What do you think?
Rate this book
Hearts of Three Rivers #2
Homecoming Heart
Two years and a few dirty secrets stand between them.
For as long as she can remember, Emma Pierce has wanted to leave her sleepy hometown behind. Two years after she finally succeeds, she finds herself back in Three Rivers and face to face with the reason she left - a cowboy she can't resist.
After a family tragedy, Noah Baylor made a lot of mistakes, and letting the girl next door leave him in a cloud of dust ranks near the top of that list. When Emma rolls back into town, he vows not to let this unexpected second chance go to waste.
The only future Noah wants is the one that has Emma in it. But time is running out for him to prove he's a different man before she walks away again and takes that future with her.
For as long as she can remember, Emma Pierce has wanted to leave her sleepy hometown behind. Two years after she finally succeeds, she finds herself back in Three Rivers and face to face with the reason she left - a cowboy she can't resist.
After a family tragedy, Noah Baylor made a lot of mistakes, and letting the girl next door leave him in a cloud of dust ranks near the top of that list. When Emma rolls back into town, he vows not to let this unexpected second chance go to waste.
The only future Noah wants is the one that has Emma in it. But time is running out for him to prove he's a different man before she walks away again and takes that future with her.
- GenresContemporaryRomance
ebook
First published November 1, 2014
About the author
Amity Lassiter
12 books67 followersAmity Lassiter lives in Eastern Canada with her herding dog, her barn cat, two horses and her Mister. She has loved telling stories her entire life and even before she could write could be found in her grandmother’s basement, reciting fiction into an ancient cassette recorder.
The most influential author in Amity’s life would be Peter S. Beagle, the author of The Last Unicorn, who introduced her to her first achingly impossible love story and made her believe in magic. She met, and shared the most surreal small talk with Beagle in May 2014.
She loves critters, coffee, and cowboys – and she still believes in unicorns.
The most influential author in Amity’s life would be Peter S. Beagle, the author of The Last Unicorn, who introduced her to her first achingly impossible love story and made her believe in magic. She met, and shared the most surreal small talk with Beagle in May 2014.
She loves critters, coffee, and cowboys – and she still believes in unicorns.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 14, 2015
Homecoming Heart;
An overdue homecoming , a second chance at love, I have really come to enjoy the second chance stories and this book was no exception.
Emma Pierce left her home , her parents and her best freind Noah behind two years ago when she left Three Rivers to move to Denver to work with Regengade Racing, the offer was perfect timing, she needed to get away from Noah her heart needed a break, she was too invested and Noah was in a tailspin.
Noah Baylor , has been in a downward spiral since loosing his brother and sister in law in a horrific car accident , and then the loss of his other sister in law to cancer he is finding solace at the bottom of the bottle and any willing women, unwittingly hurting Emma not realizing how much his best freinds feelings have changed for him and not realizing how much his own has changed for her till she was gone.
Emma, after staying away for two years is brought home by her father being injured and help being needed in the home farm, she arrives to find the man she has tried to forget, getting off her Dad's tractor and pulling her into a warm embrace setting her body and mind to traitorous tingles only proving to her how little she has gotten over him.
Noah's spent the last year trying to become a better man with the help of his brother Finn, a better man for Emma.
Noah and Emma , have issues and misunderstandings to work through but what you get is a lovely second chance romance, with a sexy cowboy in love with his best freind, a cute cowgirl with body image issues and more likely to run than face situations head on and some hot times between the two.
I have to also mention that Miss Lassiter writes these characters in such a way that you become absolutely immersed in the story and start t feel like part of the the Three Rivers Family, the story continuity and carry over from the first book to this keeps you up to date with the Baylor family and their affairs. I also admire Miss Lasiter for giving us. A female character with curves and a few extra pounds, after all we are all not a size two.
Arc graciously provided by author for an honest review.
An overdue homecoming , a second chance at love, I have really come to enjoy the second chance stories and this book was no exception.
Emma Pierce left her home , her parents and her best freind Noah behind two years ago when she left Three Rivers to move to Denver to work with Regengade Racing, the offer was perfect timing, she needed to get away from Noah her heart needed a break, she was too invested and Noah was in a tailspin.
Noah Baylor , has been in a downward spiral since loosing his brother and sister in law in a horrific car accident , and then the loss of his other sister in law to cancer he is finding solace at the bottom of the bottle and any willing women, unwittingly hurting Emma not realizing how much his best freinds feelings have changed for him and not realizing how much his own has changed for her till she was gone.
Emma, after staying away for two years is brought home by her father being injured and help being needed in the home farm, she arrives to find the man she has tried to forget, getting off her Dad's tractor and pulling her into a warm embrace setting her body and mind to traitorous tingles only proving to her how little she has gotten over him.
Noah's spent the last year trying to become a better man with the help of his brother Finn, a better man for Emma.
Noah and Emma , have issues and misunderstandings to work through but what you get is a lovely second chance romance, with a sexy cowboy in love with his best freind, a cute cowgirl with body image issues and more likely to run than face situations head on and some hot times between the two.
I have to also mention that Miss Lassiter writes these characters in such a way that you become absolutely immersed in the story and start t feel like part of the the Three Rivers Family, the story continuity and carry over from the first book to this keeps you up to date with the Baylor family and their affairs. I also admire Miss Lasiter for giving us. A female character with curves and a few extra pounds, after all we are all not a size two.
Arc graciously provided by author for an honest review.
January 16, 2015
4.5 Fantastic Stars! I'm loving these cowboys created by Amity Lassiter. Review to come soon.
January 12, 2015
* received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review; full review : http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...
It's always a curious thing to me when books write of families such as the Pierces and Baylors -- how is it that all the Baylor boys see the Pierce girl as a sister, but at some point in time, one of them realizes she's a girl and wants to be with her?
*I have to say, though: I think Noah has always loved Emma. In a memory of their circuit days, when Noah would drive Emma and their horses around the rodeos, Emma recalls a win in which Noah picks her up and twirls her around. While this is a friendly gesture, it screams intimacy to me. And his declaration of love while drunk (which we'll get into in a bit)? They say only the truth comes out when in that state....
I have no doubt that it happens, none at all, but like I said... it's just a curious thing I have. Regardless, I do love these stories. Like Noah says, she's already a Baylor, they just have to make it official...
I love how "normal" Emma is (body wise) -- and that Noah loves how normal she is. You first see his appreciation for her when he notes her "thick thighs". And while body image stories can be a bit overdone, I like that Amity doesn't overdo the negative thoughts. Yes, they're there -- they don't go away over night, or after one naked encounter. When those feelings are there, and you see your partner with others who you feel are better suited for him/more the 'better mold', you're going to have doubts -- it's the nature of the beast. But like I said, I like that it didn't take away from the story. Emma was able to still be her comfortable, joking self with Noah; the self-doubt moments didn't overtake her thoughts and actions, and when they did seap in, Noah helped put them to rest.
When Emma comes back home to Three Rivers, things between she and Noah are fine -- at least on the surface. Both battle emotions and uncertainties where the other is concerned. When Emma left, it was to protect her mind and her heart. When Emma left, Noah's life further unraveled. But when she came back home, the hugs, smirks, and sarcastic comments continued as if the years weren't there. Sure, there were uncomfortable moments: (quote on original post on blog)
...but they work through them.
If there is one thing I wish of this book, it would be to have more insight as to the year that Noah screwed everything up. You get glimpses of it, and really, you get the big-bang-finale of the year, but when it's stated that "[t]he process of unraveling the year after she'd left had been long, painful, and not without tears, but they'd holed up in his apartment from the first Friday afternoon he was there until the following Monday morning so they would work it all out, with the promise that neither would leave until it was over, no matter how painful it was..." -- well, I personally want to know everything that he did. However... it isn't really pertinent to the story. What matters is that Noah and Emma found their way back to eachother and while things could have been awkward, they worked things out.
When Emma's rolling out of bed, often, in the middle of the night to bail Noah out, you know she cares for him. And while it was a drunk declaration, you know that Noah means it when he tells her he loves her that first time. Yes, Emma was right to try and ignore it; she's probably right that he says it because he wants/needs her to stay... but she needed to experience the world away from Three Rivers.
In the end...
I loved RUNAWAY HEART.
I really loved HOMECOMING HEART. This is definitely a re-reader. Were there things I wish filled the book out more? Sure. But what was given worked for me. I hardly noticed I was lacking 'pieces' until after I sat back, digested, and thought. During the reading process, though... I was thoroughly content and enamoured with these two.
I cannot wait for Finn's second chance at love in SECONDHAND HEART. The synopsis sounds great. I can't help but wish I'd "gotten a chance to know Sunny, and Gavin (& his wife), too" -- I put it in quotes, because obviously I can't meet them, but wish as a reader, we had more than character memories of the three of these people. They were obviously well loved.
It's always a curious thing to me when books write of families such as the Pierces and Baylors -- how is it that all the Baylor boys see the Pierce girl as a sister, but at some point in time, one of them realizes she's a girl and wants to be with her?
*I have to say, though: I think Noah has always loved Emma. In a memory of their circuit days, when Noah would drive Emma and their horses around the rodeos, Emma recalls a win in which Noah picks her up and twirls her around. While this is a friendly gesture, it screams intimacy to me. And his declaration of love while drunk (which we'll get into in a bit)? They say only the truth comes out when in that state....
I have no doubt that it happens, none at all, but like I said... it's just a curious thing I have. Regardless, I do love these stories. Like Noah says, she's already a Baylor, they just have to make it official...
I love how "normal" Emma is (body wise) -- and that Noah loves how normal she is. You first see his appreciation for her when he notes her "thick thighs". And while body image stories can be a bit overdone, I like that Amity doesn't overdo the negative thoughts. Yes, they're there -- they don't go away over night, or after one naked encounter. When those feelings are there, and you see your partner with others who you feel are better suited for him/more the 'better mold', you're going to have doubts -- it's the nature of the beast. But like I said, I like that it didn't take away from the story. Emma was able to still be her comfortable, joking self with Noah; the self-doubt moments didn't overtake her thoughts and actions, and when they did seap in, Noah helped put them to rest.
When Emma comes back home to Three Rivers, things between she and Noah are fine -- at least on the surface. Both battle emotions and uncertainties where the other is concerned. When Emma left, it was to protect her mind and her heart. When Emma left, Noah's life further unraveled. But when she came back home, the hugs, smirks, and sarcastic comments continued as if the years weren't there. Sure, there were uncomfortable moments: (quote on original post on blog)
...but they work through them.
If there is one thing I wish of this book, it would be to have more insight as to the year that Noah screwed everything up. You get glimpses of it, and really, you get the big-bang-finale of the year, but when it's stated that "[t]he process of unraveling the year after she'd left had been long, painful, and not without tears, but they'd holed up in his apartment from the first Friday afternoon he was there until the following Monday morning so they would work it all out, with the promise that neither would leave until it was over, no matter how painful it was..." -- well, I personally want to know everything that he did. However... it isn't really pertinent to the story. What matters is that Noah and Emma found their way back to eachother and while things could have been awkward, they worked things out.
When Emma's rolling out of bed, often, in the middle of the night to bail Noah out, you know she cares for him. And while it was a drunk declaration, you know that Noah means it when he tells her he loves her that first time. Yes, Emma was right to try and ignore it; she's probably right that he says it because he wants/needs her to stay... but she needed to experience the world away from Three Rivers.
In the end...
I loved RUNAWAY HEART.
I really loved HOMECOMING HEART. This is definitely a re-reader. Were there things I wish filled the book out more? Sure. But what was given worked for me. I hardly noticed I was lacking 'pieces' until after I sat back, digested, and thought. During the reading process, though... I was thoroughly content and enamoured with these two.
I cannot wait for Finn's second chance at love in SECONDHAND HEART. The synopsis sounds great. I can't help but wish I'd "gotten a chance to know Sunny, and Gavin (& his wife), too" -- I put it in quotes, because obviously I can't meet them, but wish as a reader, we had more than character memories of the three of these people. They were obviously well loved.
January 12, 2015
I said it after reading her first book and I'll say it again: Amity Lassiter's books have a classically romantic feel that I very much enjoy. We first meet Noah Baylor in Runaway Heart, the story of his brother, Dane. In that book, he seems very much a carefree and fun character, but in Homecoming Heart, we get to see more of the heartache and turmoil that lies within him. After his brother dies in an accident, Noah goes into a bit of a tailspin, laying destruction to some of the relationships around him, namely that of the neighbor girl and his best friend, Emma Pierce. After coming to his rescue one too many times, Emma leaves for Denver and another job, sending Noah into even more of a funk.
I love reunion stories, I enjoy reading how relationships can evolve through time and space. I appreciated witnessing Emma's struggle in her own womanhood, in gaining and retaining confidence in her self-worth. I think that is a struggle for all women, and that felt real and true. Both Emma and Noah had some growing up to do and their time apart proved beneficial. Upon Emma's unexpected return, the question becomes with that time and space, did they grown enough to have a relationship with each other?
I didn't always feel the connection between Emma and Noah and it felt a little like some of their issues were brushed over instead of truly dealt with.
Lassiter's writing, overall, is very organized and her stories and plot lines seem very thought out and well planned. I like that family is highly valued amongst her characters and loved revisiting with Dane and Ren from Runaway Heart.
Homecoming Heart is an enchanting romance with a beautiful setting and spending time with the Baylor family is a great way to escape for a day.
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review**
I love reunion stories, I enjoy reading how relationships can evolve through time and space. I appreciated witnessing Emma's struggle in her own womanhood, in gaining and retaining confidence in her self-worth. I think that is a struggle for all women, and that felt real and true. Both Emma and Noah had some growing up to do and their time apart proved beneficial. Upon Emma's unexpected return, the question becomes with that time and space, did they grown enough to have a relationship with each other?
I didn't always feel the connection between Emma and Noah and it felt a little like some of their issues were brushed over instead of truly dealt with.
Lassiter's writing, overall, is very organized and her stories and plot lines seem very thought out and well planned. I like that family is highly valued amongst her characters and loved revisiting with Dane and Ren from Runaway Heart.
Homecoming Heart is an enchanting romance with a beautiful setting and spending time with the Baylor family is a great way to escape for a day.
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review**
January 11, 2015
Oh Noah, he's a mess after the death of his brother and as he derails he leans on his best friend Emma but ends up pushing her away. Emma thought her relationship with Noah was changing and moving toward a relationship but then he went off the deep end and started hooking up with woman that didn't look like her. Emma has issues with her body image, she feels she is overweight and not Noah's type. She decides to leave Three Rivers and takes a job in Denver. What's worse is that she stays away for 2 years after her last interaction with Noah, she thought this was the only way to get over him and move on. When her father is injured she heads back to the ranch to help out and runs right into Noah. Noah realizes that this is his second chance with Emma and he doesn't want to blow it. Can he really convince Emma that he has changed? Will Emma be able to see past Noah's past exploits and accept that he truly wants her? Homecoming Heart is a fabulous romance with cowboys, strong family connections and off the charts sexual chemistry.
I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
June 1, 2017
You can find more reviews Mademoisellesnow Blog
I’ve really come to enjoy the series Heart of Three Rivers! This second book didn’t disappoint either. And I can’t wait to read more from Amity!
This was such a good second change romance novel.
I loved Emma and her attitude. She found the strength to move away from her hometown to follow her dreams and see what’s really out there for her.
Although her trip away from home made her realise what she was missing in life. And of course the sexy cowboy Noah, who doesn’t love a sexy cowboy? I enjoyed how he’s while reading the book you follow hoe Noah has grown up from the first few pages till when Emma comes home again.
I loved the overall story where I was taking back to Three Rivers and meeting the people that I’ve met before. The writing style was amazing and one that I’ve loved so much before. It just took me and immersed me into the world of Three Rivers and didn’t let go until the ride was finished. And I loved every bit of it. It was a huge treat being able to immerse myself in Three Rivers again and I cannot wait for the next book.
I’ve really come to enjoy the series Heart of Three Rivers! This second book didn’t disappoint either. And I can’t wait to read more from Amity!
This was such a good second change romance novel.
I loved Emma and her attitude. She found the strength to move away from her hometown to follow her dreams and see what’s really out there for her.
Although her trip away from home made her realise what she was missing in life. And of course the sexy cowboy Noah, who doesn’t love a sexy cowboy? I enjoyed how he’s while reading the book you follow hoe Noah has grown up from the first few pages till when Emma comes home again.
I loved the overall story where I was taking back to Three Rivers and meeting the people that I’ve met before. The writing style was amazing and one that I’ve loved so much before. It just took me and immersed me into the world of Three Rivers and didn’t let go until the ride was finished. And I loved every bit of it. It was a huge treat being able to immerse myself in Three Rivers again and I cannot wait for the next book.
Read
January 16, 2015I received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was very different from the romances that I usually read. That being said it was a nice change of pace. While this was part of a series, I had no trouble reading this while never reading the previous ones in the series.
Can lost love ever be found again?
Emma and Noah were friends...until Noah changed everything with his irresponsibility. Emma flees from the family home and Noah until she has to return home to help with her family ranch. After years apart, it's obvious that time has not changed the way Noah feels towards Emma. Can Emma ever forgive Noah for the way he was? For the heartache that he caused? Can Noah convince her that he is a changed man and worthy of her love? If you are a fan of sweet romances, rekindled love and happily ever afters then this book is definitely one you will love.
This was very different from the romances that I usually read. That being said it was a nice change of pace. While this was part of a series, I had no trouble reading this while never reading the previous ones in the series.
Can lost love ever be found again?
Emma and Noah were friends...until Noah changed everything with his irresponsibility. Emma flees from the family home and Noah until she has to return home to help with her family ranch. After years apart, it's obvious that time has not changed the way Noah feels towards Emma. Can Emma ever forgive Noah for the way he was? For the heartache that he caused? Can Noah convince her that he is a changed man and worthy of her love? If you are a fan of sweet romances, rekindled love and happily ever afters then this book is definitely one you will love.
January 13, 2015
Sexy and sweet and super fun--the whole read is a treat! (And actually that's a good description of the main character, Noah, too. :D) I enjoyed the first book in this series (Runaway Heart) a lot, but this one was even better. I loved being back in Three Rivers again, getting glimpses into the lives of people I'd met before, but don't worry, if you're jumping into the series now, the story totally stands on its own. Emma is one of my new favorite characters, down to earth, funny and kind, but with insecurities that are all too easy for me to relate to personally--and her love interest, Noah, is wonderful. I felt so bad for him though . . . I could see how hard he was trying to be the man Emma needed him to be, even if others couldn't.
January 13, 2015
Take it from someone who knows nothing about horses, romance, and the warm and fuzzies when it comes to Cowboys, this book had me wanting 1) a horse and 2) a cowboy.
Life's not easy when tragedy strikes your family TWICE and having someone to pick you up off the local bars stool can really help. However, when that person loves you it's best to realize it before they are gone.
Homecoming Heart had me wanting to smack some sense into oblivious characters and shout from the roof tops that if Emma wouldn't take Noah, I would!
A book that delves into how loss affects people differently and the steps required to take to become whole again, Homecoming Heart tugged on my heartstrings in such a way that anyone could relate.
Amity Lassiter has stuck warm hearted gold once again.
Life's not easy when tragedy strikes your family TWICE and having someone to pick you up off the local bars stool can really help. However, when that person loves you it's best to realize it before they are gone.
Homecoming Heart had me wanting to smack some sense into oblivious characters and shout from the roof tops that if Emma wouldn't take Noah, I would!
A book that delves into how loss affects people differently and the steps required to take to become whole again, Homecoming Heart tugged on my heartstrings in such a way that anyone could relate.
Amity Lassiter has stuck warm hearted gold once again.
December 14, 2015
This is the first book I have read by this author and I can't wait to read the rest of the books she has written! I loved the second chance romance between Emma Pierce and her next door neighbor Noah Baylor because he got sober and proved to Emma that she could learn to trust in him again. The story is very well written and this couple had a deep emotional connection that leapt off the page and made me connect with them too. I highly recommend this book to readers of contemporary western romance. I loved it and you will too!
February 2, 2015
Another great read from Amity Lassiter! One of my favourite things about these books is that the problems are problems any person could have, and the solutions are not always clear cut or easy. I also love the realistic dialogue. I don't know much about horses and farm life buy Amity does which makes me feel like I'm learning! Can't wait for the third book.
May 29, 2015
Nice cozy read. Enjoyed the characters and their journey...
April 27, 2020
Great story! Love the former best friends who finally get to fall in love! I think Noah and Emma have the best chemistry in the series and are the most fun. PLus, the backstory of the life-long love makes a beautiful, believable emotional struggle which is so satisfying when they finally get together! ( I did not love that I was sensing a trend that the heroines in this series are all waaaaayyyy too similar. )
June 13, 2019
Always meant to be ...
When Emma comes home after two years in Denver, she is not certain how seeing Noah again will feel. You will enjoy the progression of their relationship and you will wonder if they can make it over a final hurdle. I enjoyed this continuing story of the Baylor family and renewing acquaintance with characters in the first book.
When Emma comes home after two years in Denver, she is not certain how seeing Noah again will feel. You will enjoy the progression of their relationship and you will wonder if they can make it over a final hurdle. I enjoyed this continuing story of the Baylor family and renewing acquaintance with characters in the first book.
March 30, 2016
Emma Pierce left Three Rivers two years ago, with a broken heart.. Watching her best friend drinking himself to death, when tragedy strikes twice and bailing him out of jail, she's had enough... Emma has been in love with Noah for years, but he's never shown her that there could be more...
Now she's back and Noah has sobered up and is determined to prove to her that he's changed and all he wants is her..
I feel for Noah, to go through tragedy after tragedy, it's heart breaking!!
Now she's back and Noah has sobered up and is determined to prove to her that he's changed and all he wants is her..
I feel for Noah, to go through tragedy after tragedy, it's heart breaking!!
March 29, 2016
This book was just as amazing as the first book in the series. Noah and Emma's story is a story about true friendship and love. It shows how they overcame loss, heartbreak and trust. I encourage anyone to read this series if you enjoy a great story and one that will keep you reading until the very end.
January 25, 2016
Homecoming Heart
I enjoyed this story very much. Noah and Emma always in love but not being together. Things happened to keep them apart. Now she is back home. Will they get it right this time. Thank you
I enjoyed this story very much. Noah and Emma always in love but not being together. Things happened to keep them apart. Now she is back home. Will they get it right this time. Thank you
September 14, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. Much more emotive than the first book in this series. Lots more happening and more 'history' between the characters to unravel.
June 29, 2016
A lovely romance, a great novel to get lost in for a few hours but nothing extraordinary.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews