January Featured Book #1...And a GIVEAWAY!
Before posting my review, here's a bit of background information from Belle.
Be sure to comment on this post, as one random person will be chosen to win this book! Please post your comment by January 15th to be entered into the drawing.
A Word from Belle...
One of the most important aspects of my childhood is
the fact that I grew up across the street from a public library. I grew up reading Harlequin romances from a
fairly early age. I was eleven or
twelve, I believe. I'm thankful that my parents, who were both in the medical
field, never discouraged me from reading romances. It was always my dream to be
a writer, although I had to live life a little bit before that dream became a
reality.
In 2012 I stumbled upon an opportunity to pitch a
manuscript to Love Inspired editor Emily Rodmell on the Harlequin community
forums. I signed up, then racked my
brain trying to come up with a compelling story. In creating that story I knew that I wanted
my heroine, Cassidy, to have done something that she just couldn't brush off
with a flick of the wrist. Enter the
character of Holly Lynch, the heroine's best friend, who was paralyzed after
the reckless driving accident in which Cassidy was the driver. I remember reading a real-life story where a
bride-to-be was paralyzed due to a friend pushing her into a pool. The woman ended up as a paraplegic due to
this rash but innocent act. The way in
which this real-life individual persevered and instantly forgave her friend was
so powerful to me. What would it be
like, I wondered, to be the woman who ended up in the wheelchair, with your
life changed so dramatically in an instant?
How could a person be so filled with forgiveness after her life was
forever altered? The very idea of it fascinated and humbled me.
Writing Holly's story was important for me, not only
as a writer, but as a human being. From
the moment Holly came into being I wanted her to have her own happy
ending. Sometimes characters get inside
our heads and our hearts until we have to tell their story. But writing a story featuring a paraplegic
comes with responsibility. In order to
portray Holly realistically it was imperative to do research. There was lots and lots of research about
nerve pain, medicine, physical therapy, wheelchairs, driving as a paraplegic,
and fertility issues. Holly is working
hard to get her life back after the accident.
At the same time she yearns to find love and wonders if it will ever
happen for her. As a plot device, I
thought it was important to have Dylan unaware of Holly's condition until he
shows up in Texas. When her disability
is front and center, he has no choice but to merge his idea of Holly with the
woman sitting before him in a wheelchair.
Being a paraplegic factors heavily into Holly's journey, but it doesn't
define her love story with Dylan.
Holly has a fighting spirit, a gentle heart, and a
forgiving soul. For readers, I hope they
find inspiration in Holly, her struggles, and her triumphs.
My Review...
HEART OF A SOLDIER – Belle Calhoune: Dylan Hart is
returning from Afghanistan and is excited to meet, and surprise, the pen pal
who helped him get through his deployment. Holly Lynch is surprised to see him
on her doorstep, especially as she neglected to tell him that she is in a
wheelchair. She even tries to hide her true identity from him, as she regrets
keeping the fact that she is a paraplegic secret. He feels hurt that she did
not trust him. Holly is a reminder of his past, which he hasn’t dealt with. When
he takes a job at her family’s ranch, Holly hopes she can repair their
relationship. Will Dylan be able to forgive her, or will he continue to keep
his distance? Holly is a strong, inspiring heroine who reminds the reader that
while life is not always easy, it is always worthwhile. Her perseverance is
encouraging. She faced a number of hurdles in her life, but did not allow them
to make her bitter. This heartwarming story will leave the reader both laughing
and crying. It is a keep that will
stay with you after the final page.
To Connect with Belle...
Belle Calhoune is the best-selling author of
contemporary inspirational romance novels.
Belle grew up in a small town in Massachusetts, one of five children.
One of the best things about her childhood was growing up across the street
from a public library and having a summer house in Cape Cod. Although her
mother was a Psychiatrist and her father a Biologist, Belle gravitated toward
literature and writing. Married to her college sweetheart, she is raising two
lovely daughters in Connecticut. A dog lover, she has one mini poodle and a
chocolate lab. Writing for the Love Inspired line is a dream come true. Working
at home in her pajamas is one of the best perks of the job.
Where you can find Belle:
