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Southern Love #3
A Heart to Heal
Shayla Monroe fled her hometown of Helena, South Carolina, after a shocking situation broke the heart of the only guy she’d ever loved. Years later, after losing her job in Atlanta with her name once again shrouded in scandal, she has nowhere to go but home. Now a devastatingly handsome and well-respected man, Devin Jones became a successful doctor as a way to forget Shayla’s betrayal. When she returns as infamously as she left, he plans to put aside old feelings and treat her as any other person in town. But after looking into her soft brown eyes, the feelings he thought long dead quickly rush to the surface.Ignoring rumors, disapproval from family and friends, and promises to avoid each other, the two become friends … then lovers. Devin wants all or nothing, but Shayla, haunted by her past, is afraid their relationship will damage what’s left of her reputation. Can two broken hearts survive the fight against past and present demons to heal and find love?
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2013
86 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 15, 2021
Shayla and Devin...old friends embarking on new love
Aptly named 'A Heart to Heal,' this was a book I couldn't put this book down. The characters were so well developed.
I loved Devin as the hero. He was steadfast in his care for and consideration of Shayla. A devoted doctor, son, and friend. While also being incredibly good looking. I liked him.
My issues with the book had to do with Shayla.
The dynamics of Shayla's relationship with her mother, her old so-called friends, and the folks of Helena, was a head-scratcher. She was a very accomplished woman in the PR world, though her reputation was dragged through the mud because of an affair with a married man, yet she came across as monumentally weak. I kept waiting for her to really stand up for herself, to find her voice. The dialogue was lacking something. The words the characters spoke tended to not really fit the scene.
As much as I enjoyed the book, I was disappointed that therapy was not written into the story. Shayla definitely needed therapy. It was mentioned a few times, but brushed away (as something not doable because she wasn't working), which was unfortunate. Why introduce her acidic relationship with her mother, her running from the trauma of what happened to her in high school, and her propensity to hook up with men that don't care about her...and not introduce a therapist into the story? Shayla was the poster child for a woman in need of therapy.
Also, the ending was too tidy and rushed. Shayla's love for Devin, and Devin's love for Shayla, was great, but a happy ending could only come once Shayla worked on her lack of self esteem. All in all, I did like the book and would absolutely recommend it.
Aptly named 'A Heart to Heal,' this was a book I couldn't put this book down. The characters were so well developed.
I loved Devin as the hero. He was steadfast in his care for and consideration of Shayla. A devoted doctor, son, and friend. While also being incredibly good looking. I liked him.
My issues with the book had to do with Shayla.
The dynamics of Shayla's relationship with her mother, her old so-called friends, and the folks of Helena, was a head-scratcher. She was a very accomplished woman in the PR world, though her reputation was dragged through the mud because of an affair with a married man, yet she came across as monumentally weak. I kept waiting for her to really stand up for herself, to find her voice. The dialogue was lacking something. The words the characters spoke tended to not really fit the scene.
As much as I enjoyed the book, I was disappointed that therapy was not written into the story. Shayla definitely needed therapy. It was mentioned a few times, but brushed away (as something not doable because she wasn't working), which was unfortunate. Why introduce her acidic relationship with her mother, her running from the trauma of what happened to her in high school, and her propensity to hook up with men that don't care about her...and not introduce a therapist into the story? Shayla was the poster child for a woman in need of therapy.
Also, the ending was too tidy and rushed. Shayla's love for Devin, and Devin's love for Shayla, was great, but a happy ending could only come once Shayla worked on her lack of self esteem. All in all, I did like the book and would absolutely recommend it.
July 12, 2020
I guess I’m just a sucker for punishment!
This is the 3rd book that I’ve read of Synithia Williams. She is an excellent writer but I find myself frustrated halfway thru the book. It takes absolutely too long for her characters to turn the corner. They just seemed to languish in their issues and childhood trauma. If I could have reached through this book and slapped Shayla, I would have. I cannot understand why SW makes her characters so broken and then stubborn in their brokenness. After awhile I just start skimming because I cannot handle the agony of their situation. Anyway, as I said SW is a good writer with excellent character development, she’s just slow to move them along the growth cycle. I don’t think I’m going to read anymore of her books since she seems to do this in EVERY single one of her books. No versatility.
This is the 3rd book that I’ve read of Synithia Williams. She is an excellent writer but I find myself frustrated halfway thru the book. It takes absolutely too long for her characters to turn the corner. They just seemed to languish in their issues and childhood trauma. If I could have reached through this book and slapped Shayla, I would have. I cannot understand why SW makes her characters so broken and then stubborn in their brokenness. After awhile I just start skimming because I cannot handle the agony of their situation. Anyway, as I said SW is a good writer with excellent character development, she’s just slow to move them along the growth cycle. I don’t think I’m going to read anymore of her books since she seems to do this in EVERY single one of her books. No versatility.
October 15, 2021
I loved Shayla's & Devin's story. He was a sweet, honorable & intelligent man. She was an intelligent, vivacious & compassionate woman. Their lives were interrupted by deceitful, petty & judgemental people. It took time & life experiences to draw them back to their true selves. There is scandal, pain, heartbreak, forgiveness, love and growth that leads to maturity & a better future. So worth the read.
November 28, 2018
I like the book overall but there were a couple of things I didn't like about Shayla. So you just gone let your family talk about you instead of telling your mom to stfu??? And why in the world was she even still talking to peaches, what was the point there. And lastly, why didn't she take a liquor bottle at the club and bust the guy head in.
August 28, 2020
A Heart to Heal
My emotions were all over the place with this book. Shayla went through so much and had people against her left and right...even her own mother. Devin showed her what being a true friend was in her time of need. These two made a great couple and after everything they had been through over the years I'm glad they worked things out. I really enjoyed this book! 🙂
My emotions were all over the place with this book. Shayla went through so much and had people against her left and right...even her own mother. Devin showed her what being a true friend was in her time of need. These two made a great couple and after everything they had been through over the years I'm glad they worked things out. I really enjoyed this book! 🙂
November 20, 2021
I need closure with these judgmental sanctimonious family
I’m not going to take stars off the book but I will say I want these parents (all in the series) and judgmental family to get themselves together. Especially Shayla’s mom and Tasha’s dad. Other than that great series, likeable characters… ending is too quick
I’m not going to take stars off the book but I will say I want these parents (all in the series) and judgmental family to get themselves together. Especially Shayla’s mom and Tasha’s dad. Other than that great series, likeable characters… ending is too quick
April 26, 2021
Love Wins
Trouble was everywhere for Shayla. It seemed as if she couldn't catch a break. Nobody seemed to have faith in her. Devin stepped in along with her friend and her happiness finally came! Love can be a wonderful thing!
Trouble was everywhere for Shayla. It seemed as if she couldn't catch a break. Nobody seemed to have faith in her. Devin stepped in along with her friend and her happiness finally came! Love can be a wonderful thing!
March 1, 2022
Wonderful
This is a well written book. The story line is great. It let you know that love can still win.
This is a well written book. The story line is great. It let you know that love can still win.
June 10, 2024
Great book to end the series!
Shayla and Devin had a lot of battles to fight! Her Mom was the biggest battle. I truly enjoyed this story. Read the series you won't be disappointed!
Shayla and Devin had a lot of battles to fight! Her Mom was the biggest battle. I truly enjoyed this story. Read the series you won't be disappointed!
May 22, 2013
Rekindled romance. Judgmental friends and family. Self-fulfilling prophecy. Miscommunication. Forgiveness.
These are some of the recurring themes of A Heart to Heal by Synithia Williams. This book is her third in a series and features the story of Shayla Monroe and Devin Jones who were once high school sweethearts in the small town of Helena, South Carolina. And Helena is a small town indeed. Shayla returns to town to escape an embarrassing scandal in Atlanta, only to be forced to deal with more judgment and recrimination from family and townsfolk. From her mother to her “frenemies” from her high school clique to patrons at the local diner, Shayla faces scorned looks and nasty comments on a daily basis. Despite having his heart broken by her past behavior, Devin seems to be one of a few people willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. But that’s because he can’t help but love her, flaws and all.
