Can a love built on lies… …survive the truth? Serena Stanhope fears her dark past might ruin the life she’s built as a successful shop owner. Especially when handsome Logan Masterson suddenly arrives in town asking questions about her background. He seems to have his own secrets, but the pair share an instant connection and Serena finds herself falling for Logan. He could destroy … destroy everything–or he could be the chance at love she thought she’d never have…
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While I was a little surprised the latest book in Tara Randel’s Meet Me at the Altar series wasn’t about the fourth (and only unhitched) Matthews brother, I am glad I got to find out more about Serena Stanhope (Golden, Georgia’s stationery shop owner).
Serena is carrying a load of guilt and shame she’s kept hidden for years. It has required her to keep the people around her (even those closest to her) at arm’s length. Yet when Logan Matheson continues to show up in Golden, he somehow breaks through her armor.
Family, friendship, and finding a place to truly call home (a place where you are surrounded by people who love you no matter what your past mistakes) are themes that run throughout Trusting Her Heart. The romance is sweet and intense, and Randel brings more characters onto the page who I hope to get to know better in future books.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Serena Stanhope has built herself a pretty cozy business with her adorable little cottage. And she has built it all herself. Though she has friends, she always keeps a huge part of her past a secret, that is, until she can fix what happened. But when handsome hunk Logan comes to town, she suddenly finds herself wanting to get to know him better. But several things bother her, the way he acts around his friend Deke, and the questions he asks her. But could this all be her imagination?
It took me a little bit to get into the story, learning who’s who with all of the characters. It may have been because this is the first book in the series I’ve read. But, hey, don’t let that bother you because a few chapters in and I was hooked. I love the sweet little town of Golden, Georgia and it fit so well with Serena’s cozy stationary (plus a lot more) shop. The characters are wonderfully created with care. Logan and Serena were both adorable, and I love the way the were so attracted to each other, even though they know it couldn’t be. The other characters were supportive of the two main characters, but I did get irritated at Deke because he was so rude to Serena. But it was Logans grandma who was my favorite, becaus and she was old enough to say what she wanted, and the others listened.
There’s a lot going on in this book. Of course romance, but it was pretty light on the Romance, a little suspense added in, and the cozy little town where everyone knew everyone else. And they were ok with it. I really enjoyed this read, and I encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself. I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
My apologies to Ms. Randel with the lateness of this review. I started back to school this week and its been a rough one. That said, I have to admit that I have not read the other books in the series, so my review is solely based on this book alone. Do you need the other books in the series? Honestly, I don’t know. There is a mystery arc that is resolved in this one but I got the general idea of why Jasmine’s boys did what they did.
Logan and Serena were perfect together. Ms. Randel wrote two flawed characters with some trust issues, family secrets that need to be resolved but overall good people that just needed to learn to communicate and listen to each other and pass judgment too quickly. I fell in love with both of them from the beginning and I sighed at the ending. I wish I had a cottage. The secondary characters bring extra richness to their romance. Logan’s grandmother is a HOOT!!! She reminded me of my grandmother. If I had a complaint, I didn’t like Deke too much. I know, I didn’t read his book but at the same time, I felt like he was a little too harsh on Serena.
I don’t want to get into a lot of the book but you just need to read it. Full of secrets, guilt, forgiveness and in the end love will conquer all. It just takes longer for others to see what is right in front of them. Logan and Serena show a bunch of growth in the end but I will have to say, Logan is the one that has to grow up more. Serena had already been through so much because of her dad…
Overall, I just love Ms. Randal’s writing and stories. She always brings the emotional, sweet and yes, heartwarming romances that I love.
Such an amazing book, with so much sweet passion and romance! A definite huge 5 stars! This is my first book by Tara Randel and I must say I was so happy to read this and will definitely be one-clicking all of her books! Her characterization is amazing and I really fell in love with Serena and Logan. If you love a really sweet romance, then this is the book for you!
What a sweet cat and mouse romance this one was. First off you have a grandmother trying to play matchmaker and one cannot even guess all the background drama of her grandson and the woman she picked for him.
Serena wants to keep her past hidden for good reasons. She has started a new life and making amends the best she can. She definitely does not need a handsome and far too inquisitive man getting in the way of her future. But as she gets to know Logan more, she can’t help but fall in love.
Logan has secrets of his own. He is a private investigator and his job is to uncover information from his subjects. Just how much Serena is a job or a love interest to Logan becomes quite murky as he tries to tell himself all kinds of stories.
I really enjoyed watching these two characters on their road to happily ever after and all the side characters just added that specialness: especially Grandmother. This was a sweet romance in a small town with a bit of family drama that made for a nice escape.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Trusting her Heart
I loved the grandmother in this book. She loved playing matchmaker. Serena has a shop and Logan grandmother works there. She is trying to play matchmaker between them. Will she succeed?
Also there is something in Serena past that Logan is trying to figure out. Will he figure it out? This provided a mystery to the story.
They were all working in the Octoberfest. Even though I’ve never been to one it reminded me of the one we have in my hometown.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Prism book tours. This review is my own opinion.
I had a smile on my face from the very beginning of reading Trusting Her Heart by Tara Randel. I liked the main characters as well as the fun side characters. I look forward to reading the books before and after in this Meet Me at the Altar series.
Golden sounds like a beautiful little town where Serena had begun to settle in and which happens to be where Logan grew up. Serena was thoughtful of others and full of kindness. Logan felt the peace of his hometown but also felt like he couldn’t stay for other reasons.
Logan’s Grandma was so fun, and brought a smile and laugh to the story. She was strong and didn’t give up on what she wanted in life. There were many great side characters. I hope there will be future stories with Serena and Logan’s friends.
If you enjoy Heartwarming Romance with family, friendships, and some good laughs then read this book. Some of life’s trials feel unbreakable. Some hard times have to be pushed through. Trusting Her Heart by Tara Randel is a wonderful read full of the ups and downs of life.
Content Ratings
Sexual: mild (kissing)
Language: none
Violence: none
*I received this book from Prism Book Tours. I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.*
Wow! This read was a quick, romantic, and absolutely captivating novel! It is my first book by this truly talented author and I will tell you this right now. It will definitely not be my last!
Serena and Logan’s characters are stunning. I fell in love with both of them instantly and that didn’t let up throughout the story. Following their story, watching it unfold as the past catches up and the secrets become known, was a gripping, whirl wind time.
Randel is absolutely awesome with her work. Her characters, both main and secondary are wonderfully chiseled and come to life within the pages. Her ability to make the reader feel a true part of the story is incredible and I recommend this heart warming, captivating, romantic read with high flying 4 stars and two thumbs! I can’t wait to read the others in this series and look forward to future releases!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*