Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

This book took a serious tool on my heart. It was passionate, sweet, thought provoking and so much more I didn’t know I needed.
I can’t wait to read whatever else Angie puts out.
Her writing really made me fall head over hells with her characters and long for their happy ending.

Interesting story of souls linked to one another throughout multiple incarnations.

Lizzie/Claudia, Sage/Alex have stories that tell us about love found at the wrong time, unexpected love healing hearts and second chances.

Depending on your perspective, four happy/unhappy endings.

I loved the contrasting timelines, and the stories between the two couples - an interesting premise!
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

I received this book from the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book follows two different couples in 2 different times. Lizzie and Claudia in 1862 and Sage and Alex in 2014. Each short chapter alternates between the 2 different timelines, which I found jarring at times as it didn't let me immerse myself too fully into either of the stories, although this got easier as the book progressed.

I loved Lizzie and Claudia's story, it was so beautiful and tragic. <spoiler>Though didn't get a happy ever after together (in this life), it was realistic for the time, and they both had good lives.</spoiler>

While Sage and Alex's story was sweet, I found it hard to route for them and I just couldn't warm to Alex, she was too frustrating at times. Still a enjoyable read.

Will be looking out for more by the author.

Awakening Hearts follows the story of two couples discovering what it means to be soul mates, each finding major obstacles in their path to being together. Lizzy and Claudia meet in 1862 when Claudia comes to stay with Lizzy’s family after a tumultuous childhood. Sage and Alex meet in 2014 when Alex books a massage with Sage.
This was very well written but the story just wasn’t for me. Each chapter alternates between the two couples and I had a hard time getting into each story. There was a lot of back and forth and just felt like it was rehashing the same sentiments chapter after chapter. I missed the reference to religious turmoil in the book description as well and that part just isn’t really appealing to me. I am not usually a fan of historical fiction but this sounded intriguing and was hopeful the more modern tie in would help but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I’d definitely try something else by this author though, hopefully some new work comes out soon.

The publisher provided an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is going to be painful to write.

There were quite a few aspects that I thoroughly enjoyed, and then there were things that grated me into insanity.

I enjoyed the interactions between the lead characters, both of them were well written, and their dialogue felt genuine and fresh. The story was structured believably and honed in with the struggles of changing one's beliefs.

Unfortunately, all is good and well until it simply becomes too much. While reading, I put in my notes at 25% mark that I might consider this book one of my favourites for the year, and already at 30% mark, it had already switched the other way.

I mentioned that I liked the dialogue, which I did, but it was also its biggest downfall, in my opinion. Now, I don't have issues with a story that really tries to avoid the pitfall of the 'miscommunication'-trope. But there was a tiny grain of sand that grated in my mind as I got deeper into the story. When I had passed the midsection of the book, the small little nagging grain had ultimately caused me to go insane.

There is just so much dialogue!

"But you just said--"

Yes, I know! And that is what annoys me the most. Because the first 25%, the story clicks every box to build itself up to a terrific and engaging love story between two star-crossed soulmates. Past that, however, I started to pay attention to how the characters talked and realised how jarring it actually was. Seriously, there were pages occupied by a single character talking; then the other party always was like, "Woah! [Insert another page of tantalised agreements and counterpoints.] While it was fine at first, it burned me out entirely very quickly.

Another thing I realised was the fact that none of the characters had absolutely no filter between their brain and mouth. They were painstakingly honest all the time.

The emotions, the pining, the longing and heartache, it's all there. All ingredients are laid out on the table for an excellent story. Unfortunately, that does not do a damn thing if it's not cooked properly to make the reader feel any of it.

By the 75% mark, I was so unsatisfied and annoyed that I just gave up, losing every ounce of interest in the story as a whole.