This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I found it enjoyable. The characters were well developed, and there was some nice spice included. I appreciated the descriptions of the area and its residents. I look forward to reading more from this author.

The book starts off right away — the main characters are introduced immediately, each with distinct backgrounds. One is a resident of the community, the other an outsider, and through their interactions the story explores differences in culture, background, and personal skills. These contrasts are portrayed effectively and add depth to the story.

The characters are engaging — or become so as the story progresses — and it’s easy to empathize with them. You really get a sense of how certain experiences shape who we are and how we grow through them. That emotional connection made the story feel quite personal at times.

I would have appreciated a bit more depth in the characters’ backstories early on. As it stands, you’re dropped straight into the middle of the action, which keeps the pace moving but leaves you wanting a clearer picture of who the individuals are from the start.

The writing is smooth and accessible, making it a very quick and enjoyable read. Special thanks to Paddy and Darcy, who add warmth and nuance as supporting characters — they really enhance the story.

I received a free copy of this book, but I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

Small town girl Hazel lives with her father that she is taking care of. She is loving her community and will do anything to preserve it. One day the former criminal lawyer Andy comes to town after inheriting her great-aunt’s property that is across the street to Hazel’s house.

Initially they clash since Andy is so dismissive. They both check out each other though but decide to stay out of that complication. When Hazel helps Andy to start her new property law business things start to change but Hazel at the same time so afraid that Andy there to destroy this amazing town, but is that her intentions really? It is complicated though since Hazel not out in her town, Andy cannot aske her to come out so perhaps she should stay away from Hazel. They are so compatible though so perhaps there is a way.

Overall a fast and enjoyable read, some more backstory would have made the book better but since such a short read that just did not fit I guess.

Heart's Appraisal features Hazel Quinn, a real estate owner of several business properties and Andy Richter, a city lawyer who has left that job due to stress to become to small town realtor. The story takes place in fictional Green Valley, Alabama, located outside of Huntsville in North Central Alabama. Hazel loves her small town and wants it to remain unchanged with small town charm. Andy wants to separate large acreage into parcels of land and auction/sell them off for profit. She also wants to modernize other real estate holdings that she receives. Thus, the conflict between the two women after they meet. To complicate matters, they live across the street from each other when Andy inherits a home and land from her Aunt Darcy. In addition, Hazel is not out in her community.

A few of the things that I loved about this book:
• Understanding the background and motivations of the two main characters
• Hazel's dad, Paddy, and their conversations plus his insightful discussion with Andy
• The city ice queen and hometown girl dynamic
• A couple of sizzling scenes that I was frankly surprised by

Overll, a short but enjoyable read. 4 stars






I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jo knows how to write books that hit me in all the feels and this book is no different. i was right into this world she built for this book and didn't want to leave. so i didn't from start to finish. Jo always brings me characters i get deeply invested in. and i they always hit deeply for me. i can picture them and end up caring for them. this book and the characters we meet are no different.
the cover for me of this book was a little bit of genius for me. i dont know why but it hit so many good points that grabbed me in and made me smile every time i saw it. it involved so much of the inner thoughts of the book and plot. the connection was better than i often get so that somehow felt like an extra win.
any and Haze both come to this close knit town with different beliefs for it. both come to their meeting with different shades of baggage. but can they put it down to see passed their own stubborn projections onto both the place they live and each other. because this pair and their interactions are for us readers bringing love. and deep down the two of them are finding it harder to keep their attraction at bay.
but is it enough?
and just what will be best for the town now? can their be a balance? who might stay , who might go but in home and in heart?
another book that somehow held my heart as well as my attentions.