This is a cute, quick romcom read with a good dose of magical realism. Unfortunately, nicknames are my least favorite trope and this one has heavy use of them and it definitely made it hard to get invested in the MCs.

Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and Netgalley for the eARC. Publishing Feb. 10th.

Campbell is a workaholic who is working at her family law firm. She has no time for love. So when she gets set up with Ben, right off the bat she tells him she doesn’t have time for this and goes on her phone during the date to answer work emails and leaves quickly.

The next morning Campbell wakes up in a different house and everything is different from her hair and makeup, which were already done, up to the most awesome closet ever. In this closet, the outfits change and the closet picks out outfits for you. Who wouldn’t want that?!

She is definitely not in New York anymore. She appears to be in a small town very similar to Stars Hallows or a Hallmark movie type of small town. She goes to the coffee shop where she meets Mimi (the waitress from the night before). Mimi lets her know she is actually in Heart Springs and she has three tasks she needs to complete in order to go back home. One of them is to find true love.

Her next-door neighbor is Ben, who was her date from the night before. They become quick friends and I love that you can see both of them developing natural feelings for one another. Campbell had great character growth as the story progressed. At first, she wanted no part of the town, and then she ended up making many friends there. Emma was one of my favorites. She is such a genuine friend to Campbell.

This is a perfect magical realism story filled with finding yourself and some spicy romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I am a huge Falon Ballard fan! I flew through this book. It's a quick and fun read perfect for Valentine's Day! However, this was a little too Hallmarky for my liking. It was a little too predictable and hokey. Campbell is super unlikeable in the beginning and is then told she has to change everything about herself to come out of this town and back to reality. (not great messaging there). Ben felt more like a tool to get her to realize her misguided stance than an actual person and character with flaws etc. I wish he had more of a reason to be in Heart Springs than to help Campbell. My one huge pet peeve here was how many times the term 'sweetheart' was used. It was often used sarcastically in the beginning then eventually a term of endearment, but I just cringed every time it was said. I wish I had a count of how many times it was overused. While this book wasn't for me, it will definitely be a hit for a certain crowd. I will continue to read this author because every other book before this one was a 5-star read for me.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review. This book releases 2/11!

Cam and Ben have a horrid first date - Cam is not interested and does not want to see him again, despite being set up with him. Much to her consternation, she finds herself in a parallel universe with him the next morning! This fantasy-lite romance book propels Cam and Ben together to solve the mystery of their situation, and figure out how to get home.

I find myself at a crossroads with this review, as I absolutely adore this author’s writing. She is an auto-buy author for me, and I absolutely adore the characters she develops, and the lessons she teaches me on the page. I find myself tired of the fantasy/romance books that have arisen in the last few years, and personally, this is literally the 4th one I’ve accidentally picked up in the past 60 days (I don’t read previews or plot summaries before reading! This is my own fault, I know!). Having to learn the premise of the fantasy world, the rules, etc. I think takes away from the book itself, and I found myself a little exhausted by it in the first 25% of the book. The last part won me over, including the characters, and I really enjoyed this book. If you’re a fan of Ashley Poston (specifically A Novel Love Story), or other of this author’s books, I’d highly suggest this read!

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

This is a small town, fairytale, romance.

Cam is a busy and prestigious lawyer too busy for anything in life. She goes to an obligatory blind date set up by her grandmother. She tries to get through the date ASAP but her elderly waitress has something else in store for her.

She wakes up the next day in a pleasantville like town where everything seems perfect. She is stuck in this town and realizes she is here with her previous blind date.

I enjoyed the blooming friendships and some of the character development. It was a feel good quick read with little to no surprises.

After a bust of a blind date (that Campbell didn’t want to attend in the first place) lands her in a small town straight out of a hallmark movie, Cam has no choice but to work through a series of unexpected tasks in order to make it back home.

Change of Heart blends magical realism and humor into an entertaining story of Cam’s journey from workaholic to girl in love. Between the challenges she required to complete to the handsome neighbor Ben and the charming side characters, this book was full of things to love.

I loved Cam’s journey and couldn’t get over the sweet moments of growth she had along the way. Ben was such a great support to her and honestly said some of the most perfect things.

I was really excited about this one - I loved another one of Fallon Ballard’s novels and was really looking forward to connecting to the characters in her newest book. Unfortunately, Change of Heart didn’t quite do it for me this time.

Change of Heart tells the story of workaholic and cynical Campbell, who goes on a blind date with Dr. Ben Loving (yes, that’s really his name). Cam is so self centered that she takes this date as an opportunity to get free food and be on her phone. The next day, though, she wakes up in a magical Hallmark movie-esque town where nothing makes sense. Oh, and Ben is also there. Stuck. Until they both fulfill some specific and nearly impossible tasks.

To be completely honest, the characters fell flat to me. I know Cam is meant to be a love cynic, but she just came across as completely mean and miserable. Ben was kind of boring. This man has no personality and apparently only wants to make Cam happy.

I didn’t buy their love story one bit. I like to play the game where I guess whether or not book characters stay together after the book ends - Cam and Ben do not pass, easily. There was no real chemistry between them, even if Ben calls Cam “sweetheart” every other sentence.

I really liked the idea for this book - it’s making fun of the cheesiness of the classic Hallmark rom-coms, but in the best way - but it just didn’t do it for me. It dragged on, the characters weren’t personable, and the romance wasn’t believable.

Thank you to Fallon Ballard, the publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC.

Thank you penguin group Putnam for this ARC opportunity.

I have historically been a huge fan of Falon Ballard novels however, this novel was a struggle for me. I did not really see any depth of character development and the story did not grab me. I like the small town feel and the premise of the novel though. it was a struggle to get through however, I was glad that I pushed through. I do like the light hard and I am very glad that the FMC found what she was looking for. If you were a fan of Falon Ballard or a more lighthearted, read this may be for you.

Struggled with this. Nothing here to keep me interested really. The strange descriptions of the main character waking up in a totally different ooooo but her male counterpart looks…exactly the same. Only his pajamas are strange. Maybe I am just not the target audience for this one.

Falon Ballard takes on magical realism and hallmark movie stereotypes in her latest adorable romcom!

Campbell has no time for love in her life, she’s so certain about it she tells this to blind date Ben and proceeds to work throughout dinner. A meddlesome waitress pulls a few strings and the two end up in a town straight out of a hallmark movie, where they have to accomplish some goals to get home- namely Cam has to find a job she’s passionate about, become part of the community, and find love. While these goals definitely set me feeling some type of way (because why force a woman to change when she’s happy with how she’s going- and making a successful lawyer try out small town jobs she doesn’t want to do feels a bit archaic), they did serve a broader purpose that I was (mostly) okay with by the end!

I loved Campbell’s journey of finding out what she likes outside of her job- trying and failing at jobs, learning about various types of love, and becoming confident in a new way! This was a super fast-paced quick read that just was exactly the cozy escape I needed!

Thank you so much to Falon Ballard and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!

Change of Heart is such a sweet and emotional read! I loved watching Sadie navigate her journey of self-discovery while figuring out how to balance love, friendship, and her career. The small-town setting gave the story a cozy vibe, and the chemistry between Sadie and the love interest felt so genuine. Some parts were a bit predictable, but the heartfelt moments and witty dialogue totally made up for it. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to believe in fresh starts and second chances. Definitely a feel-good read I’d recommend!

Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. (50%). However, I do think this will be a very popular book this winter and will be loved by many!

This story follows Campbell Andrews. She is a workaholic lawyer who does not believe in love, and only goes on dates to please her grandmother. She goes on this one date, where the guy is perfectly nice and handles Campbell’s attitude quite well. However, she still isn’t interested and is focused on becoming the best lawyer and someone her grandmother would be proud of. The next morning, she wakes up in a Hallmark/Gilmore Girls like town, and the only way she can escape is if she finally opens herself up to love and finds purpose outside of being a lawyer. Oh, and the guy from the date? Yea, he is there too!

