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Woodland Church #2
Hearts Surrender
Kiara Jordan is a sophisticated modernista, but beneath an engaging personality and super-model looks, her heart hungers for deeper meaning in her life. Ken Lucerne is the charismatic young pastor of Woodland Church. He's adjusting to life as a widower and copes by keeping as busy as possible with his parish and missionary work. A home-building mission in Pennsylvania brings them together, and forces them to look hard and deep at the relationship they share—and where God means for it to go. Already bound by mutual respect and caring, love dawns—a love that takes them to a place neither expected. Can they trust God's hand enough to surrender their hearts to one another...forever?
- GenresChristian Fiction
107 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
1 person is currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Evans
52 books87 followersMarianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create.
Her Christian women’s fiction debut, Devotion, earned the prestigious Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Hearts Communion earned a win for Best Romance from the Christian Small Publisher's Association. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home.
Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President.
Her Christian women’s fiction debut, Devotion, earned the prestigious Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Hearts Communion earned a win for Best Romance from the Christian Small Publisher's Association. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home.
Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 4, 2012
I just love the way Ken puts Kiara on the spot - pointing out her obvious desire to serve. The way these two "click" and fit together so perfectly is wonderful to behold, even as they struggle past the obvious difficulties that a relationship entails between pastor and parishioner, and a widower at that.
The way he deals with the people in his church, the understanding, as well as correcting them when they're wrong is the true heart of a pastor to God's flock. Ms. Evans has captured it perfectly!
She also has a wonderful way of touching the heart of the reader as she delves into the spirit of her characters. I loved this story just as much as the others of this series. She could just keep 'em coming as far as I'm concerned, and I'll keep gobbling them right up. It's sad that!
The way he deals with the people in his church, the understanding, as well as correcting them when they're wrong is the true heart of a pastor to God's flock. Ms. Evans has captured it perfectly!
She also has a wonderful way of touching the heart of the reader as she delves into the spirit of her characters. I loved this story just as much as the others of this series. She could just keep 'em coming as far as I'm concerned, and I'll keep gobbling them right up. It's sad that!
June 24, 2023
knowing her true beauty
The perfect sign that a person really truly loves Jesus occurs when things she used to enjoy have become empty and shallow. When we desire Jesus, We discover that our worldview changes as well.
The perfect sign that a person really truly loves Jesus occurs when things she used to enjoy have become empty and shallow. When we desire Jesus, We discover that our worldview changes as well.
August 25, 2010
Hearts Surrender Woodland Series, Book 2
Marianne Evans
White Rose publishing
C. 2010
Print Edition ISBN 978‐0‐9842968‐2‐8
e-Book Edition ISBN 978‐0‐9842968‐3‐5
Marianne Evans’s second book in the Woodland Series, Hearts Surrender, is a dashing romantic love story about a youngish widowed pastor and a member of his church. Pastor Ken Lucerne went through a traumatic few years watching his wife Barb die of cancer. During this period the pastor admitted later that he was attracted by one of his parishioners, glamorous successful businesswoman Kiara Jordan.
A couple of years after Barb’s death, Ken is ready to move on. Kiara’s blossoming faith still needs a push into practicality and Pastor Ken believes a mission trip with the church’s youth would help. Kiara is being courted by her glamorous new client who wants to take her to Paris. Between her old friends not understanding her faith and her loneliness and her attraction to her pastor of all people, Kiara is understandably confused about how to maintain a God-pleasing lifestyle. Bad vibes about a sensuous weekend with someone she hardly knows gives way to a mission trip to backwoods Pennsylvania to help a young mother refurbish her home.
Ken has an ulterior motive for challenging Kiara to come on the trip, however; he wonders if she can see him as a potential suitor and lets her know in no uncertain terms that he’s interested in pursuing a relationship. They naturally can’t hide their budding romance from teenaged eyes, nor from another adult chaperon who happened to be a close friend of Ken and Barb. When Ken doubts himself and Kiara wonders if she can still keep one foot back in her party-friends world, heartache and heartbreak ensue.
Hearts Surrender is a well-done romantic read with real questions and satisfying answers. I enjoyed Evans’s great phrases such as “cd-skip conversation” and the precious observation that Kiara makes: “No man has ever forced me to look so long, and so hard, at who I am, and who I want to become.” Readers of gentle inspiring romances will thoroughly enjoy the author’s clear settings and well-rounded characters, as well as be intrigued by the first book in the series. A hint at the third book will cause a line up to wait for its release.
An electronic advanced review copy was provided to me.
Lisa Lickel
http://lisalickel.com
Meander Scar: a story of finding home, now available
Marianne Evans
White Rose publishing
C. 2010
Print Edition ISBN 978‐0‐9842968‐2‐8
e-Book Edition ISBN 978‐0‐9842968‐3‐5
Marianne Evans’s second book in the Woodland Series, Hearts Surrender, is a dashing romantic love story about a youngish widowed pastor and a member of his church. Pastor Ken Lucerne went through a traumatic few years watching his wife Barb die of cancer. During this period the pastor admitted later that he was attracted by one of his parishioners, glamorous successful businesswoman Kiara Jordan.
A couple of years after Barb’s death, Ken is ready to move on. Kiara’s blossoming faith still needs a push into practicality and Pastor Ken believes a mission trip with the church’s youth would help. Kiara is being courted by her glamorous new client who wants to take her to Paris. Between her old friends not understanding her faith and her loneliness and her attraction to her pastor of all people, Kiara is understandably confused about how to maintain a God-pleasing lifestyle. Bad vibes about a sensuous weekend with someone she hardly knows gives way to a mission trip to backwoods Pennsylvania to help a young mother refurbish her home.
Ken has an ulterior motive for challenging Kiara to come on the trip, however; he wonders if she can see him as a potential suitor and lets her know in no uncertain terms that he’s interested in pursuing a relationship. They naturally can’t hide their budding romance from teenaged eyes, nor from another adult chaperon who happened to be a close friend of Ken and Barb. When Ken doubts himself and Kiara wonders if she can still keep one foot back in her party-friends world, heartache and heartbreak ensue.
Hearts Surrender is a well-done romantic read with real questions and satisfying answers. I enjoyed Evans’s great phrases such as “cd-skip conversation” and the precious observation that Kiara makes: “No man has ever forced me to look so long, and so hard, at who I am, and who I want to become.” Readers of gentle inspiring romances will thoroughly enjoy the author’s clear settings and well-rounded characters, as well as be intrigued by the first book in the series. A hint at the third book will cause a line up to wait for its release.
An electronic advanced review copy was provided to me.
Lisa Lickel
http://lisalickel.com
Meander Scar: a story of finding home, now available
January 14, 2011
Kiara Jordan hasn’t always been a perfect lady. But under the caring tutelage of Pastor Ken Lucerne, and the loving example of her friend Daveny, she’s becoming a perfectly forgiven Christian. Kiara’s problem is forgiving herself, and believing herself worthy of a second chance at life and love.
Ken Lucerne knows Kiara is worth more than she thinks she is. When he convinces her to join a mission team with him for a week, neither of them is quite prepared for the irresistible attraction between them. Ken, having recently lost his wife, is still emotionally raw—but very aware of Kiara’s beauty, kindness, intelligence, and overall worth. Kiara can’t imagine herself good enough to spend her life at the side of a man like Pastor Ken.
And then, of course, there’s the congregation at Woodland Church to consider. Even if Ken and Kiara overcome their own, personal doubts and fears enough to attempt a relationship…will the parishioners accept the idea of their pastor in a romantic relationship? And more specifically, in a relationship with a woman with Kiara’s worldly past?
This second offering in the Woodland Church Romances is not a disappointment—if anything, it surpasses Hearts Crossing, the first book, which I genuinely loved. Marianne Evans has a way of grabbing hold of the heartstrings and never letting go. Her stories inspire, encourage, uplift…and relentlessly pull the reader in to an awareness of God’s goodness and grace. Her characters are real, believable, and absolutely unforgettable. Whatever you do, do not miss Hearts Surrender!
Ken Lucerne knows Kiara is worth more than she thinks she is. When he convinces her to join a mission team with him for a week, neither of them is quite prepared for the irresistible attraction between them. Ken, having recently lost his wife, is still emotionally raw—but very aware of Kiara’s beauty, kindness, intelligence, and overall worth. Kiara can’t imagine herself good enough to spend her life at the side of a man like Pastor Ken.
And then, of course, there’s the congregation at Woodland Church to consider. Even if Ken and Kiara overcome their own, personal doubts and fears enough to attempt a relationship…will the parishioners accept the idea of their pastor in a romantic relationship? And more specifically, in a relationship with a woman with Kiara’s worldly past?
This second offering in the Woodland Church Romances is not a disappointment—if anything, it surpasses Hearts Crossing, the first book, which I genuinely loved. Marianne Evans has a way of grabbing hold of the heartstrings and never letting go. Her stories inspire, encourage, uplift…and relentlessly pull the reader in to an awareness of God’s goodness and grace. Her characters are real, believable, and absolutely unforgettable. Whatever you do, do not miss Hearts Surrender!
September 11, 2010
Clare’s Review
Ken Lucerne, pastor and widower and Kiara Jordan, a self confessed Cosmo girl are perhaps the most unlikely couple ever. But this story shows that even the most unlikely pair can work together for good if God decrees it.
A sequel to Heart's Crossing, Ms Evans has once again captured the sprit of true love in Hearts Surrender. It's not necessary to have read the first book, to be enchanted by this one, as it stands alone, second in a series of four. This tender love story, not only puts Ken and Kiara through the emotional wringer, captivates the reader's heart as well and more than once I could have done with one of Pastor Ken's hanky's!
“Love is about the process of surrendering just enough of yourself to say you want to grow in unison with someone else. It's not easy, but it's real, and it fills a part of your soul, and it lasts.” So true, as both Ken and Kiara learn on their journey. Very few books are un-put-down-able - but this is one of them
4 1/2 Tea Cups!
Ken Lucerne, pastor and widower and Kiara Jordan, a self confessed Cosmo girl are perhaps the most unlikely couple ever. But this story shows that even the most unlikely pair can work together for good if God decrees it.
A sequel to Heart's Crossing, Ms Evans has once again captured the sprit of true love in Hearts Surrender. It's not necessary to have read the first book, to be enchanted by this one, as it stands alone, second in a series of four. This tender love story, not only puts Ken and Kiara through the emotional wringer, captivates the reader's heart as well and more than once I could have done with one of Pastor Ken's hanky's!
“Love is about the process of surrendering just enough of yourself to say you want to grow in unison with someone else. It's not easy, but it's real, and it fills a part of your soul, and it lasts.” So true, as both Ken and Kiara learn on their journey. Very few books are un-put-down-able - but this is one of them
4 1/2 Tea Cups!
May 23, 2012
HEART SURRENDER is a cute story, the second book in the Woodland series. What a great storyline. Ken, a Pastor from Woodland church has his eyes on Kiara. Although she was once absorbed in a world based on her good looks, she now seeks for a greater meaning in life. Pastor Ken is healing from a loss, as well as wrestling with fitting in as a "person" not just a Pastor of the community he lives in.
When Ken and Kiara's lives are brought together in a building mission trip, they find their attraction for one another can no longer be denied. Marianne has some really cut lines that will have you smiling. But the story doesn't end there. HEARTS COMMUNION, book 3, and HEARTS KEY, book 4, are to follow.
When Ken and Kiara's lives are brought together in a building mission trip, they find their attraction for one another can no longer be denied. Marianne has some really cut lines that will have you smiling. But the story doesn't end there. HEARTS COMMUNION, book 3, and HEARTS KEY, book 4, are to follow.
March 21, 2011
Well, I saw a marked improvement between the first book in this series, and this one. The writing was stronger, and the characters were understandable and easy to connect with. I could see their struggles, and enjoyed watching each of them grow in their faith. I especially loved when they were on the mission trip and wished more time could have been devoted to that part of the book. Such a wonderful opportunity to help others! Aside from a few belief differences, I had no real problems with this book. It was a quick, fun read. I look forward to continuing to see this author grow and write more in the future.
August 4, 2011
Ken Lucerne is 35, a widower & Pastor of Woodland Church.
Kiara Jordan is model beautiful and desiring to be more then just eye candy on some mans arm. She does not feel worthy to hope that a Pastor could find her as a perfect mate even though she would love to find a man like Pastor Ken.
After a week long Mission Trip, Ken tells Kiara she would be good as a youth group leader, she desires it as well. He also asked her to see him more then just a Pastor as well.
This is 2nd in a series of 4. One day I may read the other 3. It was a really good book.
Kiara Jordan is model beautiful and desiring to be more then just eye candy on some mans arm. She does not feel worthy to hope that a Pastor could find her as a perfect mate even though she would love to find a man like Pastor Ken.
After a week long Mission Trip, Ken tells Kiara she would be good as a youth group leader, she desires it as well. He also asked her to see him more then just a Pastor as well.
This is 2nd in a series of 4. One day I may read the other 3. It was a really good book.
August 30, 2010
What I learned from this book is the idea of writing something completely fresh, and redemptive, on a completely clean slate. No matter what your life circumstance, God can enable fresh starts, and a love deeper than anything you could possibly imagine.
Read
September 9, 2011Wonderful follow-up to Hearts Crossing. This book stands alone and makes you care about the characters. Well written with believeable dialogue
November 25, 2012
Beautifully written. Of course, I'm partial to St. Clair Shores, MI being that it's only 20 minutes from my home. The people in this book were "real" battling emotions and thoughts I face daily.
February 18, 2016
I had issues with this being called a Christian book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews