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The Girl Who Could Read Hearts
Born gifted with a rare seventh sense-the ability to read human hearts coupled with keen intuition-Kate Kindrick struggles to understand her capabilities. She is often bewildered by her unique perceptions combined with seeing symbols and panoplies of color in people's hearts.
Kate's parents fear that their young daughter suffers from delusional psychosis. Their concerns are intensified by her claims that she has conversations with an angel. Only her grandmother, who is gravely ill, and her uncle, a famous writer, encourage Kate to develop her gifts.
Yet it's her naivete of the intuitive signs that augur trouble. When she doesn't heed an inner warning, her world spins into a dangerous spiral that spells hazard for her and those she loves. Her antics land her cherished uncle in the hospital. His life hangs in the balance.
Just when she believes things couldn't get worse, her life cascades down a doubly treacherous path. She is forced to spend extended time with her teenage cousin, Marilla Marzy, and the girl's sinister father-Vaynem Moxsin. Tormented by both of them, she prays for rescue. Shocking events transpire.
This captivating novel explores issues relevant to many of today's societal woes: prejudice, abuse, eating disorders, and limiting belief systems. It delves into the mysteries of death and of angels, plus intuition, finding God in all, and true love.
Full of spirit, this poignant story brims with inspiration, daring, and hope. "
Kate's parents fear that their young daughter suffers from delusional psychosis. Their concerns are intensified by her claims that she has conversations with an angel. Only her grandmother, who is gravely ill, and her uncle, a famous writer, encourage Kate to develop her gifts.
Yet it's her naivete of the intuitive signs that augur trouble. When she doesn't heed an inner warning, her world spins into a dangerous spiral that spells hazard for her and those she loves. Her antics land her cherished uncle in the hospital. His life hangs in the balance.
Just when she believes things couldn't get worse, her life cascades down a doubly treacherous path. She is forced to spend extended time with her teenage cousin, Marilla Marzy, and the girl's sinister father-Vaynem Moxsin. Tormented by both of them, she prays for rescue. Shocking events transpire.
This captivating novel explores issues relevant to many of today's societal woes: prejudice, abuse, eating disorders, and limiting belief systems. It delves into the mysteries of death and of angels, plus intuition, finding God in all, and true love.
Full of spirit, this poignant story brims with inspiration, daring, and hope. "
- GenresFiction
334 pages, Hardcover
Published April 21, 2016
About the author
Sherry Maysonave
4 books10 followersAn accomplished author and motivational speaker, Sherry Maysonave has been interviewed by over 200 TV, Radio, and print publications across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. This includes multiple appearances on NBC's Today, ABC, CBS, Fox, and NPR radio. Sherry has been featured in USA Today, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, New Yorker, InStyle, and BusinessWeek.
Passionate about helping others achieve success, Sherry is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises and Empowerment Productions. Her clients include business professionals as well as nationally known political figures and entertainers. Her corporate clients are wide-ranging, including US and international companies in technology, finance, fashion, law, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, and professional-services companies.
Most recently, Sherry’s first historical-fiction book, "Tatae’s Promise: You will live… you will tell," co-authored with Moises J. Goldman, was published in September 2023. It is based upon a true, never-before-told story of a young Jewish woman, Hinda Mondlak, and her daring escape from Auschwitz.
In 1999, Sherry’s very first book, Casual Power (nonfiction), quickly became an Amazon category best-seller. She is also the author and producer of the DVD series, Brand a Positive Business Image.
After retiring from the corporate circuit in 2013, Sherry felt a clarion call to express her creativity and write outside the nonfiction genre. Her first children’s book, an Apple i-book, —EggMania: Where’s the Egg in Exactly?— won five awards. Sherry’s debut novel, The Girl Who Could Read Hearts, has garnered fifteen awards, including Gold Medal in the 2017 Readers’ Favorite International Awards.
Sherry has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from East Texas State University, now known as Texas A&M University—Commerce. She has studied psychology at the graduate level, and she has multiple credentials in image, communication, and personal development.
Sherry and her husband, Stephen, live on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas. They both enjoy spending time with their seven grandchildren, traveling, and participating in angel investments that support social-impact companies.
For more information, go to sherrymaysonave.com
Passionate about helping others achieve success, Sherry is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises and Empowerment Productions. Her clients include business professionals as well as nationally known political figures and entertainers. Her corporate clients are wide-ranging, including US and international companies in technology, finance, fashion, law, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, and professional-services companies.
Most recently, Sherry’s first historical-fiction book, "Tatae’s Promise: You will live… you will tell," co-authored with Moises J. Goldman, was published in September 2023. It is based upon a true, never-before-told story of a young Jewish woman, Hinda Mondlak, and her daring escape from Auschwitz.
In 1999, Sherry’s very first book, Casual Power (nonfiction), quickly became an Amazon category best-seller. She is also the author and producer of the DVD series, Brand a Positive Business Image.
After retiring from the corporate circuit in 2013, Sherry felt a clarion call to express her creativity and write outside the nonfiction genre. Her first children’s book, an Apple i-book, —EggMania: Where’s the Egg in Exactly?— won five awards. Sherry’s debut novel, The Girl Who Could Read Hearts, has garnered fifteen awards, including Gold Medal in the 2017 Readers’ Favorite International Awards.
Sherry has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from East Texas State University, now known as Texas A&M University—Commerce. She has studied psychology at the graduate level, and she has multiple credentials in image, communication, and personal development.
Sherry and her husband, Stephen, live on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas. They both enjoy spending time with their seven grandchildren, traveling, and participating in angel investments that support social-impact companies.
For more information, go to sherrymaysonave.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 19, 2016
**A free copy was generously gifted by the author and the publishers in exchange for an honest review**
**4 stars**
**4 stars**
This book is about physical and emotional abuse and the hypocrisy that pervades the Christian faithIt's a book about the supernatural, and the afterlifeIt's about good triumphing over evilAbout familial love, and a mother's loveAbout choosing to hate or to loveAbout God's love…She could see those spark things flying out of her uncle’s heart again…some were flying out of Dr. Donahorn’s heart, too.The Girl Who Could Read Hearts is about Kate Kindrick, a 6-year-old girl who, literally, could see colors and images within the human heart and with such symbols representing the true nature of that person's soul. More than this, she has a guardian angel-inhabiting a real life doll- who speaks to her. The story also has a wonderful cast of characters; most of whom are Kate's immediate and extended family. The Kindrick's family dynamic is one of love, affection, of prayer and of the belief in the afterlife. I liked ALL the supporting cast. Yes, even the evil ones, because Sherry Maysonave wrote their characterization brilliantly.
You see, having read quite a few Christian fiction, I'd braced myself for a sermon and the inevitable tirade about the impending damnation of my eternal soul. With strong spiritual, elemental, and Christian undertones, The Girl Who Could Read Hearts could have been preachy, off-putting, judgmental; instead, it's inviting, uplifting, reverent, and unpresuming. And surprisingly, utterly engaging with a sinister-suspense undertone. But it also highlights issues such as eating disorders, physical abuse, and prejudice.
With so many secondary plots, it could easily have become convoluted but Maysonave crafted each story adroitly and without any embellishments. More like here it is, now let's deal with it.
Told as a 3rd person omniscient narrative, each character (including the angels and other supernatural beings) has a voice. There's no doubt that the prose is visually descriptive filled with metaphors and the likes, but it's done so cleverly and never in an overt manner. It seemed perfectly logical that a person with evil intent would have black ribbons of tar flowing out of their heart. Or that a happy person would have a heart filled with gemstones that pulsate with prisms of color.
I wasn't quite prepared when the book shifted from a purely supernatural story to one with a wicked and sinister undertone. Hand on heart, I literally gasped when I got to that part. Up until THAT moment, the pacing felt a bit like the uphill climb of a roller-coaster, nice-easy-breezy, and then, BAM, a dizzying descent into a spectacular climax with evil relatives, vindictive and psychotic females, loss of loved ones and, ultimately, hope.
Lastly, TGWCRH should have been a 5-star book, but it had some loose ends and unexplained backstory. Example: (a) Who was Tessa? (b) How did Kate's grandmother acquire the doll-angel (a feeble attempt was made but it felt inauthentic and hastily put together)? (c) what was the relationship between Vaynem and Angelique? I couldn't get over these plot holes but overall, this was moving and uplifting and for those of us who believe in Jesus as a personal savior, it paints an inviting picture of the afterlife.
I liked it a lot and will be reading it again.
Get out of your head. Open your heart and unlock your spirit eyes. Dare to see the world as a little child does. Everything..is alive in The Light of God. …There is an afterlife, and it’s utterly blissful. Have faith and breathe in God’s amazing love for you.
July 6, 2016
This book was inspired by some real life experiences of the author.
Themes of angels, precognition, being able to sense what's happening elsewhere prevail.
The story is told from the perspective of a 6 year old girl who is born into a family where these special abilities trend among the generations.
The family is also devoutly Christian.
Which made for an interesting mix of ideas and perspectives on religion and how it should be practiced. Spoiler alert: Should always be from a place of love. Not misery or guilt.
At times, the child's voice gets to be monotonous in a tired way. I'm still not sure if this is supposed to be a book for adults or one accessible by young readers as well. If I recall, there's not many themes or events that would be too much for 12+.
I tend to avoid books classified as Christian Fiction and when I requested it, it wasn't marked as so. It definitely is primarily Christian Fiction, magical realism second. I didn't mind the religious aspects because it came from genuine hearts.
In fact, one of my favorite bits was when the false & evil hearted man who was heavily involved in his church was described to be a practitioner of Churchiantity, not Christianity. Brilliant characterization of the hypocrits that ruin organized religious faiths.
Thank you to the publisher for the free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Themes of angels, precognition, being able to sense what's happening elsewhere prevail.
The story is told from the perspective of a 6 year old girl who is born into a family where these special abilities trend among the generations.
The family is also devoutly Christian.
Which made for an interesting mix of ideas and perspectives on religion and how it should be practiced. Spoiler alert: Should always be from a place of love. Not misery or guilt.
At times, the child's voice gets to be monotonous in a tired way. I'm still not sure if this is supposed to be a book for adults or one accessible by young readers as well. If I recall, there's not many themes or events that would be too much for 12+.
I tend to avoid books classified as Christian Fiction and when I requested it, it wasn't marked as so. It definitely is primarily Christian Fiction, magical realism second. I didn't mind the religious aspects because it came from genuine hearts.
In fact, one of my favorite bits was when the false & evil hearted man who was heavily involved in his church was described to be a practitioner of Churchiantity, not Christianity. Brilliant characterization of the hypocrits that ruin organized religious faiths.
Thank you to the publisher for the free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 24, 2016
The Girl Who Could Read Hearts opens with six-year-old Kate, who huddles in the safe embrace of a walnut tree in Berkeley, California. At this point, Kate is clueless about her hidden intuitive powers and the presence of an angel on her birthday cake, who is charged with overseeing the evolution of a soul eons old, belaying her latest six-year-old incarnation's physical age.
While the story line focuses on the evolution of Kate's powers and her growing relationship with this angel overseer, it's also a story of parents and others who view her visions as a form of mental illness and who try to help her accordingly.
The Girl Who Could Read Hearts may be directed to young adult audiences, but the first thing to know about Kate and her world is that her ability to 'read' others and effect changes that might not be entirely desirable makes for a compelling tale that many an adult will also want to read.
As events unfold and Kate finds herself caught in a web of self-discovery and self-induced interventions, facing the consequences of her choices as her abilities grow, so readers are drawn into a plot that pairs a story of growing faith and evolving talents with a myriad of social, political and personal conflicts along the way.
Sherry Maysonave's ability to juxtapose inner and outer worlds for a maximum sense of impact and her realistic portrayal of a youngster's world make for satisfying blends of extraordinary and ordinary experiences: "See, you’re not such a smarty pants after all. Like you can’t even win a game for four-year-olds,” Marilla Marzy taunted."
Medical procedures and murder, teen angst and police involvements, eating disorders and intrigue, and interactions with the afterlife push The Girl Who Could Read Hearts into unexpected directions. Readers won't expect to find these themes wound into an overall saga of a girl's awakening abilities; but they are an intrinsic piece of a plot that combines spiritual reflections with social issues, and they make for a complex web of events that succeed in creating a moving, memorable story.
The Girl Who Could Read Hearts is a highly recommended, evocative read for young adult to adult audiences who are interested in stories of evolution, spiritual guidance, and ultimately, hope.
While the story line focuses on the evolution of Kate's powers and her growing relationship with this angel overseer, it's also a story of parents and others who view her visions as a form of mental illness and who try to help her accordingly.
The Girl Who Could Read Hearts may be directed to young adult audiences, but the first thing to know about Kate and her world is that her ability to 'read' others and effect changes that might not be entirely desirable makes for a compelling tale that many an adult will also want to read.
As events unfold and Kate finds herself caught in a web of self-discovery and self-induced interventions, facing the consequences of her choices as her abilities grow, so readers are drawn into a plot that pairs a story of growing faith and evolving talents with a myriad of social, political and personal conflicts along the way.
Sherry Maysonave's ability to juxtapose inner and outer worlds for a maximum sense of impact and her realistic portrayal of a youngster's world make for satisfying blends of extraordinary and ordinary experiences: "See, you’re not such a smarty pants after all. Like you can’t even win a game for four-year-olds,” Marilla Marzy taunted."
Medical procedures and murder, teen angst and police involvements, eating disorders and intrigue, and interactions with the afterlife push The Girl Who Could Read Hearts into unexpected directions. Readers won't expect to find these themes wound into an overall saga of a girl's awakening abilities; but they are an intrinsic piece of a plot that combines spiritual reflections with social issues, and they make for a complex web of events that succeed in creating a moving, memorable story.
The Girl Who Could Read Hearts is a highly recommended, evocative read for young adult to adult audiences who are interested in stories of evolution, spiritual guidance, and ultimately, hope.
September 4, 2016
The Girl Who Could Read Hearts by Sherry Maysonave is about an angel, a special gift, and colors. Kate Kindrick seems like an ordinary little girl on the outside, but the only difference is that she can see the hearts of those around her. How she is able to see the hearts of others? Kate sees the heart through the elements of colors. Kate was introduced to this special gift gradually as she turned six. As her mother, Carly, prepared for Kate’s birthday party, Kate discovered Etta Ebella, her guardian angel. Etta Ebella was a different type of angel because Kate could see and talk to her.
Through the guidance of Etta, Kate learned how to use the gift and to see the value of seeing hearts through colors and images. When the Kindricks experience a tragedy, they began to see Kate’s gift and discover that she is not delusional. They help her to cultivate it and, despite it being an unusual gift, the family realizes that it's more of a blessing than a curse. Then something else tragic happens; could it get any worse? What will Kate’s gift tell her about the feelings of those around her as these life challenges occur?
As I was reading, I began to wonder about the passion behind this story. The Girl Who Could Read Hearts began due a search for self-discovery by Sherry Maysonave. At a young age, Sherry had experienced several supernatural events that left her wanting to learn more about the afterlife. This discovery led her to the elements of life, nature, as well as the afterlife. As you read the story, you will begin to see the elements of life experiences and emotions through the eyes of Kate in various colorful hues, especially when elements of emotions from sickness to death rear their ugly heads. If you like stories about the afterlife, angels, and matters of the heart, pick up a copy of The Girl Who Could Read Hearts by Sherry Maysonave.The Girl Who Could Read Hearts
Through the guidance of Etta, Kate learned how to use the gift and to see the value of seeing hearts through colors and images. When the Kindricks experience a tragedy, they began to see Kate’s gift and discover that she is not delusional. They help her to cultivate it and, despite it being an unusual gift, the family realizes that it's more of a blessing than a curse. Then something else tragic happens; could it get any worse? What will Kate’s gift tell her about the feelings of those around her as these life challenges occur?
As I was reading, I began to wonder about the passion behind this story. The Girl Who Could Read Hearts began due a search for self-discovery by Sherry Maysonave. At a young age, Sherry had experienced several supernatural events that left her wanting to learn more about the afterlife. This discovery led her to the elements of life, nature, as well as the afterlife. As you read the story, you will begin to see the elements of life experiences and emotions through the eyes of Kate in various colorful hues, especially when elements of emotions from sickness to death rear their ugly heads. If you like stories about the afterlife, angels, and matters of the heart, pick up a copy of The Girl Who Could Read Hearts by Sherry Maysonave.The Girl Who Could Read Hearts
October 15, 2016
I was given the book THE GIRL WHO COULD READ HEARTS for free in exchange for my honest review.
This book is about Angels with a pinch of fairy dust added for spice. The characters in this book are unique in the special way they are touched by an Angel. I dislike reviews that describe the story because you can usually get that from a book cover and if you can get much of a story from a review, then there's no reason to purchase the book. So, instead, let me tell you that I needed tissues several times reading this book because I was deeply touched. I also laughed out loud at how easy words we use every day can be misunderstood by a 6 year-old. This 6 year-old child was able to completely understand some things because of her innocence about Angels that the adults couldn't see because they had closed their hearts and grew up. When I finished this book, I thought of Jesus telling his Disciples that we need to believe like a child. May the innocent spirit of a 6 year-old always remain in our hearts so that we can see and talk to Angels.
This book will appeal to everyone that believes in Angels. I would like to suggest that you purchase 2 books - one for your library and one as a gift for someone special to you. If you don't, you'll share your book and possibly not get it back. This book is the kind of book that makes you feel so warm and comfortable that you're going to want to re-read it.
This book is about Angels with a pinch of fairy dust added for spice. The characters in this book are unique in the special way they are touched by an Angel. I dislike reviews that describe the story because you can usually get that from a book cover and if you can get much of a story from a review, then there's no reason to purchase the book. So, instead, let me tell you that I needed tissues several times reading this book because I was deeply touched. I also laughed out loud at how easy words we use every day can be misunderstood by a 6 year-old. This 6 year-old child was able to completely understand some things because of her innocence about Angels that the adults couldn't see because they had closed their hearts and grew up. When I finished this book, I thought of Jesus telling his Disciples that we need to believe like a child. May the innocent spirit of a 6 year-old always remain in our hearts so that we can see and talk to Angels.
This book will appeal to everyone that believes in Angels. I would like to suggest that you purchase 2 books - one for your library and one as a gift for someone special to you. If you don't, you'll share your book and possibly not get it back. This book is the kind of book that makes you feel so warm and comfortable that you're going to want to re-read it.
September 9, 2016
This book is beautiful inside and out. I borrowed it from my daughter and I really enjoyed the book. There were a lot of characters to keep up with, but they all intertwine and play an important part of the story. The story is about a young girl that has the ability to see other's hearts and her own heart guides her to make the right decisions when things get complicated. Towards the end of the book I could not put it down. I appreciate that the book was spiritual without being overtly geared toward one religion over another.
September 6, 2016
Before I start my review, I would like to thank NetGalley and Empowerment Productions with Balboa Press for allowing me to review The Girl Who Could Read Hearts by Sherry Maysonave.
**All opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone. I received The Girl Who Could Read Hearts from Empowerment Productions with Balboa Press through NetGalley as an ARC for my honest and unbiased review**
Now onto my review:
This book started off very slow. Slow to the point where I almost stopped reading it. But after the first couple of chapters (which were torture to read), the story started and it was a great one. When God, Jesus and angels are definitely discussed in this book, religion is not shoved down your throat. The author also shows the **bad** side of being a Christian too and she showcases it very well.
I loved Kate’s character. She is so innocent, so sweet that I wanted to give her a huge hug when the bad stuff started happening to her. Her ability to read hearts is something that was passed down from her grandmother. The descriptions of what people’s hearts looked like (one description had a heart that looked frozen with rain clouds) was eerie.
The one thing that I really didn’t like about the book was the names and how they always started with the same letter. Put it this way, her Aunt was Ruthie Renee. For some reason it bugged me.
The bad guy in this book was a legit bad guy who hid behind his wealth and Christianity. Everytime I read his scenes, I got a bad taste in my mouth and I legit wanted to swoop down into the book and smack him in the face. But, he did get what was coming to him in the end and I was glad.
The ending was very bittersweet. If I wasn’t sitting in a orthodontist office with Z, waiting to be called, I would have burst out into tears.
How many stars will I give The Girl Who Could Read Hearts? 3.5/4
Why? A very well written book that takes you on an emotional journey with a little girl who has a very rare, very special 7th sense of reading hearts. You get caught up in the story, after the slow start, and start rooting for people to make the right choices/decisions.
Will I reread? Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes
Age range? Teen
Why? No sex. Also there is an eating disorder portrayed, domestic abuse and child abuse. Also racism and medical misconduct are portrayed.
**All opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone. I received The Girl Who Could Read Hearts from Empowerment Productions with Balboa Press through NetGalley as an ARC for my honest and unbiased review**
Now onto my review:
This book started off very slow. Slow to the point where I almost stopped reading it. But after the first couple of chapters (which were torture to read), the story started and it was a great one. When God, Jesus and angels are definitely discussed in this book, religion is not shoved down your throat. The author also shows the **bad** side of being a Christian too and she showcases it very well.
I loved Kate’s character. She is so innocent, so sweet that I wanted to give her a huge hug when the bad stuff started happening to her. Her ability to read hearts is something that was passed down from her grandmother. The descriptions of what people’s hearts looked like (one description had a heart that looked frozen with rain clouds) was eerie.
The one thing that I really didn’t like about the book was the names and how they always started with the same letter. Put it this way, her Aunt was Ruthie Renee. For some reason it bugged me.
The bad guy in this book was a legit bad guy who hid behind his wealth and Christianity. Everytime I read his scenes, I got a bad taste in my mouth and I legit wanted to swoop down into the book and smack him in the face. But, he did get what was coming to him in the end and I was glad.
The ending was very bittersweet. If I wasn’t sitting in a orthodontist office with Z, waiting to be called, I would have burst out into tears.
How many stars will I give The Girl Who Could Read Hearts? 3.5/4
Why? A very well written book that takes you on an emotional journey with a little girl who has a very rare, very special 7th sense of reading hearts. You get caught up in the story, after the slow start, and start rooting for people to make the right choices/decisions.
Will I reread? Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes
Age range? Teen
Why? No sex. Also there is an eating disorder portrayed, domestic abuse and child abuse. Also racism and medical misconduct are portrayed.
August 13, 2016
I picked up The Girl Who Could Read Hearts by Sherry Maysonave from Netgalley because the description of someone reading hearts instead of minds intrigued me. I thought it would a nice change of pace. The story is told in the third person but the perspective changes between a six year old child and several adults.
Kate is preparing to celebrate her sixth birthday. She has an angel figurine, Etta Elba, given to her the day she was born by her grandmother. The figurine communicates with her through wing movement and eye flashes. It seems as though there is a telepathic link also. The adults who surround Kate range from caring like her parents to evil like her uncle by marriage.
The concept of the book, that one's heart/soul can be visible has potential but I had a few problems with the book. Every character in Kate's family has names that are double initials, for example Terrence Ted or TT. Some of the minor characters had similar naming, for example Virginia Vettlehurst. I found that to be distracting after the first few chapters. My second problem was the characters were two dimensional. The "villian" Vaynem Moxsin reminded me (showing my age here) of the old cartoon character Snidley Whiplash. I found all the characters light or dark with very little in between.
The book contains Christian themes. Jesus and The Great Angel Mother are mentioned often. If religious themes are not your cup of tea, you may want to give this one a pass. Overall I enjoyed it. It was different. I see potential in the writing of Ms. Maysonaye and look forward to checking into her next book.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
Kate is preparing to celebrate her sixth birthday. She has an angel figurine, Etta Elba, given to her the day she was born by her grandmother. The figurine communicates with her through wing movement and eye flashes. It seems as though there is a telepathic link also. The adults who surround Kate range from caring like her parents to evil like her uncle by marriage.
The concept of the book, that one's heart/soul can be visible has potential but I had a few problems with the book. Every character in Kate's family has names that are double initials, for example Terrence Ted or TT. Some of the minor characters had similar naming, for example Virginia Vettlehurst. I found that to be distracting after the first few chapters. My second problem was the characters were two dimensional. The "villian" Vaynem Moxsin reminded me (showing my age here) of the old cartoon character Snidley Whiplash. I found all the characters light or dark with very little in between.
The book contains Christian themes. Jesus and The Great Angel Mother are mentioned often. If religious themes are not your cup of tea, you may want to give this one a pass. Overall I enjoyed it. It was different. I see potential in the writing of Ms. Maysonaye and look forward to checking into her next book.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
August 30, 2016
Reviewed By Arya Fomonyuy for Readers’ Favorite
The Girl Who Could Read Hearts by Sherry Maysonave is a psychological novel, a beautiful story of coming to grips with one’s gifts. Kate Kindrick has the rare gift of the seventh sense, a gift that begins to manifest in her life as early as six years old — the ability to read human hearts, coupled with keen intuition — but what can a young girl make of such a powerful gift? The signs of this rare gift trouble the young girl’s parents who would — like any normal parents — consider such a phenomenon as close to insanity. Like many special gifts, Kate’s seventh sense comes with its own form of responsibility and, like every extraordinary gift, it is her own cross to bear. Can she assume it, fully accept it, and bear it through the many challenges that lie ahead?
The Girl Who Could Read Hearts is well written and, yes, the language casts a powerful spell from the very first word of the story. The prose is well-crafted with a strong and masterful use of descriptions to create an unsettling feeling in readers, and a setting that draws the reader irresistibly into the story. The multidimensional plot is very symbolic of the parallel universe inhabited by the psyche of the protagonist. The story starts with conflict and it is important to see how it climaxes. Readers will also enjoy the well-crafted characters and how the author explores their psychological health. Sherry Maysonave makes readers care about her characters and invites them to embrace their weirdness, their God-given talents without shame.
This is a groundbreaking story with a theme that is rarely touched upon in this genre.
The Girl Who Could Read Hearts by Sherry Maysonave is a psychological novel, a beautiful story of coming to grips with one’s gifts. Kate Kindrick has the rare gift of the seventh sense, a gift that begins to manifest in her life as early as six years old — the ability to read human hearts, coupled with keen intuition — but what can a young girl make of such a powerful gift? The signs of this rare gift trouble the young girl’s parents who would — like any normal parents — consider such a phenomenon as close to insanity. Like many special gifts, Kate’s seventh sense comes with its own form of responsibility and, like every extraordinary gift, it is her own cross to bear. Can she assume it, fully accept it, and bear it through the many challenges that lie ahead?
The Girl Who Could Read Hearts is well written and, yes, the language casts a powerful spell from the very first word of the story. The prose is well-crafted with a strong and masterful use of descriptions to create an unsettling feeling in readers, and a setting that draws the reader irresistibly into the story. The multidimensional plot is very symbolic of the parallel universe inhabited by the psyche of the protagonist. The story starts with conflict and it is important to see how it climaxes. Readers will also enjoy the well-crafted characters and how the author explores their psychological health. Sherry Maysonave makes readers care about her characters and invites them to embrace their weirdness, their God-given talents without shame.
This is a groundbreaking story with a theme that is rarely touched upon in this genre.
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November 8, 2016Being a pediatrician I quickly understood the main character, Kate, a six year old with the unique ability to read the aura in people's hearts, including good, bad, and turmoil. She is an inquisitive girl that asks questions and is surprised by some of the answers such as her learning about bigotry and hateful hearts. Kate has a not-so-imaginary friend, Etta Ebella, and angel that has taken up residence in a plastic angel doll, who we first meet on the top of her birthday cake. Her angel gives Kate divine hunches to prevent disaster, but on one occasion she doesn't act on that information and sustains a fall that no only injures herself but also severely injures her "soul-mate" uncle. Kate's life takes a turn for the worse when she is forced to live with her bullying cousin who she discovers has bulimia. Her evil uncle, Vaynem Moxim, is a narcissistic verbally and physically abusive man who hides behind a veil of religiosity but makes life miserable for all of those he should love both through his actions and those of his "goons." Through a rapid juxtaposition of multiple events that leave the reader riveted with suspense, the lives both good and evil people come together in the same hospital on the same day. Again, the doctor in me was amazed how Sherry reproduced the ailments, treatments, and doctor patient relationships that ensue. Kate has a heavenly vision of the afterlife that gives her strength to endure with the help of Etta Ebella. I don't want to give away the ending, but suffice it to say that I was upset to have finished this book. Perhaps Sherry can check in with us as Kate and her angel continue on through childhood!
April 8, 2017
This is a magical and touching tale about a girl who is gifted with an intuitive ability to read others and see through to who they are. If you're an empathetic or intuitive person, you can probably relate to having that ability. I think this is a good story and recommend to anyone who enjoys reading about intuitive abilities and angels. It reaffirms the belief that we are all souls, not just bodies, and that there is a place we go to after physical death, and our soul never dies. I received an advance copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2016
Review to come.
August 14, 2019
More for preteens
I read the reviews on this book and was excited to read it...boy was I disappointed. The book is at times rather juvenile and the double letter names for almost everything or everyone got on my nerves. Things were brought up in the book which had no direct reference to the story like the KKK. A byline in the book was prejudice but the book would have succeeded more without that being in it. I love Angel stories but this one disappointed me.
I read the reviews on this book and was excited to read it...boy was I disappointed. The book is at times rather juvenile and the double letter names for almost everything or everyone got on my nerves. Things were brought up in the book which had no direct reference to the story like the KKK. A byline in the book was prejudice but the book would have succeeded more without that being in it. I love Angel stories but this one disappointed me.
December 17, 2018
This book is compelling and you won't want it to end!
Anyone remotely interested in the afterlife, Angels, a Higher Power will enjoy the veracity of this story. There is an overwhelming feeling of warmth and love spilling from the pages. Be sure to make yourself comfortable before beginning to read because you won't want to leave this story for a minute.
Anyone remotely interested in the afterlife, Angels, a Higher Power will enjoy the veracity of this story. There is an overwhelming feeling of warmth and love spilling from the pages. Be sure to make yourself comfortable before beginning to read because you won't want to leave this story for a minute.
April 2, 2018
Inspirational
I love love this book! Inspirational and Spiritual, this book captures the Love of God for all humans and animals. I recommend this book to anyone seeking understanding of God’s Power and Love in our midst everywhere’s.
I love love this book! Inspirational and Spiritual, this book captures the Love of God for all humans and animals. I recommend this book to anyone seeking understanding of God’s Power and Love in our midst everywhere’s.
June 3, 2018
Delightful read!
I could not put this book down. Absolutely delightful and heart warming. In a time of whining and complaining ... finger pointing and assigning blame ... this was a breath of fresh, clean air.
I could not put this book down. Absolutely delightful and heart warming. In a time of whining and complaining ... finger pointing and assigning blame ... this was a breath of fresh, clean air.
June 4, 2022
Insightful spiritual story
Sherry Maysonave has created a beautiful, engrossing book, incorporating
humor, love, an angel doll who imparts wisdom and intuitively focuses on positive energies through the words of a child. Captivating read.
Sherry Maysonave has created a beautiful, engrossing book, incorporating
humor, love, an angel doll who imparts wisdom and intuitively focuses on positive energies through the words of a child. Captivating read.
August 16, 2018
The Girl Who Could Read Hearts
What a tender love story in this family drama, God’s Grace is sufficient for all things—mercy truly triumphs over judgments!
What a tender love story in this family drama, God’s Grace is sufficient for all things—mercy truly triumphs over judgments!
May 30, 2019
Spellbinding
Kept my interest the whole time with unexpexted twists and turns throughout the whole book. I highly recommend this book.
Kept my interest the whole time with unexpexted twists and turns throughout the whole book. I highly recommend this book.
June 13, 2019
Kept me reading until the end
The story will capture you, change your mood to a higher vibration and touch your heart. Loved it. I highly recommend.
The story will capture you, change your mood to a higher vibration and touch your heart. Loved it. I highly recommend.
August 24, 2019
Sweet
Sweet story about a family I would like to know. We never found out what happened to the Moxin one though.
Sweet story about a family I would like to know. We never found out what happened to the Moxin one though.
September 4, 2019
Story really pulls you in. Great read from start to finish and very uplifting. Highly recommend.
December 22, 2021
With 4+ stars review, I expected much better. So many characters I couldn’t follow. I believe in angels but this author was a little too “out there” for me.
October 12, 2019
I am a bit OCD when it comes to books, especially if I have purchased it: I have to finish even if I don’t like it. So I persevered through this nonsensical novel, and finally finished.
IlWithout a doubt, I think this is one of the worst books I’ve ever read. The story is ridiculous, so far-fetched, just comical. And the author’s writing style is just awful. The main character is Kate, a six-year-old girl Who can “see people‘s true hearts”. While she uses “baby talk “at times, her thoughts are adult and unlike any six-year-old would have. Two examples annoyed the hell out of me in their repetitive and inconsistent use:
1- LAMB-PASTA CAR: Kate refers to her uncle’s Lamborghini as a “lamb pasta car”, as she is unfamiliar with the Italian make. That’s OK, but every time the car is mentioned, it is called“the lamb-pasta car”, even when it is an adult perspective! I found this cloying and annoying. And who really cares about the cars make? Rather than say “the lamb-pasta car swerved... how about “the car swerved, avoiding an accident”. I started underlining it as I read, because it was repeated time after time in the same paragraph, in the same chapter.
2-THE JESUS MAN: Kate refers to her visions/dreams about Jesus as “the Jesus man” because he looks like the Jesus in paintings and pictures she has seen, yet she is unsure if that is him. Yet when recounting a vision she had, she called him “Jesus” and then a few sentences later, she called him “the Jesus man”. So...is it or isn’t it?
The inconsistent and overuse of these ridiculous pronouns detracted from any possible enjoyment I could’ve gotten from this cheesy book.
To borrow a quote from a movie: “I award you no points, and we are all dumber for having read this”.
** this book is immediately going in the recycle bin.
IlWithout a doubt, I think this is one of the worst books I’ve ever read. The story is ridiculous, so far-fetched, just comical. And the author’s writing style is just awful. The main character is Kate, a six-year-old girl Who can “see people‘s true hearts”. While she uses “baby talk “at times, her thoughts are adult and unlike any six-year-old would have. Two examples annoyed the hell out of me in their repetitive and inconsistent use:
1- LAMB-PASTA CAR: Kate refers to her uncle’s Lamborghini as a “lamb pasta car”, as she is unfamiliar with the Italian make. That’s OK, but every time the car is mentioned, it is called“the lamb-pasta car”, even when it is an adult perspective! I found this cloying and annoying. And who really cares about the cars make? Rather than say “the lamb-pasta car swerved... how about “the car swerved, avoiding an accident”. I started underlining it as I read, because it was repeated time after time in the same paragraph, in the same chapter.
2-THE JESUS MAN: Kate refers to her visions/dreams about Jesus as “the Jesus man” because he looks like the Jesus in paintings and pictures she has seen, yet she is unsure if that is him. Yet when recounting a vision she had, she called him “Jesus” and then a few sentences later, she called him “the Jesus man”. So...is it or isn’t it?
The inconsistent and overuse of these ridiculous pronouns detracted from any possible enjoyment I could’ve gotten from this cheesy book.
To borrow a quote from a movie: “I award you no points, and we are all dumber for having read this”.
** this book is immediately going in the recycle bin.
December 12, 2016
I read the girl who could read hearts twice and can’t stop to marvel at the beauty of the prose, at the strong storyline, the compelling characters and, of course, the powerful message. Sherry Maysonave successfully brings two worlds to clash — the supernatural world of the angels and the human reality — but it is the realism that permeates this story that will surprise many readers.
The story of young Kate reminds me of the heroes and heroines of Paulo Coelho’s works, who are often at odds with their society because of their gifts. It’s the same with Kate, a girl who can read hearts, penetrate human emotions, and curiously see the different colors residing in the human heart. As it happens to anyone with an unusual gift, she suffers being labelled as mentally ill. Her journey towards self-acceptance and growth, a journey made with an angelic companion is one that will offer many lessons to readers.
It’s not surprising that this intriguing story is based on real life experiences of the author and that it wins the 2016 Beverly Hills Book Awards ─ Fiction, Religion. You’ll deepen your faith in the supernatural and see life flowing beyond the mundane experiences of life when after you read this inspiring and entertaining story.
The story of young Kate reminds me of the heroes and heroines of Paulo Coelho’s works, who are often at odds with their society because of their gifts. It’s the same with Kate, a girl who can read hearts, penetrate human emotions, and curiously see the different colors residing in the human heart. As it happens to anyone with an unusual gift, she suffers being labelled as mentally ill. Her journey towards self-acceptance and growth, a journey made with an angelic companion is one that will offer many lessons to readers.
It’s not surprising that this intriguing story is based on real life experiences of the author and that it wins the 2016 Beverly Hills Book Awards ─ Fiction, Religion. You’ll deepen your faith in the supernatural and see life flowing beyond the mundane experiences of life when after you read this inspiring and entertaining story.
April 1, 2017
Although this book may have started out a bit slow for me, I almost put it down a few times, when it did pick up it basically flew! The Girl Who Could Read Hearts gave me so many emotions throughout the story, a literal emotional journey. Trust me, get past the first few chapters and you will be glad you stuck with it.
Kate was such a sweet character and you just want to wrap her up and protect her. She was by far the best in the book. There were definite "good guys" and "bad guys" portrayed in this book and they were made very clear. No confusion or gray areas about who they were or what their motives were.
The Girl Who Could Read Hearts is well written and the concept of 'reading hearts' is creative and extremely interesting. I'm so pleased to have been given the opportunity to read and review this book.
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Kate was such a sweet character and you just want to wrap her up and protect her. She was by far the best in the book. There were definite "good guys" and "bad guys" portrayed in this book and they were made very clear. No confusion or gray areas about who they were or what their motives were.
The Girl Who Could Read Hearts is well written and the concept of 'reading hearts' is creative and extremely interesting. I'm so pleased to have been given the opportunity to read and review this book.
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2023
This is a religious book. That said I never felt like I was being preached too. The author does a nice job showing the characters as real people and both sides of being a Christian. In other words, those who say they are Christian and those who really are Christian. While the main character in this book is a 6 year old girl, Kate, who can see into people’s hearts, Kate is still at a stage where she does not understand what she is seeing and the people around her seem to be unable to comprehend her abilities. I found this interesting as there are characters in the book that are in touch with their abilities and realize that it is carried through the family however make no effort to help Kate with her abilities. On completing the reading I was left with some unanswered questions about the characters and the story. I would read another book by this author.
October 24, 2016
I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story about a family that can read the content and intent in people’s hearts and souls. This story sucks you in and does not let you go until the very end. It truly makes you think about your attitude in life and the decisions you make. My favorite character was Kate. I really enjoyed her thoughts and questions as she tries to make sense of her 6 year old world. I also could understand Abigail’s reasoning for the poor decisions that she had made and could rejoice when she decided to rethink her choices. I really appreciated that there were no loose ends at the end of the story. And I would be very happy if there was a sequel to this story.
November 17, 2016
The main character is a little girl with amazing powers to read people's hearts and auras and to see good versus evil. She is accompanied by her special friend, an angel with magical powers, that once adorned the child's birthday cake. Other characters have similar attributes and each contributes their own special insights in that they are gifted, as well. Social issues are also intertwined into the narrative. It's an intriguing read and culminates in a suspenseful ending that had me glued to the book. Intuitive, imaginative, and thought-provoking journey!
August 25, 2018
I had trouble following the story at first but as the story progressed, I couldn't put it down. I was drawn in by the families problems and triumphs. I found myself reading to 2 A.M. to see what happened next. This is a very good read for all!
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