About the Book
Book: When Hearts Collide
Author: Sara Beth Williams
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Release Date: September 10, 2018
A reckless mistake landed Jacob “Jay” Mathews behind bars, but it was his inescapable guilt that led him to God. Upon his release, with the help of a spiritual mentor and friend, he strives to move forward with his life. Determined to graduate college, get a job, and follow God’s word, the last thing Jay needs or wants is a girlfriend. Until he meets Lacey Bennett.
When fervent prayers for reconciliation between her divorced parents go unanswered, and her older sister tragically dies, Lacey questions how God could allow such tragedies to befall her family. Turning her back on her past and God, she focuses on her future. College and theater are her ultimate goals; falling for the one type of guy she swore to avoid—a Christian—is not. No matter how much she wants to resist, Jay is irresistible.
As their relationship deepens, Jay struggles with Lacey’s unresolved anger and her unwillingness to even discuss faith. All he wants to do is reveal how God changed his life, but doing so would mean revealing his status as an ex convict. Finally, as she begins to rekindle her faith, past secrets collide, threatening to destroy everything they’ve built. Now, Jay must rely on his faith more than he ever has before. Can they learn to forgive—or is their relationship fractured beyond repair?
Click here to get your copy!
In My Opinion
Even though I figured out how the two characters’ pasts connected in the first couple chapters, I enjoyed reading When Hearts Collide.
Lacey and Jay have an instant connection, but their romance isn’t rushed. While they get to know each other, both of them hold large parts of themselves back—the parts that can tear them apart.
Sara Beth Williams shares a tale of grief, regret, and forgiveness with a cast of memorable characters. Even though at times predictable, Lacey and Jay’s journey is moving and uplifting. Plus, the faith element is front and center.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
About the Author
Sara Beth Williams is a wife, mother of two daughters, and temporary caretaker of a lovable old lady pit and a spunky Pomeranian-Shih Tzu mix. She lives in Northern California. When she’s not held hostage by the keyboard, she enjoys music, teaching, reading and spending time with her family. She is all about connecting with readers! Find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Bookbub and AllAuthor.
More from Sara Beth
I’d had the beginnings of the story that is When Hearts Collide, in my mind for many years after I graduated high school. There are a number of personal experiences both from high school and after, which have influenced this story. Attending a memorial service for a fellow high school student who died in a car accident heavily influenced the early drafts of my novel; however, over time the accident itself, and the surrounding circumstances morphed into something else entirely.
The more books I read, no matter the genre, the more I am drawn to authentic, broken characters, who long for (and hopefully achieve) a second chance – both in love and in life. This is the essence of When Hearts Collide. Both Lacey and Jay long for a second chance in many aspects of their lives.
One of the key components in my writing and storytelling is creating authentic characters who experience real life challenges while embarking on a journey of faith.
I hope you truly enjoy this story of romance, faith, forgiveness, and second chances.
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Sara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the winner’s choice of one of Sara’s books!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/10096/when-hearts-collide-celebration-tour-giveaway
Blog Stops
Visit the tour landing page to read more reviews and some interviews with the author.
Suzie, Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts.
This sounds like a terrific read.
As soon as I read the phrase “how the two characters’ pasts connected” in Suzie’s review, instantaneously, a theory popped into my head. Now I must find out if I’m right or not about the connection.
This sounds really good!
I appreciate getting to hear about your book. Thank you for sharing!
Sounds like a good one!
This book looks like it’s going to be a good one.
I love the cover and synopsis, this sounds like a must read for me. Thank you for sharing your review and the book and author details
Thank you for sharing!
I love second chances! Thanx for the giveaway!
Thanks for sharing Suzie! Sounds like a good contemporary story.