Winning His Heart

I truly enjoyed reading Winning His Heart written by Lara Van Hulzen, the second entry in her St. Claire family series. This is Mike St. Claire and Franchesca Stone’s story. It is a story about how life can throw a wrench in your life path yet provide ways to realign your course. Franchesca returned to Marietta after the death of her father, to help her mother. She left New York and her attempts to get a role on Broadway. She has adjusted to her new life, opening and running a drama school for the kids in Marietta. Now it feels like everything is going wrong; she’s barely making ends meet with her school, her mom is showing signs of dementia, and her car just broke down on the side of the road. Independent is her middle name as Franchesca tries not to accept the help offered by widower Mike St. Claire with a ride, her car, and a job of watching his daughter, Annalisa. Mike is unsure if he is ready to date again. At the same time, he needs a woman’s perspective, including whether or not to return to the demands of the racing circuit and in what capacity, team manager, co-owner or driver. This story really resonated with me, exemplifying that it’s okay to recognize your limitations and accept the help of friends. Ms. Van Hulzen is a great story teller and I had trouble putting this book down, reading it in one day. I highly recommend this book to other readers and look forward to the next story in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Winning His Heart (The Marietta St Claire's Book 2) by Lara Van Hulzen This is Michael St. Claire and Franchesca Stone's story. Mike, widower, is raising his daughter so he is having to make changes in his life. Race car driving is in his blood but is trying to find a way to still involved in racing without being a driver. Franchesca has had to make changes in her life due to her mother's health. This is a sweet story of two people that have changed their life plans for family. Will Mike and Franchesca see what's right in front of them and and take the risk. The supporting characters were a great addition to the story. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

A heartwarming story of finding love again. Michael is a widower with a young daughter, Annalise when he meets Franchesca. Franchesca has returned to Marietta to help care for ailing mother. Franchesca and Michael both have dreams outside of Marietta, but it is always the what ifs, that throw a wrench in their lives. Are they able to fight off the chemistry that they have?? Loved this story of taking chances and following your heart. Annalise was a sweetheart, I fell in love with her. Perfect story telling by Lara Van Hulzen, that will keep you turning the pages. This is the second story of the St Claires, but can be read as a stand alone.