One accidental kiss from Lawry Hampton. That was all it took to throw Meredyth Summercourt’s world upside down. Determined to marry the ever-elusive Vance Everstone, she simply doesn’t have the time or desire to fall for her best friend Lawry Hampton. But with Vance out of the country, and with Lawry at her side nearly every day, teaching her what the world is like through the eyes of a little … little orphan girl named Wynn. Now Meredyth can’t deny that what’s holding her to Vance is nothing more than a desire to redeem herself from her past.
Will she marry Vance once he returns from Europe? Or will she be strong enough to break free from the tangled web she’s convinced she deserves, and accept that God’s plan for her life includes redemption…and, quite possibly, Lawry Hampton?
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Can one youthful, passionate indiscretion bind a heart for all eternity? Meredyth Summercourt believes so. Lawry Hampton, on the other hand, is determined to free Meredyth from her life of self-inflicted, perpetual guilt; offering her unconditional love coupled with a future that she so desperately desires. But Lawry grossly under-estimates the power of Vance Everstone.
When Lawry Hamption re-enters Meredyth Sumemrcourt’s life, she cannot decide if it’s a dream come true; (after all they have shared a lifetime of friendship) or a re-occuring nightmare that must be ignored at all cost. When an orphaned child is literally thrown into their path, a common love of the little girl gives them reason to spend time together as a threesome and Meredyth can no long ignore the pull of her heart towards her handsome friend. Just when Meredyth’s future seems secure, she receives a letter from her past and cannot deny the unspoken expectations that she must fulfill, regretting that hearts that must broken as a result. How far will Meredyth sink before she realizes that her deceitful heart can truly be set free? Will she allow the true “lover of her soul” to work a miracle? And how long will Lawry wait?
Dawn Crandall has penned a really extraordinary story on so many levels, and has significantly grown as a writer since her first book in this series, “The Hesitant Heiress”. These characters are more personal, the scenes have more depth, the emotional pull of the story is stronger and her descriptions of the spiritual struggles within her primary characters are more true-to -life than many of us would wish to admit. An unexpected highlight? The classic quotations at the beginning of each chapter; they are outstanding!
This remarkable novel will endear even more readers to an emerging writer and I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Bound Heart is the second book in The Everstone Chronicles by Dawn Crandall, though this book primarily tells the story of Meredyth Summercourt. She is a young woman of wealth and privilege who hides a secret from almost everyone who knows her. Waiting for the man she believes she will marry, Vance Everstone, to return from an extended stay in Europe, she suddenly begins seeing her best friend, Lawry Hampton, in a new light. But she finds her heart bound, almost against her will, to Vance; how will she ever decide who to choose, and can she find forgiveness for her past to move on to the future she so desperately wants?
I loved the characters in this novel, mostly because they were fleshed out and human. Meredyth was very stubborn at times, and yet so very vulnerable, too. She has a depth of integrity about her that isn’t often portrayed so poignantly in a female character, struggling to let go of the guilt binding her to the man she thought she loved in order to take hold of a far better gift from God. But the pull of remorse is strong, and she feels that God requires some kind of penance to have his disappointment in her satisfied. She tries hard to resist the attraction to her dearest friend, Lawry, even more so once she realizes the feelings are mutual; he is too good for her, and Meredyth is sure that if he knew her secret, he’d want nothing to do with her. She would rather keep him as a friend than lose him by revealing the truth.
Lawry had my heart from the first use of his nickname. Just as I’d always loved Laurie in Little Women, I felt this character would be special as well. His caring, loving and forgiving spirit joined with his protective nature makes him a stand out hero. Without revealing one of the most beautiful plot twists I’ve ever experienced in a novel, I can say I was brought to tears by a late revelation that made me love this character even more—he is easily my favorite hero out of the books I have read this year! Yes, he’s that special!
The contrast between the social classes is very stark; the Everstones, Summercourts and the Hamptons have money and time to spare, but there are “acceptable” ways to spend both. The orphans that Meredyth and Lawry secretly teach and support have next to nothing; they are grateful for the roof over their heads, plain clothing, and the attention they receive. It is the classic picture of the “haves” and the “have-nots.” But deep within, both desire to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate, even willing to give up some of their own comforts to do so.
