Cover Image: Heart of Mine

Heart of Mine

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Another five star read from Caroline Fyffe. For me she's three for three in the Colorado Hearts series. Heart of Mine , the third book in the series, sucked me in immediately. I was back with the Brinkman sisters in Eden, Colorado, watching them go about their business in the businesses they own that they inherited from their father, and making their mark once again. This is Emma's story and though she doesn't believe in love and plans to never marry she still gets sucked in by Beranger, an Englishman now living in the United States, who will help them get their mine going. Watching their interactions were sometimes funny and sometimes sad, especially when they both didn't express their feelings very well, if at all. They shared a bond as friends or is it more? I love how Beranger, a loner, opened up to Emma and confided in her telling her things she hadn't told anyone else.

The story is placed in one of my favorite historical settings - the settling of the West. This story is filled with family and friends and you could feel the love they have for each other. Set in Santa Fe and Colorado in the late 1800's I could feel the affection others have for them as well - Belle's husband, Blake and Lavinia's intended, Rhett, along with the sheriff, Clint and his son and many others. As we travel to New Mexico and then back to Colorado, the descriptions were vivid and I felt that I was there. There were many different story lines that twisted and turned but seamlessly came together. I loved how we were given reminders of what's taken place in the previous books in case you haven't read them yet. The story flowed smoothly and the characters had a depth to them as we get to know them better through their thoughts and actions. There are some surprises along the way but nice closure even though there are other stories to tell. There were also several happily ever afters that I can't wait to see play out in the future.

Fyffe has become one of my go to authors of Western historicals. She weaves emotional tales that have characters I want to spend more time with. I can't wait to see what she pens next.

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Emma Brinkman, along with her four sisters, have inherited a ranch and an unused mine. They hire Beranger North, well known in the mining business, to help them determine if the mine is worth trying to open. Emma and Beranger are attracted to each other, but Emma is set on not falling in love and having her heart broken.

Beranger is attracted to Emma, but she is set on not falling in love as she doesn’t want her heart broken thinking once they have the mine up and running, Beranger will leave town and break her heart. How can he convince her that he won’t leave? He’s had a rough life and knows what it’s like to go through heart break.

I enjoyed seeing Emma and Beranger fall in love and realize they were meant for each other. I did feel though that there were too many other stories being told which took away from Emma and Beranger’s story. For me, they were a distraction.

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I love this series set in Eden, a small town in Colorado during the gold rush. Five sisters from Philadelphia inherited several businesses and a ranch in Eden from a father they hardly knew. While this book tells Emma, the middle sister's, story, the other sisters that we know from the first two books, play major roles in this book also. The atmosphere and flavor of historical Colorado (my home state) feel authentic, and the story about learning to love again after a failed relationship is engaging. Ms. Fyffe proves that it is possible to write a delightful romance novel without explicit sex. I will recommend this novel, as well as the series, to my friends that like stories from the old west and clean romance.

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I love this series set in Eden, a small town in Colorado during the gold rush. Five sisters from Philadelphia inherited several businesses and a ranch in Eden from a father they hardly knew. While this book tells Emma, the middle sister's, story, the other sisters that we know from the first two books, play major roles in this book also. The atmosphere and flavor of historical Colorado (my home state) feel authentic, and the story about learning to love again after a failed relationship is engaging. Ms. Fyffe proves that it is possible to write a delightful romance novel without explicit sex. I will recommend this novel, as well as the series, to my friends that like stories from the old west and clean romance.

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Emma Brinkman is one of five Brinkman sisters who settled in Eden, Colorado, following the death of their father. She has given up on love and is cynical about the possibility of true love. Even though her sisters have found love, some have been hurt and she chooses not to open her heart to the possibility of heartache. Then she travels to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and meets Beranger North, a notorious womanizer, or so she has been told. As she gets to know Beranger better on their return trip to Eden, she realizes he is not the man she had once thought. He was more but she still wasn't sure it was worth the risk to her heart.

Beranger was the illegitimate son of a duke from England. He had run away to America to get away from a stepmother who was determined to send him away. Beranger had one green eye and one blue eye that she was convinced showed he was cursed. Once in America, Beranger became a mining expert and the five Brinkman sisters wanted his expertise to help develop the mine on their property.

He was captivated by Emma but moved slowly as to not scare her off. Was it possible that he could win her heart or did he want to open himself up to the pain of a broken heart?

This was another wonderful book by Caroline Fyffe. She is a fabulous author who writes sweet and clean romance. This series comes with a bit of suspense and further development of the story of the Brinkman sisters. I look forward to more so I can find out of Mavis and Katie find true love in Eden.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

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A well written historical romance. I enjoyed the plot, setting and the author’s writing. I recommend this book to fans of historical romance.

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Sandy M’s review of Heart of Mine (Colorado Hearts, Book 3) by Caroline Fyffe
Historical Romance published by Montlake Romance 26 Feb 19

Caroline Fyffe takes readers back to Eden, Colorado in this third book in the series. Emma is the Brinkman sister now in the forefront. She’s the one who doesn’t trust as easily and feels she’ll never have love. She has her reasons. But fate is about to put a mountain in front of her, causing her to look deep so she can grab for the life she never thought she’d have.

That mountain she has to get around is Beranger North, a British transplant, son of a duke, and now a wealthy man in his own right in America. They meet up in Santa Fe where Emma, her sister and brother-in-law, and a sweet orphan whom Emma has to leave with her forever family. Emma and her lack of faith in people has her believing the worst of Beranger when they come face to face, though she doesn’t know who he is at first. When they are finally introduced, she’s not sure she wants him in Eden and working with her family.

I really love Beranger. I like that throughout the story we see the vulnerabilities of the little boy who so desperately tried but couldn’t keep his father’s love over the new family who took his place, despite all his confidence and success he now holds. I also like that he’s the first two acknowledge his feelings for Emma and believes she’s worth the effort to fight for the life he wants with her. And fight he does, because Emma gives him no quarter for a good part of the book. But he’s patient and steadfast, and those qualities, among a few of his others, will win the day. Emma had better watch out.

Of course, Beranger’s past comes calling, handing them both more conflict to get through. But with each other, with family, and with townsfolk who are like family, they can get through anything as long as they’re together – even though we and Emma may doubt that for a few pages. It’s nice to get caught up with the rest of the Brinkman sisters. Young Katie is having a difficult time, and I’m curious how Ms. Fyffe is going to bring her story together and with whom. I haven’t decided if the current beau is one who deserves her. So in a way I’m hoping Ms. Fyffe really surprises me in that upcoming book.

This is a wonderfully written addition to the Colorado Hearts series. In fact, I believe it’s my favorite so far.

Grade: B+

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How to trust when you have only been let down? Emma and her sisters inherited from their father a farm, mine and they all run several businesses in Eden, Colorado. Emma runs the General Store and has been hurt in the past and just does not trust love. But when the family hires Beranger to be their mine foreman, things might change.
Beranger had come from England to the American west to make his fortune and through his work became very successful. He has really been unsettled though and when he meets Emma, his thoughts go to settling down in Eden. But there are some things going on around town that could change everything and hurt those he cares about. Can he convince Eden his feelings are real and she has his heart?
Just as everything starts to settle down, the past comes back to haunt him and everything could change in a heartbeat. Can these two find there happy ever after?
Loved this story and will go back and read the others in this series. It grabbed me from page one until the very end.

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The book immediately did grab my attention and interest but almost half way into the book I was getting distracted from the main story line by all the other characters and subplots. This is the first book in this series that I have read. Although I didn’t know the history of what had been happening in the previous two books, everything was explained enough that I would call this a stand alone book. That being said, this series is more like a Western Family Saga in my opinion. It seemed like at least 50% of the book was from the POV of other characters than the main two of this book. So there were a lot of other stories going on and it did not exclusively focus on Emma and Beranger’s romance. Plus a lot of the scenes and action that I was interested in and wanted to read about ended up taking place off page as the timeline jumps a day or a week or couple of weeks ahead. The book really puts you in the middle of this little western community Colorado and involved in everyone’s life. It’s not my cup of tea but if it’s yours then I would start with the first of the series and go from there. I found the book to be well written and organized well for all the action and characters that were in the story. 3-1/2 stars.

