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Heart Chimes
Author of Finding Home, Denise Janette Bruneau brings us another story about hope, love, and unyielding faith in God.Dr. Marla Devereaux tries to balance her career as an ER doctor with her duties as a wife until she discovers that her husband has been having an affair while hiding his infidelity as frequent “business trips.” Devastated with the loss of her marriage, Marla’s life suddenly changes when she receives a letter in the mail, informing her of an inheritance from her grandmother in Guntersville, Alabama. Moving into her grandparents’ lake house from her home in Cincinnati, Marla finds a man already there, an ER nurse named Micah Brady. Getting to know her grandmothers’ handsome tenant, Marla soon learns that Micah is suffering from a loss of his own. Holding onto the objects that give them hope, for Micah his heart-tattoo and for Marla her grandparents’ grandfather clock, the two of them rediscover true, Godly love.
190 pages, Paperback
Published September 14, 2020
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 1, 2020
This book is a quick read, I was able to finish it in one sitting, and was quickly pulled into the story.
The story will pull on your heart stings, and there are prayers here, but will they be answered?
The author gives us a bit of different ways a couples looses each other, but the pain is still there. We are also given two hurting individuals, each with their own baggage, and hurts.
Come along and read this page-turner for answers and surprises as they unfold.
I received this book through Net Galley and Zimbell House Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
The story will pull on your heart stings, and there are prayers here, but will they be answered?
The author gives us a bit of different ways a couples looses each other, but the pain is still there. We are also given two hurting individuals, each with their own baggage, and hurts.
Come along and read this page-turner for answers and surprises as they unfold.
I received this book through Net Galley and Zimbell House Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
June 6, 2020
Heart Chimes was a heartfelt story of Marla Devereaux, an ER doctor and Micah Brady, an RN and part-time fireman, who were unwittingly connected through a situation that they only became aware of three years later. They have both had their hearts broken in different ways, so that when they meet they are surprised at their attraction to each other. Marla has just received divorce papers from her husband and Micah lost his wife Allie to cardiac arrest three years earlier. They fall in love very fast and I am not really a fan of “falling in love” fast because sometimes it doesn’t seem to play out realistically. However, Denise Janette Bruneau was able to redeem it and I was able to see how Micah might be scared off, and how Marla’s appendicitis could help Micah to see that he was being given a second chance and that he needed to grab onto Marla and not let her go.
My gratitude to Zimbell House Publishing and Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.
My gratitude to Zimbell House Publishing and Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 10, 2020
Heart Chimes by Denise Janette Bruneau is an interesting Christian fiction romance book.
I love how emotional the book is. My heart totally went to Marla. I could understand the reasons her husband ,Charlie made for the dissolution of their marriage. Regardless, I do not support his adulterous affair or insensitivity.
I was impressed with the author’s knowledge of Medicine. I was enjoying the hospital terms and terminologies. I enjoyed the fact that Marla is a doctor.
Micah Brady,a nurse at the ER was described interestingly in the book. I was surprised to know he was a widower and I could empathise with his refusal to go out with the young cheery nurse at the ER.
Sometimes grief is so hard, you will need healing to overcome it.
I was upset at Charlie’s cruelty to Marla but I assured myself that the plot is getting more interesting. I admire how Marla could take her problems to God in prayers.
I love how God brought kind people like Delaney,Millie and others to cheer her up and the beautiful memories Marla had with her grandparents.
Guntersville ,a place where Marla ran to after her divorce can be described by me as a place of refuge from the storms of life. The people in this tiny place are so friendly, warm and understanding. I perfectly understood why Marla and Micah felt at peace there.
I love the happy ending. God is so wonderful.
The author writes amazingly believable stories. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book in eBook format from the publisher, Zimbell House Publishing through NetGalley. I was not required to write this review. All opinions expressed in this review are honest and they are mine.
I love how emotional the book is. My heart totally went to Marla. I could understand the reasons her husband ,Charlie made for the dissolution of their marriage. Regardless, I do not support his adulterous affair or insensitivity.
I was impressed with the author’s knowledge of Medicine. I was enjoying the hospital terms and terminologies. I enjoyed the fact that Marla is a doctor.
Micah Brady,a nurse at the ER was described interestingly in the book. I was surprised to know he was a widower and I could empathise with his refusal to go out with the young cheery nurse at the ER.
Sometimes grief is so hard, you will need healing to overcome it.
I was upset at Charlie’s cruelty to Marla but I assured myself that the plot is getting more interesting. I admire how Marla could take her problems to God in prayers.
I love how God brought kind people like Delaney,Millie and others to cheer her up and the beautiful memories Marla had with her grandparents.
Guntersville ,a place where Marla ran to after her divorce can be described by me as a place of refuge from the storms of life. The people in this tiny place are so friendly, warm and understanding. I perfectly understood why Marla and Micah felt at peace there.
I love the happy ending. God is so wonderful.
The author writes amazingly believable stories. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book in eBook format from the publisher, Zimbell House Publishing through NetGalley. I was not required to write this review. All opinions expressed in this review are honest and they are mine.
May 10, 2020
Heart Chimes by Denise Janette Bruneau is an interesting Christian fiction romance book.
I love how emotional the book is. My heart totally went to Marla. I could understand the reasons her husband ,Charlie made for the dissolution of their marriage. Regardless, I do not support his adulterous affair or insensitivity.
I was impressed with the author’s knowledge of Medicine. I was enjoying the hospital terms and terminologies. I enjoyed the fact that Marla is a doctor.
Micah Brady,a nurse at the ER was described interestingly in the book. I was surprised to know he was a widower and I could empathise with his refusal to go out with the young cheery nurse at the ER.
Sometimes grief is so hard, you will need healing to overcome it.
I was upset at Charlie’s cruelty to Marla but I assured myself that the plot is getting more interesting. I admire how Marla could take her problems to God in prayers.
I love how God brought kind people like Delaney,Millie and others to cheer her up and the beautiful memories Marla had with her grandparents.
Guntersville ,a place where Marla ran to after her divorce can be described by me as a place of refuge from the storms of life. The people in this tiny place are so friendly, warm and understanding. I perfectly understood why Marla and Micah felt at peace there.
I love the happy ending. God is so wonderful.
The author writes amazingly believable stories. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book in eBook format from the publisher, Zimbell House Publishing through NetGalley. I was not required to write this review. All opinions expressed in this review are honest and they are mine.
I love how emotional the book is. My heart totally went to Marla. I could understand the reasons her husband ,Charlie made for the dissolution of their marriage. Regardless, I do not support his adulterous affair or insensitivity.
I was impressed with the author’s knowledge of Medicine. I was enjoying the hospital terms and terminologies. I enjoyed the fact that Marla is a doctor.
Micah Brady,a nurse at the ER was described interestingly in the book. I was surprised to know he was a widower and I could empathise with his refusal to go out with the young cheery nurse at the ER.
Sometimes grief is so hard, you will need healing to overcome it.
I was upset at Charlie’s cruelty to Marla but I assured myself that the plot is getting more interesting. I admire how Marla could take her problems to God in prayers.
I love how God brought kind people like Delaney,Millie and others to cheer her up and the beautiful memories Marla had with her grandparents.
Guntersville ,a place where Marla ran to after her divorce can be described by me as a place of refuge from the storms of life. The people in this tiny place are so friendly, warm and understanding. I perfectly understood why Marla and Micah felt at peace there.
I love the happy ending. God is so wonderful.
The author writes amazingly believable stories. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book in eBook format from the publisher, Zimbell House Publishing through NetGalley. I was not required to write this review. All opinions expressed in this review are honest and they are mine.
June 14, 2020
'''''''#HeartChimes #NetGalley
Heart Chimes is a delightful Christian romance. I savored and devoured it in one sitting.
Dr. Marla Devereaux has her life upended when she discovered her husband's secret. She was a likeable and real character.
She meets Micah unexpectedly and there is instant attraction.
He is carrying around a secret hurt from his past. Micah is also a strong and relatable character.
I was instantly drawn into the story and it kept me reading until that warm feel-good ending.
I want to thank the author, publisher, and netgalley for the conplimentary ebook in exchange for my honest review.
back cover
'''''''Heart Chimes
by Denise Janette Bruneau
Author of Finding Home, Denise Janette Bruneau brings us another story about hope, love, and unyielding faith in God.
Dr. Marla Devereaux tries to balance her career as an ER doctor with her duties as a wife until she discovers that her husband has been having an affair while hiding his infidelity as frequent "business trips." Devastated with the loss of her marriage, Marla's life suddenly changes when she receives a letter in the mail, informing her of an inheritance from her grandmother in Guntersville, Alabama.
Moving into her grandparents' lake house from her home in Cincinnati, Marla finds a man already there, an ER nurse named Micah Brady. Getting to know her grandmothers' handsome tenant, Marla soon learns that Micah is suffering from a loss of his own.
Holding onto the objects that give them hope, for Micah his heart-tattoo and for Marla her grandparents' grandfather clock, the two of them rediscover true, Godly love. (less)
Heart Chimes is a delightful Christian romance. I savored and devoured it in one sitting.
Dr. Marla Devereaux has her life upended when she discovered her husband's secret. She was a likeable and real character.
She meets Micah unexpectedly and there is instant attraction.
He is carrying around a secret hurt from his past. Micah is also a strong and relatable character.
I was instantly drawn into the story and it kept me reading until that warm feel-good ending.
I want to thank the author, publisher, and netgalley for the conplimentary ebook in exchange for my honest review.
back cover
'''''''Heart Chimes
by Denise Janette Bruneau
Author of Finding Home, Denise Janette Bruneau brings us another story about hope, love, and unyielding faith in God.
Dr. Marla Devereaux tries to balance her career as an ER doctor with her duties as a wife until she discovers that her husband has been having an affair while hiding his infidelity as frequent "business trips." Devastated with the loss of her marriage, Marla's life suddenly changes when she receives a letter in the mail, informing her of an inheritance from her grandmother in Guntersville, Alabama.
Moving into her grandparents' lake house from her home in Cincinnati, Marla finds a man already there, an ER nurse named Micah Brady. Getting to know her grandmothers' handsome tenant, Marla soon learns that Micah is suffering from a loss of his own.
Holding onto the objects that give them hope, for Micah his heart-tattoo and for Marla her grandparents' grandfather clock, the two of them rediscover true, Godly love. (less)
May 24, 2020
First book I have read by this author, Denise Janette Bruneua, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a very quick read as I finished it in one setting. Dr. Marla Devereaux discovers that her husband has been having an affair and after being confronted about it, he wants a divorce. She is devastated but knows that things have been off in their marriage for awhile. Meanwhile about the same time, her grandmother leaves her lake house to Marla in an inheritance when she passes away. The lake house has lots of memories for Marla because it was a refuge from her relatively unhappy childhood home. With the divorce, Marla decides to take a chance on leaving her home in Cincinnati & moves to the lake house in Guntersville, Alabama. When she arrives, she finds that her grandmother has been letting a local nurse, Micah Brady, live there so she surprises him when she walks in the door. I won't reveal much more of the story but Micah & Marla have an unusuall connection that threatens to dismantle any relationship they might want to have.
Short and interesting story full of hope and redemption! Thank you to the publisher, Zimbell House Publishing, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Short and interesting story full of hope and redemption! Thank you to the publisher, Zimbell House Publishing, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
May 30, 2020
Marla is an ER doctor whose husband has betrayed her and dumped her after only four years of marriage. He will stop at nothing to be able to hurt her, even selling her heirloom grandfather clock.
Micah is an ER nurse and firefighter who is also widowed. He is also her grandmother's tenant at her lake cabin.
A month ago, Marla's grandmother passed away and left her cabin to Marla. When Marla's husband tells her he wants her out of their home by the end of the week, she loads up her jeep and drives straight to the cabin, waking Micah up in the middle of the night.
Micah and Marla hit it off quite well. Both of their hearts need to heal and they find something toward that healing in each other.
Denise Janette Bruneau has written a sweet book that is a bit formulaic*, but still a good read. Four Stars.
Zimbell House Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
*The Romance Formula is discussed in this review.
Micah is an ER nurse and firefighter who is also widowed. He is also her grandmother's tenant at her lake cabin.
A month ago, Marla's grandmother passed away and left her cabin to Marla. When Marla's husband tells her he wants her out of their home by the end of the week, she loads up her jeep and drives straight to the cabin, waking Micah up in the middle of the night.
Micah and Marla hit it off quite well. Both of their hearts need to heal and they find something toward that healing in each other.
Denise Janette Bruneau has written a sweet book that is a bit formulaic*, but still a good read. Four Stars.
Zimbell House Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
*The Romance Formula is discussed in this review.
March 7, 2021
I received an ARC from Zimbell House Publishing, via NetGalley. This review is my personal opinion.
This is the second book I read by Denise Jannete Bruneau, last year I had the chance on reading Finding Home and I like it. So I had expectations of this book, I was looking forward been surprised. And sadly I wasn’t, although with some changes the elements of the story are too similar to her previous book. . From chapter one we see that Denise Janette took her time describing the background on Marla. And I know many can relate to those specific situations, so at that moment when she needs to start over, I thought that she was going to take a time to be alone, adjust to change, and grow on God. But we see here the total opposite and at the same time what happens between Marla and Micah too obvious. Although clean and sweet, It doesn't have that special spark. And in my opinion, something is missing from the story.
This is the second book I read by Denise Jannete Bruneau, last year I had the chance on reading Finding Home and I like it. So I had expectations of this book, I was looking forward been surprised. And sadly I wasn’t, although with some changes the elements of the story are too similar to her previous book. . From chapter one we see that Denise Janette took her time describing the background on Marla. And I know many can relate to those specific situations, so at that moment when she needs to start over, I thought that she was going to take a time to be alone, adjust to change, and grow on God. But we see here the total opposite and at the same time what happens between Marla and Micah too obvious. Although clean and sweet, It doesn't have that special spark. And in my opinion, something is missing from the story.
May 3, 2020
Thank you, NetGalley and Zimbell House Publishing for the opportunity of reading an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Dr Marla Devereaux is an ER doctor, in an unhappy marriage, not of her making.
Micah Brady is an ER nurse, recovering from a devastating past.
When Marla makes the decision to leave Cincinnati to move into her inherited lake house in Guntersville, where her life takes an encouraging upturn.
This is a Christian love story, which I was unaware of when I started this book. Some plots could have been more developed; such as a brief discussion about adoption wasn’t explained or expanded upon; however, this didn’t prevent me as a reader from enjoying this gentle warm, second chance romance.
Quick and charming read - #HeartChimes #NetGalley #ZimbellHousePublishing
Dr Marla Devereaux is an ER doctor, in an unhappy marriage, not of her making.
Micah Brady is an ER nurse, recovering from a devastating past.
When Marla makes the decision to leave Cincinnati to move into her inherited lake house in Guntersville, where her life takes an encouraging upturn.
This is a Christian love story, which I was unaware of when I started this book. Some plots could have been more developed; such as a brief discussion about adoption wasn’t explained or expanded upon; however, this didn’t prevent me as a reader from enjoying this gentle warm, second chance romance.
Quick and charming read - #HeartChimes #NetGalley #ZimbellHousePublishing
May 28, 2020
Plays on your heart strings:
This was a tender and sweet love story where two equally hurting individuals find healing and hope with one another. Dr. Marla has been trodden upon and worn down by the past men in her life and it was so lovely to see how Micah came to treasure her. Meanwhile Micah is still dealing with the grief and guilt surrounding his wife's death and thus their journey was a slow and rather bumpy one.
Whilst a simple, enjoyable read; it failed to captivate or inspire me. It was a bit stilted at times, especially compounded by the continual use of first names instead of more use of pronouns. Some things were also a bit unrealistic such as getting a job as an ER physician without even submitting a resume or having an interview first.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
This was a tender and sweet love story where two equally hurting individuals find healing and hope with one another. Dr. Marla has been trodden upon and worn down by the past men in her life and it was so lovely to see how Micah came to treasure her. Meanwhile Micah is still dealing with the grief and guilt surrounding his wife's death and thus their journey was a slow and rather bumpy one.
Whilst a simple, enjoyable read; it failed to captivate or inspire me. It was a bit stilted at times, especially compounded by the continual use of first names instead of more use of pronouns. Some things were also a bit unrealistic such as getting a job as an ER physician without even submitting a resume or having an interview first.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
May 17, 2020
4 stars
This is such a sweet and easy read. It was just perfect for a lazy afternoon during the pandemic.
This book just has all the feels. It is a tad predictable but still a very enjoyable read. I truly hope this becomes a series because the side characters were just as enjoyable as the main two characters. Fans of clean Christian romance will truly enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley and the publisher.
This is such a sweet and easy read. It was just perfect for a lazy afternoon during the pandemic.
This book just has all the feels. It is a tad predictable but still a very enjoyable read. I truly hope this becomes a series because the side characters were just as enjoyable as the main two characters. Fans of clean Christian romance will truly enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley and the publisher.
May 17, 2020
4 stars
This is such a sweet and easy read. It was just perfect for a lazy afternoon during the pandemic.
This book just has all the feels. It is a tad predictable but still a very enjoyable read. I truly hope this becomes a series because the side characters were just as enjoyable as the main two characters. Fans of clean Christian romance will truly enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley and the publisher.
This is such a sweet and easy read. It was just perfect for a lazy afternoon during the pandemic.
This book just has all the feels. It is a tad predictable but still a very enjoyable read. I truly hope this becomes a series because the side characters were just as enjoyable as the main two characters. Fans of clean Christian romance will truly enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley and the publisher.
June 12, 2020
Heart Chimes was a quick, light-hearted read. Denise Janette Bruneau's characters Marly and Micah, deal with loss, grief, and deep heartache, and their common issues bring them quickly to shared understanding and love. I appreciated the hospital setting of the medical dramas in this story. This novel will appeal to anyone who enjoys light, inspirational fiction. My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC for this my honest review.
May 5, 2020
If you love heart-warming sweet love stories, then Heart Chimes will keep you interested even if you think you know what happens next. The pace of this book was good and I was able to finish it in one evening. As ER doctor, Marla, rebuilds her life after heartbreak and betrayal, will she find the courage to love and trust again? You’ll have to read Heart Chimes to find out!
July 5, 2020
Whether you are old or young, love has been a part of your life. The Lord has ways of making things right. He sees what you deserve and shows you the way. This is a Christian love story that will melt your heart.
Love. Live. Breathe.
Great book for yourself and a fabulous gift! I highly recommend it.
Love. Live. Breathe.
Great book for yourself and a fabulous gift! I highly recommend it.
April 23, 2023
Marla is blindsided when her husband leaves her and leaves her with no options and pretty much with nothing. At the same time, she receives a letter in the mail giving her an inheritance that includes her grandmother's house. An unexpected surprise when she shows up at her grandmother's house is a renter that Marla didn't know about. This is a beautiful love story.
June 30, 2020
I absolutely adored this book! It was light and sweet and the author does a great job with drawing in the reader.
The story seems maybe a little too coincidental but then again, it shows how our God works! If you need a book that will brighten your spirit and give you hope, this is it!
The story seems maybe a little too coincidental but then again, it shows how our God works! If you need a book that will brighten your spirit and give you hope, this is it!
August 12, 2020
Complementary copy given for honest review and opinion from Netgalley. Opinions are my own. This book is a wonderful christian romance. I enjoyed it and I enjoyed the characters. I hope to read more of the stories of the other characters in the book.
June 13, 2020
This was a short, fast read. I enjoyed how the characters would just talk to God and pray in any situation. I did wish there was a little more depth, but overall a decent book.
May 25, 2020
A well written second chance romance. Good plot and setting. A quick read for a lazy afternoon. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.
May 24, 2020
Heart Chimes, written by Denise Janette Bruneau, is a story of an ER doctor with a failing marriage. While Marla is trying to balance her career and private life, her husband is having an affair. On the day he tells her he filed for a divorce, she receives a notice that her grandmother left her their treasured lake home in another town. Needing to start a new life, she quits her job and moves to the lake home. Arriving late at night, she walks in on the man her grandmother rented the home to. Micah is an ER nurse, and also someone connected to her past.
This is a very good inspirational story to read. It is a good clean story of starting over, letting go of past hurts and making new friends. With underlying topics of loss, alcoholism, infidelity and divorce, this story gives a good Christian message that good things happen even during struggles. Just when Marla is realizing everything she has is Charlies, and her acquaintances are his friends, she is given a second chance to have her own life and her own friends.
I received an ebook from Zimbell House Publishers and NetGalley. This is my honest review.
This is a very good inspirational story to read. It is a good clean story of starting over, letting go of past hurts and making new friends. With underlying topics of loss, alcoholism, infidelity and divorce, this story gives a good Christian message that good things happen even during struggles. Just when Marla is realizing everything she has is Charlies, and her acquaintances are his friends, she is given a second chance to have her own life and her own friends.
I received an ebook from Zimbell House Publishers and NetGalley. This is my honest review.
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