But she barely functioned. Luckily Jared lived in NYC. an hour away as Em couldn’t bear to see him. As the holidays approached Em fell into a deep depression She had no intentions of dating yet. The holidays were a hard time to be alone. She was struggling trying to be more positive about her life. Her sister Elena suggested she go to Seashell cottage for Valentine’s day. Em thought that would be a great break for her. Em added she thought she could get Kat - friend- to go with her as she was also single again and depressed. Kat finally called Em and said she had good and bad news, she was with a guy already talking marriage and a future, the bad news was it was Jared. They met up at a new year’s Eve party they had both been invited too. And everything clicked between them. Jared claimed he felt the same way about kat as she did about him. Kay said she’d pay the cancelation fees for the Cottage in Florida but em told her to never mind as she was still going. After Kat again repeated she was sorry she hung up. The man who had broke her heart was talking about a future with her friend Kat. Than Elena called and said she had the perfect person to share the cottage with Em. He had been the best man at her wedding- Devin. Devin and his girlfriend had broke up a year ago and he had no intention of letting any woman destroy what he had worked so hard for. He had just come from six months in Costa Rica and is exhausted. Elena and brought up the cottage. But he wasn’t so excited when he found out he’d be sharing the cottage with Em. The elena added the cottage was big enough for the two of them won't be in each other's way. Devin is married to his work. He is a doctor like Em’s brother in law Andrew. He’d been working to establish clinics for children in third world countries and improve overall health care for the children and their families. Em became friend with Devin but she was also attracted to devin and had to be careful she didn’t imagine them together. Devin and Em became best friends and talked on the phone often. He was also looking into a child Em could adopt.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a slow burning romance. I loved devin and em together and how they interacted. I loved Em’s future little girl and evin had already adopted her. I really enjoyed how the relationship built over time but i thought the proposal a little rushed love had never been brought up or a future together. Devin was pretty sure of Em already setting up going into practice in her hometown. But it was all good just a little rushed to me. This was a touch predictable also but that was OK. I loved how close Em was to her family, especially her grandmother. . Also how Em took her responsibilities to her family seriously. I really liked Em followed through and started her own business but made sure her grandmother's flower shop was also being taken care of. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a slow burning romance. I loved devin and em together and how they interacted. I loved Em’s future little girl and evin had already adopted her. I really enjoyed how the relationship built over time but i thought the proposal a little rushed love had never been brought up or a future together. Devin was pretty sure of Em already setting up going into practice in her hometown. But it was all good just a little rushed to me. This was a touch predictable also but that was OK. I loved how close Em was to her family, especially her grandmother. . Also how Em took her responsibilities to her family seriously. I really liked Em followed through and started her own business but made sure her grandmother's flower shop was also being taken care of. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.
June 11, 2019
I love how so many of Judith's books are set at the seaside, as it always gives me a holiday feel about them. Its time to return to the Seashell Cottage for another wonderful and emotional story of love and happiness. This is a very sweet and moving story of broken dreams, friendship, family, dreams, inspiration, determination and most of all love. I enjoyed the book but did feel that the story was a little bit slow in the middle and some paragraphs were filled up with un-necessary topics to lengthen the time frame during the book. But in saying all that I did like the fact that the relationship between the two main characters was a natural one that formed over a longer time frame than most books gives us. There were so many other great and wonderful characters in this book from Em Grandmother to the gardener at Seashell Cottage that all had in some way helped in their own way to give the need help and advice to Em.
When all your dreams are shattered how will you rebuild your life and make a new to replace the old? This is not always an easy thing to do but our heroine tries her best to avoid the worst day of the year for her by taking a short holiday to the seaside. Emerson “Em” Jordan drive to Florida to spend a stress-free ten days in a seaside cottage, a cottage that she was going to share with a friend of her sisters. Em had already meet Devin Gerard at her sister's wedding last year but did not take too much notice of him than.
Devin was needing some time away from his very busy life as a paediatrician who travels often to Costa Rica to help the less fortunate. He was just wanting some quiet time to relax and refuel before he returned to work.
After their holiday the two become friends and often communicated about there lives, dream, plans and family. They soon formed a connection and enjoyed the friendship they had both grown together.
With Em’s new business thriving in town and Devin commitment to hep in Costa Rica, the two knew there was no way to make this friendship anything more than just what it had been for the last few months. But did he share the same feeling that she had been growing for him for some time now?
What will happen when Devin returns for the christening of Em’s new niece?
When all your dreams are shattered how will you rebuild your life and make a new to replace the old? This is not always an easy thing to do but our heroine tries her best to avoid the worst day of the year for her by taking a short holiday to the seaside. Emerson “Em” Jordan drive to Florida to spend a stress-free ten days in a seaside cottage, a cottage that she was going to share with a friend of her sisters. Em had already meet Devin Gerard at her sister's wedding last year but did not take too much notice of him than.
Devin was needing some time away from his very busy life as a paediatrician who travels often to Costa Rica to help the less fortunate. He was just wanting some quiet time to relax and refuel before he returned to work.
After their holiday the two become friends and often communicated about there lives, dream, plans and family. They soon formed a connection and enjoyed the friendship they had both grown together.
With Em’s new business thriving in town and Devin commitment to hep in Costa Rica, the two knew there was no way to make this friendship anything more than just what it had been for the last few months. But did he share the same feeling that she had been growing for him for some time now?
What will happen when Devin returns for the christening of Em’s new niece?
June 11, 2019
I was given an Advance Readers copy in exchange for my honest review……..
Change of Heart (Sea Shell Cottage #2) This book was an easy read and I love the way Judith describes her characters and makes you feel so close to them like a sister, friend or even a Gran! It was so sad when Em Jordan’s fiancé broke up with her at her sister’s wedding. She was so blindsided by this but it was so great to see how she picked herself up moved on and started a whole new life for herself.
I liked the wonderful rapport she had with her Gran. They were both so good for each other encouraging motivation, follow your dream and especially change. I loved the support she had from her Mom, Dad, Sister and Gran throughout all the changes with her running the flower shop, creating her landscape business and buying her first home.
She met Devin when she was sure she didn’t want to start another relationship. She just wanted to stay focused on her new career and her new condo. Sea shell cottage was a perfect place for both Em and Devin to reflect on their lives and what they were looking for in their future.
Em was encouraged by her sister, mother and gran that there is so much more to a relationship and it was evident as you went through the chapters of the book looking back at her relationship with her first fiancé and then watching the bond and connection she was making with Devin. It was so cool watching Devin and Em grow closer in a long distance romance. They learned so much about each other which is why it was so beautiful when Devin asked her to marry him. Devin work hard to give Em all that she was looking for a child, a career in her home town and a loving husband. He adopted a child and made sure he could set up his practice in her hometown so she could continue to grow her career and keep her close relationship with her family. Em realized how very important family was to her.
It was so perfect that the wedding would take place at the cottage where they first fell in love. They were both so ready to start a life together and loved they both had a child to share this love with. I am sure there will be many more children in this family!
Change of Heart (Sea Shell Cottage #2) This book was an easy read and I love the way Judith describes her characters and makes you feel so close to them like a sister, friend or even a Gran! It was so sad when Em Jordan’s fiancé broke up with her at her sister’s wedding. She was so blindsided by this but it was so great to see how she picked herself up moved on and started a whole new life for herself.
I liked the wonderful rapport she had with her Gran. They were both so good for each other encouraging motivation, follow your dream and especially change. I loved the support she had from her Mom, Dad, Sister and Gran throughout all the changes with her running the flower shop, creating her landscape business and buying her first home.
She met Devin when she was sure she didn’t want to start another relationship. She just wanted to stay focused on her new career and her new condo. Sea shell cottage was a perfect place for both Em and Devin to reflect on their lives and what they were looking for in their future.
Em was encouraged by her sister, mother and gran that there is so much more to a relationship and it was evident as you went through the chapters of the book looking back at her relationship with her first fiancé and then watching the bond and connection she was making with Devin. It was so cool watching Devin and Em grow closer in a long distance romance. They learned so much about each other which is why it was so beautiful when Devin asked her to marry him. Devin work hard to give Em all that she was looking for a child, a career in her home town and a loving husband. He adopted a child and made sure he could set up his practice in her hometown so she could continue to grow her career and keep her close relationship with her family. Em realized how very important family was to her.
It was so perfect that the wedding would take place at the cottage where they first fell in love. They were both so ready to start a life together and loved they both had a child to share this love with. I am sure there will be many more children in this family!
May 11, 2019
I received an ARC to write a review. This book just made my heart soar. There was so much to this story. Em who had always dreamed of getting engaged on Valentine's Day and getting married the next Valentine's Day thought it was going to happen. Instead of proposing. her boyfriend broke up with her. So to get through the next Valentine's Day her sister suggests she go on vacation and suggests she go to Seashell Cottage where she had gotten married. Em was going to go with her friend but backed out so her sister said, she and her husband's friend Devin had been working a lot and she suggested he take a vacation and he would go to Seashell Cottage with her, strictly as friends, nothing more.
