The Hearts We Mend

They say the death of a child is something no one should experience, but I would conclude that the death of the spouse is often times more difficult to death with, especially when it leaves them with raising children on their own, without the financial and emotional support of a spouse. That is the premise behind The Hearts We Mend, the second novel in the Banister Falls Series by Kathryn Springer.

Evie Bennett is busy planning for her son Cody's wedding after spending the last 13 years raising him alone after the death of her husband, firefighter and town hero Max. She isn't prepared to face the rest of her life alone even though her time with the women's ministry at church occupies some of her time. Even with the support of well meaning family and friends, its not a future she is looking forward to especially when Cody claims the family dog as well. Now she won't even have the responsibility of coming home to care Diva anymore. Is this really all there is to look forward to anymore?

When Evie is forced to work with the new temporary church custodian, Jack Vale, a man she ran into late when night when she and her friend Gin were caught doing a blessing burglary. She just never expected to run into him again especially in the only place where she can find solace and meaning in her life at the moment. Yet God has plans in store for both Evie and Jack as well as those who are connected to their lives in a very powerful way, one that can not and will not be ignored, no matter how much either of them try to fight it. Despite how organized and well-planned Evie believes her life is, God has other plans in store and life will never be the same for either of them.

I received The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer compliments of Zondervan Publishing and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my personal and honest evaluation. I love the chemistry that Jack and Evie both share, and their connection to their families. I believe it is what initially draws them together, how much they genuinely care for others putting their needs second. It disarms them to really seem the person inside instead of facing the exterior only and allows a rare peek into the heart of the person inside. I love Jack's willingness to step in no matter how appearances present themselves, like Evie's confrontation with Max's parents who hold her responsible for his death because she didn't try harder to sway him to stay in the family business instead. I was rooting for him after that episode! This is well worth a look into for fans of contemporary romance and well worth 5 out of 5 stars in this book lover's heart!

For more information about The Hearts We Mend, Kathryn Springer or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer

You can find Kathryn Springer on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Hearts We Mend, please visit Litfuse Publicity's website.

The Dandelion Field

Oh how Max hated dandelions. He believed that they ruined the look of the yard. He battled those dandelions constantly. His young son Cody, however saw the dandelions as an endless supply just steps from his front door to gather into bouquets perfect for his mom, Evie. It was no wonder that Cody would be upset when he can home from preschool to find his field of dandelions had been mowed down. When Max went to pick Cody up the next day, he didn't come inside right away. Instead Max and Cody were in the yard, blowing dandelion seeds everywhere. Max said that they were planting a dandelion field.

Why would a man who constantly waged war against dandelions plant them on purpose?

Max replied, "You do whatever you have to do so they know you love them."

This would be the lasting memory that Evie Bennett would reflect on whenever she twisted the gold band she still wore after all these years, like a combination lock to those precious times she would remember the love Max so unconditionally gave them both before dying as a firefighter. It was also the reason Evie didn't want her son, Cody now on the verge of graduating to make that his career.

Thankfully though she had Dan Moretti, her friend and Max's friend from childhood to help become like a mentor and father figure to Cody all these years. He was on the verge of unlimited possibilities for his future when they are both rocked by the news that Cody is going to be a father. Something any of them didn't see coming, especially with Cody's faith being as strong as they could have hoped.

But life is like that, instead of it working out as you have planned, perhaps God has other things in mind. But that is not what Ginevieve Lightly believes when her daughter Raine drops the news in her lap. She was hoping her illness was the result of an eating disorder not morning sickness. She didn't even realize that Raine was dating or seeing anyone. She had hoped that the one year she promised Raine they would stay in Banister Falls, Wisconsin as the result of her car breaking down, would give them time for a fresh start, just not the start either of them were looking to find. All Gin can think of is her own past experiences and how just when you need men the most is when they are no where to be found. What would they do now?

I received The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer compliments of Zondervan Publishing and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are strictly my own. This is such a moving novel because the characters have to deal with a difficult situation and keep the relationships of both Cody and Raine from falling apart. They offer a look at what supportive parents and friend do when facing with insurmountable issues of an unexpected pregnancy from the perspectives of believers and non believers alike. The emotions are well thought out and expressed like you would find in a situation like this, but the side of relying on your faith is what gets you through. I think the theme of this novel is the simple statement of what Max exemplified to his son Cody, "You do whatever you have to do so they know you love them." I loved this novel and give it 5 out 5 stars in my opinion. There is a reader's discussion guide at the conclusion that is perfect for book clubs!

For more information about The Dandelion Field, Kathryn Springer or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer

You can find Kathryn Springer on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Dandelion Field, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page. 


Get ready for Valentine's Day with a new story of romance and falling in love in Kathryn Springer's The Dandelion Field. The handsome firefighter makes a living “coming to the rescue,” but Gin is used to fighting her own battles. Can a woman who doesn't believe in happy endings take a chance on a new beginning? 

Celebrate a second chance at love and family with Kathryn by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Dandelion Field

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 15th. Winner will be announced February 16th on the Litfuse blog.

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