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The Reunited Hearts #1
Her Perfect Life
Everyone thinks she's dead
While flying a routine border patrol mission over Iraq, air force captain Katie Slater's plane is blown from the sky and hurtles deep into enemy territory. And Katie awakens to hell.
But six years later she comes home
Helped by a compassionate guard, Katie is finally free. But the perfect life she left behind has vanished. Her husband is remarried, her two children -- who barely remember her -- have another mother. And Katie's former copilot, C. D. Quade, her rock and confidant, can't let go of his guilt over leaving her behind.
And now nothing is the same
Losing everything means not only coming to terms with an imperfect past, but putting the military behind her and taking a chance on a long-held dream of starting her own garden business. Does Katie have the strength to grow a new life -- on her own terms?
While flying a routine border patrol mission over Iraq, air force captain Katie Slater's plane is blown from the sky and hurtles deep into enemy territory. And Katie awakens to hell.
But six years later she comes home
Helped by a compassionate guard, Katie is finally free. But the perfect life she left behind has vanished. Her husband is remarried, her two children -- who barely remember her -- have another mother. And Katie's former copilot, C. D. Quade, her rock and confidant, can't let go of his guilt over leaving her behind.
And now nothing is the same
Losing everything means not only coming to terms with an imperfect past, but putting the military behind her and taking a chance on a long-held dream of starting her own garden business. Does Katie have the strength to grow a new life -- on her own terms?
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2006
64 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Hinze
102 books329 followersVicki is the USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author of nearly 40 novels, 4 nonfiction books and hundreds of articles. She's recognized as an author and as an educator by Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World. For seven years, she was a columnist for Social-In Global Network; before then, a radio-talk show host for Everyday Woman.
The former VP for International Thriller Writers, consultant to the RWA Board of Directors, and a consultant to multiple other writing organizations. She's a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Novelists, Inc., ALLi, and Southern Independent Booksellers Assn.
The former VP for International Thriller Writers, consultant to the RWA Board of Directors, and a consultant to multiple other writing organizations. She's a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Novelists, Inc., ALLi, and Southern Independent Booksellers Assn.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 24, 2012
I thought I already had a review written for this one. Anyway, here goes. I really enjoyed this book. It was very different in that it was the woman who was in the military and was captured and believed dead. She comes home a couple of years later and her family has moved on. She has to deal with her husband being remarried etc. No one was bad in this book, they were just all caught up in a sad situation. I liked how everything ended up. It felt fairly realistic.
July 13, 2019
5 Stars! ~ This is the story of Katie, a captain in the air force who was captured behind enemy lines in Iraq after her plane was shot down. She'd been held captive; brutalized, and often barely kept alive. Knowing that her co-pilot and best friend, CD is dead adds to her torment, but it's the love she has for her husband and two children that keep her alive. Through the kindness of one of her captors, her rescue finally comes after six years.
Finally safe on American soil, Katie has to face that six years has passed and nothing is the same. CD's not dead, and although relieved at the news, she can't help feeling hatred too that he didn't come back for her, that he left her behind. And Sam her husband, thought she was dead, he has a new wife and her children have a new mother. So what is she coming home too? Who is going to love her and help her to heal?
CD's always been in love with Katie, but he's never told her because of her marriage. He's mourned her everyday she was gone and he vows that nothing is going to hurt her again. He's going to be the one to love her and never leave her behind again.
This is a totally awesome read! Not for the faint of heart, as there is some graphic violence. Katie's strength and the way she has learned to cope both while captive and then returned to freedom, is truly remarkable. Through Ms. Hinze we see the trauma she experienced and the stages she goes through to find her healing and her place in the world again. This is a story of love and passion; of compassion and patience; of fear and insecurity. But mostly about faith in the human spirit to endure and to conquer as long as there is love to hold on to. Be prepared with a box of tissues; this one grabs hold of your heart and doesn't let go. Bravo to Ms. Hinze and thank you for putting into perspective the little things.
I've been intrigued by this story ever since it was released and almost had it in my shopping cart a few times. I think I hesitated because of the subject matter. Yesterday I seen this book at a thrift store and it was instantly bought. As soon as I came home it was opened to the first page and I only put it down to sleep. This one goes on the keeper shelf. I'm very much looking forward to reading more form Ms. Hinze!
Finally safe on American soil, Katie has to face that six years has passed and nothing is the same. CD's not dead, and although relieved at the news, she can't help feeling hatred too that he didn't come back for her, that he left her behind. And Sam her husband, thought she was dead, he has a new wife and her children have a new mother. So what is she coming home too? Who is going to love her and help her to heal?
CD's always been in love with Katie, but he's never told her because of her marriage. He's mourned her everyday she was gone and he vows that nothing is going to hurt her again. He's going to be the one to love her and never leave her behind again.
This is a totally awesome read! Not for the faint of heart, as there is some graphic violence. Katie's strength and the way she has learned to cope both while captive and then returned to freedom, is truly remarkable. Through Ms. Hinze we see the trauma she experienced and the stages she goes through to find her healing and her place in the world again. This is a story of love and passion; of compassion and patience; of fear and insecurity. But mostly about faith in the human spirit to endure and to conquer as long as there is love to hold on to. Be prepared with a box of tissues; this one grabs hold of your heart and doesn't let go. Bravo to Ms. Hinze and thank you for putting into perspective the little things.
I've been intrigued by this story ever since it was released and almost had it in my shopping cart a few times. I think I hesitated because of the subject matter. Yesterday I seen this book at a thrift store and it was instantly bought. As soon as I came home it was opened to the first page and I only put it down to sleep. This one goes on the keeper shelf. I'm very much looking forward to reading more form Ms. Hinze!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2014
I gave this book a 5 star rating. That was inaccurate; it should be an 8 star rating. I have never read a book about a female POW. Captain Katie Cole Slater was a POW for 6 years. During her captivity she alternated between wanting to die and just getting it over to wanting to get home to her children and husband. She thought her co-pilot and best friend C.D. Quade must have been killed when they had to eject or he would have come back for her. When Katie was rescued and returned to her life she had to fight a deeply emotional battle; everything had changed in those 6 years. Katie is a very strong person and her battles were very heart-breaking. I cried more than once while reading this book. I cannot imagine anyone reading this and not have some serious reflection about our enlisted men and women even if they don't have someone in the service.
April 2, 2014
I once again needed a lot of tissues to read this book. So, so much of it made me cry. But then, this book hits me deeply in very personal ways, ones I don't particularly care to share publicly.
Katie's rescue and return to life involved coming to terms with a whole new reality, and none of it was easy. Of course, having C.D. there made all the difference in the world. His being so wealthy just made it easier, but even without money, simply his presence, friendship, understanding, compassion, and love would have been enough.
Blair was also awesome. I loved that the new wife was so wonderful, and even that the ex-husband wasn't totally awful. Clearly not the right man for Katie, yes. But I loved that it made it clear that with Blair, he was. It helped to make clear what Blair saw in him now, and what Katie had seen in him. I hate when exes are caricatures of awfulness.
It was all very well done and realistic, with none of the characters being all good or all bad. I really wish this were available in ebook, but I'm glad to at least have a paperback.
Katie's rescue and return to life involved coming to terms with a whole new reality, and none of it was easy. Of course, having C.D. there made all the difference in the world. His being so wealthy just made it easier, but even without money, simply his presence, friendship, understanding, compassion, and love would have been enough.
Blair was also awesome. I loved that the new wife was so wonderful, and even that the ex-husband wasn't totally awful. Clearly not the right man for Katie, yes. But I loved that it made it clear that with Blair, he was. It helped to make clear what Blair saw in him now, and what Katie had seen in him. I hate when exes are caricatures of awfulness.
It was all very well done and realistic, with none of the characters being all good or all bad. I really wish this were available in ebook, but I'm glad to at least have a paperback.
March 24, 2019
Katie, a POW for six years, is finally rescued. She returns to a world much different than the one she left. Her husband has remarried and her kids don't recognize her, her mom is suffering from dementia. At least her co-pilot who was injured but evacuated after the incident that lead to her capture is there to offer friendship and maybe more. this is the story of her recovery and her efforts to build a new life.
Kate is a likeable character and the prison scenes are truly compelling. The family drama was somewhat unconvincing, from the saintly new wife and the insensitive husband. It is very talky and repetitious and it peters out predictably. Still a fairly unflinching look at the horrors of war and imprisonment and the courage it takes to come back.
Kate is a likeable character and the prison scenes are truly compelling. The family drama was somewhat unconvincing, from the saintly new wife and the insensitive husband. It is very talky and repetitious and it peters out predictably. Still a fairly unflinching look at the horrors of war and imprisonment and the courage it takes to come back.
February 10, 2019
Started out great but didn't stick the landing. I loved the fleshing out of Katie and her struggles but instead of keeping the tone of the story as a realistic narrative the author shoves in a bunch of supernatural elements. This utterly destroyed the tone of the work and undercut Katie's recovery. It made her recovery feel unrealistic and fabricated because the two tones were in such contrast. Honestly would have ranked it lower if the first bit hadn't been so engaging.
December 10, 2018
Just one of those books
This is just one of those books I couldn’t not keep reading. I was hooked from the first ten pages. If you want a book to touch you this is it. Katie is a good strong character. You really pull for her to survive
This is just one of those books I couldn’t not keep reading. I was hooked from the first ten pages. If you want a book to touch you this is it. Katie is a good strong character. You really pull for her to survive
June 29, 2019
Bravo
A beautifully written story. Totally captivating I wish I had a dozen more as spellbinding!! Cannot wait to read more by this author!
A beautifully written story. Totally captivating I wish I had a dozen more as spellbinding!! Cannot wait to read more by this author!
June 2, 2014
This is one of the most emotional books that I have read. Pilot Katie Slater and co-pilot CD's plane is shot down in enemy lines. Both are injured, believing that CD is dead Katie tries to get away and find help. She is captured and endures torture, starvation and other inhumane treatment at the hand of the soldiers. The only thing that keeps her alive her family: her husband and 2 children. Being a captive for over 6 years, she has almost given up hope when she is rescued. Believing that she will be returning to the perfect life she thought she had before capture Katie is not prepared for what happens. She discovers that CD is not dead and was rescued. Katie must deal with the lose of her former life as a family and come to terms with the way things are now. The essence of the book is that love heals us. I don't want to give away too much but would love to say that it is inspiring to see someone overcome so much to be a whole person again and live life to the fullest. My favorite quote from the book "Faith opened the shutters. It was the only thing strong enough to do so. It's taken time, but today, all are wide open. I pull everything from the darkness into the light and view the good and the bad and all in between, and I am content. I am at peace. I am loved. A woman can ask for no more in her perfect life."
January 27, 2015
3 1/2 stars. I went into this book thinking it would be a little more about a soldier's struggles adjusting after being a POW, and a little less straight romance. Probably didn't help I didn't see the new cover or realize it was published by Harlequin. That said, it was a unique story as one doesn't often read about a female POW. Hinze doesn't gloss over the horrors Katie went through, but she doesn't get too graphic either. If you love romance stories, you'll probably love this novel as Katie's struggles with her feelings for C.D. are front and center. C.D. seemed a bit too perfect at times, and there were a few moments when things seemed to get repetitive. I really enjoyed Katie's interaction's with her husband's new wife, Blair, and the challenges she faced basically meeting her kids for the first time now that they had grown up. Read Her Perfect Life knowing there's a stronger dose of romance than the initial summary implies, and you'll be just fine.
November 3, 2015
Such a heart wrenching story with a great ending. -- may contain spoilers --
After 6 years of being thought of as dead but being imprisoned as a P.O.W. Katie is rescued and returns to a family that has moved on with out her. Returning to her life is almost impossible, however with the help of her best friend and co-pilot C.D. she is able to maintain some semblance of normal. As she works through a traumatic homecoming, and living with PTSD which she manages very well Katie is on the verge of an amazing opportunity to do what she wants and to love the one she's only loved.
"That which is endured is conquered"
Loved this story and cant wait to read more from this author.
After 6 years of being thought of as dead but being imprisoned as a P.O.W. Katie is rescued and returns to a family that has moved on with out her. Returning to her life is almost impossible, however with the help of her best friend and co-pilot C.D. she is able to maintain some semblance of normal. As she works through a traumatic homecoming, and living with PTSD which she manages very well Katie is on the verge of an amazing opportunity to do what she wants and to love the one she's only loved.
"That which is endured is conquered"
Loved this story and cant wait to read more from this author.
June 22, 2022
Rating: 3.25 Stars
I was expecting, and anticipating, an emotionally taxing story. Heavy, you know? But, despite the topics this story dealt with, it was rather light. Things seemed to be a bit too convenient, for Katie after her time as POW. She didn’t return to the life she was expecting, and there were adjustment issues for everybody, but everything was resolved with the best possible outcome. I’m not saying any of this made the book bad—that isn’t the case whatsoever. It was a well written story. But the tone of the story wasn’t what I was in the mood to read at the time, and my rating reflects that.
I was expecting, and anticipating, an emotionally taxing story. Heavy, you know? But, despite the topics this story dealt with, it was rather light. Things seemed to be a bit too convenient, for Katie after her time as POW. She didn’t return to the life she was expecting, and there were adjustment issues for everybody, but everything was resolved with the best possible outcome. I’m not saying any of this made the book bad—that isn’t the case whatsoever. It was a well written story. But the tone of the story wasn’t what I was in the mood to read at the time, and my rating reflects that.
June 21, 2015
Her Perfect Life review
Her Perfect Life is an amazing book written by author Vicki Hinze. After 6 years as an Iraqi POW, a female pilot is rescued. When she returns home, she finds that her family has moved on with their lives because she was declared dead by the military. This is a powerful, heartbreaking, sad, emotional and uplifting story.
Her Perfect Life is an amazing book written by author Vicki Hinze. After 6 years as an Iraqi POW, a female pilot is rescued. When she returns home, she finds that her family has moved on with their lives because she was declared dead by the military. This is a powerful, heartbreaking, sad, emotional and uplifting story.
June 18, 2008
Oh wow, okay, I wasn't expecting a not-fluff story from an Harlequin imprint...guess I was wrong to assume. I looked at the book and put it back on the shelf and went home and then changed my mind and picked it up when I was next at the mall.
August 1, 2014
Good book and it held my interest, but it was a little unbelievable how perfectly everything worked out in the end (even knowing the title is "Her PERFECT Life"!) I wasn't expecting chicklit/romance, so it was outside my preferred genre, but still a good story overall.
March 4, 2015
I love this book
I loved the book when it came out years ago. I picked it up on the kindle recently and instill enjoyed it.
I loved the book when it came out years ago. I picked it up on the kindle recently and instill enjoyed it.
Want to read
February 25, 2016kindle 275
September 4, 2016
What an amazing story! Very thought provoking romantic story of a woman's courage strength and love. Highly recommend. Found this scrolling through my Kindle app. So glad I did!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews