Mended Hearts

by Connie Angeline

When Sydney Chase convinced her boyfriend to take her on a sailing trip, she never imagined that a terrible storm would claim his life. Five years later, Sydney is still consigned to a life of sorrow and self- punishment, but finds solace in teaching horse-riding lessons at her grandfather's ranch. If only he would stop setting her up on dates with guys she's definitely not interested in. After Grandpa Gabriel promises to end his matchmaking scheme, Sydney is both surprised and frustrated when yet another young man shows up at the ranch to meet her -- even though this is a particularly attractive one. But he says he's just there for the horses. As Jackson and Sydney work together to breed Sydney's favorite mare, Sydney struggles to face her past and forgive herself for her boyfriend's death. Will she be able to overcome her fears and embrace new hope? And will she have strength enough to let love into her life again?

Genres: Lds Fiction, Romance, Lds

214 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

There wasn't anything really unexpected about this book to set it apart from any others, but there was also nothing bad about it. I liked the grandfather and wished there was just a little more about him in it. I thought the beginning of the story was a little weak and could actually have been left out and just referred to as something in her past--it was just weak. I did, however, like her characters, even if they could have used a little more work in a few places. All in all, a decent way to spend a few hours.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun romance that isn't tedious. Funny in parts, sad in parts, w/ good dialouge. The only complaint I have is the misunderstanding toward the end being a little eye rolling, and one loose end that isn't completely tied up...but overall I really enjoyed it!

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read. I liked the setting on Whitby Island. I honeymooned there and live in the Pacific NW.

[Charity Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story so much! I’ve read it many times now. It’s older, but a goodie. If you like romances with great character growth, then this is a great one to read.

[Jacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Mormony flick

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good story line, and being a horse lover myself I just had to read it. I liked the main characters, and for a "straight romance" there was enough tension to keep the reader turning pages without feeling like "I've read this book before . . . ." My only complaints with it come from my being an equestrienne for many years: on the surface, the horse info and the way horses are woven into the story and details about barns, some with riding, etc. made me feel like I was reading a story from someone who was like me in a lot of ways. But then she would use terms that were just flat out wrong (like using "bridle" instead of "halter"; "reins" instead of "leadrope"), and the image would crash. Still, I would recommend it as a good read.

[Dorry Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little did Sydney Chase know when she insisted her boyfriend take her sailing that a storm would come up & he would lose his life. Five years later she still can not deal with the guilt of his death. She will not date anyone seriously. She comes to her Grandfather's ranch to teach horse-riding lessons. Her grandfather tries very hard to get her to date even sets her up with guys. Finally she convinces him to stop setting her up. So she is surprised when a guy shows up at the ranch and he is only there for the horses. You can imagine the rest tho' she did have a hard time overcoming the fear of a new life...

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney harbors a deep heartache and guilt over that devastating day--the day Randy was lost during a sailing trip. It's been six years and Sydney still believes that it was her fault and that Randy would still be alive if not for her. Through her close friends and family, Sydney finally realizes that she's not only been hurting herself, but them too. It was easy to feel her fears as Sydney faces them.

[Shanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better LDS romances I've read in a while. Only a small amount of "cheese factor" and I liked all of the characters for the most part, especially the hero. Jackson was down-to-earth, mature and considerate- as handsome on the inside as he was on the outside- and believably so, as well. I finished the book in just a few hours.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book, enjoyable read! It was so real in depicting how when sorrow comes to us we shut down our emotions for trusting and build up barriors to protect our hearts. When sydney loses her boyfriend in a sailing accident she does just this. Her family try to help by pushing blind dates on her until the last unexpected guy breaks down the barriors. great story

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read it before but couldn't remember much so i read it again. Good book. Liked how she looked at her life and applied the stuff she had been teaching her students. Didn't think the author shed much light on her looks. It was mentioned about how she is sweaty and stinky and snores a lot. Not too flattering.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did really like this book. It was a good sappy romance novel and a relatively quick read.

I did find myself a little distracted by Rob. I didn't feel like he got the closure he should have.

Other than that I liked the setting and the characters, though some of the prose was a bit flowery for me, I found the descriptions detailed.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish I could do a 3.5. Not outstanding but better than some. Sydney's boyfriend dies in a storm while they are boating. Years later she still avoids the sea and close relationships.
Her Grandfather starts matchmaking.

[Amber Ashton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Predictable LDS fiction. I read it because it's about a girl whose grandfather is always setting her up on dates. Having gone on a million setups myself, I could relate. Except mine haven't yet worked out quite like this...

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I was so intrigued by these characters that I couldn't put the book down. I really enjoyed the emotional journey of the main character, Sydney, as she strives to put her painful past behind her and learns to love and trust again. I will definatly read this great romance again!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a quick fast read. It had cute humor and fun match making. I started out sad and it got you captured in what was going to happen to this lonely young girl. I like a little romance. It was
good for anyone who loves horses.

[Mindie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute LDS Romance Novel. It was easy to read, and kept my interest, but not as great as others I've read. I did like the Characters, though at times, felt that they took forever to say or act on their thoughts and feelings.

[Twyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a relaxing read.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like romance and horses, this book will please you.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Very cute and touching.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. How refreshing to find a good clean love story! I'll be watching for this author's second book to come out.

[Lis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The classic LDS story of learning to love again after death and the loss of faith.

[Lacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like horses this book is for you. I however don't necessarily love horses so I was more into it for the love story.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down for some reason I just had to see how the characters would end up. Great book.

[Hillary · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was not a strong plot and the relationship between the two main characters was weak at best. I am not fond of romantic "tension" when there is a dumb misunderstanding.

[Cheryl-Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this author isn't near as good a writer as Corben but the story was good enough that it made up for it. I like chick flick books too:-)

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second time that I have read this book.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow story but interesting exploration of working through grief and guilt with an easy going romance.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was hard to get into at first, Maybe just me. But then about a 3rd of the way through it got better. I loved her grandpa. I really liked the ending.

[Angela Saunders · Rating 3 out of 5]

If your a horse lover you will enjoy this book.