Straight Reading from the Libary: A Change of Heart by Barbara Longley

A special thanks to Goddess Fish Promotions who provided The Library with A Change of Heart.  Leave a comment for a chance to win one of four $10 Amazon gift cards. You can see the other stops here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/09/review-tour-change-of-heart-by-barbara.html.

READ THE BLURB

Cory Marcel worked tirelessly over eight grueling years to develop a successful military career. After her commanding officer violently assaulted her, she lost everything—especially her trust in people. Despite the emotional damage threatening to sink her, Cory agrees to accept a new job at a furniture store in Perfect—a job that could offer the fragile brunette the chance to start over.

Ted Lovejoy cofounded Langford & Lovejoy Heritage Furniture, but lately he feels like an outsider in his own business. When he meets Cory, Ted realizes his company can do more than just build furniture—it can also help rebuild lives. He longs to help Cory recover from her pain, yet every time he gets too close to her heart, she pushes him away.

While Cory can’t resist her attraction to Ted, she fears the demons haunting her will drag down both of them. Could this kind, soft-spoken man help her finally bury the past…and unlock a future full of hope and happiness?

READ THE REVIEW

Ms. Longley has taken on a tough subject--Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and has brought us some wonderful characters. I love them all--and can hardly wait to read some of the other books in the series just so I can read more about these characters. 

Cory is not only fighting against the PTSD that she suffered, not as a result of enemy action but as a result of actions by someone she should have been able to trust.  I hurt for her as she was going through the pain that is part of healing in a case like this. And Ted... well, what's not to love about him?  

The supporting cast is just as important (and just as well-drawn) as the main characters and provide a wonderful framework for this story. These are people you want to hang out with and just enjoy. I so want to live in Perfect... because it is!  

Five Stars!! 

READ AN EXCERPT

“Too late. I crumbled months ago.” Cory’s jaw clenched. “I don’t know if I can do shopping, makeup or a regular job. All of that stuff you mentioned I did? It was fueled by rage. Rage was my sole reason for getting out of bed each day. It’s done. I’m out of momentum and reason.” She crossed her eyes and twirled her finger by her temple. “In more ways than one.”

“Then it’s time to find a new reason to get out of bed.” Brenda’s face took on a resolute, dogged expression. “You have a job interview tomorrow afternoon, and I’m here to make sure you look your best.”

“What? NO!” Her blood turned to ice water, chilling her to the sludge-filled center of her bones.

“Yep. Let’s go. Hup, hup.” Brenda pulled her up and pointed her toward home. “Right, left, right, left. March. You stink, and your hair is a greasy, stringy mess.”

“I like my hair this way.”

“No you don’t.” Brenda gave her a gentle nudge. “Ready or not, here comes your new life.”

“I’m not ready.” Panic sent her heart racing, tightening her chest and robbing her of breath. “I’m not ready, dammit.”

MEET THE AUTHOR

As a child, award-winning author Barbara Longley moved frequently, learning early on how to entertain herself with stories. Adulthood didn’t tame her peripatetic ways: she has lived on an Appalachian commune, taught on a Native American reservation, and traveled the country from coast to coast. After having children of her own, she decided to try staying put, choosing Minnesota as her home. By day, she puts her master’s degree in special education to use teaching elementary school. By night, she explores all things mythical, paranormal, and newsworthy, channeling what she learns into her writing. Barbara loves to hear from readers, and can be reached through her website: http://www.barbaralongley.com. You can also connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, or Goodreads.