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Jasper Falls #1
Wake My Heart
From bestselling and award-winning author Lydia Michaels comes a crossover small-town, second-chance romance series that welcomes readers back into the world of McCullough Mountain!
Ryan Clooney moved to the outskirts of his small town, and the last thing he expected to find was love, but when he meets Maggie, the beautiful young widow next door, his plans change.
Maggie O’Malley is not looking for romance. Since losing her husband, she’s withdrawn from her social life and prefers to be left alone. But her new neighbor doesn’t understand personal space, and the more he intrudes on her solitary world, the less control she has over her heart.
Determined to charm Maggie, Ryan pulls out all the stops. Will Maggie choose to let go of her past to have a future, or is there another way to move on?
Ryan Clooney moved to the outskirts of his small town, and the last thing he expected to find was love, but when he meets Maggie, the beautiful young widow next door, his plans change.
Maggie O’Malley is not looking for romance. Since losing her husband, she’s withdrawn from her social life and prefers to be left alone. But her new neighbor doesn’t understand personal space, and the more he intrudes on her solitary world, the less control she has over her heart.
Determined to charm Maggie, Ryan pulls out all the stops. Will Maggie choose to let go of her past to have a future, or is there another way to move on?
286 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2021
228 people are currently reading
2290 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Michaels
182 books1,868 followersLydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
April 22, 2022
*Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for an Audio copy for review.*
This was a beautiful yet painful story of a woman with a heart reawakening and a man finding his place for the first time. Their journey to each other starts when Ryan moves in next door to young widow, Maggie. He just wants to get to know his shy but tempting neighbor and she is lost to her grief and trying to stay in the past and be enveloped in her husband's memory.
This story hurts in a lot of places, a poignant performance by Ashley Trumpler, brings Lydia Michaels words to life. I found tears leaking from my eyes at many points. Ryan slowly and achingly brings Maggie out of her shell. He shows her that she doesn't have to stay in self imposed exile any more. He constantly is encouraging her to come alongside him and LIVE.
I loved watching Maggie bloom and the grand gesture at the end of this one had my heart in my throat. I cannot wait to continue the series and listen to what comes next.
This was a slow burn, friends to lovers, love after loss in a small town. Be ready for some tears and some unexpected laughs. This was well written and well performed and definitely worth your credit.
4.5 Stars
2 on the spice scale.
This was a beautiful yet painful story of a woman with a heart reawakening and a man finding his place for the first time. Their journey to each other starts when Ryan moves in next door to young widow, Maggie. He just wants to get to know his shy but tempting neighbor and she is lost to her grief and trying to stay in the past and be enveloped in her husband's memory.
This story hurts in a lot of places, a poignant performance by Ashley Trumpler, brings Lydia Michaels words to life. I found tears leaking from my eyes at many points. Ryan slowly and achingly brings Maggie out of her shell. He shows her that she doesn't have to stay in self imposed exile any more. He constantly is encouraging her to come alongside him and LIVE.
I loved watching Maggie bloom and the grand gesture at the end of this one had my heart in my throat. I cannot wait to continue the series and listen to what comes next.
This was a slow burn, friends to lovers, love after loss in a small town. Be ready for some tears and some unexpected laughs. This was well written and well performed and definitely worth your credit.
4.5 Stars
2 on the spice scale.
January 23, 2021
SPOILERS INCLUDED BELOW
I liked Maggie, Ryan, and Maggie's deceased husband Nash. While no one is perfect what little scenes there were of Nash he seemed like a good person who loved Maggie very much. Also from her flashbacks, it was apparent that she loved Nash very much as well and was devastated when he died. I was glad that they had a passionate relationship and that she enjoyed having sex prior to meeting Ryan. I hate it when heroines only have mediocre, bad, or no sexual experience prior to meeting the heroes while the heroes have been experiencing sexual pleasure for years prior to meeting them. IMO it is sexist and the inequity of it really bothers me. That was not the case here. Maggie and Nash had a very good sex life prior to his life being cut short.
I liked Ryan. He was an attractive, compassionate family orientated man who felt lonely because unlike everyone around him, he still had not met his soulmate. He was not a manwhore and there was no cheating between the main characters in this story. Maggie was only with Nash and then Ryan whereas Ryan had not been with anyone in a while prior to meeting Maggie and no one since.
I liked that they were both celibate during the separations that occurred after meeting as adults. While it is a second chance romance it is only because they briefly knew each other because they attended the same high school.
The story is well written but I found the story depressing because Maggie was drowning in grief almost the entire book. Therefore it surprised me that it kept my interest. I was never bored. The problem is that because it was so depressing I would never reread it.
I was fine with the HFN that included an epilogue. The HFN ending made sense because this is a series. I am glad that the series has different heroes and heroines in each book. While there have been exceptions I usually avoid series where the same hero and heroine are the focus of more than one book as I tend to get bored reading about the same characters. I am assuming that Maggie and Ryan will be secondary characters in the upcoming books.
The problem I had with this book is that I need hotness in my romance books and this story was lacking. The few sex scenes there were between Maggie and Ryan I wasn't feeling it. There was no chemistry between them. The story focused was on Maggie's emotionally healing that lead to her ability, by the end of the story, to experience love again. Maggie stopped being suicidal. Basically, she learned to cope with the overwhelming and paralyzing grief. This allowed her to have and take her second chance at a HEA ending.
I was glad that Maggie healed but I want more from a romance book. I wanted sizzling chemistry between the hero and heroine that builds and eventually cumulates into hot sexy times. I prefer that this happen at around 60% of the book.
The problem is that Ryan felt like Maggie's friend more than her lover. Honestly, I know that readers are supposed to love it that Ryan was so unselfishly loving. He accepted that he may come second with Maggie. He was fine with the fact that she would always love and want Nash. In fact, if Nash were to come back from the dead at any point until Maggie and Ryan had children I believe that she would pick Nash.
While Ryan was protective he was never jealous and possessive and I want that from a hero. Nash acted that way towards Maggie, hating a boy that she had 7 minutes in heaven with as a youth. Unfortunately, Ryan as so not that way. Rather it was Maggie who was all of those things, on more than one occasion, and that is not my jam.
I need the hero to be at least a little selfish and to have an overwhelming need to be with the heroine. I want the hero to need to always come first for the heroine including before her deceased husband. I want the hero to need her to love him more than she ever loved her husband or anyone else.
I want the heroine to have the most passionate relationship with the hero surpassing all of her other experiences. I know that seems to be contrary to what I said about being happy that Maggie had a good sex life with Nash but it isn't. I want her to have had a good sex life with Nash but I want her to have an excellent with Ryan and that didn't happen here.
Besides lacking in chemistry with Ryan Maggie said that she and Nash were still really hot for each other even after being with each other since they were 15 years old. I want her to have that with hotness and intensity with Ryan and she didn't. Maybe it wasn't possible given that too much of the book's focus was on Maggie dealing with her overwhelming grief.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked Maggie, Ryan, and Maggie's deceased husband Nash. While no one is perfect what little scenes there were of Nash he seemed like a good person who loved Maggie very much. Also from her flashbacks, it was apparent that she loved Nash very much as well and was devastated when he died. I was glad that they had a passionate relationship and that she enjoyed having sex prior to meeting Ryan. I hate it when heroines only have mediocre, bad, or no sexual experience prior to meeting the heroes while the heroes have been experiencing sexual pleasure for years prior to meeting them. IMO it is sexist and the inequity of it really bothers me. That was not the case here. Maggie and Nash had a very good sex life prior to his life being cut short.
I liked Ryan. He was an attractive, compassionate family orientated man who felt lonely because unlike everyone around him, he still had not met his soulmate. He was not a manwhore and there was no cheating between the main characters in this story. Maggie was only with Nash and then Ryan whereas Ryan had not been with anyone in a while prior to meeting Maggie and no one since.
I liked that they were both celibate during the separations that occurred after meeting as adults. While it is a second chance romance it is only because they briefly knew each other because they attended the same high school.
The story is well written but I found the story depressing because Maggie was drowning in grief almost the entire book. Therefore it surprised me that it kept my interest. I was never bored. The problem is that because it was so depressing I would never reread it.
I was fine with the HFN that included an epilogue. The HFN ending made sense because this is a series. I am glad that the series has different heroes and heroines in each book. While there have been exceptions I usually avoid series where the same hero and heroine are the focus of more than one book as I tend to get bored reading about the same characters. I am assuming that Maggie and Ryan will be secondary characters in the upcoming books.
The problem I had with this book is that I need hotness in my romance books and this story was lacking. The few sex scenes there were between Maggie and Ryan I wasn't feeling it. There was no chemistry between them. The story focused was on Maggie's emotionally healing that lead to her ability, by the end of the story, to experience love again. Maggie stopped being suicidal. Basically, she learned to cope with the overwhelming and paralyzing grief. This allowed her to have and take her second chance at a HEA ending.
I was glad that Maggie healed but I want more from a romance book. I wanted sizzling chemistry between the hero and heroine that builds and eventually cumulates into hot sexy times. I prefer that this happen at around 60% of the book.
The problem is that Ryan felt like Maggie's friend more than her lover. Honestly, I know that readers are supposed to love it that Ryan was so unselfishly loving. He accepted that he may come second with Maggie. He was fine with the fact that she would always love and want Nash. In fact, if Nash were to come back from the dead at any point until Maggie and Ryan had children I believe that she would pick Nash.
While Ryan was protective he was never jealous and possessive and I want that from a hero. Nash acted that way towards Maggie, hating a boy that she had 7 minutes in heaven with as a youth. Unfortunately, Ryan as so not that way. Rather it was Maggie who was all of those things, on more than one occasion, and that is not my jam.
I need the hero to be at least a little selfish and to have an overwhelming need to be with the heroine. I want the hero to need to always come first for the heroine including before her deceased husband. I want the hero to need her to love him more than she ever loved her husband or anyone else.
I want the heroine to have the most passionate relationship with the hero surpassing all of her other experiences. I know that seems to be contrary to what I said about being happy that Maggie had a good sex life with Nash but it isn't. I want her to have had a good sex life with Nash but I want her to have an excellent with Ryan and that didn't happen here.
Besides lacking in chemistry with Ryan Maggie said that she and Nash were still really hot for each other even after being with each other since they were 15 years old. I want her to have that with hotness and intensity with Ryan and she didn't. Maybe it wasn't possible given that too much of the book's focus was on Maggie dealing with her overwhelming grief.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2023
***4.5/5 Stars***
Wake My Heart was an emotional tale of loss, hope, friendship and love. This adult romance was an emotional powerhouse set in a heartwarming small town setting. This was my first book by Lydia Michaels, and once I finished that last page I went and added her other books to my tbr! She's an author who I'm looking forward to reading more of in the future!
Maggie O’Malley had lost her husband in a car accident two years ago. And was still drowning in her grief. She visited his grave-site every morning, tried her best to push those she loved away, and was struggling to survive each day that she was still alive. The sorrow that seeped out of her was so intense and I kept my fingers crossed she would get some counseling or help. Because she desperately needed it. So when she met her new neighbor, Ryan Clooney, she was cold and short with him. He was just trying to help her, but she wanted no part of it. Yet there was something special about Ryan, and his arrival marked the beginning of Maggie's life starting to change.
Maggie was such a multi-faceted character. Her depression was consuming. Her life choices made me want to shake her throughout this story. Yet even though I struggled with her a lot, I loved Maggie. I wanted her to find happiness. I wanted her to be able to live again. Because she definitely wasn't living. And I hoped Ryan would be the goodness that she needed to make her see that she desperately needed to make changes in her life. I was grateful that she had a kind boss and a loving sister who tried again and again to connect with her. So when Maggie started to make a few decisions that were for the better, I was cheering her on every step of the way!
I absolutely loved Ryan! He was my favorite character. He was helpful, sexy, kind *his offer to walk with her, cries* and I loved his huge family. But that man had no game when he ran into Maggie at her job lol! He made me smile, laugh and fall so hard for him. He tried countless times with Maggie, whether it was to help or be friendly, even though she would shut him down so many times. Thankfully he was persistent and had a kind heart. So he didn't give up easily. So when he got Maggie to have fun or even smile, I felt Ryan's joy flying from the pages!
The beginning of this story started out a little slow as we got to know both Maggie and Ryan, along with their town and families. And getting that solid foundation, wow, that led to an extremely powerful effect. It felt like we knew them and their world inside and out. That they were a part of us. So their emotions bled through the pages with an intensity that was consuming. As the story progressed and Maggie and Ryan had friendly moments together, oh my heart it was breathtaking and emotional. I still felt like they were walking on eggshells. But it was all part of the process. There was still so much healing that had to take place. And I hoped Ryan would continue to have all the patience in the world for Maggie, because she needed it!
This book was rounded out with so many fabulous side characters. Ryan's family and extended family was humongous! And I realized that a lot of his relatives were in a completed series, The McCullough Mountain Series! So of course I went and added that first book, Almost Priest, to my tbr! Those people were heartwarming, boisterous, hilarious and I loved how much they loved each other but were also completely in each other’s business ha! That's a series I'm looking to dive into!
Wake My Heart was filled with being brave, making amends, fresh starts, jealousy, friendship and love, this book was so fabulous! I loved the emotional side and it was impossible not to shed tears. I loved the laughter the large family brought. And I adored the small town this story was set in. I picked this book up because Lydia Michaels will be attending Apolllycon this year and I'm so happy I did. I can't wait to meet her in person and read so many more of her books!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Wake My Heart was an emotional tale of loss, hope, friendship and love. This adult romance was an emotional powerhouse set in a heartwarming small town setting. This was my first book by Lydia Michaels, and once I finished that last page I went and added her other books to my tbr! She's an author who I'm looking forward to reading more of in the future!
Everyone was so concerned about her progress and closure, as if it were that easy.
Didn’t they know her heart had been ripped to shreds? Sometimes things were too messy to simply close.
Maggie O’Malley had lost her husband in a car accident two years ago. And was still drowning in her grief. She visited his grave-site every morning, tried her best to push those she loved away, and was struggling to survive each day that she was still alive. The sorrow that seeped out of her was so intense and I kept my fingers crossed she would get some counseling or help. Because she desperately needed it. So when she met her new neighbor, Ryan Clooney, she was cold and short with him. He was just trying to help her, but she wanted no part of it. Yet there was something special about Ryan, and his arrival marked the beginning of Maggie's life starting to change.
"But I'm not. When Nash died, I died with him.”
“That’s not true.”
“You don’t know me enough to argue otherwise.”
She was right, but Nash was dead and she was very much still alive.
Maggie was such a multi-faceted character. Her depression was consuming. Her life choices made me want to shake her throughout this story. Yet even though I struggled with her a lot, I loved Maggie. I wanted her to find happiness. I wanted her to be able to live again. Because she definitely wasn't living. And I hoped Ryan would be the goodness that she needed to make her see that she desperately needed to make changes in her life. I was grateful that she had a kind boss and a loving sister who tried again and again to connect with her. So when Maggie started to make a few decisions that were for the better, I was cheering her on every step of the way!
“Where did you come from?” she whispered, her thoughts jumbled and lost somewhere between her memories and reality, between here and outer space.
“I just got here.” His stare held hers like a hug, warming her from the inside out.
I absolutely loved Ryan! He was my favorite character. He was helpful, sexy, kind *his offer to walk with her, cries* and I loved his huge family. But that man had no game when he ran into Maggie at her job lol! He made me smile, laugh and fall so hard for him. He tried countless times with Maggie, whether it was to help or be friendly, even though she would shut him down so many times. Thankfully he was persistent and had a kind heart. So he didn't give up easily. So when he got Maggie to have fun or even smile, I felt Ryan's joy flying from the pages!
".... Not all emotions hurt, Maggie.”
The beginning of this story started out a little slow as we got to know both Maggie and Ryan, along with their town and families. And getting that solid foundation, wow, that led to an extremely powerful effect. It felt like we knew them and their world inside and out. That they were a part of us. So their emotions bled through the pages with an intensity that was consuming. As the story progressed and Maggie and Ryan had friendly moments together, oh my heart it was breathtaking and emotional. I still felt like they were walking on eggshells. But it was all part of the process. There was still so much healing that had to take place. And I hoped Ryan would continue to have all the patience in the world for Maggie, because she needed it!
“I have this fear that you’ll erase him.”
“What?”
Her brow pinched with regret. “The more time we spend together, the less I think of him.”
“Maggie, you can’t put that on me.”
“I know. But it’s what’s happening. I like this. But I feel like I’m losing pieces of myself the more we do this.”
This book was rounded out with so many fabulous side characters. Ryan's family and extended family was humongous! And I realized that a lot of his relatives were in a completed series, The McCullough Mountain Series! So of course I went and added that first book, Almost Priest, to my tbr! Those people were heartwarming, boisterous, hilarious and I loved how much they loved each other but were also completely in each other’s business ha! That's a series I'm looking to dive into!
When she pulled away, she looked up at him and whispered, “If you keep rescuing me like this, I’m going to forget how to save myself.”
“Who said you have to do it alone?”
Wake My Heart was filled with being brave, making amends, fresh starts, jealousy, friendship and love, this book was so fabulous! I loved the emotional side and it was impossible not to shed tears. I loved the laughter the large family brought. And I adored the small town this story was set in. I picked this book up because Lydia Michaels will be attending Apolllycon this year and I'm so happy I did. I can't wait to meet her in person and read so many more of her books!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
April 18, 2021
I recently read Wake My Heart by Lydia Michaels and experienced every emotion possible in 375 pages. It was such a heartbreaking and uplifting read, I will be recommending it to everyone. In fact, if you’re a Virgin River fan I highly recommend you read this one!
Genre: Romance
Trope: Friends to Lovers
“Perhaps grief is a wound timepiece that needs to unwind at its own pace. There are varying levels of heartache, and each person processes loss differently. For some it might even be a permanent ache. None of know how much time it will actually take to heal…”
When you read this book, make sure to keeps your tissues handy. I was crying by the second chapter and the tears kept coming throughout the entire story - they weren't all tears of sadness but they were also tears of happiness for the characters. The emotions of the characters felt so real to me. It's been a long time since a book hit me in the heart as this one did.
Also, I give a round of applause for the author's normalization of taking care of your mental health through therapy. I often feel that there is such a hush-hush feel to therapy. At any point in your life, therapy is a healthy and normal thing to do for yourself. I applaud the author for taking the time to add this to her book as I felt that it truly made the story feel realistic.
Ryan may be one of my favorite characters right now. Instead of constantly pressuring Maggie to get over her husband, he accepted her grief and vowed to do anything he could to help her through such a devastating loss.
My only complaint about this book? That the story had to end. I could've kept on reading about Ryan and Maggie for at least another 200 pages. I was completely unprepared for how much I would love this story.
Genre: Romance
Trope: Friends to Lovers
“Perhaps grief is a wound timepiece that needs to unwind at its own pace. There are varying levels of heartache, and each person processes loss differently. For some it might even be a permanent ache. None of know how much time it will actually take to heal…”
When you read this book, make sure to keeps your tissues handy. I was crying by the second chapter and the tears kept coming throughout the entire story - they weren't all tears of sadness but they were also tears of happiness for the characters. The emotions of the characters felt so real to me. It's been a long time since a book hit me in the heart as this one did.
Also, I give a round of applause for the author's normalization of taking care of your mental health through therapy. I often feel that there is such a hush-hush feel to therapy. At any point in your life, therapy is a healthy and normal thing to do for yourself. I applaud the author for taking the time to add this to her book as I felt that it truly made the story feel realistic.
Ryan may be one of my favorite characters right now. Instead of constantly pressuring Maggie to get over her husband, he accepted her grief and vowed to do anything he could to help her through such a devastating loss.
My only complaint about this book? That the story had to end. I could've kept on reading about Ryan and Maggie for at least another 200 pages. I was completely unprepared for how much I would love this story.
April 12, 2022
Heart broken.
This is my first book by Lydia and it won’t be my last. This was a heart breaking story about life after losing the love of your life.
Maggie was such an incredible character, she went through so much after losing her husband. After he dies, she lives a life like it’s on autopilot, until Ryan her next door neighbour came into her life.
This book is full love emotions, laughter, passion and pain. It consumed me from page one!
This is my first book by Lydia and it won’t be my last. This was a heart breaking story about life after losing the love of your life.
Maggie was such an incredible character, she went through so much after losing her husband. After he dies, she lives a life like it’s on autopilot, until Ryan her next door neighbour came into her life.
This book is full love emotions, laughter, passion and pain. It consumed me from page one!
February 22, 2021
A beautifully written story of loss,devastation and finding oneself again.
Maggie is a young widow of two years.
She and Nash,her deceased husband,have been friends since childhood.
Their friendship blossomed and grew to love.
He was her first everything.
Nash’s suddenly death has left Maggie a shell of yourself.
She has basically stopped living.
She doesn’t really live in the present,except when going to work.
Maggie is broken in heart and spirit.
Loss and despair rule and dominate her.
She has given up and life and any sort of happiness.
Even to the point of pushing away family and friends.
Her anguish and her devastation made my heart ache for her so much.
At times when Maggie’s not in her only head I got glimpses of the sassy vibrant girl she used to be.
Those rare moments where preloss Maggie is visible was wonderful to see.
She’s funny and has feistiness to her.
Ryan is such a sweetheart.
He’s now thirty and has given up on finding love.
He’s never found the girl that had him wanting more.
I loved Ryan for his caring nature and how he is so family oriented.
I loved how responsible he was in his work and most especially his morals.
When he sees Maggie in his heart he knows she’s the one.
Even when things seemed hopeless between he never gave up on her.
Ryan wanting to help her and see her through her tremendous grief.
He never demanded anything of her.
He never wanted more than she could give.
Being friends was enough for him.
His patience knew no end.
His giving was in abundance.
And is compassion never dwindled.
Even when Maggie said she had nothing in her for anyone he never stopped trying to help heal her.
Ms. Micheals wrote a tender sweet story of loss and second chances at love.
With wonderful down to earth characters that warm the heart.
And if you have meet the McCullough Clan you will be thrilled with their appearance in this book.
It was wonderful getting to see them all again.
And laughing out loud at the older ladies antics and the things that come out of their mouths.
I’m so happy with this new series and absolutely looking forward to more.
Btw very fitting title for this book,it fits perfectly.
Maggie is a young widow of two years.
She and Nash,her deceased husband,have been friends since childhood.
Their friendship blossomed and grew to love.
He was her first everything.
Nash’s suddenly death has left Maggie a shell of yourself.
She has basically stopped living.
She doesn’t really live in the present,except when going to work.
Maggie is broken in heart and spirit.
Loss and despair rule and dominate her.
She has given up and life and any sort of happiness.
Even to the point of pushing away family and friends.
Her anguish and her devastation made my heart ache for her so much.
At times when Maggie’s not in her only head I got glimpses of the sassy vibrant girl she used to be.
Those rare moments where preloss Maggie is visible was wonderful to see.
She’s funny and has feistiness to her.
Ryan is such a sweetheart.
He’s now thirty and has given up on finding love.
He’s never found the girl that had him wanting more.
I loved Ryan for his caring nature and how he is so family oriented.
I loved how responsible he was in his work and most especially his morals.
When he sees Maggie in his heart he knows she’s the one.
Even when things seemed hopeless between he never gave up on her.
Ryan wanting to help her and see her through her tremendous grief.
He never demanded anything of her.
He never wanted more than she could give.
Being friends was enough for him.
His patience knew no end.
His giving was in abundance.
And is compassion never dwindled.
Even when Maggie said she had nothing in her for anyone he never stopped trying to help heal her.
Ms. Micheals wrote a tender sweet story of loss and second chances at love.
With wonderful down to earth characters that warm the heart.
And if you have meet the McCullough Clan you will be thrilled with their appearance in this book.
It was wonderful getting to see them all again.
And laughing out loud at the older ladies antics and the things that come out of their mouths.
I’m so happy with this new series and absolutely looking forward to more.
Btw very fitting title for this book,it fits perfectly.
February 23, 2021
Lydia Michaels is a genius, she has come up with the perfect title for this heart-wrenching, soul-breaking story. But then she beautifully orchestrated it, whereby we the reader, and our heroine's heart beats again in the most wonderful way possible.
'Wake My Heart' is not for anyone who is expecting hearts and roses by the middle of the book. This is not what this story is all about. This is about the slow but painful steps Maggie will need to take for her heart to once again awaken after the sudden death of her husband 2 years ago. This is the story of a young woman who has buried herself in the past and truly believes her heart will never mend. Maggie is alive but not living, she has pushed everyone away and lives on the memory of the love of her life.
The story is set in a small community where most of the population are Irish Americans, so in the lighter moments, you get to really immerse yourself in the quirky of the Irish. When Ryan Clooney moves in next door to Maggie, he has done so by moving to the other side of town and to put some distance between himself and his extended family, especially his mom, 'god love her'.
From the moment Ryan meets his neighbor Maggie, he is instantly attracted to her, but he can feel her pain and if friendship is all on offer he will take it. But as time moves on the friendship starts to move into territory that Maggie isn't sure she is ready for, and her heart and brain keep working in conflict.
Baby steps are what is required, but every time Ryan thinks they are moving forward, they take two steps back. But his heart knows what it wants, the only trouble is can Maggie step into the future.
Just brilliant, sad at times but an inspirational story.
'Wake My Heart' is not for anyone who is expecting hearts and roses by the middle of the book. This is not what this story is all about. This is about the slow but painful steps Maggie will need to take for her heart to once again awaken after the sudden death of her husband 2 years ago. This is the story of a young woman who has buried herself in the past and truly believes her heart will never mend. Maggie is alive but not living, she has pushed everyone away and lives on the memory of the love of her life.
The story is set in a small community where most of the population are Irish Americans, so in the lighter moments, you get to really immerse yourself in the quirky of the Irish. When Ryan Clooney moves in next door to Maggie, he has done so by moving to the other side of town and to put some distance between himself and his extended family, especially his mom, 'god love her'.
From the moment Ryan meets his neighbor Maggie, he is instantly attracted to her, but he can feel her pain and if friendship is all on offer he will take it. But as time moves on the friendship starts to move into territory that Maggie isn't sure she is ready for, and her heart and brain keep working in conflict.
Baby steps are what is required, but every time Ryan thinks they are moving forward, they take two steps back. But his heart knows what it wants, the only trouble is can Maggie step into the future.
Just brilliant, sad at times but an inspirational story.
February 23, 2021
When I learned that Lydia Michaels was writing a new small town romance series, my heart did a little happy dance. The setting for this series, Jasper Falls, is new, but still familiar given it's closeness to McCollough Mountain. Readers familiar with the McCollough Mountain series will be delighted to see many familiar faces. I, for one, was thrilled to see how the boisterous family had grown. The hero of this story, Ryan, is a cousin to the McColloughs. The odd-man out at family gatherings, he decides to move away from the family and embrace being single. He purchases a home next door to Maggie O'Malley, a young widow that has been stuck in her grief for years. What unravels is a story of friendship and healing. I was completely invested in the family drama (including a decades old family feud), and appreciated that there was no "cure all" for the heroine. Instead, therapy and boundaries, along with a lot of patience on Ryan's part, helped her to find her footing in a new life. While the mood was somber for much of Maggie's early scenes, I think it was a great counterpoint to the often loud, rowdy scenes involving Ryan and his family. The romance was sexy, but very much a slow burn, which seemed fitting for Maggie. It was nice to see her find comfort in a new friend as she learned to live again. I wholeheartedly recommend this story to fans of emotional, friends to lovers stories. I'll caution that you may need to keep a box of tissues nearby. The tears are worth it, though! The happily ever after was so hard-earned.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2024
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank the author and Valentine PR for providing me with a free advanced listener copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"The metronome of her heart no longer beat properly. It hadn't since the day he left her, the day her heart broke into a thousand unfixable pieces." (00:12)
Spice Level:
🌶🌶
Tropes:
neighbor romance, widow FMC, Irish family rivalry, loss and grief, tragic past
A heartrending story of learning to love after loss
Maggie and her husband had been together since they were fifteen, living a perfect marriage of sensual bliss. When a car accident claims her husband’s life, Maggie is unmoored. Two years have passed, and she is nowhere close to healing, socializing too little and drinking too much. When Ryan moves into the house next door, he is captivated by Maggie. But her grief and her guilt about moving on, as well as the rivalry between her late husband’s family and Ryan’s, could prove to be too insurmountable.
The best books are the ones that grip you emotionally. Stories involving loss and grief are always an instant-read for me. The depth of emotion the author must convey awakens something within me. The way in which Lydia Michaels depicts grief in Wake My Heart is very well done. The guilt, the anger, the despair, and the emotional cutting Maggie struggles with are all very realistic and handled with tenderness. Ryan’s patience and understanding as Maggie grapples with her inner demons, letting her set the pace, make him such a compassionate partner. The narrator, Ashley Trumpler, elevates the emotional depth in a phenomenal performance, delivering a convincing portrayal of a woman broken by her husband’s passing and the weight of her suffering. Wake My Heart has set a very high bar for the Jasper Falls series, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
First, I would like to thank the author and Valentine PR for providing me with a free advanced listener copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"The metronome of her heart no longer beat properly. It hadn't since the day he left her, the day her heart broke into a thousand unfixable pieces." (00:12)
Spice Level:
🌶🌶
Tropes:
neighbor romance, widow FMC, Irish family rivalry, loss and grief, tragic past
A heartrending story of learning to love after loss
Maggie and her husband had been together since they were fifteen, living a perfect marriage of sensual bliss. When a car accident claims her husband’s life, Maggie is unmoored. Two years have passed, and she is nowhere close to healing, socializing too little and drinking too much. When Ryan moves into the house next door, he is captivated by Maggie. But her grief and her guilt about moving on, as well as the rivalry between her late husband’s family and Ryan’s, could prove to be too insurmountable.
The best books are the ones that grip you emotionally. Stories involving loss and grief are always an instant-read for me. The depth of emotion the author must convey awakens something within me. The way in which Lydia Michaels depicts grief in Wake My Heart is very well done. The guilt, the anger, the despair, and the emotional cutting Maggie struggles with are all very realistic and handled with tenderness. Ryan’s patience and understanding as Maggie grapples with her inner demons, letting her set the pace, make him such a compassionate partner. The narrator, Ashley Trumpler, elevates the emotional depth in a phenomenal performance, delivering a convincing portrayal of a woman broken by her husband’s passing and the weight of her suffering. Wake My Heart has set a very high bar for the Jasper Falls series, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
November 12, 2021
Audiobook review.
All the emotions!!
I listened to this series in reverse, oops. I listened to book 2 before this book (Which is book number 1) however, it did not change how I felt about the character's, the storyline or the ending. I loved every second of it. This book is filled with family, support, grief and oh my gosh the love!!
This book had me gripped from the very first sentence. I loved it! Ryan is the ultimate book boyfriend, the way he was with Maggie and the support he gave her, broke me. I literally swooned while listening to this book My heart broke for these characters! Their personal growth throughout was amazing to witness!
I genuinely cannot recommend this book enough. It was fantastic!
Also, Lydia Michael's researched Irish culture and used Paddy's day instead of Patty's day! So that was the ultimate win! Being Irish myself, I don't read a lot of books based in Ireland or about Irish families because I find myself focusing on that aspect a lot.
While listening to the accents I really started to wonder "Do I really sound like that"haha!
A massive thank you to the author and Valentine_pr for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
All the emotions!!
I listened to this series in reverse, oops. I listened to book 2 before this book (Which is book number 1) however, it did not change how I felt about the character's, the storyline or the ending. I loved every second of it. This book is filled with family, support, grief and oh my gosh the love!!
This book had me gripped from the very first sentence. I loved it! Ryan is the ultimate book boyfriend, the way he was with Maggie and the support he gave her, broke me. I literally swooned while listening to this book My heart broke for these characters! Their personal growth throughout was amazing to witness!
I genuinely cannot recommend this book enough. It was fantastic!
Also, Lydia Michael's researched Irish culture and used Paddy's day instead of Patty's day! So that was the ultimate win! Being Irish myself, I don't read a lot of books based in Ireland or about Irish families because I find myself focusing on that aspect a lot.
While listening to the accents I really started to wonder "Do I really sound like that"haha!
A massive thank you to the author and Valentine_pr for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2021
4 star Review Wake My Heart (Jasper Falls #1) by Lydia Michaels
AUDIO REVIEW:
What an emotional roller coaster of a story this book was. There were times that my heart just about broke for widow Maggie O'Malley.
Maggie was broken and destroyed by the death of her husband Nash in a car accident two years. Her grief was palpable and was well portrayed by narrator Ashley Trumpler.
When Ryan Clooney moves into the house next door, he is drawn to Maggie. The care, love and support he offered her was heartwarming and I fell for him.
The last thing Maggie ever expected was to fall in love again, but Ryan is persistent and slowly she opens herself up to him and the chance to love and live again.
An emotional story that drew me in and wouldn’t let me go. The narration by Ashley Trumpler was good and I found her easy to listen too.
AUDIO REVIEW:
What an emotional roller coaster of a story this book was. There were times that my heart just about broke for widow Maggie O'Malley.
Maggie was broken and destroyed by the death of her husband Nash in a car accident two years. Her grief was palpable and was well portrayed by narrator Ashley Trumpler.
When Ryan Clooney moves into the house next door, he is drawn to Maggie. The care, love and support he offered her was heartwarming and I fell for him.
The last thing Maggie ever expected was to fall in love again, but Ryan is persistent and slowly she opens herself up to him and the chance to love and live again.
An emotional story that drew me in and wouldn’t let me go. The narration by Ashley Trumpler was good and I found her easy to listen too.
February 20, 2021
This book was just wonderfully written. Maggie is a young widow. Even though it’s been a few years since her loss, she is still consumed by grief. She owns the home she and her husband purchased together.
Ryan purchased the home next to Maggie and he is attracted to her, but something isn’t quite right. Slowly he finds the way to unraveling her heart. There are lots of hurdles and it’s very detailed, but written with a lot of heart.
This story includes a huge Irish family, a pseudo rivalry that is 50 years old and a quaint Pennsylvania town that’s growing a bit. Being from my own large Irish family I really identified with Ryan’s family!
Highly recommend!
Ryan purchased the home next to Maggie and he is attracted to her, but something isn’t quite right. Slowly he finds the way to unraveling her heart. There are lots of hurdles and it’s very detailed, but written with a lot of heart.
This story includes a huge Irish family, a pseudo rivalry that is 50 years old and a quaint Pennsylvania town that’s growing a bit. Being from my own large Irish family I really identified with Ryan’s family!
Highly recommend!
May 14, 2023
This was such a beautifully written story about love, loss, heartbreak, and learning to love again. There were times I laughed and times that I cried. I loved how real the characters were and found myself rooting for their happy ending. I would’ve liked just a tad more spice, but overall I enjoyed most everything about this book. I am definitely planning on reading the rest of this series because I couldn’t get enough of Ryan’s family.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Lydia Michaels for my free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Lydia Michaels for my free copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 22, 2023
Can't wait to listen/read this entire series. So good! Enjoyed hearing character from the McCullough Mtn series intertwined.
My heart broke for Maggie and her unending grief but I adored Ryan and his persistent efforts to win her over.
My heart broke for Maggie and her unending grief but I adored Ryan and his persistent efforts to win her over.
February 2, 2021
Oh my goodness! I laughed and I cried right along with the characters in this book. There is a lot of drama throughout it but the drama is so good that keeps pulling you in. It one that is full of laughter and pain. Maggie is one stunningly beautiful lady. She has been through so much and keeps going strong even when she doesn’t feel like it. I love Ryan and Maggie’s relationship. It is sweet and charming. This story is magnificent and extremely well written. The personalities of all the characters are superb. The story draws you in and makes you feel like you are part of it. I was sad to see the book end because I wanted to know so much more. This is an absolute must read and this story will not disappoint.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2021
Lydia Michaels brings her readers back to McCullough mountain and the outskirts of town, introducing Ryan Clooney. Ryan is the handsome cousin who runs the mill with Finn and works at O'Malley's, filling in for Kelly while he is exploring his art. The last thing he expected when he moved out of town was to fall in love.
Maggie May O'Malley, the young widow who lost everything when her husband was killed in a horrible accident. Nash was her first everything; they had their ups and downs, but that is what true love was all about, and since he is gone, she needs to find herself.
This story is about grief, an all-encompassing emotion with or without therapy. However, it's also about second chances and picking up the pieces of your heart to go on.
Maggie May O'Malley, the young widow who lost everything when her husband was killed in a horrible accident. Nash was her first everything; they had their ups and downs, but that is what true love was all about, and since he is gone, she needs to find herself.
This story is about grief, an all-encompassing emotion with or without therapy. However, it's also about second chances and picking up the pieces of your heart to go on.
February 2, 2021
Wow what amazing story that will have you pulled in to the story. This is another amazing read.
February 23, 2021
A Long and Winding Road Can Be Worth The Wait
This small town romance is as charming as this author’s McCullough Mountain series that introduced some of the same settings and characters that are found in this story. Maggie and Ryan’s long journey had a lot of angst, highs, and lows, but the author’s signature storytelling skills kept me turning the pages.
I loved Ryan Clooney! He is one of those extraordinary guys that you can’t believe has not been snatched up by every woman within a hundred miles because he’s as attractive on the inside as the outside. Although I had sympathy for Maggie who was widowed at a young age and feels guilt for her husband’s tragic accident, there were times I wanted to boot her in the behind when she seemed frozen in place and refused to move forward with life. Her first husband Nash seemed like a nice enough guy, but Maggie tended to excuse his selfish immaturity and faults out of blind loyalty and love. People often gloss over any problems once a loved one has passed.
I got very frustrated with Maggie tugging back and forth on Ryan’s heart. I thought he deserved better. Maggie at least knew that she was not being fair to him, and encouraged him to find someone else to love him fully. I just didn’t want Ryan to feel second best even though he loved her enough to be ok with whatever she could give! I liked that Maggie finally went to therapy to work through her grief. I wanted the couple’s friendship to progress to the love you could see was there much sooner. It was a hard wait. I had to give Ryan a lot of credit for being so patient and never giving up. He recognized that Maggie was the only one for him and was willing to give her time to feel ready to love someone else.
The title of the story is on target since Maggie’s heart has been dead for so long and Ryan’s heart had given up on ever finding someone special. It almost took too long for both characters to turn things around and recognize that a new love could be different from Maggie’s first love, and grow to be even better in time. The story took a very compassionate stance towards people who have lost a spouse and how hard it can be to move on. Thankfully Maggie starts to recognize that it's ok for her wonderful friendship with Ryan to change to a deep love match that she would be devastated to lose.
I smiled and laughed at the familiar small town antics of the people and events in this story. Since this couple seemed fated to be together, the journey at the end was worth all the angst. Ms. Michaels has a unique style when writing about people from small towns that I enjoy. She helps the reader feel the emotions of the characters and relate to them. I was especially happy to see her return to the heart-warming small town stories that began in the McCullough Mountain series. I look forward to reading more of this new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This small town romance is as charming as this author’s McCullough Mountain series that introduced some of the same settings and characters that are found in this story. Maggie and Ryan’s long journey had a lot of angst, highs, and lows, but the author’s signature storytelling skills kept me turning the pages.
I loved Ryan Clooney! He is one of those extraordinary guys that you can’t believe has not been snatched up by every woman within a hundred miles because he’s as attractive on the inside as the outside. Although I had sympathy for Maggie who was widowed at a young age and feels guilt for her husband’s tragic accident, there were times I wanted to boot her in the behind when she seemed frozen in place and refused to move forward with life. Her first husband Nash seemed like a nice enough guy, but Maggie tended to excuse his selfish immaturity and faults out of blind loyalty and love. People often gloss over any problems once a loved one has passed.
I got very frustrated with Maggie tugging back and forth on Ryan’s heart. I thought he deserved better. Maggie at least knew that she was not being fair to him, and encouraged him to find someone else to love him fully. I just didn’t want Ryan to feel second best even though he loved her enough to be ok with whatever she could give! I liked that Maggie finally went to therapy to work through her grief. I wanted the couple’s friendship to progress to the love you could see was there much sooner. It was a hard wait. I had to give Ryan a lot of credit for being so patient and never giving up. He recognized that Maggie was the only one for him and was willing to give her time to feel ready to love someone else.
The title of the story is on target since Maggie’s heart has been dead for so long and Ryan’s heart had given up on ever finding someone special. It almost took too long for both characters to turn things around and recognize that a new love could be different from Maggie’s first love, and grow to be even better in time. The story took a very compassionate stance towards people who have lost a spouse and how hard it can be to move on. Thankfully Maggie starts to recognize that it's ok for her wonderful friendship with Ryan to change to a deep love match that she would be devastated to lose.
I smiled and laughed at the familiar small town antics of the people and events in this story. Since this couple seemed fated to be together, the journey at the end was worth all the angst. Ms. Michaels has a unique style when writing about people from small towns that I enjoy. She helps the reader feel the emotions of the characters and relate to them. I was especially happy to see her return to the heart-warming small town stories that began in the McCullough Mountain series. I look forward to reading more of this new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2023
If one were to ask me what this book is about, my answer would be healing, it’s about healing. It’s a beautiful romance but the core for me with Wake My Heart is about how the incredible love the hero has for the heroine woke her up and healed her from a devastating loss.
Maggie and Nash were childhood sweethearts. They met when they were very young and they were it for each other. They married and were very happy and then Nash was killed in a car accident and and Maggie became frozen, not living, just existing. She spent all her time mourning. She lost her friends and she did her best to shut out her sister.
Then one day two years after Nash passed, a man moved in next door and this was the catalyst for Maggie.
Ryan is attracted to Maggie from the moment he sees her but prickly doesn’t even begin to describe her. She just as soon wished Ryan would leave her alone in her grief but he couldn’t do that. Very slowly, one small step at a time, Maggie reluctantly lets him into her life. She doesn’t want to and there are even times things go backwards but Ryan is falling in love with her and he simply can’t let go.
It’s heartbreaking, emotional and at times frustrating for the reader going on the journey with Maggie. I know I wanted to shake her. But that made things all the more satisfying when Maggie fully woke up. It goes without saying that Maggie and Ryan are outstanding. Ryan’s patience and understanding and compassion make him one of the best heroes I’ve read. And Maggie broke my heart. I lost my husband much too soon. He was only 52 when cancer stole him so I could relate so easily to Maggie. I knew before starting this book, it could be triggering for me but I wanted to read it anyway. And I’m so very glad I did. It’s going to be one of those rare books that stays with me for a long time.
Maggie and Nash were childhood sweethearts. They met when they were very young and they were it for each other. They married and were very happy and then Nash was killed in a car accident and and Maggie became frozen, not living, just existing. She spent all her time mourning. She lost her friends and she did her best to shut out her sister.
Then one day two years after Nash passed, a man moved in next door and this was the catalyst for Maggie.
Ryan is attracted to Maggie from the moment he sees her but prickly doesn’t even begin to describe her. She just as soon wished Ryan would leave her alone in her grief but he couldn’t do that. Very slowly, one small step at a time, Maggie reluctantly lets him into her life. She doesn’t want to and there are even times things go backwards but Ryan is falling in love with her and he simply can’t let go.
It’s heartbreaking, emotional and at times frustrating for the reader going on the journey with Maggie. I know I wanted to shake her. But that made things all the more satisfying when Maggie fully woke up. It goes without saying that Maggie and Ryan are outstanding. Ryan’s patience and understanding and compassion make him one of the best heroes I’ve read. And Maggie broke my heart. I lost my husband much too soon. He was only 52 when cancer stole him so I could relate so easily to Maggie. I knew before starting this book, it could be triggering for me but I wanted to read it anyway. And I’m so very glad I did. It’s going to be one of those rare books that stays with me for a long time.
February 23, 2021
If you're a fan of "Virgin River" (either the books or the Netflix series), you'll love this small town romance in which widowed Maggie O'Malley gradually overcomes her heartbreak and finds love again with her sweet, caring, handsome new neighbor, Ryan Clooney.
Two years after the death of Maggie's beloved husband, Nash, she remained mired in grief and depression, having pushed away most of her family and friends to lead a solitary existence in a home still filled with her husband's things and visiting his grave to share coffee with him first thing every morning. Things finally started to change for Maggie when Ryan moved in next door and took an interest in his new neighbor. Approaching 30 and one of the last remaining singletons in a group of happily married cousins and friends, Ryan had started to doubt whether he'd ever find his own true love, but when he met Maggie, he was immediately drawn to her. I loved how incredibly patient he was with Maggie as she slowly opened up to him and to the possibility of being happy again.
The first part of the book was somewhat difficult for me to read because I hated seeing Maggie so unhappy, but after she started to heal and became friends with Ryan, I really enjoyed it. There were even times when I found myself laughing at Maggie and Ryan's banter, such as when they played darts against each other. They were such an adorable couple, and I found it very easy to cheer them on to their HEA.
Overall, I loved "Wake My Heart" and highly recommend it for all fans of emotional contemporary romance. I look forward to continuing the series.
*Review copy provided by the author via Grey's Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.
Two years after the death of Maggie's beloved husband, Nash, she remained mired in grief and depression, having pushed away most of her family and friends to lead a solitary existence in a home still filled with her husband's things and visiting his grave to share coffee with him first thing every morning. Things finally started to change for Maggie when Ryan moved in next door and took an interest in his new neighbor. Approaching 30 and one of the last remaining singletons in a group of happily married cousins and friends, Ryan had started to doubt whether he'd ever find his own true love, but when he met Maggie, he was immediately drawn to her. I loved how incredibly patient he was with Maggie as she slowly opened up to him and to the possibility of being happy again.
The first part of the book was somewhat difficult for me to read because I hated seeing Maggie so unhappy, but after she started to heal and became friends with Ryan, I really enjoyed it. There were even times when I found myself laughing at Maggie and Ryan's banter, such as when they played darts against each other. They were such an adorable couple, and I found it very easy to cheer them on to their HEA.
Overall, I loved "Wake My Heart" and highly recommend it for all fans of emotional contemporary romance. I look forward to continuing the series.
*Review copy provided by the author via Grey's Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.
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February 23, 2021WAKE MY HEART is Available NOW!
Jasper Falls is the town just off of McCullough Mountain, so expect some special cameos from the McCullough Mountain series! This small town romance series is full of heart! You will laugh, cry, and experience all the feels! WAKE MY HEART is the debut novel, and books can be read as stand alones or in order. Always a happy ending! No cliffhangers! Each story features a unique couple from Jasper Falls. You will love this town and its people! Add it to your must visit small town romances!
Available everywhere in print & eBook (Audiobook coming in April 2021)
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/bPXOZl
Amazon: http://bit.ly/WakeMyHeart_Amazon
Google: http://bit.ly/WakeMyHeart_GooglePlay
B&N: http://bit.ly/WakeMyHeart_BN
iTunes: http://bit.ly/WakeMyHeart_Apple
Kobo: http://bit.ly/WakeMyHeart_Kobo
Audible: COMING April 2021!
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/WakeMyHeart_Goodreads
BookBub: http://bit.ly/WakeMyHeart_BookBub
Upcoming sequels are scheduled to release in April, June, November 2021 with more to come in 2022!
Jasper Falls is the town just off of McCullough Mountain, so expect some special cameos from the McCullough Mountain series! This small town romance series is full of heart! You will laugh, cry, and experience all the feels! WAKE MY HEART is the debut novel, and books can be read as stand alones or in order. Always a happy ending! No cliffhangers! Each story features a unique couple from Jasper Falls. You will love this town and its people! Add it to your must visit small town romances!
Available everywhere in print & eBook (Audiobook coming in April 2021)
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/bPXOZl
Amazon: http://bit.ly/WakeMyHeart_Amazon
Google: http://bit.ly/WakeMyHeart_GooglePlay
B&N: http://bit.ly/WakeMyHeart_BN
iTunes: http://bit.ly/WakeMyHeart_Apple
Kobo: http://bit.ly/WakeMyHeart_Kobo
Audible: COMING April 2021!
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/WakeMyHeart_Goodreads
BookBub: http://bit.ly/WakeMyHeart_BookBub
Upcoming sequels are scheduled to release in April, June, November 2021 with more to come in 2022!
May 18, 2022
It’s been two years since Maggie’s husband Nash passed away and since then she has only been going through the motions and not really living. She has distanced herself from her friends and family until she meets her new neighbor, and he inspires feelings in her that she never expected to feel again but is she ready to let another man into her life?
There is nothing Ryan would like more than to find a woman to spend his life with however he hasn’t yet found anyone in their small town and is beginning to believe he is destined to be single. He remembers Maggie from high school, but she only had eyes for Nash. He is drawn to her in a way he never expected and is determined to be patient and understanding as he shows her that being with him doesn’t diminish what she shared with her husband.
Maggie and Ryan’s journey is at times heartbreaking and at times heartwarming as she must first heal from the past so that they can have the happiness they both deserve. The narrator conveyed not only the emotions of the story but the friendship and love that Maggie and Ryan shared as well.
There is nothing Ryan would like more than to find a woman to spend his life with however he hasn’t yet found anyone in their small town and is beginning to believe he is destined to be single. He remembers Maggie from high school, but she only had eyes for Nash. He is drawn to her in a way he never expected and is determined to be patient and understanding as he shows her that being with him doesn’t diminish what she shared with her husband.
Maggie and Ryan’s journey is at times heartbreaking and at times heartwarming as she must first heal from the past so that they can have the happiness they both deserve. The narrator conveyed not only the emotions of the story but the friendship and love that Maggie and Ryan shared as well.
November 28, 2021
Audio Review
This is book one in the Jasper Falls Series and it’s an emotional roller coaster that will certainly pull on your heartstrings. This is Maggie O’Malley and Ryan Clooney story and honestly at times my heart broke for Maggie and what she has gone through in her life.
Two years ago Maggie lost her husband Nash in a car accident, it tore her apart and she never expected to love again because Nash was the man she shared all her firsts with and she knows it was going to take a special kind of man to tempt her into another relationship so could her new neighbour Ryan be that man…..
Ryan has just moved in next door and from the moment he meets Maggie he is drawn to her. This kind, caring man wasn’t looking for love but fate works in mysterious ways and as he gets to know Maggie he pushes her out of her comfort zone and gives her a new lease of life.
Ashley Trumpler did a marvellous job with the emotions, the grief and the love that runs strong through us book, she really brought the characters and their journey to life.
This is book one in the Jasper Falls Series and it’s an emotional roller coaster that will certainly pull on your heartstrings. This is Maggie O’Malley and Ryan Clooney story and honestly at times my heart broke for Maggie and what she has gone through in her life.
Two years ago Maggie lost her husband Nash in a car accident, it tore her apart and she never expected to love again because Nash was the man she shared all her firsts with and she knows it was going to take a special kind of man to tempt her into another relationship so could her new neighbour Ryan be that man…..
Ryan has just moved in next door and from the moment he meets Maggie he is drawn to her. This kind, caring man wasn’t looking for love but fate works in mysterious ways and as he gets to know Maggie he pushes her out of her comfort zone and gives her a new lease of life.
Ashley Trumpler did a marvellous job with the emotions, the grief and the love that runs strong through us book, she really brought the characters and their journey to life.
February 9, 2021
Love Reawakened
Fate brings two people together who are not actively looking for love. Ryan was burned out from blind dates and plus ones and his gorgeous new neighbor had her heart broken when her husband died. Sometimes loves finds you when you're least looking for it. Ryan and Maggie will grab your heart as they both are reminded what love it all about. I read an arc copy via Grey's Promotions and I voluntarily chose to review it. Lydia did a wonderful job with the character development and the story line was great.
Fate brings two people together who are not actively looking for love. Ryan was burned out from blind dates and plus ones and his gorgeous new neighbor had her heart broken when her husband died. Sometimes loves finds you when you're least looking for it. Ryan and Maggie will grab your heart as they both are reminded what love it all about. I read an arc copy via Grey's Promotions and I voluntarily chose to review it. Lydia did a wonderful job with the character development and the story line was great.
February 4, 2021
My review of the book Wake My Heart: Jasper Falls Book 1.
Rating: 5, excellent.
Another great adventure in the mountains. Maggie has been dealing with a devastating loss and hibernates until Ryan buys the house next door. He breaks down her defenses and shows her how much life she is missing. Yes Lydia does a great job as always taking you on a rollercoaster of emotions, laughing out loud and crying. So much real life events in the mountains enjoying family life. The beginning of a new chapter in Jasper Falls.
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Reading books with ReadEra
https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rating: 5, excellent.
Another great adventure in the mountains. Maggie has been dealing with a devastating loss and hibernates until Ryan buys the house next door. He breaks down her defenses and shows her how much life she is missing. Yes Lydia does a great job as always taking you on a rollercoaster of emotions, laughing out loud and crying. So much real life events in the mountains enjoying family life. The beginning of a new chapter in Jasper Falls.
--
Reading books with ReadEra
https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2023
I got the recommendation for this book last year and just now got to it. I have the whole series on my kindle now and I absolutely loved Ryan and Maggie! The side characters in this book were fantastic and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books as well as the interconnected series that goes with it. I love big meddling families, especially big Irish ones!
January 25, 2021
Another masterpiece from this author! She really knows how to grab the reader and immerse them in the awesomeness of her writings. I’ve never been disappointed by her stories; her characters are wonderful, families you want to be part of - I just wanted to go join the gang at O’Malley’s. I was so excited to have more McCullough Mountain.
February 9, 2021
Lydia is a new to me Author
Maggie and Ryan's story a great roller coaster ride.
It took him awhile but he was able to show Maggie it's ok to grieve but it's also ok to move on
Maggie and Ryan's story a great roller coaster ride.
It took him awhile but he was able to show Maggie it's ok to grieve but it's also ok to move on
January 28, 2021
Maggie’s story was a lovely intro into the jasper falls series - a lot of cameos from our beloved mountain neighbours but enough of its own characters to stand on its own! Maggie and Ryan’s story shows what can happen when fate intervenes at the right time and right place! It wasn’t an easy ride and I think The writing of Maggie’s turmoils with the grieving process, depression and anxiety was done particularly well!
This story has a beautiful HEA although I would have loved to see a little more before the epilogue. Very keen to read to next in this series!
This story has a beautiful HEA although I would have loved to see a little more before the epilogue. Very keen to read to next in this series!
February 26, 2021
Absolutely loved the first book of the Jasper Falls series by Lydia Michaels. This author definitely gives us swoon worthy small town romances like no other! I especially loved that this new series is a play off of the McCullough Mountain series, as it is one of my all time favorite small town romances series to date.
The hurt that the heroine is going through will reach in to you and pull at your heartstrings and at the same time you fall head of heals for the hero while he attempts to help her. Ryan and Maggie together are perfect! I could not put this book down once I started.
If you love the small town romances, then I highly recommend this reading Wake My Heart! Also note....you do not have to have read the McCullough Mountain series to jump in to the Jasper Falls series!!!
The hurt that the heroine is going through will reach in to you and pull at your heartstrings and at the same time you fall head of heals for the hero while he attempts to help her. Ryan and Maggie together are perfect! I could not put this book down once I started.
If you love the small town romances, then I highly recommend this reading Wake My Heart! Also note....you do not have to have read the McCullough Mountain series to jump in to the Jasper Falls series!!!
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