This story deals with sensitive issues that may be triggering for some readers. Please read the Note to the Reader right before the start of Chapter One for more information.
A single night changed everything for her. One man’s choices robbed her of her sense of security. She is powerless. Held captive by the fears in her mind. She feels like her dreams for her future—her hopes for a husband and a family—have been cruelly ripped away.
Jillian Hall has returned to New Hope Falls, hoping to salvage some part of her future. It was a place she’d once felt safe, and she hopes it does that for her again as she begins to teach at the local elementary school. It’s the only dream she has left.
A single night changed everything for him. His own actions robbed him of the woman he loved and shattered their hopes and dreams for the future. It has been ten years since that night, but still the woman he'd hoped to spend the rest of his life with lies vegetative in a hospital bed. His guilt has kept him frozen in the past, unwilling to consider a future—one with a wife and a family—when she has no future beyond her hospital bed.
Carter Ward moved to New Hope Falls from Seattle to appease the couple who would have been his in-laws if things had turned out differently. They love him, and they want him to move forward with his life. To begin to live again since nothing will change with their daughter’s condition. But that is the last thing Carter wants. The last thing he feels he deserves.
When Carter rescues Jillian from an awkward situation with a persistent guy who thinks she should date him, they discover that while neither of them is interested in a relationship with marriage as the goal, being able to say they are dating might solve a problem for both of them.
But is there a chance for something more? Will they be willing to reach for previously abandoned dreams? Or will the things that have held them captive continue to chain them to their pasts?
Although this story was sometimes hard to read and the trauma they both had was unimaginable this story shows God and how redemption happens! Must read
This is a seamlessly sweet romance. I was expecting good, but this turned out to be stunning. I’ve been reading books from Ms Jordan for a while, and they just keep getting better. The pace of this book is fantastic. It’s timed brilliantly - just enough build-up to ‘yes’ moment and just enough follow-up on their relationship after ‘yes’
A lot of authors attempt the ‘dating for convenience’-path-to-love romance; and a lot of times, those attempts don’t quite click right. It’s either the plot is over-explained (so you can tell the author/their beta readers is/are very likely not convinced and you start to question it too) or it’s a tad too far-fetched and you have to do a lot of belief-suspending. A Heart Renewed is probably the most seamless and believable (contemporary) one I’ve read. The story progresses so organically and never comes across as forced or slightly inconceivable.
Another thing I really liked: the plus-size cover model. Finally! I’ve read a couple of books with plus-size main characters, and there’s either no model on the cover, or the model on the cover looks absolutely ‘normal’-sized, begging the question. However, one thing that weirded me out a bit is that there are no descriptors for Jillian (female lead). We know she’s plus-sized but not much more - no hair or eye colours, nothing. On the other hand, Carter (male lead), we know, has blonde hair and blue eyes, which confounds a visual reader like me.
I try not to make these reviews too long, but one last thing: there were bits that seemed repetitive. They popped up a couple of times but didn’t stop this from being thoroughly enjoyable.
At any rate, A Heart Renewed gets a solid 5 stars from me.
Kimberly. Rae. Jordan. I have read many of this author’s books- I believe the first series of hers I read was “Those Karlsson Boys” but this book...this book I think has to be my favorite. I was apprehensive when I read the description and thought, ‘could I read this?’ I am so blessed that I did. If this story isn’t an example of how God heals, restores, & renews hearts after tragedy and loss, then I don’t know what would. This is a fictional story, with fictional characters, but honestly it’s something that could happen to anyone. And that epilogue! I cried it was sooo good! Everyone needs to read this book. Thank you Kimberly Rae Jordan, please allow God to continue sharing His stories with us through you. READ. THIS. BOOK. That is all. 😎
Jillian’s past holds painful and gut wrenching memories that are often triggered which leave her vulnerable. After her grandmother’s passing, she returned to her hometown. Carter has been carrying guilt over a tragic incident for 10 years. He’s currently living and working in New Hope,where he found friends and a slight piece of lightness. Both of them want distance from relationships since they are too hurt to even think about it. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Due to a task from his job, Carter goes to the school where Jillian works as a teacher and there he finds her being cornered and pressured by one of her colleagues. Carter immediately steps in and insinuates that they are dating so he may take her out of the harassing situation. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝 This is the hardest yet the most delicate story I’ve read by Kimberly. Whilst reading I got teary eyes, I smiled broadly, my heart ached as well as it got warmed. She approaches the subject of abuse and traumas carefully and sensitively. I had to stop oftentimes in order to ponder the points that were being taken. The characters are well constructed and through the narrative they grow a lot. The plot is great and faith plays a great role in the unfolding of it, moreover I was not expecting the cliffhanger at all!!! Jillian and Carter’s love story is touching. A nice thing in this book: I got to see characters from previous books in action!
Not bad, but long. By 40%, I felt this book was done. But it still had a few more twists to fit
If you like knowing every internal thought of the main characters and want a book that realistically portrays getting over drama and the swirling and redundant thoughts that go with it, this is the book for you.
While a Christian book, I felt it was too puritan for the modern age of texting. I did like the mentions of actual scripture and the patience Carter consistently showed Jillian.
Big no-no for this book, which is also why it was so long... YOU HAVE TO READ THE PRIOR BOOKS in the series to have a clue as to who is who and where things are in town. This is the first book of this author I've read and I kept thinking she had typos when referring to lodge instead of a cabin. Also what appear to be random characters would show up with no reference to who they were.
Overall good, but inefficient writing. We had to wait until more than 60% to find out what happened to Carter.
I recommend that if at all possible, you read the first 3 books in this series before you read this one. It really helps to know who all the characters are that get mentioned in this book without much introduction (since they are in the first books).
I felt this book was very well-written. It's not exactly the kind of story to enjoy, but I felt that Jordan has done an excellent job in writing about trauma survivors and how they deal with what happened to them in the past. Some may not want to read this book if they are highly sensitive to reading about trauma, anxiety, and panic attacks. However, Jordan does not spell things out in great detail, and treats the issues carefully and sensitively.
The main characters quickly became "friends," and I was eager to find out how things worked out for them.
This story is part of a series but the characters and the story are easy to read without reading the other 3 books. That said, you definitely want to read the other 3 books, too!! I love this author and have all of her books. Each book is unique in itself. I find myself laughing heartily, crying tears, and agreeing with the lessons the characters learn all within one story! Jillian and Carter have a difficult story. Both of them have things in their pasts and current lives that are holding them back. They have a lot of support from their friends, church family, and coworkers. Things come to a head for both of them in ways they were not expecting, but God is gracious and their love story shows it!!
My favthing about Kimberly's books is the way each of her characters must overcome their demons and heal through Christ before they can fully come together as a couple. The intensity of what needs to be over come may be more.in this story than with others, but it is handled with beautiful sensitivity. The pacing ida perfect for you to go through it with the characters and feel the love of God for yourself as you ponder on themes of betrayal, guilt, forgiveness and why God allowed bad things to happen. You will.l finish this book like you do all of Kimberly's books-with a peace that God loves and watches over his children.
Its fun to see all of our favorite characters from this beautiful town.
Invective 4 star as it was a truly heart wretched story of Jillian and what she went through and trying to overcome. The start of Jillian and Carter's relationship was all about convenience, but it developed and changed over time. The relationship with their close friends and their faith helped them through the journey. The harassment from Jillian's work college did not help her situation, but Carter being their supporting and encouraging her was heartfelt. I loved Carter's relationship with Jillian, patient, thoughtful, respecting the boundaries she required was so loving. I believe their faith and love of God in the relationship got them to where they eventually found love for each other. Wonderful story! It brought tears to my eyes.
I wish I could give this book and all of the books from this series 10 stars instead of just 5. The characters are so real and you can't help but fall in love with them. I was definitely rooting for Carter and Jillian to make a love connection and overcome the horrific nightmare she lived through. Jillian is my heroine and Carter my hero. Carter's soft and gentle ways with Jillian where just what she needed and every woman would love to find in a man. I'm so very pleased with this book and the previous ones too and can't wait for the next New Hope Falls story. I want this place and these people to be real. Thank you for making me laugh and cry . Keep up the wonderful work you do.
In this story, Ms. Jordan illustrates an intensely emotional and hellacious subject matter with grace, dignity, and beauty. As Jillian faces a harrowingly inappropriate work experience which triggers severe anxiety and panic, she ultimately finds herself being drawn closer to Carter, a morally-strong and deeply-caring Christian man.
An amazing tale that reflects the miracles that can be experienced when we open our hearts to God’s ministrations and direction without prejudice or expectations.
I like the tasteful way Jillian's trauma was handled, when we read of such addiction the News we shudder and move on . This story movingly and realistically deals with the struggle a survivor goes through to achieve normality again a night without nightmares being a significant step forward. Carter has his own long guilt and trauma in getting to know Jillian he is able with faith to rebuild his life and support her. The way to their happy ending is long and difficult, but this is an inspiring price of writing my favourite so far.
Wow, just wow. This book is in no way fluffy or surfacy. It’s a beautiful love story about God’s power of redemption. How with hard work and perseverance, one can recover and come back from trauma. I also love how the author continues to incorporate characters from earlier in the series. It’s not necessary to read those first but it makes it a richer story if you do. Make time to read it now.
Jillian had debilitating anxieties which kept her locked up inside. Carter's past haunted him for ten years. Their friends unaware of their trauma keep urging them to date other friends. Thus, an agreement to go to events together as if they were dating. Kimberly Rae Jordan has done a spectacular job handling two emotionally fraught histories with great finesse. Read this novel, but not before going to bed. Have a tissue close by if you cry easily.
Oh my. Another heartwrenching gem from Kimberly Rae Jordan.
I LOVED Carter and Jillian's story. Gosh, what beautiful characters. Such brokenness, yet resilience. My heart will forever be besotted with Carter for stepping in to protect Jillian from his first visit in her classroom, and he never failed to do well by her. And Jillian. I wanted to hug her and cry with her.
We have many losses and hard seasons. God has promised believers His renewal. Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. The fruits of his Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) The characters in this story worked through their troubles with help from friends, counselors, their faith and each other. There was a villain in the story, and his family's situation left a big "cold case" question in my mind. A good read.
Due to the difficult subject, I hesitated to begin reading this book. But I shouldn't have, because Ms. Jordan wrote a beautiful and gentle love story. I am so impressed with her sensitive handling of Carter and Jillian's unique story. I love this couple who brought me to tears with their wedding vows and left me with a big smile by the end.
i identified with some of Jillian’s experiences and overcomance.
I can only hope that if you’ve experienced anything close to Jillian’s experiences that this story will give you hope. I’m sure it was at times, difficult to write. With that being said, if you have any traumatic experiences and memories, write about it/them. You may or may not ever get it published and may never desire to. But from my own experience it was very therapeutic for me. Cindy Grantham Brown
I absolutely loved this book! Although I have read many of Kimberly Rae Jordan's books, this one really touched me... I love this entire series! I have enjoyed getting to know these characters throughout each book! If you haven't checked out one of Kimberly's books... check them out! You won't be disappointed! Keep those stories coming, Kimberly Rae Jordan! Awesome and Amazing!
Carter and Jillian story had my undivided attention from the start. I laughed, cried and rejoiced as Carter, Jillian and their friends( new found family) enjoyed and did life together. Sarah, Cara, Eli and Kieran were such a wonderful support for them both. Thank you for sharing Carter and Jillian story with us. What a Great story, simply and beautifully written.
Both Jillian and Carter have gone through traumatic experiences and through a chance encounter create a fake relationship that turns into so much more. With Gods help, love and forgiveness change both of their hearts! I love Kimberly’s books and this story was very well written and I loved it!
Thank you Kimberly for the compassion you had in writing this story. I'm sure there were times that it was hard to know what to say about this subject, but you did it justice. With God all things are possible. I pray that others going through this same situation will find hope and the love of God.
Oh my word! Praise God for this beautifully written novel! LOVED IT SO VERY MUCH! It was an eye opener to what evil fill our world BUT no matter how bad, that God indeed can bring a BEAUTIFUL outcome! Praise God. Love the gentle love growing to become a full blown romantic love. It was just BEAUTIFUL! Thank you Kimberly! Wow! LOVED IT!
Great read! The setting, characters, and plot were written well. I love how the community of New Falls is interwoven through this series. Jordan is my favorite Christian Romance author. Her storytelling makes me have hope in the world and reminds of God’s love and sovereignty.
A beautifully written story with plenty of substance. The characters are compelling and both show tremendous growth. William's back story is heart wrenching, but Ms. Are handle a difficult subject with delicacy. I am glad I found this book through Kindle Unlimited. Happy ☺reading 📚!
Awesome story. Well written and executed. Strong topic but over touching and inspirational. I love this story very much.
Awesome story. Well written and executed. Strong topic but over touching and inspirational. I love this story very much. I fell in love with Jillian and Carter.
Phew! What a story! Dealt with 2 very difficult issues in a very sensitive manner. Loved how Carter was so capable, sensitive, & patient with Jillian. Good how also explained how trauma changes way perceive things. A good read that doesn't answer questions but shows how can heal and grow despite great obstacles when have loving and caring friends/community. 👍
Carter and Jillian where to begin. Carter has a secret that no one knows, the secret is life changing. Jillian has secret also and a stalker. Carter knows about the stalker and fixed him. He devices a plan and Jillian goes along figuring nothing can come of it. This story is sad but oh so sweet. I highly recommend this book.
This is a dark storyline I wanted to cry for both of them poor Carter 10 years his loyalty makes me want to weep and he still don't get a break with poor Jillian I shead a tear for her, I hoped she would lose some of the extra pounds when she was happy to be healthy after all the reason was so sad why the extra pounds I wanted her to take control for that.