A Healing Heart by Melissa A. Hanson and a Giveaway

On a bitter cold winter night Bailey Walsh’s family was killed in a traffic accident. Two years later as she lives with her aunt and uncle in Southern California, Bailey is still plagued by the nightmares of that terrible night. Everywhere around her are reminders of what she lost. Even her aunt, in a cruel twist of fate, is not just her mom’s sister, but her identical twin. 

Babysitting Riley, a spunky two-year old, is a sweet distraction and one constant light in her life. One day as she takes Riley to the park she meets Collin McKenna, a senior at her high school and her life is changed forever as he helps her find herself and realize her life is worth living. As the romance between them grows her broken heart begins to heal. 

However, still nagging in the back of her conscious is the fear that her new found happiness could come crashing down and she could lose everything she loves, yet again. Outside forces begin to tear them apart and Bailey must learn to trust in herself and realize that she is worthy of happiness. That sometimes love and healing comes in unexpected forms. ~~ synopsis from Goodreads

My thoughts on A Healing Heart ~~ and come back tomorrow when Melissa talks about how A Healing Heart flowed from her head on to the keyboard.

This book grabbed me from the prologue, the first 2 pages of the book. The prologue sets up the basis of the story and recreates the car accident that wipes out Bailey's whole family. Her mom, dad, brother and sister, all gone. Just like that! How intense! 

Bailey then goes to live with her aunt, her mom's identical twin sister. Oh my, that must have been heartbreaking. To 'see' your mom everyday, but it's really not your mom. Just a reminder that she is not there anymore. 

One day at school Bailey runs into Colin. Literally. She runs into him in her hurry to get to class. And after that her life starts to change. That encounter starts a friendship that helps Bailey get through her dark days. Colin has his own demons and together they find happiness. But .... as in every relationship, they have their ups and downs. Oops!

I really loved A Healing Heart. Melissa does a wonderful job of portraying a teenager's life and the issues that they have to go through, complete with all the self-doubt and romance angst that everyone has suffered.

And did you notice the lovely necklace on the cover? I know I didn't until I was reading the story. It is so symbolic to what is happening to Bailey and Colin and it is such a gorgeous piece of jewelry. I want one!  

All in all, this is a beautiful story of 2 teenagers who find out that the other one is just what they need to heal their heart. How can you not love a story like that? I know I did!

I received a copy of A Healing Heart
from the author for my honest review.

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Melissa has generously offered to give away 2 e-books of
A Healing Heart. (Kindle, Nook or e-pub)

Thanks so much, Melissa! 

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