Devin, now the town doctor, is by far the most likable character in the book, with his father Roscoe Jones running a close second. The author does a great job of developing his character into a hero the reader will fall in love with. He’s principled, forgiving, considerate, honest and sexy as sin. With her reputation in shambles Shayla tends to behave in ways that reinforces people’s opinion of her, and ultimately the negative beliefs she has about herself, which I assume was the author’s way to keep conflict between the two lovers going. But her behavior soon became irritating. After a while, I just wanted Shayla to have an honest conversation with Devin, clear the air once and for all, instead of her continuing to feel that the man was just too good for her.
A Heart to Heal was my first offering from Synithia Williams. Even though she created interesting characters, snappy dialogue and a contemporary storyline, Ms. Williams’ editing issues made reading slow-going. Dialogue punctuation was too frequently incorrect, questions asked were conspicuously missing their question marks, and quite a few sentences ran together. I certainly hope her earlier novels received a more thorough inspection. But diehard fans of Ms. Williams will enjoy this story, flaws and all.
-Reviewed by Angela
These are some of the recurring themes of A Heart to Heal by Synithia Williams. This book is her third in a series and features the story of Shayla Monroe and Devin Jones who were once high school sweethearts in the small town of Helena, South Carolina. And Helena is a small town indeed. Shayla returns to town to escape an embarrassing scandal in Atlanta, only to be forced to deal with more judgment and recrimination from family and townsfolk. From her mother to her “frenemies” from her high school clique to patrons at the local diner, Shayla faces scorned looks and nasty comments on a daily basis. Despite having his heart broken by her past behavior, Devin seems to be one of a few people willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. But that’s because he can’t help but love her, flaws and all.
Devin, now the town doctor, is by far the most likable character in the book, with his father Roscoe Jones running a close second. The author does a great job of developing his character into a hero the reader will fall in love with. He’s principled, forgiving, considerate, honest and sexy as sin. With her reputation in shambles Shayla tends to behave in ways that reinforces people’s opinion of her, and ultimately the negative beliefs she has about herself, which I assume was the author’s way to keep conflict between the two lovers going. But her behavior soon became irritating. After a while, I just wanted Shayla to have an honest conversation with Devin, clear the air once and for all, instead of her continuing to feel that the man was just too good for her.
A Heart to Heal was my first offering from Synithia Williams. Even though she created interesting characters, snappy dialogue and a contemporary storyline, Ms. Williams’ editing issues made reading slow-going. Dialogue punctuation was too frequently incorrect, questions asked were conspicuously missing their question marks, and quite a few sentences ran together. I certainly hope her earlier novels received a more thorough inspection. But diehard fans of Ms. Williams will enjoy this story, flaws and all.
-Reviewed by Angela
September 9, 2013
By: Synthia Williams
Published By: Crimson Romance
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"A Heart to Heal" by Synthia Williams was a 'sensual' good read. Once you started reading I found it hard to put down. This author has so much happening in these pages that you will always want to know what will happen next. I found this novel a very believable and well written. It was definitely a 'Shayla and Devin's story where we find that Shayla Monroe has 'returned to her hometown after loosing her job in the big city and escaping a scandal.' Why did she return home? She had nowhere else to go! Shayla returns home with having to face it all...not only her past and but now her present.
The characters were all well developed, some flawed, colorful, but most of all so real...only making this story so interesting to the reader. Now, it gets a little wordy but that didn't take away from the excellent read. This author did a wonderful job at bringing out how important 'acceptance and approval of our peers and family can be.' I think we will see from the read that the main character Shayla wasn't the only one with some 'serious issues.' Wow, her mother, other relatives and even the community were really something that Shayla had to deal with. But did she really? Thank God for Shayla relationship with Devin. Will he give up on her? You will be wondering during the read ... how does one person find themselves in all these weird situations? To get the whole picture you must pick up this good read to see if Shayla will ever sees that she really want to be with Devin and that she does deserve him along with 'second chances.' Would I recommend "A Heart to Heal?" YES!
Published By: Crimson Romance
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"A Heart to Heal" by Synthia Williams was a 'sensual' good read. Once you started reading I found it hard to put down. This author has so much happening in these pages that you will always want to know what will happen next. I found this novel a very believable and well written. It was definitely a 'Shayla and Devin's story where we find that Shayla Monroe has 'returned to her hometown after loosing her job in the big city and escaping a scandal.' Why did she return home? She had nowhere else to go! Shayla returns home with having to face it all...not only her past and but now her present.
The characters were all well developed, some flawed, colorful, but most of all so real...only making this story so interesting to the reader. Now, it gets a little wordy but that didn't take away from the excellent read. This author did a wonderful job at bringing out how important 'acceptance and approval of our peers and family can be.' I think we will see from the read that the main character Shayla wasn't the only one with some 'serious issues.' Wow, her mother, other relatives and even the community were really something that Shayla had to deal with. But did she really? Thank God for Shayla relationship with Devin. Will he give up on her? You will be wondering during the read ... how does one person find themselves in all these weird situations? To get the whole picture you must pick up this good read to see if Shayla will ever sees that she really want to be with Devin and that she does deserve him along with 'second chances.' Would I recommend "A Heart to Heal?" YES!
May 6, 2013
I love when something new comes across my email. When I was contacted by the author asking if I would be interested in a review, I said sure. I don’t turn away many reviews (though I am so booked, I am going to have to!) As I started reading, I realized that this was different. I was looking at a woman that was broken. I felt a connection to Shayla that I was not expecting to feel.
When the people that are supposed to love and support you instead turn their backs on you, it can change the way you see people and things. After the loss of everyone she loved, Shayla saw things differently which led her to make some seriously bad relationship choices. I think most of us have one or two of those in our past.
Devin. This is a forever guy. That man that has it together, is successful and is forgiving. He is exactly what we all want to bring home with us! I love that they find their way back to each other. That is what romance is all about.
When the people that are supposed to love and support you instead turn their backs on you, it can change the way you see people and things. After the loss of everyone she loved, Shayla saw things differently which led her to make some seriously bad relationship choices. I think most of us have one or two of those in our past.
Devin. This is a forever guy. That man that has it together, is successful and is forgiving. He is exactly what we all want to bring home with us! I love that they find their way back to each other. That is what romance is all about.
July 27, 2014
The first few chapters, I was scared because I didn't like Shayla. That wasn't a good sign especially since she's the protagonist. BUT, as I continued to read and her layers began to be peeled back, I understood some of her behavior.
One thing that really got under my skin was how nosey and judgmental the people in her hometown were. It didn't help that Shayla's mother was exactly like them. I would have never been able to stand what she went through.
The sexual chemistry between Devin and Shayla was off the charts. Their intimate scenes together were...Wow! So intense!
This is the third book I've read by the author and I like the fact she makes supporting characters from one book the main characters in the next. Shayla and Devin had small bit parts in the book before this one. In the reverse, Shayla's best friend, Tasha, and her husband, Jared, have small parts in this book, but were the main characters in the last installment.
One thing that really got under my skin was how nosey and judgmental the people in her hometown were. It didn't help that Shayla's mother was exactly like them. I would have never been able to stand what she went through.
The sexual chemistry between Devin and Shayla was off the charts. Their intimate scenes together were...Wow! So intense!
This is the third book I've read by the author and I like the fact she makes supporting characters from one book the main characters in the next. Shayla and Devin had small bit parts in the book before this one. In the reverse, Shayla's best friend, Tasha, and her husband, Jared, have small parts in this book, but were the main characters in the last installment.
June 14, 2013
I loved this! I've read the author's other books and it was fun to see some familiar characters. Don't worry if you haven't read them because it won't make a difference. Each book stands on its own. I was happy to read Shayla and Devin's story because it was clear in Worth the Wait that they have a history. Right from the beginning I felt for Shayla. She has to come back to town in shame after scandal and the whole town is gossiping about her. Even her own mother treats her like she is worthless. Devin wants to stay away from Shayla after she broke his heart in high school, but they have trouble staying away from one another. Shayla wants to be with Devin, but doesn't think she deserves him. If you like angst and second chances, you will love this.
June 21, 2013
In A Heart to Heal by Synithia Williams, Shayla Monroe has returned to her small hometown to after loosing her job and escaping a scandal as she has nowhere else to go.
Now Shayla has to face everyone in town criticizing and judging her, not only on her past which is when she left home on the heels of a scandal, but now also for her most recent unfortunate events. She not only has to face the recriminations, scorned looks and ugly comments from the townspeople, but also from her own family on a daily basis. Those actions only reinforced her own beliefs of not being good enough and did not help her low opinion of herself. Read More...
Now Shayla has to face everyone in town criticizing and judging her, not only on her past which is when she left home on the heels of a scandal, but now also for her most recent unfortunate events. She not only has to face the recriminations, scorned looks and ugly comments from the townspeople, but also from her own family on a daily basis. Those actions only reinforced her own beliefs of not being good enough and did not help her low opinion of herself. Read More...
March 21, 2014
I really liked the other two books Synithia Williams wrote ("You Can't Plan Love" and "Worth the Wait") so I wasn't surprised when I like this one, too. The heroine, Shayla, is a bit different from the other two however. More broken, more in need of the kind of love a good man like Devin Jones, Dr. Devin Jones. Shayla has come home in disgrace and doesn't want to face anyone much less the guy she'd loved and lost in high school, now a respected physician. Of course, he's almost the first person she runs into. As she reintegrates herself into a community--and a family--unsure they want her back, she she reconnects with him on a more personal level. But can this doctor heal the patient who needs it most? Read the book and find out.
May 8, 2013
We first met Devin and Shayla in the second book in this series, Worth the Wait. There was so many unanswered questions of why they didn't get along and what she did to break his heart. This book answers those questions and many more. This book will have you ready to slap Tony, Peaches and Shayla's mom over and over again.
May 18, 2013
I enjoyed this read. It was a nice pick up from the last book in this series. Shayla and Devin certainly had their ups and downs. Their conflicts relly kept me interested in the story. Although there weren't mane love scenes, when these two did get between the sheets it was pretty hot and heavy. Kudos to the author for an interesting and well balanced story.
February 25, 2015
I loved Devin and Shayla. I HATED what Shayla had gone through, but I'm so glad she realized that she should seek therapy. Also, I was hoping that Devin would move to Colombia to be with Shayla instead of convincing her to stay. Helena, South Carolina is an awful place for Shayla and I really wish she had gotten back out. Otherwise, though, it was great
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2015
You can never go home again. Shayla and Devin were on their way to a great romance and then it happen. Shayla returns home in disgrace, can she and Devin ( the town doctor) rekindle the fire that was so abruptly destroyed.
This was my favorite of the series. Ms Williams touched on some very thought provoking issues. Really enjoyed this book.
This was my favorite of the series. Ms Williams touched on some very thought provoking issues. Really enjoyed this book.
July 28, 2014
loved it
March 14, 2014
More 3.5. So many typos! And it dragged in places. But this is definitely a much better read than the previous two in the series. The characters are much more complex.
September 3, 2013
Quick easy read. Very predictable. Lots of spelling errors.
October 17, 2013
great book keeps you on edge and talking to the characters in your head you will love this book
November 15, 2013
A great read! A true emotional rollercoaster for lovers of contemporary romance. Williams really nails it!
August 16, 2014
Another goodread!
Great story. The characters were well developed and I had to finish it to the end. Keep them coming Synithia.
Great story. The characters were well developed and I had to finish it to the end. Keep them coming Synithia.
June 24, 2015
Amazing. The only criticism deals with the editing issues. It was an annoyance in an otherwise beautiful love story.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews