***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
From the author of How to Save a Life comes a heartfelt story of two people finding the courage to choose love, no matter how hard it may be.
Gemma thought she had her future all mapped out. She had a wonderful husband, a cute apartment, and plans to start a family. But just months after their wedding, illness took her husband from her. And now she finds herself trying to think up new dreams, when all she really wants are her old ones back.
Across town, Dan’s also rethinking his life. He’s about to meet his twelve-year-old daughter, Casey, for the very first time. She’s tracked him down because she needs a place to stay for the summer while she receives treatment for a brain tumor at the city hospital, and Dan is terrified he won’t be up to the task of taking care of her; after all, he’s structured his entire life so that no one has to rely on him.
But when fate (with the help of Gemma’s scruffy terrier, Bear) brings these three strangers together one scorching July morning, there’s an instant connection among them. And it soon becomes clear that this summer could change everything—if only they’ll let it.
Will Gemma, Dan, and Casey be brave enough to let love in and build a new life together? Or will they let fear keep everything they’ve ever wanted just out of reach?
Owner of a Lonely Heart by Eva Carter is the story of a woman’s journey from the grief of her husband’s death, to choosing to love again, even when it’s hard.
Story Recap:
Gemma had her entire life mapped out until tragedy struck, and her husband died of cancer just a few months after their wedding. Now, she’s having trouble moving forward as all she’s ever wanted was the life she dreamed up with her husband.
Dan is about to have a major life event. He’s about to meet his twelve-year-old daughter, Casey, for the very first time. Casey and her mother will be living with him, while she undergoes treatment for her brain tumor. Dan is terrified that he won’t be able to be a dad or live up to her expectations. He’s lived his entire life making no commitments nor allowing anyone to depend on him.
One day, Gemma, Casey, Dan, and Gemma’s dog Bear all meet and there is an instant connection between all of them. Can they overcome their fears and learn to care for each other?
My Thoughts:
I loved this book very much. It is emotional, funny at times, hopeful, and inspirational. The characters were deep, well-developed, and realistic. I didn’t care for Gemma or Dan much at the beginning of the book. Gemma is sad and stuck grieving, and Dan is a commitment-phobe and seemed to be a one-dimensional character. It was 12-year-old Casey, and Bear the dog, who grabbed me and made me want to read further. Casey is adorable and courageous, she’s the one who found and contacted her father and asked to stay with him while she undergoes treatment.
After reading for a while and getting pulled into the book I started to realize that Dan and Gemma were both much more complex than I initially realized. Also, they were very good together. Gemma made Dan a better person and made him want to do better. And Dan was the light that Gemma needed in her life. However, they both have their own issues they need to work out first.
Another interesting character is Angelica, Casey’s mother. Angelica and Dan never married or had much of a relationship. Angelica is bossy, controlling, and very stressed. She raised Casey on her own and now her daughter is dealing with a life-threatening brain tumor. Her anxiety leads her to controlling behavior, which leads to more anxiety.
The way these characters interact and learn to trust each other makes a wonderful story and I was glad to go on this journey!
Recommendation:
I highly recommend Owner of a Lonely Heart to anyone who enjoys fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Eva Carter
I’m the bestselling author of more than 20 novels and non-fiction books, under my own name and the pseudonyms Kate Helm and Eva Carter.
I’ve written romantic comedy (The Secret Shopper’s Revenge), psychological thrillers (The House Share), and diet/recipe books (The 5:2 Diet Book). Before becoming an author, I worked as a TV news correspondent and led a team developing and pitching new programmes and formats for the BBC. My first book for writers, Pitch Power, was published in 2019. I also wrote the TV drama script for the 2006 BBC ONE docu-drama, Angel of Death: The Story of Beverley Allitt.
My next novel, How to Save a Life, is an epic love story set over two decades and will be published under the name Eva Carter in 2021. I live in Brighton with my partner, plus a shaggy terrier and a sleek tabby cat.
This one seems a lot heavier than what I want to read right now, but I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ll keep this author in mind, based on your review of this book.
I think I like the second cover best! And now the song is running through my head! lol Thanks for the review!
The cover and title of this one have caught my attention in the past. I’m glad to hear it was good!
I think the sound of Casey and Bear alone sold me on this. This sounds like a wonderful read.
This sounds like a heartwarming read. I want to meet Casey and Bear!
You would love Casey and Bear! Thanks, Wendy
I love books where the kids and the animals steal the show. This one sounds really good, Wendy. Great review.
Thank you, Carla!
I love both covers for this book. It sounds wonderful, especially with deep and well-developed characters. Awesome review!
Thank you!
I always like it when characters turn out much more and better than initial expectations. Amazing review!
Thank you, Yesha!
I haven’t heard of this one but I do like well-developed and realistic characters so I may just give this one a try. Great review!
Thank you, Joanna!
This sounds like a book that can take you through the full range of emotions. Excellent review!
Yes, that’s very true!
Excellent review, Wendy! I love that the pup plays an important part.
Yes, the dog was a star in this book!
If I read this one (and I do want to read it) it will be because of Bear the dog! ;D
Bear is such a great character!!
Five pinecones. That’s awesome. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It does sound interesting and emotional. I’m going to keep it in mind.
I hope you like it if you get to it.
This sounds like such an emotional read Wendy! I love both of those covers and your wonderful review.
Thank you, Jodie !
This one seems a lot heavier than what I want to read right now, but I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ll keep this author in mind, based on your review of this book.
It’s certainly heavy.
Great review, Wendy! I love it when at first you’re not really fond of certain characters but as you read on they grown on you. Such a great feeling!
It is! Thank you, Stephanie
Lovely review, Wendy 🙂🙂 I’m glad the main characters improve as the story goes on, and I’m always pleased when there’s a nice doggo in a book❤🐶
Yes, I love dogs in stories too. And this one was really a star of the story.
Good review and sounds like a touching book. I think the dog and child would draw me in too.
Yes, they were the stars of the book, IMO.
Excellent review!!!
Thank you, Cindy
I like the US cover much better! Excellent review Wendy. I’m excited to read this one!🤗📚💜
I do too! Thank you, Susan
There’s a dog on the cover so I’ll be reading it immediately. Love the review!
The dog was a wonderful part of the story too!
I really like the US cover. Ttis sounds like such an emotional and heartwarming read, definitely adding this to my TBR.
I hope we both love it.
This sounds like it would be very emotional but amazing too, great review 😊
Thank you, Jenny! It is very emotional
That book title reminds me of the song of the same title by The Police. I shall be humming it all day now.
I was humming it the entire time I was reading!