Be My Neat-Heart (Love Inspired #347) [Mass Market Paperback]

Judy Baer (Author)

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Steeple Hill (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373873670
• ISBN-13: 978-1601441959
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,583,808 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Judy was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people--either those she read about or those she made up in her head. Her most ambitious conjuring did not succeed, however. She kept a clean stall with fresh hay and oats for the horse she imagined would arrive. Unfortunately it didn't come, at least not until she was an adult. After she was unexpectedly given three horses, she bought even more and began raising foundation quarter horses.

She graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota with majors in English and education and a minor in religion. At the time, she was simply studying what interested her, but now realizes that she was educating herself for her future career as a Christian writer. Her first book was written with a toddler on her lap. Judy would type a few words and say "Now, Jennifer." He two year old daughter would hit the space bar so Judy could continue writing. It was't the fastest way to work but it was a very cozy time.

In 2001 Judy became a certified professional life coach. In 2008 Judy completed her Master's program. She studied in the areas of writing and coaching. Now certified in three coaching disciplines, Judy coaches primarily professional and aspiring writers. She is also a faculty advisor in the Department of Human Development at St. Mary's University in Minneapolis, MN. She is married, lives in Minnesota, has two daughters and three step children.

She is the author of more than 75 books. She grew up in rural North Dakota and has done many of the things her Hilltop characters experience.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adorably Funny!, May 23, 2006

By 

Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Be My Neat-Heart (Love Inspired #347) (Mass Market Paperback)

Samantha Smith, owner of Clutter Busters, is convinced that her job can kill. After all, it's dangerous when you open a cabinet door and a decade's accumulation of Tupperware falls on your head. But eliminate clutter is what Sammie does for a living--and she is convinced there isn't a man tidy enough to suit her.

When Jared Hamilton calls Samantha to help with clutter, Sammie isn't sure what to expect. After all, Jared seems even more perfect than she is...but then she discovers that Jared isn't looking for help for himself, but for his sister and business partner, Molly. Sammie is Molly's only hope--if Sammie can't straighten Molly up, Jared says that he'll fire Molly.

Samantha is convinced that Jared is the most heartless man around. How can anyone threaten to fire their own sister? But when love gets involved, Samantha believes that love is a very messy business.

Samantha is real, and I would love to be her friend. She has some really good ideas for busting clutter that I'd love to implement in my own home. Add to Samantha some really quirky friends and pets, and this book is a winner.

Be My Neat-Heart started dragging a bit toward the middle of the book, which disappointed me, but toward the end it picked up again. I would have liked for Molly, the secondary character, to have her own story instead of cramming it in with Samantha's, but it worked. Pick up Be My Neat-Heart at your favorite store.

You won't be disappointed. Discussion questions and a sample chapter from Judy's next book Norah's Ark (available September 2006) are included at the end.

Armchair Interviews says: Be My Neat-Heart is an adorably funny book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great "Love Inspired" romance, May 28, 2006

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Be My Neat-Heart (Love Inspired #347) (Mass Market Paperback)

Twenty-nine years old Samantha Smith has made a living out of her obsession for neatness. She is the queen of clutter busters and an anathema to the chaotic messes many people possess because for whatever reason they never toss or give away anything. Carver Advertising executive Ethan Carver hires Sam to organize his files before his new partner arrives next week. His friend Jared Hamilton tells him he is nuts to employ an organizer. However, Sam successfully completes the mission on time.

Jared and his partner his sister Molly are opposites as he is organized and she is clutter. When she misplaces key business papers, he heeds Ethan's advice and hires Sam to clean up the "poop". As Sam works on putting in order Molly's mess, she and Jared fall in love though he wonders how someone so efficiently organized could turn his ordered life into chaos.

BE MY NEAT-HEART is a great "Love Inspired" romance that amusingly yet poignantly focuses on the realistic issue of cluttering in and out of the office (trust me I understand Molly first hand). The lead pair is a terrific couple as he cannot comprehend why intelligent people need her consulting services and she wonders if she has found her clutter-free soulmate, but worries he will flee in terror once he meets her cat, dog, and sibling as pandemonium is their forte. Readers will appreciate this fine inspirational tale and look forward to Judy Baer's offbeat but welcome next story starring a woman who wonders whether you have hugged your iguana lately.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Romantic Comedy, April 17, 2007

By 

Stacey (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Be My Neat-Heart (Love Inspired #347) (Mass Market Paperback)

Sammi is a neatnick who makes her living as a "clutter buster". She is hired by fellow neatnick, Jared, to unclutter his sister, Molly. Sammi resents how Jared pressures his sister to change and how Molly not only takes it, but defends his behavior. Perfect recipe for a love story...

This is an incredibly entertaining read whether you're a neatnik or sloppy at heart. Judy Baer is a very gifted storyteller. She will have you laughing out loud.