ISBN: 9781476779720
Publisher: Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books
Publication Date: 10/21/2014
Format: Other
My Rating: 4 Stars
Two childhood playmates grow into more than just friends in #1 New York Times bestselling author Jude Deveraux’s full-length romantic novel based on her short story of the same name.
In the hugely popular, New York Times bestseller A Holiday of Love, Jude Deveraux wrote a novella about two kids playing matchmakers—Eli and Chelsea, best friends who were determined to find true love for Eli’s bighearted mother. But what happens when these ambitious children grow up? What exactly made Eli’s mother, Miranda, fall in love with Frank all those years ago? And how does that affect their future together?
Eli and Chelsea lost touch with each other over the years, until Eli bought a house in his father’s hometown of Edilean, Virginia, and invited Chelsea for a visit. She had her own life, and was certain that a childhood friendship could be anything more, but she went nonetheless—and found herself quite unprepared for the changes she saw in Eli. And neither of them were prepared to run into a mystery, with a family that needed to be rescued. Now, just like when they were children, they must join together to straighten out a very big problem. The question is what happens after the mystery is solved; they are very different people—so can they stay together?
Combining love and passion with sweet, unexpected twists, and shedding new light on Miranda and Frank’s relationship, Change of Heart is an unforgettable addition to Deveraux’s classic bestselling novels.
My Review
A special thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley to an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jude Deveraux reunites two childhood friends in a magical holiday tale, A Change of Heart for a light hearted contemporary romance wtih a mix of historical fiction.
Wow, I have not read Jude Deveraux in years, (not sure why), when I saw this book on NetGalley requested it and approved. I recall devouring everything she wrote, as so enjoyed the Edilean Series, Montgomery/Taggart, and many stand alones.
No one can magically weave the past with the present (historical fiction with contemporary romance) like Deveraux, a master storyteller. Her books are enchanting and engaging, with intriguing settings, with mystery, colorful characters, and delightful adventurous romance. A Change of Heart is a nice reminder of her compelling and satisfying tales with a combination and continuation of both Montgomery/Taggart and Edilean (if you have read the others, will enjoy catching up with familiar characters).
Eli and Chelsea were a little different when they were growing up. When Eli was twelve he had an IQ over two-hundred. He was a nerd, a little different than most, and his best friend Chelsea, from a wealthy family, is also smart, rich and does not fit in. So the two became a dynamic duo, partners in crime, with many creative adventures and helping many along the way.
As they grow older Eli realizes he can get into any college; however, he cannot go, as there is no one to take care of his mom, Miranda. She has a heart of gold, a lovely woman. Eli’s father, Leslie deserted his wife and son to marry a younger woman.
So Eli and Chelsea look for a suitable husband for Miranda so Eli can pursue his education. When Eli’s friend, billionaire Franklin Taggert, breaks his arm, he goes into seclusion at his rustic mountain cabin. Of course, Eli thinks that Miranda would be the perfect nurse – a match!
In the present day, over twenty years later, Eli buys a house in Edilean, Virginia and invites his old friend Chelsea for a visit. Of course they both have their own busy lives. However, Eli has turned into a tall, good-looking man and Chelsea is a famous model jetsetting around the world, and returns home visiting with family.
Chelsea has not been in touch during these missed years, and Eli has never forgotten her. They both are playing cat and mouse games and Chelsea is bullied into going by her parents. They use all kinds of crazy games, as the two are different now; however, they find themselves wrapped up in a mystery, with a family who needs to be rescued, and possibly a little more as they find their way back to one another.
It was so nice to catch up with characters and reminder of what I have been missing! A mix of humor, romance, history, and surprises for some holiday magic.