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What an interesting addition to this lovely series. The story line is full of doubt, anticipation, learning, surprises and growing love. The characters are wonderful, with great interactions throughout. Found I couldn't put this book down. Terrific author, great read, don't miss out!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.

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This is the third book in the Colorado Hearts series and I must say it was a terrific addition to the series. This book can be read as a stand alone novel but I think it works much better if you've read the previous books since the books all take place in a relatively short time period and build on one another. While this is primarily Emma's story, the lives of all of the sisters are featured in this story, which makes me want to continue the series if only to find out what happens with the remaining sisters and the rest of Eden. Caroline Fyffe has written a wonderful western romance that pulled me into the story almost immediately.

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As always a book from Caroline is a book of love.... It is Great ...Fabulous...Heartwarming...Page after page makes you want to be best friends with the story characters and Caroline Fyffe too...xo,Snowhugs

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I love this amazing series. This is Emma and Berangers story. Emma had to overcome her doubts and fears before she lost the one thing that she thought that she wold never have, love. Beranger loved Emma but, he didn't know how to prove to her that it would be a lasting love. This is a heartwarming story with wonderful characters. I also loved catching up with characters from the previous books. I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series.

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As soon as the Brinkmans hired Beranger (what a name!) I knew what was going to happen and I was totally there for it. The Brinkman sisters inherited a farm, a mine, and run multiple businesses in small town Eden, Colorado. Emma, who has the general store and seems to be the strongest willed of the lot, fights every bit of instinct that tells her Beranger, who is there to help with the mine, is a good guy. Hah! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good romantic read. I had not read the first two books but was perfectly happy with this as a standalone.

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Five sisters inherited a large ranch and several businesses in Eden, Colorado. They had lived a life of poverty in the East assuming their father didn’t want them. Each book in this series is an adventure with twists, turns and romance tossed in the midst of these young women. Emma had one of the businesses in town, lived on the ranch with her siblings and wondered if love would come into her life. Would she find someone special as she traveled to Santa Fe on mining business; would this man Berenger, the mine expert, be a rake or honorable; could she trust any man to not break her heart? These questions are the story-line and I loved it. I will say that I was totally astounded by the ending of the book. It’s a wonderful read.

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We are back in Eden, Colorado to visit with the Brinkman sisters to see what new adventures they are getting into. Heart of Mine is book 3 in this series and it definitely continues in line with the wonderful stories of the first two books. The plot pulls you in as you open the book on page 1 and keeps you drawn in until the last page. I already knew Emma Brinkman from the first two books and loved her character. As part of the inheritance from their father the girls have different businesses in town, one being a mineral mine. The family hires Beranger North an expert in all things concerning mines to help see if the mine is going to be worth opening and mining. While the family thinks Beranger would be a good fit for Emma, she has vowed to never fall in love.

This author has such a talent putting together a story with characters that pull you in right at the beginning of the story, where you can’t help but laugh, cry and cheer when things come together. These sisters are all very strong women, are loyal to each other and never give up no matter what situation comes their way. I felt like I was visiting old friends and meeting new ones on this visit back to Eden. I loved Beranger’s character and my heart hurt at the things that had happened to him in his early life but he didn’t let it beat him. He found a way to make something good with his life.

I definitely love stories that are beautifully wrapped around families and the strength that comes from a strong, loving family. The Brinkman sisters never let anything get in the way of what they want to make happen. Heart of Mine has a strong plot with great characters, a bit of fun and laughter, a sexy hero and it all comes together quite nicely in the end. Another hit for this author. I can’t wait for the next story for this family. I received an ARC from Netgally for an honest review.

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Emma's story is one of learning how to trust. It doesn't come easily to her and I could relate to that. Beranger's past has been difficult but he has risen above it to accomplish so much. The chemistry between the two is fun to observe. I also adore watching the Brinkman sisters together and how they overcome hard things. I did think there were a few too many side plots going on at once in this story though. The ending was well worth the wait. Berenger is simply perfect for Emma handles her fears beautifully. I can't wait to see which sister gets her story next! I have grown to love so many characters in this town.

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Another wonderful trip into good 'ol western romance! Ms. Fyffe is quickly becoming my go-to author anytime I want a sweet, clean but highly entertaining historical!

In this installment of the Colorado Hearts series, we follow Emma (the sister who manages the general store in Eden) as she travels to find, sell and purchase more clothing etc. and to accompany an orphan to her new home. Along the way she meets Baranger North, an illegitimate son of an English Duke and a very successful, self-made man in America.

I did have a hard time with Emma's character throughout the book. She was extremely judgemental and bordered on just plain nasty to Beranger - all because of gossip she heard. Because of this, I was never able to connect with her in a way that made me really feel she deserved the wonderful man that Beranger had made himself into. As the story progressed, she did soften but even then, she never let him know. Until, of course, there was no other choice.

I also felt there was a bit too much time taken up with the other sister's - especially Mavis's - storylines. I would have preferred more time given to actually watching the relationship with Emma and North evolve while the sisters stayed secondary with just hints until their books came about. (Although I cannot WAIT to read Katie's story!!!)

Still, the overall story was delightful to read. The writing flows beautifully and ends in a very sigh-worthy way. So, for entertainment value alone, this stays a 4 star read for me..

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The feels in this book y'all! So many! I was hooked from page one and it kept me excited to the last page. These sisters and the community have really captured my heart. I love the stories inside the story, how everything entertwined so beautifully. The feelings are so raw, so real I was enthralled by the words. Caroline Fyffe has such a wonderful gift!

Each sister has her struggles and Emma is no exception. She doesn't believe in love. Or rather love standing the test of time. She believes it fickle. After hearing about her loves getting married she refuses to feel that heartbreak again. And she will do everything in her power to prove herself right.

Beranger has been restless since arriving from England years ago. But after seeing Emma he may be feeling like settling down. Especially since he's going to be their mine foreman. After spending time with her on the stage he grows fond of her even more, and he hopes she feels the same.

There is no place like Eden, and no place like home. But Emma feels unlike herself. She has gotten used to Beranger and misses him. But that's not love, that's friendship isn't it? After a long night under the stars with him in his arms, and in his words a proper kiss, things begin to change.

The town is as beautiful as Emma said. And just as friendly. But some seedy things are going on that threaten everyone Beranger has come to care about. Will he be able to help bring peace back to town and calm his heart? Emma has grown to be everything to him. Can he make her believe his love will never end?

Just as Emma is ready to proclaim her love, his past comes calling with news that could change his life forever. And hers as well. Will she profess her love or will she be proven right, that love always leaves? Will Beranger take what is his and leave Emma or will love finally prove itself steadfast?
Can't wait for the next one!!

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What a wonderful story!

I love the characters in this book...Not just the five sisters, but all of their supporting cast, the people of the town of Eden, Colorado.

Let me tell you a little about this series first...

This series is about five sisters who inherit a ranch in Colorado from their father. (You'll have to read book 1 - Heart of Eden to find out how all of that happens) Each book tells a little more about the sisters contribution to the economy of the town while it high lights one particular sister and her pursuit for happiness.

This book is the third book in the series and it high lights, Emma. Emma travels with her sister, Belle and her husband, Blake along with Brenda, a little orphan girl, to Santa Fe. They are delivering Brenda to the orphanage to meet her forever parents and to interview a man they hope will agree to come and evaluate a mine on their property. Emma accompanies them with the excuse that she wants to see all the latest styles the larger city has to offer so she can bring ideas back to her dress  shop in Eden.

I love the way the five sisters interact with one another. I think the dynamics of the Brinkman family are very well thought out by the author. She really knows how they think and feel and how they would act in any given situation.

The plot is solid, it moves the story along at a steady pace. There is conflict between the sisters, problems in the town, and plenty of conflict between Emma and her love interest, Beranger.

It's got everything I like in novel and I can't wait for the next book in the series. I hope it is Mavis and Clint's happily ever after.

This book could be read alone and the reader would feel like they got a good, complete story. You wouldn't be lost and feel like missed something. The author has done a fantastic job of including all of the pertinent information into this story. But....if you love the book as much as I did you'll want to know how all of this came about and want to read the other two books first. I'll include a link to all three books after this review.

If you like the 1870 time period and like a good romance, I think you'll enjoy this book.

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