Jennifer J. Coldwater’s extraordinary tale of love, Holland, My Heart, follows Holland Gallagher as she picks up the pieces of her life after the death of her husband, Aiden. Will she get a second chance at love? If so, will she accept it?
Table of Contents
Review
Grief changes our lives in inexplicable ways. No matter how far we come, a portion of our hearts always remains dedicated to the grief that we experienced at some point. Perhaps, the greatest grief of all is caused by the loss of a loved one. Their absence leaves a void that is hard to fill.
Jennifer J. Coldwater brings to us a beautiful tale of second chances in her Holland, My Heart. Holland was over the moon when she met the love of her life, Aiden Gallagher. He brought with him the gift of family. Holland had always been adrift even before her erratic mother abandoned her. By marrying Aiden, she finally had a family of her own as Aiden’s mother, Naomi, brother, Ethan, and sister-in-law, Ximena, accepted her unconditionally. However, good things never last. A freak accident took the lives of Aiden and Ethan. Now, the Gallagher women only had each other. While Ximena resolved to move in with her family, Holland decided to follow Naomi to Los Angeles and start life anew. Even after moving cities, the grief never left her. One day, something unexpected happened. When Naomi introduced Holland to her friend, Kai Ipu, sparks started flying between them. Kai fell for her at first glance while Holland was not sure what to make of her feelings. After all, she still loved Aiden. Moreover, Kai had a burden of grief of its own.
Will Holland and Kai give their connection a chance? Will they be able to overcome the burden of their pasts? What about the grief? Will it ever leave and make some space for happiness?
Holland, My Heart is a heart-touching story that gives us a magical yet realistic view of life. Through her modern-day retelling of the biblical Book of Ruth, Jennifer J. Coldwater shows us that grief never leaves. However, at the same time, she shows us that it can be overcome with love and care. She depicts that love is everlasting. However, that does not mean that life does not give us a second chance at love. Yes, it’s rare. So, when you have it, accept it.
Coldwater creates flesh and blood characters with whom you can relate to. While reading the book, you would want to befriend Holland, Kai, Naomi, Ximena, Micah, and all the others. Kai instantly falls in love with Holland. However, he does not know what to make of his feelings. He does not jump into a relationship with her as soon as he feels a connection. He takes the time to know her while giving her the time to come to grips with her feelings. Kai ensures that he is always there for her. Holland feels the sparks right when she meets him yet it is difficult for her to accept Kai as her love for Aiden remains true. It is heartwarming to watch her reconcile her feelings for both Kai and Aiden. I love how she did her best to be in Kai’s corner even when she herself was in shambles. The way the two of them were each others’ pillars, especially when they had to face their unresolved issues with their respective mothers is admirable. Naomi is one of my favorite characters. Even after losing her husband and both her sons, she did not lose her poise or her maternal instincts. She was always there for her girls, Holland and Ximena. Naomi did everything to ensure their happiness. The bond among Holland, Naomi, and Ximena is enviable. They always had each other’s back, even after the demise of the men who connected them.
Holland, My Heart is a heartwarming novel that will leave you with happy tears. It has the potential of reinstating your belief in love and life. I recommend Holland, My Heart to all my fellow romance lovers. People who love reading about second chances would adore it.
Book Details
- Title: Holland, My Heart
- Author: Jennifer J. Coldwater
- Genre: Multicultural Romance
- Theme: Second Chances, Love, Family, Grief
- Publication Date: October 4 2022
- ISBN or ASIN: 9798848738339
- Number of Pages: 246
- Minimum Audience Age: 13
Book Themes
(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)
- Sexual themes: 3
- Religious themes: 0
- Violence, self-harm, etc.: 0
- Crude language, expletives, swearing, etc.: 1
- Other adult themes: 0
Rating
- Content: 5 stars
- Writing Style: 5 stars
- Appeal to Target Audience: 5 stars
- Uniqueness: 5 stars
- Editing: 5 stars
- Other factors: 4 stars
- Overall: 4.8 out of 5
Featured Book: “Holland, My Heart” by Jennifer J Coldwater
“An easy read. After the devastating death of her only children, two sons, Naomi wants her daughters-in-law to find happiness again. Ximena has her family in Mexico but Holland has no one but her. She decides to play matchmaker. Kai and Holland have no idea she is plotting. Holland goes to work for Kai and…
Meet our Author: Jennifer J Coldwater
About the author*** Raised in a United Methodist household, Jennifer J. Coldwater was asking questions about God and religion as early as first grade when she received a red-letter Bible from a pastor. Jen was fascinated by (confused by, worried about, asking her parents why) the words of Jesus were written in red ink.As she…
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I love reading different perspectives of the same book because they say something not only about the book but also about the reviewer. Unlike other reviews, you focused this one on the grief theme behind the story more than on the multicultural aspect. It’s something we all face at one time or another, sadly. I love your reflection on second chances, though.