Heartland (True North, #7)

by Sarina Bowen

[stacey_is_sassy]

I admit, I cried a time or two…

I’m in Australia and as you would know; the bushfires are really bad at the moment. People have died, been injured and lost their homes. A LOT of animals have died, and more will lose their lives and their habitat. There is even talk that some animals may become extinct. These are all things that are devastating.

BUT

They’re a step away from my reality. At the moment, I’m safely sitting in my house in suburbia with my air-conditioning keeping me cool. I feel guilty because my life is easy and I’m living my best life. Sure, I’ve donated my money to the cause, but it never feels like enough. People have died and I’m happily reading in comfort.

Reading Heartland gives me that same guilt for feeling happy in my life. Chastity’s character ran away from a cult that she was physically and mentally abused in. I know these things are happening out in the world and it’s devastating that we can’t stop it forever.

BUT

Again, they’re a step away from my reality.


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I did not mean for this to be a gloomy review because I really, really enjoyed reading Heartland. I absolutely loved the way Sarina Bowen brought Chastity to life for me. Her strength and courage were admirable showing resilience to move on from her horrible past. Dylan was also a character I came to love. Honestly, he was a little hard to take at first, but like most men, there was an underlying reason why he was a little shallow and self-absorbed.

Again, I’m going to be honest with you… I wasn’t sure I was in the mood for a New Adult – College when I first started. In true Sarina Bowen fashion, she changed my mind and within a few chapters, I was loving it. Yes, there was the nasty girlfriend, too much alcohol and recklessness, but the characters were a good bunch, generally. Dylan was all about the partying but still returned home early on Saturday morning to help on the farm. Dylan’s friends weren’t trying to lead him astray (he did that to himself) and were supportive when he needed their help. I loved that it wasn’t all about the partying.

One of my very favourite things was how the author shared some of Chastity’s past. We get details without having to go back and “live” them. I know how she got out of the cult, what she had survived while living there, and how she ended up in Vermont. That is exactly how I like my backstory told to me.

The love story between Chastity and Dylan was not an easy one. Unrequited love is hard to witness, and I shed a tear or two as Chastity struggled with her feelings for Dylan. At the same time, besides Dylan’s fear of commitment, he also must be careful with Chastity because of her past. Her sexual innocence, lack of knowledge, and the brainwashing she previously faced means every step must be carefully considered. Communication was paramount to their success and Chastity’s willingness to learn helped as well.

I love the True North series and Heartland was an excellent addition. I have a feeling I know who is up next and I can’t wait. I really, REALLY need to know about his past, her past and their past. Fingers crossed I’m correct.

Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.