Book Review and eBook Giveaway: Gift of the Heart by Suzanne Barrett

This author writes reliably heartwarming stories.
Gift of the Heart

by Suzanne Barrett

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 295 KB
• Print Length: 65 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press (October 8, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005U53DKE

    Genre: Novella, Contemporary Romance
    My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
Amy Wilson struggles to make a home for herself and her small son in the Northern California town of Riverton. Widowed and alone, and saddled with debt from her husband’s failed business, she vows to pay off his creditors herself and remain independent from her overbearing in-laws.

Shay McHugh is dissatisfied with his life. At thirty-three, he has a home on the river which he has just remodeled, a white Porsche, a powerboat, and a position as manager of Riverton’s ValuKing Supermarket. But lately he finds life doesn’t offer the fulfillment he craves. Something is lacking. When he meets Amy, he has an overwhelming desire to protect her, which is exactly the thing Amy has been escaping. Can the two set aside their differences and make room for love?

Review: This is a sweet romance for a Christmas treat.
Amy is a loving and caring mother. She escaped her family to marry a man who charmed her until they were married. Then he revealed his true abusive and overbearing nature. Jonathan died three years before leaving her a pile of debt. At least she has her wonderful son, Josh. She has left her home town to get away from her critical and controlling parents and in-laws. On her way to start a new life with a friend her car gives out and she is stranded in the small town of Riverton.
Amy is lucky enough to find a friendly welcome in town with a waitress job and a small cabin.

 As she tries to settle in she meets
Shay McHugh is a well established business man who has a lovely but empty house. As he watches friends enjoying their families he begins to think something is missing in his own life. His attention is caught by the beautiful Amy and sweet little Josh.  It is apparent that Amy is struggling but she refuses to swallow her pride and accept help.

Slowly Shay charms his way into Amy and Josh’s lives.  Amy continues to resist having her independence and decisions controlled by anyone, even this wonderfully handsome and nice man.  Will Amy’s fear from her past prevent her from realizing a full loving relationship with Shay? Or will she be able to realize all that he is willing to share with her if she can give the ‘gift of her heart’?

These characters come alive as you root for them to get together. Josh is a sweet addition as a well behaved little boy with lots of little boy wishes.  The community is charming and quaint as small towns can be. The author adds in some traditions regarding Saint Lucia which added interest. Once again Ms. Barrett's smoothl writing portrays warm characters in a realistic and engaging situation. This novella makes a perfect quick read to slip in during the holiday season or anytime you want a heart lift.  

Thank you to Ms. Barrett for the book to read and review. She has graciously offered to give away an eBook copy to a lucky commenter.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

1.   Visit the author's website and tell me something you note of interest. Please leave your email address.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

* This contest  is Open Worldwide.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 23, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 24. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.