Hearts Awakening (Hearts Along the River Book #1)

Delia Parr

Mar 2010 · Hearts Along the River Book 1 · Bethany House

About this ebook

With no means to support herself, Ellie Kilmer agrees to work as a housekeeper for the young widower who lives on Dillon Island, hopeful she can obtain a proper reference. But Jackson Smith quickly realizes that Ellie's presence may solve his own problems--both the rearing of his young boys and the scandal that surrounds his first marriage.

When a marriage of convenience is offered, Ellie is initially humiliated. Though she is past the age most women marry, she has more pride than to agree to his outlandish suggestion. Yet what options does she have? To marry would mean a home and stability. So despite the rumors circling Jackson and his first wife, Ellie accepts this unlikely proposal...

Ratings and reviews

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well thought out and written. Last few pages had me in tears, and wanting to know more of Ellie and Jackson's story. Disappointed that the following books don't mention them. Love the fact that it's so long, but I became so engrossed in lives that I want to know more. All in all a very good read.

Action as well as plot keeps you reading almost straight through. I enjoyed the difficulties of the character's relationship. Very real. Real life lessons learned with both adults & children in the story. My only complaint is the quickness of the ending. I wish there was more indepthness there.

Sometimes I thought there were too many details but overall I really enjoyed it. Writer had a nice way of conveying and incorporating faith, courage and love into the story. Concepts were deep, and I liked them because they had meaning. Only wish I knew what happened after!

About the author

Delia Parr (Mary Lechleidner) is the author of 10 historical novels and the winner of several awards, including the Laurel Wreath Award for Historical Romance and the Aspen Gold Award for Best Inspirational Book. The mother of three grown children, she is a full-time high school teacher who spends her summer vacations writing and kayaking. She lives in Collingswood, New Jersey.