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Awakening #1
Awakening Hearts: A Tale of Love Across Lifetimes
Soulmate love is the most transformative and by far the most thrilling—but also the most challenging.
2014 California: Sage Morales has a strict rule against mixing her personal life with her professional one. But when her attractive new massage client, Alex Fischer, asks her on a hike, she’s tempted to make an exception. Her stormy blue eyes awaken something dormant in Sage, and there’s a familiarity—as if they hadn’t only just met.
Torn over indulging this new friendship, Sage doesn’t realize Alex being a client is far from their greatest obstacle. She’s still oblivious to her deeply-held religious beliefs and the vow Alex made to herself almost two decades prior.
1862 Ohio: Lizzy’s mundane life on the farm becomes infinitely more interesting the day Claudia arrives. A faint smile hints at the bright spirit hiding behind those guarded blue eyes, kindling a deep desire to uncover it.
When unexpected feelings bloom between the two young women, Lizzy is eager to explore them—while Claudia struggles to reconcile the dizzying sensations in her body with her unquestioned faith and need for safety.
Will the two women risk their hearts and home for a taste of their forbidden love?
Do soulmates meet again to heal old wounds from lifetimes past?
2014 California: Sage Morales has a strict rule against mixing her personal life with her professional one. But when her attractive new massage client, Alex Fischer, asks her on a hike, she’s tempted to make an exception. Her stormy blue eyes awaken something dormant in Sage, and there’s a familiarity—as if they hadn’t only just met.
Torn over indulging this new friendship, Sage doesn’t realize Alex being a client is far from their greatest obstacle. She’s still oblivious to her deeply-held religious beliefs and the vow Alex made to herself almost two decades prior.
1862 Ohio: Lizzy’s mundane life on the farm becomes infinitely more interesting the day Claudia arrives. A faint smile hints at the bright spirit hiding behind those guarded blue eyes, kindling a deep desire to uncover it.
When unexpected feelings bloom between the two young women, Lizzy is eager to explore them—while Claudia struggles to reconcile the dizzying sensations in her body with her unquestioned faith and need for safety.
Will the two women risk their hearts and home for a taste of their forbidden love?
Do soulmates meet again to heal old wounds from lifetimes past?
472 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2021
32 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
About the author
Angie K. Love
2 books43 followersFor the past decade and a half, Angie K. Love has had a rewarding career as an Acupuncturist, finding deep fulfillment in helping people heal in body, mind, and spirit. Through her writing, she hopes to bring healing to people's hearts and souls.
From an early age, Angie has been an avid reader and prolific writer. It’s been her lifelong dream to be a published author. Awakening Hearts is her debut novel, and she looks forward to writing many more (her second book is in the works, and she's already mentally plotting the third).
Connect with her at angieklove.com or on Facebook and Instagram.
From an early age, Angie has been an avid reader and prolific writer. It’s been her lifelong dream to be a published author. Awakening Hearts is her debut novel, and she looks forward to writing many more (her second book is in the works, and she's already mentally plotting the third).
Connect with her at angieklove.com or on Facebook and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 27, 2024
Awakening Hearts is the journey of one deep love following the souls of two women as they learn and grow with each lifetime. Sage and Alex meet by chance in 2014 yet both women feel the unmistakable deep pull towards the other. Sage is ready to share her life with a partner yet Alex made a promise to never again leave herself vulnerable to a woman. Her deep religious beliefs shore up Alex’s walls to be a bisexual in name only as she exclusively dates men.
This is Love’s first novel and she did not hold anything back. The complexity of writing a story set in the 1860’s and in 2014 is seamlessly accomplished with Love not sacrificing one section for the other. Each are given their time and space to grow and fully evolve. This is where Love shines in her writing. She is patient with all her characters and their growth.
This story is exceptional in the telling. The descriptions are lush and encompassing placing you easily into the novel. The emotions and character reactions ring true as well as the crushing heartache.
Awakening Hearts is one of the top five books I have read this year.
December 10, 2021
Awakening Hearts follows the story of two couples discovering what it means to be soul mates, each finding major obstacles in their path to being together. Lizzy and Claudia meet in 1862 when Claudia comes to stay with Lizzy’s family after a tumultuous childhood. Sage and Alex meet in 2014 when Alex books a massage with Sage.
This was very well written but the story just wasn’t for me. Each chapter alternates between the two couples and I had a hard time getting into each story. There was a lot of back and forth and just felt like it was rehashing the same sentiments chapter after chapter. I missed the reference to religious turmoil in the book description as well and that part just isn’t really appealing to me. I am not usually a fan of historical fiction but this sounded intriguing and was hopeful the more modern tie in would help but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I’d definitely try something else by this author though, hopefully some new work comes out soon.
This was very well written but the story just wasn’t for me. Each chapter alternates between the two couples and I had a hard time getting into each story. There was a lot of back and forth and just felt like it was rehashing the same sentiments chapter after chapter. I missed the reference to religious turmoil in the book description as well and that part just isn’t really appealing to me. I am not usually a fan of historical fiction but this sounded intriguing and was hopeful the more modern tie in would help but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I’d definitely try something else by this author though, hopefully some new work comes out soon.
November 16, 2021
I very much enjoyed the opportunity to read this before publication. Recommended for anyone who appreciates stories filled with growth and struggle, enriched by a beautiful romantic relationship.
Romance readers Spoiler:
Awakening Hearts is a story about growth, love, and connection. Two souls connected through time, continually helping each other through life’s trials, hardships, and joys. It is a love story (two, actually) of these souls meeting in two separate timelines. The connection between them is deep, and the characters in both timelines are inextricably drawn to each other, recognizing someone they love deeply at first meeting. And thus begins their respective journeys in the two timelines, helping each other grow through their current struggles in 1862 Ohio and present-day California. Though the characters share similar story arcs and themes in both timelines, the stories are truly unique with their own plot twists, intrigue, social issues, and character development.
1862 Ohio brings us Lizzy and her beloved Claudia, a sweet but traumatized young woman looking for peace and healing. Lizzy’s vivacious energy and optimism shines through every scene, as does her intense emotion. Forbidden love at its finest forces the girls to grow through difficult times. Their love is sweet and passionate as it is heart-wrenching. We get to experience desire, heartache, grief, growth, and love with Lizzy. Both characters eventually find peace and happiness, albeit in unexpected ways, so there is a solid feel of resolution to their stories. Two male side characters, Lizzy’s brother James and their friend and vet Jack are endearing and supportive of Lizzy and made wonderful and surprising additions to the story. The very end of this timeline had my favorite scene of the whole book, with Lizzy looking back on a life well lived with great love, wisdom, and emotion.
2014 California finds Sage meeting Alex, a ball of energetic sunshine who is deeply conflicted about what she wants in life. With calm compassion and a deep desire to care for and heal, Sage draws Alex into a more honest life, providing her a safe place to explore her sexuality and heal from past trauma. Alex’s religious and family life intervene, tearing her in multiple directions. Sage admirably fights for Alex to be true to herself as much as she fights for their romantic relationship. Their struggle with their individual beliefs, goals, experiences, and perspective on life is poignant and heartfelt. Sage’s best friend Trish wins the award for BFF of the year, and provides a strong, humorous voice that only enriches the story. In this timeline we see through Sage’s introspective mind and experience a story equally filled with love, loss, and hope for a better future.
Souls destined to love each other are sure to meet again in this life and the next, so who knows where and when we might see them again! You’ll be hoping for your own soulmate to follow you through every lifetime to love and support you as you grow into a better version of yourself. Looking forward to future books by this author.
Romance readers Spoiler:
Awakening Hearts is a story about growth, love, and connection. Two souls connected through time, continually helping each other through life’s trials, hardships, and joys. It is a love story (two, actually) of these souls meeting in two separate timelines. The connection between them is deep, and the characters in both timelines are inextricably drawn to each other, recognizing someone they love deeply at first meeting. And thus begins their respective journeys in the two timelines, helping each other grow through their current struggles in 1862 Ohio and present-day California. Though the characters share similar story arcs and themes in both timelines, the stories are truly unique with their own plot twists, intrigue, social issues, and character development.
1862 Ohio brings us Lizzy and her beloved Claudia, a sweet but traumatized young woman looking for peace and healing. Lizzy’s vivacious energy and optimism shines through every scene, as does her intense emotion. Forbidden love at its finest forces the girls to grow through difficult times. Their love is sweet and passionate as it is heart-wrenching. We get to experience desire, heartache, grief, growth, and love with Lizzy. Both characters eventually find peace and happiness, albeit in unexpected ways, so there is a solid feel of resolution to their stories. Two male side characters, Lizzy’s brother James and their friend and vet Jack are endearing and supportive of Lizzy and made wonderful and surprising additions to the story. The very end of this timeline had my favorite scene of the whole book, with Lizzy looking back on a life well lived with great love, wisdom, and emotion.
2014 California finds Sage meeting Alex, a ball of energetic sunshine who is deeply conflicted about what she wants in life. With calm compassion and a deep desire to care for and heal, Sage draws Alex into a more honest life, providing her a safe place to explore her sexuality and heal from past trauma. Alex’s religious and family life intervene, tearing her in multiple directions. Sage admirably fights for Alex to be true to herself as much as she fights for their romantic relationship. Their struggle with their individual beliefs, goals, experiences, and perspective on life is poignant and heartfelt. Sage’s best friend Trish wins the award for BFF of the year, and provides a strong, humorous voice that only enriches the story. In this timeline we see through Sage’s introspective mind and experience a story equally filled with love, loss, and hope for a better future.
Souls destined to love each other are sure to meet again in this life and the next, so who knows where and when we might see them again! You’ll be hoping for your own soulmate to follow you through every lifetime to love and support you as you grow into a better version of yourself. Looking forward to future books by this author.
December 9, 2021
The publisher provided an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is going to be painful to write.
There were quite a few aspects that I thoroughly enjoyed, and then there were things that grated me into insanity.
I enjoyed the interactions between the lead characters, both of them were well written, and their dialogue felt genuine and fresh. The story was structured believably and honed in with the struggles of changing one's beliefs.
Unfortunately, all is good and well until it simply becomes too much. While reading, I put in my notes at 25% mark that I might consider this book one of my favourites for the year, and already at 30% mark, it had already switched the other way.
I mentioned that I liked the dialogue, which I did, but it was also its biggest downfall, in my opinion. Now, I don't have issues with a story that really tries to avoid the pitfall of the 'miscommunication'-trope. But there was a tiny grain of sand that grated in my mind as I got deeper into the story. When I had passed the midsection of the book, the small little nagging grain had ultimately caused me to go insane.
There is just so much dialogue!
"But you just said--"
Yes, I know! And that is what annoys me the most. Because the first 25%, the story clicks every box to build itself up to a terrific and engaging love story between two star-crossed soulmates. Past that, however, I started to pay attention to how the characters talked and realised how jarring it actually was. Seriously, there were pages occupied by a single character talking; then the other party always was like, "Woah! [Insert another page of tantalised agreements and counterpoints.] While it was fine at first, it burned me out entirely very quickly.
Another thing I realised was the fact that none of the characters had absolutely no filter between their brain and mouth. They were painstakingly honest all the time.
The emotions, the pining, the longing and heartache, it's all there. All ingredients are laid out on the table for an excellent story. Unfortunately, that does not do a damn thing if it's not cooked properly to make the reader feel any of it.
By the 75% mark, I was so unsatisfied and annoyed that I just gave up, losing every ounce of interest in the story as a whole.
This is going to be painful to write.
There were quite a few aspects that I thoroughly enjoyed, and then there were things that grated me into insanity.
I enjoyed the interactions between the lead characters, both of them were well written, and their dialogue felt genuine and fresh. The story was structured believably and honed in with the struggles of changing one's beliefs.
Unfortunately, all is good and well until it simply becomes too much. While reading, I put in my notes at 25% mark that I might consider this book one of my favourites for the year, and already at 30% mark, it had already switched the other way.
I mentioned that I liked the dialogue, which I did, but it was also its biggest downfall, in my opinion. Now, I don't have issues with a story that really tries to avoid the pitfall of the 'miscommunication'-trope. But there was a tiny grain of sand that grated in my mind as I got deeper into the story. When I had passed the midsection of the book, the small little nagging grain had ultimately caused me to go insane.
There is just so much dialogue!
"But you just said--"
Yes, I know! And that is what annoys me the most. Because the first 25%, the story clicks every box to build itself up to a terrific and engaging love story between two star-crossed soulmates. Past that, however, I started to pay attention to how the characters talked and realised how jarring it actually was. Seriously, there were pages occupied by a single character talking; then the other party always was like, "Woah! [Insert another page of tantalised agreements and counterpoints.] While it was fine at first, it burned me out entirely very quickly.
Another thing I realised was the fact that none of the characters had absolutely no filter between their brain and mouth. They were painstakingly honest all the time.
The emotions, the pining, the longing and heartache, it's all there. All ingredients are laid out on the table for an excellent story. Unfortunately, that does not do a damn thing if it's not cooked properly to make the reader feel any of it.
By the 75% mark, I was so unsatisfied and annoyed that I just gave up, losing every ounce of interest in the story as a whole.
March 4, 2022
Let me just start off this review by saying that I am not a lesbian and I wasn't sure how I would feel about a love story between two women...BUT...this book is incredible! I felt so connected to the characters, and it's one of those books that you don't want to end because you feel so bonded to the them! Even though I haven't been in a same sex relationship, this book STILL hit home for me in so many ways! I went through all of the emotions with the characters and I could definitely relate to so many of the things they went through! This is a story about SOULS and I feel like anyone who has been in love and been in a relationship that has had obstacles can relate. While reading this book and going through all of the emotions with Sage, Alex, Claudia, and Lizzy, I felt like a part of me healed. I was able to see things through the perspectives of everyone involved and that, I believe, is a big component to healing and moving forward - to letting go and not holding onto things that were only meant for us for a period of time....and being okay with that. This book is beautifully written and I believe a sequel is coming - SO excited to be able to continue the journey with these amazing characters!!
So, regardless of your sexual orientation, you will not be disappointed....and you will laugh, cry, and heal a little in the process ;)
So, regardless of your sexual orientation, you will not be disappointed....and you will laugh, cry, and heal a little in the process ;)
August 18, 2024
2 Stars
It was too long, glacial pace, monologues for days. I get what the author is trying to convey but the manner of conveyance I reckon didn’t fit MY taste? For me less is more? But the way the chapters went on with the back and forth especially the modern story, I was at my wits end. It’s not for me.
It was too long, glacial pace, monologues for days. I get what the author is trying to convey but the manner of conveyance I reckon didn’t fit MY taste? For me less is more? But the way the chapters went on with the back and forth especially the modern story, I was at my wits end. It’s not for me.
January 9, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found this book very thought provoking.
I loved the two side by side stories.
Claudia & Lizzie, was a story set in the 1800’s where WLW was not seen but there story was well written about true love and pure joy and heartbreak it can give you.
Sage & Alex, was a story written in the present but, also showed that WLW is not 100% free. The religious issues made me think a lot about my own beliefs.
Both stories are well written and I love the book as a whole, I will certainly be looking for more work by this author.
I found this book very thought provoking.
I loved the two side by side stories.
Claudia & Lizzie, was a story set in the 1800’s where WLW was not seen but there story was well written about true love and pure joy and heartbreak it can give you.
Sage & Alex, was a story written in the present but, also showed that WLW is not 100% free. The religious issues made me think a lot about my own beliefs.
Both stories are well written and I love the book as a whole, I will certainly be looking for more work by this author.
January 12, 2024
I loved Lizzy and Claudia’s chapters! Their relationship didn’t feel forced, had the slow burn aspect, was mutual, had barriers that I wanted to see be overcome, and more! I really rooted for these two girls and if the book was just them I would probably finish it (yes… I DNF).
And then there’s Sage and Alex. I just didn’t like Sage… at all. She’s not the type of person I enjoy being around in real life: hippie SJW type, likes debating people on their philosophies but has a closed-mind, surrounds herself with one type of person and stays in this close-off bubble, and hates the rest of the world. It’s just the type of person I can’t stand being around.
“Sage felt humbled -- reminded, once again, that her way of viewing the world wasn’t the only “right” way.”
Yeah… Sage had to be constantly reminded of this because she acts like she’s a perfect person who can do no wrong. I just can’t stand open-minded people wh opre-judge someone before understanding where they come from. Bless Alex for being so patient with Sage whenever she got offended by Alex’s personality.
Alex also confused me as much as she confused Sage. She kept telling Sage all she wanted was friendship but then would very clearly flirt with her, put her hand on Sage’s thigh, tell Sage she wanted to kiss her… like!!! I vibed with Alex’s personality way more than Sage’s, but Alex’s actions caused me to dislike her, too. And when you don’t like either person in a romance story their tale sort of dies in my heart.
On the writing level, there was so much that could be cut out. A lot of unimportant moments were lingered on for whatever reason. Being that this book is so long, a lot of these moments could’ve been chopped for better flow and a more enjoyable reading experience. I just felt bored reading. For example, Chapter 33 begins with Sage cleaning out some clutter in her home... a third of a chapter dedicated to decluttering paper. We learn that Sage has a lot of chores to do that day, about the different piles Sage creates to sort through her papers, the types of papers she likes to keep for memories (including a parking receipt for a concert… why not save the concert ticket?), and are you as bored as I am?
The book borderlined preachy and I typically read to escape reality, unless I’m purposely choosing a book for its message. I knew from the summary that religion would be a barrier between Sage and Alex, but 80% of their conversations are philosophical preachy debates - and 100% of the time Alex admits she isn’t into these forms of conversations. I do appreciate learning new perspectives in reading, but this book almost felt like it set itself up as something different to trick the reader (IDK about you, but the summary does not prepare me for this type of reading experience. I even had some friends read the summary and then try to guess what the book is about… they couldn’t guess it right either). I’m not sure if this dynamic changes since I stopped reading. And just to clarify it wasn’t just preachy in regards to sexuality, but with everything:
“That got her thinking about the subtle messages that wove themselves into the subconscious mind… Advertising made clever use of that. She could only imagine the impact it would have to fall asleep with the television on every night.”
Like why is this even in the book? It doesn’t add any value to either relationship. There’s too much of the author’s opinion here.
To wrap up my thoughts (and thanks to anyone who read them all) I’m giving this book a 3 star rating despite me not enjoying it and not finishing it. To me, a 3 star rating means I think this is a great book for the right audience, and I am not the right audience. I think other people would enjoy this book if they go into it knowing you aren’t getting a heart-warming romance tale, but rather a book exploring being gay in a political and spiritual way through the observation of two lesbian relationships. It’s more for learning than it is for enjoyment, and I was too bored and uninvested by the halfway point - meaning I didn’t see the sense in investing more of my time when I have other books I want to read more.
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for providing me an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
And then there’s Sage and Alex. I just didn’t like Sage… at all. She’s not the type of person I enjoy being around in real life: hippie SJW type, likes debating people on their philosophies but has a closed-mind, surrounds herself with one type of person and stays in this close-off bubble, and hates the rest of the world. It’s just the type of person I can’t stand being around.
“Sage felt humbled -- reminded, once again, that her way of viewing the world wasn’t the only “right” way.”
Yeah… Sage had to be constantly reminded of this because she acts like she’s a perfect person who can do no wrong. I just can’t stand open-minded people wh opre-judge someone before understanding where they come from. Bless Alex for being so patient with Sage whenever she got offended by Alex’s personality.
Alex also confused me as much as she confused Sage. She kept telling Sage all she wanted was friendship but then would very clearly flirt with her, put her hand on Sage’s thigh, tell Sage she wanted to kiss her… like!!! I vibed with Alex’s personality way more than Sage’s, but Alex’s actions caused me to dislike her, too. And when you don’t like either person in a romance story their tale sort of dies in my heart.
On the writing level, there was so much that could be cut out. A lot of unimportant moments were lingered on for whatever reason. Being that this book is so long, a lot of these moments could’ve been chopped for better flow and a more enjoyable reading experience. I just felt bored reading. For example, Chapter 33 begins with Sage cleaning out some clutter in her home... a third of a chapter dedicated to decluttering paper. We learn that Sage has a lot of chores to do that day, about the different piles Sage creates to sort through her papers, the types of papers she likes to keep for memories (including a parking receipt for a concert… why not save the concert ticket?), and are you as bored as I am?
The book borderlined preachy and I typically read to escape reality, unless I’m purposely choosing a book for its message. I knew from the summary that religion would be a barrier between Sage and Alex, but 80% of their conversations are philosophical preachy debates - and 100% of the time Alex admits she isn’t into these forms of conversations. I do appreciate learning new perspectives in reading, but this book almost felt like it set itself up as something different to trick the reader (IDK about you, but the summary does not prepare me for this type of reading experience. I even had some friends read the summary and then try to guess what the book is about… they couldn’t guess it right either). I’m not sure if this dynamic changes since I stopped reading. And just to clarify it wasn’t just preachy in regards to sexuality, but with everything:
“That got her thinking about the subtle messages that wove themselves into the subconscious mind… Advertising made clever use of that. She could only imagine the impact it would have to fall asleep with the television on every night.”
Like why is this even in the book? It doesn’t add any value to either relationship. There’s too much of the author’s opinion here.
To wrap up my thoughts (and thanks to anyone who read them all) I’m giving this book a 3 star rating despite me not enjoying it and not finishing it. To me, a 3 star rating means I think this is a great book for the right audience, and I am not the right audience. I think other people would enjoy this book if they go into it knowing you aren’t getting a heart-warming romance tale, but rather a book exploring being gay in a political and spiritual way through the observation of two lesbian relationships. It’s more for learning than it is for enjoyment, and I was too bored and uninvested by the halfway point - meaning I didn’t see the sense in investing more of my time when I have other books I want to read more.
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for providing me an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2023
One way or another, she’d come back down from the zenith.
She chose to leap.
2.5 stars. I knew going into this that it wouldn't be the typical romance book, and that it wouldn't necessarily have the typical HEA, but I'm still sort of dissatisfied. I liked some of this, and I feel apathetic about the rest of it. Romance is my favourite genre, but once I gleaned the overall premise of this novel, I thought that maybe it would still give me some kind of catharsis or meaningful message. And I think that that's probably what it was meant to do, but it didn't achieve it for me.
We're following the story of two couples, about 150 years apart. In 1862, Claudia moves in with Lizzie's family on her farm after a series of tragic incidents, and the two girls become very close. In 2014, Sage and Alex have a chance meeting that quickly turns into a deep friendship, and then more. The book is all about soulmate love, about how these two couples are made for each other but it nevertheless might not be the correct time or place for each other, to have the relationship that they would ideally want. There's also an aspect of reincarnation, though it's never explicitly stated. One of the reasons this didn't work for me is the writing style. Miscommunication is one of my least favourite things to read, so I really do appreciate just how well everyone communicated with each other in this book, how they were always honest and how misunderstandings never last too long. But there was still an aspect of unreality? Even amidst all their trauma and problems and the issues that they had to work out, everyone was so freaking well-adjusted, and it didn't make for very realistic writing. I don't think the dialogue was bad exactly, but it was the type of dialogue where you can never forget that you're reading a book, because the characters just don't pass as real actual people. They were caricatures and themes in flesh. Apart from some obvious things, the characters in the past didn't speak much differently to the characters in modern-day and that was really distracting.
I think the less I say about the spiritual stuff the better, so I'll just mention that it didn't work for me or have the impact that it was probably meant to have. I do wish it had maybe been more explicitly paranormal, with the soulmates stuff and the possible reincarnation stuff. I really did enjoy all of the characters, and I wanted a better story for them. While my expectations were set, and again, I knew I wasn't getting a traditional HEA, I felt pretty disappointed by the way we left things off in both timelines. Lizzie realising The Alex and Sage storyline was a little better, but still ultimately unsatisfying. The way their back-and-forth was written was not appealing. I don't know if I care enough to read the other book in this series.
But then again, I might, because I listened to the audiobook as read by Natalia Williams, and I adoooored her performance. It definitely wasn't the most polished and I heard a few mistakes here and there, but it's one of those cases where the quality of the narrator's voice just makes up for anything else. I loved her voice and she did such a good job of conveying all the emotion in this. This is a pretty dialogue heavy book, and she really made it work and really brought the scenes alive. I read a few chapters of this via the ebook, and definitely enjoyed them less than her narration. So honestly, I might read the second book solely because I know Williams narrates the audiobook. And the writing wasn't all bad. While this isn't really explicit, all of the love scenes were really sensual and heartfelt in a way that really did it for me. And I liked all of the characters at their core. So I guess I'll see if I'm moved to finish the series. It ends really abruptly, so you're definitely incentivised to continue.
Content warnings:
February 12, 2022
In this story, we follow two pairs, connected and bound together by a past life. We follow Lizzy and Claudia in Ohio in 1862 as they navigate the waters of a blossoming attraction. Their love story transcends the confines of death, reawakening in Sage and Alex in California in 2014. Their story is no less rife with hardship and internal struggle — this time with Alex wrestling with her Christian identity and the teachings surrounding homosexuality.
Awakening Hearts is one of those books you cannot stop thinking about once you put it down. It brings up many questions — about love, bias, belief structures, and reconciling our true selves with them. Beyond that, it makes you think about what comes after — if there is life after we leave our bodies.
I have one general rule. If a book makes me cry (and it’s not in frustration as I throw it across the room at the 33% mark), it’s deserving of five stars. This book succeeded in doing that.
Based on the premise alone, I knew I was going to love this book. But I didn't know how much until I dove head-first into it and devoured it from cover to cover. It was an easy five-star for me. I am desperate to know what happens in the sequel and cannot wait to see more from this author!
A full review is coming soon on my blog: https://ivywhitaker.com/blog/
Awakening Hearts is one of those books you cannot stop thinking about once you put it down. It brings up many questions — about love, bias, belief structures, and reconciling our true selves with them. Beyond that, it makes you think about what comes after — if there is life after we leave our bodies.
I have one general rule. If a book makes me cry (and it’s not in frustration as I throw it across the room at the 33% mark), it’s deserving of five stars. This book succeeded in doing that.
Based on the premise alone, I knew I was going to love this book. But I didn't know how much until I dove head-first into it and devoured it from cover to cover. It was an easy five-star for me. I am desperate to know what happens in the sequel and cannot wait to see more from this author!
A full review is coming soon on my blog: https://ivywhitaker.com/blog/
October 3, 2024
I spent almost 8 hours of my life on this audiobook, and I am so upset. I really wanted to like this because the synopsis gave this book so much potential. However, this just did not work for me for various reasons.
For one, there was way too much dialogue. Every scene felt like I was listening to the longest monologue of my life and it was easy for me to drift off at certain parts.
Second, the characters (from both timelines) felt cardboard and static. They all felt like the same person, just with different beliefs.
The romance was ok, but it just wasn't enough to keep my interest.
I really couldn't root for either character, as each one got on my nerves (especially Sage and Claudia) and the narrator was very dry and had the same voice for each character.
Overall, this book had so much potential, and it has a lot of elements that I would typically enjoy. The execution and character work just ruined that potential for me unfortunately. 2 stars, as it wasn't the worst thing I've ever read.
For one, there was way too much dialogue. Every scene felt like I was listening to the longest monologue of my life and it was easy for me to drift off at certain parts.
Second, the characters (from both timelines) felt cardboard and static. They all felt like the same person, just with different beliefs.
The romance was ok, but it just wasn't enough to keep my interest.
I really couldn't root for either character, as each one got on my nerves (especially Sage and Claudia) and the narrator was very dry and had the same voice for each character.
Overall, this book had so much potential, and it has a lot of elements that I would typically enjoy. The execution and character work just ruined that potential for me unfortunately. 2 stars, as it wasn't the worst thing I've ever read.
May 15, 2022
Riveting love story (ies). Sister, this author can write sex scenes!!! That's so hard to do well. I've never read Fifty Shades of Grey. I started to, and the minute the protagonist stumbled to her knees in the office of Mr. Grey and was helped to her feet by his powerful, magnetic presence, I tossed that book aside. So formulaic! THIS is how romances should be written--lesbian, hetero, Martian, whatever. An original voice, honest dialogue and scenarios, several plot points going at once, all coming together beautifully (no pun intended). Verdict? No matter what your sexuality is, we all go through the same heart-opening, heart-stopping, angst-filled, butterfly-fluttering, stomach-churning experience when we experience real love. If it's been a while, awaken your own heart and remind yourself what that's like. Highly recommend!
February 21, 2022
This book has traveled with me for a few busy months... I started reading the electronic copy at home, ordered my hardcover while visiting family in Spain and finally finished it this weekend in San Diego! It is so easy to read, a nice break from all the craziness around us. I loved going back and forth in time and alternating between the 2 stories. It made me reflect on my own relationships, past and present... A good reminder that true intimacy is so much more than a physical connection and the importance of not losing ourselves in a relationship. I loved having Sage, Alex, Lizzy and Claudia as travel companions! I look forward to Angie's next novel!
January 11, 2022
This book took a serious tool on my heart. It was passionate, sweet, thought provoking and so much more I didn’t know I needed.
I can’t wait to read whatever else Angie puts out.
Her writing really made me fall head over hells with her characters and long for their happy ending.
I can’t wait to read whatever else Angie puts out.
Her writing really made me fall head over hells with her characters and long for their happy ending.
July 23, 2022
Two love stories for the price of one. Or two ways to experience a single love. Or... or... well really I just wish I could go back and read it for the first time all over again. Beautifully constructed, beautifully written, great feels supported by food for (deep) thought. I found it better enjoyed in one fell swoop, breaking it up during busy living compromised the magical flow of continuity. And the audio book version worked for me best of all. I took a three day hiatus and spent it with Awakening Hearts cover to cover. I wept and I laughed and I sighed. Even illuminated some of my own inner mysteries. Brava first time author!
May 23, 2022
great story offering a different way to look at life - or lives. The characters are engaging and the story can be challenging but definitely worth reading.
January 29, 2022
This is my second time reading this book. I had the opportunity to read most of the book when Angie was editing and writing during the pandemic. Reading the new version of this book made it even more enjoyable. I love all the changes Angie made. I love how the book goes between two centuries and tells the love story. Angie is amazing author and a great friend. This book is a must buy I read it in one night.
Currently reading
November 16, 2021Editorial Review from Independent Book Review
Love, life, and struggles in identity across centuries
Awakening Hearts: A Tale of Love Across Lifetimes poses two love stories side by side: that of Alex Fischer and Sage Morales, present-day independent women in California, and Claudia and Lizzy Harrington, country farm girls thrown together in 1800s Ohio.
The story interweaves these two narratives with a back-and-forth structure of chapter for chapter that slowly tells a similar story of the women’s quest for self-understanding, love, and identity.
Claudia enters Lizzy’s life when she comes to stay with Lizzy’s family on her rural farm in Ohio in 1862. Claudia has a traumatic backstory that lands her in the care of the Harrington family. Bent on earning her keep, Claudia dives into the family chores and helps manage the household, with the help of the eldest family daughter, Lizzy.
Tensions and touches begin to rise between the two girls, and it becomes clear that close friendship is something more. While their love grows and blossoms into the most serious relationship either of them has ever had, Mrs. Harrington starts looking to marry Claudia off, as is fit for a woman her age. Afraid of being caught and of what their newfound freedom means, Lizzy and Claudia will have to decide what’s most important to them.
Meanwhile, in present day California, Sage Morales is a massage therapist with a very interesting new client. Alex Fischer enters her office one day and the energy between them is palpable. Sage feels like she’s known her before.
Worried about her professional ethics, Sage tries to distance herself from a friendship with Alex, but ultimately can’t stay away, assigning her to another therapist. While their friendship blossoms with hiking trips, dinner dates, and meeting each others’ family and friends, Alex maintains she is not gay and is a committed Christian woman hoping to find a husband.
After a visit to her psychic friend, Sage sees a vision of her and Alex in a past life—as Lizzy and Claudia. Convinced that this means something, Sage tries to stick by Alex as she comes to terms with who she REALLY is, eventually revealing she’s been with women, her greatest shame. Sage has to make a decision, deny who she is and help Alex with her possible transition away from her church and toward her true lesbian self, or walk away from Alex, the greatest love she’s ever known.
Angie K. Love’s lesbian literary novel is catchy and keeps us constantly engaged. With short chapters and a consistent back and forth between present day and the 1800s, the reader quickly starts to understand that Sage and Alex are Lizzy and Claudia in a past life —long before Love explicitly states it in a “vision” of Sage’s.
The typical tragic lesbian tropes abound, both in 19th century Ohio and present day California. The Lizzy/Sage characters are sure of themselves, have experimented earlier on, and know what they want from life and love.
The Claudia/Alex characters come from a traumatized background and are less willing to see themselves in a nontraditional life and partnership. While we expect the two narratives to play out simultaneously and similarly, Love does a good job of surprising us and reminding us what exactly past lives are for—learning, growing, and changing.
With no real happy endings, but a slight sliver of hope, readers wanting a clear narrative will be disappointed—such is life and the gay experience. Especially surprising is the shift in Lizzy late in the novel, who was so sure of herself all along. While tragic lesbianism is the forefront of the novel, certain characters are surprising in context. The several male characters set in rural Ohio in the 1800s being incredibly and instantly accepting of Lizzy and Claudia’s love, may be difficult to reckon with.
I’d recommend Awakening Hearts to anyone interested in dramatic and engaging love stories. It’s a fast and fun read with a back-and-forth narrative that never feels boring. Most characters are women and most of the love/drama centers around gayness, lesbianism, and bisexuality. Readers uncomfortable or unwilling to engage with the full range of sexuality may not be interested.
This novel is a joy to read. Love asks the reader to jump in fully and believe several tropes: love at first sight, past life love connections, and surprisingly woke Christian white men in rural 1800s Ohio; if you’re willing to jump in, you’ll enjoy it thoroughly.
Love, life, and struggles in identity across centuries
Awakening Hearts: A Tale of Love Across Lifetimes poses two love stories side by side: that of Alex Fischer and Sage Morales, present-day independent women in California, and Claudia and Lizzy Harrington, country farm girls thrown together in 1800s Ohio.
The story interweaves these two narratives with a back-and-forth structure of chapter for chapter that slowly tells a similar story of the women’s quest for self-understanding, love, and identity.
Claudia enters Lizzy’s life when she comes to stay with Lizzy’s family on her rural farm in Ohio in 1862. Claudia has a traumatic backstory that lands her in the care of the Harrington family. Bent on earning her keep, Claudia dives into the family chores and helps manage the household, with the help of the eldest family daughter, Lizzy.
Tensions and touches begin to rise between the two girls, and it becomes clear that close friendship is something more. While their love grows and blossoms into the most serious relationship either of them has ever had, Mrs. Harrington starts looking to marry Claudia off, as is fit for a woman her age. Afraid of being caught and of what their newfound freedom means, Lizzy and Claudia will have to decide what’s most important to them.
Meanwhile, in present day California, Sage Morales is a massage therapist with a very interesting new client. Alex Fischer enters her office one day and the energy between them is palpable. Sage feels like she’s known her before.
Worried about her professional ethics, Sage tries to distance herself from a friendship with Alex, but ultimately can’t stay away, assigning her to another therapist. While their friendship blossoms with hiking trips, dinner dates, and meeting each others’ family and friends, Alex maintains she is not gay and is a committed Christian woman hoping to find a husband.
After a visit to her psychic friend, Sage sees a vision of her and Alex in a past life—as Lizzy and Claudia. Convinced that this means something, Sage tries to stick by Alex as she comes to terms with who she REALLY is, eventually revealing she’s been with women, her greatest shame. Sage has to make a decision, deny who she is and help Alex with her possible transition away from her church and toward her true lesbian self, or walk away from Alex, the greatest love she’s ever known.
Angie K. Love’s lesbian literary novel is catchy and keeps us constantly engaged. With short chapters and a consistent back and forth between present day and the 1800s, the reader quickly starts to understand that Sage and Alex are Lizzy and Claudia in a past life —long before Love explicitly states it in a “vision” of Sage’s.
The typical tragic lesbian tropes abound, both in 19th century Ohio and present day California. The Lizzy/Sage characters are sure of themselves, have experimented earlier on, and know what they want from life and love.
The Claudia/Alex characters come from a traumatized background and are less willing to see themselves in a nontraditional life and partnership. While we expect the two narratives to play out simultaneously and similarly, Love does a good job of surprising us and reminding us what exactly past lives are for—learning, growing, and changing.
With no real happy endings, but a slight sliver of hope, readers wanting a clear narrative will be disappointed—such is life and the gay experience. Especially surprising is the shift in Lizzy late in the novel, who was so sure of herself all along. While tragic lesbianism is the forefront of the novel, certain characters are surprising in context. The several male characters set in rural Ohio in the 1800s being incredibly and instantly accepting of Lizzy and Claudia’s love, may be difficult to reckon with.
I’d recommend Awakening Hearts to anyone interested in dramatic and engaging love stories. It’s a fast and fun read with a back-and-forth narrative that never feels boring. Most characters are women and most of the love/drama centers around gayness, lesbianism, and bisexuality. Readers uncomfortable or unwilling to engage with the full range of sexuality may not be interested.
This novel is a joy to read. Love asks the reader to jump in fully and believe several tropes: love at first sight, past life love connections, and surprisingly woke Christian white men in rural 1800s Ohio; if you’re willing to jump in, you’ll enjoy it thoroughly.
January 16, 2022
I received an advance review copy of this eBook for free from the author and BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily as a courtesy.
I would like to preface this review by saying that as a debut novel, this was a good attempt and I think the author has great potential in the future. I will be checking out the sequel to this book once it is released and look forward to a more contemporary tale.
The premise and potential storyline of this novel are what drew me to reading it. I am a fan of parallel stories that vacillate between the past and present, but I found it very difficult to get into this story. I read the first 25% of the book with high hopes, genuinely interested in and loving the characters. Then, it just all seemed to become very redundant. I do want to note that technically the writing was excellent and I could see the care and effort the author put into writing it.
This work of literary fiction leaned much more into the romance genre than I realized, and it relied very heavily on dialogue to convey the story to the reader. Unfortunately, I found the dialogue to be lacking somehow, and it was extremely repetitive much of the time. This stilted the character development for me. I found myself able to get into the present story between Sage and Alex much easier than I could the one in the past between Lizzey and Claudia. Sage's character is one with whom I strongly identified in so many ways, and I enjoyed many parts of her third-person narrative.
I truly loved the storyline and the idea of eternal soulmates. I wanted to love this book, but all in all, it was an average read. I feel that others may like it more than I, and would encourage anyone to check it out if you like a sweet tale of lesbian romance!
I would like to preface this review by saying that as a debut novel, this was a good attempt and I think the author has great potential in the future. I will be checking out the sequel to this book once it is released and look forward to a more contemporary tale.
The premise and potential storyline of this novel are what drew me to reading it. I am a fan of parallel stories that vacillate between the past and present, but I found it very difficult to get into this story. I read the first 25% of the book with high hopes, genuinely interested in and loving the characters. Then, it just all seemed to become very redundant. I do want to note that technically the writing was excellent and I could see the care and effort the author put into writing it.
This work of literary fiction leaned much more into the romance genre than I realized, and it relied very heavily on dialogue to convey the story to the reader. Unfortunately, I found the dialogue to be lacking somehow, and it was extremely repetitive much of the time. This stilted the character development for me. I found myself able to get into the present story between Sage and Alex much easier than I could the one in the past between Lizzey and Claudia. Sage's character is one with whom I strongly identified in so many ways, and I enjoyed many parts of her third-person narrative.
I truly loved the storyline and the idea of eternal soulmates. I wanted to love this book, but all in all, it was an average read. I feel that others may like it more than I, and would encourage anyone to check it out if you like a sweet tale of lesbian romance!
November 16, 2021
How long till these souls get it right?
It's not the right time until it's the right time.
It wasn't the right time then but will it be the right time now or must these starcrossed soulmates wait for yet another lifetime?
I've never read lesbian fiction or any same sex romance before so I had to open my mind and heart to an unfamiliar genre and was blown away by Angie K. Love's debut novel.
Awakening Hearts deals with universal relationship themes (fear, vulnerability, angst, abandonment, acceptance, timing) and does it amazingly well. It goes in depth about the fear of consequences (then and even now) specific to a "taboo relationship": family and religious judgment, shame and/or being ostracized weighed against fears of never loving like this again, settling for an easier, unfulfilling path and/or ending up alone and brokenhearted.
It tells the parallel stories of two lesbian couples, set in rural 1862 and present day northern California and the challenges these lovers face. One woman in each couple is the romantic, so sure of what she wants but can she build a happy, fulfilling life regardless of the other's choices? The other woman is the realist, the questioner, the one inclined to settle because she thinks she has to. Were the past and present characters perhaps the same souls in different bodies and timelines?
In both the past and present, a cast of well developed side characters add richness, acceptance and perspective.
I'm not ruining any surprises here. That's not what this book is about. We all know how limited choices were back then and how much more evolved and free women (and men) can be today to live the lives they choose, if they are strong enough and brave enough to choose them. The best surprise here is how deeply beautiful, universal and well written this author's first book is! It leaves me wanting more.
It's not the right time until it's the right time.
It wasn't the right time then but will it be the right time now or must these starcrossed soulmates wait for yet another lifetime?
I've never read lesbian fiction or any same sex romance before so I had to open my mind and heart to an unfamiliar genre and was blown away by Angie K. Love's debut novel.
Awakening Hearts deals with universal relationship themes (fear, vulnerability, angst, abandonment, acceptance, timing) and does it amazingly well. It goes in depth about the fear of consequences (then and even now) specific to a "taboo relationship": family and religious judgment, shame and/or being ostracized weighed against fears of never loving like this again, settling for an easier, unfulfilling path and/or ending up alone and brokenhearted.
It tells the parallel stories of two lesbian couples, set in rural 1862 and present day northern California and the challenges these lovers face. One woman in each couple is the romantic, so sure of what she wants but can she build a happy, fulfilling life regardless of the other's choices? The other woman is the realist, the questioner, the one inclined to settle because she thinks she has to. Were the past and present characters perhaps the same souls in different bodies and timelines?
In both the past and present, a cast of well developed side characters add richness, acceptance and perspective.
I'm not ruining any surprises here. That's not what this book is about. We all know how limited choices were back then and how much more evolved and free women (and men) can be today to live the lives they choose, if they are strong enough and brave enough to choose them. The best surprise here is how deeply beautiful, universal and well written this author's first book is! It leaves me wanting more.
November 11, 2021
Contemporary romance isn’t my normal genre, but I was glad I took a chance on Awakening Hearts. Angie K Love’s time spanning novel about two souls whose love is eternal, is beautifully and sensitively written.
In 1862, Lizzy knows she’s attracted to women in a way her family and church would not condone. But God is love, and Lizzy, growing up in a loving family environment, is comfortable with her choice although she knows she cannot be open about it. She dreams of moving from the family farm to the city one day and living independently, making her own way in an exciting world. Not for her the expected marriage and family.
Then Claudia, a young woman with a tragic but undisclosed past, comes to live at the farm and Lizzy’s heart is captured, forever. Claudia has no idea such love can exist between women, until her heart is awakened. But when other life issues must be taken into account, the future happiness of each woman is very much under threat.
Meanwhile, in the current day, Sage is openly lesbian with supportive friends and family who understand and make no judgement on her life choices. But life proves as difficult for modern day Sage as it does for 19th century Lizzy when Alex comes into her life. Church-going Alex, whose conflict between her ‘unnatural’ urges and her beliefs turn her own and Sage’s life upside down. Poor Sage! I felt for her with every ping of her phone! And could have strangled Alex more than once!
Lizzy’s and Sage’s turmoil takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey. The writer tells their stories (or story?) from their points of view, which means we see Claudia and Alex’s heart-wrenching struggles through their eyes. This is a very clever and subtle bit of writing, which sensitively and with some depth, portrays the conflicted characters of Claudia and Alex just as keenly as the struggles of Lizzy and Sage.
A highly recommended read.
In 1862, Lizzy knows she’s attracted to women in a way her family and church would not condone. But God is love, and Lizzy, growing up in a loving family environment, is comfortable with her choice although she knows she cannot be open about it. She dreams of moving from the family farm to the city one day and living independently, making her own way in an exciting world. Not for her the expected marriage and family.
Then Claudia, a young woman with a tragic but undisclosed past, comes to live at the farm and Lizzy’s heart is captured, forever. Claudia has no idea such love can exist between women, until her heart is awakened. But when other life issues must be taken into account, the future happiness of each woman is very much under threat.
Meanwhile, in the current day, Sage is openly lesbian with supportive friends and family who understand and make no judgement on her life choices. But life proves as difficult for modern day Sage as it does for 19th century Lizzy when Alex comes into her life. Church-going Alex, whose conflict between her ‘unnatural’ urges and her beliefs turn her own and Sage’s life upside down. Poor Sage! I felt for her with every ping of her phone! And could have strangled Alex more than once!
Lizzy’s and Sage’s turmoil takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey. The writer tells their stories (or story?) from their points of view, which means we see Claudia and Alex’s heart-wrenching struggles through their eyes. This is a very clever and subtle bit of writing, which sensitively and with some depth, portrays the conflicted characters of Claudia and Alex just as keenly as the struggles of Lizzy and Sage.
A highly recommended read.
January 8, 2022
Awakening Hearts verschmilzt zwei bewegende Geschichten in einem Thema miteinander. Die Autorin lässt die Leserin/den Leser in sehr einfühlsamer Weise an den turbulenten Entwicklungen zweier lesbischer Paare zu verschiedenen Zeiten an verschiedenen Orten teilhaben.
Am Ende jedes Kapitels erzeugt sie jeweils eine aufregende Spannung, die neugierig auf die Fortsetzung der Geschehnisse macht.
Ihr mitreißender Schreibstil und ihre perfekte Wortwahl sorgen für eine exzellente Lektüre!
Mein persönliches Erlebnis: Das Buch ist so spannend geschrieben, dass ich es einerseits nicht weglegen sondern immer weiter lesen wollte, andererseits wollte ich es nicht zu rasch beenden um den Lesegenuss möglichst lange zu erhalten.
Am Ende jedes Kapitels erzeugt sie jeweils eine aufregende Spannung, die neugierig auf die Fortsetzung der Geschehnisse macht.
Ihr mitreißender Schreibstil und ihre perfekte Wortwahl sorgen für eine exzellente Lektüre!
Mein persönliches Erlebnis: Das Buch ist so spannend geschrieben, dass ich es einerseits nicht weglegen sondern immer weiter lesen wollte, andererseits wollte ich es nicht zu rasch beenden um den Lesegenuss möglichst lange zu erhalten.
November 2, 2021
I was fortunate that the author gave me an opportunity to read this before publication.
This usually isn't my genre, but I was surprised. There was no shooting, aliens, or zombies but it pulled me in and kept my attention. The thing I REALLY enjoyed was the exploration of a forbidden relationship in the 1860s. BUT if you think Awakening Hearts is just a story of Way Back When, think again. The story also runs a line in the present day. Then, they merge! HOW? Well, that's another reason I like it. Get this book before you get caught up in the Holiday Rush!
This usually isn't my genre, but I was surprised. There was no shooting, aliens, or zombies but it pulled me in and kept my attention. The thing I REALLY enjoyed was the exploration of a forbidden relationship in the 1860s. BUT if you think Awakening Hearts is just a story of Way Back When, think again. The story also runs a line in the present day. Then, they merge! HOW? Well, that's another reason I like it. Get this book before you get caught up in the Holiday Rush!
December 3, 2021
I will admit that more than once I almost gave up on this book. That is partly because I am not religious at all. I will not be a spoiler and go into that, so that is all I will say. I am so glad I kept on reading! The book is well worth reading not just for the two engaging love stories but for the insight and wisdom of the characters as they develop. I ended up loving it so much on my tablet that I bought it in paperback so I can mark pages and go back and read many passages over and over again. Bravo, Angie Love, for a remarkable first novel! I look forward eagerly to Awakening Souls.
January 3, 2022
Your itinerary: Time travel between two lifetimes, 2014 CA & 1862 Ohio at a great fare! Prepare yourself for a trip through all the altitudes of unbridled and unstoppable passion ones heart desires, and buckle up for the turbulence and motion sickness a heartache delivers. In the end, the only thing that is certain that this book will land at the center of your newly Awakened Heart.
Set your calendar for the next book release this time travel agent plans for you. Angie K. Love is the writer to book your next transcendental destination with!
Set your calendar for the next book release this time travel agent plans for you. Angie K. Love is the writer to book your next transcendental destination with!
February 19, 2022
This book is one of the best books I have ever read. The sensitivity it delves into makes it so beautiful. While reading you are taken in to each character and can feel their pain, sorrows and joy. For me it was a can't put down the book read. It shows the challenges of being gay not only today, but in many years past. Whether you are gay or straight, this is a read you shouldn't miss. It touched my heart more than I can say. It makes you look back on your own life and wonder about choices and paths you yourself have taken. The author shows a brilliance of writing you don't find very often. I just finished the book last night and I'm still part of the lives that were portrayed. Just beautiful!!!
August 25, 2022
Phew, this book made me go on quite an emotional rollercoaster!
On top of that, I listened to the audiobook and the voice of the narrator broke my heart at the most emotional moments (and there are a lot of them). She is really good!
These two parallel love stories about two soulmate lovers were equally difficult and at the same time sweet and wonderful.
The subject of religion and society and the role that both play in the relationships between Lizzy and Claudia and also with Sage and Alex, was difficult for me to bear.
It was just too close to me and my story and that's why I find it difficult to review objectively at this point. I definitely had a lot of anger in me. So, you have to read it ;)
Nonetheless, it's a gripping book, right from the first chapter.
I will definitely read the second part right now. It was that good!
On top of that, I listened to the audiobook and the voice of the narrator broke my heart at the most emotional moments (and there are a lot of them). She is really good!
These two parallel love stories about two soulmate lovers were equally difficult and at the same time sweet and wonderful.
The subject of religion and society and the role that both play in the relationships between Lizzy and Claudia and also with Sage and Alex, was difficult for me to bear.
It was just too close to me and my story and that's why I find it difficult to review objectively at this point. I definitely had a lot of anger in me. So, you have to read it ;)
Nonetheless, it's a gripping book, right from the first chapter.
I will definitely read the second part right now. It was that good!
October 18, 2021
It’s a beautiful love story, so engaging that makes you totally drawn to the book only after a few pages. The richness of details really transport you into the captivating story, making you eager for more each page you read. The characters are very interesting and complex, and as the story unfolds, there are so many lessons on the importance of friendship, gratitude, acceptance, family and kindness. Lovely book that I highly recommend!
November 10, 2021
A very well-written and thoughtful book. I had never read an F/F book and expected a normal romance, just with two women as the main characters instead of a woman and a man. However, this was more of a psychological insight into the obstacles faced by two women in the late 1800's and the choices they had to make, and the same two souls finding each other in the current time, with similar obstacles. I look forward to reading Book 2!
November 20, 2021
Thank you Angie K. Love for writing this beautiful book and give it to the world.
This book is so sensitively and beautifully written that i couldn't put it down. The protagonists, Alex and Sage, touched me deeply in their inner conflicts with their values and longings. The leap in time to Lizzy and Claudia is thrilling and brilliantly researched. I love both couples in their own way in their own time and am looking forward to the next novel by Angie K. Love.
This book is so sensitively and beautifully written that i couldn't put it down. The protagonists, Alex and Sage, touched me deeply in their inner conflicts with their values and longings. The leap in time to Lizzy and Claudia is thrilling and brilliantly researched. I love both couples in their own way in their own time and am looking forward to the next novel by Angie K. Love.
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