Sleep, it was luxury I didn’t have.I could hear it then, in the dark light of night, in the dusky morning…
Everything I had, all of it, had been taken from me ten years ago. I had nothing but the shirt on my back, the memories that still burned through my veins, and the regret I drowned in every day.
I am Ryan Hartford…and I have nothing left to lose.
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From the moment that this book was placed in the lucky hands of the ARC readers I only heard amazing things, this mixed with the teasers that were running around I was excited to read this novel. It would be my first by the author, which I’ve wanted to read her work for a while just finding the time seemed to be impossible. However Something about Sacred Hart pulled me in. I felt as though I NEEDED to read about Maggie and Ryan, I was sucked in before I even opened the book. Once I was past page one I understood why everyone was losing their minds for this story because I was just as far gone. There was no other option but to finish the book as fast as I could. So many times I set it down to go to bed because it was late, but I would read another chapter. Then it was midnight and I just wanted to get that chapter finished. 12:30am… 1:00… 1:30… 2:00… lather, rinse and repeat. I couldn’t stop! I needed more and more, each page wiped the sleep from my eyes, every word stopped the yawn before it could begin. Like a woman possessed I didn’t set it down until it was over. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would, as it is, it still receives 5 blazing stars from me!
If you could not infer from all of that, that I loved this book let me make myself very clear. I LOVE SACRED HART! If I could create a word that would mean love, only a million times stronger I would use it for how I felt about this story and the people that live in its pages. Ryan Hartford is a character that you don’t love easy, you fall hard and fast. The love I have for him is deep and real, not a superficial feeling, which of course goes for Maggie as well. These two are perfectly imperfect. Each struggling with their own demons, practically content to live their lives with something crucial missing from each; until they meet each other, the one person that can accept them as they are without change. Rough edges and broken pieces they find peace within each other. Their love goes beyond what is expected. Their love is one for the ages. Love that bends but doesn’t break. Love that endures and weathers in times of struggles without wearing out. Sacred Hart is life as I am concerned. The emotions that she brought out in me throughout this read were impressive. By the end, I was emotionally drained, I felt deeply connected to each any every character and closing the book was like saying goodbye to family. I wasn’t ready for the end, I wasn’t ready for it to be finished, I wasn’t ready to let go. But like a band aide I ripped it off and readied myself for the book hangover to start.
I’d recommend this book, but then that would give you the choice to read it. The decision would be in your hand. And honestly I don’t want to give that choice to anyone. There is not choice except to press buy and read it. It is not a suggestion, it is a must. You MUST read Sacred Hart. That’s it, if you get nothing else from this while fan girl review just read that. You must read Sacred Hart. Meet Ryan and Maggie and the sweetest little girl names Beth. Fall in love in a small town in Washington. Fall in love with the people, fall in love with the town, fall in love with the story. You will not regret losing your heart for this story, the beauty in her writing is beyond words. Beautiful story that will hit you right in the feels again and again, leaving you thanking Johnson for what she’s done to you. I did.
-Mackenzie
Audible. This is definitely emotionally wrought. It’s a slow, yet well-crafted story. Even reading a few reviews I wasn’t always sure where it was going. Ryan & Maggie’s love story was beautiful. It was real. The drama wasn’t OTT or petty, which was really nice.
Teddy Hamilton was phenomenal as usual. Vanessa Edwin was new to me (though she sounded familiar so maybe I’ve heard her under another name) and I enjoyed her solid performance as well.
SPOILER-ISH (without details):
I still don’t know how I feel about the epilogue, I just don’t know that it added anything and it kind of altered the flow of story. I kinda wish the author had just ended it at the last chapter.
Wow, this book completely broke my heart at the very beginning! Ryan is a great guy who goes through a horrible experience and is just trying to survive with the consequences of his decision. He is ruled by his past but when he meets Maggie and Beth, he tries to find a way to finally have a future. Maggie is a strong single parent who figured love wasn’t in the cards for her. Both have heart ache in their past, but they both try to heal because of each other.
I was asked to read this book by a friend and I was hesitant at first but kept reading and I was glad I did. This book is about two people that are only half shells and together they become whole. Go on the journey with Ryan and Maggie you won’t be disappointed but you will need a few tissues.
I am in awe with this book.. its a different prespective from someone who was lost.. drained..unloved and be done.. Ryan story wasnt something easy to digest.. when you are lost.. either you find your way or totally drown in the darkness… meeting Maggie is the light to the siren.. this book shed so many layer of emotions.. beautifully written.. the warmness from the character… defineteky worth the read
Ryan’s journey takes him from emotional fractures to solid ground through the worst of all nightmares and into the arms of unconditional love. Maggie compliments Ryan before his own consciousness catches up with him. A.M. Johnson captures the raw human condition of true deep-seated emotions and the passion with true grace and skill. The subtle twists and turns pull on the reader’s heartstrings and only convince the audience to continue rooting for the depth and reach of true love achieved by Ryan and Maggie. Definitely a read worth making time for!