Title: My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Imprint: Bethany House Publishers
Genre: Contemporary, Christian, Inspirational, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+
Review Copy Obtained from Publisher
Summary:
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?
The Review:
Becky Wade’s debut novel My Stubborn Heart is a heartwarming romance with a delightful cast of characters. It is a fabulous lesson in patience as Kate Donovan slowly slips past Matt Jarreau’s defenses and helps him rediscover his faith in God.
Kate Donovan is a wonderful and extremely likeable character. She is funny, smart and compassionate with a deep and abiding faith in God. Kate has a delightful relationship with her grandmother Beverly, and Beverly’s quirky yet loving group of friends. Although she is disappointed that her prayer for a husband has not yet been answered, she remains upbeat and optimistic and handles her dissatisfaction over her love life with self-deprecating humor that is laugh out loud funny. Kate is instantly smitten with their gorgeous yet brooding contractor, Matt Jarreau. Friendly and outgoing she persistently attempts to coax Matt out of his self-imposed exile.
Matt Jarreau has completely retreated from life. He walked away from a successful professional hockey career and shut himself off from his friends and family. He has lost his faith in God, and he is, in fact, quite angry with God. He slowly begins to open up to Kate and he reluctantly allows her to draw him into her circle of friends.
The relationship between Matt and Kate is slow growing and realistic. Matt has some very real obstacles to overcome and Kate shows tremendous strength in giving him the time and space he needs to work through his issues. Given the events of his past, his struggle with faith and his anger with God are understandable and his resolution of both felt natural.
My Stubborn Heart is an engaging story with genuine characters, a unique storyline and witty dialogue. Becky Wade beautifully demonstrates that patience is often the key to learning God’s answers to prayers. A wonderful book that I recommend to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance with a gentle undercurrent of faith.
