Book Review: My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

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What is this book about?

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance, takes a leave of absence from her job as a social worker, and the two of them set off.

Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man her grandmother has hired to renovate the house. From the first moment she meets Matt, Kate can’t help but be attracted to him–he’s got a combination of good looks and charisma that draw and tug at her. But she knows there’s zero chance of a romance between them. Matt’s in love with his dead wife, and even if he weren’t, Kate realizes that she’s way too ordinary for him. For Matt Jarreau is no ordinary guy. Kate discovers that he was once a great NHL hockey player who left the sport when his wife–an honest-to-goodness former Miss America–was diagnosed with brain cancer. Matt’s been hiding from people, from God, and from his past ever since. Yet Kate is absolutely determined to befriend him, to try to reach him, to help him in some small way.

No, Kate’s not looking for love. She knows better than that by now. But 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?

My review:

I have been a longtime fan of this author’s stories so I’m not sure how I missed reading her debut novel. I am so glad that I rectified that circumstance. This was such a wonderful romance. Both Kate and Matt were definitely flawed characters but I found both of them so likeable, even Matt when he was being a bear.

First of all, I just loved Kate’s personality. It was fun, kind, and faithful. The fact that she annoyed Matt upon their first meeting just made me giggle. I really admired her relationship with God especially when she obeyed Him when she didn’t want to. I’m not sure I would have been so good. But she made me want to walk closer to God myself.

Matt was such a grumpy Gus when he shows up on the pages but as his backstory came out, it was understandable. And even in the midst of his self-imposed hermitness (yeah, I know it’s not a word, but it fits), he still had a kindness that snuck out of him.

Even the secondary characters were fun. The matchmaking attempts by Kate with the seniors had me smiling and shaking my head.

The romance was slow building and but there was a little bit of a sizzle and I’m pleased to say that I sighed out loud when I closed the book. What a good romance.

What I enjoyed most about this book:

The balance of sizzling chemistry and fun interactions.

What I didn’t like about this book:

Nothing. I can’t believe this is the author’s debut novel.

Would I recommend this book to others? You bet. Especially if you’ve read other books by this author. This had wonderful characters, great romantic chemistry, and general moments of fun. This is a standalone story.

Where can I learn more about this author and their books?

Becky Wade, author website

-Loraine Nunley

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