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Write from the Heart (Journals from the Heart)

by Heather Hummel (Goodreads Author)

4.16 of 5 stars 4.16 · rating details · 51 ratings · 20 reviews

Journals are a woman's best friend...
When Samantha Sounder quits her office manager job the day after yet another boyfriend breaks up with her, the emotional havoc of these two events launches the beginning of her new life.
Samantha dives into therapy with Ragnar Axel, a traditional therapist who explores her failed relationships and sends her on a wild goose chase through...more

Paperback, 254 pages

Published July 12th 2011 by Pathbinder Publishing, LLC (first published 2009)

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Oct 22, 2011 Erica Negi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Write From the Heart is a powerful yet relatable story. Samantha, the main character, is multidimensional and the more I read, the more I got to know and admire her strength. She is smart, charming and best of all, honest. I enjoyed accompanying her on a her powerful journey and admired her relentless passion. Write from the Heart is one of those books that keeps you going even after you put it down. Heather Hummel truly wrote from her heart! I am looking forward to reading Heather's other novel...more

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Mar 12, 2012 Kathleen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Samantha Sounder has been looking for love in all the wrong places for many years. When her latest boyfriend Robert broke up with her, she did the unthinkable, she quit her job as an office manager the next day, and decided to follow her dream to become an author. Samantha also decided to seek out answers to why all her past relationships didn't last, and why she couldn't find the love she so badly wanted. She contacted a therapist, Ragnar Axel, who recommended that they should explore her histo...more Samantha Sounder has been looking for love in all the wrong places for many years. When her latest boyfriend Robert broke up with her, she did the unthinkable, she quit her job as an office manager the next day, and decided to follow her dream to become an author. Samantha also decided to seek out answers to why all her past relationships didn't last, and why she couldn't find the love she so badly wanted. She contacted a therapist, Ragnar Axel, who recommended that they should explore her history of failed relationships, and encouraged her to read her journals from the past seven years to see if there were any patterns that may have developed from the relationships. While rereading her journals, she discovers that they contained a pattern of negative thoughts, a lot of complaining and venting, which was a real eye opener for her. She realized that she had been continuing the cycle of creating negative experiences in her relationships over and over again. She decided from that point on she had to change her way of thinking and writing, so she started a new journal of "Positive Thoughts," where she would focus and write only positive thoughts down in the hope of transforming her life for the better. As she begins writing her first novel, Winter's Truth, at her favorite coffee shop, she meets Craig, a fellow aspiring author, who assists in helping her learn the ropes. With the support and guidance of Craig and her best friend Amanda, Samantha embarks on a journey of self-discovery, where the power of positive thinking could change her life if she followed its doctrine to believe, to allow and to have unconditional faith that everything you desire can come to fruition.

Last October, I read the author's first book from the Journals from the Heart Series, Whispers from the Heart, and absolutely loved it, so I was eager to read the second book, Write from the Heart, which did not leave me disappointed. Write from the Heart is a warmhearted, feel good story that captivated me from the beginning, and resonated deep down in my soul. The author provides a storyline that is well written and intriguing, it compels the reader to follow along on Samantha's journey of self-discovery, and ponder about their own life and way of thinking. This story is so much more than the typical chick-lit romance story, the author provides the readers with a lesson in the power of positive thinking concept, and how effective a tool journal writing can be if one wants to go on their own journey of self-discovery. I was really intrigued by the concept of the power of positive thinking and journal writing, that I'm considering keeping a journal. The characters were realistic and fun, their engaging personalities made it so much fun to get to know them. I really admired Samantha's character, and was cheering her on as she went on her journey of self-discovery. I could relate to Samantha's character in a lot of ways, and the lessons she learned on her journey gave me a lot of food for thought about my own life. I absolutely loved Craig's character, he is everything that a woman would be very happy to call her own. I liked how the author also gives the readers a look inside the author and publishing world, I thought it was fascinating, and it gave me a new appreciation for all the authors that provide us with such wonderful stories.

Write from the Heart's positive and inspiring message is one that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. This novel is a must read, it provides the reader with a nice mix of romance and positive personal lessons that will not leave you disappointed.

Disclaimer: At the request of the author, publisher and Chick Lit Plus, a Kindle edition of the book was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review and participation in the virtual book tour event.

Virtual Book Tour Event: On Monday, March 12, 2012, in association with Chick Lit Plus, author Heather Hummel participated in a virtual book tour event with an Author Guest Post on Jersey Girl Book Reviews. http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

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Feb 26, 2012 Samantha Robey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Heather Hummel is on tour with her novel Write from the Heart. I did a tour with Heather for her first book in the Journals from the Heart series titled Whispers from the Heart, and really enjoyed the story. I was eager to read another from her. Write follows Samantha Sounder, who abruptly quits her job as an office manager and decides to really get what she wants out of life. During her therapy sessions, her therapists encourages her to go through past journals. Samantha is trying to figure out...more Heather Hummel is on tour with her novel Write from the Heart. I did a tour with Heather for her first book in the Journals from the Heart series titled Whispers from the Heart, and really enjoyed the story. I was eager to read another from her. Write follows Samantha Sounder, who abruptly quits her job as an office manager and decides to really get what she wants out of life. During her therapy sessions, her therapists encourages her to go through past journals. Samantha is trying to figure out why so many of her relationships with men have failed. While immersed in that project, Samantha also decides that she needs to take her dream of becoming a novelist seriously. She determinedly starts writing her first novel, Winter’s Truth, and receives help from a Craig, a man she meets at a coffee shop. Samantha and Craig are soon heading into their own romance, but Samantha isn’t sure if that is the right decision. After much soul-searching, journaling, and never giving up, Samantha’s life finally seems to be turning around, all because of her go-get it attitude and some positive thinking.

I liked what Samantha’s journey was all about – taking life in your own hands and making something happen for yourself. I harp on that lesson all the time. Samantha was a very sweet main character, someone who always wants to do the right thing but has a hard time finding a break. Craig was a delicious male lead, I was a big fan of his right when he entered the story. Sometimes, I thought the writing was a bit too loose and I had to question some of the dialogue, and how many times the word “Universe” was written. I also thought the ending came together really easily for Samantha. As a writer myself, I thought her journey to being published seemed very easy. But I don’t want to get on that subject too much, because really the focus of the story is about being positive, and how little moments of reflecting on positive thoughts can really help change a life. I really believe in that lesson as well, and I’m glad Hummel wrote such a fine story about it.

**Rating – 3.5 stars—I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**

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Mar 04, 2012 Lisa (Lost in Literature) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: received-for-review

After reading Heather's first novel in the Journals from the Heart series, Whispers from the Heart, I jumped at the chance to read her second. And I'm happy I did.

Write from the Heart is a beautiful story about a writer, Samantha, who finds herself down in the dumps after a hard breakup. Samantha learns, with the help of her therapist and through the use of journals, how helping guide yourself to happiness is the only way to truly obtain it. I love this theory and push it often, so this story re...more

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Mar 26, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved the first of Heather's "Journals from the heart series" and am quite happy to say that I love this book just as much as the first one. The characters are so likeable and they have enough quirks that make them stand out and make you root for them.

Who hasn't thought at some point in their lives if only they could quit their job and pursue a dream? Samantha plunges into that very thought, quitting her job the day after another boyfriend ends things with her. Meeting Craig, a fellow writer,...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Rachelle Ayala rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is life-affirming and positive. When we first meet Samantha, the protag, she is in the throes of yet another breakup, has quit her boring job, and is wetting her pillow with tears every night. Somehow along the way, while writing her novel and in between therapy sessions, Samantha has a dream with these words. "WRITE POSITIVE"

What follows is a miracle, but one in small baby steps. Amanda rethinks her existence and the negative self-talk that constantly spiraled around her, dooming her...more

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Dec 31, 2011 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

a compelling and touching story that warmed my heart! i have never felt so compelled and so moved by a book as i did with this one! this book has made me want to start my own positive writing journal so in time i can go back and reflect and learn from what i wrote! its a truly inspiring book that you must read and share with your friends!

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Jul 10, 2012 Jen Tucker rated it 5 of 5 stars

Write from the Heart is a wonderful novel; reminding us personal reinvention and rejuvenation are just around the corner when we choose to seek them. Samantha dreams of leaving her mundane job to pursue her dream of becoming an author. At the same time, Samantha is coming to grips with the fact that her love interests haven’t been all that interesting over the years. She keeps her journey to make changes in her life documented in her journal. Choosing to approach her intimate thoughts with a pos...more

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Sep 05, 2012 Chimnese Davids rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When I first came across the title of this book I had an instant connection to have a need to read it. For one Samantha's journey helped me to uncover my own skeletons in my own closet, as I did the walk through the passages of her life I started one night and took out all my old journals and sat reading late at night wanting to find what i missed, especially the relationships that i have hold on to far too long, the things they didnt do and that i didnt do, but all through it i finally realize...more

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Jul 27, 2012 LoriTP rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a very pleasant read. The story is heartfelt and full of emotion. At least that's how it seemed to me, and part of the reason might be that this is a book about first time novelists and their journey toward publication, which is something I can identify with. The story also has many elements of romance, and self-help through positive thinking and positive journaling.

It was the perfect read for a long summer day: light and entertaining.

I think that the book could have used a more thoroug...more

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Mar 09, 2012 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chick-lit, reviewed

Samantha decided it was time for a change in her life. As she was just dumped by her latest boyfriend in a string of failed relationships. She quits he day job and fully commits to her writing. She keeps working with her therapist to try and figure out what keeps going wrong in relationships. Just when she is almost ready to give up on love things start to fall into place in other parts of her life and possible love too.

Warning: my review is a bit spoilery, but I don't give away big details. I...more Samantha decided it was time for a change in her life. As she was just dumped by her latest boyfriend in a string of failed relationships. She quits he day job and fully commits to her writing. She keeps working with her therapist to try and figure out what keeps going wrong in relationships. Just when she is almost ready to give up on love things start to fall into place in other parts of her life and possible love too.

Warning: my review is a bit spoilery, but I don't give away big details. I love all the romance that is in this story though it isn't the main focus. Not just the romance that Samantha finds, in the traditional sense between two humans, but the romance she has with her work too. She is following her dream and fully commits to that and that comes across as a love story for me in this novel. Both then come out in a kind of a fairy tale/perfect ending, adding in my mind to the romantic elements of the plot. A romance like this being something we all would want, but doesn't always come out that way. But, I enjoyed it in thinking of it as a fairy tale almost.
A few other thoughts I had on the plot. I appreciated how drinking was handled through this plot. It was a social or celebratory thing here. Why I appreciate it is that I feel like so many books lately, my own writing included at times, use it as a crutch for characters and just have it around so much that it is nice to read about it being used more responsibly. Also, there was some inconsistencies in the minor characters and their back stories. It was almost like there was more back stories on a few of the characters that were edited out, but a few spots were missed. It could be the reason I noticed this and it stuck with me is I read almost the whole book while at the airport waiting for flights so it was all fresh in my mind. Overall, with the elements that I loved and the romance/fairy tale of it all I give this book 4 stars and encourage anyone who wants to journal more or write to put this on there TBR list.

I was provided a copy of the book for review, but the summary and thoughts on the book are mine.(less)

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Feb 18, 2010 Aimee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: women

Recommended to Aimee by: Heather Hummel :D

I won this book here on Goodreads. I was a little skeptical, but for free, I'll at least try to read anything!
I felt the book started off slow, and though I had a harder time getting into the characters due to the perspective, I did find myself enjoying the book. I wouldn't say that it's the best I have ever read, probably because it's really not a chosen genre of mine, but it kept me going, and I'd say the last half I had a harder time putting it down.
All in all, despite a few typos, it was w...more

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Mar 30, 2013 Joan rated it 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this story very much. It was a little slow to begin with but it caught my interest and I enjoyed the rest of their story. The growth on her part during the story made it a desirable chick lit story for me.

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Jun 14, 2012 Kellie Elmore rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is my first read from author Heather Hummel and from the moment I opened this book, I could not lay it down. I found myself relating aloud with Samantha and feeling as if I knew her personally and I wanted to reach in and give her a hug. I do not typically write reviews, I just star them accordingly but, I felt I needed to let readers know what a wonderfully rich book this is and it will touch any girl who has ever had a broken heart...that would be the better part of all of us. Ladies...ju...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Manju rated it 4 of 5 stars

If only I had read this book four years ago! Hummel shares some the challenges beginning writers face.

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Jun 23, 2012 Valerie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Got this through first reads for free. This was a pretty good book. I kept waiting for some crisis or breakup, but this was just really a feel good book.

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Feb 12, 2010 Wendy Swenson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

excellent, good read, fun, interesting and kept my attention.

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Jul 06, 2012 Kaie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Positive writing. :)

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Aug 03, 2012 Fritz Franke rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Another great book by the great Heather Hummel.

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Jun 14, 2013 Mariel marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Jun 12, 2013 Becky marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Jun 05, 2013 Becky marked it as to-read

Shelves: freebies

Jun 04, 2013 Bernadette rated it 3 of 5 stars

May 31, 2013 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars

May 31, 2013 Patricia marked it as to-read · review of another edition

May 29, 2013 Shomi Jahan marked it as to-read · review of another edition

May 18, 2013 Rye marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Apr 07, 2013 Dev marked it as to-read

Mar 13, 2013 Lisa marked it as kindle-contemporary-romance · review of another edition

Feb 23, 2013 Kat marked it as to-read

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About Heather Hummel

Heather Hummel is an award-winning, best-selling author. Her published works include:
Journals from the Heart Series:
Whispers from the Heart (2011)
Write from the Heart (2011)
Nonfiction
GO BIKE & Other Signs from the Universe (2011)
Gracefully: Looking and Being Your Best at Any Age (McGraw-Hill, 2008),

Awards:
2009 Mature Media Awards, Merit Award
2009 New York Book Festival, Honorable Mention

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