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My Stubborn Heart
Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks her to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.
Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Kate can't help being attracted to him, drawn by both his good looks and something else she can't quite put her finger on. He's clearly wounded--hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Yet Kate sets her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.
When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?
Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Kate can't help being attracted to him, drawn by both his good looks and something else she can't quite put her finger on. He's clearly wounded--hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Yet Kate sets her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.
When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?
343 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
About the author
Becky Wade
23 books3,485 followersBecky’s a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas with their three children and one Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She loves penning sweet contemporary romances laced with sizzling chemistry, mystery, faith, banter, and humor. Her thirteen novels and five novellas have been recognized with a Carol Award, INSPY awards, and a spot in the Christy Award Hall of Fame.
When she’s not at her computer, you’ll find her power-walking her neighborhood, driving carpool, eating chocolate, doing yoga, or admiring her dog.
Connect with Becky via her website at BeckyWade.com, on Facebook as Author Becky Wade and on Instagram as BeckyWadeWriter.
When she’s not at her computer, you’ll find her power-walking her neighborhood, driving carpool, eating chocolate, doing yoga, or admiring her dog.
Connect with Becky via her website at BeckyWade.com, on Facebook as Author Becky Wade and on Instagram as BeckyWadeWriter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 719 reviews
May 3, 2012
You know that book you fall in love with and don’t want it to end, each page should NOT bring you closer to the ending and even though you have a dozen other books demanding a review, you keep dragging your feet on finishing this one, because you just don’t want it to end? That is more than just a long run-on sentence; THAT is my unadulterated emotion about “My Stubborn Heart.” I flat. Out. Loved. It.
Fitting into this novel was like stepping into a Cinderella fairy tale…and the glass slipper didn’t pinch a bit. What reader wouldn’t adore Kate? She’s tiny, but mighty, with a sense of humor and a persistence that grates on Matt, but boy did I love her! She is a simply endearing heroine.
Ladies, be still your beating heart, because Matt is the perfect, tall, dark and brooding hero we all seem to gravitate to in fiction. Why the tortured ones anyway?? Matt has got SO many dimensions to him. Not just a world-class athlete, he’s gentle, sweet and loving. I loved watching his faith transform him.
What else? Hmm, humor. STELLAR writing quality. Vivid emotions and descriptions. I wanted the book to go on and on and on…
I will admit to being disappointed in a couple crass word choices. Not something I was expecting and it cringed my heart.
Overall, five star read! Emotionally evocative in SO many ways. And yes, all caps just isn’t good enough this time around. Totally awesome. Sigh.
This review is my honest opinion (I mean come on, why ELSE would I use so many words or ALL CAPS???). Thanks to the publishers and Litfuse for my copy to review.
Fitting into this novel was like stepping into a Cinderella fairy tale…and the glass slipper didn’t pinch a bit. What reader wouldn’t adore Kate? She’s tiny, but mighty, with a sense of humor and a persistence that grates on Matt, but boy did I love her! She is a simply endearing heroine.
Ladies, be still your beating heart, because Matt is the perfect, tall, dark and brooding hero we all seem to gravitate to in fiction. Why the tortured ones anyway?? Matt has got SO many dimensions to him. Not just a world-class athlete, he’s gentle, sweet and loving. I loved watching his faith transform him.
What else? Hmm, humor. STELLAR writing quality. Vivid emotions and descriptions. I wanted the book to go on and on and on…
I will admit to being disappointed in a couple crass word choices. Not something I was expecting and it cringed my heart.
Overall, five star read! Emotionally evocative in SO many ways. And yes, all caps just isn’t good enough this time around. Totally awesome. Sigh.
This review is my honest opinion (I mean come on, why ELSE would I use so many words or ALL CAPS???). Thanks to the publishers and Litfuse for my copy to review.
January 24, 2021
This is my favourite book. It's official.
What a great story. I couldn't put this down. This may be the fastest I've read a book in a while.
The humor, the faith, the romance. Perfect.
Highly recommend.
What a great story. I couldn't put this down. This may be the fastest I've read a book in a while.
The humor, the faith, the romance. Perfect.
Highly recommend.
September 4, 2021
3.5 stars
My Stubborn Heart is the first book I’ve read by Becky Wade and I’m definitely interested in reading more. I enjoyed the book, but I especially enjoyed her writing.
Kate takes a bit of time off work and goes with her grandma to her hometown. She has a family home there that needs renovated and she and her grandmother are going to work on it together, with the help of Matt Jerreau, a local contractor.
Matt is a widow who used to play professional hockey. When his wife passed, he quit hockey and moved back to his hometown. He’s sort of a recluse but Kate and her grandma, Beverly help to bring Matt out of his shell.
I enjoyed watching Kate and Matt fall in love and I especially loved all the seniors that lived in the small town (her grandma’s friends). Two of them had their own romances going which was adorable. Matt and Kate’s story was great, but toward the end there was so much waiting for them to be together… I understood it, but I wish it would have happened a bit earlier.
Overall, this is a sweet, emotional, and well written romance.
My Stubborn Heart is the first book I’ve read by Becky Wade and I’m definitely interested in reading more. I enjoyed the book, but I especially enjoyed her writing.
Kate takes a bit of time off work and goes with her grandma to her hometown. She has a family home there that needs renovated and she and her grandmother are going to work on it together, with the help of Matt Jerreau, a local contractor.
Matt is a widow who used to play professional hockey. When his wife passed, he quit hockey and moved back to his hometown. He’s sort of a recluse but Kate and her grandma, Beverly help to bring Matt out of his shell.
I enjoyed watching Kate and Matt fall in love and I especially loved all the seniors that lived in the small town (her grandma’s friends). Two of them had their own romances going which was adorable. Matt and Kate’s story was great, but toward the end there was so much waiting for them to be together… I understood it, but I wish it would have happened a bit earlier.
Overall, this is a sweet, emotional, and well written romance.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrator: Kate Forbes
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance (Christian)
Length: 11h 17m
December 1, 2018
Still catching up on reviews...seems my favorites are the ones falling behind, since I tend to want to say more about them, I guess.
I enjoyed every minute of this delightful story between Kate and Matt. I love the description of her–how she's cute but not Barbie-perfect. And how she's kept her heart all these years for just the right man until it falls right in the lap of the man who's restoring her grandmother's home–a man whose heart was broken years ago, and is afraid to love again.
The poker nights with the retirees were hilarious; each character was drawn in a memorable way. The descriptions were excellent, and the story built to a satisfying close, after a bit of humor and a generous spice of drama.
I've already reread it twice! Any book that gets reread that quickly automatically gets five stars...
2018 reread: I still love this book! These characters practically leap off the page.
Content: some uses of words crap, heck, and gosh (last one bothers me most)
Poker playing for money
I enjoyed every minute of this delightful story between Kate and Matt. I love the description of her–how she's cute but not Barbie-perfect. And how she's kept her heart all these years for just the right man until it falls right in the lap of the man who's restoring her grandmother's home–a man whose heart was broken years ago, and is afraid to love again.
The poker nights with the retirees were hilarious; each character was drawn in a memorable way. The descriptions were excellent, and the story built to a satisfying close, after a bit of humor and a generous spice of drama.
I've already reread it twice! Any book that gets reread that quickly automatically gets five stars...
2018 reread: I still love this book! These characters practically leap off the page.
Content: some uses of words crap, heck, and gosh (last one bothers me most)
Poker playing for money
May 17, 2017
Becky Wade has once again written a sweet, easy to read romance yet filled with realistic characters fighting the every day battles of life. It's nice to see characters who get angry with God and feel distant from Him when things get rough and they can't understand why. I think we'll all admit we have been in that place at one time or another. I loved Kate's character and her patience, understanding yet strong fortitude in response to Matt. The "seniors" were delightful and the subplot with Morty and Velma was a great punch of humor! Looking forward to reading more from this author.
FAVORITE QUOTE: "I think that God has blessings He wants to give you but can't until you let Him."
FAVORITE QUOTE: "I think that God has blessings He wants to give you but can't until you let Him."
November 26, 2018
Talk about stubborn...I had held off on this novel because I didn't want to be without a Becky Wade novel to look forward to, other than her upcoming release, of course. Silly, silly me!
My Stubborn Heart is charming, adorable, endearing, and...need I go on? I loved the setting, I loved the characters, and I loved the message. Was it romantic? Absolutely. Was the plot fast moving? Not really. But you know what? It was absolutely suited to the story and the characters. I waited for something borderline ridiculous or cheesy to happen, but honestly, it never did. Kate is lovely, and yes, at times feels lonely in her singleness, but she has a zest for life no matter what, and her singleness doesn't define her. Matt seems like he's one of those brooding guys (thought it might induce an eye roll or five, but nope!), but he's actually really straight-forward and a nice guy. I think I was prepared for one of Wade's "alpha males," which are not my thing, but somehow always end up working for me in her books. Instead it's a guy that is somewhere between Bo and Corbin on the male lead scale, and he totally works as a character for this reader. And not to leave out the strong spiritual themes of healing from grief, obedience even when it hurts, and trusting through heartache. Those themes kept this from being a run of the mill romance; instead it is a heart-deep story that goes beyond any earthly relationship.
Apologies for this all-over-the-place review. I'm dreadfully behind on reviews, so just jumping in with my first thoughts as they pop into my head. Definitely one of my favorite Wade novels - I wouldn't be sad if her next novel was a standalone on par with My Stubborn Heart (after Sweet on You, of course!).
My Stubborn Heart is charming, adorable, endearing, and...need I go on? I loved the setting, I loved the characters, and I loved the message. Was it romantic? Absolutely. Was the plot fast moving? Not really. But you know what? It was absolutely suited to the story and the characters. I waited for something borderline ridiculous or cheesy to happen, but honestly, it never did. Kate is lovely, and yes, at times feels lonely in her singleness, but she has a zest for life no matter what, and her singleness doesn't define her. Matt seems like he's one of those brooding guys (thought it might induce an eye roll or five, but nope!), but he's actually really straight-forward and a nice guy. I think I was prepared for one of Wade's "alpha males," which are not my thing, but somehow always end up working for me in her books. Instead it's a guy that is somewhere between Bo and Corbin on the male lead scale, and he totally works as a character for this reader. And not to leave out the strong spiritual themes of healing from grief, obedience even when it hurts, and trusting through heartache. Those themes kept this from being a run of the mill romance; instead it is a heart-deep story that goes beyond any earthly relationship.
Apologies for this all-over-the-place review. I'm dreadfully behind on reviews, so just jumping in with my first thoughts as they pop into my head. Definitely one of my favorite Wade novels - I wouldn't be sad if her next novel was a standalone on par with My Stubborn Heart (after Sweet on You, of course!).
August 13, 2012
Recently, I received the book My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade It is a 352 page light-hearted contemporary Christian romance novel from Bethany House Publishers.
The main female character is Kate Donovan. She is burned out with her job as a social worker following a tragedy and she’s down on her luck in the romance department. he wants to be married and have a family, but in the past has made some bad choices in the men she dates. She comes to Redbud, Pennsylvania with her grandmother to recharge and help her grandmother restore the house she grew up in. She meets Matt Jarreau, the contractor hired by her grandmother, and is immediately attracted to hi. Matt was once a well known and celebrated hockey player in the NHL. He left that world behind when his wife died of cancer. Matt is wounded and is hiding from the world and hiding from God, whom he has lost faith in.
Kate is drawn to Matt and feels that the Lord is urging her to help him heal his wounds and move on with his life. Will Kate’s stubborn determination to pull him out of his grief work? Will Matt be able to trust and open his heart again?
My Thoughts on My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
The main characters of My Stubborn Heart are true to life and I was really drawn into the story. Becky Wade’s writing if fun and the plot line is well crafted. I loved the secondary characters (the “girls”, her grandmother’s friends) and the secondary plots were fun. But, would I recommend this book to others? The honest answer is that it would depend on the reader. While I loved the characters and plot, it was awfully worldly for a Christian novel. I had quite a few issues with the book’s content. I’ll share them so you can make up your own mind on whether or not to read My Stubborn Heart.
There is a preoccupation with all the women in the book about how “hot” Matt is. There are very few discussions between the female characters about him where his “hotness” is not at least mentioned. I found this a bit disturbing, especially because My Stubborn Heart is a Christian novel. I found it a bit offensive, as even the married women were constantly discussing his “hotness”. One married woman even said that if Matt ever asked her out that she had her husband’s permission to date him. Even joking around, adultery is not funny. Matthew 5:28 says, “but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” This is certainly true for both men AND women.
A preoccupation with appearances seemed to be a main theme among all the characters. Some of the descriptions running through the characters thoughts were also a bit uncomfortable and offensive, especially in a Christian novel. Matt’s description of the kind of girls he’d been attracted to in the past was “the kind of girls in Budweiser ads. Blond, big curves on top, mile-long legs.” I found this sort of physical description offensive and uncalled for in a Christian novel.
Another annoying thing was the author’s habit of tossing in brand name placement ads. It got to the point where I seriously started wondering if the author was getting kick-backs from all these companies she kept mentioning. When describing a person’s clothing, brand names were nearly always tossed in.
I also found that the Christian characters all felt too “worldly”. They gambles, playing poker for money. This wasn’t just once, but an every Friday event described multiple times in the book. Kate dates a casual drinker, while Matt purposely sets out to get drunk. Not to mention several instances of mild cursing. All of these things topped with the apparent obsession with appearances gave this Christian novel a bit too much worldliness.
The final issue I had with My Stubborn Heart is that the faith element felt like an after thought. My Stubborn Heart really felt more like a secular romance novel that someone decided to try to sell to the Christian market.
Overall, I think Becky Wade is a fine writer, but I would like to see her write a less worldly Christian novel in the future. After reading My Stubborn Heart, while I liked the characters and plot, I don’t know if I’d choose another book by this author.
NOTICE: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this item free from the creator. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The main female character is Kate Donovan. She is burned out with her job as a social worker following a tragedy and she’s down on her luck in the romance department. he wants to be married and have a family, but in the past has made some bad choices in the men she dates. She comes to Redbud, Pennsylvania with her grandmother to recharge and help her grandmother restore the house she grew up in. She meets Matt Jarreau, the contractor hired by her grandmother, and is immediately attracted to hi. Matt was once a well known and celebrated hockey player in the NHL. He left that world behind when his wife died of cancer. Matt is wounded and is hiding from the world and hiding from God, whom he has lost faith in.
Kate is drawn to Matt and feels that the Lord is urging her to help him heal his wounds and move on with his life. Will Kate’s stubborn determination to pull him out of his grief work? Will Matt be able to trust and open his heart again?
My Thoughts on My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
The main characters of My Stubborn Heart are true to life and I was really drawn into the story. Becky Wade’s writing if fun and the plot line is well crafted. I loved the secondary characters (the “girls”, her grandmother’s friends) and the secondary plots were fun. But, would I recommend this book to others? The honest answer is that it would depend on the reader. While I loved the characters and plot, it was awfully worldly for a Christian novel. I had quite a few issues with the book’s content. I’ll share them so you can make up your own mind on whether or not to read My Stubborn Heart.
There is a preoccupation with all the women in the book about how “hot” Matt is. There are very few discussions between the female characters about him where his “hotness” is not at least mentioned. I found this a bit disturbing, especially because My Stubborn Heart is a Christian novel. I found it a bit offensive, as even the married women were constantly discussing his “hotness”. One married woman even said that if Matt ever asked her out that she had her husband’s permission to date him. Even joking around, adultery is not funny. Matthew 5:28 says, “but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” This is certainly true for both men AND women.
A preoccupation with appearances seemed to be a main theme among all the characters. Some of the descriptions running through the characters thoughts were also a bit uncomfortable and offensive, especially in a Christian novel. Matt’s description of the kind of girls he’d been attracted to in the past was “the kind of girls in Budweiser ads. Blond, big curves on top, mile-long legs.” I found this sort of physical description offensive and uncalled for in a Christian novel.
Another annoying thing was the author’s habit of tossing in brand name placement ads. It got to the point where I seriously started wondering if the author was getting kick-backs from all these companies she kept mentioning. When describing a person’s clothing, brand names were nearly always tossed in.
I also found that the Christian characters all felt too “worldly”. They gambles, playing poker for money. This wasn’t just once, but an every Friday event described multiple times in the book. Kate dates a casual drinker, while Matt purposely sets out to get drunk. Not to mention several instances of mild cursing. All of these things topped with the apparent obsession with appearances gave this Christian novel a bit too much worldliness.
The final issue I had with My Stubborn Heart is that the faith element felt like an after thought. My Stubborn Heart really felt more like a secular romance novel that someone decided to try to sell to the Christian market.
Overall, I think Becky Wade is a fine writer, but I would like to see her write a less worldly Christian novel in the future. After reading My Stubborn Heart, while I liked the characters and plot, I don’t know if I’d choose another book by this author.
NOTICE: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this item free from the creator. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 19, 2021
5 Stars ✨
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory.”
When Kates grandmother asks her to go to Pennsylvania to help restore a house, she jumps at the chance. 31 and single, she’s just been going through the motions in life and is needing a little adventure. When she gets to Redbud, she meets the contractor for the remodel Matt, and can’t help but feel attracted to him but can tell that he’s got many walls and hurts built up around his heart.
Matt’s been hiding from people and God since his wife passed away and does not what to let anyone in. Kate is stubborn and is willing to do whatever it takes to crack his shell open even if that means just being his friend before she has to go home to Texas. What happens is not what she expected.
I enjoyed this so much! It’s been a minute since I’ve read any kind of contemporary romance and it was so good diving back into the genre. The writing was clean and wholesome and the story melted my heart. I loved Kate and Matt and all the side characters, which were mostly seniors, but they were just adorable! They had me laughing a good bit. This was my first Becky Wade book but I’m on my way to find another one to read asap!
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory.”
When Kates grandmother asks her to go to Pennsylvania to help restore a house, she jumps at the chance. 31 and single, she’s just been going through the motions in life and is needing a little adventure. When she gets to Redbud, she meets the contractor for the remodel Matt, and can’t help but feel attracted to him but can tell that he’s got many walls and hurts built up around his heart.
Matt’s been hiding from people and God since his wife passed away and does not what to let anyone in. Kate is stubborn and is willing to do whatever it takes to crack his shell open even if that means just being his friend before she has to go home to Texas. What happens is not what she expected.
I enjoyed this so much! It’s been a minute since I’ve read any kind of contemporary romance and it was so good diving back into the genre. The writing was clean and wholesome and the story melted my heart. I loved Kate and Matt and all the side characters, which were mostly seniors, but they were just adorable! They had me laughing a good bit. This was my first Becky Wade book but I’m on my way to find another one to read asap!
July 16, 2022
“Funny thing about prayers. God hears them. But you never know if, when, or how He’s going to answer them.”
BECKY WAAAAADDDEEEEE --- ANOTHER 5 STAR BECKY WADE BOOK- YESSSSS!
If you watch my YouTube channel, you know I fell in love with Becky Wade’s writing after Stay with Me and this one I think I love even more!
Becky Wade sure does know how to write a beautiful, faith filled romance with so much raw emotion, authenticity, and grace. I loved this so much.
In My Stubborn Heart, we follow Kate Donavon, who takes a 3 month leave of absence from her job to accompany her grandmother to Pennsylvania to restore her old home that she grew up in. There, she meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Matt is obviously going through some difficult times and Kate works to build a friendship from the very beginning. Matt is like an onion – you have to peel back the layers one at a time to figure him out. He is still working through the emotions from the death of his wife and his lost professional hockey career when he meets Kate and together, their stubborn hearts work through a LOT! The story takes off from here.
I absolutely loved the characters in this story, even the side characters. We have Matt who is going through some hard times and has written God off since the death of his wife. Then we have Kate who, at 32 years old, doesn’t know if God will ever send her “the one”. The side characters and family members were beautiful and funny! Velma and Morty cracked me up! I was laughing so much at that side story.
Throughout the story, we see so much beautiful faith content. To God be the glory in these characters lives. He will never leave you or forsake you. He loves you and even when you think He has forgotten you, He hasn’t. There is purpose in our pain. He is always there. Surrender to Him!
I loved the ending and how everything was wrapped up.
Overall, LOVED this and can’t wait to read more BECKYYY WADDDEEE!
BECKY WAAAAADDDEEEEE --- ANOTHER 5 STAR BECKY WADE BOOK- YESSSSS!
If you watch my YouTube channel, you know I fell in love with Becky Wade’s writing after Stay with Me and this one I think I love even more!
Becky Wade sure does know how to write a beautiful, faith filled romance with so much raw emotion, authenticity, and grace. I loved this so much.
In My Stubborn Heart, we follow Kate Donavon, who takes a 3 month leave of absence from her job to accompany her grandmother to Pennsylvania to restore her old home that she grew up in. There, she meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Matt is obviously going through some difficult times and Kate works to build a friendship from the very beginning. Matt is like an onion – you have to peel back the layers one at a time to figure him out. He is still working through the emotions from the death of his wife and his lost professional hockey career when he meets Kate and together, their stubborn hearts work through a LOT! The story takes off from here.
I absolutely loved the characters in this story, even the side characters. We have Matt who is going through some hard times and has written God off since the death of his wife. Then we have Kate who, at 32 years old, doesn’t know if God will ever send her “the one”. The side characters and family members were beautiful and funny! Velma and Morty cracked me up! I was laughing so much at that side story.
Throughout the story, we see so much beautiful faith content. To God be the glory in these characters lives. He will never leave you or forsake you. He loves you and even when you think He has forgotten you, He hasn’t. There is purpose in our pain. He is always there. Surrender to Him!
I loved the ending and how everything was wrapped up.
Overall, LOVED this and can’t wait to read more BECKYYY WADDDEEE!
April 8, 2022
*It has been 6 1/2 years since I first listened to this book as an audio book. This time, I re-read it as physical read and it was so heart-tuggingly wonderful! I found myself pulled all over the place once again as Kate worked to break through Matt's shell of grief and hurt. I loved seeing him come alive again and then the wonderful way these two connected. I simply loved this story so much again!*
I recently listened to the audio book version of My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade while on a road trip. I had heard from quite a few people that if I enjoyed the Porter Family books, then I needed to read this story. So, I ordered this book on Audible.
I’m so glad I did! I was really impressed with these two main characters and the way that the story flowed. Kate was stubborn and unyielding in her determination to help Matt get past the pain of losing his wife and hockey career. I was surprised that she was such a strong character and really stood up to Matt a number of times. While, at the same time, she had such a vulnerability. She was so unsure of herself and felt very ordinary compared to Matt through much of the book. It really made me feel for her.
And Matt was such a complex character. He was the epitome of tall, dark, and brooding! And he had every right to be. He had lost so much and shrunk into a shell that he had no desire to be free from. Seeing him slowly begin to overcome all that had weighed him down was very uplifting.
This book has it all. There is pain and uncertainty for both Matt and Kate, humorous side characters, and a wonderful romance, all wrapped up in a story that highlights God’s guidance in our lives.
You can read this review on my blog at: https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I recently listened to the audio book version of My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade while on a road trip. I had heard from quite a few people that if I enjoyed the Porter Family books, then I needed to read this story. So, I ordered this book on Audible.
I’m so glad I did! I was really impressed with these two main characters and the way that the story flowed. Kate was stubborn and unyielding in her determination to help Matt get past the pain of losing his wife and hockey career. I was surprised that she was such a strong character and really stood up to Matt a number of times. While, at the same time, she had such a vulnerability. She was so unsure of herself and felt very ordinary compared to Matt through much of the book. It really made me feel for her.
And Matt was such a complex character. He was the epitome of tall, dark, and brooding! And he had every right to be. He had lost so much and shrunk into a shell that he had no desire to be free from. Seeing him slowly begin to overcome all that had weighed him down was very uplifting.
This book has it all. There is pain and uncertainty for both Matt and Kate, humorous side characters, and a wonderful romance, all wrapped up in a story that highlights God’s guidance in our lives.
You can read this review on my blog at: https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
June 7, 2017
4.80 stars - mild pg13 (some yummy kisses)
WooHoo!!!! I finally finished reading!!! (I'm doing a slow motion, exhausted happy dance!! You should see it--it's something special!!!) My health has been horrible lately and it took me 26 blooming days to read this book!!! (Normally it would have taken me maybe two days.) But I LOVED LOVED LOVED every bit of it (even the prologue and I cannot usually stand prologues!)! This was a great romantic and funny story. I loved both the Hero and the heroine, as well as all the fun secondary characters. If I can find some energy at some point, I'll try to transcribe some of the notes I took while reading. In the meantime, I highly recommend reading this book! It also has a great Christian message, but I didn't feel it to be "preachy".
WooHoo!!!! I finally finished reading!!! (I'm doing a slow motion, exhausted happy dance!! You should see it--it's something special!!!) My health has been horrible lately and it took me 26 blooming days to read this book!!! (Normally it would have taken me maybe two days.) But I LOVED LOVED LOVED every bit of it (even the prologue and I cannot usually stand prologues!)! This was a great romantic and funny story. I loved both the Hero and the heroine, as well as all the fun secondary characters. If I can find some energy at some point, I'll try to transcribe some of the notes I took while reading. In the meantime, I highly recommend reading this book! It also has a great Christian message, but I didn't feel it to be "preachy".
May 30, 2023
Through so many recommendations I finally read My Stubborn Heart. The Story of Matt and Kate. Kate is 30 something and not married. So she takes time off to help her Grandmother with their family home. Matt is the renovator of the house. Soon Kate discovers that Matt is a famous ex hockey player who wife died of a brain tumor. Matt is completely closed off so Kate makes it her mission to help Matt to open up and be free of the past. Times goes on and both becomes friends but can it be something more? Will God let Kate fall for Matt and will Matt forgive God for the lost of his wife? I did really like this book. I have to admit you won't know what will happen until right at the end and it had me biting my nails over it. I also have to say because I was so worried the ending wasn't going to be what I was hoping it was going to be that I didn't enjoy the last part of the book. It was cutting it a little to close. In general it was a really great love story of recovery especially when losing a spouse. Great book and I highly recommend!!
September 5, 2021
My Stubborn Heart is a Christian romance about two single 30-year-olds. Matt is an ex-hockey player who is a widow and is now doing handyman work. Once his wife died of cancer he withdrew from life. He quit hockey and moved back to his hometown. Matt takes on doing handyman-type work because it allows him to keep busy while not having to interact with people.
Kate has been praying for her future husband since she was a child. She has dated but nothing has stuck. So, when her G'ma needs her to help with a 3-month project of restoring a house Kate was ready for a break from work and agreed to go along.
Matt happens to be the person who is hired to help with the house project and once Kate meets him she's determined to make this quiet man her friend. She starts out trying to make a connection by joining him in painting and trying to find something they have in common to talk about. He's very reluctant to have her around. Working alone is something Matt feels most comfortable with.
There's a side story happening at the same time of two older townspeople who have a crush on each other, Velma & Morty. Kate agrees to help Morty get Velma to go on a date with him. Velma has been a single lady for a long time and she's not settling on mediocre. She has a list of things that Morty must do before she'll go out with him: change his hair color, dress differently, etc . . .
I wasn't a huge fan of how the older ladies wanted to know why Kate wasn't married with babies by now. And they made comments about her age (31) and how she's getting up their age for having kids. I know this book was published 9 years ago but I sure hope people didn't have those beliefs back then.
Another thing that didn't hit me right was how Velma had Morty change his looks so she'd go on a date with him.
Besides those things mentioned above, this was an overall nice romance with no sexy times.
Kate has been praying for her future husband since she was a child. She has dated but nothing has stuck. So, when her G'ma needs her to help with a 3-month project of restoring a house Kate was ready for a break from work and agreed to go along.
Matt happens to be the person who is hired to help with the house project and once Kate meets him she's determined to make this quiet man her friend. She starts out trying to make a connection by joining him in painting and trying to find something they have in common to talk about. He's very reluctant to have her around. Working alone is something Matt feels most comfortable with.
There's a side story happening at the same time of two older townspeople who have a crush on each other, Velma & Morty. Kate agrees to help Morty get Velma to go on a date with him. Velma has been a single lady for a long time and she's not settling on mediocre. She has a list of things that Morty must do before she'll go out with him: change his hair color, dress differently, etc . . .
I wasn't a huge fan of how the older ladies wanted to know why Kate wasn't married with babies by now. And they made comments about her age (31) and how she's getting up their age for having kids. I know this book was published 9 years ago but I sure hope people didn't have those beliefs back then.
Another thing that didn't hit me right was how Velma had Morty change his looks so she'd go on a date with him.
Besides those things mentioned above, this was an overall nice romance with no sexy times.
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Kate Forbes
Length: 11H 16M
April 1, 2017
What a cute story! The love story was sweet and I loved all the humour and wittiness in this book. I always love a good story with scheming, matchmaking seniors and these characters were really funny! The main character Kate was fun and relatable. And Matt Jarreau...swoon! That is all. Lol!
The main message of trusting God and returning to Him was really touching. Seeing the change in Matt was beautiful as well. I couldn't put this book down and loved it to bits and pieces. 5 stars!
The main message of trusting God and returning to Him was really touching. Seeing the change in Matt was beautiful as well. I couldn't put this book down and loved it to bits and pieces. 5 stars!
June 16, 2023
4.5⭐
I really loved this book, I loved the grumpy vs sunshine trope in this story, I loved the faith elements in the book and how each character struggled with their faith but God helped them through their decisions and lives. The only think I really wanted more of, was that the date scenes always started but we never actually saw them during the dates. 😄
I really loved this book, I loved the grumpy vs sunshine trope in this story, I loved the faith elements in the book and how each character struggled with their faith but God helped them through their decisions and lives. The only think I really wanted more of, was that the date scenes always started but we never actually saw them during the dates. 😄
September 3, 2017
Such a FUN! book!! This is my second Becky Wade, and I am LOVING her writing style. I had a blast reading it, while at the same time identifying with the very real struggles in this book, particularly Kate's. This is a great contemporary romance.
That being said, it reads more like a romance novel, with a touch of God thrown in, than what I typically get out of an "inspirational" novel, which, I feel like was Wade's purpose.
Because of that, I kept it at 4 stars---part of me wanted to go for 5, the other part for 3. It really was an absolute blast to read! AND, like I said, I totally got Kate's struggles. That was the 5 part.
On the 3 part...there were some things that they did in the book as Christians that I didn't agree with.
Now. I know that I am NOT going to agree with every Christian character in every book. In fact, I've read precious few novels in which characters shared my religious beliefs, so typically it doesn't bother me when something is mentioned that they do that conflicts with me, because most books just do. I read inspirational fiction because it's clean, and usually has some kind of general moral lesson that's good for any branch of Christianity, not because I expect to agree with the characters' every belief, or find mine reflected there. I DON'T expect characters to be perfect, and yes, I read non-inspirational fiction sometimes, and I DON'T expect so much out of those characters, because they're not representing themselves as being children of the King. So please don't take that statement out of context. I just didn't agree with a lot of what Kate did as a supposed child of the King in some way, shape, form, or fashion.
I also just plain don't like the cr** word (aesthetically, it is an absolute nightmare--like nails on a chalkboard). *shudders*
That being said, it reads more like a romance novel, with a touch of God thrown in, than what I typically get out of an "inspirational" novel, which, I feel like was Wade's purpose.
Because of that, I kept it at 4 stars---part of me wanted to go for 5, the other part for 3. It really was an absolute blast to read! AND, like I said, I totally got Kate's struggles. That was the 5 part.
On the 3 part...there were some things that they did in the book as Christians that I didn't agree with.
Now. I know that I am NOT going to agree with every Christian character in every book. In fact, I've read precious few novels in which characters shared my religious beliefs, so typically it doesn't bother me when something is mentioned that they do that conflicts with me, because most books just do. I read inspirational fiction because it's clean, and usually has some kind of general moral lesson that's good for any branch of Christianity, not because I expect to agree with the characters' every belief, or find mine reflected there. I DON'T expect characters to be perfect, and yes, I read non-inspirational fiction sometimes, and I DON'T expect so much out of those characters, because they're not representing themselves as being children of the King. So please don't take that statement out of context. I just didn't agree with a lot of what Kate did as a supposed child of the King in some way, shape, form, or fashion.
I also just plain don't like the cr** word (aesthetically, it is an absolute nightmare--like nails on a chalkboard). *shudders*
February 22, 2019
This was my third time reading through this wonderful story. Still a five star read!!
February 1, 2021
This is a really good book. I enjoyed seeing their story unfold and really loved the ending. Looking forward to reading more books by this Author.
February 15, 2017
This book was sooo good!! I seriously enjoy every single book written by Becky Wade, she's my fav!
This was such a such a beautiful story that deals with grief and healing. Kate was just so relatable, I loved reading from her point of view. I definitely enjoyed every minute of this story.
This was such a such a beautiful story that deals with grief and healing. Kate was just so relatable, I loved reading from her point of view. I definitely enjoyed every minute of this story.
July 1, 2022
This book was so good! It was my first book to read by Becky Wade and now I might just have to add more of her books to my tbr. I get in the mood for contemporary and this one was really good.👌🏼😍
It was fun, it was emotional, it was sweet. I loved Matt and Kate s’much. I also liked the side characters, particularly Beverly. I really enjoy books with elderly people in them. They’re so fun and crack me up!
I love that Kate and Matt’s love story is slow-burn and that they start off as friends.
I thought the plot was really fun too as they work together to fix up the house! And Kate’s antique hobby was unique and neat!
My fav thing in this book was the faith. I love the themes of surrendering to God and trusting Him with your hopes and dreams. That prologue was just perfect. 👌🏼
Overall, this book was really good and I enjoyed it a lot! I almost read it in one sitting. Can’t wait to read more of Becky Wade’s books!
It was fun, it was emotional, it was sweet. I loved Matt and Kate s’much. I also liked the side characters, particularly Beverly. I really enjoy books with elderly people in them. They’re so fun and crack me up!
I love that Kate and Matt’s love story is slow-burn and that they start off as friends.
I thought the plot was really fun too as they work together to fix up the house! And Kate’s antique hobby was unique and neat!
My fav thing in this book was the faith. I love the themes of surrendering to God and trusting Him with your hopes and dreams. That prologue was just perfect. 👌🏼
Overall, this book was really good and I enjoyed it a lot! I almost read it in one sitting. Can’t wait to read more of Becky Wade’s books!
August 7, 2022
Becky Wade's debut doesn't read any differently from her later books. Her signature personable characters, tongue in cheek writing style, wrestling with truths about God, and sizzling chemistry are all here. I really liked these characters, and the tension between them and Matt's pain were palpable. He was the first broody Wade hero and every speck as good as Jake Porter. This story had a good message about obedience to God, even when it costs, waiting on God's timing, and that God is merciful and generous even when we don't deserve it.
I didn't love the married woman crushing on a single man, even in jest, and think it something married women should be circumspect about. I did think this one reined in the physical relationship more than some of her later books, even though there was a lot of discussion about Matt's athletic body.
I'm almost done with Becky's backlist, and glad I finally got to this one!
I didn't love the married woman crushing on a single man, even in jest, and think it something married women should be circumspect about. I did think this one reined in the physical relationship more than some of her later books, even though there was a lot of discussion about Matt's athletic body.
I'm almost done with Becky's backlist, and glad I finally got to this one!
June 12, 2013
I thought this book is a bit on the fence. I don't think Christian morals are the heart and soul of the book. Some of the language is a little too strong for a Christian novel, in my opinion. The words are definitely not PG-13, but I wouldn't say they're words that most Christians use on an every day basis. Also, the plot is a little redundant; there isn't a whole lot of action. The protagonist is confused through the whole novel, and barely prays about her troubles concerning the man she is dating, Matt, who is not on "speaking terms" with God. Also, I did not like the fact that she is involved with a man who is not nearly on the same level as her spiritually. I think it could even argued that it brings her down spiritually. Throughout the novel, she knows she should pray and ask for God's direction in her relationship with Matt, but does not.
Overall, the book is not something I would recommend to someone. Especially someone who may not be strong in their Christian walk, or someone who is new to it. I think it has potential to confuse people on what God may want for them in relationships.
Overall, the book is not something I would recommend to someone. Especially someone who may not be strong in their Christian walk, or someone who is new to it. I think it has potential to confuse people on what God may want for them in relationships.
August 15, 2020
Love love and love this story! Walking away from someone we love when God asks us to do so is one of the hardest things we could ever do. We don't understand why, the pain is unbearable. But God works behind the scenes in ways we could never imagine, maybe we have to be taken out of the picture so He can move in ways that only He can. We may never understand the process, we simply have to trust Him no matter how much it hurts. There is a plan and purpose in all things.
June 22, 2012
I really loved the tender romance between Matt and Kate. I adored Kate's perky spirit ( I could just picture her in her ballet flats :)) and I loved watching the heartache thaw in Matt as he came alive around her. Very moving romance.
July 25, 2013
I don't give many 5 stars. I loved, loved, loved this book from beginning to the end. A sweet, utterly beguiling love story not afraid to examine the hidden depths of pain that sometime accompany us on the way to happily ever after.
February 20, 2022
First read in 2017: 3 stars
Second read in 2022: 4 stars
Second read in 2022: 4 stars
April 22, 2012
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
PUBLISHER: BETHANY HOUSE
PUBLICATION DATE: MAY 01, 2012
RATING: 4.5 OUT OF 5 – EXCELLENT
PROS: Quirky, humorous style of writing; relatable heroine; realistic spiritual journeys; great supporting characters
CONS: A few minor details may irritate or alienate certain readers
Kate Donovan has been praying for her future husband since she was in the fourth grade, but now that she’s thirty-one and still single, she’s starting to wonder whether she should buy a couple of cats and be done with it. A trip to renovate the old family home, Chapel Bluff, in Pennsylvania with her grandmother provides Kate with a well-needed break from the monotony of everyday life. She’s looking forward to spending some quality time with Gran and having a look at the old antiques, buried inside Chapel Bluff. She’s not expecting that their building contractor would be the stunningly handsome Matt Jarreau, former NFL hockey legend. Matt gave up his sporting career when his wife died suddenly from brain cancer, and isn’t much of a talker. But Kate doesn’t give up easily, and soon Matt’s crawling out of his shell and participating in family meals and poker nights. Kate believes that her job in Redbud is done when Matt finally begins to discuss his wife and come to terms with moving on with his life. She certainly doesn’t think that her time spent with Matt could ever make it beyond the friend stage – but that’s just what happens. But as her time in Redbud draws to a close, Kate begins to question whether she was right in developing a relationship with Matt when he still has so many demons from his past that he needs to battle. Is there any hope for Kate and Matt, for a skinny social worker with a penchant for antiques and a former hockey legend with a lot of skeletons in the closet?
If you’ve read any of my other reviews, you’ll know that my usual forte is historical or Amish romance. While I ate up plenty of chick-lit novels in my teen years, I’ve never been one for straight-up contemporary romances. Perhaps it’s because I’ve occasionally mused over my own romantic experiences and thought, “Wow, my life would make an incredibly boring romance novel!” I’ve dated one guy in my entire life and nothing particularly exciting has happened in our relationship, and I actually hope that nothing novel-worthy happens once we’re married. Most people’s lives aren’t anything like a book, thankfully. But we all want something a bit more exciting when we escape into the world of fiction, and perhaps that’s why I prefer historical or Amish novels to contemporary ones – they’re nothing like my life. Thus I began My Stubborn Heart a little cautiously, unsure of what I was getting myself into.
My other worry with My Stubborn Heart – beside it being totally outside my comfort zone – was that I wouldn’t be able to relate to the heroine. After all, what has an almost-married, curvy (not quite Christina Hendricks, but my hips do like to compete) twenty-year-old university student got in common with a single, skinny thirty-one-year-old social worker? I always have this fear with older, single heroines that I’m not going to be able to relate to them in any way, but this fear was completely unfounded when it came to Kate. She may have had more life experience than me (except in the wedding planning department) but I immediately fell in love with her down-to-earth sense of humour and brutal honesty when it came to all things in life – the dress sense of her grandmother’s best friends, her angst over her bra size or her belief that man’s role on earth is to empty the rubbish bins. Young or old, I’m sure any woman will be able to appreciate Kate on some level. As well as her wonderful personality and attitude towards life, I also loved her desire to do good, which ultimately fuelled her relationship with Matt. She saw someone hurting and wanted to help him. Her attraction for Matt wasn’t motivated by anything selfish. I honestly wish I could be more like that.
When it came to Matt, I appreciated that he didn’t completely follow the alpha male stereotype. I’m not one for muscled, dark, brooding heroes – my fiancé is a computer scientist, so he’s the pale, slightly skinny type who definitely doesn’t spend two hours in the gym every day. While I got a bit fed up with the descriptions of Matt’s toned figure or muscled chest, I did like the way that Becky handled his grief over the loss of his wife. Matt’s struggles with his past seemed realistic and his spiritual journey blended in nicely with his emotional difficulties. None of his actions seemed manufactured or forced to fit in with the romantic or faith aspects of the novel. On the other hand, I did find that Kate’s spiritual struggles at the end of the story didn’t quite fit with the vision I’d had of her throughout the novel. She seemed like a pretty firm Christian with a solid faith in God, so the changes that briefly occurred at the end of the book didn’t convince me. This part of Kate’s faith was also slightly glossed over and almost felt like it’d been thrown in to make a point, and definitely needed to be developed further to be truly believable.
Other than my slight qualms with Kate’s spiritual journey, I didn’t have any major issues with the plot of My Stubborn Heart. It was a fairly conventional storyline, but the quirky narrative style and realistic characters made me forget how many times this plot has been done before. The secondary characters of Kate’s grandmother and her friends definitely gave this novel some of its originality, and Velma in particular definitely got a few laughs out of me. However, there were a few, very minor plot details that niggled at me that I feel I should mention. I found it amusing the first time that Kate’s friend, Theresa, mentioned that she had a crush on Matt, but this was mentioned every time that Theresa appeared in the book and I found it a bit disconcerting that a married woman would make such a fuss over another man. It stopped being funny and ended up being a little bit sad. My other difficulties were with aspects of the story that I felt might alienate certain Christians; namely Kate taking yoga classes and celebrating Halloween. I know plenty of Christians who won’t participate in either activity, and for this reason I would have avoided mentioning either of them just to be on the safe side and not alienate any potential readers. I didn’t mind the yoga so much – it could easily have been aerobics or Zumba, considering how little it was mentioned – but I felt a little awkward during the Halloween scene, considering my personal convictions on the “holiday”.
Ultimately, my issues with My Stubborn Heart are fairly minor, and may even verge on nit-picking. It’s hard to rate a book from a genre I don’t normally read, but even I can tell that Becky Wade’s debut in the contemporary romance market is going to be a big hit with its usual readers. Becky has a strong voice that readers are going to love, and her novel is full of characters with well-developed personalities. This combination of factors grabbed me from the first page and made it very hard for me to put this book down. Contemporary romance won’t be taking the place of Amish fiction in my life, but it may have made a convert of me already. For that, My Stubborn Heart can take all the credit.
Review title provided by Bethany House.
PUBLISHER: BETHANY HOUSE
PUBLICATION DATE: MAY 01, 2012
RATING: 4.5 OUT OF 5 – EXCELLENT
PROS: Quirky, humorous style of writing; relatable heroine; realistic spiritual journeys; great supporting characters
CONS: A few minor details may irritate or alienate certain readers
Kate Donovan has been praying for her future husband since she was in the fourth grade, but now that she’s thirty-one and still single, she’s starting to wonder whether she should buy a couple of cats and be done with it. A trip to renovate the old family home, Chapel Bluff, in Pennsylvania with her grandmother provides Kate with a well-needed break from the monotony of everyday life. She’s looking forward to spending some quality time with Gran and having a look at the old antiques, buried inside Chapel Bluff. She’s not expecting that their building contractor would be the stunningly handsome Matt Jarreau, former NFL hockey legend. Matt gave up his sporting career when his wife died suddenly from brain cancer, and isn’t much of a talker. But Kate doesn’t give up easily, and soon Matt’s crawling out of his shell and participating in family meals and poker nights. Kate believes that her job in Redbud is done when Matt finally begins to discuss his wife and come to terms with moving on with his life. She certainly doesn’t think that her time spent with Matt could ever make it beyond the friend stage – but that’s just what happens. But as her time in Redbud draws to a close, Kate begins to question whether she was right in developing a relationship with Matt when he still has so many demons from his past that he needs to battle. Is there any hope for Kate and Matt, for a skinny social worker with a penchant for antiques and a former hockey legend with a lot of skeletons in the closet?
If you’ve read any of my other reviews, you’ll know that my usual forte is historical or Amish romance. While I ate up plenty of chick-lit novels in my teen years, I’ve never been one for straight-up contemporary romances. Perhaps it’s because I’ve occasionally mused over my own romantic experiences and thought, “Wow, my life would make an incredibly boring romance novel!” I’ve dated one guy in my entire life and nothing particularly exciting has happened in our relationship, and I actually hope that nothing novel-worthy happens once we’re married. Most people’s lives aren’t anything like a book, thankfully. But we all want something a bit more exciting when we escape into the world of fiction, and perhaps that’s why I prefer historical or Amish novels to contemporary ones – they’re nothing like my life. Thus I began My Stubborn Heart a little cautiously, unsure of what I was getting myself into.
My other worry with My Stubborn Heart – beside it being totally outside my comfort zone – was that I wouldn’t be able to relate to the heroine. After all, what has an almost-married, curvy (not quite Christina Hendricks, but my hips do like to compete) twenty-year-old university student got in common with a single, skinny thirty-one-year-old social worker? I always have this fear with older, single heroines that I’m not going to be able to relate to them in any way, but this fear was completely unfounded when it came to Kate. She may have had more life experience than me (except in the wedding planning department) but I immediately fell in love with her down-to-earth sense of humour and brutal honesty when it came to all things in life – the dress sense of her grandmother’s best friends, her angst over her bra size or her belief that man’s role on earth is to empty the rubbish bins. Young or old, I’m sure any woman will be able to appreciate Kate on some level. As well as her wonderful personality and attitude towards life, I also loved her desire to do good, which ultimately fuelled her relationship with Matt. She saw someone hurting and wanted to help him. Her attraction for Matt wasn’t motivated by anything selfish. I honestly wish I could be more like that.
When it came to Matt, I appreciated that he didn’t completely follow the alpha male stereotype. I’m not one for muscled, dark, brooding heroes – my fiancé is a computer scientist, so he’s the pale, slightly skinny type who definitely doesn’t spend two hours in the gym every day. While I got a bit fed up with the descriptions of Matt’s toned figure or muscled chest, I did like the way that Becky handled his grief over the loss of his wife. Matt’s struggles with his past seemed realistic and his spiritual journey blended in nicely with his emotional difficulties. None of his actions seemed manufactured or forced to fit in with the romantic or faith aspects of the novel. On the other hand, I did find that Kate’s spiritual struggles at the end of the story didn’t quite fit with the vision I’d had of her throughout the novel. She seemed like a pretty firm Christian with a solid faith in God, so the changes that briefly occurred at the end of the book didn’t convince me. This part of Kate’s faith was also slightly glossed over and almost felt like it’d been thrown in to make a point, and definitely needed to be developed further to be truly believable.
Other than my slight qualms with Kate’s spiritual journey, I didn’t have any major issues with the plot of My Stubborn Heart. It was a fairly conventional storyline, but the quirky narrative style and realistic characters made me forget how many times this plot has been done before. The secondary characters of Kate’s grandmother and her friends definitely gave this novel some of its originality, and Velma in particular definitely got a few laughs out of me. However, there were a few, very minor plot details that niggled at me that I feel I should mention. I found it amusing the first time that Kate’s friend, Theresa, mentioned that she had a crush on Matt, but this was mentioned every time that Theresa appeared in the book and I found it a bit disconcerting that a married woman would make such a fuss over another man. It stopped being funny and ended up being a little bit sad. My other difficulties were with aspects of the story that I felt might alienate certain Christians; namely Kate taking yoga classes and celebrating Halloween. I know plenty of Christians who won’t participate in either activity, and for this reason I would have avoided mentioning either of them just to be on the safe side and not alienate any potential readers. I didn’t mind the yoga so much – it could easily have been aerobics or Zumba, considering how little it was mentioned – but I felt a little awkward during the Halloween scene, considering my personal convictions on the “holiday”.
Ultimately, my issues with My Stubborn Heart are fairly minor, and may even verge on nit-picking. It’s hard to rate a book from a genre I don’t normally read, but even I can tell that Becky Wade’s debut in the contemporary romance market is going to be a big hit with its usual readers. Becky has a strong voice that readers are going to love, and her novel is full of characters with well-developed personalities. This combination of factors grabbed me from the first page and made it very hard for me to put this book down. Contemporary romance won’t be taking the place of Amish fiction in my life, but it may have made a convert of me already. For that, My Stubborn Heart can take all the credit.
Review title provided by Bethany House.
June 12, 2022
Great Christian romance read. Would love to see a sequel get written for this novel. It was so great, I didn't want the story to end. Would love to know what happened to their future as a married couple. Did he continue hockey or what? Did she get a job? Did they have kids? What happened to the Chapel and the house. So many questions about this book if it ever made a series out of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2013
On a three month respite from her job as a social worker, Kate Donovan journeys with her grandmother to Redbud, Pennsylvania to fix up an old family property. She's tired of living a single lifestyle, tired of waiting on Mr. Right, and done with dating hot guys. That makes their mysterious, recluse-of-a-contractor off limits, no matter what grandmother and friends, or her stubborn heart may wish. But the aura of tragedy Matt carries, coupled with the awful truth about his past, appeals to her inner-nurturer. Kate picks up the battering ram of friendly persistence and charges Matt's carefully constructed walls.
This was the first Contemporary Romance that has EVER kept me up reading all night. Which is interesting, because there was no adventure (other than the trip to Pennsylvania), no high stakes (hmmm, the hero and heroine's hearts??), and no nail-biting suspense. So what made this book so hard to put down? Great characters with great chemistry, and the magic created by stellar writing, the author's solid voice, and beautiful, beautiful humor. I'm as shocked as you are. Despite my belief to the contrary, it is possible to throw me a romance with a low-key, common plot and hook me to the point where I'm losing sleep to find out what happens next. Yep. Pigs really do fly.
So I should probably talk about these wonderful characters. Matt is another one of them tortured heros, but he just came together so well. Movie star looks, pro-athlete, and handy around the house, yet a recluse who's turned his back on enjoying life, comfortable with frozen dinners and isolation as it's brought him through grief. Intimidation is his weapon of choice, and he drives his Lamborghini Murcielago at illegal speeds when mad or scared. I guess he could have used a few more likes, dislikes, and quirks to his profile--especially when in his house--but I was so into the story that I never thought about it until after I'd finished.
Petite, but ruthless and mighty of heart, Kate is a fantastic character with an admirably close relationship with God and a wonderful sense of humor. An antique lover and home project junkie, her relaxed views on Yoga, Halloween, low-stakes poker games, and dating brought her to life and endeared her further, rather than administered the deathblow of disconnection. I love that she came from Dallas, Texas! :-)
My Stubborn Heart is every bit worth five stars, and I'm shelving it with favorites to re-read. Becky Wade has a new fan. :-)
This was the first Contemporary Romance that has EVER kept me up reading all night. Which is interesting, because there was no adventure (other than the trip to Pennsylvania), no high stakes (hmmm, the hero and heroine's hearts??), and no nail-biting suspense. So what made this book so hard to put down? Great characters with great chemistry, and the magic created by stellar writing, the author's solid voice, and beautiful, beautiful humor. I'm as shocked as you are. Despite my belief to the contrary, it is possible to throw me a romance with a low-key, common plot and hook me to the point where I'm losing sleep to find out what happens next. Yep. Pigs really do fly.
So I should probably talk about these wonderful characters. Matt is another one of them tortured heros, but he just came together so well. Movie star looks, pro-athlete, and handy around the house, yet a recluse who's turned his back on enjoying life, comfortable with frozen dinners and isolation as it's brought him through grief. Intimidation is his weapon of choice, and he drives his Lamborghini Murcielago at illegal speeds when mad or scared. I guess he could have used a few more likes, dislikes, and quirks to his profile--especially when in his house--but I was so into the story that I never thought about it until after I'd finished.
Petite, but ruthless and mighty of heart, Kate is a fantastic character with an admirably close relationship with God and a wonderful sense of humor. An antique lover and home project junkie, her relaxed views on Yoga, Halloween, low-stakes poker games, and dating brought her to life and endeared her further, rather than administered the deathblow of disconnection. I love that she came from Dallas, Texas! :-)
My Stubborn Heart is every bit worth five stars, and I'm shelving it with favorites to re-read. Becky Wade has a new fan. :-)
July 26, 2016
Well, another great Becky Wade contemporary romance! <My Stubborn Heart is another lively romance featuring a heroine who doesn't know how she attracts a larger than life hero, in this case: a world class hockey player.
I love Becky Wade voice. Her light but endearing touch. Her ability to charm us with characters such as Velma and Morty and make us believe in them and enjoy them.
If you're looking for a fun, sweet, insightful and touching read, THIS SWEET ROMANCE is for YOU!
I love Becky Wade voice. Her light but endearing touch. Her ability to charm us with characters such as Velma and Morty and make us believe in them and enjoy them.
If you're looking for a fun, sweet, insightful and touching read, THIS SWEET ROMANCE is for YOU!
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