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Everything the Heart Wants: A Novel

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Writer Halley Brennan couldn’t dream up a better love story than her own. Married for eleven years, she and her husband, Adam, are still living their happily ever after. They both know what they want—and don’t want—for their life together. And that includes being child-free. But when one of them has a change of heart about wanting a baby, it brings their marriage and life plans into harsher focus.

Devastated that this bombshell might destroy their relationship, Halley finds comfort in her closest friends: Nina, who’s finally pregnant after years of trying; her sister, Charlotte, an overwhelmed mother of three; and Marian, a successful businesswoman who regrets letting go of her one true love.

Now, with their guidance and support, Halley begins a painful journey of self-discovery. As she searches her heart to make a life-changing decision for both herself and Adam, she realizes that someone is bound to get hurt. Will their perfect love be too great a sacrifice for everything her heart wants?

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2017

64 people are currently reading
441 people want to read

About the author

Savannah Page

14 books82 followers
Savannah Page is the author of Everything the Heart Wants, A Sister's Place, and the When Girlfriends series, heartfelt women's fiction. Sprinkled with drama and humor, her writing celebrates friendship, love, and life.

A native Southern Californian, Savannah lives in Berlin, Germany, with her husband, their goldendoodle, and her collection of books.

Savannah loves to hear from readers, so feel free to shoot her an email, stop by her Website, or connect with her on Facebook and Instagram!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Nila (digitalcreativepages).
2,672 reviews222 followers
December 1, 2017
The story goes… Halley was always sure, from the very beginning, that she never wanted to be a mother. In fact, she made this clear on the first date with Adam itself. But when her husband after 11 years of bliss, suddenly asks her to reconsider about having a baby, they are at cross ends. To rethink the situation, they take a trial separation.. Both reflect and deliberate on the path they have to follow….

Who would compromise and who should compromise??

The main character, Savannah is beautifully supported by her sister, Charlotte, sister-in-law Nina, and her best friend Marian. Each character is brave, each character shows a core of inner strength, and each choose to live their life on their own terms. Each of them have their personal battles to fight, and they come out stronger than before.

Not every story is a fairy tale, and not every story has a happily ever after. But some do. And many have their own versions of happily ever after, their own brands of love, their own truths…

Happiness means something different for everyone. It’s putting yourself out there and risking heartache, if only for a second chance. It’s that comet shooting across the sky, reminding you to burn bright….
These two quotes from the book are just one of the few that captured my heart. The book, the story, the words spoke to the inner me, melted my heart, and strengthened my beliefs. It is a book that every woman in this world should read.

The author, Savannah Page has written this book from the inner strength of her conviction. Her words speak about the courage of her beliefs and with the tenacity of her truth. Every word is seeped in authenticity and genuiness in oneself. The story speaks about being true to oneself and letting go, even when it is the most difficult thing to do, in this world.

Savannah Page has defined love in such a beautiful way that I couldn’t help but quote her…

What honest and unconditional love is. Sometimes love is taking a step back; sometimes it’s moving forward. Sometimes it’s letting go; sometimes it’s holding on. Sometimes it’s taking it back . . . chasing it. But it isn’t anywhere in between. It’s in the action. It is in the decision you make now…

The decision every woman must make is to live her life to the fullest whatever makes her happy whatever fulfils her inner woman. This point is brought to the forefront by another quote by Savannah, for her main character Halley —Like a comet, I’ve got to rocket to the edge of the solar system and back, fearless, shining in the sky and burning bright on the journey that is this messy and complicated, and nuanced, big beautiful life.

Its so true, life is difficult, but living a lie makes it all the more difficult. The author Savannah Page, sums this simple fact up in this book that one can live a life filled with everything the heart wants, even if that happiness is different from others…
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Lake Union Publishing and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Nila (digitalcreativepages).
2,672 reviews222 followers
December 1, 2017
The story goes… Halley was always sure, from the very beginning, that she never wanted to be a mother. In fact, she made this clear on the first date with Adam itself. But when her husband after 11 years of bliss, suddenly asks her to reconsider about having a baby, they are at cross ends. To rethink the situation, they take a trial separation.. Both reflect and deliberate on the path they have to follow….

Who would compromise and who should compromise??

The main character, Savannah is beautifully supported by her sister, Charlotte, sister-in-law Nina, and her best friend Marian. Each character is brave, each character shows a core of inner strength, and each choose to live their life on their own terms. Each of them have their personal battles to fight, and they come out stronger than before.

Not every story is a fairy tale, and not every story has a happily ever after. But some do. And many have their own versions of happily ever after, their own brands of love, their own truths…

Happiness means something different for everyone. It’s putting yourself out there and risking heartache, if only for a second chance. It’s that comet shooting across the sky, reminding you to burn bright….
These two quotes from the book are just one of the few that captured my heart. The book, the story, the words spoke to the inner me, melted my heart, and strengthened my beliefs. It is a book that every woman in this world should read.

The author, Savannah Page has written this book from the inner strength of her conviction. Her words speak about the courage of her beliefs and with the tenacity of her truth. Every word is seeped in authenticity and genuiness in oneself. The story speaks about being true to oneself and letting go, even when it is the most difficult thing to do, in this world.

Savannah Page has defined love in such a beautiful way that I couldn’t help but quote her…

What honest and unconditional love is. Sometimes love is taking a step back; sometimes it’s moving forward. Sometimes it’s letting go; sometimes it’s holding on. Sometimes it’s taking it back . . . chasing it. But it isn’t anywhere in between. It’s in the action. It is in the decision you make now…

The decision every woman must make is to live her life to the fullest whatever makes her happy whatever fulfils her inner woman. This point is brought to the forefront by another quote by Savannah, for her main character Halley —Like a comet, I’ve got to rocket to the edge of the solar system and back, fearless, shining in the sky and burning bright on the journey that is this messy and complicated, and nuanced, big beautiful life.

Its so true, life is difficult, but living a lie makes it all the more difficult. The author Savannah Page, sums this simple fact up in this book that one can live a life filled with everything the heart wants, even if that happiness is different from others…
Profile Image for Robin.
1,615 reviews34 followers
November 4, 2017
Waaaay back when I started in the library biz (mid 70s), there was a book by Shirley Radl titled MOTHER'S DAY IS OVER that caused quite a stir among patrons and staff (it was based on the Ann Landers survey that resulted in 70% saying they wouldn't have kids again). I read it and while I won't say it influenced my final decision 8 years later, it did make me realize just what was involved with raising a kid and I seemed to know even then that I didn't have a maternal bone in my body. Flash forward 40 years later and I'm childfree and have never had a moment's regret.

However. I can't imagine how tough my choice would had been if my partner had not embraced the same decision, and how hard it would be on a marriage if one side wanted children and the other was steadfast in the idea of not having any. And that's the topic Page addresses in her novel about a couple who together decided not to have children but years later one side said their mind was changed. What happens then? How does a marriage survive, and does one capitulate (with resentment) to the other's decision?

The author has tackled a tough question and has done an excellent job of addressing all of the concerns, emotions, and much soul-searching thoughts that go into this kind of issue complete with a satisfying ending. This is a great book for anyone who wants a well-developed novel with a lot of heart-wrenching decisions.

Thanks to the publisher for the advance digital reading copy.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,102 reviews27 followers
December 19, 2017
This novel held my interest like none other in my recent past. You see, I am a mother of two grown women who I love, but I am not a woman who loves children. I may never have grandchildren because one of my daughters has chosen not to have children and one is happily single. Do I worry about the next generation without children from my family? Not really. Occasionally I think it's sad, but that's about it.

This novel delves into a relationship where one spouse wants children and the other does not. It helps you see the pros and cons and helps the reader understand the reasoning behind the decisions made by the couple. It is, by no means, depressing or sad. The story is up and down like most novels and I appreciated the author's honesty. I read this book fairly quickly because I was truly interested in what the couple decided to do.

I think this is a great book for women. We have so many choices now that it shows that we don't all have to choose the one we have taken for thousands of years. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this enlightening perspective. This book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Natasha Clark-French.
211 reviews3 followers
January 22, 2018
Beautifully written. Kept me thinking and engaged. My heart has all kinds of feels. Reading this book helps to understand that not all love is the same and one love doesn't invalidate another. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, even if it's not their usual genre. It gives me the strength and inspiration to stay true to myself and also try my best to weather all the bumps in the road of life, especially the ones we can't prepare for.
Profile Image for Marion Dodson.
66 reviews6 followers
November 8, 2017
I really enjoyed this book especially the fact that the ending was not a predictable chick lit type of ending.The characters and situations were very believable and likable. I did find the writing to be somewhat redundant in the descriptions of Halley and Adam's marriage and Halley's deal breaker and how she felt during her separation. I also felt that the author overused the made up word "omigod." throughout the story. Despite these minor details, it was an enjoyable book.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,332 reviews38 followers
December 8, 2017
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland

Everything the Heart Wants was a great read. I don't think I have ever read a book with a main character that was so me in this way. We are first introduced to our main character, Halley, when she is telling us a bit of her history. How she has never wanted kids, never, how she would bring that up on the first date with guys she dated to make sure that that was okay with them before things get serious. Because if they really want kids it wouldn't work out. Better to find that out before you fall in love and start planning a future and realize you both want different things. Because kids? They are a big deal. There is not an easy way to compromise with kids. If you are not on the same page then one person must put aside their wants for the other. Which could be not so good in the long run depending on the situation/relationship/people involved. And that is me. I am so Halley in this way. I have never wanted to have kids. I brought it up right away with anyone I dated because it is a big deal. It really is a deal breaker for some people. And I got lucky to find my husband who is totally on board with it just being us. We love our life as it is. I love my friend's kids, I am super happy for them that they have the family that they want and it is great. I just don't want that for myself. So I got Halley. Everything she said about how she met her husband and how her life worked out up until this point I was just like yes! Exactly! Yes! It was pretty awesome because like I said I have never encountered a character like that in one of my books. It was refreshing to read. Something different.

Only what happens when one person in the relationship changes their mind? What happens when you are still super in love, but one person now wants a baby? When one person goes back on that life of no kids that was agreed upon? Man, this was a rough one. And it was a bit...intense for me to read. Nerve-wracking and really shook me up. I will be honest it made me a little paranoid that maybe my husband would change his mind and then what would I do? Because I am still firmly in the no kids boat. As I was reading I was afraid to go on, but couldn't put it down at the same time. I didn't want to see what would happen because as I said kids are a big deal. How can two people make that work when they want different things? It...it really made me think about what I would do in that situation. It would be hard. It is really a difficult situation.

Throughout all of this, through Halley trying to figure out what to do now that the plans have changed, you also have a few side stories. Mainly Halley's sister who is having a few bumps in her marriage as well (I love how the author had this play out. What was going on and who was involved and all of it) and Halley's friend who has always been really surface level with guy because she let the love of her life go when she was younger and now regrets that. Really I think I could have read a whole book about both of these characters and what happens with them. The sister would be another tough read, but one I gladly would. And Marian's could be a wonderful second chance romance if everything worked out the way she wanted. But it was nice seeing the strong friendships and people who were there for Halley when she was having troubles of her own. When she was trying to figure out what to do in her own marriage now that it is not what she always thought it would be.

I really enjoyed this story and it was surprisingly uplifting at the end. I really wasn't expecting to come out of it feeling so good about everything. I was sure while reading that it would be a downer, but instead I was left feeling so hopeful and positive. It was a really great read. I can't wait to read more from this author.

*Note: I received a free copy of this book for voluntary review consideration
Profile Image for Adrian.
54 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2017
Note: I received an advanced readers copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Halley Brennan was married to the man of her dreams. They had everything they could ask for. But after eleven years of wedded bliss, Halley and her husband Adam struggle to keep their marriage together when questions of having (or not having) a baby arise. With the help of her sister Charlotte, friend Marian, and even her sister-in-law Nina (who are all going through struggles of their own), Halley discovers what she really wants in life and how that relates to her husband’s needs as well.

With Halley’s gut-wrenching decisions, this emotional book had me wanting more….and more! Everything the Heart Wants explores REAL conflicts that REAL couples go through. Not all stories have happy endings, but some do! The reality of this story made it one to relate to and remember. By the end of the book, I found myself emotionally involved. The story was well developed and the characters were likable, making it easy to become lost in their world of heartbreak, love, and friendship.
Profile Image for Big Time Book Junkie.
794 reviews47 followers
December 8, 2017
Everything the Heart Wants was such a good read. The characters were very well rounded, easy to like and relate to. The dilemma facing Halley and Adam, a very tough one. I can't imagine how I'd react faced with something similar. The author did a great job writing both points of view ~ Halley and Adam's ~ without making one right and one wrong.

The "supporting cast" was filled with equally likable characters that I enjoyed as well. Everyone was dealing with something, as is pretty normal in life, and they all handled things in interesting ways. My heart went out to everyone in this story, but especially Halley and Adam.

This is one of those books that some people won't care for because there's no HEA, but just like in life, not everyone gets their HEA. I thought the subject matter was dealt with well and the ending was pretty much the only ending there could have been. I will be looking forward to reading more of Ms. Page's work in the future.

Thanks go to Netgalley, the author and publishers for allowing me an early copy.
Profile Image for Caitlyn.
95 reviews4 followers
June 10, 2021
This book tugged at my heart strings like no other. I was immediately invested in the plot and what the “solution” would be. I love how this turned into more than just a story about one couple working on their relationship, to three. All were very real problems that made you want to cry and scream at how unfair life is. I wanted to finish this book as soon as possible because it was so sad that I needed to get to the end. I needed to know if there was a happy ending. But don’t worry I won’t spoil that.

Also, I think this story almost tells like a Carrie Bradshaw column which I love!

Only downside was it felt like the author threw in too much cliche pieces. In parts it felt like I was reading inspirational quotes when it was supposed to be the main character’s thoughts.
354 reviews5 followers
January 10, 2018
A long read

Yes, long. One I could put down anytime. The plot was interesting enough that I had to finish the book. I had to know what happened to the four main character groups. Why so long? It was all the LONG physiological analysis going on for pages and pages that made the story drag and be boring. The characters were interesting and well thought out, but give me a break. I want to read the storyline and not analyze every decision...or not. The ending was what I expected for most of the characters and I do enjoy books that aren't fairy tale Living Happily Ever After. Life is life. But the above-mentioned reasons wasn't what I want in a book.
11.4k reviews196 followers
December 5, 2017
Tough choices. Page has captured an emotional and difficult issue in a sensitive and compassionate way. Don't judge Halley, who decided early on that she did not want children, until you've walked in her shoes. I appreciated how well rounded this novel is and how sympathetic both Halley and Adam are. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I suspect this will have hot reviews but remember we are all entitled to be true to ourselves. A very good read.
Profile Image for Laurie.
1,126 reviews
November 26, 2017
“It isn’t what never changes, but what has.”
A well written story of love, letting go and moving forward with life- for you.
I was certainly not expecting how this novel ended, but admire Halley in standing true to her convictions and letting go of the person she loved most.
Throw in a wonderful family that has their own life changing events to work through and you have one amazing book!
1,160 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2017
Everything the Heart Wants is everything I look for in a novel. The characters are well-developed and real. The story line is full of conflict, with healthy doses of both happiness and heartbreak, and the ending promises the hopefulness of new beginnings. I will be recommending it to my book discussion group!

I received an ARC from the publisher tgrough NetGalley.
Profile Image for Melissa Gray.
107 reviews
April 20, 2018
An interesting story

I liked the characters and thought the book was well written; it is the first book I have read on this subject and I did like the strength of the main character Halley. There are interesting perhaps in this book; for me the only downside was the lengthy internalising that Halley did, although I can see the reason for it. Well worth a read.
Profile Image for Melinda Green.
60 reviews11 followers
January 13, 2018
Relationships

This book was really good because of the interpersonal relationships within it. The relationships and the difficulties that we Face throughout the time of our relationship with other people. Unexpected changes and turns in our relationships make them what they are.
560 reviews16 followers
April 18, 2018
I really liked this book. It was a book that makes you stop and think, what would you do? How far would you go to make your husband/wife happy. such hard decisions. It was a sad book, happy book just a book that makes you think
Profile Image for Carrie.
314 reviews
April 25, 2018
I won this book from Goodreads Giveaways. Thank you. To mimic a word from the book: bittersweet. This one really pulled at my heart.
660 reviews9 followers
January 13, 2018
This book just didn't do it for me - it seemed a bit trite. It was well written, but seemed a little preachy.
74 reviews9 followers
March 8, 2018
A heartfelt read!

I really enjoyed reading this I had a very hard time putting it down! It was refreshing and honest from the heart.
Profile Image for Kristin.
395 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2018
This book is really similar to Baby Proof by Emily Giffin. I liked it but at times it felt repetitive.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
12 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2018
I haven't had a book move me in a while the way this book did. It's not a sad book - although in some aspects it was - but in all retrospect, it's a story about identity, being totally true to yourself, and just being downright brave.

I'll try to point out a few things about the book without giving too much away. First of all, Halley is such a strong and resilient character, even in her moments of weakness. Be prepared to feel a roller coaster of emotions tumble through you as you go on this emotional journey with Halley. You might even get upset and take a break for a few hours or days, as you try to wrap your head around some things, and understand some decisions made. It was difficult to accept the decisions she made were real and final, even though deep down I knew she was right. I thought she was being selfish (perhaps a part of me still thinks so), and that frustrated me to no end.

Everything The Heart Wants is a 'real-talk' book about being true to yourself in every sense of the word. Would you be willing to sacrifice love so you can stand by what you want out of life? Or do you sacrifice what you stand for in order to have -- and keep -- love? What do you do when you can't have what/who you love and also stand by your heart's true desire?

These are obviously tough questions we women face at some point in our lives, maybe not in the exact circumstances as Halley and Adam, but in other situations as well. How far would you go (in spite of what you stand to lose) to stay true to yourself? They were tough questions I struggled to answer along with Halley, and although my answers at the end were different from Halley's, I respected her decision very much, and I know it took a lot of brevity and courage to take that leap. To the women who are brave enough to stand for what they truly want and take those tough leaps, they're true heroes and I applaud them for their courage.

Savannah Page is a great writer, and I'd no doubt read other books by her. I feel privileged to have read this one!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

BooKecCenTric.com
Profile Image for Elisabeth  - Comet Readings .
106 reviews12 followers
March 29, 2018
I’ve had some of Savannah Page’s books in my TBR list for some months, but last week I finally had the opportunity to read her latest amazing novel, Everything the Heart Wants. I was so impressed by the naturalness of her descriptions and how the storyline captivates the reader.

This book follows the writer Halley Brennan on an emotional and psychological journey to find the best version of her true love. She is living a happy marriage when her husband reveals his profound desire to be a father, but this changes completely their first plan of a child-free marriage. From this event, the couple starts a very difficult path that will help them to rediscover a new form of love, sometimes hard, sometimes touching, always unconditional and a continuous discovery.

I think that Savannah has done a sterling job in describing all the characters. I also loved her presenting different woman’s personalities, each one looking for a happy ending while struggling with their daily life. Moreover, this book offers each woman the opportunity to identify herself with some of these loving characters’ features while appreciating the endearing honesty of Halley, the sweetness of Nina, the strength of Charlotte, and the generosity of Marian.

Everything the Heart Wants gives the reader a good opportunity to think about the definition of love, and how sometimes we need to draft new shapes to our feelings to rediscover their true essence.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I also posted my review at CometReadings.com
187 reviews44 followers
Want to read
January 12, 2018
This is a romance book that I received as a advance
Copy from goodreads. Halley never thought she wanted
Children even though her sister and sister in law had them and were happy.
She and her husband agreed no children until one of
Them wants a child after 11 wonderful years. This was a interesting and enjoyable
Book.
512 reviews5 followers
March 6, 2018
I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I basically skimmed through half of this book. Who tells someone on their first date that she does not ever want to have a baby. It just got really monotonous when she was saying it over and over again.
Profile Image for Kim.
63 reviews
May 24, 2018
Great book! I enjoyed reading it and I will recommend it to others. It was an easy read. I’m looking forward to see what else the author has written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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