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Romance from the Heart #1
Secrets of the Heart
Javier Quintana knows his family’s struggling restaurant, El Corazon, needs help. But when his interfering siblings hire Molly Abbott, a successful food entrepreneur and his high-school sweetheart, he’s livid. The way their relationship ended wasn’t pretty. And although Molly never married, she’s the single mom of an eleven-year-old daughter conceived right about the time of the breakup. Molly’s ideas about farm-to-table, health-conscious Mexican food conflict with Javier’s strong sense of tradition, even as her joyous faith convicts him about his own lapse from the church of his youth. Can a reunion romance bring happiness to two lonely souls who never forgot each other… or will their relationship be derailed by the secrets they both carry in their hearts?
Secrets of the Heart is Book Four of the Arcadia Valley Romance series. These inspirational Christian romances all take place in the same Idaho town, with characters you'll come to love and a farm-fresh, sustainable foods focus. Look for a new book each month, including more books about the Quintana Family and El Corazon.
Secrets of the Heart is Book Four of the Arcadia Valley Romance series. These inspirational Christian romances all take place in the same Idaho town, with characters you'll come to love and a farm-fresh, sustainable foods focus. Look for a new book each month, including more books about the Quintana Family and El Corazon.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2017
119 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Lee Tobin McClain
170 books512 followersNew York Times bestselling author of emotional, heartwarming romances. Visit http://www.leetobinmcclain.com to join newsletter, get book release details, and find out more.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 5, 2020
This was a great little second-chance romance tightly-bound to a faith-promoting, explicitly-Christian viewpoint. I really liked Molly and Javier grew on me. Molly is looking to put down some roots for her and her daughter and I liked her courage and concern. I liked how important her faith was and how she made the conscious efforts necessary to tie herself to the local community. Indeed, this is a great depiction of the bonds those in a faithful community can share and how people can come together to help and serve one another.
Javier was a bit much, sometimes, but he mostly works, too. He's a little too caught up in himself and definitely too rigid and controlling. Fortunately, he kind of knows that and works on it to bring himself more into the mindset he knows he should have and to make his faith more than simply words. Since his greatest failing of charity and understanding is Molly, it helps having her present and challenging his preconceived notions. I liked how they worked together and was heartened to see that McClain gave some thought and complexity to the work issues that drew them together—that they both had to give and take and that neither was consistently right or consistently wrong. Which meant that their true strength was in working together to create a whole that was better than their individual parts.
Unfortunately, McClain isn't nearly so nuanced with the couple of villains in the story. And, sadly, they were indeed villains. I'm not sure what happened there because the "good" characters were very well nuanced with pieces of selfishness and error mixed into their goodness. But the bad guys were just wanton manifestations of id that made very little sense and don't hold together at all as actual people with actual motivations. The most present is Molly's Aunt Lisa and she is a mean-spirited jerk with an irrational hatred of Molly, cold contempt for her own husband, and the compassion of a brushfire during a drought. But the older boy, Terrence, who smarms over Molly's girl, Trina, is equally ill-thought. Worst example: no teen boy is going to give his letterman jacket to a 12 year-old girl who just moved into town. That's just a straight-up skeeve move and would make him the target of disgust, mocking, and/or court-mandated counseling.
Anyway, I liked the development of the relationship for the most part. And I particularly liked how well McClain worked the faith of the characters into the story and made it both present and powerful but without making anything pat or simplistic. I was less happy with Molly feeling like she had to keep her rape a secret for as long as she did, particularly from Javier. I get that it was a hard choice and I can see how she'd hesitate to trust his reaction. But trying to predict the responses of others and letting lies flourish just because the truth can hurt doesn't work very well for me. And yes, I know that's my own personal problem and her actions made perfect sense for her character. And I wouldn't even dream of judging anyone in that actual situation. But it still plays a role in my engagement with the story and I want to be honest in admitting that.
So this ends up a solid 3½ stars that I'm rounding up on how well McClain handles an active faith in the lives of her characters. I hesitate only because the "bad guys" are so poorly drawn that it calls into question the strength of the rest of her characterization.
A note about Chaste: Molly and Javier are committed and church-going Christians and that includes a dedication to pre-marital chastity. There is some kissing, but no hint of more so I find this very chaste.
Javier was a bit much, sometimes, but he mostly works, too. He's a little too caught up in himself and definitely too rigid and controlling. Fortunately, he kind of knows that and works on it to bring himself more into the mindset he knows he should have and to make his faith more than simply words. Since his greatest failing of charity and understanding is Molly, it helps having her present and challenging his preconceived notions. I liked how they worked together and was heartened to see that McClain gave some thought and complexity to the work issues that drew them together—that they both had to give and take and that neither was consistently right or consistently wrong. Which meant that their true strength was in working together to create a whole that was better than their individual parts.
Unfortunately, McClain isn't nearly so nuanced with the couple of villains in the story. And, sadly, they were indeed villains. I'm not sure what happened there because the "good" characters were very well nuanced with pieces of selfishness and error mixed into their goodness. But the bad guys were just wanton manifestations of id that made very little sense and don't hold together at all as actual people with actual motivations. The most present is Molly's Aunt Lisa and she is a mean-spirited jerk with an irrational hatred of Molly, cold contempt for her own husband, and the compassion of a brushfire during a drought. But the older boy, Terrence, who smarms over Molly's girl, Trina, is equally ill-thought. Worst example: no teen boy is going to give his letterman jacket to a 12 year-old girl who just moved into town. That's just a straight-up skeeve move and would make him the target of disgust, mocking, and/or court-mandated counseling.
Anyway, I liked the development of the relationship for the most part. And I particularly liked how well McClain worked the faith of the characters into the story and made it both present and powerful but without making anything pat or simplistic. I was less happy with Molly feeling like she had to keep her rape a secret for as long as she did, particularly from Javier. I get that it was a hard choice and I can see how she'd hesitate to trust his reaction. But trying to predict the responses of others and letting lies flourish just because the truth can hurt doesn't work very well for me. And yes, I know that's my own personal problem and her actions made perfect sense for her character. And I wouldn't even dream of judging anyone in that actual situation. But it still plays a role in my engagement with the story and I want to be honest in admitting that.
So this ends up a solid 3½ stars that I'm rounding up on how well McClain handles an active faith in the lives of her characters. I hesitate only because the "bad guys" are so poorly drawn that it calls into question the strength of the rest of her characterization.
A note about Chaste: Molly and Javier are committed and church-going Christians and that includes a dedication to pre-marital chastity. There is some kissing, but no hint of more so I find this very chaste.
September 11, 2017
My Musings
I simply love a good inspirational and this book was a delight from the first page to the last. Loved the characters, especially Trina. Can't wait to read the next one in this series.Happy ☺reading 📚!
I simply love a good inspirational and this book was a delight from the first page to the last. Loved the characters, especially Trina. Can't wait to read the next one in this series.Happy ☺reading 📚!
April 3, 2018
This story focuses on Javier, the brother of Alex Quintana, who was introduced in Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley. Javier is now the manager of El Corazon, the Mexican restaurant started by hi parents that has been struggling recently. Unbeknownst to him, his siblings have hired his ex-girlfriend as a consultant to turn the restaurant around-- the girlfriend that left him with no explanation, and when he finally got in touch, he found her to be expecting another man's child.
Molly is returning to Arcadia Valley to find a fresh start for her teenage daughter, and to assist her ailing uncle with his health issues. She is hopeful of turning over a new leaf, but the circumstances of her leaving find her the center of the rumor mill once again.
Can these two find a way to overcome their past and find a future together? Can El Corazon become the heart of the community once again?
A great story about judging others, speaking up for whats right, and sharing our burdens with others. And of course, a fun romance set in the fresh-food community of Arcadia Valley.
Molly is returning to Arcadia Valley to find a fresh start for her teenage daughter, and to assist her ailing uncle with his health issues. She is hopeful of turning over a new leaf, but the circumstances of her leaving find her the center of the rumor mill once again.
Can these two find a way to overcome their past and find a future together? Can El Corazon become the heart of the community once again?
A great story about judging others, speaking up for whats right, and sharing our burdens with others. And of course, a fun romance set in the fresh-food community of Arcadia Valley.
June 26, 2017
Another in the Arcadia Valley series. Javier and Molly have a lot to overcome. Can their love be strong enough to overcome their past? Javier's family restaurant is teetering on the edge of failing and Molly is hired to fix it. This is what she does for a living and is good at her job. Javier's family hired her behind his back, but for the good of the family. Sparks fly. This story kept me reading.
April 30, 2023
4.5 Stars
She Got the Prize …. ohhhh, but getting there was painful
This book hits many levels of pain. There is loss, or should I say losses, misunderstanding (which is totally understandable), and what’s that saying …. Bad things happen to good people? Well this is the testimony to that saying.
However, we also see how how bad things can be used for good. It’s all about choices…. hard choices, especially for the innocent. And there is collateral damage, painful collateral damage involving several people.
🤔 CHARACTER OBSERVATIONS:
✒︎ Aunt Iris…. a floozy, plain and simple
✒︎ Uncle Dale … loving but naive
✒︎ Molly … protective, overcomer, survivor … do not bet against her
✒︎Javier … hardcore, belligerent, but understandable why
✒︎ Petey … deathbed confession? ruins a lot of lives
✒︎ Trina …. spunky teenager with teenage drama, fortunate to have the mother she has
🙏 LIKES…WISHES:
✒︎ Clean storyline that tackles hard issues like sex abuse, rejection and the consequences
✒︎ Not preachy but shows how faith plays a role in lives
✒︎ Would like to have ‘seen’ Petey, especially on his deathbed. Yes, there’s redemption but actions have consequences (look at King David)
✒︎ Wanted to ‘see’ Aunt Iris forced to look in the mirror as it cracks at her reflection. We are led to assume she reaps what she sowed, but only ‘told’, not ‘shown’.
✒︎Definitely a re-readable story, especially if more detail, depth is added to reflect the ‘sinners’ choices.
She Got the Prize …. ohhhh, but getting there was painful
This book hits many levels of pain. There is loss, or should I say losses, misunderstanding (which is totally understandable), and what’s that saying …. Bad things happen to good people? Well this is the testimony to that saying.
However, we also see how how bad things can be used for good. It’s all about choices…. hard choices, especially for the innocent. And there is collateral damage, painful collateral damage involving several people.
🤔 CHARACTER OBSERVATIONS:
✒︎ Aunt Iris…. a floozy, plain and simple
✒︎ Uncle Dale … loving but naive
✒︎ Molly … protective, overcomer, survivor … do not bet against her
✒︎Javier … hardcore, belligerent, but understandable why
✒︎ Petey … deathbed confession? ruins a lot of lives
✒︎ Trina …. spunky teenager with teenage drama, fortunate to have the mother she has
🙏 LIKES…WISHES:
✒︎ Clean storyline that tackles hard issues like sex abuse, rejection and the consequences
✒︎ Not preachy but shows how faith plays a role in lives
✒︎ Would like to have ‘seen’ Petey, especially on his deathbed. Yes, there’s redemption but actions have consequences (look at King David)
✒︎ Wanted to ‘see’ Aunt Iris forced to look in the mirror as it cracks at her reflection. We are led to assume she reaps what she sowed, but only ‘told’, not ‘shown’.
✒︎Definitely a re-readable story, especially if more detail, depth is added to reflect the ‘sinners’ choices.
July 23, 2020
A Good Book
This author was new to me and I enjoyed the introduction to their work. It was exactly what it was purported to be, though the past the characters had to work through was anything but sweet. Stop here if you don't want possible spoilers.
.
.
The romance between the two MCs mostly took place in the past and this story focuses on healing their hurt from the past and how they reconnect, so if you're looking for spice, skip this one. But! If you're looking for a story with some rich undercurrents and characters who are more interested in building solid foundations for their relationships, check it out. I liked this one enough to try reading the next one in the series.
This author was new to me and I enjoyed the introduction to their work. It was exactly what it was purported to be, though the past the characters had to work through was anything but sweet. Stop here if you don't want possible spoilers.
.
.
The romance between the two MCs mostly took place in the past and this story focuses on healing their hurt from the past and how they reconnect, so if you're looking for spice, skip this one. But! If you're looking for a story with some rich undercurrents and characters who are more interested in building solid foundations for their relationships, check it out. I liked this one enough to try reading the next one in the series.
July 26, 2020
This book deals with some hard issues - rape by a family friend, judgment by people who were supposed to help you, wrongly induced guilt, betrayal... But it is also about second chances, forgiveness, coming out stronger by bad experiences, seeing the blessings despite hardships... and about faith and turning to God in times of need.
Narrative: 3rd person following Molly and Javier
Religion: yes
Sensuality: chaste, only kissing (but of talk of rape, infidelity)
Narrative: 3rd person following Molly and Javier
Religion: yes
Sensuality: chaste, only kissing (but of talk of rape, infidelity)
July 23, 2018
Javier and Molly have a past and a lot of misunderstanding and anger/betrayal to work through. Javier’s siblings through Molly back into the mix by hiring her to revamp their restaurant. We take a tumultuous journey to learn what happened years ago between them, and as they work through the past to be able to embrace the future. Page turning book, that wraps up nicely.
September 29, 2017
I'm a bit worn out from all the plot twists, but I did enjoy the book. I like the Arcadia Valley series, with stories by 6 different authors, all with their own styles of writing. This one being about the Quintana family restaurant made me hungry for some good Mexican food!
February 22, 2018
..Coming back home after heart ache to return to a different type of heart ache!
A hostile family member she had to be an overcommerer! I could relate to this story line. I know people who have this type of burden.
A hostile family member she had to be an overcommerer! I could relate to this story line. I know people who have this type of burden.
July 11, 2020
Secrets of the heart: A sweet reunion romance
I couldn't stop reading this book. This story packed a very powerful story line. With so many emotions that pulled you in you laughed you cried and you would chuckle. I loved everything about this book.
I couldn't stop reading this book. This story packed a very powerful story line. With so many emotions that pulled you in you laughed you cried and you would chuckle. I loved everything about this book.
July 15, 2020
A great read !!
A single mom returns to the town she grew up in despite leaving at 17 b/c of a traumatic experience . Finding a job at the family restaurant of her first (& only love) proves challenging.
A single mom returns to the town she grew up in despite leaving at 17 b/c of a traumatic experience . Finding a job at the family restaurant of her first (& only love) proves challenging.
July 18, 2017
4.5 Stars.
Javier got off too easily. He treated her bad in the past and present yet got a totally free pass
Javier got off too easily. He treated her bad in the past and present yet got a totally free pass
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2017
Id love to live in Acadia
Another winner by Lee Tobin McClain. I absolutely loved the characters in this book. They were so real and the storyline was great. Highly recommended.
Another winner by Lee Tobin McClain. I absolutely loved the characters in this book. They were so real and the storyline was great. Highly recommended.
July 17, 2020
Easy read with a bit of surprise
Enjoy getting into the characters in this book and waiting
for the outcome. Life gets complex along the way to a happy ending.
Enjoy getting into the characters in this book and waiting
for the outcome. Life gets complex along the way to a happy ending.
May 30, 2021
Very good.
At the center of this book was a horrible thing that happened. God had worked good out of it and now it needed to reach it’s end.
At the center of this book was a horrible thing that happened. God had worked good out of it and now it needed to reach it’s end.
September 26, 2021
Beautiful
What a heart-wrenching, poignant and beautiful story of loss and love; all kids of love but most of all God's love.
Well done!
What a heart-wrenching, poignant and beautiful story of loss and love; all kids of love but most of all God's love.
Well done!
April 3, 2023
Sweet story
I received a copy of this book.
Sweet story and characters.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a copy of this book.
Sweet story and characters.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
May 20, 2023
Secrets of the Heart
A lovely, good, clean romance with beautiful characters, lots ofvtrials and tribulations, heart ache and romance. In the end love conquered everything.
A lovely, good, clean romance with beautiful characters, lots ofvtrials and tribulations, heart ache and romance. In the end love conquered everything.
April 11, 2017
I have been a fan of Lee's books for awhile now, so when the opportunity to read another one of her charming stories came up, I could not say no! Her stories always have a way of making me smile. They offer hope and encouragement, and I'm always happy to share them with others.
This story about Javier and Molly was great. It did touch on a heavy topic, however it was done in a respectful and tasteful manner. Physical abuse is something a lot of people probably endure in silence, and I hope those people get to read this and will better understand the importance of getting help and telling others, and to know they are not alone. Although she endured abuse, Molly was a strong lead. Just a hard working single mom trying to do what's best for her daughter. Those are my favorite kinds of heroines :)
Then there's Javier. I found his stubborness rather amusing. Almost like that donkey that won't move even though it knows that eventually you'll force it to! He was so worried about change that he didn't stop to think that it could be a good thing. Reminded me of myself a little bit, always struggling with big change. But underneath of that was this caring family man that subtly caught my eye. It was the little things he did that showed his true colors, and I like it when an author will just show these little things that make a character shine.
What I loved most about this story was the pace it was written. Quite often two estranged love birds find each other again and by chapter three all is forgiven and they are a couple again. Not the case here. The author allowed the characters time for adjustment, and a natural connection to form again. It was not forced or rushed at all. It really made the story that much more believeable!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story about Javier and Molly was great. It did touch on a heavy topic, however it was done in a respectful and tasteful manner. Physical abuse is something a lot of people probably endure in silence, and I hope those people get to read this and will better understand the importance of getting help and telling others, and to know they are not alone. Although she endured abuse, Molly was a strong lead. Just a hard working single mom trying to do what's best for her daughter. Those are my favorite kinds of heroines :)
Then there's Javier. I found his stubborness rather amusing. Almost like that donkey that won't move even though it knows that eventually you'll force it to! He was so worried about change that he didn't stop to think that it could be a good thing. Reminded me of myself a little bit, always struggling with big change. But underneath of that was this caring family man that subtly caught my eye. It was the little things he did that showed his true colors, and I like it when an author will just show these little things that make a character shine.
What I loved most about this story was the pace it was written. Quite often two estranged love birds find each other again and by chapter three all is forgiven and they are a couple again. Not the case here. The author allowed the characters time for adjustment, and a natural connection to form again. It was not forced or rushed at all. It really made the story that much more believeable!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 11, 2017
Javier is shocked when Molly shows up at his family's restaurant. He hasn't seen her in years. Watching these two try to fight the feelings they still have for each other will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. The characters in this book are all very special people. What Molly does for Javier's restaurant is totally amazing. God is working throughout this whole story. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. The review is my honest thoughts and reaction to this book. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
April 11, 2017
In this Inspiritional romance which is book 4 of the Arcadia Valley romance series, Javier Quintana knows his family’s struggling restaurant, El Corazon, needs help. When his siblings hire Molly Abbott, a successful food entrepreneur and his high-school sweetheart, he’s livid with good reason or so he thinks. Although Molly never married, she’s the single mom of an twelve-year-old daughter conceived right about the time of their breakup. He knows the child can't be his so who is the father? How could she have cheated on him? Why won't she answer his questions? Can Molly protect those she loves by keeping her secret in this small town?
Read Message
From: "Virgil Gibson"
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2016 18:55:35 -0400
To: [email protected]
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Read Message
From: "Virgil Gibson"
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2016 18:55:35 -0400
To: [email protected]
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
April 12, 2017
I loved this romance book one in Lee Tobin Mc Clain's new series Romance from the heart.
Tension abounds as Molly struggles to start a new life in Arcadia Valley, interact with an old boyfriend, keep and old secret and protect her daughter.
Lee does a good job blending, romance, and suspense into this book about farm to table, health-conscious Mexican food.
An advance copy was given to me and my op[nions are my own.
Tension abounds as Molly struggles to start a new life in Arcadia Valley, interact with an old boyfriend, keep and old secret and protect her daughter.
Lee does a good job blending, romance, and suspense into this book about farm to table, health-conscious Mexican food.
An advance copy was given to me and my op[nions are my own.
May 3, 2017
I absolutely loved this first book in the Romance From The Heart series. Arcadia stories are the best. Very well written and caught my interest from the beginning. Lots of tension between hero and heroine which gives a nice twist to the plot. What happened to the two of them? Read and find out. Engaging characters working at updating a family Mexican Food Restaurant using fresh produce.
April 13, 2017
Delightful romance with well developed characters and contemporary theme of renewing a restaurant's image with a healthy Mexican cuisine, while keeping old time favorite Mexican dishes.Molly and Javier are believable characters. Lee Tobin McClain wrote a well crafted with surprising twist and turn plot including real life issues: foster care, drug addiction, heart disease, and abandonment. Even though this is part of Arcadia Valley Series or McClain's Romance from the Heart series, the romance can be read as a stand alone. As a retired Midwest teacher, mother, grandmother I related with the rural farm community and struggles of today's young people.
April 18, 2017
Full review on Faithfully Bookish http://wp.me/p7ngfE-LB
What a wonderful beauty from ashes sweet romance! Fresh food and sustainable living are seamlessly tied into the storyline along with weightier issues like faith, forgiveness, legacy, and abuse.
Javier is a quintessential Darcy hero... tall, dark, and broody, devastatingly handsome, occasionally quick to judge, fiercely protective of his family, and he has some pride in there too ;)
Molly is a survivor, a mama bear, and an innovative entrepreneur. She has no intentions of being taken care of (or taken advantage of) ever again.
Secrets of the Heart gave me warm fuzzies and a serious craving for Mexican! Even though my stomach doesn't benefit, I'm looking forward to visiting El Corazon again soon (fact or fictional, the food still makes my mouth water)!
I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
What a wonderful beauty from ashes sweet romance! Fresh food and sustainable living are seamlessly tied into the storyline along with weightier issues like faith, forgiveness, legacy, and abuse.
Javier is a quintessential Darcy hero... tall, dark, and broody, devastatingly handsome, occasionally quick to judge, fiercely protective of his family, and he has some pride in there too ;)
Molly is a survivor, a mama bear, and an innovative entrepreneur. She has no intentions of being taken care of (or taken advantage of) ever again.
Secrets of the Heart gave me warm fuzzies and a serious craving for Mexican! Even though my stomach doesn't benefit, I'm looking forward to visiting El Corazon again soon (fact or fictional, the food still makes my mouth water)!
I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 27, 2017
I love Arcadia Valley and this romance was sigh worthy. A second chance love story that will tug at your heart strings. Great read!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews