As a first-time reader of this author, I found this bittersweet tale of rediscovering love to be quite enjoyable. Despite their surface-level differences, Gemma and Dan's pasts are revealed to us through Eva Carter's thoughtful narrative, leading them both to realize that they may be meant for each other before it's too late. Though their lives initially appear straightforward, Gemma is still grappling with the loss of her husband just two years prior, while Dan is coming to terms with being a father to his daughter Casey after 12 years of absence. As their worlds become more complicated and collide in touching ways, I grew to appreciate both characters, particularly Gemma, who finds solace in her loyal canine companion, Bear. I wouldn't hesitate to read more from this author, love her writing style.

What a refreshing novel. I loved all of the complexity of the characters and how their stories are woven together. First, there's Dan and all of his dad issues. Then, Gemma and her loss and big, life-changing decisions. And sweet Casey who is so brave and strong. And even Angelica.... There's a few trigger elements here (Casey has a brain tumor, Angelica had a teenage pregnancy, Gemma's husband died within their first year of marriage, Dan's dad was emotionally abusive and then deserted him as a young teen). I love that each character not only found their own strength but was also instrumental in helping others with their own healing and emotional growth. I was rooting for each and every one of them and the ending of the book gave me all the warm feels. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

I absolutely adored this book. Gemma, a young widow is volunteering at a hospital where, young patient Casey is fighting a brain tumor. Her father, Dan who she has never met has this idyllic "musician" life. Casey's mom only contacted him because Casey needed a costly treatment in his city.

Gemma started volunteering after her husband passed away. From here, we meet Bear, a therapy dog that Gemma brings to the hospital once a week.

Dan and Gemma are both very complex characters. I really felt for Casey as this is something no child should have to endure. Of course we have Bear, who I adored. I think every hospital should have a therapy dog!
Along the way we get to hear the story from all the characters POV.

I absolutely adored this book.

REVIEW OF FIRST HALF OF BOOK:

DNF at about 50%- my first official DNF EVER, as I typically plan to come back at some point when I'm in the right mood for the story.

I think the premise was good, but at halfway through I did not connect with ANY of the characters and I think this was heavily centered on the MC attempting to get pregnant and going through IVF with the frozen samples from her late husband. Being childless/childfree- it is a very un-interesting and difficult topic to continue to read. AND the fact that she is attempting to form a bond with Dan without bringing up this situation is cat-fish territory and it's unnerving considering what she knows about him and his relationship with Casey.

Very disappointing unfortunately. I loved Bear though, little rascal!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Gemma is keeping secrets from Dan, conflicted that she is 'cheating' on Andrew since her spouse passed away. Dan is keeping secrets from everyone about his past, his family, and his home. This book is filled with so much hope while still being realistic about the uncertainties in life. The Author Eva Carter delicately explores the vulnerabilities of simply being human through the intertwining stories of Gemma, Dan, and Casey. My first time reading from this author, and I enjoyed the storyline.

I would recommend this book.

Gemma was living her best life and thought her world couldn't be any more perfect. Unfortunately, her husband became ill and died, leaving her devastated and alone with only her dog Bear. Dan has been the life of the party, but when his estranged daughter Casey reaches out and tells him she has a brain tumor and wants to come live with him during treatment, life takes a drastic turn. Fate reaches out and bites all three, bringing them together. But can their lives mesh, or is there just too much baggage between them all? I enjoyed this story a lot. I believe Bear and Casey were my favorite characters. Thank you, NetGalley and Random House, for the eARC. 4 stars

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

REVIEW TO FOLLOW.

Oh I loved this! Such a heartwarming story that made me just feel happy and cozy.
Don't let the sad themes deter you from reading. Would definitely recommend to those looking for a story about self growth and life after heart break.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy.

My heart was not as lonely as Gemma's when I read this book, but this was still the perfect story to fit my mood. It was heartbreaking, but also full of hope. 

