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Touched to the Heart

Elsa Winckler (Goodreads Author)

4.20 · Rating details · 44 ratings · 23 reviews

Discover beautiful South Africa in this sweet, heart-warming Cinderella story about a blogger, a billionaire, and one chance meeting.

When it comes to men, if physiotherapist Caitlin Sutherland didn't have bad luck, she would have no luck at all. To help cope, Caitlin starts blogging in her spare time, about the types of men she meets and the bad dates she goes on.

While on ...more

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ebook, 130 pages

Published July 1st 2014 by Escape Publishing

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romance with athletes other than american football, baseball and ice hockey

129 books — 62 voters

Contemporary Romance Novels set on the African Continent

59 books — 15 voters

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Average rating 4.20 ·

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· 44 ratings · 23 reviews

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Aug 18, 2015 Wendy Jones rated it it was amazing

If you're looking for a couple with chemistry, look no further. Hero and heroine both into each other with a capital I. Fanning face as kids walk in. "Yes sure I can get you your tea, sweetheart. Just let me finish one more chapter..." ...more

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Jun 02, 2014 Rebecca Crowley rated it it was amazing

I fully intended to take this book away with me to enjoy on my long-weekend getaway, but instead stayed up last night to finish it! This is a lovely, no-gimmicks romance from Elsa Winckler and I really enjoyed it.

I have this slight obsession with reading what I think of as 'off the beaten path' romances. Anything with a peculiar, unusual premise (ex-nun heroine, 40-something heroine and much younger man, amnesiac inspirational) always manages to find its way onto my to-read shelf. Of late I've b ...more

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Aug 04, 2014 Hannah Fielding rated it it was amazing

I enjoyed the author’s last book, so I was looking forward to reading this one, and it didn’t disappoint.

I love the simplicity of the writing and its edges of humour (‘I don’t trust a man who shaves his legs made me laugh’ especially). The story moves along at pace, and felt to me like a light and easy read.

This is character-led fiction, and I really like the cast: two families (plus a friend) brought together by love. In this book the focus is Caitlinand Don, but other potential love stories ar ...more

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Feb 28, 2015 Jenny Schwartz rated it it was amazing

You never know when you pick up a writer friend's books whether they're going to work for you, or whether you'll enjoy the skill, but not really be emotionally engaged. Well, with "Touched to the Heart", I felt the emotions.

Elsa Winckler captures the uncertainty and intensity of falling in love.

I enjoyed all the side characters and family dynamics, but it was the core drama -- the risk of sharing your heart -- that kept me reading.

A lovely weekend read -- and just a little bit sexy! ...more

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Jun 03, 2014 Desere rated it really liked it

All woman and men know that when it comes to dating, it's never a smooth ride. You meet some real toads and for most of us it so happens that you have to kiss at least a dozen toads before one of them turns into prince charming or the Cinderella of your dreams.

In the latest read from South African author Elsa Wincker she takes us on a journey of two people who have both had to endure the high's and low's of dating.

Physiotherapist Caitlin has kissed enough toads to last her a lifetime, and if s All woman and men know that when it comes to dating, it's never a smooth ride. You meet some real toads and for most of us it so happens that you have to kiss at least a dozen toads before one of them turns into prince charming or the Cinderella of your dreams.

In the latest read from South African author Elsa Wincker she takes us on a journey of two people who have both had to endure the high's and low's of dating.

Physiotherapist Caitlin has kissed enough toads to last her a lifetime, and if she did not have bad luck with men she would have no luck at all. She decides to as many woman today, blog about her experiences. But then her life abruptly changes whist on duty at the annual Wines to Whales bicycle race, she bumps into the very gorgeous talk-dirty-to-me Don Cavallo.

He sends her heart racing, her hormones dancing and gives her a all time high she has been missing with all other men, but Don is not your average guy. He's one of the four Cavallo brothers, these men run a multi-million dollar hotel industry and they are just as famous for being rich as they are for the arm candy that accompany their lifestyle.

Don has been through this " I am so lost in your eyes, all I see is you" situation before, Caitlin might have set his body aflame when she touched him but he for darn sure is not falling for any of it, he knows woman only want him for his status and nothing more.

But even with them both being burned before neither one seems to be able to ignore the raging passion blazing between them, and soon playing with fire is all that matters, or is it?

I very much enjoyed this heartfelt read, it had lovely characters that were very realistic, and I felt very connected to them all. Don was the kind of hero you know from the first introduction has a lot more to give then what he let's on, but of course it is understandable with him being rich and not trusting woman. What I immensely enjoyed was seeing him try his hardest to practically erase Caitlin from his thoughts but not being able to ignore that little bit of a nagging voice that keeps reminding him that Caitlin is something special and what his heart has been seeking for.

The character of Caitlin was remarkable, as we woman know when date after date ends with you rather wanting to run away from the guy instead of to him, it get's to you after a while and you would rather avoid the dating scene all together. So her really being able to act on her instinct instead of thinking " This guy clearly does not trust me and I better give it up now before am too hooked" was really awesome.

The backdrop settings were extremely enjoyable, it was like having a personal tour guide and seeing South Africa through the eyes of another, well done Elsa!

The dialogue ranged from sweet and slow to fast paced and sinfully sexy. I am taking away a message of people are not always what or who you think they are, yes it could turn out that they hurt you , but one person is not the other, everyone is different and everyone deserves to have your attention , it's the only way you will discover if they are real, if you turn your back on them it might turn out you just waked away from the only true happiness you ever had a shot at.

I recommend this read for romance fans that enjoy a sweet, sensual and heartfelt romance with just that touch of sexy heat that sends our romance readers hearts into a flutter. Elsa Wincker has once again shown why she not only creeps into her readers hearts but sets up permanent residence!

4.5 star review
" One touch leads to a whole new race for love"
...more

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Jul 04, 2014 Kirke rated it liked it

Shelves: review

2.5 stars

I am really starting to think I need a minimum page requirement for books. If it's under a 150 or 200 and not part of a series, it just doesn't seem to work for me. Since I've been saying this a lot lately, you need to know that when I requested this on NetGalley, those page numbers are not mentioned and I don't always go to Amazon or goodreads to check the amount of pages.

Now stepping away from the pages issues, Touched To The Heart is an okay book. The setting is definitely something 2.5 stars

I am really starting to think I need a minimum page requirement for books. If it's under a 150 or 200 and not part of a series, it just doesn't seem to work for me. Since I've been saying this a lot lately, you need to know that when I requested this on NetGalley, those page numbers are not mentioned and I don't always go to Amazon or goodreads to check the amount of pages.

Now stepping away from the pages issues, Touched To The Heart is an okay book. The setting is definitely something different and refreshing. As the author is from South Africa, it is logical to write about what you know. Though the descriptions in general are very basic.

Caitlin hasn't had the best of luck with men and she has channeled her frustrations into blogging about all her disastrous dates. She's what we call a sceptic and a bit picky, as in she would really want a man, but there is just something wrong with every man she meets. For instance, no sane man would shave his legs, therefore cyclists are a no go. These are all just excuses, because the girl's got trust issues. Her dad left her mom for other women. While her mom still believes in romance and love, the daughters not so much.

So when Caitlin meets Don at a cycling event, she might admit there are maybe a few exceptions when it comes to men who shave their legs. Still he's so out of her league, so she doesn't believe she will ever see him again. Caitlin though made a better impression than she realized, because when she bumps into him again, there might be something happening between them.

This story was told in 3rd person and this might be a coincident, but it's the second book this week I've read written that way and I had trouble connecting with the characters. Though this was slightly better. To me everything in this story happened really fast and kind of jumbled together. We jump from one situation into the next without much of a transition. Then there are issues involving Caitlin's sister and Don's brother, which I think is the setup for a second book, but it draws attention away from the main story. It just made me want to know what was going on between the brother and sister, not Caitlin and Don.

The author's first books were written in South-African and this is her second english written novel. Now I'm not sure what her mother tongue is, don't get me wrong her English is really good, but the flow of the story doesn't always go that well. It's all very direct, not a lot of description, plenty of dialogue, but also with that 3rd person pov you can not really get inside the characters' head. The author talks about using family background to better understand the characters, and it was included but could have easily been more delved into.

So overall it's a fun and light story, great setting and I am intrigued enough by the brother and sister to read the second book. There was still a lot missing though, that can easily be improved towards the future.

*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review* ...more

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Jul 01, 2014 Zee Monodee rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary, romance, for-review

A delightful, lovely, & light romp in sunny South Africa!

I jumped on the offer to read and review this book - the blurb had totally grabbed me, and I'd heard tons about Elsa Winckler's writing and wanted to check it out for myself.
She did not leave me disappointed!

I always used to wonder what makes a rom com engaging, that moment when it 'snaps' you up and you become a goner. Touched To The Heart provided the answer - it is all in the timing! You see, the very start itself has some hilarious dia ...more

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May 25, 2014 Eleanor rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley

What can I tell you, sometimes all we need to cleanse the palette from the heavy stuff is those light, almost flimsy romances.
Touched to the Heart was just that. A cleansing palette romance.

This sweet love story is set in South Africa, which is one thing I loved about it. That was a first for me.

Don and Caitlin meet when Caitlin, a physiotherapist, treats aching cyclists during a race. Don arrives in the treatment tent with a lower back ache, only to overhear Caitlin venting her frustrations abo ...more

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Aug 24, 2014 Lindsey Gray rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2014-reads, blog-reviews

Hands massaging taught, hard muscles within the first few pages. Yep, that hooked me. Winckler brings to life the beautiful imagery of a cyclist physique and the South African country in this sweet and sexy tale.

When physiotherapist Caitlin works the kinks out of hotel mogel Don, sparks fly. As Caitlin learns more about the dashing eldest Cavallo brother, the deeper she falls. The duo hit more than one road block on their journey, but what kind of fun would it be if it were easy?

Winckler's writi ...more

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Aug 31, 2016 Jane Hunt rated it it was amazing

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I love stories about sisters and this is the first in a series of stories that explores the Sutherland sisters’ encounters with the gorgeous Cavallo brothers. Set in South Africa and The Seychelles, it’s a story about trust, serendipitous meetings and seeing beyond the outward facade, to the person beneath.
The dry humour and romance of this story mak ...more

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Jul 06, 2014 Vicki Ballante rated it it was amazing

I was given this book for an honest review.

I enjoyed this story very much and couldn't put it down. I like a story that's heart-warming, easy to read, not bogged down with unnecessary fluff, and filled with conflict.

Caitlin is a physiotherapist and is very embarrassed by her immediate and intense attraction to cyclist and hotel chain owner, Don, when he comes in for a massage. Her touch on his back stirs longings in him he's unable to quench. And Caitlin is drawn to him too against her better ju ...more

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Sep 10, 2014 Lisa rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2014-booklist

If you are looking for a straight up romance and have a thing for the Alpha male and sassy female mix then this is the book for you! The perfect book to cuddle up to at pretty much any time and escape into a world or romance.

Though the book had a few 'ugh' moments in it; sometimes my brain wants to remind myself of the over-the-top dramatics and how this scenario is not likely. Dear brain, please stop and let me be swept away in the romance. Thanks! But despite those I really enjoyed this book. ...more

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Oct 31, 2014 Rosie Amber rated it it was amazing

Touched To The Heart is a quick easy read, hot romance. It ticks all the boxes of a good chick lit/ Rom com and if I'm not mistaken has plenty more stories to follow it.

The book is set in South Africa, we meet Caitlin Sutherland a physio who doesn't trust men, especially those who shave their legs and who are cyclists. But when she's bowled over by her emotions to a man she's only just met, she's left dazed and confused.

Don Cavallo is one of four handsome brothers who love cycling as a serious h ...more

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Nov 26, 2015 Ani rated it really liked it

I received a copy of this book from Loving The Book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is about falling in love when you least expect it, and falling fast, despite preconceived ideas and trust/communication issues.

The main characters in this book are Caitlin and Don, both characters are strong, confident and comfortable with being single. A chance meeting brings them together, but they both fight the feelings they have for one another.

This book is a feel good book, it is really well writ ...more

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Jun 05, 2014 Aly rated it liked it

Elsa Winckler has created two characters that shouldn't fall in love and make it work and yet they do. It was interesting to see how the past affected the future for Caitlin and Don especially because both weren't looking for lasting relationships. Instead they seemed to be trying to find everything they possibly could to stay apart. It was amusing to see their thought processes as they did so.

Not to mention the funny moment that the two meet. It was amusing to see the sparks from the very begin ...more

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Jul 01, 2014 Alexander Petkovski rated it it was amazing

I am so glad I finished this book on its release date. I enjoyed it so much. I loved reading about Caitlin’s romance with Don Cavallo. The story flowed beautifully. The secondary characters were well developed as the main ones. I loved Mrs. Sutherland. She was funny, witty and always cheerful. The side mystery about Caitlin’s sister Hannah intrigued me, leaving me excited to reading more about the Sutherland sisters and the Cavallo brothers. And my apsolutely favourite part of the book was the s ...more

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Jul 22, 2014 Talk Books To Me rated it really liked it

4 Stars

This was a light and entertaining love story that I read in one sitting. Caitlin and Don are two very sceptical characters and keep their hearts guarded for fear f getting hurt. Caitlin harbours abandonment issues stemming from her childhood; and Don thinks every woman is after his money and doesn’t see the real him! There is thing undeniable attraction between the two that has them seeking each other out and come together in the end.
I think what intrigued me the most is that the secondar ...more

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Jun 29, 2014 Kim Beck rated it it was amazing

This book brings us two families, The Sutherland sisters plus their friend Dana and The Cavallo boys. The two main characters are Catlin, who is a physiotherapist by day and a blogger at night and Don who is the oldest son, who runs a bunch of boutique hotels with his three brothers. Both characters have hang ups about love, one has trust issues and one doesn't think he will ever find someone to love him for him. It was a truly special story and I hope the author brings the stories for the rest ...more

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Aug 11, 2014 Talking Books rated it it was amazing

Touched To The Heart by Elsa Winckler was a captivating quick read! Don and Caitlin's characters have some sizzling attraction and the family antics are sentimental and at many times hilarious. You can't help but be swept up in the characters attraction and the many hurdles they face in the story. A story with drama, action and many scorching, feel good moments that light up the pages. Touched To The Heart by Elsa Winckler was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
*ARC Received from the Publisher for an h ...more

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Jan 15, 2016 Brandy rated it it was amazing

I received an Arc copy for an honest review. I really enjoyed reading this. Its fast pace and the storyline is amazing. This book is about Caitlin Sutherland and Don Cavallo. She is a Physiotherapist and Don owns several Hotels with his brothers. Caitlin meets Don at the Annual Wines to Whales Cycling Race. I highly Recommend this Book its intriguing and keeps you wanting more.

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May 28, 2014 Claudia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fun, contemporary, romance, netgalley, keeper, favorite

Loved ist! The Perfect romance

Review comes asap

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May 28, 2014 Roz ~ My Written Romance rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2014-reading-challenge, arcs

full review in June on MWR

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Jul 06, 2015 Erinne rated it really liked it

Shelves: net-galley

A heart warming story set in South Africa. Full of heart, and characters which you become attached too. Highly recommend.

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About Elsa Winckler

Elsa Winckler

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I have been reading love stories for as long as I can remember and when I ‘met’ the classic authors like Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry James The Brontë sisters, etc. during my studies, I was hooked for life.
I married my college boyfriend and soul mate and we are fortunate to live in the picturesque little seaside village of Betty's Bay, South Africa with the ocean a block away and a beauti ...more