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Talisman Mountain Trilogy #1
Healing Hearts
THE OLYMPIAN WINS HER HEART is the story of Alex Mason, a successful, overworked, financial analyst who, upon the death of her father, inherits the family ski resort. Hoping to sell her inheritance to developers and forget the pain of her past, Alex was not expecting to face those memories or her very first crush, Olympic skier, Bohdi Vonn. Alex finds her plans for a smooth sale derailed, by the cooked books of her father’s business partner and the blue eyed man responsible for the last 16 years of heartache. Alex will need to decide if she wants to close the deal with the developers or open her heart to a lifetime of love.
Bohdi Vonn was the country’s darling. Medalled Olympian, and endorsements, that provided a life of comfort. Retired from skiing, after an injury, Bohdi wants nothing more than to spend his days, running the T-Bar Pub, and rebuilding his life at Talisman Mountain. When news the resort will be sold to unscrupulous developers, Bohdi swears he will do anything to stop it. He just isn’t prepared to go to battle with the determined and beautiful Alex Mason. His best friends sister is all grown up, stunning and she still hasn’t forgiven him for her brother’s death, on the hill, years ago. Knowing he has only one chance to save the resort, Bohdi sets out on a mission to show Alex the true value of the mountain, forgiveness and his heart.
Bohdi Vonn was the country’s darling. Medalled Olympian, and endorsements, that provided a life of comfort. Retired from skiing, after an injury, Bohdi wants nothing more than to spend his days, running the T-Bar Pub, and rebuilding his life at Talisman Mountain. When news the resort will be sold to unscrupulous developers, Bohdi swears he will do anything to stop it. He just isn’t prepared to go to battle with the determined and beautiful Alex Mason. His best friends sister is all grown up, stunning and she still hasn’t forgiven him for her brother’s death, on the hill, years ago. Knowing he has only one chance to save the resort, Bohdi sets out on a mission to show Alex the true value of the mountain, forgiveness and his heart.
173 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2019
115 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Thomas
13 books34 followersSamantha Thomas is a mother of three, who has given up the hectic pace of the office for chaotic life at home. When not writing, she is reading, creating cakes that almost always include fire and failing at ways to keep life at home running smoothly.
A Canadian author, Samantha has lived in multiple provinces and currently resides in Calgary, Alberta.
#Everybookneedsadog
A Canadian author, Samantha has lived in multiple provinces and currently resides in Calgary, Alberta.
#Everybookneedsadog
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 17, 2019
A Feel Good Romance
You know those books you read that have you clasping a hand over your heart and going, "Aww!" ? This...is one of those stories. Thomas took us on a delightful journey of love and loss and what it means to truly let someone in. It still has plenty of light hearted moments and some witty dialogue to keep the story humming. I'm looking forward to seeing more done with the costars in the upcoming books!
You know those books you read that have you clasping a hand over your heart and going, "Aww!" ? This...is one of those stories. Thomas took us on a delightful journey of love and loss and what it means to truly let someone in. It still has plenty of light hearted moments and some witty dialogue to keep the story humming. I'm looking forward to seeing more done with the costars in the upcoming books!
April 1, 2022
There was a lot to like about Alex and Bohdi. They felt instant chemistry at their first "reunion" meeting when they didn't know who they were talking to, then things went down hill. Both characters had a lot of issues to deal with surrounding the pain from the past. Alex is stubborn and unwilling to talk about it--a real pro at hiding from her own emotions. Bohdi seems more willing, but he's also a bit clueless.
These characteristics didn't make them unlikeable, just real. For the most part, I enjoyed the story. There were places where I wished the author had digged a little deeper, given us just a little more than we got. I'm not sure how though. The book just felt like it was brushing the surface and was over too soon. Alex is adamant that she isn't going to give in to Bohdi because it's too late, then they're together and the book is over. It felt like a lot of steps in the relationship were skipped even though they made out in the hot tub. I wanted the deeper emotional connection, not the physical one to take center stage for more of the story.
I give Healing Hearts by Samantha Thomas a 3.75 rounded to a 4 and a PG to PG-13 rating. The book is technically clean, but the characters are physically aware of each other and want things. There is also the hot tub scene but no smex.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure
Movie Ratings in relation to my review:
Clean--Hallmark movies, some kissing, no nudity, no intimacy on or off "screen"
PG--Some innuendo but nothing kids don't hear every day, intimacy is all closed door
PG-13--some language (swear words not related to intimacy), more talk about intimacy, heavy petting, removal of clothing on screen, but intimacy is closed door.
PG-14—somewhere between PG-13 and R. Not erotica, but at least a paragraph of on-screen intimacy
R--swearing (F-bomb, on “screen” intimacy, sometimes feels like the whole story is about the intimacy and not the relationship or some other plot, but not always
These characteristics didn't make them unlikeable, just real. For the most part, I enjoyed the story. There were places where I wished the author had digged a little deeper, given us just a little more than we got. I'm not sure how though. The book just felt like it was brushing the surface and was over too soon. Alex is adamant that she isn't going to give in to Bohdi because it's too late, then they're together and the book is over. It felt like a lot of steps in the relationship were skipped even though they made out in the hot tub. I wanted the deeper emotional connection, not the physical one to take center stage for more of the story.
I give Healing Hearts by Samantha Thomas a 3.75 rounded to a 4 and a PG to PG-13 rating. The book is technically clean, but the characters are physically aware of each other and want things. There is also the hot tub scene but no smex.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure
Movie Ratings in relation to my review:
Clean--Hallmark movies, some kissing, no nudity, no intimacy on or off "screen"
PG--Some innuendo but nothing kids don't hear every day, intimacy is all closed door
PG-13--some language (swear words not related to intimacy), more talk about intimacy, heavy petting, removal of clothing on screen, but intimacy is closed door.
PG-14—somewhere between PG-13 and R. Not erotica, but at least a paragraph of on-screen intimacy
R--swearing (F-bomb, on “screen” intimacy, sometimes feels like the whole story is about the intimacy and not the relationship or some other plot, but not always
March 30, 2022
I found I was more interested in the resort story than I was in their romance. I wanted more about that. The details with Cal were kind of glossed over at the end to focus on the romance part. I am not sure that I liked the main characters that much so I wasn't as invested in their relationship. I probably would have given 4 stars but the story was ruined for me by one scene which I suppose was added to spice up the romance a bit but I hated it. I felt like he tried to take advantage of her by taking things a step too far and that just made me cringe. Especially because this was categorized as clean. No, there wasn't sex but there was an attempt at more than kissing so that moves it out of the clean category to me. Yes, I'm a prude. And truthfully, detailed kissing scenes bore me faster than anything. After that scene I felt more disengaged from the story wondering if there was more of that coming.
Alex had crushed on Bohdi as a kid so it was more believable that she could fall back in love with him in a matter of days but Bohdi was really insta-love. There was some chemistry between them as witnessed by their first meeting in the book but I just wasn't sure that their was enough between them through the rest of the story for him to be in love that quickly although he was obviously in lust with her. So, this story was just okay for me. But I liked the dog.
Sex: attempt at more than kissing
Language: some
Violence: no
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Alex had crushed on Bohdi as a kid so it was more believable that she could fall back in love with him in a matter of days but Bohdi was really insta-love. There was some chemistry between them as witnessed by their first meeting in the book but I just wasn't sure that their was enough between them through the rest of the story for him to be in love that quickly although he was obviously in lust with her. So, this story was just okay for me. But I liked the dog.
Sex: attempt at more than kissing
Language: some
Violence: no
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
March 29, 2022
Alex left the mountain behind along with her mother after her brother Ben died. Bodhi chased the Olympic dreams that him and Ben made together never getting more than silver. One death tore her family apart and crushed her childhood dreams. One tragic accident left him so guilt ridden that he was afraid to get close to anyone. She has agreed to sell her share of her father's beautiful resort town and he is determined to show her why she shouldn't. Alex was such a pest, following Bodhi and Ben everywhere as kids. She definitely does not seem to be a pest now. Bodhi is such a ski jock and the Olympics have gone to his head, but dang he turned out to better looking than ever if possible. An easy delightful read full of life, childhood crush, deep grief and loss, misunderstanding, forgiveness, healing and breathtaking scenery. Perfect romance for preteen and others
August 13, 2021
Heartwarming!
This is a new author to me. The story deals with loss, grief, misconceptions, healing, forgiveness, new beginnings, and finding true love and happiness. Wonderful characters and a great location. Alex and Bohdi have feelings for each other, but she’s not about to admit it. Bohdi is willing to state his feelings, but Alex doesn’t want to hear it. She can’t let go of things that happened in the past. Can Bohdi get through to her?
This is a new author to me. The story deals with loss, grief, misconceptions, healing, forgiveness, new beginnings, and finding true love and happiness. Wonderful characters and a great location. Alex and Bohdi have feelings for each other, but she’s not about to admit it. Bohdi is willing to state his feelings, but Alex doesn’t want to hear it. She can’t let go of things that happened in the past. Can Bohdi get through to her?
March 31, 2021
Heartwarming Story of Sweet Love
This book was absolutely perfect. Not only is the books well written, but the characters come to life so easily. The story has an intertwined story of loss of family members and dealing with grief from that. The love story is a slow burn and the book is actually kept pretty Pg-13. It is a great book to pick up and make you smile.
This book was absolutely perfect. Not only is the books well written, but the characters come to life so easily. The story has an intertwined story of loss of family members and dealing with grief from that. The love story is a slow burn and the book is actually kept pretty Pg-13. It is a great book to pick up and make you smile.
June 22, 2021
Loved this sweet story, it pulls you in right from the start! Not only the main characters, but all of the ‘supporting cast’ were fun and interesting. Made me wish I was staying at the Talisman Resort and really knew these people! Bring on book number two!
September 28, 2021
We are proud to announce that +HEALING HEARTS by Samantha Thomas has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
March 2, 2022
Sweet, quick contemporary romance read!
May 4, 2022
Predictable but entertaining story. I'm looking forward to more of the supporting cast.
June 4, 2022
Story did not bring me in so I just skimmed the book and nothing made me want do more than that.
October 10, 2022
Good read
Shorter than I normally read, first ti.e read of this Author! But I really liked her writing! Can't wait to read book 2!
Shorter than I normally read, first ti.e read of this Author! But I really liked her writing! Can't wait to read book 2!
March 10, 2023
An emotional story with characters full of indecision and pain. The woman is angry, the man flippant. Both hide deep scars. A happy for now ending. Truly a worthwhile read.
March 13, 2023
Cute lil Hallmark moment
March 24, 2024
I enjoyed the book from the beginning to the end.
June 20, 2024
cute
A very poignant story of loss and redemption. A love that is binding. The happily ever after is a bonus.
A very poignant story of loss and redemption. A love that is binding. The happily ever after is a bonus.
May 16, 2021
Sweet, heartfelt romance. Like a holiday movie, but in book format :)
September 30, 2019
Healing Hearts is a good read. Alex hasn't really talk to her father in while and she hasn't been back to the family ski resort in even longer. Now her father has passed, she back at the resort to sell her part of the resort. She's facing grief and pain. Bohdi was her brother's best friend and he stayed close to Alex's Dad and runs a bra at the resort. He hasn't seen or talked to Alex in a very long time. They have great flirty banter before Alex realized it's Bohdi. She's not a fan of Bohdi. Bohdi is sweet and nice and tries to get Alex to like him. Alex is a bit stubborn. She has feeling for Bohdi too but she has things she needs to work through first. I really liked Bohdi and Alex's story.
November 24, 2019
This is part one of a trilogy. It was a sweet Hallmark type read. Originally picked up by Harlequin Romance it follows a strict protocol in how the action is meant to happen. Now that the author has chosen to self publish, I would absolutely love to have a more fleshed out version of the story. The characters are curious and loveable. Totally relatable with real life problems.
This book is good for teens who are just entering the romance scene, or for groups who enjoy “purity” books. It’s a quick, feel good read.
I should mention that I had the opportunity to meet with the author. She answered some questions and made me excited to read the next book in the series.
This book is good for teens who are just entering the romance scene, or for groups who enjoy “purity” books. It’s a quick, feel good read.
I should mention that I had the opportunity to meet with the author. She answered some questions and made me excited to read the next book in the series.
October 30, 2019
Really boring, poorly developed plot.
Once again, I have to wonder what book the five star rating people read because there is no way it was this book. There is zero character development because there is almost no plot development. The story reads more like a connect the dots puzzle. Point A happens, then we move to point B, then C, and so on. So many questions are left unanswered or merely glossed over at the end. A poorly written, badly developed story overall. I gave an extra star based solely on the fact that there were very few editorial errors.
Once again, I have to wonder what book the five star rating people read because there is no way it was this book. There is zero character development because there is almost no plot development. The story reads more like a connect the dots puzzle. Point A happens, then we move to point B, then C, and so on. So many questions are left unanswered or merely glossed over at the end. A poorly written, badly developed story overall. I gave an extra star based solely on the fact that there were very few editorial errors.
August 16, 2019
A sweet romance that pulls you in from the beginning. The dialogue was well-written, realistic and moved the story along perfectly. The book dealt with the impact of grief in a believable manner. The light hearted moments were delightful, so the overall tone was just right. The secondary characters were so much fun that I’m glad we will get to hear their stories. I’m looking forward to the next one!
August 18, 2019
If you enjoy a Hallmark type cozy romance, then this story is for you. This is a sweet story, with a bit of fun banter to keep you on your toes. Clean, light-hearted story that blooms at a snowy ski-resort. If your looking for a light weekend read, I recommend that you check this one out.
September 25, 2019
Sad Loving
This book was a 5+.The storyline is great & well written.The story is about a girl that lost her father & brother.She held bad feelings for the person she thought caused his death.Always get the facts before you accuse somebody causing a death or problems.
This book was a 5+.The storyline is great & well written.The story is about a girl that lost her father & brother.She held bad feelings for the person she thought caused his death.Always get the facts before you accuse somebody causing a death or problems.
October 13, 2019
Great book!
What a great book!!! I don’t even know where to start. The story line was awesome, it was clean, the romance between Alex and Brohdi was sizzling, I could go on and on! It is definitely one to get!
What a great book!!! I don’t even know where to start. The story line was awesome, it was clean, the romance between Alex and Brohdi was sizzling, I could go on and on! It is definitely one to get!
August 8, 2019
Go to my blog to check out the review!!!
https://theresesreviews.blogspot.com/...
https://theresesreviews.blogspot.com/...
January 15, 2020
good read. previous loves are found again
February 3, 2020
I loved this book. Waiting for more
April 28, 2022
Pace of story pretty dragging , it keep surprising me with every page how horrible h treating H
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews