The paths of life that brought them together are destined to tear them apart.
Burke Jones began his life as a nameless orphan, dreaming of one day being a renowned doctor with a home and family to call his own. Sophie Kingston, daughter of an influential East Coast family, was destined to be an important and beloved part of Baltimore Society.
Life has not gone quite as either planned.
Now living in the home of a family friend, Sophie joins the lady on a journey to the tiny town of Hope Springs in Wyoming Territory. It is unlike any place she’s ever known. And the resident doctor is a mystery as well. Burke knows he isn’t the success he’d always imagined he would be, and seeing it through the eyes of this newly arrived Society lady only drives that home.
As Hope Springs begins to weave its magic, Sophie discovers more than she’d ever imagined, in both the town and its doctor. And Burke, who has always guarded his heart, begins to wonder if there might be more to life than he has previously imagined.
Their futures, however, do not lie along the same path or in the same destinations. Fate has once again proven unkind.
Can Hope Springs work yet another miracle?
From the USA Today bestselling author of the Longing for Home series, CHOICES OF THE HEART is set in the beloved world of Hope Springs.
Other Books in the Hope Springs Series: Longing for Home Hope Springs Love Remains My Dearest Love Long Journey Home
Oh my heart!!! I can't even begin to describe to you how much I love this series. I have wept and laughed, cheered and mourned with these characters from the first book on. These characters and their strength through their struggles and hardships are just so inspiring. I know they're fictional. But I read to be inspired, to learn, to be touched and moved, to understand others. So whether they're real or fictional, I learn and feel connected to these characters. I grow and have a better understanding of myself as well.
This is a novella and the two characters aren't part of the main families by birth but they have been loved and cared for and adopted into these families. Another reason why I love this book. Everyone cares for each other and helps and encourages each other. They're wonderful!
Burke is a character from a previous book that I was hopeful we'd get to read his story. And it didn't disappoint. It was wonderful! He's had many struggles but it was great to see what he's done to accomplish much. Although he doesn't feel like he's accomplished what he's hoped to, he's still trying to better all that he does for the benefit of the townspeople. They stick together!
Sophie is such a good hearted woman. I really enjoyed learning more about her. Her confidence is low due to different circumstances. I loved watching her come into her own and bloom throughout this book. She is a delightful character and just so tenderhearted. Yet, she steps up to the challenge when there is one.
Burke and Sophie were fun to watch interact together. They had some moments of misunderstandings. They had some fun banter with each other. And the sweet tension that built between them and the sparks were wonderful! Such a sweet story!
And for those of you following the series, yes, Finbar and Emma are in the book. I just love these two. Who knows how their story will end but I loved what we saw of them in the book. I hope that healing comes for them both some day (for those who aren't familiar with the series, their story begins in the first book). You could read this book as a stand alone if you wanted. But because of my love of this series, I highly recommend reading them all!!!
Content: Clean!
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
It's been awhile but we're back in Hope Springs, Wyoming territory, a small but tightly knit town where they take care of each other and adopt those who have no family. Sophie Kingston comes to Hope Springs as a companion to Mrs. Archer, who's come to visit her son Joseph Archer. She's always lived in the city but never quite fit into society there. She had to restrain her natural exuberant nature in order to fit in. When she meets Burke Jones, the town doctor, they don't exactly get along right away due to some miscommunications and misunderstandings.
We met Dr. Burke Jones in Long Journey Home and I was excited to get his backstory, which I found so sad. Burke was an orphan and never really had a home. He's been adopted by the people of Hope Springs but hasn't realized it yet. Thankfully Sophie's there to point out all the ways the people consider him family. In turn, Burke is there to help Sophie realize she can truly be herself and be accepted in Hope Springs.
I loved Sophie. She's such a kind person, willing to learn how to do new things, and help out however she can. I felt she fit right in with the Archer and O'Connor families. Baltimore society was far too stuffy for someone with such a bubbly personality. Burke was loved by the people of Hope Springs because he didn't just take care of their illnesses and injuries--he truly cared about the people. It surprised me that he hadn't realized how the townspeople felt about him. I loved how the people adopted these newcomers into their ranks right away.
This is a novella, but it certainly didn't feel like one. I was transported back to Hope Springs, where they have céilís on Saturdays with lots of food and dancing. Even though this is Burke and Sophie's story, I liked that we get to see the the Archer and O'Connor families, including Finbarr and Emma.
I listened to the audiobook and LOVED it. Nancy Peterson is one of my favorite narrators and she always does a fantastic job with the accents and helping me feel the emotions of the story. I received a digital copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This next installment in the Hope Springs series is a wonderful read. I fell in love with Sophie and her refreshing and bright outlook on life. She made me smile and want to have such an outlook myself. Burke was steady and calm, yet endearing at the same time. His love for his patients and friends showed in everything he did. The love that the town of Hope Springs had for each other literally leapt from the pages! This story was heartwarming and had all of the feels! If you have not read any other books in the series this reads completely fine as a standalone. I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hope Springs is full of wonderful characters that are added with each book in the series. Although there are plenty of scenes with the O'Connor and Archer family members, this addition also focuses on two newcomers to the town, paths crossing but each with a future that continues on in different directions. Burke and Sophie have a rocky beginning, but the special qualities of Hope Springs begin to transform their perspective and they let down their guard, leading to a lovely friendship. I missed the strength of romantic chemistry that I usually find in this author's stories, and I wonder if the large cast of community members and the focus on some subplots distracted me from connecting with the emotions of Burke and Sophie. I'm definitely looking forward to a continuation of Finbar O'Connnor and Emma Archer's story.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
It was so, so good to be back in Hope Springs once again with these people that have become so familiar and so embedded in my heart. This series is one of my favorites because it is family, it is hope and it is love. (And wouldn't it make a fantastic TV series? I wish someone would do this!)
This particular novella shifts our focus to Burke and Sophie, who are technically not related by blood to the Hope Springs clan, but anyone who steps into Hope Springs becomes family and this is true for both Burke and Sophie. Even though Burke and Sophie have a rough first meeting, things improve from there. I love the friendship that blossomed and how their romantic interest grew. Burke and Sophie both struggle with finding value in themselves and their place in society. They both had things to reconcile and it was a great journey. The whole story was so gentle and endearing. I loved it.
I am anxiously (not patiently) awaiting Finbarr's story. He appears in this book and it left me wanting more, more, more.
If you haven't made the dive into this Hope Springs series, you really should.
Content: kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Have you ever visited Sarah M Eden's Hope Springs world? I was filled with love, warmth and happiness when I returned there by reading the new book in this series, that will be released in two weeks time. This whole series is real and full of interesting and human persons that are both good and with weaknesses. Choices of the heart is a novella, so not as long as most of the earlier books, but still Sarah Eden manage to tell a full and engaging story about two people who in ways feel alone in the world, wondering if life will always stay that way. They both will find out that there can be changes but also constances, in life and the mind, that will bring them a fuller and happier life. They sneaked in and claimed their own places in my heart among so many other Hope Springs residents. I loved this story, that I got to read early in exchange for giving an earnest review, and I can't wait to add the paperback to the others on my bookshelf.
I loved coming back to Hope Springs! We get a little peak at how some familiar characters are doing and now I'm totally anxious to hear Finnbar's story. In this story we get to know the new doctor in town and a family friend of the Archers. It's kind of a slow burn romance where they become friends and encourage each other to build on their strengths. Not only do they fall on love with each other, they fall in love with the town. "If there is one thing this valley specializes in it's hope."
Another beautifully written story by Sarah Eden! It was good to spend a few hours visiting Hope Springs again. I forgot how much I love the valley and people in it. It was so good to ‘catch up’ on the lives of characters from previous books. I loved Burke and Sophie’s story. Sophia is upfront, direct, and lively. Very refreshing character. And she challenges Burke in a way that helps him see what he has, and not what he’s lacking. As for Burke, he appreciates the real Sophie, without the facade she has learned to put on for high society. Can’t wait for the next installment from Hope Springs! I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book, and I'm so glad I got to read it early! I just love this little corner of the world. Hope Spring has so many wonderful people in it that I find myself wanting to visit this place. My book boyfriend lives here, and when Patrick made his appearance, I swooned. It was so great catching up with all of these wonderful characters again. I enjoyed learning more about Dr. Burke and his personality and background and watching his own love story unfold. This being a novella, it did feel a little rushed, but having known all of the characters beforehand (minus a couple), it still felt complete. I can't wait to keep reading more about Hope Springs in future books. Keep them coming, Sarah!
“And we’ll begin a life here,” he said. “Here, in this place where there’s hope amongst the sorrows, and miracles amongst the struggles.”
Absolutely adored this book! Sarah M. Eden’s Hope Springs series is one of my favorites! One of the reasons I love this series so much are the fabulous characters who pull at your heart strings. Each resident of Hope Springs is so endearing and I feel as though I know them through their hardships and joys.
We’re introduced to Dr. Burke Jones in the Long Journey Home and since that time I’ve wondered about him and his past. In this sweet novella, we learn where he came from and about his struggle to find peace and acceptance. He so longs for approval and yet doesn’t see how the community loves him and appreciates his gentle caring.
Sophie Kingston is the lovely companion to Mrs. Archer, Joseph Archer’s mother, currently living in Baltimore. When the Archer family can’t travel to Baltimore, Mrs. Archer decides to brave a journey to the West to visit them. Like Burke, Sophie longs to find a place where she can belong. Her vibrant sweet personality is just too much for the stuffy society of Baltimore. In Hope Springs, she finds people who truly appreciate her and a doctor who really sees her. But, what will happen when she has to return home?
So loved returning to Hope Springs to revisit beloved characters and meet new ones. If you haven’t read the previous books, this would be a great introduction and can definitely be read as a stand alone. For a novella, it has a lot of depth and a well crafted story in those 155 pages. Along with Sophie and Burke’s relationship, we get more insight into Emma and Finbarr’s relationship. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for these two and if they can mend their broken friendship.
It’s a delightful read full of romance and a message of acceptance and community. It’s everything that you love about Sarah M. Eden’s books and I highly recommend it. And, if you haven’t read the series, what are you waiting for?! Thanks to the author for providing an advanced copy of this novella. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
Sarah M Eden’s Longing for Home series is one of my all time favorites. I love the little town of Hope Springs and all of it’s characters. They are each unique and strong. Amazing people who lived in the town of Hope Springs Wyoming in the 1800’s. I won’t tell you how or why, but they had to learn to come together and not pull apart in an earlier book. And it’s made the town stronger.
This book adds Sophie to the cast of characters. She is a young woman living in Baltimore. She’s the companion to Mrs. Archer. The two women come to Hope Springs to visit Joseph Archer and his family. And they are immediately taken in by the town as if they had lived there their whole lives. I loved seeing the way Sophie came alive in Hope Springs. She truly became herself and that was beautiful.
I loved the doctor, Burke Jones. He needed Sophie to show him how he could call the town his own. They had become his family without him even knowing it. And he needed that pointed out. I loved the way he cared for all around him. He was an honorable man and a great doctor.
This was such a great book. I didn’t want to put it down and read it from cover to cover quickly. Hopefully there will be more books. There are several characters that I would love to see get a happy ending of their own.
I was sent an e-copy of Choices of the Heart as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
I was happy to revisit Hope Springs again. I have to admit that it took me a minute to remember who everyone was again! It was great to see the doctor get his own "happily-ever-after". But the surprise departure at the end makes me wonder where those expected story lines will head.
Another great Hope Springs book. I love how the community pulls together. I liked Sophie from the beginning. She is so full of life and just wants to help. I was glad to see the lonely doctor finally meet someone. I enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it.
General thoughts: I liked the unique Irish Wyomingite culture and the kind, come-together town. I also really liked the definite themes of family (especially Lydia and Ivy are cute of the various kids that appear in this story!); hope and miracles; propriety vs. humility/class tensions; the importance of names and unique identity/celebrating diversity; seeing people more deeply than the initial assumptions; finding where one belongs/it’s okay to need new beginnings to heal and be happy even if the decisions that lead to those places are big, scary, and uncertain; and people balancing each other, bringing out each other’s best in just the right ways, and wishing to need no one and to be able to do everything all by themselves but realizing that that’s not a great way to live perpetually.
The romance: It was interesting how Sophie and Burke ended up intersecting! I thought that they were sweet and believable enough in their growing love, although sometimes their misunderstandings and especially everyone’s teasing about them in the book were kind of silly. Their romance also seemed kind of fast, but I realize that that’s more because I read this book fast, and I didn’t always realize how many weeks had gone by in their world. So really, that’s on me, not Sarah M. Eden! She did just fine!
The characters: So many of them are sweet and empathetic that I’m not sure which is my favorite! I really like Sophie as a heroine: headstrong and eager to learn but relatably resigned and worrying that she is a burden even if she’s not living miserably. Burke is relatable, too, with his self-judgment that is partially based on what past unkind people have said about him. In the end, though, I think that I have to go with Finbarr and (eventually) Emma! They were sweet and just had really compelling backstories and situations. I like them a lot. Especially Finbarr would be a cool person to know in real life!
Favorite quote: “…Being happy with the person YOU are is more important than pretending to be the person OTHER PEOPLE think you ought to be.”
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Overall, if you like When Calls the Heart, my suspicion is you will like this novel, too! I mean, Hope Springs? Hope Valley? Come on!
Sarah M. Eden is a fun regency writer who puts realism and romance into the same world!
Who is your heart? I am in total awe again with Ms Eden’s writing. She knows just exactly how to tug at your heartstrings with a beautifully written story as well as the characters in this book. Sophie was a remarkable and sincere person who was well loved by the townspeople in Hope Springs. She was not afraid to jump right in and help the people when she saw a need. And they in turn, especially the children, felt very comfortable around her. Dr. Burke Jones was smitten with her. Theirs was a love-comes-softly kind of relationship. They were very accepting of one another’s backgrounds and life stories yet gently was able to help each other see what they needed to become accepting and happy with themselves. I’m also in awe with how those with such diverse places and backgrounds can find each other in a small town in the middle of nowhere. I know that these things happened for real as I am a progenitor of such a family from Wyoming no less. I was thrilled to read this story all the while thinking of my own family and their humble beginnings. I can sincerely and highly recommend reading this book.
I do not know how you accomplish it, but each book you write I think must be my new favorite and I couldn’t possibly love any other as much. Then I read another of your books and I realize each new one become the favorite. This book is no exception! You packed a full, whole story into only a handful of pages. The depth of the story belies the fact that this is a novella! I already knew I loved the Hope Springs world but you have made me fall in love with it all over again and I now I want to reread every book. Sophie is a lovely character. She is kind and loyal and thoughtful of others. I loved her quick wit and how she stood her ground with others from the very beginning.
I already liked Burke from the previous book but, true to form, you have made me truly love him. How could I not love a person who loves Hope Springs as much as I do? I love that he is kind, has a natural aptitude for doctoring, and genuinely wants to help and make a difference in others’ lives.
The romance between Sophie and Burke was so tender and sweet and was paced very well. Nothing felt too fast or forced.
I will admit that my heart is feeling a little sad for sweet Emma and master Finbarr. They have both been favorites since book one and I desperately want to see a happily ever after for each of them. How much longer will we need to wait for the next Hope Springs book?
It was so fun to see a small bit of the O’Connor clan and Archer family once again. I adored Mrs. Archer and loved that this got to be a bit of her story, too. I would not be upset if we saw more of her in the future.
Thanks for this delightful, beautiful book. It is truly lovely and I adored every single moment.
Much love from the O’Connor wannabe, Jessica
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Read by Nancy Peterson—I really liked Nancy’s reading style. She does a phenomenal job with the accents, of which there are several, as well as reading with believable inflection and emotion. I quite enjoyed the listening experience and would gladly listen to more narrated by her.
**Many thanks to the author for the advance ebook and audio copies, which I was offered with option to review. These are my very own thoughts.
Baltimore, Maryland then Wyoming Territory 1876 going forward. Kisses only. I like this author, but I've read better stories by her. 3.5 stars.
2 lonely people. Burke, a physician in small town, Hope Springs, Wyoming for almost 3 yrs. Money was tight because his customers mostly bartered w/ him offering goods or services. He also treated their animals, but the animals never learned to negotiate. Burke was an orphan w/ no known family. Sophie came from a Baltimore society family. She never fit in, & her parents expected her to hide her exuberant personality.
She lived w/ Mrs. Millicent Archer, a Baltimore society lady, who seemed more her 2nd mother. These 2 ladies used trains and stagecoaches west, to visit Mrs. A's son & family in Hope Springs. The towns people were welcoming and decent. What was missing in this story? I can't pinpoint it.
I love this whole series and it was fun to be back in this world. The story was a good one and the characters well done! I loved seeing how Finbar is doing. Crossing my fingers his story is next. My feeling of this book ended up being different then all her other books because the focus of this was on two healing people and less on the romance.....I missed the romantic tension, the moments together that are so important. These two just seemed to upset each other. So not my favorite in the series.
This series has touched me in so many ways, I have felt all the emotions. This story was such a good one, and I'm glad the story isn't finished yet. Finding where you belong is the theme that runs through this story, for all feel lost at some point along their journey in life. I'm looking forward to the next book and hope the wait isn't a long one.
It's always a beautiful thing to travel back to Hope Springs, Wyoming. This series has the most wonderful, humble, brave, and lively people in its books. I have truly loved every Hope Springs book I've read.
First readers meet the quiet, refined, and sad Sophie who travels to Hope Springs with her older friend, Mrs. Archer who is visiting her family. Soon Sophie meets the reserved local doctor, Burke who hasn't allowed himself to really love anyone because of his tragic past. This sweet romance builds in a great way that any reader will just love. With the help of the friendly people of Hope Springs, Sophie and Burke find a way to meet in the middle and open their hearts.
Honestly, this novella did not feel like a shorter book. It felt so rich and full like a complete novel. This is a particular talent of this author and she does it often and very well.
I loved this book and hope there are many more books to add to this series. Sarah Eden has once again woven her magic and has created a story full of love, awakenings, and romance.
Such a beautiful story, and one that did Burke justice! I’ve been anxious for his story for a long time and this didn’t disappoint. I loved seeing both Burke and Sophie learn from each other and grow. Absolutely loved this!
I have loved this series from the first book, so I am thrilled every time a new book or novella is published. This story was just such a pleasure to read--or, listen to, since I did the Audible version. Even though this is a novella, the characters were still well-developed and totally endearing. I love Sophie, with her straightforwardness and her enthusiasm, and Burke, with his goodness in spite of his insecurities. I also loved them together--Burke appreciating Sophie for who she is and Sophie helping Burke to examine who he is and what he really wants most. It was also wonderful to revisit other favorite characters from the series. I just enjoyed everything about this story, and I can't wait for more from this series!
I read (listened to) a copy provided by the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
I loved the latest book in the Hope Springs series! Sophie is fun and playful. Burke struggles to see that he’s good enough. And they really are good for each other! I always like revisiting this town, even though I cry in every book, and this one was no exception. 🤞🏻 that Finnbar’s story is next!
Such a wonderful and heartfelt novella, fans of the Hope Springs series will not be disappointed with this tender tale. I really enjoyed this story. It was so complete which I think is a great feat to pull off in a novella like this. I was invested with both characters' immediately and enjoyed the way that Eden crafted a story that made them feel like family and friends. I like how this story highlighted the journey for self-identity as well as loving and accepting who we are based on ourselves and not what others expect. A great read, I definitely enjoyed this and can't wait for more in this series. I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Hope Springs series is one of my favorites. Burke Jones was hired as the town doctor in the last book. I suspected a wonderful romance would befall him. Delightfully, this is he story. Sophie is from a wealthy Baltimore family but has never quite fit into the high society there. When her family moves to Boston, she stays in Baltimore with a family friend, Mrs. Archer as her friend and companion. When Joseph Archer and his family cannot make their yearly trip to visit his mother because of Katie's pregnancy, Mrs. Archer and Sophie travel to Hope Springs. WONDERFUL characters! AMAZING story!
I enjoyed this book. I have enjoyed reading the other books in the Hope Springs series and loved to be able to visit it and see one of the side characters get their story. I like how we got to see both Burke and Sophie decide where home was for them and what was most important. I liked how they helped each other to figure this out and how the community was there for them as they made their decision. I really did like this story.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
It was so lovely to be back Hope Springs. I enjoyed this novella immensely. The pacing was perfect, and just what I needed. The characters in this town are like family. Burke and Sophie were fantastic, as well as Mrs. Archer. There was a twist at the end that brought tears and I’m excited to see what happens next for certain characters too.
I love that the Hope Springs books bring exactly what the town is called: hope. There is usually deep sorrow and also great joy. In this story Sophie accompanies Mrs. Archer to Hope Springs to visit her son. Sophie gets to know the town doctor, Burke Jones, and they both help each other see the truth about their priorities and desires. I loved that together they were better. I loved the community parties, the teasing, and acceptance there.
OMG! I was so excited for this book! I love Sarah's books and this book is the latest in her Hope Springs series. I binged this series this year and am now waiting as she writes more! Choices of the Heart follows Dr. Burke, a relatively new addition to Hope Springs. From a childhood as a nameless orphan and dreaming of a career and a family, he has found himself in the small town of Hope Springs serving the people there. Sophie Kingston is the daughter of an influential East Coast family in Baltimore, but she finds herself not quite fitting in with Society. A family friend brings Sophie to Hope Springs which is unlike any place she has known, and Burke upon meeting the Society ladies sees the lackluster success to his dreams afresh. As Sophie finds more than she imagined and Burke finds that even if his life isn’t as he originally planned there might be more to it. However, as fate seems to pull them apart, will they find a future together? Burke was so sweet! He is more reserved than most of the town and still not super confident of his place there. The arrival of Sophie and Mrs. Archer makes him consider his practice and the success of his work. Burke had overcome a difficult childhood and was searching for a sense of accomplishment and success in his work. Throughout the book, he learns about his influence and the effects of his work. It is lovely to see the town's gratitude and care towards him. They all love and respect him so much. It was so cool to see Hope Springs through his eyes, and all the people who it was made of. Sophie was another new character who came from the big city to Hope Springs. Baltimore had dampened her natural enthusiasm and made her uncertain about herself. Coming to Hope Springs, she found a welcoming family who took her in as one of their own. She felt like herself there. She was able to be useful and able to help the families while still keeping her joy and personality. It is always nice to read a series and see the characters you already know and love. Hope Springs has so many lovely characters who you still get to see as the books continue. This book continues to show the larger story of the town and the struggles of them all, though the focus is on Burke and Sophie. There is definitely a hinting or two at more books and I will be in line for them!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.