What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dickens Inn #3
A Loving Heart
As past medical heartaches and fears resurface, Chas and Jackson agonize over the chances of survival for their baby daughter. At a time in their lives when the blessings of the gospel are so abundant, can their faith withstand this trial that looms on their otherwise happy horizon? Do they dare hope for a miracle? At the same time, Jackson receives a call from a former FBI colleague who would like to hide a woman in the witness protection program with them in the Dickens Inn. Although Jackson and Chas agree to let her stay, when the woman arrives they realize she is hiding something. Soon lives are in danger, and the stakes are high. Has trust come at too great a price? With tragedies hurtling toward them, Chas and Jackson will need all the help they can get from friends, family, the medical profession, and most especially from God. In A Loving Heart, the newest volume in her Dickensian bedand- breakfast series, bestselling LDS author Anita Stansfield delivers a captivating story filled with breathtaking twists and turns of events that are emotionally compelling, spiritually moving, and utterly satisfying.
302 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2010
About the author
Anita Stansfield
134 books477 followersAnita Stansfield, the LDS market's #1 best-selling romance novelist, is an imaginative and prolific writer whose romantic stories have captivated her readers.
"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."
"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."
"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."
"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 6, 2012
Ugh. So many things bothered me about this book. First of all since I branched out and started reading many different authors and genres, reading Anita Stansfield (and LDS fiction in general) is hard. The more I read of hers, the less I like. The writing style is just not that great. I'm being a little harsh but as I finished up this book last night, I was trying to figure out why I disliked it so much. When I was reading I felt like I was reading about the story instead of involved in the story. I really like when books are from the point of view of a character, it's more interesting and more personal. It's like being in the house, rather than looking through the window. Next, there aren't that many details. I feel like a lot of it was filler material, which is weird because so much was happening. Another thing is that the baby in the story was born with a heart defect, and was pre-diagnosed. That really should have been something I could connect with, but there was no detail about it other than she had OHS. Well, what was the defect? It said she was in the hospital for awhile, but how long? What's her prognosis? I wanted more detail about that. Last, it wasn't very realistic. There was way too much going on, and each event really could have been it's own book and it still could have been tied all together. But really? Who has a baby with a CHD, a mafia stand off/murder in their home, a family member wounded in a war and struggling with PTSD all going on at the same time? I know life isn't perfectly planned with only one trial at a time, but it just wasn't realistic. I gave it 2 starts because I actually finished it, but it's not something I would read again or recommend to anyone else. I really used to love this author, and I don't know if the writing has become that much worse, or if it's just my perspective and life experience that makes me
June 24, 2021
A lot of rehashing of things that have already been said. The parts that were new were good. Just have to pick through to get it.
June 30, 2010
*Spoilers*
The third installment of the Dicken's Inn saga picks up where the second left off. Chas is pregnant with their second child. Jackson has been baptized and they are looking forward to the time when they can be sealed in the temple.
We immediately find out that the baby Chas is carrying has a heart defect and may die at or before birth. Jackson's former FBI associate calls to see if he will accept a woman in protective custody (hiding from the mob) at the Dicken's Inn. Jackson's sister comes to stay with the family to help. Her son, a soldier in the war in the Middle East is injured and ends up moving in to the inn. And Jackson's old FBI team member finally comes for a visit to help with the woman they are harboring........he may never end up leaving.
I think this may have been the best book in this series so far. Jackson was all manly and cop like, which is a plus. I do appreciate the way that Stansfield's characters approach situations and handle themselves very graciously and very gospel oriented, but I don't find it at all realistic. This time Jackson seemed more human to me......especially when he whipped out his duty weapon. Aside from the totally obnoxious fact that the characters are usually independently wealthy and function together as a couple.........ALL day, EVERY day (Which I consider to be the biggest work of fiction in these books)...the book was much more palatable. It didn't have the emotional turmoil that many times harrows up these books. I am ready for this series to be over. I love Jackson and if he actually worked full time as an agent or a police officer he would probably be a much better character........but he runs an inn.....and is a little demasculinized by it.
Rating 3.5 More action. Jackson actually uses a weapon....which he stopped wearing when he retired......and I find absurd. The storyline containing the new baby was good and even though it was traumatic, it wasn't so mentally emotional that I felt like a dog going in cirlces after my tail.
Rating PG Shooting!!!!
The third installment of the Dicken's Inn saga picks up where the second left off. Chas is pregnant with their second child. Jackson has been baptized and they are looking forward to the time when they can be sealed in the temple.
We immediately find out that the baby Chas is carrying has a heart defect and may die at or before birth. Jackson's former FBI associate calls to see if he will accept a woman in protective custody (hiding from the mob) at the Dicken's Inn. Jackson's sister comes to stay with the family to help. Her son, a soldier in the war in the Middle East is injured and ends up moving in to the inn. And Jackson's old FBI team member finally comes for a visit to help with the woman they are harboring........he may never end up leaving.
I think this may have been the best book in this series so far. Jackson was all manly and cop like, which is a plus. I do appreciate the way that Stansfield's characters approach situations and handle themselves very graciously and very gospel oriented, but I don't find it at all realistic. This time Jackson seemed more human to me......especially when he whipped out his duty weapon. Aside from the totally obnoxious fact that the characters are usually independently wealthy and function together as a couple.........ALL day, EVERY day (Which I consider to be the biggest work of fiction in these books)...the book was much more palatable. It didn't have the emotional turmoil that many times harrows up these books. I am ready for this series to be over. I love Jackson and if he actually worked full time as an agent or a police officer he would probably be a much better character........but he runs an inn.....and is a little demasculinized by it.
Rating 3.5 More action. Jackson actually uses a weapon....which he stopped wearing when he retired......and I find absurd. The storyline containing the new baby was good and even though it was traumatic, it wasn't so mentally emotional that I felt like a dog going in cirlces after my tail.
Rating PG Shooting!!!!
June 16, 2010
I love that the story of Chas and Jackson leed continues. Jackson learns to heed the promptings of the Holy Ghost and the knowledge that our experiences and trials are for our own good and maybe others benefit even if we don't see it at the time.
Chas was pregnant in the last book and Jackson was dealing with the effects of PTSD. He has gotten a handle on it and now the ultrasound shows that the baby girl they are to have has a heart defect that runs in Chas' family. The deal with the uncertainty of her life expectancy and then get the hope of a surgery that can save her Isabella Rose's life. However, they must travel to Utah from Montana 3 weeks before her due date and have a c-section and then get the surgery at primary children's for Isabella with an uncertain recovery time. They agree, but then an unexpected visitor in the form of a young women in protective custody, leaves them uncertain as to the timing of the leave. Jackson calls in a favor with Elliot Vesse, a friend and FBI agent and gets him to come for a visit to watch out for Polly, their friend, more family who helps at the inn and Courtney, the witness.
Jackson is awakened in the middle of the night in SL to the urgency to return to montana. he follows the prompting and ends up getting there in time to save Polly's life after witnessing the murder of two people by the mob. He second guesses why he couldn't get their to save everyone, but time tells of the wisdom of the Father's timing. Mob secrets are revealed putting to rest questions from past missions' failures. Elliot falls for polly. Melinda comes to help with the babies and ends up gaining a testimony through the families miracles. her son is injured and comes home from Iraq. Jackson helps him with finding a counselor and getting him to the hospital before he can injure himself. Their home addtion is finished and they celebrate thanksgiving with family and friends and the baptism of Melinda.
Chas was pregnant in the last book and Jackson was dealing with the effects of PTSD. He has gotten a handle on it and now the ultrasound shows that the baby girl they are to have has a heart defect that runs in Chas' family. The deal with the uncertainty of her life expectancy and then get the hope of a surgery that can save her Isabella Rose's life. However, they must travel to Utah from Montana 3 weeks before her due date and have a c-section and then get the surgery at primary children's for Isabella with an uncertain recovery time. They agree, but then an unexpected visitor in the form of a young women in protective custody, leaves them uncertain as to the timing of the leave. Jackson calls in a favor with Elliot Vesse, a friend and FBI agent and gets him to come for a visit to watch out for Polly, their friend, more family who helps at the inn and Courtney, the witness.
Jackson is awakened in the middle of the night in SL to the urgency to return to montana. he follows the prompting and ends up getting there in time to save Polly's life after witnessing the murder of two people by the mob. He second guesses why he couldn't get their to save everyone, but time tells of the wisdom of the Father's timing. Mob secrets are revealed putting to rest questions from past missions' failures. Elliot falls for polly. Melinda comes to help with the babies and ends up gaining a testimony through the families miracles. her son is injured and comes home from Iraq. Jackson helps him with finding a counselor and getting him to the hospital before he can injure himself. Their home addtion is finished and they celebrate thanksgiving with family and friends and the baptism of Melinda.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2010
I'm sad to say that I must be growing out of Anita Stansfield books.
I read this one in one day (note the number of pages), but not because I was enthralled, just because I was able to skim over so much of it inbetween the storyline.
I found myself annoyed by the repetitive scenes of the husband and wife hugging and expressing their love. I didn't get into the gospel conversion story in this one either. I felt like Stansfield didn't really get into the writing and it was just 'blah blah blah' with some fun interludes of suspense and a cute side love story that kept it going.
I might try to pick up the fourth one when it comes out, but maybe not. I think she's gone the way of Jack Weyland in my priority list. Too bad. I used to really enjoy some of her books.
I guess I should be glad I'm moving on to better writers that still keep me engaged? Maybe this was just a dud book.
I read this one in one day (note the number of pages), but not because I was enthralled, just because I was able to skim over so much of it inbetween the storyline.
I found myself annoyed by the repetitive scenes of the husband and wife hugging and expressing their love. I didn't get into the gospel conversion story in this one either. I felt like Stansfield didn't really get into the writing and it was just 'blah blah blah' with some fun interludes of suspense and a cute side love story that kept it going.
I might try to pick up the fourth one when it comes out, but maybe not. I think she's gone the way of Jack Weyland in my priority list. Too bad. I used to really enjoy some of her books.
I guess I should be glad I'm moving on to better writers that still keep me engaged? Maybe this was just a dud book.
May 23, 2010
First of all I want to point out that this book is NOT called "Dickens Inn" that is the name of the series. "A Loving Heart" was a very good book. There are a few slow spots, and Stansfield seems to glance over the baby's surgery and recovery a bit for my taste. I was also a little annoyed at how the story built up that Elliot and Jackson both felt like their business with the crime families was unfinished, then when it finally was concluded it was incredibly anti climatic compared to all the build up. That being said, I loved the love story between Polly and Elliot (although it was a bit predictable), and the point that Stansfield makes about abortion not always being the best option (miracles do happen if you let them). Overall, a really good book and, typical of Stansfield, hard to put down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2014
Like visiting old friends.
Reading this book was like visiting with old friends. I was happy to catch up with their lives, and with the addition of new friends and family. I particularly enjoyed reading their faith and prayer activities, and admired their sense of gratitude. I was sad to read about the loss of her friendship with Charlotte, but I could certainly understand the reason. The only thing I found rather difficult, was the fact that these people went for an entire year without any arguments. This was a very calm and fulfilling book, with times of great violence and suspense. Kind of like real life.
Reading this book was like visiting with old friends. I was happy to catch up with their lives, and with the addition of new friends and family. I particularly enjoyed reading their faith and prayer activities, and admired their sense of gratitude. I was sad to read about the loss of her friendship with Charlotte, but I could certainly understand the reason. The only thing I found rather difficult, was the fact that these people went for an entire year without any arguments. This was a very calm and fulfilling book, with times of great violence and suspense. Kind of like real life.
July 30, 2010
I like to read Anita Stansfield's books when I am in the mood for a happy, sappy love story that always ends well with everyone being baptized in the end. This was an easy read that got me to tear up once or twice. The only thing I didn't like was how repetitive it was, she repeated the same feelings over and over again and after a while, I was like okay don't these people do anything else with their time besides rehash the same feelings to each other over and over. If you can get past the repetitiveness, it is a pretty good story.
October 22, 2010
This moved along faster than the second book--I actually stayed up late to read it. More suspense/mystery than I eI expected from Stansfield--my husband my have even liked this book. I have enjoyed the Dickens tie ins though out the series and I actually checked a Dickens book out to read. These books are more for fun, but some classic literature has so much depth to them there are worth rereading.
September 10, 2016
This book had a whole lot of action, that wrapped up fairly quickly and then a lot more personal, but less dramatic plot points.
I liked the lives of jackson and Chas coming together more and the learning to listen to promptings and follow them without question was also addressed.
I did feel that the whole plot with the witness protection thing tied up too quickly and I ended up being a bit confused by who was who and which bad guy was which, but it didn't really matter that much.
I liked the lives of jackson and Chas coming together more and the learning to listen to promptings and follow them without question was also addressed.
I did feel that the whole plot with the witness protection thing tied up too quickly and I ended up being a bit confused by who was who and which bad guy was which, but it didn't really matter that much.
August 11, 2010
Although it was a little weird to read about the FBI being involved with a witness protection case, I enjoyed the story line of the book. I was especially glad to see Polly and Veese find love and happiness together. Now it's Charlotte's turn to move away from her bitter life and find happiness...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2011
Jackson, newly baptized member of the church, recognizes the gift of the Holy Ghost as he and Chas expect the birth of their second child--a daughter with a heart defect. They also agree to house a young woman in the witness protection program. Both events have a profound effect on their lives and their home. Miracles and a love story between Polly and Elliot Veese!
July 12, 2011
This book was great. It talks a lot about family and how they can help you. Holding strong to the blessing and faith of a Forever Family. Love that so much I am happy that I am able to have a forever family! I love how she talks about Salt Lake City. It's always fun when you know where they are. mystery also in this book. all around good book.
March 7, 2012
There was a lot going on in this book, but I liked how Jackson Leeds followed the promptings of the spirit during a lot of the troubling times they experienced. He knew that it was God helping him and his family. I also thought it was cute how Polly and Elliott's relationship started out--just joking at first, but then it became more serious. This series has been pretty fun to read so far.
February 19, 2015
I find these characters rude and full of themselves. Also, I can't understand why Polly had to be skinny before she could find a husband. I mean, let the chubby girl get the man for once! I really hated that that was such an issue. Also, these books read more like a day planner than anything else. And yet, I keep reading them. I guess Anita is doing something right.
July 13, 2010
This one had kind of a slow start, but once I got a couple of chapters in, I couldn't put it down. I finished it in less than 24 hours. There was a lot of suspense in this one, which I loved! Great novel!
July 25, 2010
I picked this book up because I needed a no-challenge book to read that would only take me a few days, but it seemed to take me much longer than that! This story had a little bit of mystery to it that was different from Stansfield's recent work. Which was refreshing.
August 24, 2010
More of a page turner than the second novel, but just ok. I tend to want to read the whole series, but I get tired of the typical Stansfield characters and their ability to work through their life problems so perfectly. If you read a lot of her novels, you understand my frustration.
September 30, 2011
Kind of a random book that I found on our I-tunes. It might have made more sense if I'd read the first two books :) haha pretty much Jackson and his wife Chaz own an inn bad guys come bad guys die and go to jail... Oh and Chaz has a baby girl with a heart defect but it ends up being ok.
Read
December 18, 2010Love an easy Anita read- you always feel good afterward.
May 25, 2010
Another romance masterpiece by Anita Stansfield. This one involves lots of mystery/action too.
June 16, 2010
This was definitely my favorite book in this series. I don't think it's realistic that a mob would actually find you, or cut deals, but I loved the adventure of this book.
February 8, 2011
Anita Stansfield is my guilty pleasure. Sometimes she is predictable. But I love this series and I love the characters. They have become my friends.
June 12, 2010
It was good, but recently her books have been lacking something. It was no 'First Love and Forever'.
July 9, 2010
Liked it the best of the series so far. I think I liked the excitement added by taking in a young woman on the witness protection program.
July 23, 2010
I enjoyed this next book of the Dicken's Inn line. It was an enjoyable read.
July 29, 2010
I am really enjoying this series. I have been listening to these books on CD, and I think I got into this one even more than I have the other two.
August 26, 2010
This is a nice series about overcoming difficulties in our lives. Good read.
July 23, 2011
Good read. I think I liked the little bit of suspense this particular series seems to have rather then just a romance novel.
November 5, 2010
It's a normal Anita Stansfield book. I fast forward through the la de dah stuff. No new surprises.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews