What do you think?
Rate this book
When the Heart Listens: Milford-Haven Novella
Can the heart be telling us something we can’t quite hear? Landscape artist Miranda Jones thought she was on track. Yet something feels off kilter. The subjects of her work all live in nature, yet she herself lives in the city. Her rep and her family emphasize money as the benchmark of success, yet her own goals have to do with the professional challenges of excellence, adventure, and authenticity. She plans a brief trip to join plein air artists in the Carrizo Plain to paint this year’s extraordinary super bloom. Yet what she experiences is a journey that opens a chapter into a new life. At least it will, if she considers what might happen . . . when the heart listens.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2020
22 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Mara Purl
48 books38 followersWhy do we read? Because reading throws open a window into new realms of possibility...windows that become doors as we walk through them.
The world I've created is "Milford-Haven" -- a small coastal town on California's somewhat undiscovered Central Coast. It's a town of both small town simplicities and global complexities. But it's also a town of infinite possibilities...YOUR possibilities. It's a place to discover the next chapter of your life.
I thought I was writing fiction...but it turns out I'm writing women's fiction. Men are included in my stories every step of the way, but we see situations mostly from the perspective of the women in the story. Are these women like you? Or like some of the folks you know? Join the conversation and find out!
The world I've created is "Milford-Haven" -- a small coastal town on California's somewhat undiscovered Central Coast. It's a town of both small town simplicities and global complexities. But it's also a town of infinite possibilities...YOUR possibilities. It's a place to discover the next chapter of your life.
I thought I was writing fiction...but it turns out I'm writing women's fiction. Men are included in my stories every step of the way, but we see situations mostly from the perspective of the women in the story. Are these women like you? Or like some of the folks you know? Join the conversation and find out!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 7, 2023
One of the best moments of a parent's love towards their child, no matter what age, is wanting to ensure their safety. Although Veronica and Charles Jones have two adult daughters, Meredith and Miranda, they maintain their supportive roles. Both women have been living on their own since college, they have grown accustomed to living alone and decorating their places to match their personalities. Meredith, a financial advisor, enjoys a life in luxury and works extremely hard to afford such a lavish lifestyle. Miranda, a fine artist, prefers a life of simplicity with lots of colors and room to be creative. Two different types of individuals, and Veronica had the clever idea of wanting her daughters to try living in a home together. This gesture could be viewed as a concerned mother who wants what is best for her children but hope this would bring the girls closer. As much as living on their own seemed suitable, they decided to try as to not only appease their mother but gain a new level of closeness as sisters.
In this beautiful townhome, Meredith and Miranda decorated their respectable spaces to fit their personal tastes by adding life into the home. Unfortunately, not enough memories were created, as Meredith spent most of her time out and about while Miranda got aqcuainted to her new living arrangement. One beautiful art piece Miranda painted to spruce their new home was a "under the golden bridge" mural. Author Mura Purl included the perspectives of both women as they lived seperate lives while highlighting their personal struggles. Life is a journey and these women were definitely experiencing those moments. What they shared in common happened to be dealing with a jerk of a colleague at their work environments. By expressing that with each other, it was a break-through necessary for both to understand and support each other better.
In the end, Miranda was the daughter that needed this boost to realize that she is just as capable and accomplished as her older sister. No more feeling like she was inadequate because she's an amazingly talented artist as more people have begun recognizing her for her talents. Sometimes, a change of scenery can aid an individual to an epiphany about themselves to see things clearly. The experience of living together has brought these sisters closer than ever before, surely Veronica has gracefully given herself a pat on the back because it was a fine idea, even if it were temporary. Now that Miranda is off to spread her wings by embarking on a new opportunity, it leaves one excited and hoping for the best in these women lives. I highly recommend this book and I'm sure the series would be a wonderful reading experience.
In this beautiful townhome, Meredith and Miranda decorated their respectable spaces to fit their personal tastes by adding life into the home. Unfortunately, not enough memories were created, as Meredith spent most of her time out and about while Miranda got aqcuainted to her new living arrangement. One beautiful art piece Miranda painted to spruce their new home was a "under the golden bridge" mural. Author Mura Purl included the perspectives of both women as they lived seperate lives while highlighting their personal struggles. Life is a journey and these women were definitely experiencing those moments. What they shared in common happened to be dealing with a jerk of a colleague at their work environments. By expressing that with each other, it was a break-through necessary for both to understand and support each other better.
In the end, Miranda was the daughter that needed this boost to realize that she is just as capable and accomplished as her older sister. No more feeling like she was inadequate because she's an amazingly talented artist as more people have begun recognizing her for her talents. Sometimes, a change of scenery can aid an individual to an epiphany about themselves to see things clearly. The experience of living together has brought these sisters closer than ever before, surely Veronica has gracefully given herself a pat on the back because it was a fine idea, even if it were temporary. Now that Miranda is off to spread her wings by embarking on a new opportunity, it leaves one excited and hoping for the best in these women lives. I highly recommend this book and I'm sure the series would be a wonderful reading experience.
October 17, 2023
Mara Purl skillfully weaves a compelling narrative that delves into the profound impact of following one's inner voice and embracing authenticity. The story revolves around Miranda's pursuit of excellence and adventure, serving as an inspirational call to action for readers to heed their own hearts.
Purl's storytelling in this novella is not only delightful but also heartwarming, reminding us of the paramount importance of listening to our inner selves. Miranda Jones grapples with the timeless struggle of aligning her dreams with societal expectations. Her journey to the Carrizo Plain and her encounters with plein-air artists beautifully symbolizes the universal quest for authenticity and meaning in life. The author's beautiful descriptive prowess shines through, immersing readers in the natural landscapes Miranda explores. Through Miranda's experiences, we witness her transformation from a woman driven by external measures of success to one who discovers fulfillment in pursuing her true passions. When the Heart Listens prompts us to reflect on our own lives, compelling us to contemplate whether we are genuinely following our own hearts.
The novella's message is unequivocal: happiness and fulfillment are inner pursuits, and it is never too late to embark on a journey of self-discovery. This story serves as a refreshing reminder that amid the noise of the world, we can find solace and clarity when we take the time to listen to our hearts. It leaves readers feeling inspired and hopeful, making it an essential read for anyone searching for a dose of positivity and a gentle push toward a more authentic life.
Purl's storytelling in this novella is not only delightful but also heartwarming, reminding us of the paramount importance of listening to our inner selves. Miranda Jones grapples with the timeless struggle of aligning her dreams with societal expectations. Her journey to the Carrizo Plain and her encounters with plein-air artists beautifully symbolizes the universal quest for authenticity and meaning in life. The author's beautiful descriptive prowess shines through, immersing readers in the natural landscapes Miranda explores. Through Miranda's experiences, we witness her transformation from a woman driven by external measures of success to one who discovers fulfillment in pursuing her true passions. When the Heart Listens prompts us to reflect on our own lives, compelling us to contemplate whether we are genuinely following our own hearts.
The novella's message is unequivocal: happiness and fulfillment are inner pursuits, and it is never too late to embark on a journey of self-discovery. This story serves as a refreshing reminder that amid the noise of the world, we can find solace and clarity when we take the time to listen to our hearts. It leaves readers feeling inspired and hopeful, making it an essential read for anyone searching for a dose of positivity and a gentle push toward a more authentic life.
July 29, 2023
This is an introduction into Mara Purl’s Milford-Haven series. Her writing style is easy to read, her stories so alive, and her characters are so realistic. She brings you into Miranda and Meredith’s lives, leaving you feeling like you’ve known them all your life. Mara is a new author for me, and this is the second novel in this series I have read. Looking forward to continuing in this series.
February 10, 2020
I received a copy of this book during a recent Publishing at Sea event that features author training on a cruise ship in the Carribean.
Mara Purl has a special way of detailing all the background and locations to easily place you in the story next to some amazing characters. Using history, locations detail (I have been to many of the places described so it was like going home) and vivid, well-developed characters readers can be immersed into Milford-Haven, even to the point of joining with dear friends.
This family saga explores two sisters, Meredith and Miranda, in their very separate career tracks and depicts their conflicts and deep-seated love for one another. Their doting mother, Veronica, along with loving father, Charles, support their offspring, while walking the line of suggesting ideas rather than making decisions for the girls. Veronica wants the girls to be in a nicer living space and crafts a plan toward that end.
The charm of this book, and the series, is the way Ms. Purl creates the type of family we would all love to have. Certainly, the family can be considered privileged, yet they are very relatable. The open, fun interaction takes place early and continues throughout. This passage provides a great foundation –
… “ Veri walked the length of the kitchen as she stripped off her coat, then hung it in the foyer closet. She hurried up the wide, arcing stair case, and stepped into her husband’s study.
Sensing her presence, he looked up and peered at her over the tops of his glasses. “Uh-oh,” he said.
“What?” Veri asked.
“That expression. Looks mighty smug to me. I gather you had success?”
“On, Charles,” she enthused, kicking off her heels and walking across to the guest chair that faced him across the desk. “Unbelievable.” She folded her legs under her and sat. “Remarkable. I did. I found the perfect place.”
“And Meredith agrees?”
“Oh, she hasn’t seen it yet. Neither has Mandy. But they will. And they’ll will fall in love with it just as I did.”
Charles removed his glasses and, with a small cloth, began to polish the lenses.
“Oh, Charles, what?” Veri asked.
“You know how you get.” He warned, concentrating on his polishing cloth. “You’re over the moon, but you’re way ahead of them.”
“I’ll let them catch up.”
He looked up.
“I will.” She insisted.
“Let’s have a drink before dinner, and you can tell me all about it.”
The bond between these family members is of the heart from start to finish. Meredith is a successful financial investment advisor who loves her sister but as a success measurement doesn’t totally appreciate her artistic skills from an economics perspective. Miranda is driven by her artistic visions based on landscapes and wildlife. This story highlights the key drivers for how Miranda came to live in Milford-Haven at the beginning of this saga.
I recommend this latest in the series for those who love contemporary romance, family sagas, California history, lighthouse details, and fans of the latest in this beloved series. It grabs you from the start with gentle tendrils of love that wrap around your heart to the end. Mara takes you to her home away from home, Milford-Haven. Check out the book club guides at the end.
Mara Purl has a special way of detailing all the background and locations to easily place you in the story next to some amazing characters. Using history, locations detail (I have been to many of the places described so it was like going home) and vivid, well-developed characters readers can be immersed into Milford-Haven, even to the point of joining with dear friends.
This family saga explores two sisters, Meredith and Miranda, in their very separate career tracks and depicts their conflicts and deep-seated love for one another. Their doting mother, Veronica, along with loving father, Charles, support their offspring, while walking the line of suggesting ideas rather than making decisions for the girls. Veronica wants the girls to be in a nicer living space and crafts a plan toward that end.
The charm of this book, and the series, is the way Ms. Purl creates the type of family we would all love to have. Certainly, the family can be considered privileged, yet they are very relatable. The open, fun interaction takes place early and continues throughout. This passage provides a great foundation –
… “ Veri walked the length of the kitchen as she stripped off her coat, then hung it in the foyer closet. She hurried up the wide, arcing stair case, and stepped into her husband’s study.
Sensing her presence, he looked up and peered at her over the tops of his glasses. “Uh-oh,” he said.
“What?” Veri asked.
“That expression. Looks mighty smug to me. I gather you had success?”
“On, Charles,” she enthused, kicking off her heels and walking across to the guest chair that faced him across the desk. “Unbelievable.” She folded her legs under her and sat. “Remarkable. I did. I found the perfect place.”
“And Meredith agrees?”
“Oh, she hasn’t seen it yet. Neither has Mandy. But they will. And they’ll will fall in love with it just as I did.”
Charles removed his glasses and, with a small cloth, began to polish the lenses.
“Oh, Charles, what?” Veri asked.
“You know how you get.” He warned, concentrating on his polishing cloth. “You’re over the moon, but you’re way ahead of them.”
“I’ll let them catch up.”
He looked up.
“I will.” She insisted.
“Let’s have a drink before dinner, and you can tell me all about it.”
The bond between these family members is of the heart from start to finish. Meredith is a successful financial investment advisor who loves her sister but as a success measurement doesn’t totally appreciate her artistic skills from an economics perspective. Miranda is driven by her artistic visions based on landscapes and wildlife. This story highlights the key drivers for how Miranda came to live in Milford-Haven at the beginning of this saga.
I recommend this latest in the series for those who love contemporary romance, family sagas, California history, lighthouse details, and fans of the latest in this beloved series. It grabs you from the start with gentle tendrils of love that wrap around your heart to the end. Mara takes you to her home away from home, Milford-Haven. Check out the book club guides at the end.
May 16, 2021
Mara has a great writing style. It is intimate, joyful and easy to read. This is my first book of hers and I am excited to read the next one. Veri, Meredith and Miranda are very different and the point of view taken, allows you to feel part of the story. Some of their challenges we can all relate to, as women.
This story is also set in Northern California, so what a beautiful area to write about. Her descriptions of meals in restaurants is also fun and you are right there with them all the way.
It has the feel of Maeve Binchy but a style all her own. Highly recommended.
This story is also set in Northern California, so what a beautiful area to write about. Her descriptions of meals in restaurants is also fun and you are right there with them all the way.
It has the feel of Maeve Binchy but a style all her own. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews