Here In My Heart by Anna DeStefano-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 30, 2014

Live and work together, or lose everything that matters…

The ultimatum tilts Dru Hampton’s contented life in Chandlerville, Georgia, on its ear. The man that Vivian, her cantankerous boss and benefactor, wants Dru to partner with—live with—is Brad Douglas, who’s let Dru down every way a man can.

Sheriff’s deputy Brad Douglas has come a long way since his rebellious youth. He’s back home to care for Vivian, his ill grandmother. He’s stayed out of Dru’s way all these years to make up for the hurt he once caused her. Now, the delightfully mischievous Vivian’s dying wish is for them to rebuild at least a working relationship together…and she’s betting on them rediscovering much more.

The family business and the Douglas home that Dru and Brad both cherish will be sold if they don’t resolve their differences. Can these childhood sweethearts make up and reclaim each other’s hearts before it’s too late?

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Review:

Even though Dru Hampton was raised in the foster system, she lucked out. She was taken in by a loving family and has built a life to be proud of. Her biggest regret has always been Brad Douglas. Brad was her older brother’s best friend, and someone she grew up around. Even though they always treated her like one of the guys, she was head over heels for Brad. Until one night changed everything. Acting on impulse, she let him know of her feelings for him, only to have him push her away. Brad’s actions not only broke Dru’s heart, but tore apart her family and then everything changed. Not only was she broken hearted over Brad’s rejection, but her brother left town, as did Brad. After coming to terms with what had happened, she forged ahead and became someone others looked up to. Especially the kids at the YMCA where she volunteered.

However, when Dru’s benefactor, Vivian, fell ill, it was up to Dru to contact Brad to get him to come home so that Vivian could get her affairs in order. When Brad shows up, he and Dru reconnect, even if only to satisfy Vivian. But, once they hear what Vivian asks of them, Dru doesn’t know if she can see it through. Brad had broken her heart and to say she has trust issues is like saying Lake Superior is a cow pond. Even though she feels that she wouldn’t be where she is today without Vivian, she just doesn’t know if she can put herself out there with Brad again, even if he does seem to be trying to make up for his past sins. And, once Dru figures out that there were things set in motion a long time ago for her benefit, and that things weren’t quite what they seemed, she knows that her life will never be the same.

Here in my Heart is a wonderfully written story about coming to terms with one’s past in order to forge a future. Dru is a strong, albeit a little naïve, character. She is everything you’d want your daughter to be with strong character and a huge loving heart. Brad is wonderful as well. He knows he messed up when he was younger, but has steadily moved forward with his life trying to atone for his past mistakes. The secondary characters are wonderful as well, and I can’t wait to read more about them. This is my first book by Anna DeStefano, but it will not be my last. If you’re looking for a quick read with a wholesome and sweet storyline, this one is for you. I shed a few tears at the end and I can’t wait for the next installment. Well done Anna DeStefano, very well done.

Copy supplied by the publicist

Reviewed by Vickie M

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Nationally bestselling author Anna DeStefano has searched her entire life for the soul of the matter at the heart of her world’s mysteries. As a small child, she drew from her experiences, senses, and dreams to paint a lush fantasy world, filled with endless possibility and characters of her own creation. Putting pen to paper, Anna transforms these inner landscapes into rich storytelling.

Hers is a realistic but optimistic vision, searching for hope and transformation through intense emotional journeys. Her fuel–the inner passions and conflicts of the characters she crafts. Much like a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, Anna’s characters face the ultimate of human choices: finding the courage to conquer their fears and thrive until, despite every obstacle, they become the beautiful things they’re meant to be.