“This Heart of Mine” is a must-read novel for romance enthusiasts and loyal fans of Susan Elizabeth Phillips. It is the fifth book in the Chicago Stars series and follows the story of a successful young woman, Molly Somerville, who falls in love with the charismatic Kevin Tucker, a player for the Chicago Stars football team.
Key Takeaways:
- “This Heart of Mine” is a captivating romance novel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
- The book is the fifth installment in the popular Chicago Stars series.
- The story follows the romance between Molly Somerville and Kevin Tucker, a player for the Chicago Stars football team.
- The novel is praised for its compelling plot, well-developed characters, and engaging writing style.
- If you are a fan of romance novels or Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ writing, “This Heart of Mine” is a book you won’t want to miss.
About the Author
Susan Elizabeth Phillips is a New York Times bestselling author of over 25 romance novels. Born on December 11, 1948, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Phillips attended Ohio University before transferring to Indiana University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in theater. Prior to pursuing a career in writing, Phillips worked as a teacher, a stage actress, and a theatrical producer/director.
Phillips’ writing career began in 1983 with her novel “The Copeland Bride.” She achieved mainstream success with her third novel, “Fancy Pants,” which was published in 1989. Since then, she has released numerous bestselling books, including the Chicago Stars series, of which “This Heart of Mine” is the fifth installment.
Phillips has been acclaimed for her ability to craft complex characters, heartfelt romances, and witty dialogue, garnering praise from readers and critics alike. Her books have been translated into over 30 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
Overview of the Chicago Stars Series
The Chicago Stars series is a collection of romance novels by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, set around the Chicago Stars football team. The series began with “It Had to Be You” in 1994 and includes eleven novels. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone story, but they also share common threads and characters that build upon the overall story arc.
| Book Title | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| It Had to Be You | 1994 |
| Heaven, Texas | 1995 |
| Nobody’s Baby But Mine | 1997 |
| Dream a Little Dream | 1998 |
| This Heart of Mine | 2001 |
| Match Me If You Can | 2005 |
| What I Did for Love | 2009 |
| Call Me Irresistible | 2011 |
| The Great Escape | 2012 |
| First Star I See Tonight | 2016 |
| Dance Away with Me | 2020 |
“This Heart of Mine” is the fifth book in the series, which tells the story of Molly Somerville, a struggling children’s author and Kevin Tucker, a handsome NFL star with a dangerous secret. This novel is a beautiful blend of wit, humor, drama, and romance, coming together to create a captivating read for all.
Setting and Characters
“This Heart of Mine” takes place in Wynette, Texas, a small town where gossip spreads like wildfire. The book’s setting captures the essence of small-town life, with tight-knit communities and long-standing traditions. The town’s charm and quirks provide a rich backdrop for the story, immersing the reader in its atmosphere.
The main protagonist in the book is Molly Somerville, the daughter of a famous quarterback and a successful writer herself. Molly is a strong, independent woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. Her love interest is Kevin Tucker, a hunky football star who is charming and has a heart of gold.
Other notable characters in the book include Molly’s eccentric family, her best friend Phoebe, and Kevin’s dysfunctional family. Each character has their unique quirks and personalities, adding depth to the story and making it all the more entertaining.
The combination of a charming small-town setting and a cast of colorful characters makes “This Heart of Mine” a delightful read for anyone who enjoys a good romance novel.
Plot Summary
Set in the world of professional football, “This Heart of Mine” follows the story of Molly Somerville, the headstrong and talented daughter of a famous romance novelist. Molly has always had a crush on Kevin Tucker, the star quarterback for the Chicago Stars, but he has never given her the time of day. However, when Molly’s father dies and leaves her with a manuscript that could ruin his literary legacy, Kevin offers to help her navigate the tricky world of publishing.
As they work together, Molly and Kevin grow closer, but their relationship is threatened by Kevin’s mistrust of women and Molly’s fear of rejection. When Molly’s life is put in danger, Kevin realizes that he cares for her more than he ever thought possible, and they finally give in to their feelings.
The novel is filled with romance, humor, and heart, as well as a cast of colorful supporting characters. Fans of the Chicago Stars series will enjoy catching up with familiar faces, while newcomers will find themselves drawn into the world of this captivating and emotional story.
Themes and Messages
“This Heart of Mine” explores several themes that revolve around the power of love, second chances, self-discovery, and acceptance. It highlights the importance of family, friendship, and forgiveness. The book’s central message is that love can heal the deepest wounds and bring joy and happiness back into people’s lives.
The story focuses on the struggles and challenges faced by the main characters, Molly and Kevin, as they navigate through their complex lives. The book delves into the issues of mental health and disability, shedding light on their impact on individuals and their families.
The author skillfully weaves together these themes and messages to create a heartwarming and emotional story that captivates readers and leaves a lasting impression. Through the characters’ journeys, readers can learn valuable lessons about life, love, and the beauty of human connection.
The Power of Love and Second Chances
The story’s central theme revolves around the transformative power of love and the possibility of second chances. The book portrays how love can heal past traumas, renew hope, and bring joy and fulfillment into people’s lives. It also highlights the importance of giving people second chances to redeem themselves and start anew.
Mental Health and Disability
The book’s portrayal of mental health and disability sheds light on the impact these issues can have on individuals and those around them. It emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and support in helping people overcome the challenges they face.
“I never wanted sympathy, Molly. Empathy, sure. Understanding. But I’m not some damn incubator for pity.” -Kevin
The Importance of Family and Forgiveness
The story also emphasizes the importance of family and forgiveness. Molly’s journey to reconnect with her estranged father highlights the complexities of family relationships and the healing power of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Through its powerful themes and messages, “This Heart of Mine” offers readers a touching and unforgettable reading experience that is both heartwarming and inspiring.
Writing Style and Praise
Susan Elizabeth Phillips is known for her unique writing style that blends romance, humor, and drama to create captivating stories that leave readers wanting more. In “This Heart of Mine,” Phillips’ writing style is on full display, drawing readers in from the very first page and keeping them hooked until the very end.
Readers and critics alike have praised Phillips’ talent for crafting complex characters who feel like real people, adding depth and authenticity to her stories. Her stories are infused with witty banter and clever plot twists, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking.
“Susan Elizabeth Phillips writes captivating romance with a bite and wit unlike any other author. ‘This Heart of Mine’ is no exception; a story that will leave you smiling and wiping away tears, it’s a must-read for any fan of the genre.” – BookPage
Phillips’ Signature Style
Phillips’ writing style is a perfect blend of romance and humor, making her stories both heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny. The dialogue is sharp and witty, filled with snappy comebacks and clever one-liners that showcase her characters’ personalities.
Her storytelling is also infused with drama and emotional depth, tackling real-life issues with sensitivity and nuance. Her ability to create complex, flawed characters who feel real and relatable is a testament to her skill as a writer.
Book Praise
“This Heart of Mine” has received high praise from both readers and critics, with many calling it one of Phillips’ best works yet. The book’s seamless blend of romance, humor, and drama has struck a chord with readers, earning it a place on many must-read lists.
The story’s memorable characters and emotional depth have also been highlighted, with many praising Phillips’ ability to create characters that readers truly care about. Overall, “This Heart of Mine” is a testament to Phillips’ skill as a writer and her ability to craft captivating stories that stay with readers long after the final page.
Reception and Sales
Since its release, “This Heart of Mine” has garnered positive reception from readers and critics alike. It has an average rating of 4.12 on Goodreads, with over 22,000 ratings and 896 reviews.
The book debuted at #5 on the New York Times bestseller list for mass market paperbacks and remained on the list for two weeks. It also reached #16 on the USA Today bestseller list.
This shows that the book has received widespread attention and has resonated with many readers. Its sales figures are a testament to its popularity in the market.
The exact sales figures for “This Heart of Mine” are not readily available, but it is clear that the book has performed well commercially. Its success in both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists is evidence of its strong sales performance.
Reader Reviews and Recommendations
There is a reason why “This Heart of Mine” is highly regarded by readers, as evidenced by the glowing reviews it has received. Many have praised Susan Elizabeth Phillips for her masterful storytelling and ability to create memorable characters.
“I absolutely loved this book! The romance was heartwarming, and the characters were so vivid and unique. Susan Elizabeth Phillips never disappoints!” – Sarah J.
Readers have also commended the book’s well-developed plot and themes, with some noting the story’s emotional depth.
“This book was not just a romance, but also a story about forgiveness and healing. The way the characters dealt with their pasts and grew throughout the book was truly inspiring.” – Emma S.
If you’re a fan of romance novels or sports romances, “This Heart of Mine” is a must-read.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “This Heart of Mine” by Susan Elizabeth Phillips is a captivating addition to the Chicago Stars series. Set in a charming small town, the book introduces readers to a cast of nuanced and relatable characters who grapple with complex emotions and life-altering decisions. The book’s themes of forgiveness, healing, and acceptance are powerfully conveyed through Phillips’ masterful prose and skillful storytelling, making it a must-read for fans of the romance genre.
Overall, the book has received widespread praise from readers and critics alike, with many commending Phillips’ ability to blend humor, romance, and drama into a seamless and engaging narrative. The book’s reception and sales figures are a testament to its enduring popularity and impact in the market.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming and emotional read that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired, “This Heart of Mine” is definitely worth checking out. With its richly-drawn characters, compelling plot, and insightful themes, it is sure to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