Once there, a friendship blossomed.
They share with us their journey but the book is about so much more. There is Em's Gran who owns the flower shop and she has so much spunk. I hope I am like her when I get to be that age. It is about Devin being a doctor who goes to Puerto Rico to work down there to help the ones who need it. It is about adoption and living in a small town where some have to learn that people are different and learn acceptance. This book has the love of a family that is there for each.
There is so much feeling coming through the writing of this book. The book was so wonderful but she put it over the top when she brought Salty Key Inn and Gavin's Restaurant into the book. I have so many memories from the Salty Key Inn series. I took a lot away with me after reading the series and still think about the story and characters. I am taking a lot away with the Seashell Cottage. So many times books are for a certain age but Judith Keim writes books so people of any age will love them. I could see a little of me in Em when I was younger and I so do want to be like her Gran. I love this book and hope everyone who reads this review will buy the book and read it. I don't see how anyone could go away disappointed.
Once there, a friendship blossomed.
They share with us their journey but the book is about so much more. There is Em's Gran who owns the flower shop and she has so much spunk. I hope I am like her when I get to be that age. It is about Devin being a doctor who goes to Puerto Rico to work down there to help the ones who need it. It is about adoption and living in a small town where some have to learn that people are different and learn acceptance. This book has the love of a family that is there for each.
There is so much feeling coming through the writing of this book. The book was so wonderful but she put it over the top when she brought Salty Key Inn and Gavin's Restaurant into the book. I have so many memories from the Salty Key Inn series. I took a lot away with me after reading the series and still think about the story and characters. I am taking a lot away with the Seashell Cottage. So many times books are for a certain age but Judith Keim writes books so people of any age will love them. I could see a little of me in Em when I was younger and I so do want to be like her Gran. I love this book and hope everyone who reads this review will buy the book and read it. I don't see how anyone could go away disappointed.
June 9, 2019
Change of Heart (Seashell Cottage #2) – This is a well written romance full of the importance of family and doing the right thing. The characters were interesting and I really liked the grandmother and Devon the love interest. I did like the way the couple’s relationship grew from strangers to good friends to lovers. None of that stupid “by the third date”, then I didn’t know he was that kind of person. I contacted the author to review her books and received this book through Booksprout. 4*
Going Home (Chandler Hill #1) - I have another new author that I enjoy reading. This is my first read and I love it! The story lines involved in the telling of this young woman's life weaves a fabric of love, despair, happiness, fear and always the importance of family.
What she overcomes the first nineteen years of her life is heartbreaking and heartwarming, and what she accomplishes throughout her life is inspiring. The emotions run the gamut through the good and the bad and the perfect. Expect tears, laughter, doubts, aspirations, romance and love. Know there's deception and disappointment, too.
I knew when Lettie made a decision at the end of the book, that there would be a deception and a major problem to quickly rise it's ugliness. Other than a couple of deceivers, perfect in their roles, there wasn't a character I disliked or didn't care about. Every character brought a richness and depth to this well thought out, tightly woven tapestry of a life that ran through the peaks and valley and became a wonderful, loving person.
I enjoyed the author's easy to read writing style, the variances in her characters and their realistic dialogs along with the vivid descriptions that painted pictures in my imagination of all the good, the bad and the beautiful surroundings and loving people. If you love Binchy, Pilscher, Grainger and their company, you'll love this book as much as I do. I found this book on Booksprout. 5*
Going Home (Chandler Hill #1) - I have another new author that I enjoy reading. This is my first read and I love it! The story lines involved in the telling of this young woman's life weaves a fabric of love, despair, happiness, fear and always the importance of family.
What she overcomes the first nineteen years of her life is heartbreaking and heartwarming, and what she accomplishes throughout her life is inspiring. The emotions run the gamut through the good and the bad and the perfect. Expect tears, laughter, doubts, aspirations, romance and love. Know there's deception and disappointment, too.
I knew when Lettie made a decision at the end of the book, that there would be a deception and a major problem to quickly rise it's ugliness. Other than a couple of deceivers, perfect in their roles, there wasn't a character I disliked or didn't care about. Every character brought a richness and depth to this well thought out, tightly woven tapestry of a life that ran through the peaks and valley and became a wonderful, loving person.
I enjoyed the author's easy to read writing style, the variances in her characters and their realistic dialogs along with the vivid descriptions that painted pictures in my imagination of all the good, the bad and the beautiful surroundings and loving people. If you love Binchy, Pilscher, Grainger and their company, you'll love this book as much as I do. I found this book on Booksprout. 5*
January 22, 2023
Change of Heart is a Seashell Cottage book by Judith Keim. Emerson “Em” Jordan always dreamed of a Valentine’s Day wedding. She believed her boyfriend would be proposing soon and she couldn’t wait. But she is blindsided when he suddenly breaks up with her, leaving her wallowing in what could have been. At the suggestion of her sister, Em spends ten days at the Seashell Cottage with Davin Gerard, a family friend who has no interest in her or any other woman as he’d rather concentrate on building his pediatric medical practice. Em doesn’t mind as she is there to regroup and not get romantically involved. She is focusing on achieving other dreams and a friendship is all she accepts. But as their friendship grows, she realizes that Devin may be the one for her. With their lives seemingly going in different directions, would it be possible? Will a new dream take the place of another?
Change of Heart is a very sweet romance with a theme that great loves always start as friends. It was a fast paced and engaging read as I finished it in one day. I was not able to put it down. I enjoyed Em and Devin and their cast of supporting characters. I loved that they weren’t looking for a romance despite their obvious attraction to each other. My favorite quote from the story is “It wasn’t the wedding that counted; it was the man you chose to marry.” So very true! One of the things I enjoy with Judith Keim’s Seashell Cottage series is that the books do not need to be read in order. The only thing really connecting the stories is a cottage on the Gulf of Florida. I like the idea that a rental, a temporary home, has so many lasting stories to tell of the people who have passed through its doors. I highly recommend Change of Heart.
Change of Heart is available in eBook and audiobook
Change of Heart is a very sweet romance with a theme that great loves always start as friends. It was a fast paced and engaging read as I finished it in one day. I was not able to put it down. I enjoyed Em and Devin and their cast of supporting characters. I loved that they weren’t looking for a romance despite their obvious attraction to each other. My favorite quote from the story is “It wasn’t the wedding that counted; it was the man you chose to marry.” So very true! One of the things I enjoy with Judith Keim’s Seashell Cottage series is that the books do not need to be read in order. The only thing really connecting the stories is a cottage on the Gulf of Florida. I like the idea that a rental, a temporary home, has so many lasting stories to tell of the people who have passed through its doors. I highly recommend Change of Heart.
Change of Heart is available in eBook and audiobook
May 19, 2019
This was an easy enough read. The heroine Em went to the beach cottage to reevaluate her life and find herself. There she meets her sister's friend and best man at the wedding. She didn't notice him at the time cause she was dating someone else. After getting out of a relationship she didn't want anything to do with guys and not be too idealistic. Sure enough he turns out to be good looking and a nice guy just wrong timing for them.
Devin her housemate is a doctor who works in Miami and goes on medical missions to Costa Rica. He also got burned and is now focused on his work. At the time they met he and Em became friends, not much more to Em's disappointment. Back in her home Em all about being independent and her new business. She also wants to adopt or be a mom badly. Time passed and many things happened but nothing much with Devin though they talk. I found their romance to be sudden, like suddenly the guy proposes out of the blue after like a few tame kisses in between time. The whole I love you came from left field, felt so sudden even if Em had hopes.
Sure they fit and had somewhat solid foundation but I didn't quite get that. Em just jumped for it right away, then everything happened so fast after.
Em was successful and she did well for herself being well liked. I just felt the transition and flow choppy. A pretty clean book not much beyond kissing it's all insinuated which is fine. It was a pleasant enough read, mellow and wrapped up nicely.
*** ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review ***
Devin her housemate is a doctor who works in Miami and goes on medical missions to Costa Rica. He also got burned and is now focused on his work. At the time they met he and Em became friends, not much more to Em's disappointment. Back in her home Em all about being independent and her new business. She also wants to adopt or be a mom badly. Time passed and many things happened but nothing much with Devin though they talk. I found their romance to be sudden, like suddenly the guy proposes out of the blue after like a few tame kisses in between time. The whole I love you came from left field, felt so sudden even if Em had hopes.
Sure they fit and had somewhat solid foundation but I didn't quite get that. Em just jumped for it right away, then everything happened so fast after.
Em was successful and she did well for herself being well liked. I just felt the transition and flow choppy. A pretty clean book not much beyond kissing it's all insinuated which is fine. It was a pleasant enough read, mellow and wrapped up nicely.
*** ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review ***
June 11, 2019
Em is just coming down from double heartbreak after her boyfriend of sometime left her for her best girlfriend. She goes to a lovely little cottage by the sea to lick her wounds. Originally, she and that girlfriend had been planning to go together; her new cottage mate is actually the best man from her sister's wedding. Devin is a pediatrician who devotes much time to his patients both stateside and in Costa Rica. As they stay together in the cottage, they become friends. When they both return to their normal lives, they maintain the connection and eventually become more.
This is super slow burn friends-to-lovers romance that has a big focus on Family and what that means and how it shapes our actions and lives for both the families we are from and the families that we create (which are not always formed by bonds of blood). I loved the intergenerational aspect of this story; I loved both Gran and Ava (what a little sweetie!). Both Em and Devin are good and decent people who deserve each other and the life they want to create. I was surprised at the amount of landscaping discussion in this book! The book did feel a little too slow at times. The story arc covers a significant amount of time compared to how long the book is. The author sometimes glossed over and summarized events in some places while perhaps showing too much detail in others. But if you just accept that and go along for the ride, this is an enjoyable book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
This is super slow burn friends-to-lovers romance that has a big focus on Family and what that means and how it shapes our actions and lives for both the families we are from and the families that we create (which are not always formed by bonds of blood). I loved the intergenerational aspect of this story; I loved both Gran and Ava (what a little sweetie!). Both Em and Devin are good and decent people who deserve each other and the life they want to create. I was surprised at the amount of landscaping discussion in this book! The book did feel a little too slow at times. The story arc covers a significant amount of time compared to how long the book is. The author sometimes glossed over and summarized events in some places while perhaps showing too much detail in others. But if you just accept that and go along for the ride, this is an enjoyable book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
July 25, 2019
Change of Heart by Judith Keim is a Seashell Cottage series which is located in Florida. Emerson Jordan lives in upstate New York and is about 32 years old. During the anticipation for July 4th festivities, she thinks her boyfriend Jared is ready to propose marriage and she is already planning a Valentine Day wedding in her dreams. Image her shock when he suddenly breaks up their relationship. He says he loves her but is not IN LOVE with her. Em is heartbroken. Her sister suggests that Em take a vacation to Florida and work through her heartbreak. All is arranged and a few days before Em's trip her friend Kat calls to say she can not join her and pay her half of the costs of the cottage. Kat admits she has been dating Jared! WOW, this is a blow to Em's heart and she feels that she must get away more than ever. Elena, Em's sister finds a solution to the problem. She has a friend who needs some time off work and he is willing to share the expenses of the cottage in exchange for a room with some peace and quiet. So this begins the story of a wonderful and comfortable friendship Em develops with an overworked doctor, Devin Gerard.
Change of Heart is about life with all the hopes and dreams along with big disappointments. The story is about the support of family and starting new beginnings. The story is filled with hope and love as friendships become more than EM could have ever dreamed!. A delightful summer read!
Change of Heart is about life with all the hopes and dreams along with big disappointments. The story is about the support of family and starting new beginnings. The story is filled with hope and love as friendships become more than EM could have ever dreamed!. A delightful summer read!
June 15, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
CHANGE OF HEART is a Romance that will leave you with all the “feels” required, a smile on your face, and a satisfying reading experience. Em and Devin are the perfect friends-to-lovers couple who start out their relationship a bit wary of each other, learning to like and respect the chosen path of the other, and through conversations build on their friendship that slowly turns to so much more – with complications.
I liked them both and understood their reasons for not only being cautious around each other but why they eventually moved from simply friends to a couple that could have a future if they were willing to put in the effort to make that happen. It’s realistic with heartache, betrayal, recovery and a sense of waiting for the right one after the wrong people messed with their lives and hearts.
The cover description really gives you the basics of what you need to pick up CHANGE OF HEART, and I would recommend this one for any reader who loves a good, believable, slow-burn romance with lots of family and friendships to share. I had fun with this one and I believe you would, too.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
CHANGE OF HEART is a Romance that will leave you with all the “feels” required, a smile on your face, and a satisfying reading experience. Em and Devin are the perfect friends-to-lovers couple who start out their relationship a bit wary of each other, learning to like and respect the chosen path of the other, and through conversations build on their friendship that slowly turns to so much more – with complications.
I liked them both and understood their reasons for not only being cautious around each other but why they eventually moved from simply friends to a couple that could have a future if they were willing to put in the effort to make that happen. It’s realistic with heartache, betrayal, recovery and a sense of waiting for the right one after the wrong people messed with their lives and hearts.
The cover description really gives you the basics of what you need to pick up CHANGE OF HEART, and I would recommend this one for any reader who loves a good, believable, slow-burn romance with lots of family and friendships to share. I had fun with this one and I believe you would, too.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
June 15, 2019
I really got into this story. It was all about family. Yet, I just wished that Emmerson just would have stood back and not allowed her family to take advantage of her. Devin did the same too in a way.
Which is in a way asking her something and then asking her to decide quickly. I just felt with their friendship being so long and drawn out it just seemed so out of character.
But when they were around each other they were so connected without even touching. The looks they gave each other could start a forest fire. Their long talks sometimes daily were enough to keep them connected living so far away. It was the glue bonding them.
See how this friendship finds its way into much more. Although I enjoyed the book, I just had a problem with how Em was not willing to ask for help. Not willing to at least from her family. Also, Devin liking things his way always.
But I guess it was asking her sister for help that got her the roommate to stay with her at the beach house in the first place. In the long run, having that horrible break up on the 4th of July ended up being the best thing that ever happened to her. Valentine’s Day their own private way.
I give this: 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
Which is in a way asking her something and then asking her to decide quickly. I just felt with their friendship being so long and drawn out it just seemed so out of character.
But when they were around each other they were so connected without even touching. The looks they gave each other could start a forest fire. Their long talks sometimes daily were enough to keep them connected living so far away. It was the glue bonding them.
See how this friendship finds its way into much more. Although I enjoyed the book, I just had a problem with how Em was not willing to ask for help. Not willing to at least from her family. Also, Devin liking things his way always.
But I guess it was asking her sister for help that got her the roommate to stay with her at the beach house in the first place. In the long run, having that horrible break up on the 4th of July ended up being the best thing that ever happened to her. Valentine’s Day their own private way.
I give this: 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
March 13, 2022
Judith Keim is a new author for me and one I will be reading more or. She tells a great story and has well developed characters you come to love. Em has returned to her hometown after a bad breakup and to help her Grandmother run her flower shop. Em just knows that she doesnt want to spend Valntine's Day there. So her sister talks her into going to Seashell Cottage for a vacation. When em's friend backs out, Em's sister comes to the rescue, her and her husband has a friend who needs some peace and quiet with no strings. So Em and Devin, a pediatric doctor who also goes to help in Costa Rico share the cottage. They develope a friendship that deepens as time goes by. Em and Devin can talk about anything. When Em gets back home she embarks on starting a new business and looking into adopting a child. Her life is full and sharing with Devin helps her grow and find happiness. Then Devin shows up with not only a little girl for her but a marriage proposal. Then the questions begin. How are they going to meld their lives, since she lives in New York state and he lives in Florida? How are they going to live? Can they find the answers
May 18, 2025
Em works with her gram at a flower shop and her boyfriend just broke up with her, she can’t so through Valentine’s Day there so she books an Air B&B . But her friend pulls out at the last minute cause she is now in love with the guy that just broke up with Em. EMs sister has friend that needs to get away and they agree to share the house. Devin is a doc that goes to Porto Rico to help Doctor people. He needed R&R they meet and hit it off they talk and spend time together but also apart. Comfortable when they are together. He takes her out for dinner before he leaves. He’s want to pursue traveling and Em want to start a landscaping design business. They have goals to meet.
Devin has worked with this mom that has cancer, defore she dies she want Devin to take her daughter. That is what Em wanted to do start a family she had a new attitude I don’t need a man to complete me. They remained friends and talked on the every day. He comes to see her and asked her to marry him she said yes. Then he introduced Ava. The daughter he adopted. Wow Em is getting married and a family all at once. They go back to the cottage they meet at and got married.
Devin has worked with this mom that has cancer, defore she dies she want Devin to take her daughter. That is what Em wanted to do start a family she had a new attitude I don’t need a man to complete me. They remained friends and talked on the every day. He comes to see her and asked her to marry him she said yes. Then he introduced Ava. The daughter he adopted. Wow Em is getting married and a family all at once. They go back to the cottage they meet at and got married.
June 12, 2019
I melted. I cannot believe the amount of emotion this story had me feeling. I was literally sitting alone at an airport restaurant and cried!! I cried!! Judith Keim really knows how to tell a story that hits your heart and pulls at its strings. I was really surprised by this story. I did not expect the ending, which was amazing! There is nothing better than that!
I was so in love with Emerson “Em” Jordan and the rest of her family; especially her grandmother, Julia. Their relationship was just so beautiful. This is a multigenerational story that has a lot going on in each person’s life and that makes it very exciting to read. I never wanted to put it down.
Her sister, Elena is a trip!! Sending Em to Seashell Cottage…with a man; none the less…There was no plan there! None! Or was there?
I highly recommend this story and I cannot wait to read the next Seashell Cottage Story/Judith Keim Novel. I am officially a fan!!
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I was so in love with Emerson “Em” Jordan and the rest of her family; especially her grandmother, Julia. Their relationship was just so beautiful. This is a multigenerational story that has a lot going on in each person’s life and that makes it very exciting to read. I never wanted to put it down.
Her sister, Elena is a trip!! Sending Em to Seashell Cottage…with a man; none the less…There was no plan there! None! Or was there?
I highly recommend this story and I cannot wait to read the next Seashell Cottage Story/Judith Keim Novel. I am officially a fan!!
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 30, 2019
Emerson, Em, has always wanted a Valentine wedding but her hopes were dashed when she was dumped. Her dreams of being in New York and doing landscaping design are still intact though. She decides to spend some time in Florida with a family friend. Devin is concentrating on his paediatric practice and sees Em as just a family friend. That is until the fates have something else in mind.
What a truly wonderful contemporary romance filled with love of family and fulfilling your dreams. The characters are amazing, well defined, personable and interesting. You become invested in their lives and hope they get what they want. This is an emotional rollercoaster as the characters deal with their losses, fears, desires and life’s challenges. The storyline is easy to read and full of delightful surprises as the characters grow and learn what makes them and those around them happy. This is a well written contemporary love story worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a truly wonderful contemporary romance filled with love of family and fulfilling your dreams. The characters are amazing, well defined, personable and interesting. You become invested in their lives and hope they get what they want. This is an emotional rollercoaster as the characters deal with their losses, fears, desires and life’s challenges. The storyline is easy to read and full of delightful surprises as the characters grow and learn what makes them and those around them happy. This is a well written contemporary love story worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2019
Judith Keim writes her characters with such a connection to the reader that you immediately feel like the characters are your family, your sister , your grandmother and your friends.
Em Jordan is feeling low when her boyfriend (whom she thought would propose) broke up with her.
To help her though Valentine’s Day she books a rental at Seashell Cottage.
To help with expenses and through a strange turn of events , she finds herself sharing the cottage with Doctor Devin a very handsome friend of her brother in law
Em starts to live her life on her own terms and make her dreams come true , starting a new business, moving into a new condo, thinking about adopting , all while remaining telephone buddies with Devin and having a friendship, instead of a relationship, that’s getting stronger every phone call and every surprise visit.
This was such a fun read and there is real magic in the seashell Cottage !
Em Jordan is feeling low when her boyfriend (whom she thought would propose) broke up with her.
To help her though Valentine’s Day she books a rental at Seashell Cottage.
To help with expenses and through a strange turn of events , she finds herself sharing the cottage with Doctor Devin a very handsome friend of her brother in law
Em starts to live her life on her own terms and make her dreams come true , starting a new business, moving into a new condo, thinking about adopting , all while remaining telephone buddies with Devin and having a friendship, instead of a relationship, that’s getting stronger every phone call and every surprise visit.
This was such a fun read and there is real magic in the seashell Cottage !
May 8, 2019
I was given an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I have to say Judith has nailed it again! This book is a truly amazing tale about and optimistic girl Emerson Jordan, who's heart has been broken. Journey with her to a retreat at the Seashell Cottage where she redefines herself and her life goals. The sun and sand do amazing things to a persons psyche and Judith has hit everyone of them on the head. Having been to this very spot on Clearwater Beach I can visualize everything she writes and with such accuracy about the area. If you read this book I have no doubt in my mind that you will become part of the story and all the magic it weaves around the reader. I promise you once you start you won't want to stop reading until you have turned every page. I will be eagerly waiting for the next book in this series, ad I hope you are too. Thank you Judith for another truly intriguing book.
I have to say Judith has nailed it again! This book is a truly amazing tale about and optimistic girl Emerson Jordan, who's heart has been broken. Journey with her to a retreat at the Seashell Cottage where she redefines herself and her life goals. The sun and sand do amazing things to a persons psyche and Judith has hit everyone of them on the head. Having been to this very spot on Clearwater Beach I can visualize everything she writes and with such accuracy about the area. If you read this book I have no doubt in my mind that you will become part of the story and all the magic it weaves around the reader. I promise you once you start you won't want to stop reading until you have turned every page. I will be eagerly waiting for the next book in this series, ad I hope you are too. Thank you Judith for another truly intriguing book.
June 10, 2019
Change of Heart by Judith Keim is the second book in the Seashell Cottage series. Not knowing this did not impact my enjoyment of the story, as Judith Keim weaves the background into the story. This is a beautifully written story of triumph over heartbreak. The characters are amazing and warm.
This is the story of Emerson Jordan who decides, in the face of heartbreak, to pursue her dreams and be more realistic about relationships. Emerson Jordan, to her credit, sees the good in everyone but sometimes to her detriment. She is a strong, intelligent and independent woman, yet she is not the only one in this story.
I do not want to ruin this beautiful story of personal growth by trying to give a synopsis but I will simply tell you to this book is worth the read.
Thank you to #JudithKeim and #wildquailpublishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
This is the story of Emerson Jordan who decides, in the face of heartbreak, to pursue her dreams and be more realistic about relationships. Emerson Jordan, to her credit, sees the good in everyone but sometimes to her detriment. She is a strong, intelligent and independent woman, yet she is not the only one in this story.
I do not want to ruin this beautiful story of personal growth by trying to give a synopsis but I will simply tell you to this book is worth the read.
Thank you to #JudithKeim and #wildquailpublishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
June 9, 2020
No room for romance …
There is no room for romance in Emerson “Em” Jordan’s life. She tried it, she got dumped, it wasn’t worth it anymore. Em would rather devote her life and energy to Rainbow’s End, her grandmother’s flower shop, and maybe start her own landscape design business. But for right now, instead of a Valentines’ Day wedding, she will heal her broken heart in the warm waters of Florida at Seashell Cottage. Fortunately, Devin Gerard a friend of her brother-in-law is taking the place of Em’s backstabbing friend that was supposed to share the cottage rental and they will each have a stress-free vacation without worrying about emotional entaglements.
Devin and Em were both good-hearted people that you wanted to get together. I liked that there were no overt sex scenes or foul language but there was no doubt about the romance. Judith Keim has a talent for writing feel-good romances that always leaving me happy and ready to read the next one.
There is no room for romance in Emerson “Em” Jordan’s life. She tried it, she got dumped, it wasn’t worth it anymore. Em would rather devote her life and energy to Rainbow’s End, her grandmother’s flower shop, and maybe start her own landscape design business. But for right now, instead of a Valentines’ Day wedding, she will heal her broken heart in the warm waters of Florida at Seashell Cottage. Fortunately, Devin Gerard a friend of her brother-in-law is taking the place of Em’s backstabbing friend that was supposed to share the cottage rental and they will each have a stress-free vacation without worrying about emotional entaglements.
Devin and Em were both good-hearted people that you wanted to get together. I liked that there were no overt sex scenes or foul language but there was no doubt about the romance. Judith Keim has a talent for writing feel-good romances that always leaving me happy and ready to read the next one.
May 16, 2019
Em has always dreamed of a Valentines Day wedding. Hoping that her long time boyfriend is finally going to propose, she is devastated when he tells her that he loves her but is not “in” love with her.
Deciding she needs to get away for a while to get over her heartbreak, Em travels to Seashell Cottage. Helping her split the cost of the cottage is Devin, a family friend that needs to recharge from his hectic life as a pediatric doctor in the US and Costa Rica.
Agreeing to share the cottage as just friends, both Em and Devin enjoy the respite and do a lot of thinking regarding their respective futures. Could their futures hold more than friendship for each other?
Judith Keim writes of friendship and love. Her books make me smile and eager to read.
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Deciding she needs to get away for a while to get over her heartbreak, Em travels to Seashell Cottage. Helping her split the cost of the cottage is Devin, a family friend that needs to recharge from his hectic life as a pediatric doctor in the US and Costa Rica.
Agreeing to share the cottage as just friends, both Em and Devin enjoy the respite and do a lot of thinking regarding their respective futures. Could their futures hold more than friendship for each other?
Judith Keim writes of friendship and love. Her books make me smile and eager to read.
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
May 19, 2019
This is the third book I’ve read by Judith Keim and I look forward to reading many more of her books. Change of Heart is an emotional read about Emerson “Em”Jordan and Devin Gerard. This book will draw you in right away and will have you wanting more at the end. Em and Devin start out as friends and Em has decided that’s all they’ll be. Devin works in Florida and offers his medical services in Costa Rica. Em knows she can’t leave her family in Ellenton, New York. I won’t leave any spoilers, but I have to say what Devin did for Ava is amazing. Also, I didn’t like Kat and she is not a true friend. I bet you’ll agree after reading this amazing book. Grab your copy and I bet you’ll be wanting to read more books from this author.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.
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