In the first entry in the Madison River Romance series, Keira Knudsen gets the traveling opportunity of a lifetime, but when she reunites with her first love, Robbie, she learns that even a wandering heart needs a home….No one in the quaint town of West Yellowstone, Montana knows that unassuming geography teacher Keira Knudsen moonlights as sensational travel blogger Kat Wanderfull. No one, … Kat Wanderfull. No one, that is, except for her first love, Robbie Matthews, who has just discovered the woman he is falling for online is the same one that broke his heart five years ago.
But Robbie has another problem: the mother of his daughter, Anabelle, has resurfaced after a three-year absence determined to rip Anabelle away from him. Robbie needs a steady paycheck for a chance at custody, and now, on the eve of a grand adventure that could give Keira a chance to flee her old, troubled life once and for all, she is in need of assistance.
With so much broken trust between them, Keira and Robbie must keep an arms-length away to make this partnership work. But the more time they spend together, exploring majestic places and sharing new experiences, the closer they get–until their secrets and dreams threaten to cost them everything.
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This Wandering Heart by Janine Rosche is a such a lovely read from beginning to end. I was thrilled to get the chance to read this book. I expected it to be a good read by a debut author. However, this book blew me away. It is not just a good book, it’s an excellent book at the level I would expect from an author writing her third or fourth book. I read a lot of mysterious and they hook you pretty easily with action. This book did not need suspense to hook me from the very first page. Instead, I was immediately hooked by the vivid characters and dialogue. I stayed up quite late a few nights because I could not put this book down. I am definitely a fan of Ms Roche’s writing and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. This book is perfect for readers of women’s fiction and adventure. Anyone who loves a well told story will not be disappointed. It is a wonderful read! I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
This Wandering Heart was a great story! The two main characters got a second chance at love, but it was not easy. There were old hurts to recover from, fears on both sides, an ex who was causing nothing but problems, and questions about what future both Keira and Robbie truly wanted. There was also a sweet little girl, who was at first a reminder to Keira of all that had gone wrong, but soon captured her heart.
I really enjoyed seeing Keira and Robbie work through their past and current issues throughout this story. It was hard at times, because Keira was very reactionary. I thought that she grew a lot by the end of the book. I also enjoyed the interaction between not only these two main characters, but also seeing them with Robbie’s daughter, Anabelle.
The travel added a nice dimension to the story and the author made me feel like I was really there, traveling alongside Keira. I felt like the legal aspects of the story relating to the custody dispute involving Anabelle were spot on.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This Wandering Heart is the first book I have read by Janine Rosche. After reading this first installment to her Madison River Romance series, it will not be the last. I adored Keira and Robbie’s story. They were true to life characters that made me feel as though they were real. So many readers will be able to relate to quite a few issues covered in the book. I enjoyed the fun and entertaining humorous scenes. There are some wonderful messages within the book, such as, faith, hope, and redemption. I loved the beautiful town of West Yellowstone, Montana.
I am giving This Wandering Heart four and a half stars. I look forward to reading the next book from the Madison River Romance series to see what happens next. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy sweet and inspirational romance. I thought it was a great read!
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Debut author Janine Rosche writes a contemporary romance that has us traveling the world, only to be missing home.
Well written characters made this adventurous story a delight. Keira struggles with who she is and what she really wants from life. Single dad Robbie learns how to juggle friendship, parenthood, and a surprise ex. And then there’s Anabelle, an adorable three year old who I came to love.
If I had one problem with the story it was that the main characters, though Christians, spend quite a bit of time alone being more intimate than really appropriate. All in all, however, this story has a great plot with plenty of adventure and romance while Rosche’s characters grow, making for a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next one in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I can really relate to the main character in this book except no one has ever accused me of being too skinny, my Dad was not harsh, and I did not reunite with a former love. BUT I am a part time geography teacher. And I am a travel blogger although my family and friends do know that about me. Those two connections did compel me to buy this book, and I did greatly enjoy it.
I really like the Matthews family – how supportive they are of each other. The Madison River setting is beautiful. I like how the characters grow and develop.
Themes:
Second chances and giving grace is important. This plays out in several relationships.
At some point, moving on is a good idea. This concept also plays out in one important way in particular.
Determining how to present your private life – being real without telling all. (That is a challenging thing to discern!)
Sometimes your dream may be coming true, and then you may realize that along the way, your path has been redirected.
God is the one most worth following.
I am definitely looking forward to the remaining two books in the trilogy!
I have to say this book pulled at my heartstrings. Not with the two main characters at first but definitely because of Anabelle and her on again off again mom. It really made me want to rush in and save the day. No kiddo should have to deal with that. Both parents should be for the best things for the child.
Anyway. Off that soapbox.
There are a few other hard topics as well such as loss and domestic abuse. There are hidden identities and secrets being kept all over the place. And there may be more kissing than you’re ready for.
This is a good book. I really enjoyed reading it. There are a few surprises and things going on that I wasn’t prepared for but mostly it’s a sweet steady read with no great mystery or suspense. Just a bit of drama from an ex.
I enjoyed our blogger. She’s got a secret identity as a travelling blogger and I think that would be so much fun! I love to travel but don’t get to do much of it with all my kiddos currently.
This is a book I can recommend. I do like to state that if you have had issues with domestic violence there are some scenes of that in this book as that is something that formed our main character Keira. And that brings me to my daughter who is Kierrah so I had to think so I didn’t misspell.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Perhaps because I once dreamed of being a teacher and owning an RV so I could travel around, this book caught my attention. I have to say it did not disappoint. Keira suffered trauma while growing up. Robbie and his family provided a safe place for her to go. But, later in life, they went their own ways with no conversations with the others about what was going on. Pain, hurt, and more cloud this story.
I love how Keira is able to keep her identity as a travel blogger secret from everyone except Robbie. If there was one character I instantly felt I may dislike, it was John, Keira’s principal.
Annabel, Robbie’s daughter constantly stole the story. She seemed to be everything a child should be. This book illustrates how pain and more can be overcome through God’s intervention. It also examines how sometimes the dreams we think we have for our future are not what is best for us.
It also shows how patience, love, and faith can lead to positive outcomes even when things originally looked bleak. Keira found the family she did not know she had, and moved from a tragic past to a bright future.
So check out this book for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
“She stood, waiting. Always waiting for Robbie Matthews. Wasn’t that the story of her life? Enough was enough.”
Yes, Robbie Matthews and Keira Knudson have a history and it hasn’t always been pretty but it’s certainly one that will make your heart pound a little harder! Their high school romance ended several years ago and he’s now the single father of a four-year-old daughter, but the old feelings of love and mutual chemistry appear to have been smoldering for all of those years.
This Wandering Heart has everything a classic second chance romance should have. Two people who’ve never stopped caring for each other, life journeys that they’ve traveled separately, and a chance to reconnect once again. This love lost/love regained story will leave you with a smile on your face and the father/daughter bond between Robbie and his precious daughter Anabelle will melt your heart. One of my favorite quotes occurs when a custody battle looms between Robbie and Anabelle’s mother. He is reminded by his sister that “Remember, we serve a powerful God, and he loves a good underdog story.”
Author Janine Rosche has written a novel that you won’t soon forget. I’m a sucker for second chances at love and I would love to see this book made into a movie. This Wandering Heart is Hallmark movie material, for sure!
I received an eBook copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. A positive review was not required and these are my own opinions.
A great debut that captured my heart and attention from the get go. It is interesting and contains a sweet romance amid the chaos of life. I enjoy the travel aspect and could visualize the photos that Keira was taking. The addition of Annabelle was genius as she makes me smile and warms my heart. Robbie and his family make you want to visit and sit a spell. A wonderful story of second chances, forgiveness, family, and Faith. I found this imaginative and highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
A fresh new romance story, filled with the power of grace and forgiveness!
As a travel lover, I was intrigued by the premise of this book….a social media star who posts photos of her adventures and connects online with a supportive commenter. Interesting twists add to the intensity of the situation. I especially enjoyed the vicarious trips to special locations, but the best spot is the family lodge next to Yellowstone National Park, one of my favorite places.
I really liked the characters. Keira Knudsen, as Kat Wanderfull, hides a traumatic childhood while following her dream to travel and explore new places. Robbie Matthews is a fantastic hero…a tender hearted, faithful man raising his adorable daughter Anabelle. This is a moving second chance romance where the grace of forgiveness can make treasured desires come true. And the touching conclusion left me teary eyed, with a thoughtful mind and a happy heart…the best emotions for the end of a book.
This Wandering Heart is the debut contemporary romance for talented author Janine Rosche. Fortunately, there will be other novels in her Madison River Romance series. I’m truly anticipating another visit with these small town characters. Plus I always love afternoon tea, so let’s celebrate at Lady Audra’s Tea Shoppe with Unicorn tea and treats!
Favorite quotes:
“I’ve learned that courage isn’t something we’re born with. It’s a choice.”
“That’s the thing about grace. It’s most appreciated by the ones who deserve it the least.”
What a strong, sweet debut! This Wandering Heart will tug on your heartstrings and take you all over the globe as the dashing hero and adventurous heroine struggle to overcome their past and mend broken hearts.
Author Janine Rosche has created vivid characters who came to life and layered emotions that made me feel like I was a resident in West Yellowstone, Montana. Robbie especially held my heart in his strong, capable hands. The chemistry between Robbie and Keira was palpable and swoony, and I was biting my nails until the end for the worthwhile and tender HEA.
This Wandering Heart is a sparkling debut from an author to watch. If you enjoy inspirational contemporary romance, you need to read this story! Book two releases in a few months! *grabby hands*
This was charming! It was a fun story with great characters and it kept me smiling. I really enjoyed reading and listening to the audio version. Annabelle stole my heart from the beginning and was a joy. The humor was super fun and one of my favorite parts of the story. I can not wait for book two…need it super soon!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post positive review. All thoughts are my own.
If you’re a traveler stuck at home due to the pandemic, this is a great book to pick up. I loved seeing the sights through this book. It also really spoke to my love of photography since Keira takes travel photos. I could clearly imagine the shots she was putting together. Annabelle, at 4 years old, stole the scene several times and I was not disappointed by that. One scene in particular was the sweetest, but I don’t want to spoil anything by sharing what it was. Great book by debut author Janine Rosche. I look forward to the next book in the series and thankfully, we don’t have long to wait for it!
On the surface, this book looks like it will be a sweet and enjoyable read. It is that but it also digs to depths I wasn’t expecting. Ones carved by deep emotional wounds.
Kiera hasn’t had the most wonderful life but moonlighting as Kat Wanderfull and posting photos of the places she travels opens up the world and doors she never imagined. It also brings Robbie, her first love, and his daughter back into her orbit.
With a back and forth a la You’ve Got Mail, Kiera opens up to Robbie without realizing who she is talking to. With Kiera’s rocky family relationships, an opportunity of a lifetime, a custody battle Robbie is embroiled in, and gorgeous settings, Janine Rosche’s debut is one you do not want to miss.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The first thought I had upon finishing this book was that I needed to travel more. I needed to find the Kat Wanderfull in me, grab a camera, and just see some beautiful places. If you have the travel bug in you, I promise you that this read will enhance it. Kat travels to some pretty cool places. But here’s the thing – ultimately Kat Wanderfull needs to learn what is important. Your location, or the people that surround you. And really, that is what this story is all about.
Rosche had me right from the start of the story, engrossed in the lives of Keira and Robbie. This is second chance love at its finest people. As the story moves along, you get little snippets of the background of Keira and Robbie’s past, and how their past has defined their present. But isn’t the lesson to be learned that we don’t always need to allow our pasts to define our present? Isn’t their room for growth, forgiveness and second chances? Watching Keira and Robbie come to these conclusions was fabulous. They had easy chemistry, but it wasn’t an immediate relationship. Rosche made sure to take her time a little with their story – which allowed for the character growth in Keira that was truly needed before reaching the satisfactory end.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention two secondary characters that surprised me in big ways. I’m always a sucker for a kid in a story. Not sure why, just am. But Anabelle? That sweet little girl was a scene stealer for sure! What really got me was her quick bond with Keira. It was so sweet, and so innocent, and I really was rooting for them to be a family more than I was Keira and Robbie! Don’t judge
But what came as an even bigger surprise, was Anabelle’s mother. Now I can’t really give too much away. But let’s just say that her character changes in a BIG way in this book. In fact, I was expecting it at all, and yes Rosche just goes and put it in there. I actually liked it so much that I almost wish it was it’s own story – because that kind of transformation couldn’t have come lightly or quickly. Who knew I would feel so strongly about a character who wasn’t even in the book that much!?And that’s all I am going to say about that.
Here’s the deal – Rosche has written a fantastic romance here folks. I’m talking wish it was made into a Hallmark movie fantastic. The characters are charming, the story line is captivating, and the overall story will just make you smile. Yes, there’s a few tough topics that Rosche brings up, however she brings them with grace and subtlety. If contemporary romance is your thing, then I highly encourage you to grab a copy of this book and start reading. Then be sure to look for the next installment when it comes out!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a book that truly snuck up on me. Characters that you root for, strong themes of reconciliation, forgiveness and overcoming past issues…this one is special. I haven’t read any of Rosche’s work before, but she has cemented a place in my heart!
Kiera is a geography teacher who moonlights as a travel guru. She’s had a rough go of some things, but has risen over those challenges to make a life for herself. She’s in a stable relationship with the principal at the school and still manages to carve out time for her own travel blog–one which she’s able to write under her pseudonym, Kat Wanderfull. There’s just one person who stands in the way of finally moving forward–her old flame, Robbie. Why must he be her weakness?
Robbie’s got some problems of his own. He’s been a single dad for a while now, yet still pines away for Kiera. Why does life have to be so complicated? How could Kiera ever enjoy such a bland existence with a not-so-honest principal for a boyfriend? And what about this Kat Wanderfull girl? Robbie’s not sure, but he feels like he might just know who she is.
Lost dreams, new hurdles and old feelings surface as Kiera and Robby find themselves road tripping across several states. Along with Robbie’s daughter, Anabelle, the unlikely trio see beautiful sites, learn the true meaning of forgiveness and tentatively make steps forward. Will their new found connection be lost by a custody battle? Or has love finally found a home with Robbie and Kiera?
This beautifully sweet romance curls its way into your heart. I really rooted for these characters and loved the chemistry between Kiera and Robbie. There are many moments that allow the reader to have insight into each character’s internal struggles, unfolding slowly throughout the book. Strong secondary characters complete this family and draw the reader in to their adventure.
I was an early reader, thanks to the publisher. All opinions are my own honest thoughts!
With a setting in one of my heart places, a storyline that grabbed my interest, and well-drawn realistic characters, Janine Rosche definitely piqued my interest in her debut novel, This Wandering Heart. I found myself wanting to wander with Keira/Kat Wanderfull and see all the beauties of the world.
“Kat Wanderfull was a great woman. Brave enough to walk straight into a dark cavern. Hopeful enough to set her eyes on the mountaintops. Yet, gentle enough to glide through a field of wildflowers without harming them.”
Keira and Robbie each have past hurts and regrets but now have another chance at love. Witty and fun humor, heartwarming moments, and faith elements of forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope are seamlessly woven together to make this a delightful and charming tale of second chances. A colorful supporting cast adds depth and the promise of continuing stories of the Madison River area. I’ll be looking forward to more of them in the future. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
Janine Rosche is an author to watch! Her debut novel is about second chances and filled with the joys and heartaches of real life. And the travel! I felt like I was right there with the vivid descriptions of some of the majestic parts of the United States. Both Robbie and Keira are multi-dimensional characters who I was rooting for from the start of the book. Their journey together pulled me along as they worked through forgiveness and trust, not only with each other, but also with other relationships in their lives. And Robbie’s daughter Anabelle stole the show in so many places in the story. I loved getting to know many of the residents of West Yellowstone and can’t wait for book two!
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
Sometimes it takes us trying something to discover what it is we really want in life. In This Wandering Heart Keira Knudsen dreams of traveling the world. She wants to taste what different cultures have to offer. See the sights that can only be found abroad. But what she doesn’t count on is Robbie Matthews reentering her life with his four-year-old daughter. Keira and Robbie’s relationship has been tumultuous and they’re struggles seem insurmountable, but you’ll be cheering them on and hoping they can get past it all to each other. This debut novel by Janine Rosche is a charming, heart-warming romance that’ll keep you turning the pages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is such a beautiful story of second chances. I loved this one so much! I wanted to go on the adventures with Kat! I loved the chemistry between Keira and Robbie. I also loved their banter. I loved Annabelle too. This book makes you want more and to know whats next for them. I loved that Janine Rosche’s awesome personality shines right through this book! I really look forward to reading more from her!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.