Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Sacred Hart written by A.M. Johnson (242 pgs) – finished reading 6/28/16 – 5 stars - Contemporary Romance

*** POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN REVIEW***

This is the love story of Ryan and Maggie. Ryan, just recently released from a ten-year stint in prison, gets on a bus and rides as far as the driver takes him. Where he ends up is small-town USA as he is offered a job working at the local diner owned by an older gentleman who decides to give Ryan a chance to get back on his feet. Ryan suffered a horrific trauma that resulted in his serving time in prison as he totally lost control during a painful situation. While now working at the diner, a car accident occurs and Ryan unknowingly meets the love of his life, Maggie, an ER nurse. Ryan, a former EMT, helps Maggie try to save the victims of the crash and that’s how they begin their love story. Ryan, though, knows that he will never be able to give Maggie his heart. It’s broken beyond repair. And, he doesn’t want to give her false hope. He doesn’t want her waiting around for something that will just never happen. But, Maggie is relentless. She sees something in Ryan that is just peaceful. So, along with her young daughter, Beth, they visit the diner more and more.

This is a feel-good book that offered two tender-hearted and caring people a chance to begin their lives’ again. Their love story was sweet and beautiful. It showed their reslience to persevere through the toughest times. Maggie’s life was not without heartbreak either. After finding herself in a difficult position when her ex-boyfriend doesn’t want any part of her dire situation of an unplanned pregnancy, she finds herself returning home to that small town where her parents still reside. But, something tragic happens, and she once again finds herself along with a young child to raise. Ryan just happens to come along at the perfect time in her life just as she’s finding herself willing to live again. They’re perfect together, and it makes for a mere magical sort-of fairytale. There’s so much emotion and delight within the pages of this book. Cute little Beth was just joy! She was funny and a darling, and had Ryan eating right out of the palm of her hand. There were some town characters that were loyal and supportive. The diner owner, Tony was a great guy! He was not one to judge, and he gave Ryan a second chance as he ended up treating him more like a son. And, Maggie’s friend, Laurie, was also a big support system as she wanted Maggie to find that special someone.

There’s not the hot and heavy intimacy between the characters that is present in an erotic novel. But, that’s okay because there was more emotional intimacy. More about feelings than actions. It was just a beautiful affair of the heart. There was some sadness, and I did shed a tear or two, but it was very satisfying to see two deserving individuals find their soulmate. A.M. Johnson really knows how to suck the reader into the story while writing an exquisite romance!

“He was a mighty wave, and I was the fragile sandy shore being pulled into his depths.” ~ Maggie (Chap.11)

“So you think...you think you love this guy? (Laurie speaking) “He’s all I’ve ever wanted for myself. He’s chivalry and tender kisses. He’s the kind of guy that would go to hell and back for me. He’d freeze in the snow if it gave me warmth. He’d drown before he let Beth and me sink. He’s the one, Laurie...I know it...I freaking feel it, right here.” I brought my hand to my heart. ~ Maggie (Chap. 18)


“Time is a tree (this life one leaf) but love is the sky and I am for you just so long and long enough.”  e.e. cummings

Review Written, 7/13/16

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