“Sometimes, I feel like I’m watching a movie…that it’s not really me, Claire Richards, getting this second chance at life.”Single mom and college professor Claire Richards only wanted a few hours of me time to soak in her tub, read a book, and drink wine.But tragedy struck, and Claire found herself with a lot more me time than she bargained for. Three years later, Claire is still mourning her … Claire is still mourning her losses when Aiken Fordham—who captivates her with his Mediterranean blue eyes and tanned skin—moves in right next door.
Forcing Claire to face her fears, Aiken almost forgets his reason for moving to Small Town, Pennsylvania. Falling for the sexy, smart, and strong professor next door was never in the plan.
But now it is… until their future intersects with their pasts.
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4 out of 5 stars
I really enjoy this author’s work. She creates characters that are easy to fall for and a story that you can’t put down once you pick it up. This book is no exception to that rule.
Claire has faced tragedy that no parent wants to even think about. Aiken is looking for answers from deep in his past. They are new neighbors and though Claire fights her attraction to Aiken, she can’t resist his charms for long.
The story moved at a great pace. I never felt like it was going too fast or too slow. I was a little surprised by the big reveal, but not totally. I wish I could re-read it again already to really look for the little clues and try to see what was really happening in the background. Both Aiken and Claire found their way deep into my soul and I am so glad I got the chance to read their story. I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed they took a chance on this book.
*** I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion ***
This was my first book by this author but I’d heard good things about her books but also heard that they tended to be emotional/angsty. While it *was* emotional, it wasn’t nearly as angsty as I thought it would be based on the blurb so if angsty isn’t your thing, don’t let that turn you off. It was an interesting plot with the two “mysteries” that were involved, but it got a bit “cloak and daggery” towards the end and it felt a bit abrupt.
Although the age difference between Claire and Aiken was a central theme (almost to the point of being overdone, if I’m being honest), I never got exactly how old Claire was to Aiken’s 30. Not that it really mattered to me, but if it was 10 years vs. 5, it might have helped explain why Claire was so freaked out about it for so much of the book.
Claire’s friendship with her lifelong friend Mary was fairly central to the story but I’m not sure I really ever warmed up to her, although she did seem to have Claire’s best interest in mind – despite her actions at the end of the book (which never really got resolved although it did seem like she might be getting her own book based on the ending).
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
3.5 Stars
I have a read a book or two by Rachel Blaufeld in the past, and I have enjoyed them. Heart Stronger fits that description as well. I enjoyed it and I was fascinated with the plot. The characters were interesting. I really liked Aiken; he was fun and kind, and kind of the most mature character in the book (despite being the younger main character). I was iffy about Claire; while I understood the reasons that she acted the way she did, I would have expected a little more from a character that had a ph.d in psychology. Overall, though, I found it a little difficult to follow the Abbie and Allison plot; I didn’t find it to be clear where Allison, in particular, was involved.
I did enjoy Heart Stronger, and I do hope there is another book to come about Mary!
“He was the lighthouse and I was the ship lost at sea.”
After suffering an unimaginable tragedy, Claire has spent the last three years barely going through the motions of life. Existing instead of really living, her well ordered life is once again turned upside down when Aiken Ford moves in next door. He’s sweet, slightly younger, and all kinds of interested.
“I’d had enough goodbyes, and I didn’t want any more hellos.”
Claire couldn’t be more resistant to his charms, but Aiken is nothing if not persistent. Intent on helping Claire move on from her grief he patiently worms himself into her life. He makes her see that even though life does go on, it doesn’t mean you forget. As Claire starts to come to terms with her feelings for Aiken, he’s reeling from the information he learns about his long lost mother. Just as these two are finally on the same page life once again tries to have the last laugh.
“She tasted like red wine and fear. I dared myself to suck all the fear out of her.”
Heart Stronger is a story of love and loss, heartbreak and healing, and learning to live, and to love, again.