Title: Flipping Hearts
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: Hooper Island, book 1 (Independence Islands, book 13)
Major Themes: Renovation, Building, Romance
Synopsis: After a devastating hurricane, Bailey Barrett offered to help rebuilt Hooper Island…and as a result, Brooks nearly lost his job as well as his heart.
I first read Flipping Hearts as it was being written, a scene at a time, and actually never even read the ending. I was not very impressed with this book; it felt like one of Chautona Havig’s more “fluffy” books. When it was finally finished, I never got around to reading the whole thing again until this week. What do you suppose I thought of it when I was able to read the entire book in one go?
Brooks was employed by the island’s association, so he was the contact person when someone from a house renovating TV show called, asking to be allowed to help cleanup Hooper Island after a devastating hurricane. He reluctantly agreed—only to learn later that he had signed papers allowing them to film the process! With his job on the line and the population of the islands angry with him, not to mention the show host, Bailey, who blamed him for her assistant’s actions, what should he do?
Then things really started going south. One thing after another was sabotaged, from rafters to a trailer, as well as some much more serious things. Who was doing this—and why? Meanwhile, Brooks and Bailey were doing their best to stay enemies. What would it take for the two to admit they were attracted to each other?
I really liked some of the conversations between Brooks and Bailey. Bailey had only become a Christian recently, while Brooks was raised in a Christian home—but she said some things that challenged him, like the conversation about good versus bad in people. And then there is the line,
“But I hate the way we all act like we’re all superior about being in some ‘exclusive club’ while people out there are just doing their best, not knowing it isn’t enough.”
As Brooks felt, “Double ouch, Lord.” Then there was the discussion about being “grace blind.” I could relate! Ouch again. All this to say, I was wrong with my first impression of Flipping Hearts. This is a much deeper book than I thought at first glance. I ended up really liking this book. The mystery (who was sabotaging the job?) kept my interest focused on this story, and the interactions between characters seemed very natural. I really liked that the romance was only a small part of the story, near the end.
I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
No warnings!
Age levels:
Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
Book Depository: Paperback
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