Owner of a Lonely Heart
A Novel
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4.0 • 7 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
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?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The emotionally scarred protagonists of this sweet, plotty contemporary romance from Carter (How to Save a Life) must learn to open themselves up to new love. Bristol, England, artist Gemma's husband died nearly two years ago and she can't imagine a future with anyone else. She pours her focus into time with her family and volunteer work at the local hospital, where she brings her therapy dog, Bear, to cuddle and comfort children undergoing cancer treatment. It's there that Gemma meets music festival organizer Dan, who's at the hospital picking up his 12-year-old daughter, Casey, following her outpatient treatment. Dan's only just met Casey himself, and he's trying to impress both her and her icy mother by hosting them in a borrowed, posh penthouse during their stay in town. Childhood trauma has left him terrified of fatherhood, but bonding with Gemma, who offers guidance and support, leaves him wanting to try harder to be part of Casey's life. Meanwhile, Gemma contemplates a major life decision that could create a barrier to a future with Dan. Carter makes her narrators—Gemma, Dan, and Casey—incredibly easy to invest in. Readers are sure to be moved.
Customer Reviews
Good read.
This story is absolutely full of drama and angst. The loss of loved ones, the heaviness of life changing illness, the use of children to their detriment, all have a place in this story, it is almost overwhelming. This is a good book and the HEA does finally show up. Bear is my favorite character and hero (as he saves the story). Good read.
beautifully written emotional story
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.