The books has many themes and ideas that I think a lot of people will relate to. The book tackles issues such as parental abandonment, perfectionism, and having a fear of attachment. Also, the author does amazing job of describing the town that Campbell woke up in, and makes it such a desirable place to be in.

There were a few reasons I DNFed this one. One was that I was not a huge fan of the magical realism in this one. I wish more had been explained regarding what this town was, how people go to be there, etc. Additionally, the romance between the two main character was a VERY slow burn, and it almost felt forced at times.

This may be a book that I return back to. This was my first book by this author, and I would defintiely try one of her books in the future.

If you are a fan of magical realism, I think this is a book you should try out! This is a great gift for Valentine’s Day, as it comes out February 11th!

Thank you to Netgalley and Putnam books for a free copy in exchange for my unbiased review!

Change of Heart starts off like many “enemies to lovers” trope. Campbell is a hard working, selfish and ambitious attorney, set up on a blind date with Dr. Ben Loving., a seemingly sweet pediatric surgeon.
Campbell is only interested in making her grandmother happy so she can take over the family business. So she basically ignores Ben and tries to end the date early. As the date comes to a close, their waitress leaves a receipt with a tip of her own in lieu of the bill.
Fast forward to the next day and Campbell (and Ben!) are in an alternate world that looks and feels like a Hallmark movie. The catch? Campbell has to follow mayor Mimi’s orders by accomplishing 3 goals. If done, she and Ben get to go home.
It’s clear from jump that Ben and Campbell will work well together. Ben may be everything Campbell doesn’t think she is, but he understands and tolerates Campbells stubborn behavior. He is able to handle Campbell’s ups and downs in a way that allows Campbell to grow.
This is a HEA, but I won’t give away too much more because I think it needs to be experienced.
I loved the honesty of Campbells ambition and path to discovery. I think she is unlikable in the beginning on purpose and once you get to know her and experience the process with her, you learn to like it.
Ben is another dreamy book boyfriend type. A doctor! Who woodworks! Nice arms! Boyish grin!
I also really enjoyed the side characters we get to meet, like Emma and Ethan.
My only criticisms are that we only see this world through Campbells eyes when Ben’s story is just as much a part of this journey. I also think a few more side characters could have been developed more to understand the impact they may have on our main characters. Overall the book was great but it could have been a little longer (not something I often say!)

I've always been a fan of Fallon's stories and have found a lot of joy in them, but this one just didn't resonate with me. I actually wrestled with the decision to DNF (did not finish), hoping that it would eventually improve. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. The main issue for me was Campbell—she's truly difficult to root for. Her character arc felt entirely implausible, and my dislike for her was significant.

Ben, on the other hand, came off as rather bland and cryptic, leaving me with little insight into his character. Honestly, the most I felt I learned about him came from the steamy scenes, which should say something about how disconnected I felt from his character.

The plot does share similarities with A Novel Story but felt even more disjointed. It was like this town was deserted until an event brought everyone out of the woodwork, which made things feel a bit strange. It would have been way more engaging if the characters had been more intertwined throughout the narrative. All in all, this book simply didn’t hit the mark for me. I'm hoping for a better experience next time!

High-powered lawyer Campbell Andrews has no patience for incompetence, inefficiency and most of all love. When her grandmother sets her up on another blind date with Dr. Ben Loving—she cuts to the chase and rejects him before their meal is served. The next morning she wakes up not in New York, but in a small town that screams Hallmark movie on steroids. In order to get back to her real life she must fulfill three tasks decided by the Mimi the mayor of Heart Strings.

Change of Heart is a funny and fast-paced romantic comedy. I devoured this book and could not put it down. Cam is initially cold, but eventually warms up to Heart Strings and everything it has to offer. I loved her chemistry with Ben—I was rooting for them since their personalities balance each other out well. Cam’s growth from beginning to end is relatable and believable.

Highly recommend for Falon Ballard fans and those that enjoyed Prime Time Romance by Katie Robb!

Thank you again to NetGalley and G. P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Group Putnam for a chance to read an advanced copy and give an honest review of this book!

Change of Heart
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I actually…loved this book! It has a similar theme as A Novel Love Story, but everything I missed or wanted in Novel Love Story I got in Change of Heart. I didn’t know it was a magical realism romance until I started, once that part hit I was a little nervous, but I stayed up until 2am finishing it sooooo ☺️ Now listen, it is still cutesy magical realism so you have to hop on and don’t ask questions lol It was funny, we get some spicy, I was blushing, I honestly liked both characters, but really grew to love them, I love how much we talked about our love for espresso! I got all the warm and fuzzies BUT I also felt the tension and I was eager to see what happened next AND the cover is gorgeous 😍
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I, of course don’t want to say too much, but when looking at what didn’t work for me in Novel Love Story and what worked for me here I think it’s because more people were aware of the magical part and while some moments felt over the top, it was in a funny cute way where I didn’t have as many questions, it felt more magical so I was able to believe it more…the magic was known! I hope that makes sense lol I did miss the dual POV and it almost made me give it a 4, but I think if I stay up until 2am finishing a book that’s a pretty good sign! Overall it just had more excitement and depth and I enjoyed the heck out of it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
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If you loved Novel Love Story I think you’ll enjoy Change of Heart, but if you didn’t maybe give this a try! Remember it’s very cutesy, but it just worked for me!! I have a lot of books by this author saved, but this is the first I’ve read, looking forward to others for sure!

This book was so cute, I wasn’t sure what to expect with the whole time warp to a small town but I ate it up! It was really funny and also had a great plot. A solid 4.5 star read.

When one thinks of Hallmark Movies, one usually thinks of a workaholic woman who goes to her small town and finds the meaning of love. That’s exactly the sentiment you think you’re getting in Change of Heart but Falon Ballard flips it on us.

This book starts with Campbell who is going on a blind date per her grandmother’s request but she shuts it down immediately and shows no interest in Ben. Eventually, the dates ends but not before an unlikely encounter with their waitress. From there, both Cam and Ben are transported to Heart Springs.

Heart Springs is basically everyone’s dream small town where everyone knows everyone and things are just peachy. From the start, Campbell hates it but after being three tasks to complete, she’s ready to get them done and go the hell home. The only upside is that Ben is stuck there with her too and it’s clear there’s more chemistry there than the two originally thought.

While it does take Campbell a while to find her footing, she eventually starts to reflect and think more about herself rather than what everyone around her is doing. Regardless, the book doesn’t harp on that message. Instead, we see Cam opening her eyes to new experiences and figuring out what works for her while exploring different avenues for a career she likes.

Aside from the character development for Campbell, the slow-burn romance between Ben and Cam feels like torture yet it’s sweet torture. From the very start, it’s clear the two are into each other but Campbell’s tasks don’t say anything about possibly falling for Ben. It’s inevitable, though, and seeing their romance blossom is so rewarding.

While this book does have its Hallmark-esque moments, Change of Heart doesn’t fall into all of the stereotypes you see in those films. No matter if you love them or hate them, you’re bound to find Change of Heart charming. At this point, Falon Ballard is one of my favorite authors so I’m excited to see where she goes next.

Thank you somiuch NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchanged for an honest review. I thought this book was such a fun and light breath of fresh air.

Falon Ballard is one of my instant-read authors. Change of Heart is a change of pace for her with its magical realism, and I was excited to read this and see how she wrote something new!

We open the book on Cam, a high-powered lawyer who doesn't believe in love, and Ben's (a pediatric surgeon) first date. Cam completely dismisses him, as she does most dates, and worries about a big case she has the next day. When she wakes up the next day, though, she (and Ben) have been transported to Heart Springs, a Hallmark-movie-eque town straight out of the 50s where everything is perfect and Cam's hair and makeup are perfectly done (although, not to her liking). Cam (nor Ben) can leave until Cam accomplishes three tasks, including finding a job she's passionate about, doing things for her community, and falling in true love.

I gave this book 4 stars because I did not really feel the eventual relationship between Cam and Ben. I liked the character development Cam went through a lot, though!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!