Change of Heart

A Seashell Cottage Book

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Pub Date 11 Jun 2019 | Archive Date 31 May 2019

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Description

Emerson “Em” Jordan always wanted a Valentine’s Day wedding. But after being dumped by her boyfriend, she spends the holiday at Seashell Cottage on the Gulf Coast of Florida with Devin Gerard, a family friend who has no interest in her or any other woman and is instead concentrating on his pediatric medical practice and continuing medical missions in Costa Rica.

Em, who’s always wanted a large family, doesn’t mind his disinterest. At thirty-two, she’s decided she doesn’t need a husband to have a child or to adopt one. First, she’s going to fulfill her dream of setting up her own landscape design business in upstate New York and has promised to continue to help run her grandmother’s flower shop.

It isn’t until Em and Devin become friends that Em realizes she might want more than friendship from him. But with his work in Miami and Costa Rica and her busy life in New York, it’s out of the question until something happens that changes everything, even a couple of hearts.

Emerson “Em” Jordan always wanted a Valentine’s Day wedding. But after being dumped by her boyfriend, she spends the holiday at Seashell Cottage on the Gulf Coast of Florida with Devin Gerard, a...


Available Editions

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ISBN 9781732749412
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Average rating from 34 members


Featured Reviews

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I would like to Thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC.

Such a sweet story.. lovable characters, predictable, but sweet. I read this story rather quickly as it kept me entertained.. love this type.. thank you.

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In Judith Keim's Change of Heart, Emerson Jordan is nursing a broken heart and decides to skip Valentines Day and heads to the Gulf coast of Florida. At the last minute, her friend decides not to make the trip with her. Devin Gerard is coming off a bad break up and he decides to spend his Valentines Day in Florida and they share the Seashell cottage. Thus begins a friendship that becomes much more. This is an enjoyable read and would make a great beach/summer read

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This book plays out like a movie in your mind. The writing is so vivid that you feel like you are there.. This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last. This was a very enjoyable book. Thank you Wild Quail Publishing (Book.Buzz.net) via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.. All opinions expressed are my own..

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This book had great life lessons for all ages. Occupations should be fulfilling and a chance to offer someone else a more enjoyable life. through your work. Love can be misleading yet should not be dismissed. Age and lost love do not preclude happiness. Family is the greatest gift. Great characters and an enjoyable read.

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Very interesting and light-hearted story. It is nice to something so lovely and that shows how great Judith is.

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As always Judith Keim's book is a great read. This is about EM who after her best friend hooks up with her ex , she doesn't have anyone to go to Seashell Cottage with until her sister fixes it so their friend Devin shares they cottage with her as friends and they both need a break.. Well after awhile you can see the relationship turning into more. I am not going to spoil it for you so I highly recommend this book. While in Miami you will note places that are in her other books.. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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It’s not often you find a sweet uplifting romance where the relationship is built over a length of time rather than moments. I adored this book and how the relationship between the characters developed over time it was such a breath of fresh air.

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A HEA (Happy Ever After).

Emerson Jordan, "Em" has been dreaming of a Valentine's Day wedding her entire life. After a break-up, moving back to her hometown of Ellentown from NYC has 31 year old Emerson determined to make a success of her plans to own a landscaping design company. The close-knit Jordan family support each other.
When Em shares Seashell Cottage with an equally determined and focused doctor, neither will consider attraction they feel for each other. Friendship grows as Em & Devin talk & text their daily lives.

A stead plot and a well-written story. This feels like a second book in a series though it stands alone perfectly. I am going to look into reading previous stories in this series and add it to my'following' list.

Thanks to Wild Quail Publishing (through Book Buzz and Net Galley) for allowing me access to an ARC.

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Change of Heart A Seashell Cottage Book by Judith Keim
Did not read the first book in the series and do not feel as if I missed anything.
Start with other works by the author, adult and children's. Praise for works are included.
Dedication is also included.
Emerson Jordan is a woman at her sister's wedding. Jared had broken off their engagement just a few days ago.
She works at the family's flower shop. Her dating troubles and her friends she hopes to rent the cottage in FL or just get away from Valentine's Day festivities. Until she learns her friend is in love with her ex fiancée.
Her sister gets another to share the cottage-the best man at her wedding-no attachments, no pressure. They each have a good time and are able to talk and learn about one another.
She wants a child-he missions at South American countries... she returns to start up her landscaping business in upstate NY while also running her grandmother's flower shop. She has to hire others so she can keep up with her business as she's just moved into her own condo.
Scary when she's there by herself before others move in. Love the 5 things one needs to protect themselves. So helpful information.
He arrives at the flower shop and they are able to talk more. Like how the story also follows her sister who's just delivered a baby, her parents are nearby and her grandmother has health concerns and maybe a new romance in her life.
Seems like a lot of characters but is easy to keep track of everyone. Love learning about the flower and landscaping businesses.
Just when you think the story is about over it's only just begun. so much more to come.
So many twists and turns and surprises. Excerpt from the next book in the series is included.
About the author and acknowledgements is included at the end.
Received this review copy from Wild Quail Publishing via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#ChangeOfHeart #NetGalley

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Em had her heart set on a Valentine Day's wedding and was expecting to be asked to marry her current boyfriend, when he told her it just wasn't working for him. Her heart was broken. .....again. She returned home to work in her grandmother's flower shop while dreaming of establishing her own landscape business.
She didn't want to be home over Valentine's Day so she and a friend made plans to rent a place in Florida . Then her friend reneged. Em decided to go alone.Her sister said she knew some one who needed to mend his heart, too. He would help share the expense of renting the cottage. .Both taking time to mend emotionally. Neither was interested in any romance. Well,. you know how that goes.. Enjoy!

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Another lovely romance from Keim. She seems to specialize in great beach reads for the over 30 romance lover., and this is a very good addition to the group.

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This was my first book by Judith Keim and it will not be the last! This book was fun, sexy, and delightful read you will not want to put down!

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CHANGE OF HEART is a Romance that will leave you with all the “feels” required, a smile on your face, and a satisfying reading experience. Em and Devin are the perfect friends-to-lovers couple who start out their relationship a bit wary of each other, learning to like and respect the chosen path of the other, and through conversations build on their friendship that slowly turns to so much more – with complications.

I liked them both and understood their reasons for not only being cautious around each other but why they eventually moved from simply friends to a couple that could have a future if they were willing to put in the effort to make that happen. It’s realistic with heartache, betrayal, recovery and a sense of waiting for the right one after the wrong people messed with their lives and hearts.

The cover description really gives you the basics of what you need to pick up CHANGE OF HEART, and I would recommend this one for any reader who loves a good, believable, slow-burn romance with lots of family and friendships to share. I had fun with this one and I believe you would, too.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

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This is the second book I’ve read by Judith Keim. I enjoyed the first one so much, I eagerly accepted a chance to read and review Change of Heart when the offer came from the publisher, via Net-Galley. My opinions are my own are not influenced in any way.

Change of Heart has likable characters and an interesting plot. The pacing is steady, keeping me engaged throughout the book. I like Ms. Keim’s writing style, and the story developed logically with most of the book evolving around the heroine, and her life choices, making this a lovely women’s fiction with a romantic element.

Emerson Jordan’s character has been disappointed in love when her boyfriend ends their relationship at a wedding reception, when she is expecting a proposal. She believes romance is not for her and decides to focus on building her career. She is determined to start her own landscape design business, yet still help her grandmother with her flower shop. Em is extremely organized which is important because she has a lot the handle.

I loved the relationship between Em and her grandmother, which added a great deal to the book. I enjoyed Em’s fulfillment of her dream to have her landscaping design business. She’s an independent woman and doesn’t need a man in her life. Even though she is attracted to Devin, she keeps him in the friend category until she can no longer deny the growing attraction between them.

Devin Gerrard is the hero. He too, is focused on his career as a pediatric doctor and his work in Costa Rica. He has a genuine love for children. This comes out when he interacts with several delightful little girls in the story. When he meets Em, he’s relieved she is no more interested in romance then he is. It makes it easy for him to relax and enjoy her company, which helps their friendship develop into a strong one.

The romance is secondary to the plot. Em and Devin do not spend much time together, so it was hard to get excited about a happy ending for them. Their romance really only happens toward the end and there just wasn’t enough for me. Everything comes together really fast. The dilemma that would make it impossible for them, resolves much too easily. However, since this is women’s fiction, I didn’t expect a lot of romance.

Overall, I enjoyed Change of Heart. If you enjoy women’s fiction with a determined woman and don’t need much in the romance department, then you will enjoy this book. I look forward to reading Ms. Keim’s next book. Happy reading!

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I really got into this story. It was all about family. Yet, I just wished that Emmerson just would have stood back and not allowed her family to take advantage of her. Devin did the same too in a way.
Which is in a way asking her something and then asking her to decide quickly. I just felt with their friendship being so long and drawn out it just seemed so out of character.
But when they were around each other they were so connected without even touching. The looks they gave each other could start a forest fire. Their long talks sometimes daily were enough to keep them connected living so far away. It was the glue bonding them.
See how this friendship finds its way into much more. Although I enjoyed the book, I just had a problem with how Em was not willing to ask for help. Not willing to at least from her family. Also, Devin liking things his way always.
But I guess it was asking her sister for help that got her the roommate to stay with her at the beach house in the first place. In the long run, having that horrible break up on the 4th of July ended up being the best thing that ever happened to her. Valentine’s Day their own private way.
I give this: 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.

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I loved everything about this book from the name of the story and cover picture to all the characters. I am delighted to have found another author to add to my favorites list! Excellent.

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Love, love, love this story and the characters in it. They have to deal with happy times and sad times. Life makes them who they are. There are strong family ties and there are folks who evidently have no loyalty. I would love to make a trip to Seashell Cottage. It sounds pretty perfect. I truly enjoyed hanging with Em and crew. It was fun to see some of the changes that takes place in these folk’s lives. In my mind there will be many more good times to come. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

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Emerson/Em was taking part in her sister’s wedding . the dreamy hadn’t proposed to her yet, but she was pretty sure he would. Then she woke up and remembered her boyfriend Jared broke up with hre . for the next few weeks Em continued to work at the family flower shop. But she barely functioned. Luckily Jared lived in NYC. an hour away as Em couldn’t bear to see him. As the holidays approached Em fell into a deep depression She had no intentions of dating yet. The holidays were a hard time to be alone. She was struggling trying to be more positive about her life. Her sister Elena suggested she go to Seashell cottage for Valentine’s day. Em thought that would be a great break for her. Em added she thought she could get Kat - friend- to go with her as she was also single again and depressed. Kat finally called Em and said she had good and bad news, she was with a guy already talking marriage and a future, the bad news was it was Jared. They met up at a new year’s Eve party they had both been invited too. And everything clicked between them. Jared claimed he felt the same way about kat as she did about him. Kay said she’d pay the cancelation fees for the Cottage in Florida but em told her to never mind as she was still going. After Kat again repeated she was sorry she hung up. The man who had broke her heart was talking about a future with her friend Kat. Than Elena called and said she had the perfect person to share the cottage with Em. He had been the best man at her wedding- Devin. Devin and his girlfriend had broke up a year ago and he had no intention of letting any woman destroy what he had worked so hard for. He had just come from six months in Costa Rica and is exhausted. Elena and brought up the cottage. But he wasn’t so excited when he found out he’d be sharing the cottage with Em. The elena added the cottage was big enough for the two of them won't be in each other's way. Devin is married to his work. He is a doctor like Em’s brother in law Andrew. He’d been working to establish clinics for children in third world countries and improve overall health care for the children and their families. Em became friend with Devin but she was also attracted to devin and had to be careful she didn’t imagine them together. Devin and Em became best friends and talked on the phone often. He was also looking into a child Em could adopt.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a slow burning romance. I loved devin and em together and how they interacted. I loved Em’s future little girl and evin had already adopted her. I really enjoyed how the relationship built over time but i thought the proposal a little rushed love had never been brought up or a future together. Devin was pretty sure of Em already setting up going into practice in her hometown. But it was all good just a little rushed to me. This was a touch predictable also but that was OK. I loved how close Em was to her family, especially her grandmother. . Also how Em took her responsibilities to her family seriously. I really liked Em followed through and started her own business but made sure her grandmother's flower shop was also being taken care of. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.

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