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Cross My Heart
Book by Julie Wright
227 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2010
About the author
Julie Wright
63 books750 followers\Julie Wright wrote her first book when she was fifteen. Since then, Julie Wright books have received several starred reviews, have been chosen as Teen Readers’ Choice Award Nominees, Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selections, Tome Society Book Award winners, Whitney Award winners, and have been listed in the American Library Association’s top ten romances.
She’s a sucker for almost all things nerdy: Doctor Who, Disneyland, the Marvel Universe, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, fairytales, and Jane Austen. She believes in second chances, getting up and trying again, and in the power of generosity and compassion.
She has one husband, six kids, two grandbabies, one dog, and a varying number of houseplants (depending on attrition). She loves writing, reading, traveling, snorkeling, hiking, playing with her family, and watching her husband make dinner.
She’s a sucker for almost all things nerdy: Doctor Who, Disneyland, the Marvel Universe, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, fairytales, and Jane Austen. She believes in second chances, getting up and trying again, and in the power of generosity and compassion.
She has one husband, six kids, two grandbabies, one dog, and a varying number of houseplants (depending on attrition). She loves writing, reading, traveling, snorkeling, hiking, playing with her family, and watching her husband make dinner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
November 24, 2010
What a fun read! I was laughing so hard at some of the snappy, snappy dialogue, and I could totally hear Julie's voice saying some of these snarky things. (Disclaimer: Yes, I am a friend of the author.) Moreover, these are things that I wish I'd said in similar circumstances. Once again, Julie has created a pitch-perfect romance, one that is fun and thrilling without being embarrassing. (I am easily embarrassed by some romances. If anyone's "toes curl" when they're being kissed, I generally think of the Wicked Witch of the East. The one with the house on her. Yeah. Not romantic. But there's none of that here, thank heavens!) Julie's characters are great, and I could read more about Jillian's boss, her parents, and even her job, for heaven's sake! So much fun! I'm in the middle of another book right now (two, actually), but I picked this up to glance at the first page and couldn't stop reading!
September 23, 2016
After being so disappointed by a recent book by Wright, I was surprised to hear that some friends really like her books and that she's something of a regional favorite. So I looked up one of the more popular ones to give it a try. I'm glad I did because this book is charming, witty, and a fun read.
I liked Jillian from the start. She's witty and cranky and confident and it was fun spending time with her. I particularly liked her emotional arc as she explores what is important in a relationship and what love really is. Wright takes on an interesting challenge, here, because she has to bring in a lot of the past with Geoffrey for the story to make sense. She does a really good job of making it relevant by the effects on the present and only bringing those aspects that are important to the now. I've read a few authors who could take this book as a lesson on how this is done. Add in some really outstanding secondary characters and you have a lot of fun while pursuing some serious aspects of love and respect. I particularly liked Jillian's family and their relationship that was as wacky as it is supporting.
The book bogs down a little in the middle and there are a couple weird physical scenes (not quite slapstick, but what slapstick would be if it weren't supposed to be funny) that didn't really work, I think. Not to mention that you really don't know until well past the halfway point who the actual romantic interest is. And while I thought it was being coy, at first, I came to really appreciate that as it allowed the reader to explore love and respect and compatibility along with Jillian.
Anyway, well worth the time and I'm glad I gave Wright another shot.
A note about LDS: This book is explicitly Mormon in that Jillian and all the romantic leads and friends are LDS. Interestingly, Jillian's parents aren't, and that's a great aspect of their relationship. Indeed, Wright does a fantastic job of making the LDS aspects transparent and non-preachy in the way that makes it inviting to outsiders rather than confusing. At least, I think so. Being an insider myself, I'm not always the best judge of that. Sadly, this is also a Covenant Communications publication and that means the ebook prices are insane. I'm fortunate to be able to find these in the library or I would still have no clue about Wright...
I liked Jillian from the start. She's witty and cranky and confident and it was fun spending time with her. I particularly liked her emotional arc as she explores what is important in a relationship and what love really is. Wright takes on an interesting challenge, here, because she has to bring in a lot of the past with Geoffrey for the story to make sense. She does a really good job of making it relevant by the effects on the present and only bringing those aspects that are important to the now. I've read a few authors who could take this book as a lesson on how this is done. Add in some really outstanding secondary characters and you have a lot of fun while pursuing some serious aspects of love and respect. I particularly liked Jillian's family and their relationship that was as wacky as it is supporting.
The book bogs down a little in the middle and there are a couple weird physical scenes (not quite slapstick, but what slapstick would be if it weren't supposed to be funny) that didn't really work, I think. Not to mention that you really don't know until well past the halfway point who the actual romantic interest is. And while I thought it was being coy, at first, I came to really appreciate that as it allowed the reader to explore love and respect and compatibility along with Jillian.
Anyway, well worth the time and I'm glad I gave Wright another shot.
A note about LDS: This book is explicitly Mormon in that Jillian and all the romantic leads and friends are LDS. Interestingly, Jillian's parents aren't, and that's a great aspect of their relationship. Indeed, Wright does a fantastic job of making the LDS aspects transparent and non-preachy in the way that makes it inviting to outsiders rather than confusing. At least, I think so. Being an insider myself, I'm not always the best judge of that. Sadly, this is also a Covenant Communications publication and that means the ebook prices are insane. I'm fortunate to be able to find these in the library or I would still have no clue about Wright...
November 19, 2010
a must read for anyone who has dated, loved and lost love. Jillian Belle thought everything was going good in her life...she was engaged to a wonderful, handsome, RM, who she loved. Then he used an "her words" to get an add campaign for the company they both worked for earning him the promotion that she thought she deserved. She moved from Boston to LA and fed ex'd his wedding ring back to him. She dated in LA but no one could ever make her give up her heart of Geoffrey.
When her ad company transfers her back to Boston to help win back business from her ex-fiance's company she doesn't want to go, but the offer is too good. On the plane ride back to Boston she meets, Allen, the dentist. They have a conversation and he gives her his card. She never thinks she'll see him again, but she was wrong. After finding that she is more clumsy that she thought and gets her teeth knocked out after tripping over two dogs when she sees Geoffrey with his new fiance, she goes to see Allen. Boston gets a whole lot smaller when Geoffrey's new fiance turns out to be Allen's old girlfriend. At first the relationship develops with their commonality toward heartbreak. Then Jillian realizes that she likes being with Allen alot more than she ever did Geoffrey because he listens to her and notices her and is a gentlemen.
He boss has her try to use her past relationship to spy on Geoffrey and the competition that his company is threatening by stealing ideas. Allen catches Jillian on one such spy adventure and doesn't want to see her again. Geoffrey does find the mole in both companies clearing his name and Jillian finally has closure with him and their past. Allen finally comes around and they get back together.
I like the saying,"They say it takes a minute to find a special person, and hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire lifetime to forget them. I say if you really love them...why forget?
When her ad company transfers her back to Boston to help win back business from her ex-fiance's company she doesn't want to go, but the offer is too good. On the plane ride back to Boston she meets, Allen, the dentist. They have a conversation and he gives her his card. She never thinks she'll see him again, but she was wrong. After finding that she is more clumsy that she thought and gets her teeth knocked out after tripping over two dogs when she sees Geoffrey with his new fiance, she goes to see Allen. Boston gets a whole lot smaller when Geoffrey's new fiance turns out to be Allen's old girlfriend. At first the relationship develops with their commonality toward heartbreak. Then Jillian realizes that she likes being with Allen alot more than she ever did Geoffrey because he listens to her and notices her and is a gentlemen.
He boss has her try to use her past relationship to spy on Geoffrey and the competition that his company is threatening by stealing ideas. Allen catches Jillian on one such spy adventure and doesn't want to see her again. Geoffrey does find the mole in both companies clearing his name and Jillian finally has closure with him and their past. Allen finally comes around and they get back together.
I like the saying,"They say it takes a minute to find a special person, and hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire lifetime to forget them. I say if you really love them...why forget?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2016
I really liked this story, it had me hooked from the beginning and I had a hard time putting it down. It reminded me of a cute romantic comedy movie, in fact I think it would make a cute movie! Jillian is a good leading lady, at first she came across a little harsh, but as the story progresses she really grew on me. I also liked her love interests and knew who I wanted her to end up with right from the start. The story was original and the whole thing was really enjoyable.
My only complaint is that I felt it got wrapped up a little too quickly. I would have liked a little more resolution with Guy 1, it seemed that Jillian got the closure she wanted, but he was still left hanging. Actually, she had kind of poor communication skills when it came to him. I also wish there had been a little more closure with Guy 2, I’m glad how things worked out, but would have liked a little more conversation between them before it all get wrapped up. Those are both minor issues though, I really enjoyed the story as a whole and would totally recommend it to anyone who loves chick lit.
Bookworm Rating: 4.5
My only complaint is that I felt it got wrapped up a little too quickly. I would have liked a little more resolution with Guy 1, it seemed that Jillian got the closure she wanted, but he was still left hanging. Actually, she had kind of poor communication skills when it came to him. I also wish there had been a little more closure with Guy 2, I’m glad how things worked out, but would have liked a little more conversation between them before it all get wrapped up. Those are both minor issues though, I really enjoyed the story as a whole and would totally recommend it to anyone who loves chick lit.
Bookworm Rating: 4.5
October 4, 2010
Yes, I am giving myself five stars. It made me laugh and sigh with the sheer joy that is love--and isn't that what a romantic comedy is supposed to do?
September 2, 2017
"Cross My Heart" is a romantic comedy, and also a comedy of errors. Jillian is still getting over her ex finance when she gets a job transfer back home to Boston. She meets Allen, and the two help each other navigate the terrible awkwardness of her ex finance with his ex girlfriend. Hilarity ensues.
What this story missed: at first the storyline is disjointed (like discovery writing until the author figured out what story she wanted to tell). The main characters weren't consistent (or at least were hard to figure out) during the first half.
What this story nailed: big, hilarious scenes. Boston. Quirky parents. Characters from Boston (who sound and act like it).
What this story missed: at first the storyline is disjointed (like discovery writing until the author figured out what story she wanted to tell). The main characters weren't consistent (or at least were hard to figure out) during the first half.
What this story nailed: big, hilarious scenes. Boston. Quirky parents. Characters from Boston (who sound and act like it).
February 1, 2018
Really fun book about a woman in advertising who has to transfer back to her hometown that she fled after a bad breakup with a fiance and then compete with him at a different advertising firm. Of course the first person she meets happens to have a connection with her ex and all kinds of excitement happens. Really great characters, really clean, and really fun to read-my favorite combo!
FYI-I'm not sure that my 12 year old is quite mature enough to handle a book with fiances and adults dating, so I may have her wait on reading it until she's a few years older. There wasn't anything 'bad' in it, just a little above her maturity level.
FYI-I'm not sure that my 12 year old is quite mature enough to handle a book with fiances and adults dating, so I may have her wait on reading it until she's a few years older. There wasn't anything 'bad' in it, just a little above her maturity level.
October 5, 2018
This was a sweet love story, with a love quadrangle tangle. I love that it was set in Boston. I also loved that the author included history sightseeing as part the main couples falling in love experience. It was well written and kept me entertained the whole time.
February 7, 2019
A tad on the cheesy side but like a bag of chips I finished it. A little too predictable but had some witty retort.
June 24, 2020
Nothing like cute LDS chick lit every once in a while!
July 18, 2019
Oh My Good Gracious! I loved this book!! Aaaaahh! Eeeeeekkk! The audio book was so good too! The North Eastern accents made me laugh at the best times. 💙📚😁
Audio Book
Audio Book
January 7, 2020
I was surprised by how often I laughed out loud while reading this. I probably smiled and swooned for the guy more than normal since my husband is a dentist himself!
September 18, 2013
Cross My Heart
For my book, I read Cross My Heart by Julie Wright. This book is about a girl named Jilliane, who overcomes many c hallenges as she struggles with a job transfer to Boston; which just happens to be the city in which Geoffrey, her ex fiance, is living. On the plane to Boston, she sits next to a man named Allen, who was also headed to Boston. She didn’t think much of it at the time, but little did she know, he’d become a big part of her life later on. While adjusting to her new apartment, office, and environment, Jillane fears the fact that she’ll probably run into Geoffrey from time to time. This fear becomes reality when she sees him as she’s walking down the sidewalk- but as bad as it was, it became worse when she saw that he had a beautiful girl next to him, and she had an equally beautiful ring on her hand. Jilliane, who was staring in both shock and amazment, didn’t see the lady with the three dogs all on leashes, and managed to get herself tangled, trip, and faceplant it into the sidewalk. On top of being extremely embarassed, she had chipped teeth, and a mouthful of blood. With Geoffrey’s help, she got herself into an emergency dental appointment, and to her surprise, the dentist was Allen. Throughout the book, Allen and Jilliane begin to spend time together, and the hurt over Geoffrey fades more and more. In the end, Jilliane is completely over Geoffrey, and her and Allen get married.
There are two themes I found in this book. The most obvious theme in this book would imply that change is actually a really good thing. Jilliane was happy with her job, place in life, and wouldn’t have given it up if she had a choice. Being forced to move to Boston led her to meet Allen, get over Geoffrey, and build a stronger relationship with her family and friends, (who also lived in Boston.) The second theme I was able to recognize was that sometimes people aren’t who they seem. Allen was just the person sitting next to her on the plane until Jilliane got to know him. He was ordinary at first sight, but ended up being the person she’d been looking for all along.
I thought this book was super cute. I loved that she was able to adjust to change, and recognize that it was so much better than the way she was living before. It really applies to change in real life. Most people fear change and usually it’s acutally a good thing. It shows that sometimes bad situations can turn out to be very good. The personalities of the characters made them interesting, and fun to imagine. I loved how the author wrote the story so that you’d go from totally wanting Geoffrey to love Jilliane again, to wanting Allen and Jilliane to be together. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend, and it was a very enjoyable read.
-Brooke R.
For my book, I read Cross My Heart by Julie Wright. This book is about a girl named Jilliane, who overcomes many c hallenges as she struggles with a job transfer to Boston; which just happens to be the city in which Geoffrey, her ex fiance, is living. On the plane to Boston, she sits next to a man named Allen, who was also headed to Boston. She didn’t think much of it at the time, but little did she know, he’d become a big part of her life later on. While adjusting to her new apartment, office, and environment, Jillane fears the fact that she’ll probably run into Geoffrey from time to time. This fear becomes reality when she sees him as she’s walking down the sidewalk- but as bad as it was, it became worse when she saw that he had a beautiful girl next to him, and she had an equally beautiful ring on her hand. Jilliane, who was staring in both shock and amazment, didn’t see the lady with the three dogs all on leashes, and managed to get herself tangled, trip, and faceplant it into the sidewalk. On top of being extremely embarassed, she had chipped teeth, and a mouthful of blood. With Geoffrey’s help, she got herself into an emergency dental appointment, and to her surprise, the dentist was Allen. Throughout the book, Allen and Jilliane begin to spend time together, and the hurt over Geoffrey fades more and more. In the end, Jilliane is completely over Geoffrey, and her and Allen get married.
There are two themes I found in this book. The most obvious theme in this book would imply that change is actually a really good thing. Jilliane was happy with her job, place in life, and wouldn’t have given it up if she had a choice. Being forced to move to Boston led her to meet Allen, get over Geoffrey, and build a stronger relationship with her family and friends, (who also lived in Boston.) The second theme I was able to recognize was that sometimes people aren’t who they seem. Allen was just the person sitting next to her on the plane until Jilliane got to know him. He was ordinary at first sight, but ended up being the person she’d been looking for all along.
I thought this book was super cute. I loved that she was able to adjust to change, and recognize that it was so much better than the way she was living before. It really applies to change in real life. Most people fear change and usually it’s acutally a good thing. It shows that sometimes bad situations can turn out to be very good. The personalities of the characters made them interesting, and fun to imagine. I loved how the author wrote the story so that you’d go from totally wanting Geoffrey to love Jilliane again, to wanting Allen and Jilliane to be together. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend, and it was a very enjoyable read.
-Brooke R.
September 26, 2018
This book was disappointing. I wanted to like it but it just felt so unauthentic and the characters were too inconsistent. For one thing, Jillian said she hadn’t talked to her “best friends” for three years and all of a sudden they are all best friends again? She acts annoyed with her mom most of the time and doesn’t want to visit or talk to her, but then seeks out her advice. She never clears the air with Geoffrey so there really isn’t any resolution there. He gives no reason for being gaga over Jillian and kissing her even though he’s engaged. And his fiancé has no problem with that either. Jillian is super gaga in love with Geoffrey up until the point he kisses her and then all of a sudden she’s totally over him? And then she decides she’s way more in love w Alan (even though it’s been like 2 dates)? And they both have been openly moping over their exes the whole time, but in the end it’s a non-issue that magically resolved? Rather than building deep characters or plot twists it just made the characters seem really fickle, shallow, and insincere. I think it also didn’t help that I listened to the audiobook. I did not care for the narration. Except for Jillian, the characters all had really brash, exaggerated Boston accents that were kind of obnoxious and made it hard to find them endearing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2010
(Genre:LDS fiction/romance) Jillian broke off her engagement with Geoffrey 3 years ago after he stole her words and the promotion she felt was hers (advertising business). She ran away to California with the intention of never returning to the East Coast. But then her office transfers her back to Boston because her old employer is having unexplained success in stealing away clients from her current employer. Of course she is going to run into Geoffrey (who is now engaged to someone else) and Jillian has still not come to terms with their break-up, even though she instigated it. Then there is that cute dentist she has met, but is he only using her to get back at his ex-fiance? And is she only using him to get back at Geoffrey? It's the background details that really made this fun for me (like Jillian's family). At times I really wanted to slap Jillian, but for the most part she is a fun and little bit snarky character, whose head is fun to be in. I really didn't understand some of the actions/choices made by the main characters, but this is supposed to be fiction, so I will let it go. A cute, light, and quick read.
November 2, 2010
It was such a relief to read this book today. Yup, I pretty much read it all in one day. (What can I say? 4 hours at work with nothing to do and this is what happens!) I read a lot of books. I review a lot of books. I read this book for me though. I needed a break. I needed something clean and good and romantic-ish. I knew I would get that when I picked up this book. It was a balm to me soul today. (I really did mean to type "me") So, thank you Julie Wright for writing a book for me that I really did enjoy SO much. It was so nice of you.
I loved the love rectangle. I loved the wit and sarcasm. I loved the, well, love.
I loved the love rectangle. I loved the wit and sarcasm. I loved the, well, love.
October 10, 2010
Jillian Belle can't quite get over her ex-fiance. Not when she moves across the country, not after three years apart, and not when she meets his new fiance.
She's been dating plenty, but no one seems to compare to her ex. Not Jack, who tricks her into taking a love study test, and not Allen, who seems to be still in love with his ex.
A hilarious and sweet story that will make you ignore all of your other deadlines until you can find out if Jillian will finally discover the truth about her heart.
She's been dating plenty, but no one seems to compare to her ex. Not Jack, who tricks her into taking a love study test, and not Allen, who seems to be still in love with his ex.
A hilarious and sweet story that will make you ignore all of your other deadlines until you can find out if Jillian will finally discover the truth about her heart.
November 16, 2015
Not my favorite story. Pretty typical love story. Girl still has the hots for ex fiancé, girl meets new guy but then has to go out with ex at the request of her boss. New it sees her with old guy and is mad but then they live happily ever after. It did keep my interest, but not enough for me to start and finish this book within just a few sittings. Ages 12+
December 8, 2010
So cute! Loved it!
June 9, 2011
Cute, quick read. I liked the witty banter.
August 27, 2012
This was kind of a cheesey love story but it was still a fun read.
December 12, 2019
I thought that this book was really good and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a easy but enjoyable read. This book was aimed more for teenagers as well, so it was more relatable. The main character in this book is very guarded and sarcastic. She protects herself under all of these layers of cynicism to keep others out. She was hurt by someone she loved, and no longer wants to feel that way. Then, someone else comes into her life, Allen, and she begins to slowly open up to him and discover her real feelings. This book shows the characters growth and her journey of dealing with her feelings and moving on. We all tend to cover up how we really feel and that can lead to so many other extreme emotions or problems. I think that the author was trying to show how communication with ourselves and with others is very important. Don’t put up barriers and masks and just be who you are. It’s not good to bury everything deep inside of you. I thought the author did an amazing job of sharing that message. I would give this book a 4 out of 5, and I thought it was very well written. It is worth a read!
April 27, 2024
The main characters thought process sometime grated on me but overall I enjoyed this silly story. It teaches a lot of do's and don'ts of dating. It was one of those, "need to grow before ready to commit" kind of romances which I guess is the new normal for modern. If I think about it, I'm sure I had to go through something similar. Their Boston accents on audio kept throwing me off. I had a hard time picturing Alan as the audio voice did not fit at all. I really liked his character though.
October 8, 2024
This was an LDS romance. I knew going into it that it would be a love quadrangle, info given in the synopsis, so that's not a spoiler. I listened anyway. It has a trope that I really can't stand (not the love quadrangle), but I am still giving it 3 stars because I love the history of Boston so much. If you can visit Lexington Green without getting emotional, or even crying, we can't be friends. ;) And Walden Pond was not on my list of must sees. That guy was a piece of work.
August 13, 2022
Awwww. I loved the ending! The rest of the book was great too. I loved Jillian’s family—they were hilarious, and I’m a bit sad we didn’t meet Allen’s family, but it was a very good book. The ending definitely brought it all together though in an adorable way. Seeing them falling in love each other, Jillian noticing all his little quirks that she found adorable—I loved it all.
October 25, 2025
I had a hard time enjoying this book because of the immaturity of the characters. They were set to be older professionals but acted like they were about 19 or 20. It was cheesy and not consistent. I pushed through the story because I was curious how it would go. Simple story with lots of sarcasm and fluff, no depth or growth in the characters.
February 20, 2019
3.5 stars. Interesting and entertaining book about how getting over someone we've loved is hard, and then sometimes it happens without us even realizing it. I do wish there had been a bit more happy ending.
October 17, 2019
This was not my favorite Wright book. The characters are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints but it is not a religious work by any means. I was surprised by how often the main character lied. The romance also seemed really rushed. Kisses only.
March 21, 2023
Cute romance. I have to admit I read the last page to see how it turned out so I could enjoy the rest of the book. Jillian’s new boyfriend’s ex is engaged to her ex fiancé. Throw in some work, drama, some family drama, some girlfriends helping her through all this mess and it was a great read.
January 3, 2018
Cute love story. It was like a Christmas Hallmark movie.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews