Heartbeat is Sharon Sala’s third book in her new romantic suspense series, Jubilee. It should absolutely be read after the second book, Last Rites; the first book, Don’t Back Down, isn’t required to understand the story. This book is a must-read for all fans of Sharon Sala and romantic suspense.

Shirley Wallace and her four adult sons return to her childhood home on Pope Mountain in Jubilee, Kentucky, after her abusive husband is convicted for murdering two store employees in their Arkansas town. Shirley inherited her late mother’s house and they all legally change their last name to her maiden name, Pope, to further disassociate themselves from scandal. All of them lost their jobs in Arkansas due to her husband’s misdeeds and must start over. The second-oldest son, Sean, is 27 years old and works from home as an independent IT specialist.

Amalie Lincoln is a 27-year-old CPA who has recently relocated to Jubilee, Kentucky, from Oklahoma to get a fresh start. She has spent the past two years recovering from a serious car accident and healing from the burns that she sustained. She was raised in foster care, never adopted, and looks forward to any family matches on Ancestry.com. On her first day in town, a helicopter explodes and flaming debris lands on the Jubilee Elementary School. She hires Sean Pope to set up her computer equipment and can’t figure out why he looks familiar, since she knows no one in Kentucky.

Sean is hailed as a hero after he assists his two police officer brothers in rescuing teachers and children from the burning school. He is lonely but no female has caught his eye since he gave his heart to a classmate, Molly, when he was 9 years old in Conway, Arkansas. He likes Amalie and asks her out, not at all put off by her visible scars. Eventually they realize that they knew each other in elementary school and start falling in love. Sean’s family embraces Amalie, and she is thrilled to be included.

Meanwhile, a Miami billionaire, Wolfgang Outen, is supposed to attend a hotel board meeting in Jubilee when he learns that there’s a fire at his oil refinery in Brazil. At the last minute he sends his assistant, Stuart, to Jubilee in his place so he can go to Brazil. Then he learns about the helicopter crash and suspects that his wife, Fiona, planted the bomb. He stays in hiding while the FBI starts their investigation. Then he finds an email from Ancestry.com saying that Amalie Lincoln is a familial match and an introductory email from Amalie herself. Wolf realizes that his in-laws lied 27 years ago when they told him that his daughter was stillborn and deformed. His wife died the next day in his arms, just after he arrived from working overseas. Now Wolf must contact Amalie and protect her from his evil wife.

Heartbeat is not only about romantic love, it also shows parental and family love. Amalie remembers Shirley Wallace’s delicious cookies and hugs when she was a child and mentions her affection several times. The reader feels the love between Shirley and her four sons, and within the much larger Pope/Cauley/ Glass families. Wolf has never gotten over the death of his beloved first wife, Cassandra “Shandy”, and embraces Amalie as soon as he sees her. Wolf takes immediate action to protect Amalie and find out how she was given away.

In Sharon Sala books, the villains always get what they deserve. Cameron Pope and his large extended family were introduced in Don’t Back Down and Last Rites and serve as minor characters throughout this story. There are multiple sub-plots and lots of characters, but the author writes so clearly that it’s easy for the reader to keep up. Heartbeat contains a sweet romance between loveable characters without descriptive sex or violence; there may have been a couple of curse words uttered by villains. I couldn’t put this story down; it deserves more than 5 stars! I can’t wait to read more stories featuring the younger Pope brothers.

I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley and SourceBooks-Casablanca for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I can't even describe how much I enjoyed this book. It was one of of the best books I have read. It had heartbreak, drama, romance, a little magic and the wonder of a man finding his daughter after too many years. Amalie had been raised in foster care with no love at all. When she was about 25 she was in a horrible car wreck and burned badly. A kind neighbor called her and offered to sue for damages, etc. She took him up on it and he won, hands down. It took a very long time for her to heal and she moved to Jubilee, Kentucky. She set up shop as a CPA to start over. She called an IT person and when he showed up, they both thought they knew each other. It turns out they did. (I'll leave that to you to read about it - It's too sweet to spoil).
Amalie had joined Ancestry.com and finally got a result. But then she didn't hear from them for quite awhile. When she did hear, it was so sweet. They had a very special connection. Wolf Outen was a very special part of the story and there was tons of drama there. He was a very nice man (very rich also) that had had something horrible done to him. He was determined to make everyone pay and he succeeded very well.

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

Thank you NetGalley for an early copy of this wonderful story.
Ms Sala did it again, just when you think she must have exhausted her storylines on this mountain. Well I feel this story brought an ancient tale full circle.
There was a bit going on in this story and each chapter gave us and insight into the characters in play before it all started weaving together.
A helicopter crash, a murder, an old kidnapping, a second chance for two main characters who met as children and love of course. What a lot of emotions this story brought, I was near to tears then laughing.
This is Amalie and Sean Popes story, her survival from a serious vehicle incident and her calling to come to Pope Mountain.
Fantastic story and absolutely wonderful characters. I enjoyed every moment.

I don’t think there’s a book that Sharon Sala writes that I won’t read and won’t love. This is no exception. The latest in the Jubilee series, this follows middle Pope brother Sean and an old childhood friend Amalie. I loved their connection and the story of their childhood friendship. It was fast paced and well written, and while I recommend reading the preceding books in the series, it’s not necessarily a requirement.

A second chance romance and finding family combined with a mystery. Sean and Amelie are a delightful couple who deserve more than they have. A DNA test leads to a threat to Amelie's life but all will (not a spoiler given the genre) work out. A bit implausible but a good read for a snowy day.

With everything in the world as hectic and anxiety-inducing as it is, Heartbeat was the contemporary romance that I needed to lift my spirits. Filled with heartwarming and, swoony elements this book had me invested from the first page.

I’ve been a fan of Sharon Sala for years and I’ve commented before how much I like her quiet romances. But when I was reading Heartbeat I realize exactly what I liked about her books.

They all take place in a small town, Blessings, Georgia, for instance, or in this case, Jubilee, Kentucky. I realize that what I love the most about this author is the setting, the backdrop, the “where” in the who, what, where, when and why. Her descriptions of these small towns are so precise, when you’re reading her books, you’re there, you’re on Pope Mountain, you’re in the town of Jubilee, you’ve walked past the carved bear into the arts and craft section of town. You taste the pastries from Annie’s bakery and you’re surrounded by the town folk at the church hall.

I loved the story. Amalie and Sean met when they were nine years old. They were separated, and didn’t find each other for another 20 years. She had no family, she was an orphan, and Sean came from an extended family so large that they took up an entire mountain.

Not only did they find each other, but she found her father, and together everyone solved the mystery of her birth, they discovered who tried to kill her father, they even figured out who set fire to his business in South America.

For such a lot of action, and so much mystery, it’s balanced beautifully with a quiet, love story, and a new family for Amalie.

I received an advanced reading, copy from SourceBooks, all opinions are my own.

Ms. Sala writes compelling romantic suspense tales that suck the reader into the action and romance. This one takes us back to Jubilee and Pope Mountain. From the moment Amalie Lincoln visited Jubilee on vacation and looked upon Pope Mountain she felt at home. When she met Sean Hope IT consultant, and he turned out to be her childhood knight in shining armor it was like a cherry on top. When things seem to be too good to be true you know the other shoe is sure to drop.
Almost like a separate story, a billionaire signs up at an Ancestry.com equivalent to see if he has any long-lost relatives. His current wife is not happy with the situation and shows colors that he has never seen before. So, he has a PI look into her. In the meantime, his helicopter with him supposedly on-board crashes over Jubilee. Now the threads begin to come together.
Sean and Amalie's relationship nets Amalie a whole lot of new friends and relationships amongst the extended Pope family. Also, the latent talent for foresight that seems to have awakened by her accident that almost took her life is awake and working overtime. Could it be that Sean and Amalie were connected in a previous life?
Also, the search for family through her ancestry trace has yielded results. A father she had been cruelly stolen from at birth. What a tale of conspiracy and murder.
The story is compelling and will keep you turning the pages. I loved the nice touch of paranormal to add to the romantic suspense.

Heartbeat is the next addition in the fabulous Jubilee, Kentucky series by Sharon Sala. Every book is like a visit with a favorite family. We met Sean Pope in book two so it was great to see this quiet steady man get his won story. Having been through so much as a child of an abusive man, he is the perfect person understand and accept Amalie Lincoln. They had a childhood encounter but never expected to meet again. What a wonderful story.

While the helicopter crash at the beginning seems to be the main mystery in this story, it takes several twisty turns. Then there is a bit of mystic taking place which enriches this story even more. Plus I love how Ms. Sala always ties up all loose ends in her books so that you know exactly what happens to every guilty person as well as the romantic interest.

It makes you wish that you were somehow related to the Popes and could always have family to watch your back. Perhaps it serves to remind us to love, accept and support those in our family. A captivating read from beginning to end. Readers will love becoming part of Pope Mountain.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have been a fan of Sharon Sala since I read Sweet Baby back in the 1990's. I reread it (and Tallchief) at least a few times a year. I do wish Ms. Sala would give us another classic like those two, but her style has changed since those early days. I still enjoy most of her books and some of the new ones are better than others. This one was one of the better ones. I really loved the main characters, Sean and Amalie, they made a good couple and there wasn't a waiver in their feelings for each other - which is quite refreshing in a book these days. I think my biggest complaint is that there are so many characters and storylines that it is very difficult to keep them all straight. I think it was easier to keep stories straight when you were reading a physical book, but it is more difficult to reference back in a digital copy and I think that is something to keep in mind for all authors. That said, this story really is pretty good and a strong 4 stars. Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy.

I don’t feel like it is fair for me to give adequate feedback or a rating since I DNF’d it. I loved the cover but I did not realize it was a book 3 of the Jubilee books plus the multiple third person POV’s really threw me off. I gave it a try but it was just not for me.

I’ve read most of the blessings books and enjoyed them. Sometimes I feel like reading a hallmark type story, and these are definitely that with a happy ending. This story had suspense in the middle that kept me engaged and crime investigations. I felt like it went on too long in the end but I still enjoyed the book. A little turned off by the “psychics” always mentioned, but this is fiction so 🤷‍♀️. Recommended. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

You can’t go wrong with a Sharon Sala book. I loved returning to Jubilee, Kentucky and the Pope family. Lot of suspense and Romance. I loved it.

Heartbeat, is a very fast pace book. Accidents after accident. Murder after murder. Talk about a page turner. There never was a dull chapter. I loved reading this book.

How many times have you opened a book and recognized an element of familiarity. Then shaking your head thinking perhaps it is coincidence. Then as you read on you know the direction you are heading. Finally the ah ha moments. Exactly. You all know what I am talking about.

So I opened HEARTBEAT by Sharon Sala on my reader. I love this talented author. Wasn’t sure when I had downloaded it but just knew this was my next book to review. Then the magic began. The story begins to unfold, and I realize - I know these people. See that is the great genius of author Sharon Sala. She doesn’t just create characters; she gives birth to people on paper. Folks that become familiar and dear to the reader. Such is definitely the case with HEARTBEAT. Fated to be a dog-eared book for sure.

It is a story of greed, avarice, deceit, and ultimately joy and love. But the beginning starts off with a loud bang. Literally. A helicopter crashes and lands smack dab in the center of a school yard. The danger immediate to get faculty and kids out quickly and safely. The urgency is palatable. And that is the scene Sharon Sala deftly creates as her opening salvo for this newest jewel.

We’ve visited Jubilee in prior books and therefore got a chance to catch up with some favorite characters. The Pope family along with two others that have inhabited this area around the mountains for generations. The stories are legendary, at least in their small part of the world. Filled with amazing folk that settled this land, made it their own and prospered beyond belief.

As you follow the new beginnings for Amalie and her Sean, Sharon Sala regaled us with a tale about a huge family that will capture your heart along with your imagination. It is very evident that Sharon Sala has a gift which is not a pun, one you will get while reading this extraordinary story of mountain folks with a vast history. A history that evolves right before our eyes. Every so often you think the story has come to an end, but then a new enlightenment appears, and you realize you are off to another discovery. Brilliant if you ask me. Pure enjoyment. Not to be missed.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Amalie decides to move and visiting the place on vacation. She opens her own business and meets a man who will change her life in many ways. This book was an enjoyable read.

I have been a fan of Sharon Sala's books for years and her latest, Heartbeat, is another great example of her storytelling. It is the third book in the Jubilee series and the story stands alone but to really get the most out of it, I recommend reading the two prior books in the series. This was Sean Pope's story. He is the quiet son. The one that never causes any problems unless someone he cares about is threatened and that happened for the first time when he was in grade school. Classmates were picking on a girl that he had a crush on and came to her rescue. They lost touch with each other when she suddenly moved away. Now it is years later and Amalie Lincoln has reentered his life once again. Amalie has had a difficult life. Entered into the foster system from birth, she has been shuffled around until she aged out, attended college and started a career for herself in accounting. When a freak accident changes the trajectory of her life, she takes a vacation to Jubilee and decides to make a lifechanging decision and reboot her life in this quaint mountain town. When she calls for tech support and Sean walks in, they are both surprised. Their relationship is a wonderful second chance love story with a bit of suspense weaved in. Fans of Sala's Blessings series are going to love this book and fictional town. Heartbeat was full of laughter, love and second chances. It was told from multiple POV and I highly recommend it.

Returning to Jubilee, Kentucky and Pope Mountain. Amalie is drawn to Pope Mountain after a horrible car accident only to find what she has lost. ARC from NetGalley

Part of Jubilee series. I recommend reading whole series, though it can stand alone. I loved this installment of the series. It gave me all the feels.

Amalie Lincoln grew up in foster care and never adopted. She managed to finish college and work as a CPA. On the way to work she is in an accident; by the time she recovers her job is gone and everyone she knew has moved on.
The visits Jubilee, Kentucky for a vacation and falls in love with the town. She makes plans to move there an open her own office.
Sean Pope works with security and computer set-ups. When they meet they seem to know each other. When they finally put the pieces together and become close.
Seems Amalie's father didn't know she was alive and he's in trouble after an attempt on his life. He is working on finding the culprit and getting in touch with Amalie.
I just loved touching base with the Pope Mountain family. The book contains suspense, mystery and love. Great read