Loree Lough writes books that make you want to curl up with a quilt and tuck away into the time period. Guardians of the Heart is no different. The characters feel like real people (some of them are, in fact, as they were modeled after the author's pastor as well as winners of a contest!), and the situations - though set in the late 1800s - are historical versions of things that any of us could face today. The added bit of suspense/mystery gives the story just the right boost - both in intrigue and in heart.

Nell is a sort of superwoman-type with a slightly wounded spirit (much like Shaina's character in the first book Currency of the Heart), and Asa is a sort of wounded type with a slightly superman spirit. Together they form a great team. It was truly delightful to watch them interact - her singsong personality against his guarded exterior. And Ambrose - if I were able to sit down with any character in this story for a chat, it would totally be with Ambrose. Or Birdie. But I would probably get more conversation out of Ambrose :)

While Guardians of the Heart can easily be read as a stand-alone novel, it was nice to catch up with several characters from the first book. They fit seamlessly into this story, however, so someone who has not read the first book would have no trouble following along.

Bottom Line: A sweet heartfelt romance that reminds us of the importance of forgiveness - of other people and especially of ourselves. With true, likable characters and a plot brimming with all the great elements of a story, Guardians of the Heart will gently refresh your soul.

I give Guardians of the Heart 5 out of 5 stars!

(I received a digital ARC of this book from Prism Tours in exchange for only my honest review.) ( )