There was a lot that happened in a short time in this book. However, I was able to keep up with everything and the story flowed well. I wholeheartedly felt Gemma's deep grief over losing her husband to cancer and her devastating tribulations that stemmed from her IVF journey. The excerpts from The Books Of Us were a sweet touch to the story and definitely left tears in my eyes. Meeting Dan and having an instant connection was unexpected, considering how deeply she was grieving, but I was more in love with Gemma's (and Bear's) care for Casey as she went through treatment for her brain tumor. Bear was an amazing character on his own and he definitely stole the show a couple times!

Overall, a very emotional book that I really enjoyed (and, without giving anything away, I loved the reveal of the final puzzle from Gemma's late husband!).

Owner of a Lonely Heart by Eva Carter is the story of Gemma, a young woman who lost her husband and is considering what to do with their stored embryos, and Dan a musician who is going to spend his summer with his daughter who needs a place to stay while undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. When Dan and Gemma meet, attraction flares, but can they both get past their baggage to move forward together?

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Owner of a Lonely Heart wasn't a quick read, but I still wanted to finish it. I enjoyed the different POVs and how you could see everyone grow, whether Dan growing to realize he had been limiting himself because of his past, Gemma growing and moving on, etc. I think we missed a wrap up with Gemma's sister Laura, but other than that, I really enjoyed this book.

Thanks for to Net Galley for an advance copy.

I wanted to like this book more than I actually did. It’s told from the perspective of three characters: Gemma, who lost her husband to cancer, Dan, who is meeting his daughter for the first time, and Casey, who has a brain tumor and is Dan’s daughter. What I did like was the alternating perspectives in this story. It wrapped up neatly in a little bow, and I liked the little tidbits from the book Andrew filled out for Gemma.

What I didn’t like: the miscommunication and communication overall. Angelica had no traits that made me sympathize with her. She was bitter and took it out on everyone, even her daughter. She believed in the worst of everyone, and only barely came around in the end. I hated her every time she was on the page. Dan wasn’t much better, he spent the whole book feeling sorry for himself. I liked the daughter best.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A well written novel about what it is like to decide to try and love again and move forward after tragedy. This was a good book and it keep my interested. Not your typical romantic read but it was an enjoyable story with well written and developed characters. I plan to check out her previous novel! Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was an emotional story but very heartwarming. I thoroughly enjoyed it. New beginnings.
Many thanks to Random House and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’d give “Owner of a Lonely Heart” by Eva Carter 5 stars! I really enjoyed the intertwining stories. The novel explored important themes like self acceptance, forgiveness, overcoming family traumas and second chances at love.

Owner of a Lonely Heart by Eva Carter is an interesting novel. With imperfect characters and great tragedies, this book is surprising and gut wrenching, full of emotion and great hope. This book was nothing like what I was expected but this quirky cast of broken people really captured my heart. I think readers of women's fiction or romance will be surprised to find out how much they love this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

As an avid reader, a lot of books meld together and become a common memory of reading. Cozy mysteries and romances often follow a standard pattern and are enjoyable to read, but not that memorable afterwards. Eva Carter's Owner of a Lonely Heart is an exception to that rule. Somehow, Carter uses the traditional tropes to create a romance that I am still thinking about after the last page. The story is told from three different points of view - a man, his 12 year old daughter who he has just met, and a woman. The characters are developed to a point that I want to know more about their relationships. Even though a happy ending is standard for the romance genre, the barriers to happiness seem realistic and not contrived as is often the case. In fact, I found myself thinking if they do not get together that I would honor that decision by the main characters. This received a rare five stars for a romance!

This was a heartbreaking, but then put your heart back together by the end kind of book. It felt like a big hug and I really enjoyed it. I loved the meet cute aspect to it and although the lack of communication throughout was a bit difficult to read through, it made sense for the story. I really liked all the characters. Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC.

This is a very unique story that really drew me in. Good writing and nice story setup. Gemma, Dan and Casey. Each person struggling to make sense of their families and trying to figure out where they fit in. Great story!

Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review. This was a great romcom read. I hoped that Casey’s tumor would get better and that Dan would admit to some truths earlier in the story. I don’t want to ruin the plot so I won’t say more. But pick up this book if you want a book that will leave you with a smile on your face!