What do you think?
Heart's Design #1
Heart's Design
Caroline wants to grab hold of the future. Seth can't let go of the past. Recent Wellesley College graduate Caroline Prescott's future is set in stone. After Harvard Law School, she'll step into place beside her two brothers in their father's legendary Boston law firm. Caroline secretly longs for the quiet, peaceful life and a career designing jewelry with precious gemstones instead of life as a hotshot Boston attorney. On a hiking trip with her two best friends weeks before entering law school, Caroline meets Seth Barnes in charming Evergreen, Maine. A mineralogist and part-time college professor, Seth drives a truck sporting an I DIG ROCKS license plate, lives in hiking clothes, flannel shirts and jeans, and loves Jesus. Two years later, when they meet again, Caroline and Seth confront both the promise of possibility and the pain of past heartaches. What's a girl to do when the man she secretly loves has a serious girlfriend and seems determined to hold her at arm's length? And what's a guy to do when he can't stay away from a certain irresistible woman no matter how hard he tries? Does the Lord have His own design for their hearts? Heart's Design, a story filled with faith, love, friendship, family, and the power of forgiveness.
262 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2015
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 22, 2017
Caroline, a law student takes a vacation trip with girlfriends to Evergreen, Maine. Little does she know that her life will never be the same.
Into her life comes, Seth, a mineralogist, with a haunting past. Seth, a Christian man trying to come to grips with circumstances from his past, reaches out to Caroline and becomes infatuated with her in the short time she is there. Caroline is carrying some baggage of her own and wrestling with finding her true calling. Will she discover her true passion and love of the Lord?
I immediately fell in love with the characters. Each one brought an amazing addition to the plot and carried it through to an amazing end. I want to warn you that your emotions will run the gamut and you will find yourself reaching for the tissues.
Hearts Design was a beautifully written love story filled with inspiration and reminded me how good God is in our lives and that HE can heal any hurt, no matter how complicated it can be..
Into her life comes, Seth, a mineralogist, with a haunting past. Seth, a Christian man trying to come to grips with circumstances from his past, reaches out to Caroline and becomes infatuated with her in the short time she is there. Caroline is carrying some baggage of her own and wrestling with finding her true calling. Will she discover her true passion and love of the Lord?
I immediately fell in love with the characters. Each one brought an amazing addition to the plot and carried it through to an amazing end. I want to warn you that your emotions will run the gamut and you will find yourself reaching for the tissues.
Hearts Design was a beautifully written love story filled with inspiration and reminded me how good God is in our lives and that HE can heal any hurt, no matter how complicated it can be..
June 30, 2020
Newbie to Christian Romance
I have discovered a new favourite genre. This story weaves two of my favourite aspects of life; my faith and romance novels. I was not ready to say goodbye to Evergreen so was thrilled to find another story in this series. Really looking forward to reading it.
I have discovered a new favourite genre. This story weaves two of my favourite aspects of life; my faith and romance novels. I was not ready to say goodbye to Evergreen so was thrilled to find another story in this series. Really looking forward to reading it.
June 21, 2017
Wonderful!
I read this book out-of-order, having read Gentle Like The Rain first. I was so glad to find out that JoAnn Durgin wrote Caroline's story too! It was a great story about forgiveness, love, and uncovering misconceptions. I highly recommend reading it!
I read this book out-of-order, having read Gentle Like The Rain first. I was so glad to find out that JoAnn Durgin wrote Caroline's story too! It was a great story about forgiveness, love, and uncovering misconceptions. I highly recommend reading it!
June 22, 2018
Great read!
Such a loving story that will keep you reading.
Following the families through their troubles and finding a happy ending for all.
Such a loving story that will keep you reading.
Following the families through their troubles and finding a happy ending for all.
July 15, 2023
This was a fun summer read.
March 24, 2017
Wonderful story of forgiveness
Both of the main characters face issues of forgiveness from their pasts, but God wonders works in their lives when they forgive.
Both of the main characters face issues of forgiveness from their pasts, but God wonders works in their lives when they forgive.
March 15, 2017
I could not put it down. Definitely will be reading more of this author. I loved everything about the book.
Seth is a man trying to be the best Christian he can be. When he runs into Caroline in the small town of Evergreen, Maine. Seth begins her journey to the Lord but then he is out of her life for years. In those years, Caroline has become her own woman of God and not get parents daughter. We she meets Seth again, they have some big issues to overcome.
Seth is a man trying to be the best Christian he can be. When he runs into Caroline in the small town of Evergreen, Maine. Seth begins her journey to the Lord but then he is out of her life for years. In those years, Caroline has become her own woman of God and not get parents daughter. We she meets Seth again, they have some big issues to overcome.
February 27, 2017
Characters With Christian Principles
The more I read these Christian based books, the more I appreciate them. I wish I had read more of them when I was quite a bit younger. However, I don't think it's ever too late to begin. This book was very good.
The more I read these Christian based books, the more I appreciate them. I wish I had read more of them when I was quite a bit younger. However, I don't think it's ever too late to begin. This book was very good.
April 14, 2015
What a sweet story!
This is a classic contemporary romance with the adorable guys and confident girls. I very much enjoyed this novel. The romance was endearing and breathless and the faith solid and strong.
Seth and Caroline's story was so cute. With the instant attraction to the awkward moments (loved the ladder part... too funny) and everlasting love.
This was a beautiful love story and I plan to read more by this talented author.
(*SPOILER ALERT!!!*)
Let's face it. Seth was amazing. So sweet and kind and strong. I loved his flirty quips and that dimple. Oh my, the dimple! Too cute. I love that part towards the end when the nurse tells her about Seth openly praying in the waiting room. If my heart hadn't already melted for Seth, it would have then.
Caroline. I really enjoyed her personality. She was brave and spunky and willing to try new things. The awkward moments between her and Seth were just the cutest. I would have been so embarrassed at the ladder part!
Beverly was the best. She was so the whole grandmotherly wise advice giving person. She was a sweet heart. I totally did not expect her and Randy to go to Florida. I wish they hadn't so they could've been in there more. But I suppose it wouldn't have been very realistic if there wasn't any change.
Leisel was great. I loved her sense of humor. She was a lot like her mother, except younger and not quite as wise. Paul was sweet too. The description of him at their wedding and I was totally all over him. So romantic.
I actually really liked Caroline's father. I mean, there were some times when he seemed like a total jerk, but I knew he really wasn't. I wasn't so sure about her mom though. I seriously did not like her. I had no idea about her past though. How sad.
Kat and Paulina. To make a long story short, Kat irritated the hay out of me. She was so annoying with her wiles and spoiled manner. I didn't care much for her. Paulina was better, but I could still see the worldly rebel in her too. I hope they get saved.
Bryce was really sweet. Such a great understanding and encouraging brother. I hope he and Tiffany get married. Sid, on the other hand, from what little I knew of him, sounded annoying.
Jenica was all right. Definitely not Seth's type. She seemed like a nice girl though. I hope she's happy.
Toby was great. He seemed really wise too, and very kind. Clara was a sweet lady. Tommy was interesting. I had a feeling he still needs a little saving grace. Marla was... different. Was she supposed to be an angel? I was kind of confused about her.
All-in-all, it was a sweet story and I enjoyed the characters and settings, and the romance, of course. Great book.
This is a classic contemporary romance with the adorable guys and confident girls. I very much enjoyed this novel. The romance was endearing and breathless and the faith solid and strong.
Seth and Caroline's story was so cute. With the instant attraction to the awkward moments (loved the ladder part... too funny) and everlasting love.
This was a beautiful love story and I plan to read more by this talented author.
(*SPOILER ALERT!!!*)
Let's face it. Seth was amazing. So sweet and kind and strong. I loved his flirty quips and that dimple. Oh my, the dimple! Too cute. I love that part towards the end when the nurse tells her about Seth openly praying in the waiting room. If my heart hadn't already melted for Seth, it would have then.
Caroline. I really enjoyed her personality. She was brave and spunky and willing to try new things. The awkward moments between her and Seth were just the cutest. I would have been so embarrassed at the ladder part!
Beverly was the best. She was so the whole grandmotherly wise advice giving person. She was a sweet heart. I totally did not expect her and Randy to go to Florida. I wish they hadn't so they could've been in there more. But I suppose it wouldn't have been very realistic if there wasn't any change.
Leisel was great. I loved her sense of humor. She was a lot like her mother, except younger and not quite as wise. Paul was sweet too. The description of him at their wedding and I was totally all over him. So romantic.
I actually really liked Caroline's father. I mean, there were some times when he seemed like a total jerk, but I knew he really wasn't. I wasn't so sure about her mom though. I seriously did not like her. I had no idea about her past though. How sad.
Kat and Paulina. To make a long story short, Kat irritated the hay out of me. She was so annoying with her wiles and spoiled manner. I didn't care much for her. Paulina was better, but I could still see the worldly rebel in her too. I hope they get saved.
Bryce was really sweet. Such a great understanding and encouraging brother. I hope he and Tiffany get married. Sid, on the other hand, from what little I knew of him, sounded annoying.
Jenica was all right. Definitely not Seth's type. She seemed like a nice girl though. I hope she's happy.
Toby was great. He seemed really wise too, and very kind. Clara was a sweet lady. Tommy was interesting. I had a feeling he still needs a little saving grace. Marla was... different. Was she supposed to be an angel? I was kind of confused about her.
All-in-all, it was a sweet story and I enjoyed the characters and settings, and the romance, of course. Great book.
April 26, 2015
Heart's Design by JoAnn Durgin
Eloquently written.....
This is my first book I've read by JoAnn and how delighted I am with her and her ministry! I must say Heart's Design is a must read for everyone! JoAnn has given us characters in which we will become great friends with, pray for and love so much! The story of Caroline and Seth will fill your heart with much emotion. You will laugh with them, cry with them and want to have them as your neighbors. All the while wishing you could live in the very gorgeous Evergreen, Maine. JoAnn has done an exquisite job at painting an elegant picture of this town that is full of small town folks filled with love, good times and characteristic charm! I felt like I was in the mountains with them enjoying the small town life. Oh how good that felt!
And Caroline, what strength she has, an inspiration she is! Caroline takes us on her journey of growing up in Boston with a forced life in the family of a highly respected, a highly valued attorney of a father. With her life all planned out, with a future expected in her fathers law firm, Caroline steps out of that lifestyle to follow her dream in Evergreen Maine. One that she's never been accustomed to. But she does it with such grace, courage and faith. New to her faith and living on her own, she meets up with Seth again, the same Seth that she got to know a few years back on a hiking trip to Evergreen, the same Seth that led her to God. Will love come with this reunion? During the unfolding of their ups and downs, trying to figure out life and love, you will meet the most heartwarming, kind and lovable family and friends and a community of generous folk that will help guide Caroline and Seth on their paths in this world. But will that be enough for Caroline to continue to follow her dream or will she run scared back home to her comfort zone. Intriguing, heartwarming, emotional, and powerful join me in getting to know everyone in JoAnn Durgin's latest novel, Heart's Design. You will be blessed just as I was! Happy reading!!!
Eloquently written.....
This is my first book I've read by JoAnn and how delighted I am with her and her ministry! I must say Heart's Design is a must read for everyone! JoAnn has given us characters in which we will become great friends with, pray for and love so much! The story of Caroline and Seth will fill your heart with much emotion. You will laugh with them, cry with them and want to have them as your neighbors. All the while wishing you could live in the very gorgeous Evergreen, Maine. JoAnn has done an exquisite job at painting an elegant picture of this town that is full of small town folks filled with love, good times and characteristic charm! I felt like I was in the mountains with them enjoying the small town life. Oh how good that felt!
