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A Mother's Heart
The bonds they share with their children are intricate, fiercely protected and often tested by the vagaries of modern life. This engaging collection celebrates those relationships—lost, found, newly forged, made stronger by a boundless and relentless love.
A Mother's Heart features three special women who contend with the trials and tribulations of motherhood—and find romance in unexpected ways.
A single mom rediscovers a long-ago love with help from her young son and YouTube in "The Promise" by New York Times bestselling author Sharon Sala.
A stressed-out executive lands on her birth mother's doorstep and falls for the guy next door in "You Belong to Me" by Isabel Sharpe.
A journalist helping her adopted daughter trace her roots learns a lesson in romantic destiny in "A Daughter's Journey" by Linda Cardillo.
A Mother's Heart features three special women who contend with the trials and tribulations of motherhood—and find romance in unexpected ways.
A single mom rediscovers a long-ago love with help from her young son and YouTube in "The Promise" by New York Times bestselling author Sharon Sala.
A stressed-out executive lands on her birth mother's doorstep and falls for the guy next door in "You Belong to Me" by Isabel Sharpe.
A journalist helping her adopted daughter trace her roots learns a lesson in romantic destiny in "A Daughter's Journey" by Linda Cardillo.
- GenresRomance
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
3 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Sala
280 books2,306 followersBiography
Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 21, 2025
Light reading romantic anthology.
November 28, 2021
An Anthology With Substance And Heart!
1. The Promise by Sharon Sala, Rating 5/5
Again, so happy to be re-reading this book again, as I was able to relive this wonderful and heartwarming tale of second chances, obstacles, and love.
Single Mother and Artistic Florist, Liberty "Libby" Farraday has a busy and fulfilling life with some good friends and a sweet eight year old son, Sammy. He is her whole world. She has been disillusioned by the man that promised to love and cherish her, but she has decided not to dwell on that part of her past. However, a major event takes the decision away from her about what needs to occur.
Oil Rig Troubleshooter, Samuel "Sam" Holt is just surviving life. He has shelved his heart away and cut ties with all people that matter. Except for work, nothing seems to matter and there is no joy in his life. His actions in the past have caused him to miss out and lose so much. Nevertheless, fate has other ideas as a particular video and the accompanying request changes the course of his life.
The most amazing part of the book was the child! Sammy's viewpoint and his simple interpretation of what is imperative in life, was a breath of fresh air. His little joys hold so much value to him and should be important to us as humans too. And I enjoyed reading about the children's bravery and protectiveness to do something, where the adults lacked that courage. The supporting characters had so much gumption and presence. This was a story worth my time and beautifully written. It was a quick read as well.
If you are looking for something heartfelt, emotional, tenacious, full of gratitude, and that shares a new perspective with characters who are willing to take and give second chances, then this book is for you! You will not be disappointed.
********************************************
2. You Belong To Me/i> by Isabel Sharpe, Rating 5/5
A total treat! Loved the story about finding one's self and second chances as the major theme. Cutting loose couldn't be demonstrated in a better way!
Advertising Executive Maggie "Clarissa" Chesterton has arrived to Princeton, NJ in search for something that she has been curious about. According to her, she has a busy and fulfilling life, but then why does she feel this sense of unease. Along with her ultimate goal, she is surprised to find and meet after 11 long years, her high school sweetheart and first love. Are these signs that maybe there is more to life than what she has been living in Chicago? Maggie may discover something more, if she finds the courage to let go.
Graphic Designer and Director, Grant Conroy has matured into a responsible and contributing member of society. Gone are the days of rebellion and getting into trouble for the sake of it. Living in an updated Princeton, where he has experienced love, loss, and alterations in himself, has brought peace to his life. However, an encounter with a blast from the past has him questioning his transformation and choices in life. Has Grant sold out to become respectable? Will he learn more about himself and get what he has always wanted, if he is honest with himself and his fantasy girl?
It was such a unique premise of a child seeking out their birth mother. In that process, realizing so much more. Second chances were for every character in the book. The Painter and Artist, Clara Schultz was such a lovely persona. With her adorable dog, eccentric ways, intuitive notions, and her sweetness, she felt very real, like both of the protagonists as well.
What a wonderful read that I really couldn't put down! If you are looking for something heartfelt with a sense of actuality and roles that have depth, you will love this story!
********************************************
3. A Daughter's Journey by Linda Cardillo, Rating 5/5
I am re-reading this book as I did not remember much of the anthology stories. I am so glad I re-read the story, because it was exactly what I needed. The empathy, dedication, and devotion depicted in the story was wonderful!
Journalist and War Correspondent, Melanie "Mel" Ames is a young and upcoming reporter who is stationed in Vietnam in the 1970s. What she has had to endure and understand has made her focused and very determined. However, in order to make a difference in the world, Mel had to make a lot of sacrifices. A chance meeting with a dedicated medical doctor at an orphanage, changes Mel's life and outlook.
Retired Marine Corp and Selfless Physician, Phil Coughlin has a particular calling. and that is to help others less fortunate and that means children in war torn countries. He has given up a prestigious position in Boston to follow his heart. He is always known that his noble intentions and work put him above others. However, an unassuming but emotionally strong journalist might just teach him humility and what matter most in life.
I loved the writing style of this authoress, Linda Cardillo. Her descriptions of situations and locations was amazing. In addition, the novella had a lot of substance, emotions, and heart. I had never read a novella divided into parts (2 of them) instead of chapters. This was a book that made the reader's heart sing and was thought provoking at the same time.
If you love a clean romance that makes you review and analyze values, dreams and is woman centric with a focus on purpose, passion, and a great foundation, you will enjoy this heart warming short read.
1. The Promise by Sharon Sala, Rating 5/5
Again, so happy to be re-reading this book again, as I was able to relive this wonderful and heartwarming tale of second chances, obstacles, and love.
Single Mother and Artistic Florist, Liberty "Libby" Farraday has a busy and fulfilling life with some good friends and a sweet eight year old son, Sammy. He is her whole world. She has been disillusioned by the man that promised to love and cherish her, but she has decided not to dwell on that part of her past. However, a major event takes the decision away from her about what needs to occur.
Oil Rig Troubleshooter, Samuel "Sam" Holt is just surviving life. He has shelved his heart away and cut ties with all people that matter. Except for work, nothing seems to matter and there is no joy in his life. His actions in the past have caused him to miss out and lose so much. Nevertheless, fate has other ideas as a particular video and the accompanying request changes the course of his life.
The most amazing part of the book was the child! Sammy's viewpoint and his simple interpretation of what is imperative in life, was a breath of fresh air. His little joys hold so much value to him and should be important to us as humans too. And I enjoyed reading about the children's bravery and protectiveness to do something, where the adults lacked that courage. The supporting characters had so much gumption and presence. This was a story worth my time and beautifully written. It was a quick read as well.
If you are looking for something heartfelt, emotional, tenacious, full of gratitude, and that shares a new perspective with characters who are willing to take and give second chances, then this book is for you! You will not be disappointed.
********************************************
2. You Belong To Me/i> by Isabel Sharpe, Rating 5/5
A total treat! Loved the story about finding one's self and second chances as the major theme. Cutting loose couldn't be demonstrated in a better way!
Advertising Executive Maggie "Clarissa" Chesterton has arrived to Princeton, NJ in search for something that she has been curious about. According to her, she has a busy and fulfilling life, but then why does she feel this sense of unease. Along with her ultimate goal, she is surprised to find and meet after 11 long years, her high school sweetheart and first love. Are these signs that maybe there is more to life than what she has been living in Chicago? Maggie may discover something more, if she finds the courage to let go.
Graphic Designer and Director, Grant Conroy has matured into a responsible and contributing member of society. Gone are the days of rebellion and getting into trouble for the sake of it. Living in an updated Princeton, where he has experienced love, loss, and alterations in himself, has brought peace to his life. However, an encounter with a blast from the past has him questioning his transformation and choices in life. Has Grant sold out to become respectable? Will he learn more about himself and get what he has always wanted, if he is honest with himself and his fantasy girl?
It was such a unique premise of a child seeking out their birth mother. In that process, realizing so much more. Second chances were for every character in the book. The Painter and Artist, Clara Schultz was such a lovely persona. With her adorable dog, eccentric ways, intuitive notions, and her sweetness, she felt very real, like both of the protagonists as well.
What a wonderful read that I really couldn't put down! If you are looking for something heartfelt with a sense of actuality and roles that have depth, you will love this story!
********************************************
3. A Daughter's Journey by Linda Cardillo, Rating 5/5
I am re-reading this book as I did not remember much of the anthology stories. I am so glad I re-read the story, because it was exactly what I needed. The empathy, dedication, and devotion depicted in the story was wonderful!
Journalist and War Correspondent, Melanie "Mel" Ames is a young and upcoming reporter who is stationed in Vietnam in the 1970s. What she has had to endure and understand has made her focused and very determined. However, in order to make a difference in the world, Mel had to make a lot of sacrifices. A chance meeting with a dedicated medical doctor at an orphanage, changes Mel's life and outlook.
Retired Marine Corp and Selfless Physician, Phil Coughlin has a particular calling. and that is to help others less fortunate and that means children in war torn countries. He has given up a prestigious position in Boston to follow his heart. He is always known that his noble intentions and work put him above others. However, an unassuming but emotionally strong journalist might just teach him humility and what matter most in life.
I loved the writing style of this authoress, Linda Cardillo. Her descriptions of situations and locations was amazing. In addition, the novella had a lot of substance, emotions, and heart. I had never read a novella divided into parts (2 of them) instead of chapters. This was a book that made the reader's heart sing and was thought provoking at the same time.
If you love a clean romance that makes you review and analyze values, dreams and is woman centric with a focus on purpose, passion, and a great foundation, you will enjoy this heart warming short read.
August 18, 2014
I am rating this for The Promise by Sharon Sala only, though I'll get to the other stories shortly.
The Promise was kind of adorable. I would have given this story one more star had Libby not hidden her pregnancy from Sam - I despise that shit right there. Sammy was an adorable little kid and I loved their idea of using YouTube to track down Sam. I felt Libby made Sam grovel a bit too much and said groveling was insanely cheesy. At about 65 pages, depending on your e-book font size, it was a nice little afternoon fluff read.
The Promise was kind of adorable. I would have given this story one more star had Libby not hidden her pregnancy from Sam - I despise that shit right there. Sammy was an adorable little kid and I loved their idea of using YouTube to track down Sam. I felt Libby made Sam grovel a bit too much and said groveling was insanely cheesy. At about 65 pages, depending on your e-book font size, it was a nice little afternoon fluff read.
March 17, 2011
Sharon Sala's story is such a tear jerker! I cry every time I read it! It is a very good read and I would recommend it to anyone!
November 15, 2015
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews