A great romance book, I really enjoyed the tropes and found myself rooting for the couple! Thank you net galley for the review copy!

heavier than its entire aesthetic would imply, but not overly cloying or sappy or insufferable like corollary tenacious kid stories (ie extremely loud incredibly close or radio flyer). not bad.

Eva Carter has written a believable tale of romance and friendship, it’s rare to find a book that is both immersive and true to real life

From the author of How to Save a Life comes a heartfelt story of two people finding the courage to choose love, no matter how hard it may be.

Gemma thought she had her future all mapped out. She had a wonderful husband, a cute apartment, and plans to start a family. But just months after their wedding, illness took her husband from her. And now she finds herself trying to think up new dreams, when all she really wants are her old ones back. Across town, Dan's also rethinking his life. He's about to meet his twelve-year-old daughter, Casey, for the very first time. She's tracked him down because she needs a place to stay for the summer while she receives treatment for a brain tumor at the city hospital, and Dan is terrified he won't be up to the task of taking care of her; after all, he's structured his entire life so that no one has to rely on him.

But when fate (with the help of Gemma's scruffy terrier, Bear) brings these three strangers together one scorching July morning, there's an instant connection among them. And it soon becomes clear that this summer could change everything--if only they'll let it.

Will Gemma, Dan, and Casey be brave enough to let love in and build a new life together? Or will they let fear keep everything they've ever wanted just out of reach?

This is a romance with a difference. It’s gritty, emotional and takes readers on a journey through health and love.

All 3 characters have sides of life that present themselves with challenges to face.  There are commitment issues, fears of loneliness and health challenges. The question is will love flourish in such an environment?

The book, within those meaty, hard-hitting, ever-present themes, is well-written, a little slow at times, but nonetheless pretty deep and rather realistic. Sensitivity seem to be at the heart of the writing of the characters that are easy to connect with and care about. There is also a fair bit of positivity that shines through, that gives the book a nice lift and readers a good experience.

Yet another winner from this talented author! This book was very emotional and touched down on the importance of love and family. A great storyline!

Thank you to NetGalley for this copy. This is a really good book, kept me entertained throughout and I would thoroughly recommend to all.

Much like my first experience reading Eva Carter, my expectations of this book were wildly exceeded. I was sent a copy of Owner of a Lonely Heart to read via netgalley, and a local bookshop for review, and I was really excited that I'd been chosen *twice* due to how much I'd enjoyed the first Carter book I'd read.

This was a fast-paced, emotional read with well-developed characters who were likeable and empathetic. The slow-burn beginning of the novel lured me into a false sense of security, and I was weeping by the end. With complex issues such as cancer and fertility being handled with care and consideration in this novel, it is rife with triggering moments - but they are so intricately woven together that they serve the plot, rather than the other way around.

Please feel free to send me more Eva Carter books. They're brilliant.

A lovely written book
Quite emotional in places
But there is still laughter in the book
This book is one you definitely want to read
Thanks NetGalley

A heartwarming and emotional romance about second chances and new beginnings.

As Gemma, Dan and Casey navigate their way through the blows that life has given them, a chance meeting brings them together whilst Casey is undergoing treatment for a brain tumour, much to her Mum's (Angelica) dismay. As each embarks on the next chapter of their life, will they have the courage to open their hearts to love after loss?

I thoroughly enjoyed this read; the relationship between Dan and Casey is written exceptionally well, as father and daughter. Gemma's journey made for a real tear-jerker for me, especially the final message received from her late partner, Andrew. When Angelica was first introduced, I didn't warm to her, but as the story unfolded, I fully empathised and understood her more. The depth of these characters, delicately woven throughout the plot, makes for a highly recommended read.

Due to the sensitive issues discussed throughout this book, there are some trigger warnings. Some readers may find parts of this upsetting.

After reading the debut book by this author earlier this year I jumped at the chance to read another one and I was not disappointed.
Eva Carter writes characters flawlessly, despite their numerous flaws. There's such a beautiful way to her storytelling that you can't help be wrapped up in.
This jumps between the points of view of Gemma, Casey and Dan and each tale holds its own sorrow and heartwarming journey.
There's some pretty harrowing backstory, this is not a light and fluffy romcom.
Give it a go and you will not be disappointed!

What a beautiful story. Dan and Gemma meet accidentally and they are instantly attracted to each other but they both have tragic pasts and secrets that they are keeping .Dan meets his teenage daughter for the first time when she is undergoing treatment at a hospital where he lives .Its a story of love,loss and relationships and its heartwarming and emotional and when they finally open up to each other they can hopefully find the happiness they deserve. I really enjoyed this book a great read

I really enjoyed this book, so heart-warming.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

“One day you’ll meet someone who’ll change everything. So do your best to meet new people and travel to many different cities and lands. And do something daring every day. Because you never know what kind of enormous adventures are waiting for you around the next corner…”

Gemma is terrified of slowing down, Dan is scared of anyone getting to know the real him, and Casey-Dan’s twelve-year-old daughter- is scared this summer could be her last.
When Gemma, Dan and Casey meet one scorching July, the connection is instant. Yet, used to protecting themselves from heartbreak by keeping their distance, can they find the courage to connect?

Everyone is fighting a battle inside them. When times are hard, it takes exceptional courage to convince yourself that you will get through it. Their troubled pasts make them fear the possibility of good things coming their way. Gemma, Dan, and Casey have built a hard wall around them to protect themselves from the outside world. However, inside, they are bound by their own notions with no room for escape.

The story progresses from the point of view of the three main characters. They divulge their innermost thoughts and fears to the reader but are unable to express them to those who matter.

Eva Carter weaves an uplifting story around fertility, cancer and complicated family dynamics. Their dark secrets and a heartful romance make this a poignant and sensitive novel.

This ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Pan Macmillan.

‘How to save a life’ is in my top 3 favourite books, ever. So I was expecting great things from this. Eva Carter didn’t disappoint. The back story to all the characters was well thought out and written beautifully. Will be buying a physical copy of this to keep forever.

This book gave me all the feels. It was warm, gentle and Eva's writing just makes it so easy to become immersed in her wonderful stories with wonderful characters.

Every character added something to the story, but the main action centres around Dan, Gemma and Casey. A fledgling romance and a father and daughter reunited.

I loved how the history of Dan in particular was revealed slowly, building on hints scattered here and there. It gave him such depth.

Gemma was written with great vulnerability and the truest, kindest heart.

Casey was fierce, and scared and brilliant.

But of course, the true hero of this book is Bear. We all need a Bear in our life.

This is the second book I have read by the author , I enjoyed this book , with thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the arc of this book

Gems leads a busy life and tries to believe she is happy despite the early death of her husband from cancer. She volunteers with her dog at the cancer unit her husband was treated at and there she meets Dan and his daughter, who are going through similar issues.

The relationships in the book are very well written and I loved the positivity coming from Gemma despite the loss she has suffered.

A good read providing sadness, loss, new love and hope. Highly recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another fab read - loved her last book and jumped at the chance to read this one. This author is now an auto buy for me. Highly recommended.

If anyone ever asked I’d say I’m not a fan of romance novels but now I would add unless they’re written by Eva Cater. Eva writes with such compassion and sensitivity that the story feels very real but also very heart warming too. The story is so well written and the characters are very thoughtful and likeable. This book will have you rushing to the end and then feeling quite bereft when you’re finished. I’m not going to lie I felt quite emotional at the end.