And Caroline, what strength she has, an inspiration she is! Caroline takes us on her journey of growing up in Boston with a forced life in the family of a highly respected, a highly valued attorney of a father. With her life all planned out, with a future expected in her fathers law firm, Caroline steps out of that lifestyle to follow her dream in Evergreen Maine. One that she's never been accustomed to. But she does it with such grace, courage and faith. New to her faith and living on her own, she meets up with Seth again, the same Seth that she got to know a few years back on a hiking trip to Evergreen, the same Seth that led her to God. Will love come with this reunion? During the unfolding of their ups and downs, trying to figure out life and love, you will meet the most heartwarming, kind and lovable family and friends and a community of generous folk that will help guide Caroline and Seth on their paths in this world. But will that be enough for Caroline to continue to follow her dream or will she run scared back home to her comfort zone. Intriguing, heartwarming, emotional, and powerful join me in getting to know everyone in JoAnn Durgin's latest novel, Heart's Design. You will be blessed just as I was! Happy reading!!!
May 1, 2015
Appearances can be deceptive. Seth Barnes and Caroline Prescott are from different worlds and headed toward very different futures. Or so it seemed.
One weekend, that’s all they had. But before they part, Seth says to Caroline, “I don’t want to be a small world story to you, Caroline…I don’t want to be the guy you see in some random place years down the road and say, ‘Oh, yes, our paths crossed once, but that’s all it was.’”
Now I’m a mature, happily married woman, but I have to admit, I swooned just a bit at that. And many more times as the hero bares his soul in often quirky ways.
But like Romeo and Juliet, family issues tear at the fabric of their fragile relationship. I loved their journeys toward reconciliation to one another, their parents, and their pasts.
Author JoAnn Durgin has penned another delightful romance populated with intriguing and realistic characters. I love the town of Evergreen, Maine, and its residents. I could feel the small-town warmth embrace me, and I didn’t want to leave. Heart’s Design earns five stars. Highly recommended.
One weekend, that’s all they had. But before they part, Seth says to Caroline, “I don’t want to be a small world story to you, Caroline…I don’t want to be the guy you see in some random place years down the road and say, ‘Oh, yes, our paths crossed once, but that’s all it was.’”
Now I’m a mature, happily married woman, but I have to admit, I swooned just a bit at that. And many more times as the hero bares his soul in often quirky ways.
But like Romeo and Juliet, family issues tear at the fabric of their fragile relationship. I loved their journeys toward reconciliation to one another, their parents, and their pasts.
Author JoAnn Durgin has penned another delightful romance populated with intriguing and realistic characters. I love the town of Evergreen, Maine, and its residents. I could feel the small-town warmth embrace me, and I didn’t want to leave. Heart’s Design earns five stars. Highly recommended.
April 2, 2015
JoAnn Durgin has written a stellar book!
You will feel as though you are surrounded by a beautiful mountainous setting through her descriptive writing. She will introduce you to characters with such depth that you feel you’ve known them a lifetime. She will take you through a story where friendships, difficulty, love, hurt, following your dreams, forgiveness, and the grace of God flow seamlessly together to offer you one of her best books. I love the unique approach the author takes to introduce scripture and the Christian walk into the lives of her characters. What a delightful, God-honoring novel that will remind you that God makes all things beautiful in His time! I wanted time and life to stand still so I could simply sit down and finish this full length novel in one setting. Yes, it is that good!
You will feel as though you are surrounded by a beautiful mountainous setting through her descriptive writing. She will introduce you to characters with such depth that you feel you’ve known them a lifetime. She will take you through a story where friendships, difficulty, love, hurt, following your dreams, forgiveness, and the grace of God flow seamlessly together to offer you one of her best books. I love the unique approach the author takes to introduce scripture and the Christian walk into the lives of her characters. What a delightful, God-honoring novel that will remind you that God makes all things beautiful in His time! I wanted time and life to stand still so I could simply sit down and finish this full length novel in one setting. Yes, it is that good!
April 12, 2015
I absolutely adore Joann's books and this was no exception. **Disclaimer : I am beginning to think all of her books should come with a Kleenex because there is always atleast one scene that impacts me on an emotional level** Delighful story of Caroline in her spiritual growth and how one person can impact someone else in ways that you can't possibly understand. Seth struggles with forgiveness and let's just say the plot thickens and I won't say anymore so as not to give it away :-) The book starts with Caroline and Seth meeting, neither being ready for the other. They reconnect years later after time apart and through God's guidance and the influence of praying friends, their destinies entwine in a remarkable way. This book left me wanting more and to make a trip to Maine!
March 30, 2015
I love JoAnn's books and this one is one of my favorites. It is a beautifully told story of Caroline, a young woman trying to find our own place in the world instead of following the path that her father had planned for her, and Seth who is trying to find the way to forgiveness for a man that he feels destroyed his family, and then their working through their pasts to see if they can find a future. It is a wonderful story showing that following God's path is what does bring true happiness. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Christian love story combined with faith and forgiveness.
April 20, 2015
This is a fantastic contemporary love story. I especially enjoyed how there was an awareness of something between Caroline and Seth, but it was sometime before they were around each other to determine if it was something God wanted for them. The characters were well fleshed out as the story moved along and the description of Evergreen, Maine was so great I felt as if I was right there, too. This is an extremely well written story and I absolutely loved every word of it. Highly recommended. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2016
What a story line! I loved how things took time to develop in this story. Things didn't just automatically and quickly get fixed. It took time as it so often does in the real world. What a joy to see Caroline come to know Jesus and discover His will for her and watch her be brave enough to step out into faith! Seth's journey in the book was a little bit harder to watch as he had to overcome some bitterness that was festering over things in the past, but overcome he does! In the end, once again, we get to see see the story of redemption and grace unfold in one of Joann Durgin's books.
June 26, 2016
I loved this journey between Caroline and Seth.
It's a journey where Caroline matures as an independent woman finding her true place in life and where Seth finally realizes what is important.
I loved all the characters and the setting of Evergreen, Maine.
The themed scripture verses shows God's love ,forgiveness and how it applied to their lives.
I look forward to the next book set in Evergreen.
As usual, JoAnn Durgin gives us a heartfelt book and much to ponder.
It's a journey where Caroline matures as an independent woman finding her true place in life and where Seth finally realizes what is important.
I loved all the characters and the setting of Evergreen, Maine.
The themed scripture verses shows God's love ,forgiveness and how it applied to their lives.
I look forward to the next book set in Evergreen.
As usual, JoAnn Durgin gives us a heartfelt book and much to ponder.
April 14, 2015
What a neat story.....You will absolutely love reading it.
A person who needs to find God, A person who needs to be independent, to work in what she loves, and also to forgive others
Another person who needs to Forgive, and forgive himself
An absolutely beautiful town
Read this book and enjoy all of the surprises.
A thoroughly enjoyable book
God bless you
A person who needs to find God, A person who needs to be independent, to work in what she loves, and also to forgive others
Another person who needs to Forgive, and forgive himself
An absolutely beautiful town
Read this book and enjoy all of the surprises.
A thoroughly enjoyable book
God bless you
April 20, 2015
Another great clean Christian romance of faith, forgiveness, and finding God's path to love and happiness. You will fall in love with Casroline and Seth. I recommend this book and this author. I love her writing style. Her stories always have interwoven messages of hope. I was given a copy for an honest review.
April 22, 2015
I had the honor to review this beautiful story for the author. Caroline and Seth's relationship is truly amazing. You will feel God working on the characters in this book. You won't be able to stop reading this book.
September 24, 2016
JoAnn has a way of pulling you into the story from the very beginning. Loved this book. Loads of Christian themes here, including forgiveness, which was a central theme. Heart warming, though a little corny at times. I always enjoy JoAnn's books.
October 6, 2016
AWESOME!!!!!
What a wonderful story. I loved the characters!!! I loved the way the author played up the contentious relationship between mother and daughter. Then near the end, the truth comes out!! It was a beautiful story all the way through.
What a wonderful story. I loved the characters!!! I loved the way the author played up the contentious relationship between mother and daughter. Then near the end, the truth comes out!! It was a beautiful story all the way through.
September 10, 2016
Heart's Design
A sweet little romance that reminds us there still are happy endings in this world. I enjoyed this quaint love story. Great for an afternoon of reading.
A sweet little romance that reminds us there still are happy endings in this world. I enjoyed this quaint love story. Great for an afternoon of reading.
March 19, 2015
Great book. One of my favorite thus far. Keep up good work Joann.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews