Surrender of the Heart [Paperback]

Sally John (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Kendall O'Reilly, who prides herself on being the consummate fifth grade teacher, is perplexed that a new transfer student, Caitlin Zukowski, does not respond to her. When Caitlin's pastor father Jade visits the classroom, Kendall is shocked to learn Caitlin does not like her and does not want to return to the classroom at all. Determined to win Caitlin over, Kendall begins spending time with both the child and her father and soon grows to love both. Religion, though, remains an obstacle as Kendall doesn't have a firm belief in God, something Jade considers vital. Although readable, this lukewarm romance from John (Play the Sonata, LJ 11/15/98) is marred by predictable situations and cardboard characters. Libraries can safely pass.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 222 pages
• Publisher: Crossway Books; First Edition edition (March 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581340478
• ISBN-13: 978-1581340471
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,438,067 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sally John is the best-selling author of more than fifteen novels, including the Safe Harbor series (coauthored with Gary Smalley), The Other Way Home series, The Beach House series, and In a Heartbeat series. A three-time finalist for the Christy Award, Sally writes contemporary stories that offer hope to readers in their own relational and faith journeys. She enjoys teaching writing workshops and spending time with her husband, adult children, and grandchildren. An Illinois native, Sally and her husband, Tim, live in southern California. Visit her Web site at www.sally-john.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not too much fluff, some real issues., June 16, 2000

By 

R. Thrace (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Surrender of the Heart (Paperback)

This book was over-all a delightful contemporary romance with a reasonably interesting plot, and a surprisingly endearing heroine- Kendall O'Reilly is a fifth-grade teacher who opresses the pain from her painful childhood by dedicating herself entirely to her students. Her winning attitude and caring, compassionate ways win over many a child in her classroom.

However, when Jade Zukowski comes to Kendall claiming his young daughter, Cait, no longer enjoys coming to school because of her new teacher, it sets in motion a series of events that make up the story line. Ultmately Kendall's teaching position is threatened, and it's Jade, who, after seeing her for the gifted teacher she is, supports Kendall in her struggle to keep her life's work. As you might expect, both Jade, his daughter, and Jade's father grow close to Kendall thoughout the book, but the romance isn't easily come by, and the book will keep you turning pages to see if the main characters will be able to put their painful pasts behind them. As a whole, it was a worthy read. I admit when I first learned Kendall's nickname was "Pollyana", and well-deserved, I was tempted to stop reading for fear the heroine would be a bit to "cute" to stomach. Such was not the case. Kendall was a loveable, approachable character, making this book well worth your time.

5.0 out of 5 stars Surrender of the Heart, September 8, 2005

By 

Marlene T. Veeck "Marlene T. Veeck" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Surrender of the Heart (Paperback)

I have read all of Sally John's books, and I cannot say enough about her writing. She researches the occupations of the people she is writing about so that it is authentic, and the characters are so real you want to meet them. I am looking forward to her next books.