Thursday, February 3, 2022

A Guarded Heart

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ

KIMBALL, HEIDI
A GUARDED HEART

Three years after a shocking scandal destroyed her family and forced her into isolation, Eleanor Hayward finally has an opportunity to put her painful history and dashed hopes behind her. But reentering society is no simple task. In her cousin's glittering ballroom, Eleanor is stunned when she comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart years ago.

Edmund Fletcher thought he had laid the past to rest until he unexpectedly encounters the woman who so nearly became his wife. Soon to be engaged to another, Edmund knows he must let go of the complicated feel gins he harbours for Eleanor. However, when the Hayward scandal resurfaces and the truth behind their parting is revealed, Eleanor and Edmund are left reeling. Tormented by thoughts of what could have been, they realize it is impossible to rewrite history. But is there a future in which they might both find happiness -- and true love?

My Review:

published in 2019

Reunion Romance lovers alert -- this one is an exquisite example of all that is heartrending and hopeful about the trope. I was seriously gutted, reduced to swallowing down that infernal lump in my throat and even broke into an ugly cry once or twice during this read (listen).

In many ways, the plot of A Guarded Heart meandered along the path I thought it would...until unexpectedly swerving in unknown directions! I loved both the predictable parts and the unpredictable ones and Kimball's expert wordsmithing weaves it all together to create sublime readerly satisfaction.

This one has left me gobsmacked so I'm not sure what else I can say except: if you love emotionally engaging stories with characters you can relate to and the kind of seemingly hopeless romantical tension that makes your heart both ache and soar, look no further, have I got a book recommendation for you!

Goal Update: #5 Diversify my reading -- UK setting

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for an ebook copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Guarded Heartleave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 5 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

23 comments:

  1. I actually love books like this. They draw you in and make you feel like you were there. Thanks for this chance to win this ebook. rrwalter34atgmaildotcom

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    1. Yes! And you have to feel your way out. Good luck, Becky!

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  2. Sounds like I need to read this. Thank you for sharing. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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  3. Oh WOW!! This sounds like my kind of book. Thanks!

    angiepool1606(at)gmail(dot)com

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  4. Sounds good, I would love to read it,please enter me, thanks! lclee59(at)centurylink(dot)net

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  6. I'm so glad I recommended this one to you Kav! Wasn't this brilliantly done? Heidi is now a must-read author for me 😊

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    1. I am too!!!! Now I have to get up the courage to read the other book she has on audible which is most definitely a love triangle. Yikes! But I think I can trust her not to gut me too much...just torture me for a while. lol

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  7. I just read my 1st Heidi Kimball book & adored it! Man, can she ever write romance!!! Love the pretty cover on this one, too. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity & the great review.

    dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. She knows how to get all the romantic nuances just right! Good luck, Diana!

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  8. That cover is soooo pretty!😍 I’ve got this novel on my TBR and am looking forward to reading itπŸ˜‰

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  9. Wonderful review! I've been wanting to read this book and it sounds so good! Plus, the book cover is gorgeous too!

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    1. Gotta love a captivating book cover. Good luck, Chanel!

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  10. Heart in the Highlands was my first book by Heidi Kimball. It was excellent, and I'm sure this will be too! I don't mind a book making me cry, I think that is the sign of a good writer.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Mine too! And now I've read two. Good luck, Patty!

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  11. You're welcome, Kate. Good luck!

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  12. I’ve heard a lot about this author. I’d like to give her a try.
    paulamarys49ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. You won't be disappointed! Good luck, Paula!

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  13. I love Heidi Kimball's books! I already have this one, so don't enter me in the drawing.

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