My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
Bethany House / 2012
About the book:
Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks her to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.
Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Kate can't help being attracted to him, drawn by both his good looks and something else she can't quite put her finger on. He's clearly wounded--hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Yet Kate sets her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light...whether he likes it or not.
When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?
My rating:
My thoughts:
My Stubborn Heart was such a good read! I absolutely loved the prologue - it was a very unique way to start the book. The story was really good and I liked the whole house renovating aspect.
Matt was my favorite character in My Stubborn Heart. Not only did he go through a lot of grief and struggles in his life, but he also seemed like a great guy once you got passed his barriers. Plus, he was also a hockey player (my favorite sport to watch!) and that just made me like him even more. =) I also loved all the hockey references in this book (like icing).
I found quite a few scenes in My Stubborn Heart funny and I especially liked the bantering between Kate and Matt about the poker games.
There were some things in My Stubborn Heart that weren't my cup of tea. For instance, I didn't care for some of the words used (like p*ss*d, cr*p, and saying "he didn't have the 'b_ _ _ s' to ask her why") and how people called Matt a "hottie", "hunk", etc. a lot... it got to be a little annoying to me. I also didn't like the replies from God - it's a pet peeve of mine.
The romance was good and I had a smile on my face a lot while reading My Stubborn Heart. I also liked the subplot romance between Morty and Velma.
Overall, My Stubborn Heart was a very good read and, except for the bit of edginess in it, I really enjoyed the book. I recommend it if you enjoy romance books with a good message and don't mind edgy fiction.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to write a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Check out an excerpt from My Stubborn Heart below!
LOVED this novel, Melanie. It was so sweet and actually put the leading couple together as friends first before would-be romantic interests. Plus, Becky did a stupendous job at building the chemistry - it was believable this time. Hooray!
ReplyDeleteI never mind the hero being called a "hunk" or "hottie" but didn't always appreciate some of the "language." The references you mentioned in particular.
Basically, it was a memorable read! And I am so excited about Becky's follow-up. :)
I also liked how the couple became friends first. :)
DeleteI was fine with Matt being called a hunk/hottie at first, but, when people kept calling him that, I got a little annoyed by it.
It was a memorable read and I, too, am excited about Becky's new book. :)
Thanks for commenting, Rissi! :)