Heartsong

by Debbie Macomber

Skye Garin treasures her work as a volunteer in the pediatric ward of the local hospital. Bringing even a small amount of joy to a suffering child—whether through her playful attitude or her gift for music—is a blessing that Skye cherishes. But due to overcrowding, her favorite young patient’s new roommate is an adult—a man who catches Skye completely off guard. Despite his gruff exterior, Skye is compelled to help the unnerving man. But the old scars of personal tragedy—and a fundamental difference of faith—might undermine Skye’s chances at a happy ending.

Jordan Kiley can’t imagine anything more frustrating than his current situation. A car accident has left him confined to a hospital bed, his arm painfully pinned in traction. He can’t even feed himself. But when he first lays eyes on the beautiful volunteer, he knows there are far greater challenges awaiting him. Astutely, he senses that Skye’s sparkling wit hides a heart that has been unbearably broken. And Jordan has deep secrets of his own. Can he convince Skye that she is worthy of love—and then earn her heart in the process?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian Romance, Christian, Contemporary

187 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a reissue of Debbie Macomber's first published manuscript from the year my husband and I got married, 1982.

If this is the style of the books she was sending out, I do not know why she had so many rejections. The book got my attention right away and held me to it throughout the entire book. It was good and well written. There was no sex, foul language or anything that is unfavorable of any kind.

I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a good, kind book to read.

[Lucy (why do I bother to read chicklit) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately I can not rate this book badly enough.
I like to praise myself as always, no matter what, I will finish a book I've started but this one... it was IMPOSSIBLE.

I bought this because I thought the plot was interesting and it was on the best seller's list. The sample was ok, with a long introduction from the author - as it seems this was one of her early works re-edited for the fans - and I thought I should give it a go.

Not only the plot does not happen but there's GOD or religious words in every sentence. I don't mind a religious character, but this book is a joke.

Could not finish it and I am not even ashamed to admit it. Somehow, the book is so bad I would have been ashamed to admit I did finish it.

[Connie N. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is Macomber's very first book, and it just didn't work at all for me. It's a good thing I've read many more of her more recent books because if I'd started with this one, I never would have continued. First of all, Christian romance isn't really my thing, and this was overwhelmingly that genre. To me the main characters who are extremely religious seem almost judgmental because they all want to introduce everyone around them to God and seem to feel that their way is the only way to live. It was ironic to me that Skye commented that "although their opinions varied, and they were just as prone to argue over something as agree, their differences were not so far removed." But when he expresses doubts and unfamiliarity about God, she simply can't let it go, insisting that he must agree with her. My biggest problem with Skye, though, was when she lied to Jordan about her singing, she said it was just a petty fib. But when he was caught in a lie, she broke up with him. She said she trusted him, but she immediately jumped to conclusions without showing any of that trust she had just professed. There are certainly some differences in writing style from this 1984 book and current romances, but I don't think that was the problem. I couldn't warm up to Skye, despite her supposed charitable and giving personality, and I was unable to believe the insta-love they showed for each other. I don't think I'll look for any more "classic" Macomber books--I'll stick with the more refined and modern ones she offers nowadays.

[Cathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story so much. Debbie Macomber never disappoints a reader.

The story centers on Skye a young christian woman. She teaches and also volunteers at a local hospital.

One day she meets a man while she is a the hospital and they are mutually attracted to each other. They spend time together, date, fall in love and become engaged. They end up breaking up briefly when Jordan discovers that Skye was not completely honest with him about something.

This is a must read for Macomber fans.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is pretty good. Since it is one of her first books I can see how see has evolved into the accomplished writer she is today. There were only a few things that I thought she could have put more detail into, but then this book was written over 20 years ago when she was just starting out.
I love how she expressed her Christian faith through her character of Skye. And I loved the character of Jordan too. I am glad that I bought this book.

[Bridget · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve learned the hard way never to pick a book on whimsy.

This story is trite, the characters one dimensional and the storyline shallow.

My personal rule to never give up on a book was severely tested.

[Mylandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like this book has not aged well. It feels very patriarchal/gender role enforcing and I didn’t appreciate the dating for salvation element of the storyline.

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Shame on you Debbie Macomber! If I could give this book 0 stars I would. There are so many disturbing things about this book. The list of bad choices that are buried under the guise of being religious is egregious. So as to not get overly upset about it all I will only name a few:
1) Why is Skye accepting a marriage proposal from someone when she hasn’t met any of his friends or family?
2) Why would Skye think a radio exec could afford to have a car with a driver all the time? Did they never talk about his job and what he does? And if they didn’t have time to talk about this....then one more reason they shouldn’t be engaged
3) We are supposed to believe that Skye doesn’t see the mansion they are going to live in together until they return from her honeymoon?
Oh I’m getting upset again...I need to stop with the list.

Generally I can’t get past the fact that this young, beautiful, kind , and smart woman would ever be in a situation even remotely close to this. And heaven help someone who is as this is frightening!

[Mum · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the novel did at times get carried away with Christian dilemmas, the concerns expressed were often voiced in the Midwest. I'm not so sure they were part of the eighties in San Francisco. The inability of the heroine to stand by her beliefs annoyed me more than the hero's doubts about the need for faith. The religious overtone is strong enough to make believers happy and the more doubtful uncomfortable.

[Cathie McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story. Skye put all her energy into her music and volunteer work. Jordan was grumpy but he felt something for Skye. She finds out he lied about who he was.

Can she trust his love? She has endured great pain and built a wall.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this as a freebie from book bub. This was a very fast read but I didn't really enjoy it. I will probably go to h*ll for saying this but it was way too religious for me.

[LaVonne Riechers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice romance with a spiritual lessons.

[Missaimez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone has to start somewhere.
This was included in Audible Escape and the description seemed sweet.
My thoughts when listening to this were questions.
-He just shows up, at her house, when he wants without warning and she is okay with this?
-He makes one phone call she misses and he basically accuses her of being on a date?
-He had to test her before asking her to marry him to make sure she only wanted to be a wife?
-Why is she blindly being in a relationship with this man? What did she love exactly?
-She saw his house for the first time after the Honeymoon?

I don't know, maybe this was how it was in the eighties, Marrying strangers. Or there was just not enough development shown in the writing. Are we to just assume that they having in-depth conversations behind the scenes? It just seemed so odd that he lived 7 hours away by car and he would just pop in at her apartment without letting her know. Who does that? Stranger Danger.

And if God gives you a gift? You are supposed to use it. Especially if he gives you the opportunity to share it with more than select few. Any money earned can be used for a good cause and not financial gain, if that is the issue.

Honestly I liked the book, it had historical insight on how things have changed. (I was born in 1984) But there was not enough development with the relationship to believe it was real. I felt confused and wanting more most of the time. But as a first work I think it was great.

[Camille The Great and Powerful · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was, at best, okay. I like Debbie Macomber's writing, I really do. However, what I don't like is a whole lot of religion in my books. The book was not bad, nor the writing, no, not even the religion. There was nothing bad about this book, only my preferences are obviously different than the author's. I know it's unfair to rate a book so low based on one simple opinion I have, but most reviews are based solely on opinion and preferences and mine is no different. This book was fairly well written, but the plot was repetitive and the couple's struggles continued for far longer than needed in order to get a bigger page count. I truly hope someone else has better luck than me! (I honestly don't have a good reason why I strongly dislike religion in the books I read but I believe I might have stumbled upon an answer. In books, even if the character is completely sincere, the writing and the way it's dealt with just seems to suggest differently.) Sorry for the rant, wishing ya'll well, and to Debbie, many more books to come

Profanity: none
Romance: PG (quite possibly just G)
Drugs/Alcohol: very little (maybe none, I wasn't really paying attention)
Religion: YES! She has included a lot of religion weaved into this book like yarn.

[Anne-Marie Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Debbie Macomber’s first book. It was an experience bringing Christian values of loving and trusting Jesus to love us and give our concerns to God.
I always say that our prayers will be answered but often not instantly or in living color for us to see immediately.

Skye Garvin loved her husband Glen but after his death 8 yrs ago she did not fully believe she deserved happiness because she never forgave God for taking him from her yet that revelation was possible after meeting Jordan Kiley a patient at a SF hospital where Skye volunteers in pediatric ward. But both Skye and Jordan withhold key personal info that soon affected their relationship as well as Jordan’s lack of faith.

I cried when together they both confronted their half truths and their love for each other. Jordan read a bible Skye gave him and he had sessions with the pastor and accepted Christ as his Savior.

They marry and soon after she is expecting. They both are ecstatic at their first Thanksgiving.

GREAT FIRST NOVEL. THIS IS WHY SHE IS NOW A BESTSELLING AUTHOR.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is very difficult to write a faith-based novel, but Debbie Macomber pulls it off. I could have wished for a bit more explanation of why and how turning ones troubles over to God works, and where the cutoff lays between giving it up to God and continuing to work to correct the problems ourselves since I firmly believe that God helps those who help themselves as well as those who don't. I particularly loved the songs and wished I could hear them, although I was a bit sorry that Skye chose not to share her voice and particularly her songs with the general public. It is hard to draw the line between seeking glory for oneself versus God, but she has so much to share that not sharing on a wider scope worried me a bit. Obviously this book got me thinking on many levels, so I probably should have given it more than three stars, but, really, I wanted a bit more depth to the story than I got.

[Vickie · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK, so I downloaded this book from Audible because it was free, the yellow cover is needed for a challenge, and I happen to live Debbie Macomber's books. Those are the things I liked about the book. I had some issues with the main character's religious practices - she used them mostly as an excuse for some awful decisions she made. And why, if she is so devout, would she lie to her fiance as to why she's calling off the engagement? I understand that this was one of Macomber's first books and I am happy that she developed her style of writing. But this early one was just too sweet and fake for me.

Go Cards! L1C4!!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not realize this was Debbie Macomber's first written novel. It shows her writing talent that started with this great story and continues with her many following published books. It's as good as all of the books I've read by her. Skye is a hospital volunteer and meets a cranky patient named Jordan Kiley. Jordan is very secretive about his private life so it was hard to get to know him. Great story woven into a romantic and interesting book. Thoroughly enjoyed Skye's life and optimism. This is an excellent and relaxing book to read.

[Lisa Benton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this for a challenge (read something published the year you graduated high school) it was interesting to read some of the things that are different. The biggest was when she followed him to the gate at the airport, that's an oldie but goodie, lol. Then he was trying to reach her, but she wasn't home...what? No cell phone with tracking?

This was a cute story, but I was disappointed in the ending. The whole story was very elaborate, then the ending happened in 10 pages. It could have used more detail.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely not a typical romance book. It probably should be listed under Christian fiction with its beautiful message of God's love. As an older reader, it was refreshing to have a main couple that wasn't hopping in and out of bed. I really enjoyed the relationship between the teacher and the young boy in the hospital. Heartsong is a loving, faith-filled book and a lovely debut for this very prolific author!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Assumption that Honesty

Because it was a good book why I chose the high rate what I liked about the book they finally got to the point where they were honest with each other and they lived happily ever that what it didn't like about the book is AIDS a seed each other the hide their own feelings

[Joyce A. Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Love Story

I was not surprised that your first book would include Sky's attitudes regarding her love for God and His many blessings. It shows in your wonderful books continually. I gratefully enjoy your characters, their personalities and " happy endings." Thank you for sharing it all!

[Sheri · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one was unfortunately cheesy, stilted, and forced. It had the potential to be sweet, but it fell short. And why was a kid in the hospital yet if he was capable of being released to spend an entire day out gallivanting with a random non-family-member? There was really no reason for him to be in-patient, which sort of made the whole story less believable than it already was.

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was sweet but I felt Jordan didn't have a lot of depth because the reader didn't learn much about his background. Also, the e-book I read said the publication date was 2013. But thank you Goodreads for showing it was in the 80's. That explains a lot about the communication between characters.

[Niki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always liked Debbie Macomber's books. They are clean, fun, romantic fictions. This one was the same. I would recommend any of her books and especially her series to anyone. I have just found a bunch of her older books which this includes. I do think with them you can tell she isn't quite as polished as her newer books but still fun to read.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

All through the story I did not like Jordan the man as the main character. He was too possessive, bossy and rude. I kept hoping she would find some one else. The ending did not help me to like him. So this is not my favorite book to read. Did enjoy knowing the end result for the young man in the hospital.

[Shea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typical, slightly cliche plot and characters. The faith aspects were a bit cringey (coming from a Catholic). Skye, for all her backstory, didn’t really have too much depth and Jordan could have been a really good stubborn yet lovable male lead if he didn’t have so many juvenile reactions to things (as a 38 year old man, mind you).
It was short though, so that was kinda nice.

[Alisha Carderella · Rating 1 out of 5]

A book to teach woman to be beneath men, and live for men, oh and a god. Because God is everything! Ugh. To each his own, but i wasn't expecting so much cheesy preaching every other sentence. Zero stars honestly.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me start of by saying that the reprint has a much nicer and modern looking cover....which is how I got sucked in.
It’s a cheesy innocent romance. Boy meets girl, boy is a cynical grump, girl is a happy and cheerful devout Christian. Cute but very very cheesy.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed

I like the idea of transformation and redemption, but I was disappointed in how little the story focused on God. This seemed very juvenile to me. I wouldn't read again, but I did not hate it. Just seemed ok to me.