What do you think?
Rate this book
Heart Lake #1
Winds of Change
The cowboy who broke her heart years ago and the career opportunity that offers them a second chance at happily-ever-after…
While they were growing up, Hope Remington was the darling of Heart Lake, and Josh Hawling was…well, bad news. And now she’s returning after ten years of being gone, with a PhD and plans to use her new position to transform their struggling high school into a center for educational excellence.
She soon realizes that her biggest challenge isn’t going to be the rival gangs embedded in the student body, although they’re a close second on the list. It’s Josh Hawling, who has somehow convinced their aging superintendent that he and his security firm partner can coach their backwoods collection of farm boys into a football team that’ll make the playoffs.
How is a woman of her refined background and education supposed to improve test scores and graduation rates when her students’ biggest idol is a man who spent more time in the principal’s office than in the classroom? Even though she feels safer having him on their crime-ridden campus, she’s so not looking forward to her daily encounters with his cocky self. Or being socked in the heart all over again by his devastating smile. Or having to finally face her unwanted attraction that might have kindled into a lot more if she’d never left Texas in the first place.
Welcome to Heart Lake! A small town teaming with old family rivalries, the rumble of horses’ hooves, and folks on both sides of the law and everywhere in between — faith-filled romance that you’ll never forget.
While they were growing up, Hope Remington was the darling of Heart Lake, and Josh Hawling was…well, bad news. And now she’s returning after ten years of being gone, with a PhD and plans to use her new position to transform their struggling high school into a center for educational excellence.
She soon realizes that her biggest challenge isn’t going to be the rival gangs embedded in the student body, although they’re a close second on the list. It’s Josh Hawling, who has somehow convinced their aging superintendent that he and his security firm partner can coach their backwoods collection of farm boys into a football team that’ll make the playoffs.
How is a woman of her refined background and education supposed to improve test scores and graduation rates when her students’ biggest idol is a man who spent more time in the principal’s office than in the classroom? Even though she feels safer having him on their crime-ridden campus, she’s so not looking forward to her daily encounters with his cocky self. Or being socked in the heart all over again by his devastating smile. Or having to finally face her unwanted attraction that might have kindled into a lot more if she’d never left Texas in the first place.
Welcome to Heart Lake! A small town teaming with old family rivalries, the rumble of horses’ hooves, and folks on both sides of the law and everywhere in between — faith-filled romance that you’ll never forget.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2021
752 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Jo Grafford
167 books664 followersJo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 1, 2021
I am giving this book a 3-star rating because the author's writing is good, and she has a great idea for the basis of her book--a beginning principal trying to blend two rival high schools into one. I did, however, feel that she didn't tie up all her plot strands to give her readers a sense of closure. Some conflicts were left unresolved; then, by adding a long scene between Hope's friends who were just meeting, Ms. Grafford switched her focus from her main characters. The problem with the rival coach and his ex-wife was not concluded very well either. This was a KU book that I read for free; if I had bought it, I would have felt cheated. The book, however, is a clean read which is rare for many books these days.
April 26, 2021
Welcome to Heart Lake and a wonderful new series that takes off with two high school sweethearts that meet again after ten years.
"She's home." "Josh Hawling had always known this day would come... eventually." Hope Remington had come back to her hometown to become the new principal of the high school, that was combining two rival schools after a tornado had devastated so much.
Hope couldn't believe she would be working with Josh, who was going to head security at the school. After he'd never showed up for their meeting before she went off to college, she'd only tried to forget him.
Josh just wanted to win her back. All those years ago, he knew she'd never forgiven him..
A little adventure, suspense and a second chance at love. Jo does it again with her wonderful writing and characters that make me only want more!
"She's home." "Josh Hawling had always known this day would come... eventually." Hope Remington had come back to her hometown to become the new principal of the high school, that was combining two rival schools after a tornado had devastated so much.
Hope couldn't believe she would be working with Josh, who was going to head security at the school. After he'd never showed up for their meeting before she went off to college, she'd only tried to forget him.
Josh just wanted to win her back. All those years ago, he knew she'd never forgiven him..
A little adventure, suspense and a second chance at love. Jo does it again with her wonderful writing and characters that make me only want more!
September 25, 2021
There were just too many holes in this story and to many unfinished plot twists for this book to feel finished and satisfying. I’m so glad I didn’t buy it but was able to read it via Kindle Unlimited. Even then, I regret spending my time with this book when there are so many better ones available.
May 13, 2021
Heart Lake Winds Of Change is a story of a young couple that lived on opposite sides of town and each had a last name that meant they were not meant to be together. Heart Lake is made up of the Remington's that lived on the north side of town, and the Hawling's that lived on the South side of town or the wrong side of the tracks. Josh Hawling was ready to propose to Hope Remington 10 years ago when they were to leave town for college but stood her up. Hope was coming home today to be the principal of Hope Lake High School that now housed both the north and south side of town kids, and Josh and his company had been hired for security. Putting those kids all under one roof was putting two rival schools together due to the tornado. So as you can imagine this story is full of problems that face Hope and Josh. But, after 10 years Hope still wishes things had went as planned that day on the bridge.
Jo Grafford writes another exciting story that will have you trying to find answers as you are turned this way and that, holding on for dear life to keep up with this exciting book. I really enjoyed it.
Jo Grafford writes another exciting story that will have you trying to find answers as you are turned this way and that, holding on for dear life to keep up with this exciting book. I really enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2023
Winds of Change, Jo Grafford’s first book in her Heart Lake series, is heartwarming, adventurous, and suspenseful. This book has everything you’d want in a small-town Texas romance.
When Hope Remington moves back to Heart Lake as the high school principal, she is faced with the challenge of uniting the students from two rival high schools on the same campus. She also discovers her former boyfriend, Josh, is the head of security at the school which means they will be interacting with each other more than she expected. Hope is still recovering from a heartbreaking misunderstanding between her and Josh that occurred 10 years ago, and the town is recovering from a devastating tornado.
Healing and recovery are the major themes throughout this book. If you enjoy heartwarming, small-town romances mixed with some drama and suspense, I encourage you to begin reading this series. Winds of Change is the first book in this eleven-book and counting series.
- Crystal, Technical Services Librarian
When Hope Remington moves back to Heart Lake as the high school principal, she is faced with the challenge of uniting the students from two rival high schools on the same campus. She also discovers her former boyfriend, Josh, is the head of security at the school which means they will be interacting with each other more than she expected. Hope is still recovering from a heartbreaking misunderstanding between her and Josh that occurred 10 years ago, and the town is recovering from a devastating tornado.
Healing and recovery are the major themes throughout this book. If you enjoy heartwarming, small-town romances mixed with some drama and suspense, I encourage you to begin reading this series. Winds of Change is the first book in this eleven-book and counting series.
- Crystal, Technical Services Librarian
April 23, 2021
What a touching, wonderful story this is! I immediately was swept up in this book from the first page! I could feel the emotions of all the characters and there were a lot of them! Hope Remington is tasked with bringing the two sides of the town together when both high schools are merged into one and she is the new principal. I can't even imagine. Teenagers are difficult to begin with but to suddenly make them be one school and cast aside their mascot and all basically their "identity" would be so difficult! She has a lot on her plate! Then, her former sweetheart from 1o years ago is the head of security at the school! Oh baby! Josh has never stopped loving Hope and there's a reason why he didn't go off to college with her but never told her why! Suddenly there's danger and problems galore going on in town, not to mention Hope and Josh hoping to get back together? This book has it all! You have to read it!!! Can't wait for the next book already!
July 18, 2024
What a ride!
This story was amazing! I had already fallen in love with the Christmas Mountain series but, wow, the story of Christmas Mountains future generation in Heart Lake blew it out of the park too! I loved this story and it made me fall even more in love with Heart Lake. Jo Grafford did an outstanding job in telling the story of the future generation with alot of action, suspense and love. The story had my emotions spinning. I couldn't put it down. The heart gripping tale of generations of old fueds to overcome and the battles of the feelings that Josh Hawling and Hope Remington had to deal with.
You have to read the 3 volume series by Jovie Grace Mail Order Brides of Christmas Mountain to get the full effects from this story! I cannot recommend reading these books Highly enough.
This story was amazing! I had already fallen in love with the Christmas Mountain series but, wow, the story of Christmas Mountains future generation in Heart Lake blew it out of the park too! I loved this story and it made me fall even more in love with Heart Lake. Jo Grafford did an outstanding job in telling the story of the future generation with alot of action, suspense and love. The story had my emotions spinning. I couldn't put it down. The heart gripping tale of generations of old fueds to overcome and the battles of the feelings that Josh Hawling and Hope Remington had to deal with.
You have to read the 3 volume series by Jovie Grace Mail Order Brides of Christmas Mountain to get the full effects from this story! I cannot recommend reading these books Highly enough.
March 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
At first I wasn’t sure I was going to like this. Another enemies to lovers trope, added to the high school setting, and football, which, sorry to football fans, I just don’t understand…I was not enthused.
But you know what? It got better and better until I was enjoying what was going on and really cheering the couple.
This was Josh as the ex bull rider turned football coach/campus security, and Hope as the principal who was gone ten years from her hometown hoping to forget Josh's betrayal.
The man who brought her there in his jet (Kellen Maddox, a billionaire by the way) was so much fun, I just loved him. Looking forward to the next book with him as the male lead. Yay Kellan!
Mind you there were a couple times words, when used in a medical term aren’t bad, but when bloody is used as an expletive, it’s unattractive in a Christian book. So down 1/2 star.
At first I wasn’t sure I was going to like this. Another enemies to lovers trope, added to the high school setting, and football, which, sorry to football fans, I just don’t understand…I was not enthused.
But you know what? It got better and better until I was enjoying what was going on and really cheering the couple.
This was Josh as the ex bull rider turned football coach/campus security, and Hope as the principal who was gone ten years from her hometown hoping to forget Josh's betrayal.
The man who brought her there in his jet (Kellen Maddox, a billionaire by the way) was so much fun, I just loved him. Looking forward to the next book with him as the male lead. Yay Kellan!
Mind you there were a couple times words, when used in a medical term aren’t bad, but when bloody is used as an expletive, it’s unattractive in a Christian book. So down 1/2 star.
April 21, 2021
What a great way to start off the new series in Heart Lake! Old family rivalry and heart ache drives this relationship. Hope has been gone for 10 years but the heartache reappears as soon as she sees him the first time. Josh has his secrets and his regrets and he longs for Hope but there is too much history between them. Josh is there to protect her and Hope has to bring the town together for the first time. There is drama, suspense and romance in the story of healing a town and healing hearts. I absolutely loved this book and I am so excited to see all the other stories unfold in this new favorite place of mine!!! I love the way Jo brings you in to their lives and makes you feel a part of the town.
April 24, 2021
Enjoyed Hope and Josh's story. Hope and Josh had planned on going to college together, but last minute Josh was a no show. Ten long years wondering why Josh broke her heart. Josh never did go to college, but build his own security business that is now hired to protect the love of his life. I felt like I was back in a school having a pep Rally. I cheered the Heart Lake Heroes, and felt much anger at the refs during the first game of the season. And I cheered Hope on, when she related with the kids of her school. If you like clean, fun stories with a bit of mystery and second chances, you will enjoy 'Winds of Change'. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
April 27, 2021
Lots of action in this book. It will keep you glued to the pages.
Hope returns home to become the principal of her old high school. Thanks to a tornado they have now combined two rivals into one school. Does she have her work cut out for her. Her old flame from high school days Josh picks her up from the airport along with her male friend. She finds out that Josh is the head of her security and she has to work with him.
Grab the book and see what happened in the past and what happens now. It is very interesting.
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Hope returns home to become the principal of her old high school. Thanks to a tornado they have now combined two rivals into one school. Does she have her work cut out for her. Her old flame from high school days Josh picks her up from the airport along with her male friend. She finds out that Josh is the head of her security and she has to work with him.
Grab the book and see what happened in the past and what happens now. It is very interesting.
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
July 8, 2021
When Dr. Hope Remmington returns to Heartlake to become the new Principal at the local high school. She is met with not only the turmoil a tornado caused to her beloved town, but also reuniting with her old high school flame, Josh Hawling. As much as Hope has tried over the past 10 years to get over Josh, she has been unable to. With her billionaire friend by her side, Hope is wanting to put Josh behind her once and for all. However, as Josh and Hope are forced to work together at the high school and are able to discover the truth of what happened 10 years ago, hearts are changed and healed. Sometimes we have to follow our heart, even when our brain says no. I definitely recommend this book to others. It was a quick read that I never wanted to put down.
April 30, 2021
Dr. Hope Remington knew that coming home to be the new principal of the newly combined Heart Lake High School would have some tough challenges, including encounters with her ex-boyfriend. I’m sure she was not expecting the hornet’s nest she walked into. Jo Grafford filled with story with interesting characters such as said ex, Josh Hawling, now security expert and high school football coach, Kellan Maddox, CEO of Black Ties Philanthropic organization, a billionaire and one of Hopes best friends, Daisy Peterson, and others. Heart Lake, Texas, is a good ole Texas town trying to adjust to the current world. I loved this story and look forward to Kellan’s story.
January 11, 2023
Sweet romance with a dash of suspense
Great read about a hometown girl making good in the big city before returning to her roots...and the boy who'd broken her heart.
Loved the way she interacted with her students.
Loved the first football match of Heart Lake Heroes.
Would've liked to have seen more scenes with some of the interesting minor characters like the mom, Elmer and the assistant principal.
Also needed some backstory on the feud between the Remingtons and other townspeople that's hinted at in remarks made throughout the book.
Would recommend Winds of Change to older teens and young adults.
Thanks for a great read, Jo Grafford!
Great read about a hometown girl making good in the big city before returning to her roots...and the boy who'd broken her heart.
Loved the way she interacted with her students.
Loved the first football match of Heart Lake Heroes.
Would've liked to have seen more scenes with some of the interesting minor characters like the mom, Elmer and the assistant principal.
Also needed some backstory on the feud between the Remingtons and other townspeople that's hinted at in remarks made throughout the book.
Would recommend Winds of Change to older teens and young adults.
Thanks for a great read, Jo Grafford!
April 23, 2021
A Hawling and a Remington....never!
Although with North and South finally having to come together to recover from the tornado the town of Heart Lake and it's stubborn residents may have to rethink their stance.
For Hope and Josh it was always love, but too many people were interfering then and again now, their solution is a little unorthodox, but perfect for them!
I love this introduction to Heart Lake, it's crazy past and quirky residents!
A great first book in the series which I read on Kindle Unlimited.
Although with North and South finally having to come together to recover from the tornado the town of Heart Lake and it's stubborn residents may have to rethink their stance.
For Hope and Josh it was always love, but too many people were interfering then and again now, their solution is a little unorthodox, but perfect for them!
I love this introduction to Heart Lake, it's crazy past and quirky residents!
A great first book in the series which I read on Kindle Unlimited.
April 26, 2021
Winds of Change: A Sweet, Inspirational, Small Town, Romantic Suspense Series by Jo Grafford is book 1 of Heart Lake series. This is about the town adjusting to changes from a tornado. Winds of Change deals with Hope, who is a Remington, and Josh, who is a Hawling and their relationship as they deal with combining high schools. Hope and Josh have a past which may hurt their present duties. Jo Grafford has created a wonderful first story to kick off a new series.
I received an ARC. This is my voluntary, unbiased review.
I received an ARC. This is my voluntary, unbiased review.
May 21, 2021
Winds of Change
Boy what a great story ,here I sit reading since 3 am and just finishing at 6:15 am. I should be sleeping but this story was just too enjoyable not to finish. The mystery and intrigue along with the long lost love of two key people in this story really kept it moving. The new high school and the joining of two different groups of people was a new concept that ended up working out so well with the marriage of the two most valuable people in the story. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Boy what a great story ,here I sit reading since 3 am and just finishing at 6:15 am. I should be sleeping but this story was just too enjoyable not to finish. The mystery and intrigue along with the long lost love of two key people in this story really kept it moving. The new high school and the joining of two different groups of people was a new concept that ended up working out so well with the marriage of the two most valuable people in the story. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
June 19, 2021
This was a sweet, clean romance with some mystery. Hope and Josh are wonderful characters! Loved their chemistry. Heart Lake is a wonderful setting with the small town feel and community coming together to rebuild after hurricanes hit. Having to blend the 2 high schools is a great plot point with lots of possibilities. The romance is good but the mystery is better. It is somewhat unresolved but I think we will learn more as the series progresses. Can't wait to meet more of Heart Lake.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 25, 2022
Winds of Change is a clean, heartwarming, second chance romance for Hope and Josh. I love how these high school sweethearts got a second chance even though they had a lot to work through to reach an HEA. Hope is an inspiring, high school principal facing a huge challenge. Josh is her head of security. They have to deal with parents, teachers and students who do not accept the change, drugs, a kidnapping and more. this exciting, well written book grabbed me on page one. It was five am when I finished!
October 26, 2022
Great story!
Loved this book! Clean, captivating with something occurring often enough to keep me turning the pages.
I wouldn't call it inspirational but Josh prayed with his team, he & Hope sat in church, & they were married by a pastor. But as a Christian I loved it just that way. As a coach Josh's faith shone through without the author writing scripture, and Hope's faith also made itself known in her actions. That's what Christians do..lead with their actions. Great job by this author!!!
Loved this book! Clean, captivating with something occurring often enough to keep me turning the pages.
I wouldn't call it inspirational but Josh prayed with his team, he & Hope sat in church, & they were married by a pastor. But as a Christian I loved it just that way. As a coach Josh's faith shone through without the author writing scripture, and Hope's faith also made itself known in her actions. That's what Christians do..lead with their actions. Great job by this author!!!
January 29, 2024
Love Always Finds a Way!
This is the first book I have read by this author and I loved it. I definitely plan to read more of this series and many of her other books.
Hope Remington and Josh Hewlings didn't quite pick up where they left off when she came back to Heart Lake Texas, but...
"I told her the truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God."
As always, there is a happy ending to this book, so I suggest you checking out Heart Lake (11 book series) Kindle Edition. Enjoy and happy reading!
This is the first book I have read by this author and I loved it. I definitely plan to read more of this series and many of her other books.
Hope Remington and Josh Hewlings didn't quite pick up where they left off when she came back to Heart Lake Texas, but...
"I told her the truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God."
As always, there is a happy ending to this book, so I suggest you checking out Heart Lake (11 book series) Kindle Edition. Enjoy and happy reading!
April 3, 2024
Excellent story!
In all honesty, I wasn't sure how I felt about Hope in the beginning, but then around chapter 3 or so, I was able to decide that yes I really like this lady and even mentally cheered her on as she humbles herself for a few students to teach a couple of important lessons. I liked Josh fairly quickly and enjoyed seeing them rekindle their old friendship and maybe something more? I'm so proud of this couple and how well they handled their adversities with faith both individually and as a team! I definitely plan to read more of this series in the future!
In all honesty, I wasn't sure how I felt about Hope in the beginning, but then around chapter 3 or so, I was able to decide that yes I really like this lady and even mentally cheered her on as she humbles herself for a few students to teach a couple of important lessons. I liked Josh fairly quickly and enjoyed seeing them rekindle their old friendship and maybe something more? I'm so proud of this couple and how well they handled their adversities with faith both individually and as a team! I definitely plan to read more of this series in the future!
April 23, 2021
Loved Josh and Hope's story!!! Hope returns to her hometown after a tornado destroys it to take the new Principal position at the one high school still standing. She's been gone for ten years, and Josh hasn't stopped kicking himself for letting someone stand in their way. Can they get back what he threw away??
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
April 24, 2021
This new series captivated my attention from the first few words. The story of Hope & Josh who loved each other 10 years ago when in high school. She's been gone & now is hired back to principal the same high school with Josh as head of security. Can she learn the truth of why he didn't meet her so long ago as promised? There is mystery also which kept me guessing. Very much enjoyed this story. I received an ARC. This is my voluntary, unbiased review.
September 28, 2022
Hope and Josh were high school sweethearts. He was supposed to leave with her to go to college, but he didn't meet her on the bridge.
Ten years later, Hope comes back to town to be the new principal of the high school. Josh was head of security at the school. Would Hope be able to forgive Josh? Would the same attraction still be there between them?
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
Ten years later, Hope comes back to town to be the new principal of the high school. Josh was head of security at the school. Would Hope be able to forgive Josh? Would the same attraction still be there between them?
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
July 17, 2023
This is a wonderful second chance for Josh and Hope. Hope is the new principal of the high school that combines two rival schools plus teens from the reservation because their schools were destroyed in a tornado. Josh is the head of security at the school. It is a page turning read with lots of action, some suspense, drugs, and parents who don’t easily accept change. I really enjoyed this fantastic story!
April 24, 2021
School
Changes and adjustments to all the challenges. A new joined school and all the rivalries and resentments that plaque this town. Can the students adjust and even if they do, will the parents? Hope has come home to do the job. Can Josh deal with her here or will their love rekindle? This book is filled with many lessons on finding good. A wonderful read.
Changes and adjustments to all the challenges. A new joined school and all the rivalries and resentments that plaque this town. Can the students adjust and even if they do, will the parents? Hope has come home to do the job. Can Josh deal with her here or will their love rekindle? This book is filled with many lessons on finding good. A wonderful read.
May 30, 2021
Such a fantastic read with wonderful characters. I’m looking forward to reading more about Heartlake Winds. The story pulls you end and just keeps you turning pages. I love Hope and her personality, the way she runs the high school is fantastic. This story is fun, exciting and dreamy!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
June 16, 2021
More than just a romance
This book is more than just a second chance romance novel. Hope returns to her hometown as principal of the high school and has the task of combining 2 rival high schools under one roof. Josh stood her up 10 years before for reasons she didn't understand. He is now co-owner of a security firm and is working at the high school.
This book is more than just a second chance romance novel. Hope returns to her hometown as principal of the high school and has the task of combining 2 rival high schools under one roof. Josh stood her up 10 years before for reasons she didn't understand. He is now co-owner of a security firm and is working at the high school.
September 13, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book! The man and woman were in love 10 years earlier and then the woman left and got an education and came back as principle of the school and the man was hired as bodyguard for her mainly! They realize that they still love one another so plan to get married! I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews