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Owner of a Lonely Heart
From the author of How to Save a Life comes a heartfelt story of two people finding the courage to choose love, no matter how hard it may be.
Gemma thought she had her future all mapped out. She had a wonderful husband, a cute apartment, and plans to start a family. But just months after their wedding, illness took her husband from her. And now she finds herself trying to think up new dreams, when all she really wants are her old ones back.
Across town, Dan's also rethinking his life. He's about to meet his twelve-year-old daughter, Casey, for the very first time. She's tracked him down because she needs a place to stay for the summer while she receives treatment for a brain tumor at the city hospital, and Dan is terrified he won't be up to the task of taking care of her; after all, he's structured his entire life so that no one has to rely on him.
But when fate (with the help of Gemma's scruffy terrier, Bear) brings these three strangers together one scorching July morning, there's an instant connection among them. And it soon becomes clear that this summer could change everything--if only they'll let it.
Will Gemma, Dan, and Casey be brave enough to let love in and build a new life together? Or will they let fear keep everything they've ever wanted just out of reach?
Gemma thought she had her future all mapped out. She had a wonderful husband, a cute apartment, and plans to start a family. But just months after their wedding, illness took her husband from her. And now she finds herself trying to think up new dreams, when all she really wants are her old ones back.
Across town, Dan's also rethinking his life. He's about to meet his twelve-year-old daughter, Casey, for the very first time. She's tracked him down because she needs a place to stay for the summer while she receives treatment for a brain tumor at the city hospital, and Dan is terrified he won't be up to the task of taking care of her; after all, he's structured his entire life so that no one has to rely on him.
But when fate (with the help of Gemma's scruffy terrier, Bear) brings these three strangers together one scorching July morning, there's an instant connection among them. And it soon becomes clear that this summer could change everything--if only they'll let it.
Will Gemma, Dan, and Casey be brave enough to let love in and build a new life together? Or will they let fear keep everything they've ever wanted just out of reach?
416 pages, Paperback
Published January 17, 2023
80 people are currently reading
8466 people want to read
About the author
Eva Carter
5 books103 followersEva Carter was inspired to write How to Save a Life by her own experience of giving CPR to her partner, who was successfully resuscitated, as well as her mother’s stories of work as a trauma nurse.
Eva Carter is a pseudonym for internationally bestselling nonfiction and rom-com writer Kate Harrison, who worked as a BBC reporter before becoming an author. She lives in Brighton on the south coast of England and loves Grey’s Anatomy, walking her dog, and running very slowly on the seafront.
Eva Carter is a pseudonym for internationally bestselling nonfiction and rom-com writer Kate Harrison, who worked as a BBC reporter before becoming an author. She lives in Brighton on the south coast of England and loves Grey’s Anatomy, walking her dog, and running very slowly on the seafront.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
January 17, 2023
3.5 stars
Gemma is still reeling from the death of her husband. She is lonely and wondering if she should start a family on her own. She and her dog, Bear got to the children's oncology department at the hospital.
Casey is a twelve-year-old girl with a tumor and is undergoing therapy for her brain tumor at the hospital. She just met her father and she and her mother will be living with him while she receives treatment at a local hospital.
Dan is Casey's father. On the surface, he appears to be happy and social, but he is lonely as well. Dan recently met Casey for the first time and now goes with his daughter to the hospital for her treatments.
The hospital is where they all meet....
All the characters are dealing with their own complex issues. The author handles their issues with grace and care. This book reminds readers that what you see on the outside is not necessarily what is going on inside.
This was an emotional book which had me singing "Owner of a lonely heart" by Yes repeatedly while reading it. I enjoyed how things unfolded and how the owners learned to open up to each other. Plus, Bear the dog was a scene stealer!
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Gemma is still reeling from the death of her husband. She is lonely and wondering if she should start a family on her own. She and her dog, Bear got to the children's oncology department at the hospital.
Casey is a twelve-year-old girl with a tumor and is undergoing therapy for her brain tumor at the hospital. She just met her father and she and her mother will be living with him while she receives treatment at a local hospital.
Dan is Casey's father. On the surface, he appears to be happy and social, but he is lonely as well. Dan recently met Casey for the first time and now goes with his daughter to the hospital for her treatments.
The hospital is where they all meet....
All the characters are dealing with their own complex issues. The author handles their issues with grace and care. This book reminds readers that what you see on the outside is not necessarily what is going on inside.
This was an emotional book which had me singing "Owner of a lonely heart" by Yes repeatedly while reading it. I enjoyed how things unfolded and how the owners learned to open up to each other. Plus, Bear the dog was a scene stealer!
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 4, 2023
3.5 rounded to 3 stars
This is an enjoyable read by an author new to me. It’s on the longer side, and there is a lot going on, but it reads fast. The story is told from the viewpoint of three alternating narrators—Gemma, Dan, and 12-year-old Casey. Gemma is my favorite, followed by Casey and then Dan. Gemma is a young widow struggling with the loss of her husband (Andrew) and whether or not to undergo in vitro fertilization with the embryo they produced before his death. Casey is facing a do or die four-week course of proton beam therapy for a brain tumor; Dan is her father whom she has never met. These three converge, along with Casey’s mother Angelica, for a very emotional four weeks. There is also a darling dog, Bear, who plays a significant role. The story itself I really enjoyed, and I had no problem picking the book up, but there were several things that bugged me.
A LOT happens in these four weeks, too much to feel realistic to me. In my opinion, it should have been set over at least 3-4 months to be realistic. There is also insta-love (does such a thing really happen?), which never sits right with me. There is also insta-change of Gemma’s feelings from Andrew (whom she is still in deep mourning for 3 years after his untimely death) to the new guy, Dan. Not only that, but it took some time for me to warm up to Dan because of his sense of values. Even at the end I was not completely trustful of him. Maybe that’s just me, but there it is. Speaking of the end, boy, is it compressed! There was some major stuff going on and I was super interested in how it was going to play out. Well, it was all too quick for me. That was disappointing. Then the epilogue (a good epilogue is a big deal for me) was disappointingly set just a few months down the road. I would have preferred it to be at least a year later.
I actually enjoyed the book much more than the preceding paragraph might indicate, but the issues I outlined compel me to round my rating from 3.5 to 3 (instead of 4) stars. Despite that, I do recommend this book because the themes are great as are Gemma, Casey, and Bear. Just be aware of the downsides I mentioned in case things like that annoy you as they did me.
