Kimberly Rae Jordan

Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over

This is an odd book and not just because it’s an inspirational Christian romance. The writer in me found the writing rough at times and there are a lot of mundane details that are unnecessary. In a lesser story, these would have undermined my enjoyment, but in this one, the excessive details, especially the mundane moments, built a real-people picture of families, good and bad, and how the people around you can be part of the problem or the show more solution.

Ethan and Makayla couldn’t be more different. Ethan is the only son of a widower who remarried after years of neglecting his child and had a daughter only to neglect her as well while his wife seems to have as little interest in Sierra. Makayla is one of a Brady Bunch family with a large collection of brothers and sisters who pretty much all care deeply for each other. They spend time together both while working at the family business and after hours, and they are very much involved in each other’s lives.

While a romance is ostensibly about a man and a woman finding love, A Change of Heart is so much more than that. It’s about defining family as the people you love rather than requiring a biological imperative. It’s about learning to depend on others after a lifetime of having to stand alone. It’s about making the sacrifices necessary to ensure the wellbeing of those you love even when (especially when) doing so takes you far from your comfort zone.

The story is relatively low-key…until it isn’t…but the stressors are very realistic and easy to identify with. Makayla doesn’t like change. It’s strange, disorienting, and undermines her safe space. Ethan has rarely experienced change when he has worked for the same company since high school, all to earn enough so he can help his little sister. There’s a huge crisis point I won’t say anything about except to state it’s well seeded in what has come before and absolutely worked to complicate the situation.

The cast is huge, but as Bennett, one of Makayla’s brothers, says at one point, there won’t be a quiz. We meet Makayla’s family in bits and pieces, while they’re different enough that many become clear and distinct. I can see the potential for a lot of complicated stories here.

I feel like I’m dropping stones in a pond, trying not to reveal too much while trying to give you a feel for the book. If you’re looking for alpha characters full of confidence with arrogance that needs to be torn down, you’ll be thoroughly disappointed. Instead, you get two dedicated, cautious people with very good reasons to stay apart, and only their own hearts to draw them together.

And as I mentioned, it is an inspirational. I’d probably be stunned if I counted up all the moments of prayer, pleas to God, and such simply because it doesn’t stand out in a bad way. These are clearly people of faith not because of habit but because they sense God’s presence in their daily lives, whether what’s happening is good or bad. The inclusion of this element is very natural and well done. It is neither an afterthought nor proselytizing, something I appreciate.

Perhaps these notes reveal both why the reader me overwhelmed any writerly concerns, and I certainly hope so. As strange as it may sound when I’ve called most of the story low-key, this is a powerful read that pulled my emotional strings in both joy and pain. Ethan and Makayla are not simple people with simple needs. They are complex, complicated, and well worth spending time with. These are the types of people you should want surrounding you, not just the leads, but all of those Makayla considers family (related or not), and of course, Ethan’s little sister Sierra.

P.S. I read this novel as part of the Whispers of Love collection, which contains 11 other Christian Romance Novels…and is currently on sale. show less

First of all, I really appreciated the fact that this was not the standard sappy Christian book. Yes, faith in God was an undertone, but it wasn't overly demanding like I've seen in other books. I appreciated the cleanliness of the book and the fact that all the characters were well-created and well-supporting of one another.

While the book is good, it isn't a favorite. (That's not a slam towards Kimberly Rae Jordan, just so you know.) It simply isn't a gripping enough tale to warrant a spot show more on my list of favorites. But it IS a book that anyone can pick up and read for their own enjoyment. show less

It is always refreshing to find books that are written with warmth, grace and God's love . This collection has that and so much more. The characters are fun, looking for their purpose or just simply trying to live life to the fullest. I loved how each author had their own unique writing style that fit so well in this engrossing collection.

The romance was clean and sweet and I found it enjoyable to read. Each book touches on different everyday issues that with capture your attention with a show more warm inviting story that flows with grace across the pages.

Will Bryce and Soohie find happiness with each other or is there something that will hold one of them back , and make them question if they can share their feelings.

What will happen when Claire a chef meets globe trotting handsome Noel? Is it possible to fall in love with someone that comes from a different background. Will it be hard for one of them to give up their roots in order to be together?

Serenity has come back to her hometown to start over. She has a relationship with her dad that she needs to work on. They were both hurt by something , but their love as father and daughter is deep and they strive to overcome the past. When Jackson Ross a psychiatrist , or Dr. Jack to his patients, discover why Serenity's life was shattered five years ago, he may risk losing her . Is he willing to take that chance in order to help her overcome what happened years ago?

Can a marriage of convience work between Jared and Kate? As Kate longs for a real relationship with Jared , something from his past could destroy her hope of a lasting and loving marriage. Will his past be more than Kate can handle? Can a marriage of convience turn into a real marriage filled with love and devotion to each other?

Rock Anderson, a missionary has come to save Hope from a marriage she doesn't want. He has always found her to be a handful but hard to resist. What will happen when Hope's father disowns her? Can a rich girl overcome rejection and find happiness? Will she find peace,and her purpose in life.?

Jaxton Anderson is sent to his grandfather's farm in Kansas to deal with some family business . He will find himself out of place in this rural area and meets Ami Martin. There is an immediate dislike for each other and Ami can't understand why he won't just go back where he came from. What is the reason God brought him to this place that he finds so uncomfortable?

The stories in this collection have something for everyone. I loved each story and thought the authors did a wonderful job of developing the characters . They gave readers a collection that will warm their heart and stories that you will remember long after the last page is written. show less

An estranged family of sisters are brought together again at a family funeral. Lots of stress, heartache, love, & more emotions fill the pages of this book. While the primary focus is on Violet and the sheriff, readers will easily see that the author intends to highlight each sister throughout the series.
I hope to get the second book soon!!