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Hearts of Aspen Valley #2
A Seeking Heart
He’s lasted eight seconds on rank broncs.
Can he manage the rest of his life around the woman he never forgot?
Battered in body and spirit, ex-rode star, Lucas Prins has come back home to settle down in Aspen Valley and ranch with his brothers. But to do that, they need to expand. And to do that, he needs to make a land deal with Aria Waldren, the woman he left behind. The woman he never felt worthy of.
Aria Waldren thought she could handle Lucas Prins’ return to their home-town. When he waltzed out of her life to chase his dreams, he broke her heart, shattered her dreams, but she got through, built up a law career and now is settled in her life. So there’s no way she’s letting someone who couldn’t respect what she needed control her emotions. But she got through their first face to face meeting in her office. So far so good.
Lucas isn’t thrilled with the idea of being cast opposite Aria in the community play. But they are stuck and his family is invested in the production. And he’s not letting his family down again. He can do this. But it’s harder than he thought, looking into her eyes and pretending to be in love with her. Until his pretending shifts dangerously close to reality.
Aria fights her changing feelings for Lucas, knowing she can’t trust him. She can’t give in. And his relationship with her deceased father is a complication she can’t work around. And yet….
As they grow closer, the walls around Aria’s secrets start crumbling. When they fall, will her and Lucas still be together?
Can he manage the rest of his life around the woman he never forgot?
Battered in body and spirit, ex-rode star, Lucas Prins has come back home to settle down in Aspen Valley and ranch with his brothers. But to do that, they need to expand. And to do that, he needs to make a land deal with Aria Waldren, the woman he left behind. The woman he never felt worthy of.
Aria Waldren thought she could handle Lucas Prins’ return to their home-town. When he waltzed out of her life to chase his dreams, he broke her heart, shattered her dreams, but she got through, built up a law career and now is settled in her life. So there’s no way she’s letting someone who couldn’t respect what she needed control her emotions. But she got through their first face to face meeting in her office. So far so good.
Lucas isn’t thrilled with the idea of being cast opposite Aria in the community play. But they are stuck and his family is invested in the production. And he’s not letting his family down again. He can do this. But it’s harder than he thought, looking into her eyes and pretending to be in love with her. Until his pretending shifts dangerously close to reality.
Aria fights her changing feelings for Lucas, knowing she can’t trust him. She can’t give in. And his relationship with her deceased father is a complication she can’t work around. And yet….
As they grow closer, the walls around Aria’s secrets start crumbling. When they fall, will her and Lucas still be together?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
86 people are currently reading
924 people want to read
About the author
Carolyne Aarsen
213 books727 followersEven with over 1.5 million copies of my books in print, I still feel like I haven’t written the perfect story. From my office in the woods of Northern Alberta, I’ll keep trying. Inspired by spectacular sunrises, breathtaking Northern Lights and long walks through wooded trails, the stories keep coming. To find out more about my life and my writing, check out my website at www.carolyneaarsen.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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November 9, 2022If you've read any of my other Aspen Valley books you might remember reading about a lawyer named Aria Waldren, sister of Cole Waldren. In A Seeking Heart, she gets her own story. And her own hero - the guy who left her heartbroken many years ago, Lucas Prins.
I enjoyed writing this book because the characters really came alive as they played off each other. Other members of the Aspen Valley community show up as well so it's kind of like coming home.
I hope you have a chance to read this book. Just so you won't miss out on getting it, you can pre-order it or add it to your shelf and you'll be notified when it comes out.
Here's the pre-order link if your interested: https://readerlinks.com/l/2971952
I enjoyed writing this book because the characters really came alive as they played off each other. Other members of the Aspen Valley community show up as well so it's kind of like coming home.
I hope you have a chance to read this book. Just so you won't miss out on getting it, you can pre-order it or add it to your shelf and you'll be notified when it comes out.
Here's the pre-order link if your interested: https://readerlinks.com/l/2971952
January 7, 2023
Aria and Lucas spent most of their lives as close friends and secret boyfriend/girlfriend until the day Lucas took off without a word for a life in the rodeo and left Aria behind. Now he is back in their hometown seeking to buy Aria’s family farm since her dad has passed away and neither Aria nor her brother wish to manage it. Aria can’t help but still care but she is closely guarding her heart against Lucas’ charm. The main characters in this book were all keeping secrets and as those secrets were unraveled, everyone’s actions began to be understandable to the other characters which enabled forgiveness and healing. There were a lot of difficult things for the characters to work through in this book and I wish there could have been a little bit more of the happily ever after at the end of the story. I enjoyed this book and recommend it! (Note: May contain triggers for people who have experienced physical or mental abuse.) Rating 4.5 I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
January 15, 2023
I liked this second chance romance between Lucas and Aira. They were best friends through high school. Lucas decided to follow the rodeo circuit as a bronc rider when he was told by Aira's Dad to leave his daughter alone when he found out they had been seeing each other in secret. He told Lucas that he wasn't good enough for Aira since he couldn't afford to keep Aira happy. After Lucas broke up with her, she went to college and law school. She came back home to practice law and Lucas came home because he had been injured so much that he was afraid he would do permanent damage if he stayed with the rodeo. He was from a large family that was loving even though they struggled financially. With both his parents and Aira's parents deceased, there is nothing holding them back except for the bad past memories. Will they be able to work through the past to renew their relationship? You will have to read the book to find out. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a clean romance. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 13, 2023
This is the second book in the Hearts of Aspen Valley series which is about the Prins children who left home and are now coming back. The first was about the oldest, Liam. The second is about the third oldest boy (I think), Lucas. Lucas has been riding the rodeo circuit and has decided that life is no longer for him. He comes back home and seeks to find some property he can turn into a ranch. The only one that might be available belongs to the girl whos heart he broke when he left to ride the rodeo who oh by the way happens to be the Prins family lawyer. To top it off, both Aria and Lucas get roped into doing the lead roles in the community play - a cowboy version of Pride and Prejudice. Of course sparks fly and, you guessed it, a happily ever after happen.
These books are clean, Christian based romance stories. I have enjoyed reading this series and am looking forward to the next book.
These books are clean, Christian based romance stories. I have enjoyed reading this series and am looking forward to the next book.
January 16, 2023
Love on a detour
As teenagers, Lucas Prins and Aria Waldren shared a secret love. Aria's father mentored Lucas, grooming him to become a rodeo champion like himself, treating Lucas as a son. That is, until Lucas asked permission to marry Aria. He father said, "No." Lucas wasn't good enough for her. At that point, Lucas took off for the rodeo. After several years, Aria has since become an attorney, and returned to Aspen Valley.
Lucas also returned back home wealthier, but beaten physically by injuries sustained in the rodeo arena. He plans to join his brothers in running their ranching operation, but needs to purchase the Walden ranch in order to do so. That is where things become problematic. Attraction is still strong for both of them, but disturbing facts come to light about the Waldren family dynamics. The question is: can the acts of the father be overcome?
As teenagers, Lucas Prins and Aria Waldren shared a secret love. Aria's father mentored Lucas, grooming him to become a rodeo champion like himself, treating Lucas as a son. That is, until Lucas asked permission to marry Aria. He father said, "No." Lucas wasn't good enough for her. At that point, Lucas took off for the rodeo. After several years, Aria has since become an attorney, and returned to Aspen Valley.
Lucas also returned back home wealthier, but beaten physically by injuries sustained in the rodeo arena. He plans to join his brothers in running their ranching operation, but needs to purchase the Walden ranch in order to do so. That is where things become problematic. Attraction is still strong for both of them, but disturbing facts come to light about the Waldren family dynamics. The question is: can the acts of the father be overcome?
December 27, 2022
Loved Lucas and Aria's story. Lucas had loved Aria forever, but when his mentor told him he wasn't good enough for her, he broke up with her without any explanation. Aria was heartbroken, not knowing why he left made her give up ever having a relationship. When he moves back home and asks to purchase her childhood home things finally come out in the open. So many secrets and time kept them apart. Now, knowing the secrets, will it bring them together or put a bigger distance between them. I read this whenever I had a moment. I had to know what caused him to leave. If you like clean heartfelt stories of second chances, I highly recommend 'A Seeking Heart'. It is so good. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
January 4, 2023
We are back in Aspen Valley where friends, family and life itself changes; it’s talked about, and love is often found. Lucas one of the Prins family has returned from his rodeo days and wants to settle into a rancher with his family. This series has been one with returning to homes after working and traveling to far reaches of the world. Lucas is regrouping with the family of siblings while looking to find if his first and only love is available and would want him. Aria had gone to law school and returned to her roots in Aspen Valley so it was as if they would definitely see each other once again. The storyline is wonderful and I enjoyed every twist of the lives within the pages. Thanks for an enjoyable time of reading.
January 5, 2023
I liked how this book focused on Lucas and Aria. It was fun reading about the western version of Pride and Prejudice the Aspen Valley town was performing. I thoroughly enjoyed Lucas ad libbing his lines when he suddenly found himself in the play with his ex-girlfriend. This story had a serious note to it too when Lucas learned more about Aria and Cole's father, who he idolized growing up and tried to emulate in the rodeo. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
January 22, 2023
A sweet, heartwarming story involving a second chance between a young couple who have complicated histories with their families. The author gives the reader an interesting insight into just how one person can be personified by several people. Discovering the truth and allowing for forgiveness helps the young couple find their happy ending. Carolyne Aarsen is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I received a digital copy of this book from this author and have given my honest opinion in this review.
December 29, 2022
Lucas broke up with Aria years ago to pursue a rodeo career. Now Lucas is back in Aria's law office to discuss buying her deceased father's ranch. Lucas always looked up to her father, but Aria has mixed feelings about him. Both of them are still drawn towards each other and need to work together on a community play. I received a free copy of this ebook from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love this second chance romance. The story also highlights faith and family. I also love that the community play is a western version of Pride and Prejudice.
January 4, 2023
A Seeking Heart is a clean, heartwarming, second chance romance For Lucas and Aria. There are secrets to be unraveled; abuse (physical and mental) to overcome. So many friends are involved in the community play which is Pride and Prejudice with a western flair. With her usual f lair, Ms. Aarsen manages to bring everything to a satisfying conclusion. This well written book grab my interest in the first pages and never relinquished its hold.
January 23, 2023
I received this book from a #goodreadsgiveaway.
Fantastic book. I'm a sucker for second chances. This book delivered. Readable with out having to read other books in the series.
The author is new to me, but I plan on reading more from her. Abuse is always a hard subject to discuss and it was handled with care. I love the author didn't make it just go away and they will still be working issues out.
Fantastic book. I'm a sucker for second chances. This book delivered. Readable with out having to read other books in the series.
The author is new to me, but I plan on reading more from her. Abuse is always a hard subject to discuss and it was handled with care. I love the author didn't make it just go away and they will still be working issues out.
January 4, 2023
A Seeking Heart by Carolyne Aarsen is Lucas and Aria’s story in her Hearts of Aspen Valley series. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the western twist for the community play of Pride and Prejudice was fun! This story has faith, family and community. Secrets from the past are revealed and a stronger relationship formed. I received an ARC and really enjoyed the story.
January 12, 2023
In this story, Lucas Prins and Aria Walden reunite when he returns to Aspen Valley to hopefully buy land for ranching. While their attraction grows, both sruggle with memories or her father and his relationship with Aria's brother as well as Lucas. It's a love story that forgiveness plays a big part in but it does have a feel good ending and is an excellent story.
July 22, 2024
Wow this will make you think
The author really had me drawn in so tight that I had to keep reading. She also opened my eyes that life isn't always the way you see things. You never really know for sure if things are really what you see. We need to let our family and friends know we are there for them at all tines no matter what. Great book.
The author really had me drawn in so tight that I had to keep reading. She also opened my eyes that life isn't always the way you see things. You never really know for sure if things are really what you see. We need to let our family and friends know we are there for them at all tines no matter what. Great book.
January 7, 2023
A seeking Heart
This was a wonderful story. I really enjoyed how Aria and Lucas were once in love at an early age. Time, lies, and disappointment s for Lucas ruined their early beginning. But be of good cheer, love does win out. Enjoy their story.
This was a wonderful story. I really enjoyed how Aria and Lucas were once in love at an early age. Time, lies, and disappointment s for Lucas ruined their early beginning. But be of good cheer, love does win out. Enjoy their story.
February 25, 2023
Really enjoyed this book! About a father who treats his children in totally different ways, then years later they deal with the emotions of how they were treated when younger.
Thanks to the author for providing this book for my honest review!
Thanks to the author for providing this book for my honest review!
February 26, 2023
Lucas and Aria
Her father convinced ced him he wasn't good enough so he broke up with her. Years later back in town he's still in love with but there are still secrets that have to come out.
Her father convinced ced him he wasn't good enough so he broke up with her. Years later back in town he's still in love with but there are still secrets that have to come out.
February 14, 2024
Sweet story of reconnecting love
I would recommend this story for anyone who likes how couples can come back together after going away and then returning back to their home town and a previous love.
I would recommend this story for anyone who likes how couples can come back together after going away and then returning back to their home town and a previous love.
June 16, 2024
A Seeking Heart
This is the story of a young couple who had loved and lost only to find themselves back in the same neighbourhood and finding their love again. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This is the story of a young couple who had loved and lost only to find themselves back in the same neighbourhood and finding their love again. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
December 21, 2022
Carolyne gets right to the heart of what we all have dealt with at times in our lives. Excellent book, story telling and making your heart happy at the end
January 12, 2023
Lovely
Aria and Lucas must overcome a past of pain and heartbreak, secrets and family issues. They stumble through and find their way to their HEA.
Aria and Lucas must overcome a past of pain and heartbreak, secrets and family issues. They stumble through and find their way to their HEA.
January 23, 2023
Great series
I am enjoying every book so far in this series. Looking forward to the next book. Caroline is a great author and I enjoy all her books.
I am enjoying every book so far in this series. Looking forward to the next book. Caroline is a great author and I enjoy all her books.
February 23, 2023
I really enjoyed A Seeking Heart. It's a sweet, clean, second chance romance between Aria and Lucas are childhood sweethearts. This story melt my heart.
December 29, 2022
Met Aria in Cole's book and glad we got her story with Lucas. So much hurt in the lives of these characters. This book was a romance but so much more. The writer made me feel several different emotions but, in the end, left me smiling.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews