Hiding in the Pages: Review: Heart of Gold by Jeanette Miller with Giveaway

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Review: Heart of Gold by Jeanette Miller with Giveaway

Heart of Gold by Jeanette Miller

272 pages

Published March 3rd 2015 by Covenant Communication
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review--Thanks!

Description: Ashlyn Carter feels as brittle as the lifeless roses that border her new house. A year after the tragic death of her husband, the young widow discovers a horrifying secret. Heartbroken and humiliated, she resolved that no one could ever know. Now, back in her hometown with her three-year-old daughter, she's ready for a fresh start. But Ashlyn is unprepared to find that an embarrassing memory, buried deep in her past, is about to resurface. . .

Ryan Anderson was the last person Ashlyn expected to see. After the unexpected kiss they d shared years earlier, she assumed she'd never see him again. Though she tries to avoid him at all costs, Ashlyn finds herself running into her former flame far more often than she'd like. Between her uncomfortable history with Ryan and the series of well-meaning suitors pursuing her, Ashlyn finds herself disenchanted with dating altogether. Yet as she and Ryan slowly become reacquainted, she feels her resolve to avoid a relationship slipping. But when moving forward with Ryan means revealing the secrets he's worked so hard to keep, will Ashlyn have the courage to leave behind her late husband's legacy of deceit and learn to love again?

My Review: I love the cover! Right away, I knew I was going to love this one and I wasn't disappointed.

I can't even image how Ashlyn felt. Not only is it hard enough to lose a husband to an accident, but to discover a life-changing secret around the same time is devastating and I couldn't blame her at all for having issues. Her decision to move close to her family is a good one because she has a cute daughter to worry about. Katie is one of my favorite characters! She's busy, but very endearing and I was completely attached to her.

Ashlyn didn't expect to run into Ryan again. She was his tutor and is a few years older than him and after a chance encounter in the past, she ran, never looking back. I fell in love with Ryan! No truer gentleman can be found for her...but he's dating her sister.

I love a good romance and this one had me swooning without even a kiss! The author has a way of weaving romance through looks, glances, casual encounters, and with the brief touch of a hand. Ashlyn has many issues to work through and is determined that she knows what she's doing by denying herself what she wants most. It was a little frustrating, but I love that it took time to work through and wasn't instantaneous. Ryan has issues of his own, but he is very loveable and persistent.

Ashlyn did have a few other guys after her and some of them just suddenly disappeared, especially when there were hints of conflict. I would've liked to have seen those situations resolved. This one isn't preachy, but if you aren't familiar with LDS terms and customs, you might find yourself lost in parts.

Content: Clean romance (kissing and very swoony moments); no language or violence; moderate religious elements specific to the LDS church (talk of missions, temples, church--but not preachy)