What do you think?
Rate this book
Heart Stronger
“Sometimes, I feel like I’m watching a movie…that it’s not really me, Claire Richards, getting this second chance at life.”
Single mom and college professor Claire Richards only wanted a few hours of me time to soak in her tub, read a book, and drink wine.
But tragedy struck, and Claire found herself with a lot more me time than she bargained for.
Three years later, Claire is still mourning her losses when Aiken Fordham—who captivates her with his Mediterranean blue eyes and tanned skin—moves in right next door.
Forcing Claire to face her fears, Aiken almost forgets his reason for moving to Small Town, Pennsylvania. Falling for the sexy, smart, and strong professor next door was never in the plan.
But now it is… until their future intersects with their pasts.
Single mom and college professor Claire Richards only wanted a few hours of me time to soak in her tub, read a book, and drink wine.
But tragedy struck, and Claire found herself with a lot more me time than she bargained for.
Three years later, Claire is still mourning her losses when Aiken Fordham—who captivates her with his Mediterranean blue eyes and tanned skin—moves in right next door.
Forcing Claire to face her fears, Aiken almost forgets his reason for moving to Small Town, Pennsylvania. Falling for the sexy, smart, and strong professor next door was never in the plan.
But now it is… until their future intersects with their pasts.
Unknown Binding
First published February 17, 2018
45 people are currently reading
810 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Blaufeld
27 books940 followersA recent poll of her readers described Rachel Blaufeld as insightful, generous, articulate, and spunky. Originally a clinical social worker, Rachel creates broken yet redeeming characters. She’s been known to turn up the angst like cranking up the heat in the dead of winter. A devout coffee drinker and doughnut eater, Rachel spends way too many hours in local coffee shops, downing the aforementioned goodies while she plots her ideas.
As a side note, Blaufeld, also a long-time blogger and an advocate of woman-run anything, is fearless about sharing her opinion. She captured the ears of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog, BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and running a business, often at the same time. To her, work/life/family balance is an urban legend, but she does her best. Rachel has also blogged for The Huffington Post and Modern Mom. Most recently, her insights can be found in USA TODAY Happy Ever After Blog, where she shares conversations at “In Bed with a Romance Author.”
Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two beagles. When she isn’t writing, she can be found courtside, tweeting about hoops as her son plays, or walking around the house wearing earplugs while her other son, the drummer, bangs away.
Connect here 👇🏻
Website: https://www.rachelblaufeld.com
Newsletter: https://www.rachelblaufeld.com/signup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelblaufe...
Facebook Private Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Tunne...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachelblaufeld
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rache...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelblauf...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Blaufeld...
As a side note, Blaufeld, also a long-time blogger and an advocate of woman-run anything, is fearless about sharing her opinion. She captured the ears of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog, BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and running a business, often at the same time. To her, work/life/family balance is an urban legend, but she does her best. Rachel has also blogged for The Huffington Post and Modern Mom. Most recently, her insights can be found in USA TODAY Happy Ever After Blog, where she shares conversations at “In Bed with a Romance Author.”
Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two beagles. When she isn’t writing, she can be found courtside, tweeting about hoops as her son plays, or walking around the house wearing earplugs while her other son, the drummer, bangs away.
Connect here 👇🏻
Website: https://www.rachelblaufeld.com
Newsletter: https://www.rachelblaufeld.com/signup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelblaufe...
Facebook Private Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Tunne...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachelblaufeld
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rache...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelblauf...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Blaufeld...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
February 19, 2018
4 stars!
Heart Stronger is an emotional, stand-alone romance by Rachel Blaufeld. I love Rachel’s writing and I’m a big fan of emotional reads, so I was very excited to read this book.
Claire Richards is a college professor who’s lost it all. Well, she’s lost the most important thing to her and she’s never been the same. Her life now is very predictable. She works, she comes home, she runs with her dog, repeat. Then she gets a new neighbor… Aiken moves next door, and to this town to get answers about his family. What he doesn’t expect is to meet someone like Claire.
Aiken is immediately attracted to Claire, but it’s more than that. He can see past the grieving woman she is, and he sees more. I love how persistent Aiken is without being overly pushy. I loved the back and forth and chemistry between these two characters. Claire is in a bad place, not that I could blame her. I couldn’t imagine going through what she went through. Aiken never tries to make her feel anything less than perfect, even though she’s a mess much of the book.
It’s refreshing to read a romance book that’s a little different than your average romance book. Rachel always seems to put a unique spin on her stories, and that is one of my favorite things about her books. As much as I adored the two main characters, I really loved Claire’s friend Mary just as much. I know that this is a stand-alone, but I hope we see more of her in a future book.
Heart Stronger had it’s gut wrenching moments, but it also had a lot of lighter moments. I was pleasantly surprised that there was even a bit of suspense thrown in. Claire’s story is just like her heart, torn apart, but with time and love, put back together.
Heart Stronger is an emotional, stand-alone romance by Rachel Blaufeld. I love Rachel’s writing and I’m a big fan of emotional reads, so I was very excited to read this book.
Claire Richards is a college professor who’s lost it all. Well, she’s lost the most important thing to her and she’s never been the same. Her life now is very predictable. She works, she comes home, she runs with her dog, repeat. Then she gets a new neighbor… Aiken moves next door, and to this town to get answers about his family. What he doesn’t expect is to meet someone like Claire.
Aiken is immediately attracted to Claire, but it’s more than that. He can see past the grieving woman she is, and he sees more. I love how persistent Aiken is without being overly pushy. I loved the back and forth and chemistry between these two characters. Claire is in a bad place, not that I could blame her. I couldn’t imagine going through what she went through. Aiken never tries to make her feel anything less than perfect, even though she’s a mess much of the book.
It’s refreshing to read a romance book that’s a little different than your average romance book. Rachel always seems to put a unique spin on her stories, and that is one of my favorite things about her books. As much as I adored the two main characters, I really loved Claire’s friend Mary just as much. I know that this is a stand-alone, but I hope we see more of her in a future book.
Heart Stronger had it’s gut wrenching moments, but it also had a lot of lighter moments. I was pleasantly surprised that there was even a bit of suspense thrown in. Claire’s story is just like her heart, torn apart, but with time and love, put back together.
“This is it for me, Claire. You’re it. You’re everything.”
February 10, 2018
Rachel Blaufeld brings us a story of second chances, healed hearts and discovery in her latest offering between a couple who have a few years separating them.
I was meant to fall for the beautiful professor and make her happy again.
I’ve only read one other book by Rachel Blaufeld, To See You which I found enjoyable with a writing style which worked well for me. And whilst I didn’t find Heart Stronger a struggle, liking Claire and Aiken in the process, I had some issues with the the pacing which felt a little inconsistent, and their age gap.
He was an old soul, trapped in the body of a young Adonis, and I wanted him.
The OWYM trope is one that holds a wealth of possibility and I was hoping that would be the case here but alas, it wasn’t to be as a 36 year-old woman and a 30 year-old guy? No one would even bat an eyelid at that, and on first impressions after meeting Aiken I was expecting him to be 24/25 so you could say I felt somewhat cheated. Maybe that’s down to me and my own personal interpretation of the blurb and the cover, but nevertheless it was a factor.
I have a crush on you, Claire Richards. A bona fide crush. A grown man like me like likes a grown woman like you, like we are in high school, but we’re not.”
That aside, Aiken is a sensitive, thoughtful man who knows what he wants and makes his intentions clear and Claire, my heart went out to her for what she’s experienced and no one could blame her for her insecurities. And I did like the general path the story took despite the age gap matter being a non-starter for me, because it is romantic and they are good for one another.
It was time for me to take control of my life.”
All in all a mixed bag but I am a little intrigued as to whether Mary may have a book in the offing.
Copy received courtesy of Social Butterfly PR for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I was meant to fall for the beautiful professor and make her happy again.
I’ve only read one other book by Rachel Blaufeld, To See You which I found enjoyable with a writing style which worked well for me. And whilst I didn’t find Heart Stronger a struggle, liking Claire and Aiken in the process, I had some issues with the the pacing which felt a little inconsistent, and their age gap.
He was an old soul, trapped in the body of a young Adonis, and I wanted him.
The OWYM trope is one that holds a wealth of possibility and I was hoping that would be the case here but alas, it wasn’t to be as a 36 year-old woman and a 30 year-old guy? No one would even bat an eyelid at that, and on first impressions after meeting Aiken I was expecting him to be 24/25 so you could say I felt somewhat cheated. Maybe that’s down to me and my own personal interpretation of the blurb and the cover, but nevertheless it was a factor.
I have a crush on you, Claire Richards. A bona fide crush. A grown man like me like likes a grown woman like you, like we are in high school, but we’re not.”
That aside, Aiken is a sensitive, thoughtful man who knows what he wants and makes his intentions clear and Claire, my heart went out to her for what she’s experienced and no one could blame her for her insecurities. And I did like the general path the story took despite the age gap matter being a non-starter for me, because it is romantic and they are good for one another.
It was time for me to take control of my life.”
All in all a mixed bag but I am a little intrigued as to whether Mary may have a book in the offing.
Copy received courtesy of Social Butterfly PR for an honest and unbiased opinion.
February 15, 2018
4 - "For as long as it's meant to be." Stars!
It’s no secret I am a fan of Rachel Blaufeld’s work, I love that this author always puts her own unique spin on whatever tropes she uses, and Heart Stronger once again ticked all the boxes for me.
I’d had enough of goodbyes, and I didn’t want anymore hellos…
Claire Richards, has experienced the most profound loss, and three years on from that is still barely existing in life. Living for her work and avoiding spending time with her thoughts at all costs, this is a woman who lives a numb black & white existence, that is until sexy, sweet and oh, so endearing Aiken Ford moves in next door.
"You can’t live your life chasing ghosts…"
Aiken pushes all of Claire’s boundaries from the get-go, and as you would expect from someone who is deeply ingrained in a specific routine, and who hasn’t yet really dealt with the grief fully from loss, Claire is less than agreeable to a lot of what he proposes, prickly to the point of drawing blood at points, but as a reader you can understand why. This doesn’t deter him though, and I found myself falling for him along with Claire as their story progressed.
Something about the pain she suffered tugged at my heart. Maybe because I knew loss too…
There is a lot going on in this story, and the author drip-feeds you the information around the growing relationship between them, both of them have their own very different agenda’s at the beginning, and I liked the way that the information sharing flowed in with the developing feelings they had for each other. Especially as you start to realize that there may be more to everything that is going on in the side-lines than you initially believe.
"All I seem to do is lose people…"
I didn’t really buy into the age difference being an issue, although it played on Claire’s mind quite a bit, I don’t really think the coming together of a 36 year old woman with a 30 year old man anything that most people nowadays would blink an eye at. And being a woman in her early forties, if a hot, adorable man in his mid-thirties expressed interest in me, I'm not sure I'd give a shit what people thought anyway, if I was in her shoes.
I was wanton and breathless over my neighbor. My younger neighbor…
This is a story that really puts you through the emotional wringer, and the dual POV really gives you the insight you need to understand both characters motivations. But for all that I found myself smiling through a lot of it, you can’t really help it when you have an all-round nice guy, giving his best moves to woo a woman, and even though repeatedly getting knocked back keeps getting back up and trying again and again. I understood Claire’s reticence, I loved Aiken’s persistence, and Smitty the dog was just the icing on a really well put together cake!
"This is it for me… You’re it. You’re everything."
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
It’s no secret I am a fan of Rachel Blaufeld’s work, I love that this author always puts her own unique spin on whatever tropes she uses, and Heart Stronger once again ticked all the boxes for me.
I’d had enough of goodbyes, and I didn’t want anymore hellos…
Claire Richards, has experienced the most profound loss, and three years on from that is still barely existing in life. Living for her work and avoiding spending time with her thoughts at all costs, this is a woman who lives a numb black & white existence, that is until sexy, sweet and oh, so endearing Aiken Ford moves in next door.
"You can’t live your life chasing ghosts…"
Aiken pushes all of Claire’s boundaries from the get-go, and as you would expect from someone who is deeply ingrained in a specific routine, and who hasn’t yet really dealt with the grief fully from loss, Claire is less than agreeable to a lot of what he proposes, prickly to the point of drawing blood at points, but as a reader you can understand why. This doesn’t deter him though, and I found myself falling for him along with Claire as their story progressed.
Something about the pain she suffered tugged at my heart. Maybe because I knew loss too…
There is a lot going on in this story, and the author drip-feeds you the information around the growing relationship between them, both of them have their own very different agenda’s at the beginning, and I liked the way that the information sharing flowed in with the developing feelings they had for each other. Especially as you start to realize that there may be more to everything that is going on in the side-lines than you initially believe.
"All I seem to do is lose people…"
I didn’t really buy into the age difference being an issue, although it played on Claire’s mind quite a bit, I don’t really think the coming together of a 36 year old woman with a 30 year old man anything that most people nowadays would blink an eye at. And being a woman in her early forties, if a hot, adorable man in his mid-thirties expressed interest in me, I'm not sure I'd give a shit what people thought anyway, if I was in her shoes.
I was wanton and breathless over my neighbor. My younger neighbor…
This is a story that really puts you through the emotional wringer, and the dual POV really gives you the insight you need to understand both characters motivations. But for all that I found myself smiling through a lot of it, you can’t really help it when you have an all-round nice guy, giving his best moves to woo a woman, and even though repeatedly getting knocked back keeps getting back up and trying again and again. I understood Claire’s reticence, I loved Aiken’s persistence, and Smitty the dog was just the icing on a really well put together cake!
"This is it for me… You’re it. You’re everything."
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
February 22, 2018
3.5 stars
I absolutely loved this book till approx. 80% / the big twist.
Different writing style, I enjoyed it a lot. Amazing hero, loved his character.
Likable strong heroine, my heart broke for her.
But then the twist… and I couldn’t get over it.
Cute epilogue though.
Safe.
I absolutely loved this book till approx. 80% / the big twist.
Different writing style, I enjoyed it a lot. Amazing hero, loved his character.
Likable strong heroine, my heart broke for her.
But then the twist… and I couldn’t get over it.
Cute epilogue though.
Safe.
February 14, 2018
HEART STRONGER is a contemporary romance with a slight suspense theme underlying the story. It starts with an emotional bang that drags the reader into the story very quickly. I found this book to be easy to read and get into, but with some lulling in the later third of the book.
The heroine of this book, Claire is a college professor who is just existing and almost done with life, the details of which make for a rich back story that pulls on your heart strings. Claire is reluctantly befriended by her neighbour, Aiken. Both these characters were likeable and engaging. I liked
Aiken’s up-front manner, nothing was hidden with regards to his feelings but much was hidden as the story progressed.
“I have a crush on you, Claire Richards. A bona fide crush.”
“There was something heavy between us. Real, tangible, although I had no idea where the pull came from. It was a tug like I’d never felt before. A tethering.”
The story navigated a number of themes, some of which I loved, especially the Abby storyline but I did fall out of interest to a degree with the intrigue with the students, Aiken and his search. It was a little convoluted. Nevertheless, the culmination of the story was worthwhile. The writing was easy to slip into but I did get a little lost with engagement towards the last quarter.
The strengths of HEART STRONGER sit in the two main characters and their chemistry. Aiken after all, is the kind of man who will buy a women tampons....sold! The build of their connection was kind of great to watch. I wasn’t a fan of the last few lines of the book.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
The heroine of this book, Claire is a college professor who is just existing and almost done with life, the details of which make for a rich back story that pulls on your heart strings. Claire is reluctantly befriended by her neighbour, Aiken. Both these characters were likeable and engaging. I liked
Aiken’s up-front manner, nothing was hidden with regards to his feelings but much was hidden as the story progressed.
“I have a crush on you, Claire Richards. A bona fide crush.”
“There was something heavy between us. Real, tangible, although I had no idea where the pull came from. It was a tug like I’d never felt before. A tethering.”
The story navigated a number of themes, some of which I loved, especially the Abby storyline but I did fall out of interest to a degree with the intrigue with the students, Aiken and his search. It was a little convoluted. Nevertheless, the culmination of the story was worthwhile. The writing was easy to slip into but I did get a little lost with engagement towards the last quarter.
The strengths of HEART STRONGER sit in the two main characters and their chemistry. Aiken after all, is the kind of man who will buy a women tampons....sold! The build of their connection was kind of great to watch. I wasn’t a fan of the last few lines of the book.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
February 13, 2018
Heart Stronger is a raw, emotional, and poignant love story of our time. Blaufeld is an expert at transforming tragedy into second chances at life and love. Five beautiful stars!
August 1, 2018
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Rachel Blaufeld sets hearts on fire as she brings forth a sexy, heart wrenching, emotional second chance love story in her latest release, Heart Stronger. With her vivid and raw prose, Blaufeld tells a story that captures our soul as she takes readers on an emotional journey of healing, self-discovery, and love. They say life is a story and we write the chapters. And in this novel, Blaufeld captures our hearts one chapter at a time.
The older woman/ younger man trope can either be a hit or miss with romance readers but Blaufeld captures the essence and meaning of love. The raw connection between the characters were palpable from the start. As a reader, you yearned for these characters to get their happily ever after and for Claire and Aiken, their story brought a new understanding on patience and healing. Claire is broken and rightfully so since she knew what it is like to have her life ripped apart. Her life has become predictable with the same routines. And so when she meets her younger neighbor, Aiken, he awakens something inside her. So will be Aiken be able to heal Claire and her broken spirit and make her heart stronger?
Heart Stronger is a story that can resonate to every woman whoever felt hopeless and undeserving of love. Most importantly, this is a story and testament of strength, survival, hope,peace and love. So if you are looking for an emotional and yet profoundly beautiful love story then I highly recommend you to read this book. Blaufeld will mesmerize you with her thoughtful prose and charismatic characters.
Rachel Blaufeld
Rachel Blaufeld sets hearts on fire as she brings forth a sexy, heart wrenching, emotional second chance love story in her latest release, Heart Stronger. With her vivid and raw prose, Blaufeld tells a story that captures our soul as she takes readers on an emotional journey of healing, self-discovery, and love. They say life is a story and we write the chapters. And in this novel, Blaufeld captures our hearts one chapter at a time.
The older woman/ younger man trope can either be a hit or miss with romance readers but Blaufeld captures the essence and meaning of love. The raw connection between the characters were palpable from the start. As a reader, you yearned for these characters to get their happily ever after and for Claire and Aiken, their story brought a new understanding on patience and healing. Claire is broken and rightfully so since she knew what it is like to have her life ripped apart. Her life has become predictable with the same routines. And so when she meets her younger neighbor, Aiken, he awakens something inside her. So will be Aiken be able to heal Claire and her broken spirit and make her heart stronger?
Heart Stronger is a story that can resonate to every woman whoever felt hopeless and undeserving of love. Most importantly, this is a story and testament of strength, survival, hope,peace and love. So if you are looking for an emotional and yet profoundly beautiful love story then I highly recommend you to read this book. Blaufeld will mesmerize you with her thoughtful prose and charismatic characters.
Rachel Blaufeld
February 8, 2018
Reviews for Escaping into. 💗💗💗
I luv Aiken
I thought this book was great. I luvd Aiken so much he is so caring patient and sexy. He was just brilliant throughout this whole book. The attraction he had with Claire was instant. Once he knew Claire's story he knew he had a tough job getting close to this gorgeous woman. He didn't know what was goin on he moved next door to Claire and had a job to do. But this woman was the only thing he could think of. Aiken had plans he just didn't think he would end up wanting Claire so much she wasn't part of his plan.
Claire has had a tough few years. She has had to deal with so much my heart goes out to her. She has buried herself in her work and had closed off her heart a long time ago. So Aiken paying her attention wasnt something she needed, well that's what she thought. Work her best friend Mary and her dog Smitty were her life that was all she needed. But the young man ended up worming his way into her life. Once her walls started coming down she did start to enjoy herself again. But her confidence has took a big hit and she didn't know if being with a younger guy was the right thing for her. Even though Aiken only had eyes for her.
I enjoyed this book but I did find Claire a lil annoyed me a lil in parts. Its killing me to say this cause she has been through so much and I did like her and I understand why she isn't as confident as she should be. But she has this totally gorgeous young guy throwing himself at her. I just wanted her to enjoy herself and go with it. She has been through so much and my heart broke for her. I do think she is a strong woman I don't think I could deal with what she did.
Overall the story was good it had me so sad in parts and had my laughing in others. The character were good and I m goin to say again I luv Aiken. The ending as me wondering what's goin to happen next so I m looking forward to that.
I luv Aiken
I thought this book was great. I luvd Aiken so much he is so caring patient and sexy. He was just brilliant throughout this whole book. The attraction he had with Claire was instant. Once he knew Claire's story he knew he had a tough job getting close to this gorgeous woman. He didn't know what was goin on he moved next door to Claire and had a job to do. But this woman was the only thing he could think of. Aiken had plans he just didn't think he would end up wanting Claire so much she wasn't part of his plan.
Claire has had a tough few years. She has had to deal with so much my heart goes out to her. She has buried herself in her work and had closed off her heart a long time ago. So Aiken paying her attention wasnt something she needed, well that's what she thought. Work her best friend Mary and her dog Smitty were her life that was all she needed. But the young man ended up worming his way into her life. Once her walls started coming down she did start to enjoy herself again. But her confidence has took a big hit and she didn't know if being with a younger guy was the right thing for her. Even though Aiken only had eyes for her.
I enjoyed this book but I did find Claire a lil annoyed me a lil in parts. Its killing me to say this cause she has been through so much and I did like her and I understand why she isn't as confident as she should be. But she has this totally gorgeous young guy throwing himself at her. I just wanted her to enjoy herself and go with it. She has been through so much and my heart broke for her. I do think she is a strong woman I don't think I could deal with what she did.
Overall the story was good it had me so sad in parts and had my laughing in others. The character were good and I m goin to say again I luv Aiken. The ending as me wondering what's goin to happen next so I m looking forward to that.
July 20, 2018
HEART STRONGER is so special to me. MY 10h book --- wow, wow, wow!! I can't even put into words what this all means to me.
There is a little bit of melancholy whenever I release a book. It's like saying goodbye to a good friend who you had all to yourself for a weekend.
In Heart Stronger, I twist the notions. The woman is broken, and the man is the fixer. Claire and Aiken are two very broken characters, looking for solace. Can they find it in one another? I can’t wait for you to read it.
I will say this...I love Aiken's gentle demeanor, caring soul and guiding hand.
There is a little bit of melancholy whenever I release a book. It's like saying goodbye to a good friend who you had all to yourself for a weekend.
In Heart Stronger, I twist the notions. The woman is broken, and the man is the fixer. Claire and Aiken are two very broken characters, looking for solace. Can they find it in one another? I can’t wait for you to read it.
I will say this...I love Aiken's gentle demeanor, caring soul and guiding hand.
March 20, 2018
3,5
Gostei da história, escrita gostosa , passagem de tempo boa, personagens maduros...só achei chatinha a insistência dela em enfatizar que o vizinho era um garoto.. Ele 30 e ela 36.. nem é tanta diferença assim.
E a coincidência maior do livro me deu preguicinha, essas coincidências loucas que definem a vida das pessoas eu reviro um pouco os olhos, hahaha
Gostei da história, escrita gostosa , passagem de tempo boa, personagens maduros...só achei chatinha a insistência dela em enfatizar que o vizinho era um garoto.. Ele 30 e ela 36.. nem é tanta diferença assim.
E a coincidência maior do livro me deu preguicinha, essas coincidências loucas que definem a vida das pessoas eu reviro um pouco os olhos, hahaha
September 26, 2019
Claire has been existing, not living the past four years after the break down of her marriage and then a life changing, horrific tragedy completely flipped her world upside down.
She is 36 years old and lives a pretty reclusive life. Before this all happened she was a college professor and had a pretty busy but great life. She is trying to move forward and get back to some semblance of a normal life but every day is still a struggle to her.
When the house next door is sold and a new neighbour moves in, a very young and good looking neighbour, Claire finds herself out of her comfort zone. Not only is she attracted to Aiken but he seems to be interested in getting to know her too. Despite her efforts to not engage in conversations with him, there is just something endearing about him that has her opening up for the first time in years.
Aiken is a country boy who grew up on a farm, he is six years younger than Claire but looks even younger than that. He has his own successful business and is in town to see what information he can dig up about his mother, who walked out on his father when Aiken was still a pre-schooler. He just needs to find out what happened to her, he needs closure not just for himself but his father too.
Aiken slowly works his way into Claire’s life and into her heart. Seriously, this guy is so damn sweet, thoughtful and so respectful of Claire’s past and still very raw, evident grief. It’s hard for Claire to even comprehend why he is even interested in her but she is enjoying feeling happy for the first time in years. However, she always seems to be waiting for the bubble to burst.
‘You’re alive, and for the rest of my life, I’l be sorry for your loss. But that doesn’t mean you can’t live.’
Aiken is very patient and willing to wait until Claire is ready to make changes in her life, he knows this is hard for her. Sometimes he needs to nudge things along himself which pushes Claire to think differently about what could be if she began to let things go. It doesn’t mean forgetting things that were important to her but being able to embrace the good things without guilt is a huge step forward.
‘You don’t know it yet, but we are putting our own roots down every damn day.’
Being able to trust someone with her heart is another huge fear for Claire, so far in her life everyone she has given her heart too has left her. Why would it be any different with Aiken. When she begins to feel like he is hiding something from her, her mind goes into overdrive. This reaffirms everything she had been telling herself about things being too good to be true.
Will Aiken finally be the one person to prove to her that she is enough and that he is worth risking her heart for?
This was a really sweet, emotional story that left a warm feeling in my heart.
She is 36 years old and lives a pretty reclusive life. Before this all happened she was a college professor and had a pretty busy but great life. She is trying to move forward and get back to some semblance of a normal life but every day is still a struggle to her.
When the house next door is sold and a new neighbour moves in, a very young and good looking neighbour, Claire finds herself out of her comfort zone. Not only is she attracted to Aiken but he seems to be interested in getting to know her too. Despite her efforts to not engage in conversations with him, there is just something endearing about him that has her opening up for the first time in years.
Aiken is a country boy who grew up on a farm, he is six years younger than Claire but looks even younger than that. He has his own successful business and is in town to see what information he can dig up about his mother, who walked out on his father when Aiken was still a pre-schooler. He just needs to find out what happened to her, he needs closure not just for himself but his father too.
Aiken slowly works his way into Claire’s life and into her heart. Seriously, this guy is so damn sweet, thoughtful and so respectful of Claire’s past and still very raw, evident grief. It’s hard for Claire to even comprehend why he is even interested in her but she is enjoying feeling happy for the first time in years. However, she always seems to be waiting for the bubble to burst.
‘You’re alive, and for the rest of my life, I’l be sorry for your loss. But that doesn’t mean you can’t live.’
Aiken is very patient and willing to wait until Claire is ready to make changes in her life, he knows this is hard for her. Sometimes he needs to nudge things along himself which pushes Claire to think differently about what could be if she began to let things go. It doesn’t mean forgetting things that were important to her but being able to embrace the good things without guilt is a huge step forward.
‘You don’t know it yet, but we are putting our own roots down every damn day.’
Being able to trust someone with her heart is another huge fear for Claire, so far in her life everyone she has given her heart too has left her. Why would it be any different with Aiken. When she begins to feel like he is hiding something from her, her mind goes into overdrive. This reaffirms everything she had been telling herself about things being too good to be true.
Will Aiken finally be the one person to prove to her that she is enough and that he is worth risking her heart for?
This was a really sweet, emotional story that left a warm feeling in my heart.
February 27, 2018
When Heart Stronger begins, readers are presented with a heroine who is merely surviving. The focus of her life is her job and the work that needs to be done in order to prevent her mind from thinking about the past and the darkness that continually threatens to drown her alive. It’s been three years since her life was categorically altered due to tragedy, and in that time, she hasn’t moved on…choosing to remain a hopeless and faithless woman just looking for a way out of her pain…her grief…her self-hatred.
Claire Richards never anticipated her life moving forward in any other way but time, but when Aiken Fordham becomes her neighbor and he goes out of his way to become a part of her life, Claire will have to decide if her fragile heart is strong enough to explore the connection she and Aiken share or if the potential heartache she could possibly have to endure is too much of a risk to take.
There’s a lot of information to absorb when it comes to Claire and Aiken’s story. Claire’s backstory is heartbreaking, but it’s necessary to understand the reasons behind Claire’s closed-off demeanor. With the amount of loss that Claire has had to endure, it makes sense that she would choose to lead a very solitary life, but the longer she stays trapped in her brokenness, the more difficult it will be to pull herself out, and for Aiken Fordham, that’s completely unacceptable.
Aiken Fordham is the perfect hero for Claire Richards; he refuses to give Claire any space because he knows that she’ll try her best to bolster the wall she’s already constructed around herself. Even though it’s clear that Aiken has his own agenda and reasons for being in ‘Small Town Penn,’ his reaction and connection to Claire is real, it’s just the extenuating circumstances that have the potential to destroy what Aiken’s been working so hard to procure.
Rachel Blaufeld provides readers with both the hero and the heroine’s perspective, which is absolutely essential due to the nature of the story line and the fact that they have insight about how the characters’ pasts and presents intertwine. I have to admit that I was caught off-guard by the twist that comes towards the end of the book; it took me a bit to wrap my head around its significance and what it meant for Claire and Aiken, separately as well as a couple who want a future together.
Heart Stronger is an emotional second chance love story. It’s a book that will take readers on a journey of self-discovery as Claire tries to deal with her past and build a future that’s about more than her career. Both Aiken and Claire have some hard truths to face along the way, but the prevailing theme seems to be that there’s always a way to find a light amidst the darkness; the person just has to be willing to look in even the most minute spaces and accept guidance when it can no longer be done alone.
4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Claire Richards never anticipated her life moving forward in any other way but time, but when Aiken Fordham becomes her neighbor and he goes out of his way to become a part of her life, Claire will have to decide if her fragile heart is strong enough to explore the connection she and Aiken share or if the potential heartache she could possibly have to endure is too much of a risk to take.
There’s a lot of information to absorb when it comes to Claire and Aiken’s story. Claire’s backstory is heartbreaking, but it’s necessary to understand the reasons behind Claire’s closed-off demeanor. With the amount of loss that Claire has had to endure, it makes sense that she would choose to lead a very solitary life, but the longer she stays trapped in her brokenness, the more difficult it will be to pull herself out, and for Aiken Fordham, that’s completely unacceptable.
Aiken Fordham is the perfect hero for Claire Richards; he refuses to give Claire any space because he knows that she’ll try her best to bolster the wall she’s already constructed around herself. Even though it’s clear that Aiken has his own agenda and reasons for being in ‘Small Town Penn,’ his reaction and connection to Claire is real, it’s just the extenuating circumstances that have the potential to destroy what Aiken’s been working so hard to procure.
Rachel Blaufeld provides readers with both the hero and the heroine’s perspective, which is absolutely essential due to the nature of the story line and the fact that they have insight about how the characters’ pasts and presents intertwine. I have to admit that I was caught off-guard by the twist that comes towards the end of the book; it took me a bit to wrap my head around its significance and what it meant for Claire and Aiken, separately as well as a couple who want a future together.
Heart Stronger is an emotional second chance love story. It’s a book that will take readers on a journey of self-discovery as Claire tries to deal with her past and build a future that’s about more than her career. Both Aiken and Claire have some hard truths to face along the way, but the prevailing theme seems to be that there’s always a way to find a light amidst the darkness; the person just has to be willing to look in even the most minute spaces and accept guidance when it can no longer be done alone.
4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
February 20, 2018
Emerald Book Reviews
Rachel Blaufeld is one of those beautiful rare gems in the literary world. Everything she writes is golden. Everything. Each and everyone of her books comes with hidden depths, truly emotive plots, complex and engaging characters, as well as passionate and sparkling love stories that is attached to some wonderful, romantic dialogue.
'I'd never wanted someone in my bed as much as I wanted this woman.
Not only in my bed.
Everywhere.
I'd get her. Save her. Breathe air back into her lungs.'
Heart Stronger is a remarkable tale of soul-shattering tragedy, of learning to overcome your fears and heartbreak to live again, fall in love again, to trust again and with a hero as persistent, mature, sexy and attentive as Aiken it isn't any wonder that a six year ago gap between him and our resilient heroine Claire is of no concern.
It's been a while since I've read an older woman-younger-hero romance and although Claire has her reservations about it, it is never really the focus point for the whole story, more like a slight obstacle for the heroine to get over. These two lost and lonely souls discover a connection with one another. They're intelligence, loyalty, compassion and need to be needed is matched only by their fervour for one another.
Claire is a truly phenomenal character. Her soul-deep weariness, sadness and heartache become your own. Her words and thoughts will shatter you, bring forth your empathy, pride and happiness in the end. Her strength, ability to keep going and even her reluctance to find happiness again, and the daily dose of guilt she struggles with, will have you cheering for her and urging her to reach for Aiken and in turn cheering Aiken on as he uses his charm, sculpted chest, wit and sincerity to woe her.
Heart Stronger is a slight slow burn romance, and it's through the interactions, reluctant or otherwise between our hero and heroine, that the small spark that ignites simply by looking at each other, erupts into an almighty inferno of lust, love and understanding and it's when the secrets of their pasts have a commonality that they're relationship is truly tested and some of the best scenes and writing comes about.
This book deals with some heavy hitting topics, ones that are horrifically relevant so much these days but Rachel Blaufeld handles the entire situation with compassion, sensitivity and a distinct realism. This book is full of beauty with a tremendous balance of love and light and loss and darkness, a beauty that is highlighted exceptionally well, thanks to the very talented mind and words of author Rachel Blaufeld.
Rachel Blaufeld is one of those beautiful rare gems in the literary world. Everything she writes is golden. Everything. Each and everyone of her books comes with hidden depths, truly emotive plots, complex and engaging characters, as well as passionate and sparkling love stories that is attached to some wonderful, romantic dialogue.
'I'd never wanted someone in my bed as much as I wanted this woman.
Not only in my bed.
Everywhere.
I'd get her. Save her. Breathe air back into her lungs.'
Heart Stronger is a remarkable tale of soul-shattering tragedy, of learning to overcome your fears and heartbreak to live again, fall in love again, to trust again and with a hero as persistent, mature, sexy and attentive as Aiken it isn't any wonder that a six year ago gap between him and our resilient heroine Claire is of no concern.
It's been a while since I've read an older woman-younger-hero romance and although Claire has her reservations about it, it is never really the focus point for the whole story, more like a slight obstacle for the heroine to get over. These two lost and lonely souls discover a connection with one another. They're intelligence, loyalty, compassion and need to be needed is matched only by their fervour for one another.
Claire is a truly phenomenal character. Her soul-deep weariness, sadness and heartache become your own. Her words and thoughts will shatter you, bring forth your empathy, pride and happiness in the end. Her strength, ability to keep going and even her reluctance to find happiness again, and the daily dose of guilt she struggles with, will have you cheering for her and urging her to reach for Aiken and in turn cheering Aiken on as he uses his charm, sculpted chest, wit and sincerity to woe her.
Heart Stronger is a slight slow burn romance, and it's through the interactions, reluctant or otherwise between our hero and heroine, that the small spark that ignites simply by looking at each other, erupts into an almighty inferno of lust, love and understanding and it's when the secrets of their pasts have a commonality that they're relationship is truly tested and some of the best scenes and writing comes about.
This book deals with some heavy hitting topics, ones that are horrifically relevant so much these days but Rachel Blaufeld handles the entire situation with compassion, sensitivity and a distinct realism. This book is full of beauty with a tremendous balance of love and light and loss and darkness, a beauty that is highlighted exceptionally well, thanks to the very talented mind and words of author Rachel Blaufeld.
February 22, 2018
Anyone who has been following my reviews over the year, knows that I love Rachel and her work. She's always stood out to me with her unique characters and amazing story lines.
Heart Stronger is an emotional romance about a divorced professor, Claire and her new next door neighbor, Aiken. Many have been calling this a second chance romance and honestly, I personally do not see it as that. For me, a second chance romance is when the main characters are finding a second chance to be together again when it didn't work out before and that's not the case here. These two do not know each other til they become neighbors.
Claire not only had to survive through a divorce, but while she was coming to grips on that, she loses her daughter in a horrific incident. Since then, she has buried herself in her work and hasn't truly lived her life since the day her daughter died. Aiken moves to the are in hopes of finding his mother, who left him and father. He came looking for closure but what he found was hot neighbor that he just couldn't walk away from.
Rachel has this way with her writing where I find myself so enraptured by them and cheering them on. Aiken won my heart over immediately. I love that nothing Claire did would deter him from continuing to persue her. He saw more than what she showed everyone. Claire is one tough cookie. She is deadest in her ways and just truly believes because she was selfish one night and lost her daughter, that she no longer deserves any sort of love. I love how everything unfolds along with the mystery behind Aiken's quest to find his mother.
Rachel delivers another fantastic story with great characters that will stay with us. While this book is a standalone, she does end it with a cliffhanger about Claire's best friend, Mary. So I will be anxiously awaiting for that book next.
Heart Stronger is an emotional romance about a divorced professor, Claire and her new next door neighbor, Aiken. Many have been calling this a second chance romance and honestly, I personally do not see it as that. For me, a second chance romance is when the main characters are finding a second chance to be together again when it didn't work out before and that's not the case here. These two do not know each other til they become neighbors.
Claire not only had to survive through a divorce, but while she was coming to grips on that, she loses her daughter in a horrific incident. Since then, she has buried herself in her work and hasn't truly lived her life since the day her daughter died. Aiken moves to the are in hopes of finding his mother, who left him and father. He came looking for closure but what he found was hot neighbor that he just couldn't walk away from.
Rachel has this way with her writing where I find myself so enraptured by them and cheering them on. Aiken won my heart over immediately. I love that nothing Claire did would deter him from continuing to persue her. He saw more than what she showed everyone. Claire is one tough cookie. She is deadest in her ways and just truly believes because she was selfish one night and lost her daughter, that she no longer deserves any sort of love. I love how everything unfolds along with the mystery behind Aiken's quest to find his mother.
Rachel delivers another fantastic story with great characters that will stay with us. While this book is a standalone, she does end it with a cliffhanger about Claire's best friend, Mary. So I will be anxiously awaiting for that book next.
February 19, 2018
This book is a keeper! It had so much wrapped into a one unique and sizzling story. This is a story about heartbreak, second chances, finding love, discovery and everlasting love. Claire and Aiken’s story is a beautiful one. They both have suffered emotional scars in their past, pain that caused them to draw back and seek refuge from their past. They both are seeking answers to the questions that still linger. Clair, in my mind, has suffered the most pain and this story will touch even the hardened heart. Her past will intertwine with Aiken’s but it isn’t immediately known but the story is woven in such a way that the reader will be fully engaged and rooting for both main characters. Aiken is about 6 years younger than Claire’s 36 years. He is full of zest, energy and secrets. Claire is withdrawn, slender and reclusive. The difference between them is pretty evident; What I loved is the information isn’t all at once but given to the reader slowly so that we can enjoy the budding relationship between Claire and Aiken plus take in the very different agendas that are at work in the story. What is Aiken up to? Is he as perfect as he seems? Will Claire ever recover from the devastation from her past or will she be doomed to relive it over and over. These are great questions and there are several Huge twists and turns that take place in the story. I do not want to give any spoilers away so all I can say is this is one emotional, heartbreaking story that will keep you on your toes from start to finish. I loved it and would love to see a follow up novella featuring the main characters and how they are doing, that is how great this story is. I will say the way the book ended, one of the secondary characters looks to possibly be getting their own book and I am so looking forward to their story.
My Rating: 4.7 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
My Rating: 4.7 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
February 8, 2018
I just finished my first book by Rachel Blaufeld. Heart Stronger’s plotline features Claire a divorced professor that thinks her life ended because of one decision she considers selfish now, but that was actually only human and is done by people around the world every other minute. And then there is Aiken her (as she feels) far to young new neighbor who will simply not take now for an answer. The interesting balance between the characters is based on the fact that one is too sweet while the other is to negative.
The pace of the book is on the slower side but it suited the plotline and the characters just fine. The writing style of this author is very detailed and she places a lot of thought into the characters as well as the surrounding story/ backstory.
Actually, the reader not only gets a developing romance with these characters but also suspense from the backstory. Again, the slower pace of the book supported the backstory as well because the whole plot felt far more believable.
If there is one thing that I would say felt not so believable then it was the fact that Claire kept on pointing at Aikens Age when in reality there was not really that big issue. Like it always is … older man with younger woman (the guy gets a high five) – younger man older woman (the woman gets a frown) … #sigh I hat that cliché to be honest and also we are not talking decades here …
Besides the building relationship both leading characters have their own agenda and that is also what will bring the suspense. The big question is if they can find closure and will be able to move on together. Or if their past will break them and forces outside their control will break them before they even have a chance to explore what is developing between them.
═══ PLEASE SUBSCRIBE / LIKE / FOLLOW US ════
Blog : https://www.jerisbookattic.com
FB Page : https://www.facebook.com/JerisBookAttic
Twitter : https://twitter.com/JeriTRyan
Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
Bloglovin : https://www.bloglovin.com/@jerisbooka...
February 26, 2018
It’s no secret that I love Rachel Blaufeld’s work. She’s one of those authors I just happened to stumble upon and have since enjoyed every book I’ve read by her. Heart Stronger is a second-chance romance with a few spins Rachel put into the characters and storyline.
“I’d get her. Save her. Breathe air back into her lungs.”
Usually the books I read with age gaps are almost always the male lead being the oldest. In Heart Stronger it’s the reverse. Our heroine Claire is college professor in her mid-thirties. Someone who’s no stranger to heartache and learning to deal with a few tragic events from her past. She’s strong, yet still broken. And for once it wasn’t her, the woman, who was trying to be the “fixer” in a relationship—we’re given a wonderful hero who was eager, and willing to step up to the that plate.
“He was the lighthouse and I was the ship lost at sea.”
Aiken is a thirty-year-old farm boy turned computer techy who moves into the available home next door to Claire. He’s hunting ghosts from his own past but feels a pull to show his neighbor that it’s okay to still live after tragedy. I think my favorite part about this book was Aiken. A character that I instantly adored as soon as he stepped onto the page—charming, a sweet demeanor, and full of swoon-worthy moments came from this one.
“My heart beats stronger when it’s with you.”
Rachel never fails to make a reader feel while reading one of her books. Heart Stronger is one of those stories that’ll break your heart, but she undoubtedly puts it back together again…just like Aiken does with Claire.
“I’d get her. Save her. Breathe air back into her lungs.”
Usually the books I read with age gaps are almost always the male lead being the oldest. In Heart Stronger it’s the reverse. Our heroine Claire is college professor in her mid-thirties. Someone who’s no stranger to heartache and learning to deal with a few tragic events from her past. She’s strong, yet still broken. And for once it wasn’t her, the woman, who was trying to be the “fixer” in a relationship—we’re given a wonderful hero who was eager, and willing to step up to the that plate.
“He was the lighthouse and I was the ship lost at sea.”
Aiken is a thirty-year-old farm boy turned computer techy who moves into the available home next door to Claire. He’s hunting ghosts from his own past but feels a pull to show his neighbor that it’s okay to still live after tragedy. I think my favorite part about this book was Aiken. A character that I instantly adored as soon as he stepped onto the page—charming, a sweet demeanor, and full of swoon-worthy moments came from this one.
“My heart beats stronger when it’s with you.”
Rachel never fails to make a reader feel while reading one of her books. Heart Stronger is one of those stories that’ll break your heart, but she undoubtedly puts it back together again…just like Aiken does with Claire.
February 20, 2018
This is a second chance at love trope. You have Claire Richards, a divorced college professor, who is the husk of her former self. Three years ago, she suffered tragedy, and all she wants to do is work, work, work, work, work. That is until she meets her new hot, younger neighbor Aiken. While trying Aiken tries to neighborly, Claire just wants to be left alone, especially from the likes of this "yougin". Oh but Aiken will not be deterred. He's determine to bring down Claire's walls one way or another.
Aiken is in Pennsylvania in trying to locate the mother who abandoned him and his dad. He wants some type of closure, little did he expect he would fall for the stubborn hot professor next door. Little by little, he chips down Claire's walls, but it was really tough, he was ever so patient. But while chipping those walls, he uncovers some hard truths about her loss and it got a bit ugly.
Ms. Blaufeld can write some angst and this holds true with Heart Stronger. As a woman myself, I felt Claire's pain and could understand why she felt so "undeserving" of Aiken's advances. I just wished she would have let happen more organically. When uncovering the past, well that was a mind game. Also, the age difference, in my opinion, was not big, but understand Claire's perspective having been burned by her ex-husband.
If you're looking for a second chance with a slight age difference, then Heart Stronger is the book for you.
*An ARC was received for an honest review.
Aiken is in Pennsylvania in trying to locate the mother who abandoned him and his dad. He wants some type of closure, little did he expect he would fall for the stubborn hot professor next door. Little by little, he chips down Claire's walls, but it was really tough, he was ever so patient. But while chipping those walls, he uncovers some hard truths about her loss and it got a bit ugly.
Ms. Blaufeld can write some angst and this holds true with Heart Stronger. As a woman myself, I felt Claire's pain and could understand why she felt so "undeserving" of Aiken's advances. I just wished she would have let happen more organically. When uncovering the past, well that was a mind game. Also, the age difference, in my opinion, was not big, but understand Claire's perspective having been burned by her ex-husband.
If you're looking for a second chance with a slight age difference, then Heart Stronger is the book for you.
*An ARC was received for an honest review.
July 29, 2018
You are introduced to the heroine at the very beginning of the story when tragedy strikes. For any parent it is the worst no matter the age, for me I almost stopped reading, but went ahead. It turns out that Claire Richards is still having a time with her life moving forward. All she wants to do is get back to her job as a professor at the local college. She becomes upset at first when her dog takes a liking to the new neighbor who just moved in next door. Though he is very good looking she feels that because she is six years older and still grieving after three years she does not deserve anything good in her life. Mainly because as any mother or parent she wanted one night, not even a night a few hours alone to soak in a tub and read her book. Now she feels she needs to punish herself because of the decision. Aiken the neighbor and her friend since childhood are working to pull her out of her house and back into a life that they feel it is time for her to have. A wonderful story with good characters and a good epilogue. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
February 20, 2018
For the most part I enjoyed this. But it was a pretty simple story, nothing really different about it, other than possibly the connection between Claire and Aiken's mother that we find out at the end. I didn't like the way Aiken handled that, the length of time it took, just didn't work for me on how he had been up to that point. Until then, he had seemed to know exactly how to give her space, how to back off when she would push her away. He knew how to include her daughter to help Claire feel like she wasn't forgetting her, and that she was still a part of her life. It was an easy read though, and the romance was sweet. I think we were left with a bit of a cliffhanger ending with Claire's friend Mary, and I would assume there will be a sequel or standalone book about her.
You can read my full review at Lisa Loves Literature.
You can read my full review at Lisa Loves Literature.
February 7, 2018
Past- Claire is soaking in the claw foot tub sipping her wine when she receives a phone call that would change her life forever.
Present-
Aiken moves in next door to Claire in search for his mom who walked out on him and his dad years ago.
thus begins their love story, however unknown to them there lives have already been weaved together several years ago.
This was a very very sweet book. I mean Aiken about gave me a toothache he was so sweet.
I want to tell you how stunning you are. Every fiber of me wants to delve into a long explanation of what I would do to you..with my hands, my tongue, my..God, Claire. I'm burning so hot for you. You have no idea." Aiken
Claire doesn't want to move on from tragedy but Aiken really never gives her a choice once he pushed his way into her life.
I'll say this. I have a crush on you, Claire Richards. A bona fide crush. A grown man like me like likes a grown woman like you, like we are in high school, but we're not. We're adults, as I remind you often. I want to make you happy in every way. Physical, emotional, and physical all over again. And you're going to let me one day soon." Aiken
I love the back and forth banter between the two. It was funny.
It is definitely kind of an insta-love kind of book, which is normally not my thing, but I could not put this book down.
Present-
Aiken moves in next door to Claire in search for his mom who walked out on him and his dad years ago.
thus begins their love story, however unknown to them there lives have already been weaved together several years ago.
This was a very very sweet book. I mean Aiken about gave me a toothache he was so sweet.
I want to tell you how stunning you are. Every fiber of me wants to delve into a long explanation of what I would do to you..with my hands, my tongue, my..God, Claire. I'm burning so hot for you. You have no idea." Aiken
Claire doesn't want to move on from tragedy but Aiken really never gives her a choice once he pushed his way into her life.
I'll say this. I have a crush on you, Claire Richards. A bona fide crush. A grown man like me like likes a grown woman like you, like we are in high school, but we're not. We're adults, as I remind you often. I want to make you happy in every way. Physical, emotional, and physical all over again. And you're going to let me one day soon." Aiken
I love the back and forth banter between the two. It was funny.
It is definitely kind of an insta-love kind of book, which is normally not my thing, but I could not put this book down.
August 6, 2018
Review by Lisa Kane
Beautiful heartbreaking story about a woman who hits rock bottom and her slow rise up.
Claire has lost just about everything, including her mind. A few years ago her daughter was killed and her husband left her for another woman. She teaches, comes home, and starts her day all over again. Her best friend Mary, convinces her to lighten up just a little.
She meets her new next door neighbor, Aiken, who's pretty soft on the eyes. He makes no secret of his interest in her-but he has a few secrets he hasn't revealed.
Slowly Claire lets Aiken into her life, but then when those secrets are exposed, where will that leave them?
Beautiful heartbreaking story about a woman who hits rock bottom and her slow rise up.
Claire has lost just about everything, including her mind. A few years ago her daughter was killed and her husband left her for another woman. She teaches, comes home, and starts her day all over again. Her best friend Mary, convinces her to lighten up just a little.
She meets her new next door neighbor, Aiken, who's pretty soft on the eyes. He makes no secret of his interest in her-but he has a few secrets he hasn't revealed.
Slowly Claire lets Aiken into her life, but then when those secrets are exposed, where will that leave them?
April 5, 2018
3.5 Cocktails
The rushed ending ruined this one for me. Not sure we really needed Aiken's mom to be the bad guy.
The rushed ending ruined this one for me. Not sure we really needed Aiken's mom to be the bad guy.
February 19, 2018
“He was the lighthouse and I was the ship lost at sea.”
After suffering an unimaginable tragedy, Claire has spent the last three years barely going through the motions of life. Existing instead of really living, her well ordered life is once again turned upside down when Aiken Ford moves in next door. He’s sweet, slightly younger, and all kinds of interested.
"I'd had enough goodbyes, and I didn't want any more hellos."
Claire couldn’t be more resistant to his charms, but Aiken is nothing if not persistent. Intent on helping Claire move on from her grief he patiently worms himself into her life. He makes her see that even though life does go on, it doesn’t mean you forget. As Claire starts to come to terms with her feelings for Aiken, he’s reeling from the information he learns about his long lost mother. Just as these two are finally on the same page life once again tries to have the last laugh.
"She tasted like red wine and fear. I dared myself to suck all the fear out of her."
Heart Stronger is a story of love and loss, heartbreak and healing, and learning to live, and to love, again.
February 10, 2018
To say the emotions run high in this story from Rachel Blaufeld is an understatement. My heart was shattered, then it was mended in this story. I could only imagine the pain of loss that Claire felt through the tragedy that gripped her. No, not mentioning it as I do not want to give a spoiler. The biggest thing is how does one rebuild after something so heartbreaking and earth shattering? Well, enter Aiken. I think he was the most unexpected experience that Claire could have anticipated but in such a good way. He brought life back into Claire and helped her face her fears and move on to live life again.
Overall, this was an amazing story. I think it is my favorite one to date from Blaufeld. What I love about Blaufeld is she tackles such hard and emotional topics with grace and poise and it packs such a punch that leaves you breathless and remembering it for the rest of your life. Heart Stronger will do just that for you and more. With every emotional moment, passionate kiss and more, this will make you look at life in a new way and live it to the fullest. The twist at the end had my heart stop and gasp! But it comes full circle and it just amazing! I highly recommend this read!
Overall, this was an amazing story. I think it is my favorite one to date from Blaufeld. What I love about Blaufeld is she tackles such hard and emotional topics with grace and poise and it packs such a punch that leaves you breathless and remembering it for the rest of your life. Heart Stronger will do just that for you and more. With every emotional moment, passionate kiss and more, this will make you look at life in a new way and live it to the fullest. The twist at the end had my heart stop and gasp! But it comes full circle and it just amazing! I highly recommend this read!
February 19, 2018
An emotional story of learning to live again, of seeing that the loss that has devastated your past doesn’t have to decimate your future too.
The story was intense, it pulled on every heart string and rightly so, it had a point to get across and was willing to do everything it could to ensure that as the reader you got what it was trying to say.
Claire was such a powerful character, she had been through so much, more than many would have been willing or able to deal with but she was still standing…although at times it seemed like it was only just!
The death of her daughter left her a shell of a woman and she was in no hurry to heal that void, she didn’t believe that without her child she had a right to even exist, her pain was so all-encompassing it was heart-breaking to read, I ran my fingers across the screen of my kindle wishing desperately that I could take some of the horrors from her but it was her reality and she had to find a way to allow herself to overcome it…I just wasn’t sure that she could.
I thought that there was a lot placed on the fact that her new neighbour was younger but I didn’t think that a six-year gap was much, but it seemed to matter to her, then again everything mattered to Claire, everything was an excuse, so I suppose that is what counted in the long run, but despite the age what couldn’t be denied was the fact that Aikon was just the most delicious man.
He had an empathy that was quite simply exquisite, he knew straight off the bat that Claire was in pain and his heart was desperate to reach out and help her heal but her reticence was his stumbling block and I say that with a smile on my face because this was a man not to be deterred, he set about his task, his quest to show her that no matter the severity of her loss, everything she had isn’t gone forever, she has memories and those are what she needs keep with her because it is those memories that will give her back her life…but was his plan about to fall on deaf ears or would he be able to slowly piece by piece , lovingly put this emotionally broken woman back together?
With just enough angst to take the edge off being too romantic, this was a beautiful read.
It encouraged my participation, it gave me guidance and offered an enlightening insight into a world of pain that no parent should ever have to face. It showed that life as a parent isn’t easy but that changing it for something else is unfathomable.
I spent a lot of the book feeling almost distraught for Claire but I couldn’t help but hope that in the depth of her despair her heart would see what Aikon was offering as a step towards remembering and through that learning to live again.
Superb book, with every superlative at my disposal I still couldn’t do it justice…
The story was intense, it pulled on every heart string and rightly so, it had a point to get across and was willing to do everything it could to ensure that as the reader you got what it was trying to say.
Claire was such a powerful character, she had been through so much, more than many would have been willing or able to deal with but she was still standing…although at times it seemed like it was only just!
The death of her daughter left her a shell of a woman and she was in no hurry to heal that void, she didn’t believe that without her child she had a right to even exist, her pain was so all-encompassing it was heart-breaking to read, I ran my fingers across the screen of my kindle wishing desperately that I could take some of the horrors from her but it was her reality and she had to find a way to allow herself to overcome it…I just wasn’t sure that she could.
I thought that there was a lot placed on the fact that her new neighbour was younger but I didn’t think that a six-year gap was much, but it seemed to matter to her, then again everything mattered to Claire, everything was an excuse, so I suppose that is what counted in the long run, but despite the age what couldn’t be denied was the fact that Aikon was just the most delicious man.
He had an empathy that was quite simply exquisite, he knew straight off the bat that Claire was in pain and his heart was desperate to reach out and help her heal but her reticence was his stumbling block and I say that with a smile on my face because this was a man not to be deterred, he set about his task, his quest to show her that no matter the severity of her loss, everything she had isn’t gone forever, she has memories and those are what she needs keep with her because it is those memories that will give her back her life…but was his plan about to fall on deaf ears or would he be able to slowly piece by piece , lovingly put this emotionally broken woman back together?
With just enough angst to take the edge off being too romantic, this was a beautiful read.
It encouraged my participation, it gave me guidance and offered an enlightening insight into a world of pain that no parent should ever have to face. It showed that life as a parent isn’t easy but that changing it for something else is unfathomable.
I spent a lot of the book feeling almost distraught for Claire but I couldn’t help but hope that in the depth of her despair her heart would see what Aikon was offering as a step towards remembering and through that learning to live again.
Superb book, with every superlative at my disposal I still couldn’t do it justice…
February 25, 2018
Heart Stronger was a heart pulling, gut wrenching story about a single mom who has gone though hell and back. Literally the worst thing that you could ever imagine happened to her and now she is just floating through life. Until she meets the MUCH younger guy next door, but that doesn't mean that there is any room left in her heart to love and she makes it clear from day one that she is fine just being by herself and doesn't need Mr. Hotty next door.
Claire is such a strong character. I could feel and understand the guilt she has. Kids are hard and sometimes you need a break. And then you feel guilty for wanting the break. But when the imaginable happens, it's like she is stuck in this cycle of no mans land- not feeling any emotion, going through each day the same, and hiding away from anything and everything.
Aikon is the breath of fresh air that moves in next door. He knows that his elusive neighbor is hurting and he wants to be the one to make it better. I absolutely adored Aikon because instead of wanting to be the replacement of all things in the past- he wants her to remember them and let him somehow be apart of those memories, even if he wasn't there. He takes each piece of Claire's heart and puts it slowly but surely back together.
We all know by now that I am a sucker for single parent romances and this one was no different. This book was so good and so relate-able to how I feel as a parent many times. I've also been through some traumatic things with my son so I know how it feels to be in this space of how can I ever love again?? Or be happy again?? But just like this book, there are ways and you just have to find them. I love how Aikon shows her that there is a way in the most gentle and loving way possible. Each tiny little thing he did made my heart so happy and made me fall in love with him even more!
I give this book 4 stars because I definitely enjoyed it and would recommend it to all my friends. The scenes were well written and it was the perfect length. It of course has my HEA ending that I adore and need. I loved the flow of the book and the back story- I also really enjoyed the twists (although at one or two twists were almost predictable, it didn't bother me at all!) throughout the book. If you haven't picked it up already, I would definitely add it to your TBR and read it while bundled up next to the fire!
Claire is such a strong character. I could feel and understand the guilt she has. Kids are hard and sometimes you need a break. And then you feel guilty for wanting the break. But when the imaginable happens, it's like she is stuck in this cycle of no mans land- not feeling any emotion, going through each day the same, and hiding away from anything and everything.
Aikon is the breath of fresh air that moves in next door. He knows that his elusive neighbor is hurting and he wants to be the one to make it better. I absolutely adored Aikon because instead of wanting to be the replacement of all things in the past- he wants her to remember them and let him somehow be apart of those memories, even if he wasn't there. He takes each piece of Claire's heart and puts it slowly but surely back together.
We all know by now that I am a sucker for single parent romances and this one was no different. This book was so good and so relate-able to how I feel as a parent many times. I've also been through some traumatic things with my son so I know how it feels to be in this space of how can I ever love again?? Or be happy again?? But just like this book, there are ways and you just have to find them. I love how Aikon shows her that there is a way in the most gentle and loving way possible. Each tiny little thing he did made my heart so happy and made me fall in love with him even more!
I give this book 4 stars because I definitely enjoyed it and would recommend it to all my friends. The scenes were well written and it was the perfect length. It of course has my HEA ending that I adore and need. I loved the flow of the book and the back story- I also really enjoyed the twists (although at one or two twists were almost predictable, it didn't bother me at all!) throughout the book. If you haven't picked it up already, I would definitely add it to your TBR and read it while bundled up next to the fire!
February 16, 2018
I was so excited to read this book, the blurb looked amazing, and the few things I’d seen about Rachel Blaufeld made me think I’d love her writing style. Unfortunately, neither worked for me. The story didn’t stand up to the blurb, and the writing style was all over the place and left me frustrated.
Heart Stronger is a stand-alone novel, but the end is set up for a second book in this world. The story is written in dual first-person perspective, narrated by Claire and Aiken.
There was not a lot that worked for me in this book, so I’m going to keep this as brief as possible. There is no sense in belaboring my discontent. This story had decent bones, until the big reveal. I liked the idea of the older woman and slightly younger man. Claire’s loss and her potential healing were what had drawn me into the story in the first place, but I didn't feel like they were fully fleshed-out. And the fact that there was a mysterious – though quickly revealed – reason Aiken had moved in next door piqued my curiosity. It was the rest of the story, almost all the meat, that fell flat for me.
Claire and Aiken didn’t have any chemistry, their interactions always felt awkward and forced to me. There were a few shining moments where Aiken – whom I continually want to call Clay (Aiken, from American Idol) – was incredibly sweet and sensitive, I did find poignant and made me feel like their relationship was coming into its own, to no avail. There was nothing that made me feel like they had to be together, emotionally or sexually.
The climax of Heart Stronger felt unnecessarily convoluted, to me. I had a good sense of what was going to happen and hoped I was wrong. Unfortunately, I was all too right. It was just too ridiculous – all of it – for me to get on board with.
My biggest issue with this book was the writing style. There were several strange asides, where the narrator was speaking to the reader directly, and they were off-putting. It often seemed like Ms. Blaufeld didn’t trust her readers to be able to extrapolate from the information they were given and felt the need to pander to her own insecurities. Don’t get me wrong, there were chunks of lovely writing, that made me wish the entire book had been written in the same style, but those moments were overshadowed by the more awkward scenes.
Rachel Blaufeld is a new to me author. While I can see why some readers would love her, she didn’t win me over as a reader. I need an author to trust my intelligence while reading and write a smart, stimulating story. Heart Stronger had potential but just fell flat in too many ways for me to want to check out any of her other work.
Heart Stronger is a stand-alone novel, but the end is set up for a second book in this world. The story is written in dual first-person perspective, narrated by Claire and Aiken.
There was not a lot that worked for me in this book, so I’m going to keep this as brief as possible. There is no sense in belaboring my discontent. This story had decent bones, until the big reveal. I liked the idea of the older woman and slightly younger man. Claire’s loss and her potential healing were what had drawn me into the story in the first place, but I didn't feel like they were fully fleshed-out. And the fact that there was a mysterious – though quickly revealed – reason Aiken had moved in next door piqued my curiosity. It was the rest of the story, almost all the meat, that fell flat for me.
Claire and Aiken didn’t have any chemistry, their interactions always felt awkward and forced to me. There were a few shining moments where Aiken – whom I continually want to call Clay (Aiken, from American Idol) – was incredibly sweet and sensitive, I did find poignant and made me feel like their relationship was coming into its own, to no avail. There was nothing that made me feel like they had to be together, emotionally or sexually.
The climax of Heart Stronger felt unnecessarily convoluted, to me. I had a good sense of what was going to happen and hoped I was wrong. Unfortunately, I was all too right. It was just too ridiculous – all of it – for me to get on board with.
My biggest issue with this book was the writing style. There were several strange asides, where the narrator was speaking to the reader directly, and they were off-putting. It often seemed like Ms. Blaufeld didn’t trust her readers to be able to extrapolate from the information they were given and felt the need to pander to her own insecurities. Don’t get me wrong, there were chunks of lovely writing, that made me wish the entire book had been written in the same style, but those moments were overshadowed by the more awkward scenes.
Rachel Blaufeld is a new to me author. While I can see why some readers would love her, she didn’t win me over as a reader. I need an author to trust my intelligence while reading and write a smart, stimulating story. Heart Stronger had potential but just fell flat in too many ways for me to want to check out any of her other work.
September 5, 2018
Heart Stronger is an emotional story of a woman who has lost everything and the younger guy next door who shows her that it is okay to live and love again. Three years ago, Claire's daughter died in a horrific explosion, and ever since, this college professor has been sleepwalking through life. The day that a young Adonis moves in next door to her, everything immediately changes for Claire. Starting with the zap of feelings that have long laid dormant in her heart.
This is labeled as an older woman/younger man story, but I didn't think the 6-year age gap (Aiken is 30; Claire 36) was that big of a deal. Especially since Aiken comes across as so mature. Claire made so much more out of their age difference than there needed to be. Aiken is the perfect guy; he pushes Claire when she needs to get out of her comfort zone, and he knows when to give her space. But it's even the small things he does for her that are just so romantic, like getting her favorite coffee and taking care of her dog. Blaufield does an amazing job of creating the push and pull Claire feels for Aiken. She's so torn about wanting to start living her life again with him, but feeling horribly guilty because she is alive and her daughter is not.
Heart Stronger isn't just a straight-forward romance though; there is a bit of a mystery woven into the story related to Aiken's search for the mother who abandoned him when he was a toddler. Overall, the story is raw on so many levels, gut-wrenching and highly emotional for me as a mother. But there is a sweetness to Aiken and Claire's relationship that also provides many moments of laughter. They are two well-written characters, and I felt deeply for them because Blaufield did a great job of SHOWING (not telling!) the reader how they fall in love.
While Aiken and Claire's story ends with a nicely-tied HEA, there is a cliffhanger at the end where it comes to Claire's best friend, Mary. Blaufield has me interested enough in that story that I'll be keeping an eye out for it.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
This is labeled as an older woman/younger man story, but I didn't think the 6-year age gap (Aiken is 30; Claire 36) was that big of a deal. Especially since Aiken comes across as so mature. Claire made so much more out of their age difference than there needed to be. Aiken is the perfect guy; he pushes Claire when she needs to get out of her comfort zone, and he knows when to give her space. But it's even the small things he does for her that are just so romantic, like getting her favorite coffee and taking care of her dog. Blaufield does an amazing job of creating the push and pull Claire feels for Aiken. She's so torn about wanting to start living her life again with him, but feeling horribly guilty because she is alive and her daughter is not.
Heart Stronger isn't just a straight-forward romance though; there is a bit of a mystery woven into the story related to Aiken's search for the mother who abandoned him when he was a toddler. Overall, the story is raw on so many levels, gut-wrenching and highly emotional for me as a mother. But there is a sweetness to Aiken and Claire's relationship that also provides many moments of laughter. They are two well-written characters, and I felt deeply for them because Blaufield did a great job of SHOWING (not telling!) the reader how they fall in love.
While Aiken and Claire's story ends with a nicely-tied HEA, there is a cliffhanger at the end where it comes to Claire's best friend, Mary. Blaufield has me interested enough in that story that I'll be keeping an eye out for it.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
June 6, 2018
Heart Stronger was a heart pulling, gut wrenching story about a single mom who has gone though hell and back. Literally the worst thing that you could ever imagine happened to her and now she is just floating through life. Until she meets the MUCH younger guy next door, but that doesn't mean that there is any room left in her heart to love and she makes it clear from day one that she is fine just being by herself and doesn't need Mr. Hotty next door.
Claire is such a strong character. I could feel and understand the guilt she has. Kids are hard and sometimes you need a break. And then you feel guilty for wanting the break. But when the imaginable happens, it's like she is stuck in this cycle of no mans land- not feeling any emotion, going through each day the same, and hiding away from anything and everything.
Aikon is the breath of fresh air that moves in next door. He knows that his elusive neighbor is hurting and he wants to be the one to make it better. I absolutely adored Aikon because instead of wanting to be the replacement of all things in the past- he wants her to remember them and let him somehow be apart of those memories, even if he wasn't there. He takes each piece of Claire's heart and puts it slowly but surely back together.
We all know by now that I am a sucker for single parent romances and this one was no different. This book was so good and so relate-able to how I feel as a parent many times. I've also been through some traumatic things with my son so I know how it feels to be in this space of how can I ever love again?? Or be happy again?? But just like this book, there are ways and you just have to find them. I love how Aikon shows her that there is a way in the most gentle and loving way possible. Each tiny little thing he did made my heart so happy and made me fall in love with him even more!
I give this book 4 stars because I definitely enjoyed it and would recommend it to all my friends. The scenes were well written and it was the perfect length. It of course has my HEA ending that I adore and need. I loved the flow of the book and the back story- I also really enjoyed the twists (although at one or two twists were almost predictable, it didn't bother me at all!) throughout the book. If you haven't picked it up already, I would definitely add it to your TBR and read it while bundled up next to the fire!
Claire is such a strong character. I could feel and understand the guilt she has. Kids are hard and sometimes you need a break. And then you feel guilty for wanting the break. But when the imaginable happens, it's like she is stuck in this cycle of no mans land- not feeling any emotion, going through each day the same, and hiding away from anything and everything.
Aikon is the breath of fresh air that moves in next door. He knows that his elusive neighbor is hurting and he wants to be the one to make it better. I absolutely adored Aikon because instead of wanting to be the replacement of all things in the past- he wants her to remember them and let him somehow be apart of those memories, even if he wasn't there. He takes each piece of Claire's heart and puts it slowly but surely back together.
We all know by now that I am a sucker for single parent romances and this one was no different. This book was so good and so relate-able to how I feel as a parent many times. I've also been through some traumatic things with my son so I know how it feels to be in this space of how can I ever love again?? Or be happy again?? But just like this book, there are ways and you just have to find them. I love how Aikon shows her that there is a way in the most gentle and loving way possible. Each tiny little thing he did made my heart so happy and made me fall in love with him even more!
I give this book 4 stars because I definitely enjoyed it and would recommend it to all my friends. The scenes were well written and it was the perfect length. It of course has my HEA ending that I adore and need. I loved the flow of the book and the back story- I also really enjoyed the twists (although at one or two twists were almost predictable, it didn't bother me at all!) throughout the book. If you haven't picked it up already, I would definitely add it to your TBR and read it while bundled up next to the fire!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews