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Have you ever kept a secret? Deception wars with love in this sweet contemporary western romance. Strong-willed, successful and determined, Callan Matthews lives the facade of a happy, wonderful life. Unfortunately, unbridled chaos runs amuck in the deep, dark places of her heart as she struggles to keep herself together. Her once beloved husband, Clay, tugs relentlessly at the last few threads keeping her from completely unraveling. His laid-back attitude only serves to drive her further away instead of drawing her back into his arms.

Easy-going cowboy Clay Matthews is a respected college professor. He's the man family and friends turn to for help, or when they need a good laugh, since he's a huge tease and practical joker. Life would be almost perfect, except for his relationship with his wife. Clay is completely baffled by Callan. He thought he knew everything there was to know about this woman but she's turned into a mystifying female he barely understands. He'd give just about anything to recapture the feelings they used to share, but she seems to want no part of it.

Just when he decides to get to the root of the problem no matter the outcome, he discovers a secret she kept from him that's too painful to bear and too big to forgive. Will their love be strong enough to withstand a revelation that could rock the foundation of their marriage?

The Women of Tenacity Series Heart of Clay (Book 1) - Will love be enough to overcome deception and betrayal? Country Boy vs. City Girl (Book 2) - A confirmed city girl finds herself falling for a wanna-be country boy. Sparks fly as a battle of stubborn will ensues. Not His Type (Book 3) - Sometimes what we think we want couldn't be further from the truth... ˃˃˃ Knowing she should pull away and put distance between the two of them, Callan couldn’t muster the will to do it. It felt too good to have Clay’s arms around her, to sink into his strength and breathe in the wonderful scent of him.

She couldn’t fathom what had gotten into him. She wondered if he realized when he kissed her like that it turned her knees to a gelatinous mass and made her as giddy as a schoolgirl. If he didn’t behave himself, she was going to have a hard time keeping the lid on her box of churning emotions.

Clay had no intention of behaving himself. Taking Callan’s shoulders in his hands, he turned her around and gave her a deep, passionate kiss that left them both breathless and undone. With determination set in his jaw, he reached over and tugged the clip out of her hair, tossing it onto the nearby table. Gently, he ran his hands through her hair, letting it fall down her back and over his arms.

Taking a step back, he stood and drank in the sight of her. “I haven’t seen your hair down for a while. It’s beautiful and so are you.”



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300 pages, ebook

First published June 1, 2011

746 people are currently reading
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About the author

Shanna Hatfield

164 books1,325 followers
A hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a best-selling author of clean romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor.

In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield

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5 stars
472 (46%)
4 stars
298 (29%)
3 stars
166 (16%)
2 stars
49 (4%)
1 star
27 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Lero.
112 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2014
FINALLY. Finally a good book that had wonderfully developed characters, a beautiful storyline, and not so much unnecessary drama that I wanted to bash my head into a wall. I absolutely loved this entire story. Callan was very annoying to me at first, but she grew on me as she changed. And what woman wouldn't love Clay? Such a beautiful story. The only thing that could make it better would be if they had some kiddos of their own, even if they were adopted. Thank you for this refreshing and amazing story.
Profile Image for Judy Esposito.
970 reviews14 followers
July 13, 2014
Recommend

I enjoy reading everything Shanna Hatfield writes and this book did not disappoint me. I like both the hero, Clay and heroine, Callan and following their story through the highs and lows of their marriage. A very touching love story filled with humor, tears and romance. I like the secondary characters and hope to see them in the next book. JudyE
Profile Image for Glenda Kinard.
223 reviews5 followers
April 27, 2018
Heart of Clay is just amazing. I never read anything less than amazingly wonderful by the talented Shanna Hatfield. Clay and Callan story is like a ride on your favorite roller coaster ride full of highs, lows, sharp turns and occasionally a loop or two. I enjoyed every minute of the emotional ride this book took me on. My heart is full of love for Clay and Callan. This book is proof that even the most seemingly perfect marriage can hit explosive possible relationship destroying times especially when things that should be open and discussed are held in. This book also is proof that true love can conquer hard times in a marriage if time, effort, forgiveness and understanding are put forth by both spouses. This book also about letting hurts of the past go for if not it will consume and eat ones heart, soul and happiness alive. I dearly loved Heart of Clay and look forward to read the next book in this series. I will never be able to sing high enough praises for Shanna Hatfield books if I continue to write all the words of praise in every language even then it would still not be enough for the Wonderful talented writer that has just captivated me with her books
Profile Image for Jeffrey.
380 reviews26 followers
November 19, 2014
Although the author is one of my favorite contemporary authors, I have to grudgingly admit I didn't enjoy this one too much.

I found the author's over-use of the physical descriptions of both the hero and heroine finally tiring and unnecessary.

Without delving into spoilers I found it rather a stretch that the heroine hid one of the most traumatic events in her life from her husband especially since it intimately involved them both! (This same event occurred in our own married life and I personally cannot imagine sharing and supporting my spouse)

I skimmed much of the latter part of the book because it seemingly contained a lot of what I would describe as 'fluff' that did not add a great deal to the story line.

The ending to the story was also suspect in that the hero secretly planned an extravagant event right under the nose of his wife without her being aware of it, especially since she was in the event-planning profession herself. It undermined the previously intelligent, savvy and highly aware personality of the heroine making her seem suddenly clueless and naïve.

Finally, I kept anticipating a child for them which never materialized, a final disappointment.

After all of this, the author is STILL one of my favorite contemporary authors. In light of the fact that Heart of Clay has received multiple 5 star reviews makes it a desirable read. Simply because it did not mesh with my peculiar sensibilities does not make it a bad read.
Profile Image for Tonya Lucas.
1,266 reviews19 followers
November 13, 2017
Shanna Hatfield has an amazing writing style that just weaves itself into your heart. Whether it’s an uplifting book with humor or one that tugs at your heartstrings as this book did, you can always bet on a satisfying journey.
The Heart Of Clay is a book every woman whether married or not should read. Very emotional story, but healing at the same time.
I’m so glad I took this journey with Clay and Callen.
I believe, I also learned a powerful lesson in loving your soul mate.
Secrets and animosity have a way of festering when bottled up and held inward. They can just continue to boil under the surface until they explode. Never a good thing for anyone whether it’s the person holding the secrecy or the one who never knew them. It’s a fatal recipe in a marriage.
But once the pressure is released, then and only then, can the healing and love begin to blossom again. We all need to let go of our transgressions toward others, because no one knows what tomorrow holds.
Shanna Hatfield has given us a beautiful love story that we all can apply in our own lives.
Exceptionally written and heartfelt delivered.
Profile Image for Kristina.
173 reviews13 followers
March 15, 2018
Unlike most of the romance books which I enjoy reading, this one was about a married couple in their 30s who'd been married for over 10 years. Clay was sensing that his relationship with his wife was changing. She was less patient and more distant with him, focusing more on her work than their marriage. According to Callan, her husband Clay was not putting in his share of effort in maintaining their home and marriage. Tension was erupting between them as they both reflected on how they met, fell in love and where they started to go wrong in their relationship.

This book touched on issues which many married (and unmarried) couples deal with during their lives. I was surprised when Callan revealed the secrets she kept from her husband. The guilt explained her behaviour, but I could not believe or sympathize with her reasons for holding such information from him. As a woman, my heart went out to her, but I felt so sorry for her husband who loved her so deeply. Poor Clay had a right to know what she hid from him. He deserved better. I thought Clay forgave her a little too quickly. That is what made the story a little unrealistic for me. I thought Clay was a little too good to be true.

I only gave it a two star because at times I was pulled into the story, sensing the emotions of the couple but at many times it dragged on a little with details which were probably not adding any depth to the story. I almost stopped reading it at times but I am glad I finished it. I appreciate that the story was kept clean for readers of any age to enjoy.
Profile Image for Ashley.
95 reviews
February 28, 2020
Ugh no! The pacing here is awful. The story starts with the main character 13 years into her marriage, when it has become loveless and strained. She then proceeds to spend WAY too many pages TELLING the reader about how her husband used to be so wonderful and everything in her life is just so STRESSFUL now. I want to read about her life and draw my own conclusions, not have her summarize it for me. This is why SHOW DON’T TELL is so important!
20 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2014
Wonderful romantic story about true love!

This story not only takes the reader thru the blissful & tingling feelings of young love but deeper as life takes its toil on the relationship. It is very refreshing to see how true love can survive and flourish when both work together and communicate. Very uplifting and practical approach to a relationship.
861 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2019
Boring. I read almost 50% before I gave up which was way too much. I did read the last chapter and felt I would not be missing anything. I usually enjoy this author. Also, there was no table of contents in the Kindle edition which is always a big disappointment.
Profile Image for Cici.
1,308 reviews
August 28, 2013
Yeah! A love story about a married couple. Full of lots of flashbacks. The love story had drama and emotion. I enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Pam.
29 reviews
March 27, 2015
I would like to think people live and behave this way, but I don't know any! I thought it was sweet, but unrealistic! I can't believe I read the whole book!
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,475 reviews54 followers
July 9, 2016
Sweet book to relax for the evening with.
1,259 reviews
December 9, 2020
Clay

This book was okay, not great. It's the story of a married couple who have gotten into a rut and work at getting out of it.
Profile Image for Dorothy Roller.
480 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2017
Wow, this contemporary western by Shanna Hatfield was really unusual for her from all the stories I have read before. I loved it and couldn't put it down. She has well complex developed characters in this story as she does in all her stories, but this one made me want to cry, laugh, and get a bit upset at the circumstances that the hero and heroine go through to finally get to the love and romance they both wanted and deserved.
Boy the ups and downs in this story really had my emotions going.
The couple is married but they are having trouble and have been for a few years. They go though those ups and downs but nothing prepared me for the things that happen to each of them as they get their romance going again then it stops and then more trouble brews. I told you it had many ups and downs but you root for this couple all the way as you just know they are meant to be together.
It has all the kinds of things that make a great story. Every couple goes through things and some find their way back to each other and some don't.
It is a real life like story that could easily happen to a couple at any part of history but more so in modern times where divorce is easy and staying together is not easy, always.
I am glad this one works out and I can relate to the ups and downs of married life myself. So my emotions did run the gamut of good to bad to good and in between.
I loved this story and I highly recommend it to anyone and those of you that already love Shanna's stories should read this if they haven't.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,180 reviews26 followers
February 13, 2021
This was a surprise. It was heartbreaking to see the consequences of Callan's mother's behaviors. This woman was truly evil and her husband, I feel, should have protected his children from her bitterness. It was also disheartening to know that Callan had not received any counseling despite the love of her husband, friends and remaining family members (especially her aunt). That she was able to maintain a level of 'normal' at all speaks to her strength of character.

It was powerful to me in understanding Callan, that the loss of her dog was as emotionally devastating as the loss of her mother. It was also amazing to me how she kept her inner emotional climate so tightly controlled, that even her husband was not aware of her personal insecurities. I mean, to have a miscarriage followed by a hysterectomy and keep this all from your husband because of your insecurities...I am speechless.

Clay. I would love, love, love to have someone love me as he did Callan. [He is why we have book boyfriends, lovers and husnands : ) ] Course it helps that we know there will be an HEA and that we can mentally change/influence/ignore any behaviors or characteristics that we, the reader and dreamer, desires. He he.

I was not expecting this story to be as complicated or as deep as it was. It started off like it was to be a 'light, easy read.' Not so.

It is highly recommended.
1,066 reviews9 followers
October 7, 2019
Sweet, simple romance novel

Sort of. The story line does have some interesring twists & turns but they seem to spring out of nowhere at times. Still, it is more like you discover the issues as the characters discover them.
It's not a difficult read. It would be about a medium difficulty for an ESL or remedial reading student of the middle teen years & older. There are, thankfully, no graphic sex scenes, only hints of arousal. The plus in that is both genders in the book control their urges, & the description of the feelings of arousal in females should serve as a warning of what to expect for those who are entering adolescnce. The way the characters handle this is an example of having the moral strength to stop inappropriate action & IMNSHO should show that Christianity & Judaism both expect the man to control his urges, not just the woman. Having studied the world's religions, I can tell you this restraint placed on the male gender is in no other set of holy writings I have yet to encounter. It's something to think about. While men in other religions do practice sexual restraint, from my long experience studying world religions, it is only a mandate on the Judeo-Christian scriptures, FWIW.
Unfortunately,.too many who claim to be of both faiths don't alwaus abide by those mandates.
254 reviews
February 27, 2020
This isn't a typical romance. It chronicles the marriage between Clay and Callan with flash backs to the start of their relationship. It starts 13 years into the marriage when it has gone stale. As a married woman, I was interested in the reasons for their relationship being in its current state (whilst I am still very much in love with my husband, I am always curious about others hiccups, if only to serve as something to watch out for in my own relationship). I found the story realistic and felt emotionally engaged throughout. The story highlights the need to work at a marriage and that love can be rekindled with effort from both parties.

I didn't expect to love this story as much as I did and look forward to reading other stories by this author.
Profile Image for Lynn.
Author 4 books8 followers
August 20, 2025
The fact that this story is about the challenges a married couple faces felt refreshing. So often we, get to the place where the couple falls in love and then that's the end of the story, but in life there is so much more. "Heart of Clay" explores that more and the challenges that go with it.

This is a sweet romance that pulls you in from page one and will keep you guessing as to where the journey will take you. Callen and Clay are both characters that you will fall in love with, flaws and all. Their family and friends play supporting role and like Callen and Clay's relationship, the family is not a picture perfect one but a family that many will be able to relate to different aspects of.

Definitely worth a read, though if you are prone to shed tears, have a tissue handy.
285 reviews
January 21, 2018
Love Conquers All

Call an and Clay fell in love immediately. Clay asked her to marry him and she said yes. Years went by as they both worked on careers and a new business for Callan. They wanted a family but not yet. When Callan miscarried, she didn't tell Clay thinking she'd find a better time. This secret nearly destroyed their marriage until Clay had a life threatening accident. Through his painful recovery, they found their way back to each other and renewed their vows on their thirteenth anniversary. Their love and devotion sustained them and promises a long, happy life together.
715 reviews14 followers
February 25, 2019
I just finished this story and I have to say that the author really made you fall in love with the characters. Clay and Callan really had a lot of issues and they were so true to life. I found myself really understanding how easy it was for someone who had little self-confidence to find herself doing things to sabotage her own marriage. I was in tears at times and I laughed at other times, which is what a good story does to you. I was surprised by many things that I expected to happen but didn’t, that is a good story when you think you know what will happen but something totally different does. Love this story of love that conquers all problems.
575 reviews
March 28, 2021
Callan Matthews
Clay Matthews

Callan is unhappy and is not sure she likes her husband Clay let alone love him anymore. Callan works at a Convention Center and has her own event planning company. Clay is a College Professor and loves Callan but doesn’t know where the fun, happy girl he married has gone. You have Callan and Clay trying to work things out. Callan has self confidence problems from her mother’s treatment when she was a girl. Clay knows he has contributed to his and Callan’s problems but doesn’t know how to solve the problems. This book is a good introduction to the series.
931 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2020
Off the chart

This book was so awesome it is hard to put stars review.The story was out of this world & well written. The characters were so great in making the story reach out to you & make you feel like you are living it. It is a real tear jerker & got to me.I am 8o & spend every day reading,usually a book a day & I have to say this was 1 of the best books I ever read.I think Danielle Steele is the best & this is right up there with her.AWESOME I just wish I could afford to read every book this author rights.
431 reviews
April 8, 2020
Callan is grumpy and bitter almost all the time. She works two full-time jobs, keeps her home clean, her husband fed and tries to spend time with family. Clay is discouraged that his wife has morphed into a weary stranger and he doesn't understand why or when it happened.

As Clay tries to reconcile with Callan, she realizes she can't keep her secrets because they're not hers to keep. When she reveals the root of her bitterness and hurt, Clay is left reeling. But he also realizes it's up to him to love Callan despite her dishonesty if they want to reconcile.

When Clay accepts Callan despite her secrets, Callan is so relieved. She begins to work through her tough childhood and to face the lies that her mother put in her head.

This story is so much better because of the depth of the issues Callan and Clay were facing. They were discussed with grace and I felt like Callan's disposition was very accurate for what she was dealing with.

The story is an easy read but they're a cute couple and I enjoyed how their history together was woven in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tracy Sylvester.
1,023 reviews9 followers
September 7, 2017
Loved loved loved Clay and Callan's story. Callan is a party planner by day and also has her own party planning business at night out of her own home. Clay is a well loved local teacher. Both Callan and Clay's love story is so absolutely believable you feel you're part of it. This story has romance, ranching, teaching, party planning, suspense, and heartache. However, we also see forgiveness, healing and of course lots of love! This is a wonderful 5 star read!
132 reviews
July 31, 2022
It was an amazing book with main characters going through quite major difficulties growing up. Then meeting each other and realizing Clay could never love anyone else as much as he loves Cullen. Knowing ultimately that God is watching over them, they battle their way through marriage difficulties until they both realize how much they actually love each other. With the help of family and good friends, healing comes…
70 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2023
Shanna Softens Hearts of Stone

It's not often a story softens my heart to tears, but Hatfield's Heart of Clay certainly opened the sluice. An outpouring of hurt, hope, and healing flows through the pages of this realistic romance, reminding the reader that the human heart is a fickle, sometimes deceitful organ that requires us married folk to keep it with due diligence so that, come hell or high-water, the treasure therein is kept pure and clean and always new. 💗
Profile Image for Jestine Myers.
1,327 reviews3 followers
September 11, 2019
This was a nice, fluffy, light read to break up the heavier books I sometimes get into. I still feel as if I am decompressing from a heavy book, and this one appropriately distracted me. The characters were rather standard, the action pretty predictable, and the ending was not a surprise. Again, it wasn't a book of great depth, but it filled a need for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews

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