This is a very difficult book to write a review for, not because I didn’t like the book, but because so many of the things I absolutely loved about it are involved in the various plot twists and I don’t want to include spoilers. I’ll have to be content with highly recommending this book. The writing is excellent, the story is fascinating, and I can’t say enough good things about it. Pick up this book—it is time well spent. I know I will be anxiously awaiting the third book in this series!
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author to facilitate this honest review.
The Bond Heart, Everstone Chronicles #2**** by Dawn Crandall
Meredyth Summercourt’s life was forever changed two years ago when a tragic event occurred.
She now feels she is not worthy of love and happiness. She must suffer for what happened and because of that must marry, if she marries at all, Vance Everstone. Vance left the U.S. and has been in England these two years.
Lawry Hampton has been friends with Vance and Meredyth since childhood. He hides his love for Meredyth by trying to forget her, but to no avail. Can he win her heart? Will she let him court her and allow her true feelings for him to surface?
Lawry and Meredyth come across a boy being bullied on the streets and stop to help. However, once they have taken him to a boarding house they learn the boy is really a 6 year old girl. As they care for Wynn, will they become a family? Will Meredyth finally let her heart love Lawry? But, things don’t go as planned. Secrets are revealed about who Wynn’s father is, shocking Meredyth.
When Vance suddenly returns expecting Meredyth to marry him, will she marry him even when she does not love him? Or will she follow her heart and marry the only man to capture her heart?
What about Wynn, what will happen to her? Can she finally allow God to heal her heart or will she continue to punish herself for something in her past?
This story is the second book in the series Everstone Chronicles which picks up Vance, Lawry and Meredyth’s stories. It includes characters from the first book as well. There are a lot of secrets to be revealed in this story. Secrets that could have a big impact on many lives. Surprises and unexpected danger take the reader by surprise. I found parts of the story to go on and on but got better later in the story, especially toward the end. I like the way God’s unconditional love and redemption is revealed, even those who feel they are unlovable.
~~I received an advanced readers e-book copy from the publisher this is my honest review~~
This was an interesting story. Meredyth has her mind set on marrying one man and Lawry makes her want to throw all of her good intentions right out the window. With the position that she had set herself in, I wondered how things between her and Lawry could ever turn out good. 3 stars – Full review is at my website. I received this book from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I express here are my own.
The Bound Heart is a beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption. Meredyth Summercourt’s heart is truly bound into a life she feels was set into motion for her one summer day years before.
Dawn Crandall has a very distinct writing style that I found myself loving more and more as I read. She writes in first-person and writes it very well – Meredyth’s voice is crystal clear, and I loved getting to know her throughout the story. The tone of the story is often a bit mysterious, which I loved. The plot itself kept me guessing – there are a few surprises that propelled the action along in a realistic way.
And can we just pause a moment and talk about one of the most gentlemanly male leads that I’ve had the pleasure to read about in a while! Lawry Hampton was such a kind, sweet soul that loved Meredyth in spite of how hard and unforgiving she was toward herself. Sometimes it’s just nice to have a male lead that is just loyal and constant, not distant and cold. And make no mistake – the romance here is not cheesy, nor easy, but filled with passion and bumps along the way. Quite swoon-worthy at times!
As for the spiritual aspect of the novel, there was so much to appreciate here. Sometimes I am the last person to forgive myself, when I know that God already has forgiven me – my heart ached for Meredyth as she clung to an idea of redemption in the wrong place and ultimately found it in the perfect place.
And tiny, sweet orphaned Wynn! What a darling little girl – I think one of my favorite things is when she calls Meredyth “Meredy,” talk about making my heart melt. I just loved the scenes between those two, as well as the mystery surrounding Wynn’s parentage – usually I call things pretty earlier on, but this rather caught me off guard.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Bound Heart for fans of inspirational historials, with a good measure of romance. Although I think it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading The Hesitant Heiress first – Dawn has connected these families in a very neat way – you feel like you’ve known them all as long as they’ve known each other. I fell very easily into their various relationships and intertwined pasts.
I enjoyed this book so much! It’s a story that captivates you from the start. I love the story of friendship between Lawry and Meredyth in this book. I liked how developed the characters became throughout the story. Some I liked, and some I wished to punch. She made them believable and human. It makes the struggles and joys more relate-able to the reader. I liked how she sprinkled God’s truth throughout the book without becoming preachy. This book is well written and each book is better then the last.
I would recommend this book to my family and friends.
Once again, Dawn Crandall has written a timeless novel that has left me thinking about it for days afterwards.
THE BOUND HEART is the story of Meredyth Summercourt who made a few appearances in Dawn’s debut novel, THE HESITANT HEIRESS.
Several years after participating in a shameful act of sin, Meredyth believes that the only atonement for her part in this is to marry and bind herself permanently to her former crush, Vance Everstone. While waiting for him to “make it right” toward herself, Meredyth Summercourt is discovering truths about herself and her relationships with God and others. One of these relationships is with her childhood friend Lawry Hampton. Lawry (who was also introduced to us in book one) has loved Meredyth for years.
The Gilded Age, in Boston and Maine, is the setting for The Bound Heart. This novel was just as good as the first one in the Everstone Chronicles, but in a completely different way.
Meredyth and Lawry each come to the conclusion that their lives are missing something. Both are Christians, but find that their lifestyles of wealth, fashion, and parties aren’t fulfilling. They appreciate their blessings and still enjoy them, but realize that there is more to life. They can use the money, time, and status that God has given them to help others less fortunate than they. I like how Dawn showed Meredyth and Lawry ministering to the orphans like the Bible admonishes us. The author doesn’t lower the importance of financial support in favor of helping in a physical way. She shows us that both are equally important in ministering to the needs of others. Sometimes friendship is the most important in meeting a need. The hero and heroine both show all aspects of this and are being good examples for us to follow. It’s an important lesson for all of us. I get involved in my own world and don’t always look for ways to be a light and help to others. This is a good reminder.
Our heroine, Meredyth Summercourt, is a tall, bold, and affectionate young woman. Whatever she sets her mind to do is done with her whole heart. She thinks she has to sacrifice genuine love in order to pay for her own sins. Meredyth has to learn that her debt has already been paid. God forgives when we ask and holds it against us no more. I appreciate Dawn’s tactful approach to the subject of sexual sin. She describes enough for one to understand the situation, but doesn’t go too far.
What can I say about Lawry? I almost cried a couple of times while reading some of his scenes. He is such a depiction of Jesus. Over and over again, Lawry, waited with patience for Meredyth to love him back. He was always there for her with friendship, a listening ear, an example of putting others first, and love. Lawry Hampton is her rock. He is also handsome, muscular, and gives some swoon-worthy kisses and speeches. Even after saying all of that, it’s still his love that makes him stand out above the rest. Lawry loves Meredyth fiercely and passionately, but tenderly.
THE BOUND HEART is an emotional book about unworthiness, atonement, and love that conquers all. This novel didn’t have near the amount of scene description and air of mystery as book one did. I adore well-written setting details in a historical novel, so missed that here. Even though I wished for some of these things, I realize that they might have not been appropriate in this kind of emotionally gripping story.
If you enjoy the writings of Julie Klassen, Charlotte Brontë, and Julianne Donaldson then this is the book for you. Dawn Crandall writes from in first-person viewpoint with a wonderful mix of romance, rich detail, and a little humor and suspense.
The novels of Dawn Crandall are already on my top favorites list and I’m eagerly waiting for her next one!
*** An Advanced Reader Copy of this book was given to me by the author in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Of the two books by Dawn Crandall, The Bound Heart, was my favorite. As a heroine, Meredyth was a strong character who I enjoyed experiencing her story as she struggled with the mistake she made in her past. Making one mistake can change the way all of us have an outlook on life. Meredyth was plagued with guilt because she believed a lie. Meredyth’s emotions were so spot on that I became so swept in the story that sometimes I couldn’t believe she wasn’t right there next in me in person. Being a first person narrative, Crandall did a good job of making Meredyth a realistic hero that every reader could love.
As a hero, Lawry Hampton was a great guy who loved to take care of children in desperate need of his care. He was the type of guy who lived by his faith by founding an orphanage in Seattle. Lawry gave the children of Seattle somewhere to live, food to eat, and someone to care for them just like the Bible says in Matthew 25:40, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” What girl wouldn’t swoon over a man who put others’ needs in front of his own desires? Lawry was a strong hero who sparked an interest in my heart.
Crandall did a good job at description of the wealthy society of 1891 Boston. I felt like I was sitting around with the rich and famous, watching their interactions with each other. Crandall does a good job of drawing her readers into the story and making them breathless as they observe their surroundings in the wealthy houses and the interworkings of their normal lives.
In February 2015, Dawn Crandall’s third and final book in the series comes out, and I am really excited to see what the next book entails. Dawn is definitely an author who will make a name for herself in the historical romance genre.
I received an ARC of The Bound Heart from Dawn Crandall in exchange for my honest opinion. All of the stated opinions are mine.
I really enjoyed this book and getting to know better some of the characters I was introduced to in the first book. Watching Meredyth’s story, her past, and her thought process about what she must deserve because of it unfold was a little heartbreaking and more than a little realistic. How often do we view ourselves as she did, knowing we must deserve one thing for our actions when God just wants to offer us His precious grace and redemption? I loved getting to see God break through to Meredyth, showing her the healing and hope He has in store for her. So often, we try, as Meredyth did, to do things to earn right standing with God, to somehow right our wrongs when really the only way to do so is to admit them and let God heal them, let Him cover our sins with the pure blood of His perfect Son.
Lawry was a wonderful character and one of my favorite things about this book was seeing Meredyth’s eyes slowly open to him, his love for her, and her own love for him. His steadfast love for Meredyth was precious and swoon worthy.
Ms.Crandall did an excellent job of engaging me as the reader in Merdyth’s journey in discovering God’s forgiveness, truly being able to accept it, and finally being able to forgive herself so that she could be set free for the life God has for her. I love how Ms. Crandall tells her stories in first person. She so very accurately captures the way we, especially as women, often view ourselves and the people around us. She shows how our doubts, hurts, and insecurities can affect our thought processes and the way we view others all while still managing to convey to the reader things about other characters that the heroine may not see so accurately.
I received this book free of charge from the publisher. All opinions in these reviews are my own.
The Bound Heart is the second book in the Everstone Chronicles. I loved the first book, The Hesitant Heiress, and wondered if this second one could possibly be as good. Well, it definitely is and I love it even more than the first!
These characters are wonderfully deep and complex and the themes of redemption, God’s cleansing grace, and forgiveness are beautifully wrapped up in a story that I did not want to set down.
Meredyth feels bound by obligation to marry a man she does not love. Having convinced herself that it is the right thing to do, she has trouble keeping her growing and changing feelings toward her best friend, Lawry, under control.
Lawry is one of the best heroes I have ever read about. I liked him right from the start, but my admiration for him grew with every chapter I read, and then grew even more toward the end of the book as I realized just what an honorable man he truly was.
These two best friends are so right for each other. You can see it all through the book. And although Meredyth is determined to wed another, for all the wrong reasons, I could understand why she had this misguided notion.
I loved the twists and turns in this story. It kept me on my toes right till the very end. I enjoyed getting to catch up with the characters that I had grown close to in the first book of the series, and also to get to know a few new ones as well. A sweet child named Wynn enabled an even closer bond to grow between Meredyth and Lawry, while a rogue named Vance sought to undermine all that was good between them. Even so, Vance was a character that I would like to see redeemed in a future story! What an interesting tale that would be.
My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of The Bound Heart. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I love this series! Every time I would think I had Meredyth’s story figured out there would be an unexpected twist or turn. Meredyth’s story drew me into her world and had me not wanting to put the book down until it was finished. Can not wait for the next book to see what Dawn has in store for us readers!
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a honest review
The Bound Heart by: Dawn Crandall is a fantastic story written in first person from Meredyth Summercourt’s point of view; however the reader is not left wondering how the other characters feel.
Meredyth has three older brothers and from a young age spent more time playing with her bothers and their friends than the other girls. She formed an close friendship with Lawry and has always looked upon him as her best friend.
Lawry Hampton after returning from university see’s the lovely young woman that his long-time friend Meredyth has become, however its quite clear to him that her attentions are directed elsewhere.
A sentinel event at the beginning of the story leaves Meredyth feeling like she had committed an unforgivable sin; and so begins her struggle with not only forgiving herself but allowing herself to be forgiven and loved.
I took several days to read the story, but let me be honest it was quite a challenge to sit the book aside each night. The author writes with such vivid detail and energetic, engaging characters I found myself pulled into the story from the first and eager to continue the journey with Meredyth and Lawry.
I received an free ARC copy of The Bound Heart from the author for my honest review.
read the first book in The Everstone Chronicles, The Hesitant Heiress, and liked it. I just finished the second book in the series, The Bound Heart, and loved it! I don’t know how Dawn Crandall could improve from the first book but she definitely did. I got immersed in the story of Meredyth, Lawry, and Vance and couldn’t put it down. Meredyth in her younger years gets compromised by Vance which leads to years of guilt she carries around with her. Lawry is her best friend but holds a secret torch for Meredyth that he keeps to himself, Lawry has a big heart that includes providing for orphans in a home in the state of Washington. Together they witness a young person being abused and bullied on the street and Lawry rescues who they first think is a boy. It turns out to be a sweet young girl named Wynn. Little do they know the connection she will have in their lives later on as they work together to help her.
I did not like Meredyth at first. She was conceited, spoiled and somewhat selfish. She looked down on the common people, the ones that did not live in her affluent side of town, and likened them to her servants at her home. When Lawry was rescuing Wynn from the street bully, she was worried about getting her dress soiled. Thankfully her character evolved throughout the story and became a very likable and loving person.
This story carried a wonderful message of forgiveness. Meredyth had to not only realize that God forgave her for her sin but that He also loved her unconditionally. I think the hardest part for her was also forgiving herself and realizing that she still deserved good things in her life and did not deserve to have continual pain and punishment throughout her life. I’m looking forward to the third book coming out in February 2015. I was fortunate enough to receive this ARC copy from the author for my honest review.
I ran through so many emotions with this book. From falling in love with the hero to being frustrated beyond belief with the heroine. Meredyth Summercourt has been waiting six years for Vance Everstone to return to the States to marry her because of something they did six years ago. This secret has bound Meredyth’s heart to Vance, whether she wants it to or not.
Lawrence “Lawry” Hampton is Meredyth’s best friend since they were very little. One stolen kiss and Meredyth is totally confused as to what her relationship truly is with Lawry. Best friend or lover? Which will it be? And what about Vance, who finally returns home and finally asks Meredyth to marry him?
This book has love, hate, confusion, frustration, and tragedy all wrapped up in one. I had a hard time putting this one down. It was better than the first book in the Everstone series. I could relate somewhat to Meredyth, because of her and Vance’s secret. It made me really think what God wants me to do with my life, just as Meredyth wonders what He wants her to do with her life. It’s a must read for anyone who enjoys clean, historical, inspirational romance. And the kissing scenes, while clean, are very steamy. Even the near kissing scenes. I loved it!!!
I enjoyed book one in The Everstone Chronicles and enjoyed book two even more! Book two picks up with Lawry Hampton and his dearest friend, Meredyth Summercourt, who struggles with a mistake that she feels only Vance Everstone can redeem. But Lawry Hampton shows her a patient love that has her wishing she were brave enough to let go of the past and step into a beautiful future. Sweet orphan Wynn’s fate is held in the balance. Who will Meredyth choose, Vance? or Lawry? or neither?
There were times I was very frustrated with Meredyth’s wishy-washy-ness, and the story bogged down a little while dealing with Meredyth’s angst. However, there was an excellent twist at the end that I enjoyed, making me want to know more about Vance’s story. I wish the ending would have showed Wynn’s reception of Lawry after not seeing him for several weeks. The story has that ‘happily ever after,’ but it didn’t feel complete without Wynn at the end. Still, this was a wonderful romance, full of how God can make all things new when the characters, and we, turn our eyes to God’s will and not our own.
Readers will be happy to have a glimpse of Nathan and Amaryllis from The Hesitant Heiress in this story.