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 Heart, leave 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