What the Heart Wants: 9 Months Later (Harlequin Superromance No. 1071) [Paperback]

Jean Brashear (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (July 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373710712
• ISBN-13: 978-0373710713
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #473,240 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

USAToday and Kindle bestselling author of 28 novels in romance and women's fiction, a three-time RITA finalist and Romantic Times BOOKReviews Career Achievement Award winner, Jean Brashear knows a lot about taking crazy chances. A lifelong avid reader, at the age of forty-five with no experience and no training, she decided to see if she could write a book. It was a wild leap that turned her whole life upside down, but she would tell you that though she's never been more terrified, she's never felt more exhilarated or more alive. She's an ardent proponent of not putting off your dreams until that elusive 'someday'--take that leap now.

What They're Saying about The Goddess of Fried Okra:

"Jean Brashear's distinctive storytelling voice instantly draws in the reader. She writes with warmth and emotional truth. The depth of her understanding of human nature marks her as a writer to watch, a writer to read and a writer to enjoy."~#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

"Jean Brashear's wholly original, funny and poignant novel has a heart as big as Texas. Told in a warm and intimate voice, it's like a road trip with your best friend. Don't miss it!" ~#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs

"Jean Brashear has that "it" factor. She is an incredibly talented writer who can hit every note with enough clarity to bring the reader tears, laughter, or just, "Oh, my, this is an amazing story." THE GODDESS OF FRIED OKRA is stunning, powerful and raw. Pea is on a journey to heal herself, and find herself--and you will want to go with her to find her dear, dead sister--I do." ~New York Times bestselling author Stella Cameron

"With characters full of heart...and vinegar, Jean Brashear takes us on a road trip through the back doors of modern life. And we get to read every hysterical marker on the way." ~ USAToday bestselling author Pamela Morsi

"THE GODDESS OF FRIED OKRA is a poignant journey of one woman's search for a place to belong. The characters are as delightful and engaging as can be found between the pages of a book, and the book itself is a road map to happiness - something for which everybody yearns." ~New York Times bestselling author Sharon Sala

"A wonderfully engaging story of one woman's search for self. Jean Brashear tugs on your heartstrings and won't let go." ~New York Times bestselling author Julia London

"THE GODDESS OF FRIED OKRA is a fabulous read. Riveting. Original. Those characters grabbed my imagination and didn't let go." ~New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Contradictions and possibilities -- Very highly recommended, July 6, 2002

By 

C. Penn "WordWeaving" (Greenville, SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What the Heart Wants: 9 Months Later (Harlequin Superromance No. 1071) (Paperback)

Ivy Parker abandoned her dreams when her unfaithful husband died and she lost her unborn child. Despite her longing for a traditional home and family, she recreates a family with what little it left to her - a ramshackle town and an elderly aunt. She dreams now of bringing new life to the dying town, but that requires an answer from the illusive owner of most of the town's buildings. Unfortunately, the owner seems to prefer to hiding behind an anonymous PO Box rather than making much needed repairs.

Ivy does not know her letters have been received and that Lincoln Galloway III comes to investigate the letter writer. His faded jeans and battered truck bespeak a kind of soul weariness that appeals to Ivy. When she offers his room and board in exchange for a bit of labor, Linc accepts, planning to use the job for a quick, covert examination of the properties that are all that remains of his brother's widow's assets. He does not intend to come to admire Ivy's spunk, or to enjoy her scent of cinnamon and flowers. Only too soon, however, Linc finds himself facing an impasse as he does not see a way to protect his sister-in-law's needs without destroying Ivy's dream.

Learning to listen to one's heart provides powerful motivation in Jean Brashear's WHAT THE HEART WANTS. Brashear captures these powerful motives and emotions with a graceful narrative rich in nuance. Impossibilities and contradictions lend powerful tension as Ivy struggles to rediscover her dreams and Linc struggles with self-forgiveness. Disillusionment with past dreams seems to warn the heart away, yet neither Ivy nor Linc seem to be able to resist the call of love -- or know quite what to do with it. Secondary characters, particularly the mature romance that evolves concerning Ivy's aunt, provide touching entertainment. Readers will eagerly look forward to the next installment of series concerning Ivy's sister Caroline in THE HEALER next year. WHAT THE HEART WANTS comes very highly recommended.