Hearts Crossing

Woodland Church #1

by Marianne Evans

Collin Edwards, a former parishioner at Woodland Church of Christ, has renounced God without apology, his faith drained away in the face of a tragic loss. Daveny Montgomery cares deeply about her relationship with God and the community of Woodland. But lately she's been in a rut, longing for something to reignite her spiritual enthusiasm. A beautification project at Woodland seems the answer for them both. Daveny spearheads the effort and Collin assists—but only with the renovations, and only because he wants to know Daveny better. Despite his deepening feelings for her, even stepping into the common areas of the church stirs tension and anger. Can Daveny trust in Collin’s fledgling return to faith? And can Collin ever accept the fact that while he turned his back on God, God never turned his back on him?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance, Fiction, Christian Romance, Ebooks

93 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create.

Her Christian women’s fiction debut, Devotion, earned the prestigious Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Hearts Communion earned a win for Best Romance from the Christian Small Publisher's Association. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home.

Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President.

Reviews

[Susan Baganz · Rating 5 out of 5]

First - this is a novella, but one delightfully full of deep emotion and compelling characters. I loved the story and the struggle Collin had to take to regain his faith. Daveny is unusual as well in that she doesn't play the "You don't love God therefore I'll have nothing to do with you" card, but even at risk to her heart she gracefully waits for God to work in Collin and bring him back to his faith. This felt like a full-fledged novel with emotion and the journey the characters took - but at 85 pages it's a much quicker read and I'm glad I found it. Great job, Marianne!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing story of renewing faith in an ever loving God! While it was just a short read, the message was still powerful and true! I truly enjoyed this story!

I agree with other reviews that there were a few things not consistent with the church of Christ but I didn't allow those to become an issue while reading.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marianne's prose is a delight to read in itself, but the story is equally compelling. It is a pure and honest story about love, doubt, trust and faith which really touches the heart. A highly recommended read.
Megan Johns www.megan-johns.com..

[Maritza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!!! A very sad story of loss and heart break, and then the redemption and forgiveness only God can give....absolutely loved Daveny and Collin. Beautiful story that was a quick easy read.

[Marianne Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned, in writing this book, that we may turn our backs on God, but God never turns his back on us.

[Steve Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good romantic story

Hearts Crossing was a quick read with a predictable love story with a happy ending. I really wish that there had been more realism in the struggles faced by Collin.

[June Caedmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging and tender read

A quick read but highly recommended! Matianne weaves a tender story of God's love and how He often uses others to reveal His truths and draw us to Himself.

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I get an AMEN! Wonderful story, well organized, nicely detailed. This is a prodigal story (like mine was). Without giving away the plot or the characters I am already invested in the series and want to know more so the author has told a good story and knows how to set the hook.

[Dystopian Mayhem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice plot, and heartbreaking moments, the pace is fast and the ending is good. But, The focus on the physical aspects dominated the romance, in the end, there were less emotional moments and more passionate kisses.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

there all the while

When we meet someone who is very far away from God, we need to remember that God is working in the person’s life even when we don’t see it. What a great reminder!

[Margaret Boehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent novel

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUTHOR: Marianne Evans, are you a member of the Church of Christ? I am. I object to your reference to Pastor, white collar….to name a few but okay. The book however is very clear and a wonderful read for those that truly love God and understand how deep His love is for us. If you don’t understand, read it anyway. You might gather some insight about His love for you.

GENRE: Inspirational fiction.

SETTING: Modern day Michigan; Spring

CENTRAL MALE CHARACTERS: Collin is an English teacher. His sorrow has caused him to walk away from God. Daveny is a landscape architect with a vibrant personality and love for God.

SYNOPSIS: He cannot get over the loss of his brother and naturally blames God. When he drops some material off at the church he used to attend, their eyes meet. Why is he the only one in his family that never attends worship? Why is she so full of life and captivating while drawing him in with the beauty of her personality?

SEXUAL EXPLICITNESS: This book is Inspirational and a few gentle kisses are as explicit as it gets. YA wonderful. Adult inspiring.

WHAT I LIKED: The reality of romance as a man and a woman grow to love one another. The feeling of real life.

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Moving forward and leaving behind a love that once was. I felt the characters should have interacted in a deeper way with regards to a past love. It seemed to have been shoved aside.

I give this book (5) stars because I cried. You think that you have problems? Me also. Therefore but for the grace of God go WE. Each of us is never alone even when we think we are. Onward we go. C-H-A-R-G-E !!!!

[Delia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Daveny Montgomery takes on the landscape design project for her home church, Woodland Church of Christ, she doesn’t expect to renovate a man’s heart in the process. But with the fires of her faith waning for lack of oxygen, she’s thrilled to find a reason to kindle the flame.

When his brother died, English teacher Collin Edwards’ faith disappeared, leaving his soul a spiritual desert. He wrote God off, convinced He either wasn’t there or didn’t care. But one look at Daveny, and changes start taking place, allowing tiny seeds of hope and buds of self-forgiveness to find their way into the formerly barren landscape of his heart.

Will Collin find the courage to till the ground, and allow new life to come forth? Can Daveny find the words, be the example, extend the hand that will reach Collin’s carefully guarded place of emotional exile?

Ms. Evans possesses an amazing descriptive talent. The charged atmosphere between the hero and heroine literally pull the reader into every scene. Beautiful characterization and excellent use of imagery make this a book you will read, and read again…and again.

A sweet romance, yet powerful, emotionally gripping, and extremely well written. Can’t wait for more from Marianne Evans!

[Catherine Richmond]

A quick read about Daveny, a landscaper working at her church, and Collin, a teacher whose faith was shaken by the death of his brother. As Collin helps with the landscaping, he feels drawn to Daveny and back into relationship with God. That's true for so many people - that getting involved in a volunteer project is more comfortable than sitting in a worship service.

[Karls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questioning God is something we all can easily fall into, especially when someone we look up to is ripped from our lives. But through Marianne's writing we can see that although we may give up on God, He never gives up on us.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, though it all happened a bit fast for my taste. My favorite thing about the book was its setting in the Detroit area! Lots of mentions of streets and towns I know, as well as my alma mater, Oakland University. :) Heads up, this is one of the more preachy Christian romances.

[Rose Luecke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good stuff!

this is a quuck read with positive influences from the truth of God's word. I really enjoyed thus quick read. something I was looking for and found in Hearts Crossing. definitely a must read.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story of love and faith

This was a wonderful book of love and faith. It shows how our faith in God can help us overcome no matter what. I want to read more by this author.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good fast read. I enjoyed Collin's development and how it took the time to really explain his experience.

[Cici · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet. Too short. Well developed characters. Sweet romance.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an okay read but a little too short for my taste. Didn't get to know the characters enough just a basic romance.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit syrupy at times, but a sweet Christian clean romance

[Alisha Kay Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Perfectly pure love... God's love working through another's heartfelt love. This story is incredibly sweet. A great quick read to pick you up.

[Terry Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

not bad for a romantic novella

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rich story. Parts were a bit to fantastical and fast moving - yes, I'm aware it was a novella - but overall, I enjoyed the story.

[Morag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful feel good story. beautifully written.