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Toronto #2
Go Small or Go Home
When massage therapist and aspiring artist Tess begins treating stressed but attractive hockey star Forrest, her art career soars due to his gallery-owning mother, but her creativity plummets under the weight of rules and deadlines. Soon, she's lost the freedom and joy she'd always found in art. Is having her dream career worth losing doing her art her way, or can she somehow have both at once?
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First published March 1, 2010
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About the author
Heather Wardell
30 books285 followersI am a natural 1200 wpm speed reader and the author of twenty-three self-published novels including the free ebook "Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo" which has had over 400,000 downloads.
In my spare time, I read, run, swim, crochet, take care of my cat Pearl, and play drums and clarinet. Generally not all at once.
I only record books here if I absolutely love them and hugely recommend them. I definitely read more than you see here. :)
In my spare time, I read, run, swim, crochet, take care of my cat Pearl, and play drums and clarinet. Generally not all at once.
I only record books here if I absolutely love them and hugely recommend them. I definitely read more than you see here. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 16, 2016
My oh my. This is by far one of the most beautiful sports romance novels I've read this year and I can't help but gush over Forrest William and Tess Grayson. Two broken souls, two damaged goods, two miraculous hands, two different passions, one team, two goals - let go of the past and embrace the future.
I liked that this wasn't some kind of insta-love. This has been about a man tormented by his past, scarred literally and emotionally. Forrest Williams was one of the most sought-after professional hockey players in Toronto,until he got into an accident that killed his fiancee. Tess Grayson just resigned from her job as a masseuse and was about to start on her art (creating miniatures or dioramas) when she got a call from a team, requesting for her massage therapy expertise. Her client turned out to be Forrest and things never looked the same way again. Her passion for building tiny masterpieces seemed to fuel her up, but Forrest always managed to crack the wall she built within herself.
Author Heather Wardell went the extra mile to deliver a story about commitment, passion and drive, decisiveness, healing and the freedom to do choose what makes you happy and not because it looks right for you. Forrest and Tess came a long way to realize what they meant to each other. They didn't fall in love at first sight, their feelings grew as they came to know each other's flaws and strengths, their uneasiness and different opinions on healing made them discern about life and the cruelty of the world at large. I shed a few tears while reading this book, but those were happy tears. I couldn't help but sigh and sniff in the end. It was soooo good to cry once in a while. I'm glad Heather wrote this book. It was an awesome experience.
I liked that this wasn't some kind of insta-love. This has been about a man tormented by his past, scarred literally and emotionally. Forrest Williams was one of the most sought-after professional hockey players in Toronto,until he got into an accident that killed his fiancee. Tess Grayson just resigned from her job as a masseuse and was about to start on her art (creating miniatures or dioramas) when she got a call from a team, requesting for her massage therapy expertise. Her client turned out to be Forrest and things never looked the same way again. Her passion for building tiny masterpieces seemed to fuel her up, but Forrest always managed to crack the wall she built within herself.
Author Heather Wardell went the extra mile to deliver a story about commitment, passion and drive, decisiveness, healing and the freedom to do choose what makes you happy and not because it looks right for you. Forrest and Tess came a long way to realize what they meant to each other. They didn't fall in love at first sight, their feelings grew as they came to know each other's flaws and strengths, their uneasiness and different opinions on healing made them discern about life and the cruelty of the world at large. I shed a few tears while reading this book, but those were happy tears. I couldn't help but sigh and sniff in the end. It was soooo good to cry once in a while. I'm glad Heather wrote this book. It was an awesome experience.
January 6, 2012
When I was in my early twenties I spent the majority of my time with my head shoved into a romance novel. Roberts and Steele were my constant companions. I devoured everything they ever wrote, and then spent months waiting (not so patiently) for their next novel, but then one day my need for romance dropped off, and my constant need for action and mystery kicked into gear. It was not until I finished “Go Small or Go Home” that I realized I missed the complexities of broken hearts and the journeys people encounter to repair them.
Tess is a therapeutic masseuse, or at least she used to be until the clinic she worked for perished. On the hunt for a paycheck she decides to apply for a position with the Toronto Hogs hockey team, but what she doesn’t know is that her professional fate lays less in the hands of the owner that’s about to interview her, and more in the hands of the mysterious man she just gave an impromptu massage to in the waiting room. Forrest is hurt. Being a freshly traded hockey star and signing a multi-million dollar contract this poses a little bit of a problem, but not as much as his deflated self confidence will. Hoping to reign in all of her dreams and keep her clients healthy at the same time Tess does what anyone else would do…she starts to breakdown. Can Tess juggle her busy schedule and keep her sanity? Will Forrest ever be able able to pull himself out of his rut and play again? And will either or them ever understand that sometimes the only way to heal yourself is to admit they need to be healed?
“Heather Wardell” did such a magnificent job crafting her story that it made it almost impossible to put down. The 2 main characters (though painfully damaged) were so like-able I found myself wanting to reach through the pages and give them hugs. The plot is the smoothest I have read in quite some time (I know you have noticed all of the 4 ratings lately) and in the end was so surprisingly sweet that I could feel my heart getting heavy with pure joy. The interaction between Tess and Forrest was raw and honest, and the push/pull was artfully crafted leaving the reader guessing around every corner. I have made it known that I generally dislike epilogues (I feel that more often than not they drag down the end of a novel) but in this instance it only added to the novel and made the enjoyment I felt in reading it even more adamant.
Simply put…
Do I think you should read it? Yes…
Do I think you will enjoy it? Yes…
Why? Because it’s just plain good.
Happy reading my fellow hockey fans and remember: beauty is in the eye of the art holder.
Tess is a therapeutic masseuse, or at least she used to be until the clinic she worked for perished. On the hunt for a paycheck she decides to apply for a position with the Toronto Hogs hockey team, but what she doesn’t know is that her professional fate lays less in the hands of the owner that’s about to interview her, and more in the hands of the mysterious man she just gave an impromptu massage to in the waiting room. Forrest is hurt. Being a freshly traded hockey star and signing a multi-million dollar contract this poses a little bit of a problem, but not as much as his deflated self confidence will. Hoping to reign in all of her dreams and keep her clients healthy at the same time Tess does what anyone else would do…she starts to breakdown. Can Tess juggle her busy schedule and keep her sanity? Will Forrest ever be able able to pull himself out of his rut and play again? And will either or them ever understand that sometimes the only way to heal yourself is to admit they need to be healed?
“Heather Wardell” did such a magnificent job crafting her story that it made it almost impossible to put down. The 2 main characters (though painfully damaged) were so like-able I found myself wanting to reach through the pages and give them hugs. The plot is the smoothest I have read in quite some time (I know you have noticed all of the 4 ratings lately) and in the end was so surprisingly sweet that I could feel my heart getting heavy with pure joy. The interaction between Tess and Forrest was raw and honest, and the push/pull was artfully crafted leaving the reader guessing around every corner. I have made it known that I generally dislike epilogues (I feel that more often than not they drag down the end of a novel) but in this instance it only added to the novel and made the enjoyment I felt in reading it even more adamant.
Simply put…
Do I think you should read it? Yes…
Do I think you will enjoy it? Yes…
Why? Because it’s just plain good.
Happy reading my fellow hockey fans and remember: beauty is in the eye of the art holder.
January 1, 2011
Tess is a massage therapist who dreams of becoming a successful artist. When she gets the assignment of treating a professional hockey star, suffering from stress, she never expects her artistic career to take off as well. However, Forrest’s mother happens to own an art gallery and he’s more than happy to recommend Tess, especially since she’s been so helpful to him.
Tess’ art begins to suffer under the extreme restrictions and deadlines she’s given. At the same time, Forrest seems to be the victim of someone out to sabotage his career. As Tess and Forrest’s careers seem to be spiraling downward, their relationship moves closer into something neither one expected.
This is the story of two people fighting outside forces, and sometimes themselves, as they try to grasp the dreams they seek. I absolutely loved Heather Wardell’s writing style. Her words flow so beautifully and her story has so many layers to it. It’s filled with emotion, romance and even a little mystery sprinkled throughout the story. It’s a fast-paced read that has you hooked from page 1.
Tess’ art begins to suffer under the extreme restrictions and deadlines she’s given. At the same time, Forrest seems to be the victim of someone out to sabotage his career. As Tess and Forrest’s careers seem to be spiraling downward, their relationship moves closer into something neither one expected.
This is the story of two people fighting outside forces, and sometimes themselves, as they try to grasp the dreams they seek. I absolutely loved Heather Wardell’s writing style. Her words flow so beautifully and her story has so many layers to it. It’s filled with emotion, romance and even a little mystery sprinkled throughout the story. It’s a fast-paced read that has you hooked from page 1.
November 12, 2012
This is the second book in the Toronto series by Heather Wardell, and I am enjoying the reading experience. Nothing like a cutesy, feel-good romance novel after a busy day at work. It helps me relax, enjoy, and most importantly, it makes my heart go a-flutter (age really doesn't matter when it comes to love and romance).
Nothing much to say when it comes to the plot...Though formulaic, it has got enough hold on the reader to see it through to the end. The situation in this second book is very much different from the first one, and it was so much like watching a romance movie marathon on cable TV. One of the characters from the first book made a brief comeback here, so at least, I got to know what happened to him.
Can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series...I'm on a roll :)
Nothing much to say when it comes to the plot...Though formulaic, it has got enough hold on the reader to see it through to the end. The situation in this second book is very much different from the first one, and it was so much like watching a romance movie marathon on cable TV. One of the characters from the first book made a brief comeback here, so at least, I got to know what happened to him.
Can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series...I'm on a roll :)
December 20, 2018
DNF
At 34% into the book, I wasn't connecting with the characters or the story.
At 34% into the book, I wasn't connecting with the characters or the story.
March 16, 2015
Go Small or Go Home, Toronto Collection 2, Heather Wardell
Genre: Romance, women’s fiction
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
I hadn’t realised til I looked it up just how many of Heathers books I’ve read – and how incredibly different they all are. All contemporary romance, all with great and realistic characters, and yet she makes each one very individual and fresh. Sometimes when authors have done a number of books in a genre they begin to feel very much the same, but Heather’s – no, each one I’ve read is very distinct.
Tess, what a lovely lady. she’s got family and work issues at the moment though, and as an artist myself ( online only) I understood all too well her problems getting her work seen, and parting with it to someone who doesn’t “love” it, but just wants it to fit a certain space or gap in their home....The way she describes her trials with galleries is very real, and one of the reasons I’m online only – and sell very little....I hate the marketing side too which takes so much time away from creating. I’ve seen artists who sell lots of works and make a living from it, but only a very few talented people get to paint what they want, most end up doing a kind of generic assembly line style, painting quickly to a selling format to keep up the turnover, keep the prices down and compete with IKEA prints! Tess’ work was taking so long, taking so much out of her and yet to make a living she would have to increase turnover to a point where it wouldn’t be enjoyable any more. That’s a hard choice, keep her dream but giving up her love, or keep the love of her work and give up the dream. I’ve made my choice, and really feel for her dilemma. I loved the descriptions of her diorama's, I had mental images of them in my head.
Forrest, wow what that poor guy had been through. I could understand too how he felt about the fans, they’re a tough bunch in any sport and not inclined to be too forgiving! He understands too well their reaction and it hurts. When he and Tess first meet she knows nothing about hockey and has no idea who she is. They have a tough time working to get him fit, especially when he won’t take her advice, and also clearly something emotional/mental is holding back his recovery. That mind/body connection is very strong, and to be fully well needs to be in balance.
I loved the way they slowly grew to respect and like each other. Loved Tess’ friend Jen and her house decor fiasco, and Tess’ sister Pam. She had problems, Tess tried to help but sometimes people wont admit they need it. It was good too seeing some of the other players, and understanding more of how they worked as a team.
When there’s “that” scene in the hotel, I so felt for Tess. What an awful thing to happen, especially later when she learns more about her appearance. I just wanted to give her a hug. She’s great though, conducts herself with dignity and doesn’t let it affect her work, even though that’s tough when Forrest seems to go from friends to cool acquaintances and back. You never quite know which Forrest you’re going to meet at any time.
Stars: Five. Its a great read, very realistic, very drama filled and full of emotion. I loved it and its got for me the perfect ending. tars: Stars: Five, a fun and very real feeling romance.
ARC provided by Netgalley and publishers
April 30, 2015
Rating 3.5 stars
Heather Wardell’s book Go Small or Go Home is a quick and easy read. While I had some issues with it, I would ultimately recommend it to readers who like a quick romantic read and would consider reading more of Wardell’s writing in the future.
I will not describe the plot here as the description and other reviewers have already done this. For the most part, I enjoyed Wardell’s writing. Like her protagonist, Tess, the author clearly has a lot of heart in this book. The dialogue is natural sounding and in particular I thought she did a great job portraying the relationship between Tess and her best friend and developing the minor relationships between Tess and the hockey staff and players. I was not as fond of her relationship with Forrest. For me, it was just okay and felt drug out. I was a bit skeptical about the book after the first few pages (I found it to be a little clichéd and unbelievable and hitting the reader with a lot of information all at once.) I would encourage readers to read on however as I was quickly afterwards drawn into the story and was glad that I had not given up. Tess was easy to like and root for and a unique heroine.
As a preface to my problems with the book, I would like to say it is easier sometimes to write about the bad than the good. As I said before there was a lot of heart throughout this book and Wardell can clearly write well. You also get a lot of story for the price.
One issue I had with this book was that there was too much drama going on and at times this book felt angsty. Tess, Forrest (Tess’s romantic interest), and her best friend all had issues galore. Tess cries. A lot. The poor girl can’t even go to a swim meet without drama. The book would have been better served if some of the drama had been removed and the rest was focused on the remaining problems. Fortunately, Wardell handles all the drama relatively deftly and finds satisfying resolutions to almost all of the problems.
A lesser issue I had was that there were some unrealistic elements to this book. Not enough to make the book unenjoyable, but enough to make me take note. For example, it never really seemed like the fictional hockey team in the book played a real hockey schedule. I think maybe only two or three away games were mentioned? Hockey seasons are fairly intense and with a lot of travel and there would have definitely been more time that Forrest and the team would have been away. Additionally the Toronto of this book felt fairly generic. It could have been any urban, northern North American city that might have a hockey team.
I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Heather Wardell’s book Go Small or Go Home is a quick and easy read. While I had some issues with it, I would ultimately recommend it to readers who like a quick romantic read and would consider reading more of Wardell’s writing in the future.
I will not describe the plot here as the description and other reviewers have already done this. For the most part, I enjoyed Wardell’s writing. Like her protagonist, Tess, the author clearly has a lot of heart in this book. The dialogue is natural sounding and in particular I thought she did a great job portraying the relationship between Tess and her best friend and developing the minor relationships between Tess and the hockey staff and players. I was not as fond of her relationship with Forrest. For me, it was just okay and felt drug out. I was a bit skeptical about the book after the first few pages (I found it to be a little clichéd and unbelievable and hitting the reader with a lot of information all at once.) I would encourage readers to read on however as I was quickly afterwards drawn into the story and was glad that I had not given up. Tess was easy to like and root for and a unique heroine.
As a preface to my problems with the book, I would like to say it is easier sometimes to write about the bad than the good. As I said before there was a lot of heart throughout this book and Wardell can clearly write well. You also get a lot of story for the price.
One issue I had with this book was that there was too much drama going on and at times this book felt angsty. Tess, Forrest (Tess’s romantic interest), and her best friend all had issues galore. Tess cries. A lot. The poor girl can’t even go to a swim meet without drama. The book would have been better served if some of the drama had been removed and the rest was focused on the remaining problems. Fortunately, Wardell handles all the drama relatively deftly and finds satisfying resolutions to almost all of the problems.
A lesser issue I had was that there were some unrealistic elements to this book. Not enough to make the book unenjoyable, but enough to make me take note. For example, it never really seemed like the fictional hockey team in the book played a real hockey schedule. I think maybe only two or three away games were mentioned? Hockey seasons are fairly intense and with a lot of travel and there would have definitely been more time that Forrest and the team would have been away. Additionally the Toronto of this book felt fairly generic. It could have been any urban, northern North American city that might have a hockey team.
I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
February 5, 2016
I enjoyed Go Small or Go Home; it’s the first time I’ve read a true Romance. It was a quick read but no less enjoyable for that; Heather Wardell has a writing style that flows, is easy and fun to read. The story immediately engaged me from the start and I soon connected with the main characters, Tess and Forrest. The author portrays each them as having ambitions with strong outward appearances; strong – minded, yet also vulnerable; each has their own frailties, their weaknesses. And the way they are shown to be gradually drawn together worked for me.
We learn much of the story through the first person point of view from Tess, It works well; we learn of her ambitions, her determination to succeed in them, the way, despite her resistance, she falls in love with Forrest.
Both the dialogue and the internal dialogue is believable and differentiates all the characters. Indeed I would say this is one of the author’s strengths.
The main plotline is threaded through by the sub plot and is well balanced; it’s a love story as well as a life story. And I was glad there was only a skimming over of the background setting of the story; that of the ice hockey. I think I might have quickly lost interest if there had been any ‘information dumping’ of the ins and outs of the game.
The descriptions of the settings provide a good sense of place and an authentic background to the story.
The whole of the book has a steady pace. I was surprised by the denouement; the open ending f
I was pleased there was an epilogue. I like an epilogue (much as I like a prologue) I feel it takes me beyond the perimeters of the story; that there is more to reveal. It's an added layer. The last line (without giving any spoilers, I hope) "I had all the time in the world.", said it all . Hopefully we will hear more from these characters.
We learn much of the story through the first person point of view from Tess, It works well; we learn of her ambitions, her determination to succeed in them, the way, despite her resistance, she falls in love with Forrest.
Both the dialogue and the internal dialogue is believable and differentiates all the characters. Indeed I would say this is one of the author’s strengths.
The main plotline is threaded through by the sub plot and is well balanced; it’s a love story as well as a life story. And I was glad there was only a skimming over of the background setting of the story; that of the ice hockey. I think I might have quickly lost interest if there had been any ‘information dumping’ of the ins and outs of the game.
The descriptions of the settings provide a good sense of place and an authentic background to the story.
The whole of the book has a steady pace. I was surprised by the denouement; the open ending f
I was pleased there was an epilogue. I like an epilogue (much as I like a prologue) I feel it takes me beyond the perimeters of the story; that there is more to reveal. It's an added layer. The last line (without giving any spoilers, I hope) "I had all the time in the world.", said it all . Hopefully we will hear more from these characters.
May 28, 2015
"4.5 out of 5 stars! Tess longs to take her hobby of creating miniature scenes and turn it into a fulltime career. However, when she goes for an interview to be Forrest's (a pro-hockey athlete who recently was injured) massage therapist she knows that it's the right decision to take the job. Forrest recently lost his fiancée in a car accident and with this new injury, he is in bad shape both physically and emotionally, and Tess believes she can be the one to help him. During their time together, they become closer and Forrest lets it slip that his mother owns a popular art gallery and he encourages Tess to meet with his mother to start her career. Yet, as things get going Tess comes to realize that doing what she loves professionally comes with more strings attached than she might be willing to deal with. As time goes on Tess' relationship with Forrest becomes extremely close but is he willing commit to a new relationship with her? Is Tess able to deal with her massage position along with putting all her efforts into her dream job? Something has to give but what out of Tess' life is she willing to put the most into, and when she does will it all work out in her favor?
This intensely complex novel reeled me with Tess' candid commentary and then hooked me with her compassion for Forrest which subtly turns into something more. I was pleasantly riveted with this novel and couldn’t be happier about it!"
Read more of my review and THREE TEASERS here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2015/05/feasted-on-toronto-collection-book-2.html
This intensely complex novel reeled me with Tess' candid commentary and then hooked me with her compassion for Forrest which subtly turns into something more. I was pleasantly riveted with this novel and couldn’t be happier about it!"
Read more of my review and THREE TEASERS here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2015/05/feasted-on-toronto-collection-book-2.html
January 26, 2011
My Review -
Heather Wardell has done it again! Tess and Forrest just jump right off the pages and the book reads as though it was a movie! I loved this book as much as I loved Life, Love and the Polar Bear Tattoo.
The Plot -
Usually, I get frustrated with a book that has two different plot lines running. In this case, the hockey part of the book and Tess' art career. Heather Wardell did a great job of not only balancing the two, but making me want to know what was going on in each. It was the perfect balance of a love story and finding the perfect career for Tess. There were smooth transitions between the two and they truly tied together wonderful in the end.
The People -
I love that Heather took the time to develop each character individually as well as how they worked together. Plus we got to know the people in each person's life and why they were important. This is a step that I see missed so often in books. Kudos to Heather for taking the time and effort to take each life full of people, not just two main characters.
Overall -
This was a great story with twists and turns that I did not see coming (I love that in a book!). I would highly recommend it, remember that you can get it for $0.99 from her website.
My Rating:
5 of 5 stars.
Heather Wardell has done it again! Tess and Forrest just jump right off the pages and the book reads as though it was a movie! I loved this book as much as I loved Life, Love and the Polar Bear Tattoo.
The Plot -
Usually, I get frustrated with a book that has two different plot lines running. In this case, the hockey part of the book and Tess' art career. Heather Wardell did a great job of not only balancing the two, but making me want to know what was going on in each. It was the perfect balance of a love story and finding the perfect career for Tess. There were smooth transitions between the two and they truly tied together wonderful in the end.
The People -
I love that Heather took the time to develop each character individually as well as how they worked together. Plus we got to know the people in each person's life and why they were important. This is a step that I see missed so often in books. Kudos to Heather for taking the time and effort to take each life full of people, not just two main characters.
Overall -
This was a great story with twists and turns that I did not see coming (I love that in a book!). I would highly recommend it, remember that you can get it for $0.99 from her website.
My Rating:
5 of 5 stars.
September 6, 2011
This book has been on my tbr list for so long I guess I was a little afraid to read it in case it didn't live up to my hopes. I was a little hesitant because I had read another book, but wasn't very impressed. But this book was awesome! I can't believe I waited months to read this!
Tess is a massage therapist and is trying to get her career as an artist going. Forrest is a hockey player who is recuperating from a devastating accident. Both have scars and are fighting inner demons. Forrest's career is on the line and Tess wants to help heal him physically and emotionally.
This book captured my attention early and held it. All of the characters were well developed. I loved how there was this mystery of who was trying to hurt Forrest and how even though there were the obvious suspects there was still a hint of mystery. All in all, it was great overall, and I will not hesitate to read any of Heather Wardell's titles.
Tess is a massage therapist and is trying to get her career as an artist going. Forrest is a hockey player who is recuperating from a devastating accident. Both have scars and are fighting inner demons. Forrest's career is on the line and Tess wants to help heal him physically and emotionally.
This book captured my attention early and held it. All of the characters were well developed. I loved how there was this mystery of who was trying to hurt Forrest and how even though there were the obvious suspects there was still a hint of mystery. All in all, it was great overall, and I will not hesitate to read any of Heather Wardell's titles.
January 13, 2016
*ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
The second in the Toronto series functions well as a stand-alone. The romance within the pages was sweet enough but a little angst-y for me. There were sub-plots that kept distracting me from the main Forrest/Tess event that I kept putting it down to get a break. Both Tess and Forrest were well-rounded characters, written well and kept your interest up...the romance wasn't as believable though and maybe because it wasn't completely front and center. This had a lot of extraneous (to the romance) part events that, intellectually, I understand served to highlight them as well-rounded characters who have lives and "stuff" outside of the romance but I prefer a romance to well, focus, on the romance. Okay but somewhat heavy for my tastes.
The second in the Toronto series functions well as a stand-alone. The romance within the pages was sweet enough but a little angst-y for me. There were sub-plots that kept distracting me from the main Forrest/Tess event that I kept putting it down to get a break. Both Tess and Forrest were well-rounded characters, written well and kept your interest up...the romance wasn't as believable though and maybe because it wasn't completely front and center. This had a lot of extraneous (to the romance) part events that, intellectually, I understand served to highlight them as well-rounded characters who have lives and "stuff" outside of the romance but I prefer a romance to well, focus, on the romance. Okay but somewhat heavy for my tastes.
July 3, 2011
A great book, very emotional and yet enjoyable read. A more 'realistic' romance than usual, two very fragile people connecting in spite of themselves. I loved the contrast in the hero between being emotionally hurt & yet being a hockey player--tough guys like that aren't supposed to be 'wounded'. But he presents very natural, as part of being a whole person. Both characters were very well represented. Very grounded and real and easy to envision.
The relationship between the main character & her art was like a second romance...She tries to become commercial with it but the way she uses it to emotionally heal herself makes that difficult. An interesting struggle that mirrors the struggles going on elsewhere.
A very touching read. I highly recommend.
The relationship between the main character & her art was like a second romance...She tries to become commercial with it but the way she uses it to emotionally heal herself makes that difficult. An interesting struggle that mirrors the struggles going on elsewhere.
A very touching read. I highly recommend.
December 25, 2011
I really enjoyed this book, even more than Love, Life, and a Polar Bear Tattoo. I thought Ms. Wardell's descriptions of an artist at work to be very true to my own creative swells and dips. I too, lost myself and my creative reward when I turned my passion into my work. So I found even more reason to get invested in this character's professional and personal journeys. (I do, however, wish that I had a work crush nearly as hot as I think Forrest must be after all I've read about him!) The author crafts great, fleshed out characters and I will say I felt I learned a little bit about hockey along the way! (Considering I knew enough to fit on the tip of a sharpened pencil before, though, perhaps you shouldn't take that part of my review to heart if you are a hockey fan.)
June 5, 2012
It's the fourth book by Heather Wardell I've read and so far the one I like the best. I didn't read them in the right order but it's not really an issue, I don't mind spoilers if the reading is good. And it was.
Even though I wasn't so sure about the hockey context to start with, it captured me and I found it worked very well. The background was well built and credible, the characters deep enough and also credible.
I like the recurring hobbies such as crocheting, reading and swimming (I can totally relate ;-)) and I love the idea of a series that tells the story of each character one at a time. This way the readers get to learn more about each character and spend more time with the ones they like. A pretty clever idea, really.
Even though I wasn't so sure about the hockey context to start with, it captured me and I found it worked very well. The background was well built and credible, the characters deep enough and also credible.
I like the recurring hobbies such as crocheting, reading and swimming (I can totally relate ;-)) and I love the idea of a series that tells the story of each character one at a time. This way the readers get to learn more about each character and spend more time with the ones they like. A pretty clever idea, really.
September 21, 2013
Gosh darn it, I wanted to love this book, but I couldn't
I loved Tess, loved Forrest, but the whole connection of the two left me cold. Nothing felt complete even at the end. It is like forcing a puzzle piece in where it doesn't belong. It looks like it fits but it actually doesn't and you can t complete the puzzle. I also could not get into Tess's art. Even with the very detailed descriptions of the art, I found that I couldn't envision it nor did I feel that the author ended the book with that conflict really handled in the book. Have read this authors work before and enjoyed. Hoping for a better one next time
I loved Tess, loved Forrest, but the whole connection of the two left me cold. Nothing felt complete even at the end. It is like forcing a puzzle piece in where it doesn't belong. It looks like it fits but it actually doesn't and you can t complete the puzzle. I also could not get into Tess's art. Even with the very detailed descriptions of the art, I found that I couldn't envision it nor did I feel that the author ended the book with that conflict really handled in the book. Have read this authors work before and enjoyed. Hoping for a better one next time
October 2, 2011
WONDERFUL! I couldn't put the book down. I just finished this book in record time, at least for me it was record time. It combines three parts of my life that mean so much to me. Hockey, being a girl, and reading. What a marvelous way to thread together a story about embracing what life should be all about. Living life on your own terms. Something most of us miss when searching for what we want to be when we grow up. I completely enjoyed the story. Now I can't wait to pick up the next one.
December 20, 2011
I don't think I expected to love this book as much as I did. Since I don't particularly have a strong passion for hockey, art, or swimming, it took me a little while to get into the book. But as I kept reading I could not put the book down. Tess and Forrest are such alive characters that I felt like they were real. Amazing book. I teared up a some points, and this book really touched my heart. Great job, Heather Wardell. Your books never cease to touch me.
February 3, 2011
I have to say it is very rare now in days that I give a book a 5 star. But I ABSOULTELY (sp?) adored this book! I loved the romance, the H/H and how their relationship formed. Hell I cried and laughed! I have to admit I have one more book by this author and if that one is as good as this she will become a must read author for me!
October 24, 2015
Loved, loved, loved this book. If you haven't read any of Heather Wardell's books you should really get on that! They're amazing with fantastic characters and a wonderful stories. I'll be posting a full review in the near future...stay tuned!
June 29, 2011
Another great story by Heather Wardell! I can't wait to read another... I have to get through the FIVE that I'm reading right now! Thanks again Heather for sharing your stories with us. We all have stories to tell, but not all of us can get them out to share... Hugs!
March 10, 2012
I had a little trouble reading this one, as it didn't seem to flow that well for me. I thought the story was interesting enough, but I was left wanting more at the end...like there were parts missing to the story, or something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2012
I don't think find the subplot of stifled creativity quite as strong as I'd hoped, but the description of the art inspiration and the development of the relationship between Tess and Forrest is beautifully written.
July 25, 2015
This book could have been 100 pages shorter and 100% better. Too long and rambling. Side stories that never really went anywhere. It's a shame. I was enjoying it for the first few chapters and then it let me down.
November 12, 2010
Outstanding! Review to come.
October 13, 2011
3.5 stars! Perfect read for light romance. I've had a very stressful period of time in my life and I thoroughly enjoyed the distraction!
Add the bonus of a $1.99 e-book and it can't get better!
Add the bonus of a $1.99 e-book and it can't get better!
July 23, 2012
This book was beyond amazing. Heather Wardell kept me in it and was glad that she wrote it from 1st point of view. I would recommend it!
July 20, 2012
Not my favorite from Wardell. It doesn't help that I keep reading her books put of order. I knew the future of the characters early on because I already read Stir Until Thoroughly Confused.
October 27, 2012
I really must stop reading these books sooner - the only reason I continued past about 20% (I read on Kindle) is because of all the 4 and 5 * reviews I'd seen.
Don't waste your time :(
Don't waste your time :(
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January 26, 2013Rereading my own book? Yup - I'm making a page for my web site of connections between my books so I need to reread them all to make it happen. :)
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