You are introduced to the heroine at the very beginning of the story when tragedy strikes. For any parent it is the worst no matter the age, for me I almost stopped reading, but went ahead. It turns out that Claire Richards is still having a time with her life moving forward. All she wants to do is get back to her job as a professor at the local college. She becomes upset at first when her dog takes a liking to the new neighbor who just moved in next door. Though he is very good looking she feels that because she is six years older and still grieving after three years she does not deserve anything good in her life. Mainly because as any mother or parent she wanted one night, not even a night a few hours alone to soak in a tub and read her book. Now she feels she needs to punish herself because of the decision. Aiken the neighbor and her friend since childhood are working to pull her out of her house and back into a life that they feel it is time for her to have. A wonderful story with good characters and a good epilogue.

The first emotion that comes to my mind from reading this galley was confused. Maybe this wasn’t the best book to read before bed... I was confused with how Aiken and Claire started dating. (To me, Claire didn’t seem to be all that interested in Aiken but the next thing I knew, Claire was almost giving into him?) I was getting weird emotions between Claire and Aiken most of the time.
I do agree with the other reviewers when they say that the story was about moving forward and moving on after tragedy. Which was nice to see. That Claire was able to develop as a character and move forward with Aiken. That Aiken’s character was able to foster Claire, while she healed.
I ask agree with the reviewer who said that the ending was rushed. I felt like it was rushed as well. Parts of this story felt long and drawn out and other parts felt rushed along. I wasn’t a huge fan of Mary’s character. She was quick to get under my skin.
I’m sorry to say that I just wasn’t a fan of this book :(

I love this book more than I could ever say! It is no secret that this author is among my favorites. But this new stand alone took me through more emotions than I expected. Claire has been through so much, the worst of things and yet somehow she puts one foot in front of the other and concentrated on her college students. Until her new neighbor moves in. Aiken is younger than her and very good looking. He also has a way of drawing her out against her wishes. Or does she really want someone to help her live again? But when some details start to come together in what was behind her daughter’s tragedy, is there a way for Claire and Aiken to make it?

This is the first book that I have read by Rachel Blaufeld and I have to say that it blew me away. I picked the book up this morning and started to read it and I just could not put it down. Honestly this book made me feel so many emotions. You have Aiken who has come to town because he wants to find out what happened with his mom. Then there is Claire whose daughter was killed in an explosion 3 years ago and she has yet to start living again. Claire and Aiken meet because he bought the house beside her. When they meet the chemistry is electric. Aiken cannot get Claire out of his head so he pursues her and will not take no for an answer. This book is about 2 people that are soul mates. It is about struggling to let go of the past and learning to live in the future. It is about learning that sometimes 2 hearts are stronger together then apart. During the story of Claire and Aiken you have mystery, intrigue. and so much more. I would highly recommend this book. I plan to go back and read everything this author has written. Thanks Net Galley.I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

3 stars
Super emotional read about loss and finding love again after letting people in. The rushed ending I wished was a little different.

4 out of 5 stars

I really enjoy this author’s work. She creates characters that are easy to fall for and a story that you can’t put down once you pick it up. This book is no exception to that rule.

Claire has faced tragedy that no parent wants to even think about. Aiken is looking for answers from deep in his past. They are new neighbors and though Claire fights her attraction to Aiken, she can’t resist his charms for long.

The story moved at a great pace. I never felt like it was going too fast or too slow. I was a little surprised by the big reveal, but not totally. I wish I could re-read it again already to really look for the little clues and try to see what was really happening in the background. Both Aiken and Claire found their way deep into my soul and I am so glad I got the chance to read their story. I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed they took a chance on this book.



*** I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion ***

To say the emotions run high in this story from Rachel Blaufeld is an understatement. My heart was shattered, then it was mended in this story. I could only imagine the pain of loss that Claire felt through the tragedy that gripped her. No, not mentioning it as I do not want to give a spoiler. The biggest thing is how does one rebuild after something so heartbreaking and earth shattering? Well, enter Aiken. I think he was the most unexpected experience that Claire could have anticipated but in such a good way. He brought life back into Claire and helped her face her fears and move on to live life again.
Overall, this was an amazing story. I think it is my favorite one to date from Blaufeld. What I love about Blaufeld is she tackles such hard and emotional topics with grace and poise and it packs such a punch that leaves you breathless and remembering it for the rest of your life. Heart Stronger will do just that for you and more. With every emotional moment, passionate kiss and more, this will make you look at life in a new way and live it to the fullest. The twist at the end had my heart stop and gasp! But it comes full circle and it just amazing! I highly recommend this read!