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Matters of the Heart #1
The Gift of Believing
A standalone book in The Heart of the Holidays, a gay YA series celebrating love.
Presley James has spent his entire life being told that he’s too much. Neither his parents, teachers, or even peers know how to handle the sometimes loud, occasionally impulsive, and always scatter-brained young man. Then he meets Garrett Harper.
Garrett is used to being left behind due to his poor health. So when Presley and his quirks crash into his life, his quiet existence is turned upside down. After a lifetime of being let down by everyone except his father, Garrett is reluctant to trust that Presley is really understanding of all his limitations.
When the boys start to spend more of the most wonderful time of the year together, their budding feelings begin to grow. Thanks to the magic of the Christmas season, these two broken boys may not only learn what it means to trust in somebody else, but most importantly, to believe in yourself.
Presley James has spent his entire life being told that he’s too much. Neither his parents, teachers, or even peers know how to handle the sometimes loud, occasionally impulsive, and always scatter-brained young man. Then he meets Garrett Harper.
Garrett is used to being left behind due to his poor health. So when Presley and his quirks crash into his life, his quiet existence is turned upside down. After a lifetime of being let down by everyone except his father, Garrett is reluctant to trust that Presley is really understanding of all his limitations.
When the boys start to spend more of the most wonderful time of the year together, their budding feelings begin to grow. Thanks to the magic of the Christmas season, these two broken boys may not only learn what it means to trust in somebody else, but most importantly, to believe in yourself.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2020
46 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Abrianna Denae
42 books265 followersAbrianna Denae is a queer author living in Northern California. An English major, they have always had a passion for writing.
Deciding to sit down and write one of the many stories that had plagued their mind for years was the easy part—finding the time to do it was a different story.
Caffeine is their best friend, and sleep is their worst enemy.
A lover of books that make the reader feel something, Abrianna tries to incorporate as much of their real-world views and feelings into their stories as they can.
Deciding to sit down and write one of the many stories that had plagued their mind for years was the easy part—finding the time to do it was a different story.
Caffeine is their best friend, and sleep is their worst enemy.
A lover of books that make the reader feel something, Abrianna tries to incorporate as much of their real-world views and feelings into their stories as they can.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 20, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
The Gift of Believing is part of The Heart of the Holidays series by various authors that features YA characters finding love. The books are said to be a series of standalone books and I had no issues reading only this one.
The guys are 16 and 17 and have little to no experience with having friends or a boyfriend. The two of them fit together so well and the heart of the story is watching them support each other and fall in love as they find a sweet first love that will last a lifetime.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
The Gift of Believing is part of The Heart of the Holidays series by various authors that features YA characters finding love. The books are said to be a series of standalone books and I had no issues reading only this one.
The guys are 16 and 17 and have little to no experience with having friends or a boyfriend. The two of them fit together so well and the heart of the story is watching them support each other and fall in love as they find a sweet first love that will last a lifetime.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
February 7, 2023
Very sweet and somewhat angsty YA holiday love story with a lovely epilogue. I wish it had been a novel instead of a short story, but I still enjoyed it and was happy with the way things turned out.
November 25, 2020
A lovely sweet story honestly I think this might be my favourite couple of Abrianna's. They're so bloody adorable I can't cope.
I love their first kiss and how it was a bit awkward because they're learning together.
Love the TJ Klune and Hunger games references, which made them so relatable!!
There were moments that left me teary eyed with a serious lump in my throat but mostly I was just filled up with love for these boys!
I love their first kiss and how it was a bit awkward because they're learning together.
Love the TJ Klune and Hunger games references, which made them so relatable!!
There were moments that left me teary eyed with a serious lump in my throat but mostly I was just filled up with love for these boys!
November 28, 2020
ARC provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review. This book was literal gold. The characters were gold, the story was gold, the message was gold. Wow. It was amazing. Also, it references TJ Klune and EM Lindsey who are two of my faves. So ya, that was awesome. So, Garrett is a 16 year old who has an illness from birth and is homeschooled and has a different life than most 16 year olds. He meets Presley who is a 17 year old who is like most kids in that he goes to school and has ADHD. He immediately wants to befriend Garrett and alas a friendship ensues. There is bump in their friendship but this just turns their friendship into something more. Then to top off the perfection that is a YA masterpiece we get an epilogue that is years down the road. This story was so real and progressed as a YA story should. I have zero complaints. It did not feel too short even though I totally want more and it made me laugh and cry and swoon. Perfect perfect perfect!!!
April 8, 2023
A beautiful YA mm story. Main characters are Presley and Garrett. Each have their own personal issues and feel unworthy of love. They each accept each others issues and it’s just a wonderful story of acceptance. Set around Christmas time.
December 8, 2020
"Man, does it do something to my heart that he asks which book I read instead of what movie I watched."
This was such a cute read! I loved how sweet it was and there were so many good quotes. I loved how often reading came up and the different mental and physical issues that were addressed. It was just the right amount of angsty and the ending was adorable.
"Real life is not a book, but it would sure be a whole lot easier if it was."
This was such a cute read! I loved how sweet it was and there were so many good quotes. I loved how often reading came up and the different mental and physical issues that were addressed. It was just the right amount of angsty and the ending was adorable.
"Real life is not a book, but it would sure be a whole lot easier if it was."
November 19, 2020
This book was a beautiful story of finding acceptance, not only from others but from within. It also includes a little holiday cheer.
Presley and Garrett both suffer from illnesses they can’t completely control. Their illnesses are different, but they both feel alone, rejected more times than they can count, left out, and unlikable. It broke my heart reading of their sadness for being abandoned so many times. I hated Presley’s parents. Hate. Them. They’re fictitious beings, but I dislike them, nonetheless. I wish we could’ve seen karma come for them.
This was a sweet, well-written story. It was touching and makes you feel all the things that the holidays are really about. The characters, minus Pres’ parents are likable, and they were all well developed. I liked how these boys weren’t perfect, but it’s in their imperfections that make them perfect.
This is a great holiday story, and I ten out of ten recommend it. I love that the epilogue jumps ahead in time, so we don’t have to wonder how their sweet, love story ended. It was perfect.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
Presley and Garrett both suffer from illnesses they can’t completely control. Their illnesses are different, but they both feel alone, rejected more times than they can count, left out, and unlikable. It broke my heart reading of their sadness for being abandoned so many times. I hated Presley’s parents. Hate. Them. They’re fictitious beings, but I dislike them, nonetheless. I wish we could’ve seen karma come for them.
This was a sweet, well-written story. It was touching and makes you feel all the things that the holidays are really about. The characters, minus Pres’ parents are likable, and they were all well developed. I liked how these boys weren’t perfect, but it’s in their imperfections that make them perfect.
This is a great holiday story, and I ten out of ten recommend it. I love that the epilogue jumps ahead in time, so we don’t have to wonder how their sweet, love story ended. It was perfect.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
November 15, 2020
I received this book free from GRR in exchange for an honest review.
Presley struggles to keep friends, with all of the mannerisms associated with his particular type of ADHD. Even his parents have little time for him, unless it’s to roll him out as a dutiful son, and even then they find fault.
When he bumps into a table at the local coffee shop, he offers to buy the occupant a replacement drink.
Garrett has medical issues of his own, but his are still being assessed. Having to carry his own oxygen supply puts a limit on what he can and can’t do. Being home schooled also limits his interactions with other people his age.
As the two strike up a conversation they realise they have a lot in common. A friendship slowly starts to grow into something more.
I enjoyed this book, as neither of the main characters were ‘perfect’ and it gave depth and realism to the story
Presley struggles to keep friends, with all of the mannerisms associated with his particular type of ADHD. Even his parents have little time for him, unless it’s to roll him out as a dutiful son, and even then they find fault.
When he bumps into a table at the local coffee shop, he offers to buy the occupant a replacement drink.
Garrett has medical issues of his own, but his are still being assessed. Having to carry his own oxygen supply puts a limit on what he can and can’t do. Being home schooled also limits his interactions with other people his age.
As the two strike up a conversation they realise they have a lot in common. A friendship slowly starts to grow into something more.
I enjoyed this book, as neither of the main characters were ‘perfect’ and it gave depth and realism to the story
November 22, 2020
This is such a good book. I loved it. I’m so ready for the holidays now, with this cute Christmay book. I think Presley was a great representation of ADHD.
I was really into this book, I was drawn to the characters and their stories. Presley’s parents annoyed me. It’s hard when you feel “spacey” and than you have to try to stay in that “controlled” mindset, when your brain is telling you “move, move, move”.
I love Garrett and Presley’s love story. You can love whoever no matter what. I think the ending was the perfect ending.
This a quick and easy read, and I think it’s something everyone will enjoy and give you a some holiday cheer. You will be invested in Garrett and Presley’s lives and want to what happens next after each chapter. Right away, once you start reading, you are drawn to the book and the characters and just want to read more. This book had everything I needed for a cute holiday gay romance.
I was really into this book, I was drawn to the characters and their stories. Presley’s parents annoyed me. It’s hard when you feel “spacey” and than you have to try to stay in that “controlled” mindset, when your brain is telling you “move, move, move”.
I love Garrett and Presley’s love story. You can love whoever no matter what. I think the ending was the perfect ending.
This a quick and easy read, and I think it’s something everyone will enjoy and give you a some holiday cheer. You will be invested in Garrett and Presley’s lives and want to what happens next after each chapter. Right away, once you start reading, you are drawn to the book and the characters and just want to read more. This book had everything I needed for a cute holiday gay romance.
October 15, 2023
So right
Such a beautiful Christmas novella of two teens being able to find happiness when they always thought they were too much. Garret has had health issues his whole life making it hard for him to meet and interact with people outside his small bubble, Presley has mental health issues (adhd) that his family don't have the decency to try to understand. When these two have a chance meeting than another, their lives intertwine to show both the other is worth giving a chance for.
Such a beautiful YA novella that I highly recommend giving a chance if looking for a book that deals with real life yet leaves you with hope at the end.
Such a beautiful Christmas novella of two teens being able to find happiness when they always thought they were too much. Garret has had health issues his whole life making it hard for him to meet and interact with people outside his small bubble, Presley has mental health issues (adhd) that his family don't have the decency to try to understand. When these two have a chance meeting than another, their lives intertwine to show both the other is worth giving a chance for.
Such a beautiful YA novella that I highly recommend giving a chance if looking for a book that deals with real life yet leaves you with hope at the end.
November 16, 2020
There are not nearly enough good LBQT+ positive YA books out there. I am extremely pleased to report that this is a terrific little book! These characters really instill empathy for their respective situations and you can seriously find yourself rooting for these guys to get their happy ending. Presley is used to not being good enough and being “too much” for people to deal with. Garrett is used to always being alone and people not wanting to be bothered with his health issues. When they meet in a coffee shop, they are instantly drawn together. I just wanted to wrap both of them up in major mom hugs. Such a great novella. I did not realize it was part of a whole series and will have to go hunt the rest of them now. I highly recommend it!!!
November 17, 2020
What do you have when two broken boys who are trying to survive, both with different issues?
You have beautiful story of friendship turned love where both boys saw the other for what they offered to their relationship. You have a wonderful father that is looking out and cares for both boys.
I just loved loved loved Presley and Garrett. Both were so sweet and caring. I loved their happily ever after. I would so want to see more of them in the future. This was an excellent holiday novella that made me cry but put lots of love in my heart.
You have beautiful story of friendship turned love where both boys saw the other for what they offered to their relationship. You have a wonderful father that is looking out and cares for both boys.
I just loved loved loved Presley and Garrett. Both were so sweet and caring. I loved their happily ever after. I would so want to see more of them in the future. This was an excellent holiday novella that made me cry but put lots of love in my heart.
November 19, 2020
This short story packs a punch with characters, Presley and Garrett, who are memorable from the first page. As the two boys get to know each other and develop a friendship with the promise of something deeper, you can't help but root for the two of them and their potential in the future. With Christmas thrown in, you'll start believing in the good of people, knowing there are people who are made for each other, and love.
December 6, 2020
Presley and Garret are so great. This story is really well written. I loved every moment of this book. I really liked that both of them were a little misunderstood but they were perfect for each other. I absolutely loved the TJ Klune references and how adorable Presley and Garrett were as they discovered their feeling for each and explored. I want more of these two but I loved the epilogue so I think that the story did end at a great place. I absolutely recommend this book.
January 4, 2023
This was fine, it definitely needs better editing though. It just reads so young, it's like a young kid wrote it. And, really, Presley's parents didn't have to be the embodiment of every bad parent ever. It did have a good message, and it was very sweet in the end, but if it had been any longer I would not have finished it. I think this author will be really good one day, but they just aren't there yet.
November 11, 2020
"It just means you experience the world differently than others and that's not a bad thing." This was a super cute, short story. Both teenagers are struggling with trying to understand they are both able to be loved and accepted. There’s several cute moments and the whole book has a Christmas theme and a message of believing in yourself.
November 28, 2020
Some of the best LGBTQ writing today is being done in the YA fiction field. This book is an example of that quality. Presley and Garrett are both two young men who have never fit in, both for different reasons. When they come together during the holidays both the magic of their intertwined personalities and their ability to accept and love the differences in others lets them find romance together and the strength to be themselves. There are great supportive characters in the story and some characters you will love to hate. The whole package makes for a perfect holiday romance so if you are hesitant about the YA label, definitely do not be.
November 29, 2020
This is a lovely book about self growth, love and how to believe in yourself.
The characters drew me in from their first introduction and kept me wanting more with each turn of page. I found myself rooting for not only their love, but championing both Presley and Garrett's personal journeys. Accompanied by tears and laughs. This book deals with serious topics, but proves whatever your life struggles, you will find a place where you belong and a person you belong with.
This was my first book by Abrianna Denae, but I cannot wait to devour more!
The characters drew me in from their first introduction and kept me wanting more with each turn of page. I found myself rooting for not only their love, but championing both Presley and Garrett's personal journeys. Accompanied by tears and laughs. This book deals with serious topics, but proves whatever your life struggles, you will find a place where you belong and a person you belong with.
This was my first book by Abrianna Denae, but I cannot wait to devour more!
December 1, 2021
Wow
So I don't usually read YA books but this book was just wow. A short read but still gave me all the feels and may have even moved me to tears a time or two.
So I don't usually read YA books but this book was just wow. A short read but still gave me all the feels and may have even moved me to tears a time or two.
November 29, 2020
This was a sweet heart hurt/comfort YA romance.
It was very well written with realistic characters and the emotions are gritty and raw.
This book really made me feel and I was captivated by this masterpiece from the very first page.
A definite recommend if you like a sweet medium angst YA romance with heart.
It was very well written with realistic characters and the emotions are gritty and raw.
This book really made me feel and I was captivated by this masterpiece from the very first page.
A definite recommend if you like a sweet medium angst YA romance with heart.
November 26, 2020
I adored this YA story. Both Presley and Garrett are different from other kids their age: Pres has ADHD and a family that doesn't accept him and only adds to his anxiety; Garrett lives with a still undiagnosed chronic lung disease and is familiar with any sort of medical equipment and stints of hospitalization.
When they meet they recognize something in each other and a fast friendship develops into sweet first love. Garrett and Pres not only accept each other's quirks and limitations, but they also help each other to accept their own.
When they meet they recognize something in each other and a fast friendship develops into sweet first love. Garrett and Pres not only accept each other's quirks and limitations, but they also help each other to accept their own.
November 25, 2020
Presley, my heart ached for you sweet boy. His parents are awful, I could never see my boys, which have ADHD as well, as anything less than the wonderful souls that they are. Thankfully, Garrett had an amazing dad, one that loved him unconditionally, and only wanted him to be happy and safe. With Garrett's health issues, Presley's struggle with his ADHD, these two needed the sincere friendship each offered. I love that together they found themselves, and a life long love. Such a sweet and beautiful ending.
July 7, 2021
"The Gift of Believing" received THREE AND A HALF stars.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything s/he writes."
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything s/he writes."
December 15, 2023
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a YA romance and I gotta admit I missed them tremendously and I’m so glad I took a chance on this one! Garrett and Presley were just too perfect for each other and their sweet holiday romance was such a comfort read for me. My heart ached for these gentle, lonely baby souls (they’re only 16/17) but it was an absolute delight watching them crush on each other, become friends, and fall in love…all with a wintry, Christmas-y backdrop.
So Garrett only has one lung and is very limited in what he can do. He gets around okay but he always has oxygen with him and gets sick often. Presley, on the other hand, is often ostracized because of his ADHD. As a fellow ADHD’er, I adored his well thought out character.
Both boys are extremely lonely and thinking the worst because neither of them has friends and they both feel judged for their limitations. THAT RIGHT THERE is why this little romance is so sweet. Because they both show up. They both are honest. They’re both vulnerable. And they both just want to be accepted. They make each other a better person.
❄️ “𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂.”
𝗠𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗵. “𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁?”
“𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝘂𝘆 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗻.” ❄️
Zero spice, a la YA Romance, but the level of eye contact, flirty smiles, and innocent touches just made me flutter happily with love. So cheesy but so true.
So Garrett only has one lung and is very limited in what he can do. He gets around okay but he always has oxygen with him and gets sick often. Presley, on the other hand, is often ostracized because of his ADHD. As a fellow ADHD’er, I adored his well thought out character.
Both boys are extremely lonely and thinking the worst because neither of them has friends and they both feel judged for their limitations. THAT RIGHT THERE is why this little romance is so sweet. Because they both show up. They both are honest. They’re both vulnerable. And they both just want to be accepted. They make each other a better person.
❄️ “𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂.”
𝗠𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗵. “𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁?”
“𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝘂𝘆 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗻.” ❄️
Zero spice, a la YA Romance, but the level of eye contact, flirty smiles, and innocent touches just made me flutter happily with love. So cheesy but so true.
November 14, 2020
This was a short sweet story about two teenage boys coping with there own mental health issue but when they become friends there is a hope between them that this can be more than just best friends.
With the festive season just around the corner these two broken boys learn how to trust and that maybe they can have something special between them. This is a messaged to believe in yourself no matter what our faults and issues, and that you be accepted.
With the festive season just around the corner these two broken boys learn how to trust and that maybe they can have something special between them. This is a messaged to believe in yourself no matter what our faults and issues, and that you be accepted.
November 18, 2020
I absolutely love this short but very sweet story proving that no matter what life throws at us, we belong.
Everyone in life wants there other half of there soul, someone that accepts them no matter there faults and issues, when you find that perfect person it all makes sense.
Where all imperfectly perfect.
Its my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last.
Everyone in life wants there other half of there soul, someone that accepts them no matter there faults and issues, when you find that perfect person it all makes sense.
Where all imperfectly perfect.
Its my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last.
November 23, 2020
Heartwarming holiday read!! Garrett and Presley’s story is a touching story that just makes you happy. Presley has ADHD and is constantly seeking his parents approval and Garrett has breathing/health issues and uses oxygen all the time. They bump into each other at a coffee shop and have a surprising amount in common. The underlying message of the story is that everyone belongs no matter their “disability.”
November 21, 2020
I love a good YA book, add in LGBTQ+ and my heart swoons. This book hit the mark. Not only is it both those two things, it also adds in some complex situations - lung issues and ADHD. I thought the author did a great way of describing both issues while not overpowering the book. If I had any complaints, I wish the book was longer! I gobbled this up and wanted more!
November 22, 2020
Cue the Tᗴᗩᖇᔕ!! 💧♥️
OhMyGracious, such an absolutely stunning story of two beautifully imperfect people.
So very much detail and emotion packed into a small amount of words.
The perfect Christmas tale.
OhMyGracious, such an absolutely stunning story of two beautifully imperfect people.
So very much detail and emotion packed into a small amount of words.
The perfect Christmas tale.
November 16, 2020
This was a wonderful YA story!! Presley has ADHD and struggles continuously to get his parents attention or any type of positive attention. One day he bumps into Garrett in a coffee shop. Garrett has health issues. He has troubles breathing and carries oxygen. As the two talk they realize they have more in common. They end up with a touching, emotional bond. This was a wonderful Holiday story with the gift of believing. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews