Book Review - My Stubborn heart by Becky Wade

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure.  When her grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

        Yet, she discovers a different type of project upon meeting the man hired to renovate the house.  He’s attractive and clearly wounded -- hiding from people, from God, and from his past.  Kate can’t help but set her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.

In one word, what did I love most about this story ... honesty. But that is not all.  I loved so many things - the characters, the drama, the love story, the redemption of the hero, the portrayal of God, the setting ... the list is endless. 

I felt the story world that Becky Wade created felt rich and real. The open meadow filled with the fall sunshine and memories of family traditions that lured both of the main characters in, lured me in as well.  The old house, the old church and the excitement of making all things new.  I am not an antique-r or even remotely interested in becoming one but I found the storyworld of the old house being brought back to life was so beautifully woven into this story of restoration.  The setting became a secondary character in my mind - so relevant and implicit to the plot.

Becky's characters, Matt and Kate were fantastically written and deeply entertaining.  I love the moody, damaged emotions of our professional hockey heartthrob.  His ups and downs were engaging.  I also love cheering for the underdog - Kate.  She works hard and gives all of her heart to whatever she is doing. Yet she lives under an umbrella that it isn't quite enough sometimes. She is a delightful and uplifting character to read.  Her heart for God was well written and authentic.  

Above all of that I loved the way the spiritual journey was portrayed.  I do not want to give anything away with spoilers, so suffice it to say the journey is bumpy, unpredictable and just like real life sometimes.  You'll have to read the book to see what I mean.


A definite recommendation!  Just do it!  Go read the book!  Now!


Thank you to Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing group for offering this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.  I am not required to give a positive review.




Have you read a novel that felt very authentic to you?  What was it and what's your favorite part?