I would like to thank Megan Whalen from Penguin Random House/Dell Books and Net Galley for an advanced copy. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
This is an enjoyable read by an author new to me. It’s on the longer side, and there is a lot going on, but it reads fast. The story is told from the viewpoint of three alternating narrators—Gemma, Dan, and 12-year-old Casey. Gemma is my favorite, followed by Casey and then Dan. Gemma is a young widow struggling with the loss of her husband (Andrew) and whether or not to undergo in vitro fertilization with the embryo they produced before his death. Casey is facing a do or die four-week course of proton beam therapy for a brain tumor; Dan is her father whom she has never met. These three converge, along with Casey’s mother Angelica, for a very emotional four weeks. There is also a darling dog, Bear, who plays a significant role. The story itself I really enjoyed, and I had no problem picking the book up, but there were several things that bugged me.
A LOT happens in these four weeks, too much to feel realistic to me. In my opinion, it should have been set over at least 3-4 months to be realistic. There is also insta-love (does such a thing really happen?), which never sits right with me. There is also insta-change of Gemma’s feelings from Andrew (whom she is still in deep mourning for 3 years after his untimely death) to the new guy, Dan. Not only that, but it took some time for me to warm up to Dan because of his sense of values. Even at the end I was not completely trustful of him. Maybe that’s just me, but there it is. Speaking of the end, boy, is it compressed! There was some major stuff going on and I was super interested in how it was going to play out. Well, it was all too quick for me. That was disappointing. Then the epilogue (a good epilogue is a big deal for me) was disappointingly set just a few months down the road. I would have preferred it to be at least a year later.
I actually enjoyed the book much more than the preceding paragraph might indicate, but the issues I outlined compel me to round my rating from 3.5 to 3 (instead of 4) stars. Despite that, I do recommend this book because the themes are great as are Gemma, Casey, and Bear. Just be aware of the downsides I mentioned in case things like that annoy you as they did me.
I would like to thank Megan Whalen from Penguin Random House/Dell Books and Net Galley for an advanced copy. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
July 7, 2022
Gemma is busy, busy, busy - trying both to rebuild her life after a personal tragedy and to start a family. She'd never admit ow lonely she feels inside.
Dan is attractive, laid-back and terrified of anyone getting to know the real him. He's lonely too - not that you'd know it if you saw him out with his mates.
Casey is Dan's twelve year old daughter - though they barely know each other. She's undergoing treatment for a benign tumour, and is lonely and scared but desperately trying to pretend otherwise.
When Gemma, Dan and Casey's paths cross one scorching July, they all have their reasons for being wary.
What a quick and emotional read this was. The characters are well developed and likeable. It di take le a few chapters to get into the story. It covers some sensitive issues: complex relationships, cancer, fertility. The issues are handled well. This is a intricately crafted character driven story. The pace is on the slow side and I did feel that the story could have been a bit shorter. Overall, this is an enjoyable read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PanMacmillan and the author #EvaCarter for my ARC of #OwnerOfALonelyHeart in exchange for an honest review.
Dan is attractive, laid-back and terrified of anyone getting to know the real him. He's lonely too - not that you'd know it if you saw him out with his mates.
Casey is Dan's twelve year old daughter - though they barely know each other. She's undergoing treatment for a benign tumour, and is lonely and scared but desperately trying to pretend otherwise.
When Gemma, Dan and Casey's paths cross one scorching July, they all have their reasons for being wary.
What a quick and emotional read this was. The characters are well developed and likeable. It di take le a few chapters to get into the story. It covers some sensitive issues: complex relationships, cancer, fertility. The issues are handled well. This is a intricately crafted character driven story. The pace is on the slow side and I did feel that the story could have been a bit shorter. Overall, this is an enjoyable read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PanMacmillan and the author #EvaCarter for my ARC of #OwnerOfALonelyHeart in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2023
3.5 complex stars
*now available
This one is not your typical meet-cute romantic comedy. There are complex issues at play, including grief, a sick child, childhood trauma, and parental abuse. What nicely ties it all together is a sweet therapy dog called Bear.
Casey is the sick child, undergoing treatment to shrink a brain tumor. She’s been recently reunited with her birth father, and both are hoping that this month of treatment will be a fresh start for them and a chance to get to know each other.
Gemma has the therapy dog and meets Casey at the hospital along with her father. Gemma has recently lost her husband and is grieving and wants the promise of her old life back.
Dan is Casey’s dad, and he comes with a lot of childhood baggage. He’s doing his best to be there for Casey now, but he’s keeping some big secrets.
I grew to care for all of these characters, but they had a lot to work through before any happiness could truly work for them. I rooted for a romance between Gemma and Dan although there were a lot of secrets to uncover first. And of course, I wanted a good health outcome for Casey.
Overall, a good emotional read and I look forward to more from this author.
My thanks to Random House Ballantine/Dell for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one.
*now available
This one is not your typical meet-cute romantic comedy. There are complex issues at play, including grief, a sick child, childhood trauma, and parental abuse. What nicely ties it all together is a sweet therapy dog called Bear.
Casey is the sick child, undergoing treatment to shrink a brain tumor. She’s been recently reunited with her birth father, and both are hoping that this month of treatment will be a fresh start for them and a chance to get to know each other.
Gemma has the therapy dog and meets Casey at the hospital along with her father. Gemma has recently lost her husband and is grieving and wants the promise of her old life back.
Dan is Casey’s dad, and he comes with a lot of childhood baggage. He’s doing his best to be there for Casey now, but he’s keeping some big secrets.
I grew to care for all of these characters, but they had a lot to work through before any happiness could truly work for them. I rooted for a romance between Gemma and Dan although there were a lot of secrets to uncover first. And of course, I wanted a good health outcome for Casey.
Overall, a good emotional read and I look forward to more from this author.
My thanks to Random House Ballantine/Dell for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one.
May 24, 2022
Every time I think of this book, I hear the crunchy guitar that opens Yes’s biggest hit - and the lyrics are quite appropriate too. I suspect this is not an accident. Owner of a Lonely Heart is a charming contemporary story set in Bristol about three lost people finding second chances. I was invited to read it by the publisher, having enjoyed last year’s How To Save a Life, and while this turned out to be much more romance-oriented than that was, I was won over by the characters - especially adorable terrier Bear. (Who doesn’t love a book featuring a cute dog!)
Gemma is a 32 year old illustrator still coming to terms with the death of her husband from cancer. She volunteers at her local paediatric oncology treatment centre, where she meets Casey, only child of neurotic mother Angelica. Casey has only just met her father, good-looking but superficial Dan, who offered her somewhere to stay in Bristol for her month of specialised therapy for her brain tumour. Gemma is initially appalled that Dan chose to stay out of his daughter’s life for 12 years, but as she gets to know him, she finds herself falling for him, and sparky but vulnerable Casey, but will the secrets they are keeping from each other come between them?
As my friends probably know, I actively avoid romance novels - I don’t mind a love-story subplot, but dislike the couple getting together being the main point of the book. This does follow a fairly standard girl-meets-boy story arc, but the situation Gemma and Dan find themselves was unique and interesting enough to keep me reading, even if I rolled my eyes a bit at the insta-love: Dan is a complete emotional duckwit, but she manages to uncover the decent guy underneath. This is told from all three POVs, with Casey’s being my favourite. Her mother was a great “love-to-hate” character but even she gained my sympathy the more we learn about her experiences.
I enjoyed all the minor characters like best friend Vijay and Gemma’s wise mother-in-law, and the Bristol setting (I very nearly ended up at Bristol Uni, so if my life had taken a different turn I could’ve ended up living there; as it is, I barely remember it, but it sounds like a nice city.) The author clearly does her research on the medical aspects - she mentions interviewing young people undergoing cancer treatment to get the details right, and it pays off in believability. While the plot was predictable, you don’t want it to go any other way, and even this old curmudgeon likes a happy ending. 4.5 rounded down for the present tense.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily.
Owner of a Lonely Heart is published on July 7th.
Gemma is a 32 year old illustrator still coming to terms with the death of her husband from cancer. She volunteers at her local paediatric oncology treatment centre, where she meets Casey, only child of neurotic mother Angelica. Casey has only just met her father, good-looking but superficial Dan, who offered her somewhere to stay in Bristol for her month of specialised therapy for her brain tumour. Gemma is initially appalled that Dan chose to stay out of his daughter’s life for 12 years, but as she gets to know him, she finds herself falling for him, and sparky but vulnerable Casey, but will the secrets they are keeping from each other come between them?
As my friends probably know, I actively avoid romance novels - I don’t mind a love-story subplot, but dislike the couple getting together being the main point of the book. This does follow a fairly standard girl-meets-boy story arc, but the situation Gemma and Dan find themselves was unique and interesting enough to keep me reading, even if I rolled my eyes a bit at the insta-love: Dan is a complete emotional duckwit, but she manages to uncover the decent guy underneath. This is told from all three POVs, with Casey’s being my favourite. Her mother was a great “love-to-hate” character but even she gained my sympathy the more we learn about her experiences.
I enjoyed all the minor characters like best friend Vijay and Gemma’s wise mother-in-law, and the Bristol setting (I very nearly ended up at Bristol Uni, so if my life had taken a different turn I could’ve ended up living there; as it is, I barely remember it, but it sounds like a nice city.) The author clearly does her research on the medical aspects - she mentions interviewing young people undergoing cancer treatment to get the details right, and it pays off in believability. While the plot was predictable, you don’t want it to go any other way, and even this old curmudgeon likes a happy ending. 4.5 rounded down for the present tense.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily.
Owner of a Lonely Heart is published on July 7th.
December 23, 2022
Owner of a Lonely Heart by Eva Carter is the story of a woman’s journey from the grief of her husband’s death, to choosing to love again, even when it’s hard.
Story Recap:
Gemma had her entire life mapped out until tragedy struck, and her husband died of cancer just a few months after their wedding. Now, she’s having trouble moving forward as all she’s ever wanted was the life she dreamed up with her husband.
Dan is about to have a major life event. He’s about to meet his twelve-year-old daughter, Casey, for the very first time. Casey and her mother will be living with him, while she undergoes treatment for her brain tumor. Dan is terrified that he won’t be able to be a dad or live up to her expectations. He’s lived his entire life making no commitments nor allowing anyone to depend on him.
One day, Gemma, Casey, Dan, and Gemma’s dog Bear all meet and there is an instant connection between all of them. Can they overcome their fears and learn to care for each other?
My Thoughts:
I loved this book very much. It is emotional, funny at times, hopeful, and inspirational. The characters were deep, well-developed, and realistic. I didn’t care for Gemma or Dan much at the beginning of the book. Gemma is sad and stuck grieving, and Dan is a commitment-phobe and seemed to be a one-dimensional character. It was 12-year-old Casey, and Bear the dog, who grabbed me and made me want to read further. Casey is adorable and courageous, she’s the one who found and contacted her father and asked to stay with him while she undergoes treatment.
After reading for a while and getting pulled into the book I started to realize that Dan and Gemma were both much more complex than I initially realized. Also, they were very good together. Gemma made Dan a better person and made him want to do better. And Dan was the light that Gemma needed in her life. However, they both have their own issues they need to work out first.
Another interesting character is Angelica, Casey’s mother. Angelica and Dan never married or had much of a relationship. Angelica is bossy, controlling, and very stressed. She raised Casey on her own and now her daughter is dealing with a life-threatening brain tumor. Her anxiety leads her to controlling behavior, which leads to more anxiety.
The way these characters interact and learn to trust each other makes a wonderful story and I was glad to go on this journey!
Recommendation:
I highly recommend Owner of a Lonely Heart to anyone who enjoys fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Story Recap:
Gemma had her entire life mapped out until tragedy struck, and her husband died of cancer just a few months after their wedding. Now, she’s having trouble moving forward as all she’s ever wanted was the life she dreamed up with her husband.
Dan is about to have a major life event. He’s about to meet his twelve-year-old daughter, Casey, for the very first time. Casey and her mother will be living with him, while she undergoes treatment for her brain tumor. Dan is terrified that he won’t be able to be a dad or live up to her expectations. He’s lived his entire life making no commitments nor allowing anyone to depend on him.
One day, Gemma, Casey, Dan, and Gemma’s dog Bear all meet and there is an instant connection between all of them. Can they overcome their fears and learn to care for each other?
My Thoughts:
I loved this book very much. It is emotional, funny at times, hopeful, and inspirational. The characters were deep, well-developed, and realistic. I didn’t care for Gemma or Dan much at the beginning of the book. Gemma is sad and stuck grieving, and Dan is a commitment-phobe and seemed to be a one-dimensional character. It was 12-year-old Casey, and Bear the dog, who grabbed me and made me want to read further. Casey is adorable and courageous, she’s the one who found and contacted her father and asked to stay with him while she undergoes treatment.
After reading for a while and getting pulled into the book I started to realize that Dan and Gemma were both much more complex than I initially realized. Also, they were very good together. Gemma made Dan a better person and made him want to do better. And Dan was the light that Gemma needed in her life. However, they both have their own issues they need to work out first.
Another interesting character is Angelica, Casey’s mother. Angelica and Dan never married or had much of a relationship. Angelica is bossy, controlling, and very stressed. She raised Casey on her own and now her daughter is dealing with a life-threatening brain tumor. Her anxiety leads her to controlling behavior, which leads to more anxiety.
The way these characters interact and learn to trust each other makes a wonderful story and I was glad to go on this journey!
Recommendation:
I highly recommend Owner of a Lonely Heart to anyone who enjoys fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 2, 2023
Sweet book. Like-able characters.
January 25, 2023
In case you’re wondering….regular people really DO win Goodreads publisher’s giveaways!! ✨
This book has occasional moments of brilliant, perceptive writing, so I see a lot of potential for this author. Her characters are gorgeously developed. However, this was a chicken soup kind of story…everything was thrown in. Too much going on with readers just dreading the inevitable crash when everything falls apart. With a bit of focus, I’m betting this author could knock her next book out of the park.
This book has occasional moments of brilliant, perceptive writing, so I see a lot of potential for this author. Her characters are gorgeously developed. However, this was a chicken soup kind of story…everything was thrown in. Too much going on with readers just dreading the inevitable crash when everything falls apart. With a bit of focus, I’m betting this author could knock her next book out of the park.
July 7, 2022
Three and a half stars.
Gemma was widowed after just a few short years of marriage when her husband got cancer. They planned for IVF treatment when he was in remission and she has been going through it alone, this could be her last chance to have Andrew's baby. She works as an illustrator and volunteers with her dog Bear at the local cancer hospital in Bristol to cheer children up who are undergoing cancer treatment. On her way to the hospital one day she comes across a man, clearly anxious about going in - she initially assumes that he is a cancer patient but later learns he is visiting his daughter and is frightened of doing, or saying the wrong thing. There's something about this man, Dan, that stirs something deep inside Gemma, something she thought had died with Andrew.
One day Gemma meets Casey a twelve year old with a brain tumour. Casey's mother Angelica is a germaphobe and initially resists Casey being anywhere near Bear, but Gemma soon gets talking to Casey and learns that she had never met her father until they came to Bristol, now the two of them are sharing his luxury penthouse flat for four weeks while she has revolutionary treatment for her tumour. Gemma can't help but judge Casey's father who sounds like a selfish individual. Quelle surprise when the selfish dad turns out to be none other than Dan.
Dan avoids getting close to anyone. His mother died giving birth to him and his father was a con-man who dragged Dan into his schemes. Deep down he doesn't want anyone to know the real Dan, afraid of what they might see. He's borrowed the penthouse apartment from his friend Vijay and fully intended to tell Angelica and Casey the truth but the time is never right. He's falling for Gemma but can he tell her the truth about himself?
I liked this but OMG it was slooooow. Gemma is keeping secrets from Dan so she keeps pulling away, conflicted that she is 'cheating' on Andrew. Dan is keeping secrets from everyone about his past, his family, and his home, so he keeps pulling away. Push, pull, push, pull. One other gripe, one character has a 100% personality change at the end after a five minute conversation - that felt false.
Good story but could have been way shorter, I was pleading for this to end sooner, recommended for those who like slow-burn romances.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Gemma was widowed after just a few short years of marriage when her husband got cancer. They planned for IVF treatment when he was in remission and she has been going through it alone, this could be her last chance to have Andrew's baby. She works as an illustrator and volunteers with her dog Bear at the local cancer hospital in Bristol to cheer children up who are undergoing cancer treatment. On her way to the hospital one day she comes across a man, clearly anxious about going in - she initially assumes that he is a cancer patient but later learns he is visiting his daughter and is frightened of doing, or saying the wrong thing. There's something about this man, Dan, that stirs something deep inside Gemma, something she thought had died with Andrew.
One day Gemma meets Casey a twelve year old with a brain tumour. Casey's mother Angelica is a germaphobe and initially resists Casey being anywhere near Bear, but Gemma soon gets talking to Casey and learns that she had never met her father until they came to Bristol, now the two of them are sharing his luxury penthouse flat for four weeks while she has revolutionary treatment for her tumour. Gemma can't help but judge Casey's father who sounds like a selfish individual. Quelle surprise when the selfish dad turns out to be none other than Dan.
Dan avoids getting close to anyone. His mother died giving birth to him and his father was a con-man who dragged Dan into his schemes. Deep down he doesn't want anyone to know the real Dan, afraid of what they might see. He's borrowed the penthouse apartment from his friend Vijay and fully intended to tell Angelica and Casey the truth but the time is never right. He's falling for Gemma but can he tell her the truth about himself?
I liked this but OMG it was slooooow. Gemma is keeping secrets from Dan so she keeps pulling away, conflicted that she is 'cheating' on Andrew. Dan is keeping secrets from everyone about his past, his family, and his home, so he keeps pulling away. Push, pull, push, pull. One other gripe, one character has a 100% personality change at the end after a five minute conversation - that felt false.
Good story but could have been way shorter, I was pleading for this to end sooner, recommended for those who like slow-burn romances.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
October 2, 2022
Every now and then you read a book that touches your heart and this is one of those books. You cannot help but fall in love with all three of the main characters. Gemma is an artist who volunteers her dog at the local hospital as a therapy dog. Dan is meeting his 12 year old daughter for the first time after not being there for her in her early life. Casey is a 12 year old who is struggling to go through treatment for her brain cancer and also trying to make a connection with her father who she has never had a relationship with. The three of them are all trying to figure out how to forge their new relationships but also not let the past destroy them.
I loved the dynamic between all three characters. I felt transported to their world and I was invested in what happened to them. There were so many good moments in this book that helped me forget about the troubles in my own life. I just wanted to read about their lives and see how everything was going to turn out. I highly recommend this book. A heartwarming read!
Thank you to Random House Publishing for an advanced copy of this book. I feel very lucky to have read this great story!
I loved the dynamic between all three characters. I felt transported to their world and I was invested in what happened to them. There were so many good moments in this book that helped me forget about the troubles in my own life. I just wanted to read about their lives and see how everything was going to turn out. I highly recommend this book. A heartwarming read!
Thank you to Random House Publishing for an advanced copy of this book. I feel very lucky to have read this great story!
June 16, 2023
This was a really beautiful story about love, grief and second chances. ❤️
October 10, 2022
You know a book is good when:
- you’re still reading at 2 AM saying, “Just one more chapter.”
- it can make you laugh and cry, and smile through the tears
- you keep highlighting favorite quotes
- it gives you chills
- you want to reread it right after you finish and hope there will be a second book, even though the ending was perfect
Owner of a Lonely Heart by Eva Carter is all of these things and more. This book is filled with so much hope while still being realistic about the uncertainties in life. Carter delicately explores the vulnerabilities of simply being human through the intertwining stories of Gemma, Dan, and Casey.
I loved how simultaneously strong and fragile Gemma and Casey were, and how Dan made such strides to heal his traumatized inner child so that he could be a good father. I think it’s so important to show that characters are still worthy of love even when they’re still a little “broken,” and can still find it within themselves to love others- and this book does just that.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you *feel* things, this is the book for you! Despite some of the difficult subject matter- and all of the tears you might shed (please feel free to DM me on Instagram @bookishlee_kaci for CW/TW), you’ll walk away from this book feeling lighter. And, if you’re anything like me, you might finish this feeling like you’ve said goodbye to a good friend.
If there were a second book (wink wink, nudge nudge Eva Carter), I’d love it to focus on Angelica, to see how she’s doing after the book takes place. Maybe it could be her turn for love and healing? And we could get little cameos of Dan, Gemma and Casey as well.
Owner of a Lonely Heart comes out January 17, 2023. Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy of this beautiful story in exchange for an honest review. This review will also be posted on my Instagram (@bookishlee_kaci) at a later date.
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- you’re still reading at 2 AM saying, “Just one more chapter.”
- it can make you laugh and cry, and smile through the tears
- you keep highlighting favorite quotes
- it gives you chills
- you want to reread it right after you finish and hope there will be a second book, even though the ending was perfect
Owner of a Lonely Heart by Eva Carter is all of these things and more. This book is filled with so much hope while still being realistic about the uncertainties in life. Carter delicately explores the vulnerabilities of simply being human through the intertwining stories of Gemma, Dan, and Casey.
I loved how simultaneously strong and fragile Gemma and Casey were, and how Dan made such strides to heal his traumatized inner child so that he could be a good father. I think it’s so important to show that characters are still worthy of love even when they’re still a little “broken,” and can still find it within themselves to love others- and this book does just that.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you *feel* things, this is the book for you! Despite some of the difficult subject matter- and all of the tears you might shed (please feel free to DM me on Instagram @bookishlee_kaci for CW/TW), you’ll walk away from this book feeling lighter. And, if you’re anything like me, you might finish this feeling like you’ve said goodbye to a good friend.
If there were a second book (wink wink, nudge nudge Eva Carter), I’d love it to focus on Angelica, to see how she’s doing after the book takes place. Maybe it could be her turn for love and healing? And we could get little cameos of Dan, Gemma and Casey as well.
Owner of a Lonely Heart comes out January 17, 2023. Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy of this beautiful story in exchange for an honest review. This review will also be posted on my Instagram (@bookishlee_kaci) at a later date.
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June 23, 2022
Oh I think my heart just grew a whole bunch in the space of 384 pages. This story is told by 3 people whose lives become entwined through foolish mistakes, childhood trauma, confidence, grief, medical issues and family dynamics.
This book covers some sensitive topics - Cancer and fertility treatment but thr author handles them brilliantly with such care and respect.
This book had me shedding tears... feeling hopeful, cheering them on and even laughing.. yes all the feels!!! It's a really bloody good book. However I kinda wished there was a few more chapters about Angelica - she is portrayed as the bad person however I think if there was more about her life then her actions may be more justified. This didn't take anything away from the book it was still an amazing read!!!
Highly recommending to all my friends.
Thank you to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book covers some sensitive topics - Cancer and fertility treatment but thr author handles them brilliantly with such care and respect.
This book had me shedding tears... feeling hopeful, cheering them on and even laughing.. yes all the feels!!! It's a really bloody good book. However I kinda wished there was a few more chapters about Angelica - she is portrayed as the bad person however I think if there was more about her life then her actions may be more justified. This didn't take anything away from the book it was still an amazing read!!!
Highly recommending to all my friends.
Thank you to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2022
Gemma and Dan meet each other on the medical campus where his daughter is receiving cancer treatment. Gemma’s dog plays with kids in the therapy center. They’re drawn to each other, even though both have many past issues to overcome before they’re ready to move on with their lives.
This story was told by multiple narrators, including excerpts from the book Gemma’s husband wrote for their unborn child. This was an emotional read that touched on grief and fear. It was mainly about hope, though. Letting go of the past and being brave enough to change and look forward to the future. I shed tears at the end when Casey finished her treatment.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine for this ARC.
This story was told by multiple narrators, including excerpts from the book Gemma’s husband wrote for their unborn child. This was an emotional read that touched on grief and fear. It was mainly about hope, though. Letting go of the past and being brave enough to change and look forward to the future. I shed tears at the end when Casey finished her treatment.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine for this ARC.
April 18, 2023
Good for it being a romance
January 24, 2024
3.5⭐ I liked the storyline of this book, but honestly felt like it was longer then it needed to be and had a super slow build to the end.
January 12, 2023
This story was such a sweet, interesting read. It is a bit heavy and had more of a women's fiction feel to it than romance. However, I thought it was a different premise BECAUSE it dealt with so many issues from the characters' pasts.
Gemma lost her husband a couple of years ago and is still grieving. She's also been trying to get pregnant using her and her late husband's embryos.
Dan comes from a painful childhood, but is trying to build a new relationship with his 12-year-old daughter who is having treatment for her brain tumor.
The book is sappy, of course, but we see both Gemma and Dan grow up with each other.
The story contains a bit Insta-love, but I felt it worked because sometimes things are meant to be with love.
The topics are a lot, but there is a nice happily ever after, so it's worth a read.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for providing me an e-copy of OWNER OF A LONELY HEART to read.
I rate OWNER OF A LONELY HEART four out of five stars.
Gemma lost her husband a couple of years ago and is still grieving. She's also been trying to get pregnant using her and her late husband's embryos.
Dan comes from a painful childhood, but is trying to build a new relationship with his 12-year-old daughter who is having treatment for her brain tumor.
The book is sappy, of course, but we see both Gemma and Dan grow up with each other.
The story contains a bit Insta-love, but I felt it worked because sometimes things are meant to be with love.
The topics are a lot, but there is a nice happily ever after, so it's worth a read.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for providing me an e-copy of OWNER OF A LONELY HEART to read.
I rate OWNER OF A LONELY HEART four out of five stars.
January 20, 2023
My sincere thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read Owner of a Lonely Heart and give my unbiased opinion of it in the following review.
Owner of a Lonely Heart by Eva Carter is told from three different perspectives. Gemma is a young widow who is preparing for IVF with embryos she and her husband had frozen before he got sick and died of cancer. She also volunteers along with her dog Bear at a children's hospital that works with young cancer patients. It is near the hospital that she meets Dan who is on the way to meet his 12-year-old daughter Casey for the first time as she undergoes treatment for a brain tumor. Casey is determined to meet her father, spunky, and deals daily with her germ obsessed mother. If these characters don't sound complicated enough, throw in an instant attraction between Gemma and Dan along with them not telling some important truths to each other. Dan has quite a few things he is hiding from both Gemma and Casey that we learn about in snippets.
While I found parts of this book a little slow going, I was drawn into it by the characters. I wanted to see them come out on the other side stronger and walking together into a happier future. My favorite part of the book was watching Dad and Casey building their relationship. The writing was very good, and we are given a deep look into each of the three narrators thought processes as they cope with their unique situations. I couldn't help but keep reading. 4 stars
Owner of a Lonely Heart by Eva Carter is told from three different perspectives. Gemma is a young widow who is preparing for IVF with embryos she and her husband had frozen before he got sick and died of cancer. She also volunteers along with her dog Bear at a children's hospital that works with young cancer patients. It is near the hospital that she meets Dan who is on the way to meet his 12-year-old daughter Casey for the first time as she undergoes treatment for a brain tumor. Casey is determined to meet her father, spunky, and deals daily with her germ obsessed mother. If these characters don't sound complicated enough, throw in an instant attraction between Gemma and Dan along with them not telling some important truths to each other. Dan has quite a few things he is hiding from both Gemma and Casey that we learn about in snippets.
While I found parts of this book a little slow going, I was drawn into it by the characters. I wanted to see them come out on the other side stronger and walking together into a happier future. My favorite part of the book was watching Dad and Casey building their relationship. The writing was very good, and we are given a deep look into each of the three narrators thought processes as they cope with their unique situations. I couldn't help but keep reading. 4 stars
January 18, 2023
Owner of a Lonely Heart is a character-driven story of three vulnerable people and their journey towards love and acceptance. It deftly covers several sensitive issues, including death, cancer, mental illness, abandonment, and childhood trauma.
The novel is told through the point of view of three characters - Gemma, Dan, and Casey. Gemma is a young, grieving widow who volunteers her dog at the local hospital as a therapy dog. Dan is, at first glance, a charmer. Underneath it all, he is a bit broken after a difficult childhood. Casey is Dan's 12-year-old daughter who is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor while also trying to cope with her mentally ill mother and building a relationship with the father she just met. I liked the dynamic between the three main characters and appreciated their journey to figure out a how to forge a new life after past pain and difficulties.
The pacing was a bit slow and it took a few chapters to get into the story. After the slow start, I became invested and would recommend it for someone who likes complex, character-driven stories.
Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Publishing for an advanced copy of this book.
The novel is told through the point of view of three characters - Gemma, Dan, and Casey. Gemma is a young, grieving widow who volunteers her dog at the local hospital as a therapy dog. Dan is, at first glance, a charmer. Underneath it all, he is a bit broken after a difficult childhood. Casey is Dan's 12-year-old daughter who is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor while also trying to cope with her mentally ill mother and building a relationship with the father she just met. I liked the dynamic between the three main characters and appreciated their journey to figure out a how to forge a new life after past pain and difficulties.
The pacing was a bit slow and it took a few chapters to get into the story. After the slow start, I became invested and would recommend it for someone who likes complex, character-driven stories.
Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Publishing for an advanced copy of this book.
April 5, 2023
3.5 Stars
Regarding the romance, a few written internalizations felt a little overdone or silly. Or maybe just cliche for someone who regularly reads romance. They stuck out to me but didn't ruin the overall story.
January 15, 2023
Two lonely souls, each with their own share of problems, find grace, healing and redemption as they try to navigate change, create a new normal, and find happiness.
Gemma is all too familiar with hospitals, having spent countless hours there with her husband as his final act was played out. Adrift and alone with only her broken dreams, Gemma and her terrier, Bear, return again and again to the place that holds such devastating memories. They visit the children in the cancer ward during their school session, hoping to bring a little light into their young lives that have seen far too much darkness.
Hospitals unnerve Dan, but now that he's found out he has a twelve-year-old daughter, Charlie, he tries to set that aside. The best treatment for Charlie's brain tumor is at the facility in the same town where Dan lives, so they’ll have at least the next month to get to know each other.
Hold onto your hat, my reader friend, because this one is a wild emotional ride. Women's fiction with a touch of romance, the focus is on family relationships and human connections, with all the love, frustration, sorrows and joys they bring. While dealing with a serious subject, there are surprising flashes of wit and brilliant rays of sunshine along a dark, challenging journey.
This one is near and dear to my heart for a couple of reasons. First of all, who doesn’t love a sweet, charming, matchmaking pup? And secondly, as a lampworker who contributes to the Beads of Courage program, I loved seeing the program come alive through Charlie's eyes as she selected beads after each medical procedure and milestone to add to her collection.
These characters are so masterfully done that I felt like I could see into their hearts and minds, making me feel like a peripheral character in their poignant story. If you’re looking for something a bit different that will take you on a profound, compelling journey and leave you with a smile on your face and a happy, satisfied heart, you’ll want to start reading this remarkable story right away.
Gemma is all too familiar with hospitals, having spent countless hours there with her husband as his final act was played out. Adrift and alone with only her broken dreams, Gemma and her terrier, Bear, return again and again to the place that holds such devastating memories. They visit the children in the cancer ward during their school session, hoping to bring a little light into their young lives that have seen far too much darkness.
Hospitals unnerve Dan, but now that he's found out he has a twelve-year-old daughter, Charlie, he tries to set that aside. The best treatment for Charlie's brain tumor is at the facility in the same town where Dan lives, so they’ll have at least the next month to get to know each other.
Hold onto your hat, my reader friend, because this one is a wild emotional ride. Women's fiction with a touch of romance, the focus is on family relationships and human connections, with all the love, frustration, sorrows and joys they bring. While dealing with a serious subject, there are surprising flashes of wit and brilliant rays of sunshine along a dark, challenging journey.
This one is near and dear to my heart for a couple of reasons. First of all, who doesn’t love a sweet, charming, matchmaking pup? And secondly, as a lampworker who contributes to the Beads of Courage program, I loved seeing the program come alive through Charlie's eyes as she selected beads after each medical procedure and milestone to add to her collection.
These characters are so masterfully done that I felt like I could see into their hearts and minds, making me feel like a peripheral character in their poignant story. If you’re looking for something a bit different that will take you on a profound, compelling journey and leave you with a smile on your face and a happy, satisfied heart, you’ll want to start reading this remarkable story right away.
September 22, 2022
I was so excited to start reading this book & it truly is not a regret to pick this book up. Overall, this book is a heart-warming read. This book contains second chance romance & it is not only that, it is about family love & new beginnings. It is quite emotional for me especially the part where Gemma is trying to cope the lost of her lovely husband. Andrew is such a sweetheart. Gemma is such a strong women, she’s my fav character in this book.
Anyways, there is a character named Angelica, which is Casey’s mom that I got annoyed with. She is an overprotective mother, but I know, it is because she loved Casey so much that she don’t want anything to hurt her daughter even more, especially, with the brain tumour Casey’s having. I don’t like how Angelica treats Dan when they only meet for the first time after years. It is harsh especially when Dan give his best to provide Casey the needs. It is true, Dan is responsible for the mistakes he made from the past, but maybe Angelica should start it with slow talk & not being rage in the beginning. I love how Dan tried his best to fix the past & the way he try to bond back together with Casey is so sweet🥹
There was a falling in love scene between Dan & Gemma that I find quite ridiculous as if the author was in a rush for the romance to happen. But all is well, I got it, it may be the love at first sight. But maybe the author should elaborate a bit more on why they start to fall for each other. Anyways, it gets better as I continue reading it, so it is just a small matter. Lastly, I find that the story is actually a bit cliche as I predicted those things to happen😅(maybe it is not cliche to some of you) but it was a really enjoyable read for me. I love the ease to read it & I clicked with the book immediately. (Note that this book I received is an ARC)
If you want to read this book, it can be find in the nearest local bookstore. Thank you so much @definitelybooks #pansing for the review copy.
January 22, 2023
Many thanks to Net Galley and Random House Publishing/Dell/Ballantine for gifting me a digital copy of the new book by Eva Carter - 4.5 stars rounded up!
Gemma thought her life was totally on track until her beloved husband died. Since then, she's been floundering. Her rescue dog, Bear, and her volunteer work at the hospital have kept her moving along with still-hopeful plans of fulfilling one of their dreams. Dan is a confirmed commitment-phone forced to become a dad when his estranged daughter, Casey, comes back into his life after 12 years. Casey has a brain tumor and needs to have treatment at a local hospital. But fate brings this trio together - can they get beyond their pasts to move forward?
Okay, it may be predictable but as in Casey's words, it gave me all the feels. This is definitely a sweet story of second chances all around and moving forward from trauma and grief. Told from the POV of all three of these characters, you got a chance to see what each one was thinking as these relationships come together. I especially loved Casey, so excited to finally meet her dad, trying to still take care of her mom, and yet become her own person in the shadow of illness. I was a big fan of Carter's first book and loved this one too!
Gemma thought her life was totally on track until her beloved husband died. Since then, she's been floundering. Her rescue dog, Bear, and her volunteer work at the hospital have kept her moving along with still-hopeful plans of fulfilling one of their dreams. Dan is a confirmed commitment-phone forced to become a dad when his estranged daughter, Casey, comes back into his life after 12 years. Casey has a brain tumor and needs to have treatment at a local hospital. But fate brings this trio together - can they get beyond their pasts to move forward?
Okay, it may be predictable but as in Casey's words, it gave me all the feels. This is definitely a sweet story of second chances all around and moving forward from trauma and grief. Told from the POV of all three of these characters, you got a chance to see what each one was thinking as these relationships come together. I especially loved Casey, so excited to finally meet her dad, trying to still take care of her mom, and yet become her own person in the shadow of illness. I was a big fan of Carter's first book and loved this one too!
September 30, 2022
This book is about 3 characters: Dan, Gemma, and Casey.
Casey is a tween girl who has a brain tumor that needs to be treated so the growth shrinks and doesn’t get bigger. This isn’t the first time it has happened and her mom, Angelica, stresses so much about Casey’s well-being. She has to get treatment in Bristol, where her estranged dad lives. She reaches out to him in hopes to live with him in the penthouse that’s on social media. She doesn’t want her mom to be alone.
Dan is Casey’s dad who had a fling with her mom, Angelica. Dan is a people pleaser and can’t say no to Casey when she wants to stay at the penthouse. It isn’t his penthouse, it is his friend, Vijay’s penthouse. Dan meets Gemma at the hospital where Casey goes to for her treatments. Gemma and her dog, Bear, volunteer to help the children destress from the treatments they are receiving. There is an instant connection between the two.
Gemma is a widower and she is trying to get pregnant with her late husband with the help of science. There were 4 embryos and the first 3 have failed. It is down to the last one in hopes she gets pregnant.
This book has a lot of ups and downs but it is a story about love, mending a broken heart, and working passed that.
Casey is a tween girl who has a brain tumor that needs to be treated so the growth shrinks and doesn’t get bigger. This isn’t the first time it has happened and her mom, Angelica, stresses so much about Casey’s well-being. She has to get treatment in Bristol, where her estranged dad lives. She reaches out to him in hopes to live with him in the penthouse that’s on social media. She doesn’t want her mom to be alone.
Dan is Casey’s dad who had a fling with her mom, Angelica. Dan is a people pleaser and can’t say no to Casey when she wants to stay at the penthouse. It isn’t his penthouse, it is his friend, Vijay’s penthouse. Dan meets Gemma at the hospital where Casey goes to for her treatments. Gemma and her dog, Bear, volunteer to help the children destress from the treatments they are receiving. There is an instant connection between the two.
Gemma is a widower and she is trying to get pregnant with her late husband with the help of science. There were 4 embryos and the first 3 have failed. It is down to the last one in hopes she gets pregnant.
This book has a lot of ups and downs but it is a story about love, mending a broken heart, and working passed that.
January 11, 2023
This is a compelling story featuring some great characters. It could have been really over the top with the angst, as the plot features situations that could approach soap opera proportions: the tragic loss of a young husband, child abandonment, infertility, a brain tumor in a child, and multiple dysfunctional relationships. However, the situations are written about movingly but with some humor, and the characters are flawed and believable. Dan's immaturity and inability to step up to responsibility become more understandable as his past is revealed, Casey's preteen sullenness and hypersensitivity are magnified by her struggle with a life-threatening disease, and Gemma's grief over her loss and agony about her potential motherhood drive her towards a breakthrough as she comes to know and love Dan and Casey. Angelica is an easy character to hate, but as her situation is revealed, her nastiness becomes more forgivable. The characters make this story, and it's one well worth reading.
January 30, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.
Owner of a Lonely Heart
by Eva Carter
Pub Date: 17 Jan 2023
This book had a lot of dark undertones...Gemma's husband died from cancer and she is still grieving and trying to figure out a path for her life 3 years later. Casey (12) has a brain tumor. Dan (Casey's "deadbeat" dad who she just met) has a whole tragic backstory. Angelica (Casey's mom) struggles with deep depression as she deals with raising her daughter who is currently doing treatment for her cancer. This story centers around them crossing paths and how their lives become fully intertwined.
This book feels so real (minus the "insta-love"/connection with Dan and Gemma.) There is justifiable anger from all our main characters and the author does a good job with the emotions and situations that play out. I really appreciated how the author managed to achieve a positive redemptive arc and such growth of the characters by the end.
This book gives you a full roller-coaster ride of emotions!
4 stars
Owner of a Lonely Heart
by Eva Carter
Pub Date: 17 Jan 2023
This book had a lot of dark undertones...Gemma's husband died from cancer and she is still grieving and trying to figure out a path for her life 3 years later. Casey (12) has a brain tumor. Dan (Casey's "deadbeat" dad who she just met) has a whole tragic backstory. Angelica (Casey's mom) struggles with deep depression as she deals with raising her daughter who is currently doing treatment for her cancer. This story centers around them crossing paths and how their lives become fully intertwined.
This book feels so real (minus the "insta-love"/connection with Dan and Gemma.) There is justifiable anger from all our main characters and the author does a good job with the emotions and situations that play out. I really appreciated how the author managed to achieve a positive redemptive arc and such growth of the characters by the end.
This book gives you a full roller-coaster ride of emotions!
4 stars
January 4, 2023
This was such a great women's fiction/British romance that sees two complete strangers' lives become interconnected through a young teen girl battling a benign brain tumor. I didn't know what to expect going in but I deeply connected with the story as a survivor of a benign brain tumor myself.
Full of emotional depth, this book has a widow dealing with the grief over the sudden loss of her husband and a man grappling with meeting a daughter he didn't know he had who has medical issues. The friendship between all three really takes center stage in this story, which would be perfect for book clubs and fans of Jojo Moyes.
Much thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. I'm excited to read more books by Eva Carter.
Full of emotional depth, this book has a widow dealing with the grief over the sudden loss of her husband and a man grappling with meeting a daughter he didn't know he had who has medical issues. The friendship between all three really takes center stage in this story, which would be perfect for book clubs and fans of Jojo Moyes.
Much thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. I'm excited to read more books by Eva Carter.
January 16, 2023
Cute, enjoyable, quick read. Received this as an advance copy. 3.5 stars rounded to 4
3 main characters- Gemma, a recent widow ( not meant to be a spoiler but you find out on the first page), very likable, kind person who has a dog named Bear & she visits an oncology children's hospital once per week with Bear. She is dealing with own issues which will be told in the story, aside from being a widow.
She meets the 2nd main character- Casey, 12 year old precocious child who is an outpatient at the hospital & dealing with her own issues.
And 3rd character is Dan, Gemma meets him at the hospital also, but he is not a patient- there is an almost immediate connection between Gemma & Dan!
Each of the adults has a back story & it will all come to a head for better or worse. I struggled with Dan who I initially liked, then didn't like but then liked again. Many of us have bad history in our lives & at some point you can't be the victim & you must pull up your panties & make the wrongs into a right & I guess that was Dan's story to work out.
There was a small part of the story that I felt was a very sweet way to tie Gemma's late husband into the entire story.
Overall, I enjoyed it.
3 main characters- Gemma, a recent widow ( not meant to be a spoiler but you find out on the first page), very likable, kind person who has a dog named Bear & she visits an oncology children's hospital once per week with Bear. She is dealing with own issues which will be told in the story, aside from being a widow.
She meets the 2nd main character- Casey, 12 year old precocious child who is an outpatient at the hospital & dealing with her own issues.
And 3rd character is Dan, Gemma meets him at the hospital also, but he is not a patient- there is an almost immediate connection between Gemma & Dan!
Each of the adults has a back story & it will all come to a head for better or worse. I struggled with Dan who I initially liked, then didn't like but then liked again. Many of us have bad history in our lives & at some point you can't be the victim & you must pull up your panties & make the wrongs into a right & I guess that was Dan's story to work out.
There was a small part of the story that I felt was a very sweet way to tie Gemma's late husband into the entire story.
Overall, I enjoyed it.
April 10, 2023
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Gemma is keeping secrets from Dan, conflicted that she is 'cheating' on Andrew since her spouse passed away. Dan is keeping secrets from everyone about his past, his family, and his home. This book is filled with so much hope while still being realistic about the uncertainties in life. The Author Eva Carter delicately explores the vulnerabilities of simply being human through the intertwining stories of Gemma, Dan, and Casey. My first time reading from this author, and I enjoyed the storyline.
I would recommend this book.
Gemma is keeping secrets from Dan, conflicted that she is 'cheating' on Andrew since her spouse passed away. Dan is keeping secrets from everyone about his past, his family, and his home. This book is filled with so much hope while still being realistic about the uncertainties in life. The Author Eva Carter delicately explores the vulnerabilities of simply being human through the intertwining stories of Gemma, Dan, and Casey. My first time reading from this author, and I enjoyed the storyline.
I would recommend this book.
August 23, 2023
Owner of a Lonely Heart was beautiful and covers so many tough topics such as grief, cancer, mental health, and abandonment while inspiring hope and the blessing of found family. The characters were all beautifully written and all broken in their own ways. I loved the complexity of the story and the characters and their relationships are in this books. This book is so much more than just a love story. It explores the complicated nature of the human existence and how we cope to survive day to day. The one and only complaint that had me drop my rating to 4 stars is that I felt the ending was good but too compressed. I wish the pacing for the end had been different but it was still impactful and heartwarming.
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