Oh how this book just wasn’t for me. I went into this completely blind, which was my mistake. I was very quickly unpleasantly surprised to find out half the premise was magical realism. I am not a fan of any sort of magic/fakeness that would not happen in real life. I want the books I read to be realistic. This was very hallmarky and cliche. A lot of it was predictable and it didn’t keep my attention. I did not like the main FMC and I feel like we barely broke the surface on the MMC. Sadly I haven’t really enjoyed the authors most recent works and this is one to add to it. 2.5 stars.

This book is pretty enjoyable, although didn't quite resonate with me completely.

It centers around Cam, a dedicated lawyer with a rather abrasive demeanor, who goes on a blind date with Ben, a pediatric surgeon. Throughout the evening, she completely disregards him. The following morning, they find themselves in a whimsical town and must complete a series of tasks to return home. Will they manage to finish their assignments, or will they remain trapped in the charming town of Heart Springs indefinitely?

While I usually love magical realism, this particular tale was a bit challenging to immerse myself in. The essence of magical realism lies in accepting the impossible without question, but the rapid pace of this story made it difficult to fully embrace.

Ben is a likable character, yet he comes across as somewhat one-dimensional. The narrative would have benefited from including a few chapters from his perspective. My only issue with him arose when he teased Cam in character 5.

Cam is a decent character. Although she can be rude, I believe her directness is simply her nature. I relate to that, even though I tend to be more of a people pleaser. I was cheering for her to achieve a happy ending, and her character does show significant growth.

Overall, a cute book. It carries a vibe reminiscent of Ashley Poston and Sarah Ready. I admire Ballard for exploring new territory, and I look forward to her future works.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

"Change of Heart" by Falon Ballard is a poignant and engaging romance that explores themes of personal growth and emotional transformation. The story follows characters who face significant life changes and navigate the complexities of love and self-discovery. Ballard’s writing is heartfelt and relatable, bringing depth to the characters and their journeys. The novel balances romance with introspective moments, making it a compelling read for fans of emotionally charged and transformative love stories.

Falon Ballard’s fifth book, CHANGE OF HEART, is heart-warming and heart-wrenching.

Her prose is lyrical, introspective, and, that most crucial of all characteristics, true; her story is inspiring, honest, and gripping; finally, her ability to create and develop a character, providing them with depth, allowing them to breathe on the page, allowing them to be true to themselves and not sacrifice who they are for the sake of furthering the plot is masterful.

All of these elements are on display in this latest novel, and they have turned this reader into a Ballard fan for life.

The story opens with a blind date from hell. Ms. Campbell Andrews is a lawyer who works at her grandmother’s very prestigious firm. She is out on a blind date with pediatric surgeon Dr. Ben Loving (yes, cue the snickers). Campbell dismisses any chance of romance with Dr. Ben, opting to use their dinner date to answer work emails and to prep for a big meeting where she is meant to attract a billionaire client for the firm. It is clear that she has zero interest in romance. Work is her priority. Ben ends the date and escorts her outside. But when he touches her back, Campbell feels a spark of attraction that is unfamiliar to her. And when she returns home that night, her thoughts drift to the good doctor and does not understand why.

I have to admit, this opening is just as memorable as the epic breakup scene in JUST MY TYPE.

Readers should be aware that at the date, there is a third character in the background to whom they would do well to pay close attention – Mimi the waitress. Despite the fact that the blind date goes poorly, Mimi pays for the couple’s dinner and leaves them a note, wishing them happiness and true love.

Cue Chapter Two when Campbell wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings. Ballard writes, "But I'm in bed dressed with a butter yellow comforter, and that blasted sunlight is streaming through curtains made of delicate white lace. I'm tucked in bed and everything feels warm and . . . cozy. It's gross." It's at this moment I know that I am going along for the ride. Ballard has my full attention.

The idyllic setting, it's a bedroom straight out of a Hallmark romance movie, has Campbell wondering if she has died, and if this is her own personal hell. Her wardrobe is different. Even her physical appearance is different. No cell phone. No landline. There is a TV, but there is only 1 channel and it plays – yup, you guessed it – Hallmark-style movies. When she goes outside, she sees that her house, the perfect little home with a white picket fence, is the same as every other house in the neighborhood. When she talks to the neighbor, she learns that she is in Heart Springs – Dr. Ben Loving and the town of Heart Springs. You have to love Ballard’s attention to detail.

Campbell wants to speak with whomever is in charge. That would be the mayor, whom Campbell tracks down in a local coffeeshop, and the mayor turns out to be . . . say it with me . . . Mimi, the waitress from the previous night's bad date. Campbell figures that she is dreaming all of this, so she drinks a double shot of espresso and returns to her pink house with the yellow door – again, love the attention to detail – when a man in the house next to hers walks outside in plaid pajamas and . . . it's Ben.

Campbell eventually realizes that she is not dead, nor is she dreaming. Once again, she finds Mimi and demands answers. Primarily, she wants to know what she has to do to return to her “real life” in New York City, where she works for grandma at the law firm, trying desperately to earn her love and respect. Some life, right? It turns out, our protagonist has 3 tasks to accomplish before she can leave Heart Springs: 1. Find a job she is passionate about; 2. Help others and give back to the community; 3. Experience true love.

CHANGE OF HEART incorporates elements of Pleasantville (or perhaps, Wandavision is a more apropos comparison) meets a Hallmark movie. And I like how Campbell remains true to her own character, cursing like a sailor in this idyllic setting that is supposed to be G rated. Ballard is clearly having a little bit of fun with these preposterous yet spiritually uplifting films. Ballard is not satirizing Hallmark movies. She recognizes their value to the viewing audience. What Ballard does is incorporate two elements sorely missing – honesty and depth. And sex. So, three elements.

Readers and reviewers will focus on Campbell and Ben's conversation that takes place after her disastrous attempt to help with a local wedding – oh yeah, this take-no-prisoners lawyer fails spectacularly at running the local bookshop as one of her attempts at finding a job about which she is passionate – when she realizes that she has never really experienced or felt true love. Maybe her grandmother loves her for her, except it feels too much like grandma views Campbell as a do-over since her own daughter, Campbell's mom, did not live up to expectations, and Campbell's mom left her behind to be raised by grandma, which does not scream true love.

But the moment that grabbed my attention is the advice Campbell gives the bride. Bail on the wedding if you're not sure you love him; don't get married just because it is expected of you! Campbell is in a no-win situation here, so she trusts her gut when delivering the advice to the nervous bride who is second-guessing her decision to marry. And there is nothing wrong with that. Yes, her perspective is a bit biased because of her lack of experience with "true love" in her own life, but she isn't wrong. Campbell may not realize it at the time, but she is telling the bride to be to go ahead and believe in true love, but you need to know that true love means something different for everybody. You have to figure out what it means to you. But in the process of figuring that out, don't sacrifice who you are. Does Campbell take her own advice?

The author is delivering the same message to her readers -- you can be a strong woman AND believe in true love. You are not a monolith. You can do both. But take the time to figure it out for yourself. And who cares what everyone else thinks.

This scene early on in the novel provides real depth to the protagonist that will be explored at great length as the book advances. It makes her real to the reader, which is rather refreshing. Ballard injected some 21st century feminism and common sense into this Hallmark scenario that deserves to be explored, much like it was in Ashley Poston's recent book. That is so refreshing. That is what I've anticipated from Ballard ever since I started reading her books. And she is delivering.

I admit – lately, Emily Henry has been the gold standard for my romance reading. With this book, Ms. Henry has been supplanted by the brilliant Falon Ballard. And rightly so.

CHANGE OF HEART is a romantic comedy with a magical realist plot device. Fans of Ashley Poston, Sarah Hogle, and yes, Emily Henry will ADORE this novel.

This book was okay. It felt a little slow, and I had to stop midway through cause it wasn't holding my attention. The writing was good, the spice was sweet, and it felt like a Hallmark movie.

This book includes magical realism, and the FMC has the MOST realistic reaction to waking up in a magical small town and being tasked with finding true love that I have EVER seen. I loved it.

But overall, the book just felt like a copy and paste of every Hallmark movie plot of a big-city girl falling in love in a small town. Really, really cliche, and I wasn't engrossed because of the over-predictability.

Perfect for any hallmark movie lover! This story follows Campbell, who is the classic city workaholic who puts her career before everything. She wakes up in a magical town where she must complete three tasks in order to go back home, one of which includes finding true love 🩷

Was it a little cheesy? Yes. But did I enjoy the cheesiness? Also yes! This was not only a love story but a journey of self discovery. I also loved how the town gave Barbie vibes where she always woke up with perfect hair/makeup and her wardrobe would automatically decide what she would wear each day 🎀

This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Change of Heart will be published February 11th.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. In this book we follow the female main character Campbell on a journey of discovery about herself. This book ends up mainly taking place in an alternate universe setting. This book is a slow burn romance. This book has very little spice but what is there is amazingly written. This book feels almost like the book form of a hallmark movie and I loved it. Once I started reading this book I had to force myself to put it down. I am becoming a big Fallon Ballard fan. Now this is not my favorite Fallon Ballard book but it is up there.

cute alternate universe story line. Book is kinda like the show Schmigadoon

Campbell and Ben go on a bad first date and their fairy godmother Mimi interrupts and sends them to an idyllic town. Will they figure out how to get home or be trapped there forever?


Thank you NetGalley for the arc

If you want a fun, sweet, magical romance without a lot of baggage or heartbreak, this book is for you. It's lighthearted and breezy to read through, and the spice was worth waiting for even though the author always pushes it farther than I want (I prefer less description and more imagination). What I really adored about Cam and Ben, the main characters, is that their friendship developed slowly over time before their romance became physical. The relationship build-up was perfect and led to a very cinematic reveal of true feelings that could have been mortifying if not reciprocated, but of course became romantic gold. As a reader, I felt like I was on a rollercoaster inching its way up to a great height, and I wasn't sure if the drop would disappoint and render the journey a waste -- but then I was blown out of the water by the thrill and excitement of it!

Cam's single POV was perfect. I liked not knowing how Ben felt about her and having to rely on his actions to discern his feelings. I don't usually enjoy dual POV because romance writers often make men out to be simple, tortured, and only motivated by their baser urges as a way to tell us how hot the female lead is. Ben does not fall prey to this. He is genuinely good and kind and we aren't supposed to know what his mystery assignment from Mimi is until the right time. It's easy to love him, and it's important to me that I'm not rooting for 2 a-holes to be together. Cam became a much better person throughout the story and I could really believe they were the right fit together by the end.

Not only were the two leads actually lovely people once they dropped their armor, but the people of Heart Springs, their fictional Hallmark town, were wonderful as well. This is absolutely my favorite Falon Ballard book. I can't say I love all her books, but she is getting to be a better and better writer. If you are a fan of romances where the leads get sucked into a fictional place, I would also recommend Prime Time Romance by Kate Robb. It's grittier and slightly insidious, but the love story in it is quite sweet.

Just a quick note: Ben is seriously dreamy, but all his "sweethearts" drove me mad. I can't help but hear that word sarcastically or condescendingly. I wish there could have been another nickname, or how about just call her Cam?

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for letting me read this ARC!

I’ve never met a Falon Ballard book I didn’t like, and this one is no different.“Change of Heart” is Hallmark meets “The Good Place,” and is a look at missing what truly matters in life. I’m not sure if it’s an immediate favorite like her others, but I loved it and swooned at the leads from the first pages.

Campbell Andrews is married to her work. She doesn’t waste time with relationships, so when she’s set up on a date, she doesn’t bother with getting to know him.

But, when she wakes up the next day, she doesn’t wake up in her own bed; She’s in a strange town, Heart Springs. Campbell is given a list of tasks to complete, including falling in love and finding something she’s passionate about. It takes her on a crazy ride through town; taking on new roles, meeting new townsfolk, participating in events and going on dates.

Can she find true happiness? Or simply keep doing what’s gotten her to this point in her life.
Does she want to stay? Or is the real question: Does she have anything worth getting back to at home?

Ballard knows how to create characters so well to the point you instantly fall in love with them. The chemistry jumps off the page from the first interactions of the FMC and the MMC, but it isn’t solely focused on the romance, which does add another layer of intrigue.

There are themes of searching for belonging, finding happiness, true love, living a real life instead of letting life happen to you and believing that your are more than enough. It isn’t the typical romance in that we see them go through the stages of dating, but there are plenty of sweet and spicy moments to keep you on your toes. The dialogue is just absolutely perfect in every way, too.

Overall, I’d give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Pre-order now or pick up a copy in stores on Feb. 11, 2025.

#NetGalley #ChangeOfHeart

3.5 ⭐️
1.25 🌶️

This was cute! I am a Falon Ballard STAN and jump on any and every opportunity to read her stories but ultimately, this one really fell flat for me.

To start, this book is a Hallmark movie in book form. It’s cheesy but the scene development really did paint a nice picture of the town. The FMC, Campbell (Cam), is a workaholic who is quite rude in the beginning of the story. Since this book is from her POV, it was nice to see her growth throughout the story and how she blossomed into a nicer and loving person. The romance that developed between Cam and Ben felt rushed at times and forced in others. Also, the fact he called her “sweetheart” more times during this book than he actually used her name really rubbed me the wrong way.

If you love Hallmark movies and rom coms, this book is for you!!!! It wasn’t my favorite I’ve read but I can’t wait for the next book Falon writes.

Thanks NetGalley and Putnam for an ARC of this book!

📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 A big city girl and a doctor matched on a first date get trapped in a fictional small town…it’s like like reboot of Pleasantville for grownups with all the responsibilities that they feel like they have to rush back to, they are tasked to have an open mind an open heart to find their way home. A dash of magical realism mixed with adorably flawed yet realistic characters that will endear themselves to readers and heartfelt storyline makes for an absolutely delightful read! Sometimes we need a healthy little escape from our own reality to appreciate all that we have…

Review is on Goodreads and will be posted on instagram closer to publication date and on Amazon when published!

Another great book from Falon Ballard! I always enjoy her heartfelt books, and this one was no different. Cameron wakes up in a magical town after a disastrous first date, and with the help of new friends and neighbors she must find her way back to real life. The town was a treat to read about, and it was lovely to see Cam's character development throughout the book.

I am such a sucker for Falon Ballard's books. I drop everything I am reading whenever I get approved for one of her books. This one wasn't my favorite of hers, but I still really loved it. It oddly reminded me of A Novel Love Story that I read earlier this year, but it was done much better in my opinion. I started off hating Campbell, but she quickly grew on me. and don't even get me started on how much I loved Ben. If Falon has no fans, I must be dead!!!

"Change of Heart" by Falon Ballard was Superb!! Cameron or Cam as her friends call her is a workaholic high powered lawyer!! Then when she is set up on blind date with Dr. Ben Loving and Cam would rather be anywhere but there!! After all she has no time to date, just work, work, work!! When this mysterious waitress leaves them a note!! Both Cam and Ben wake up in Heart Springs an idealistic town!! They each have tasks to complete before they can go back home!! Will Cam and Ben be able to figure everything out and complete the tasks and make it back home? Loved everything about this story it's like a meet cute before it knows it's a meet cute!!! Falon is an Excellent storyteller and just love the Character development of Cam!!

💫THANK YOU to the Author, Publisher, and Netgalley for the
e-book in exchange for an Honest Review!!

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

#NETGALLEY
#CHANGEOFHEART

I am a self-admitted book worm, and I have been the majority of my life. Here lately, I gravitate towards suspenseful books. Ultimately, at my core I am still a fan of romance. Because of this, I was very excited to read this book.

Although I read Fallon’s previous book “Right On Cue,” I still didn’t really know what to expect with this one. I have to admit that the plot description definitely intrigued me. One thing that I will say is that this book completely blew away any expectations that I had. I was hooked before I had even gotten through the first chapter.

I absolutely loved this book, and am kind of sad that I am done reading it. While I adored the main characters in the book, there are a couple that I have some questions about in regards to either their backstories, or what is next for them. I’m guessing that it is our job to imagine those things ourselves. I definitely recommend this book.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

This book has kind of an “It’s a Wonderful Life” vibe to it. Don’t want to say too much to give things away, but it was a cute premise and I haven’t read another book like this before. Very unique.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Change of Heart to come out February 11, 2025.

Boy oh boy. I was really excited about this book. I usually love Falon Ballard’s writing, but this was not it.
I’m an absolute sucker for magical realism, but what the heck happened here 😭 first of all, it felt like everything here was rushed. Everything happened so fast, there was no context to why & how they ended up there. I cringed so hard in multiple scenes, also the whole “sweetheart” thing just felt forced. Forced and rushed, those are pretty much the two words that would define this for me. We barely got to know Cam, but we had absolutely nothing on Ben. I couldn’t even make myself root for them. It had so much potential though, I’m disappointed :(

Thanks NetGalley & publisher for the early digital copy. All opinions are mine & mine only ✨

probably my favorite of ballard's so far simply due to my belief in the central romance. this one feels properly romantic due to the stakes of entering into a magical city and needing to complete tasks to get back to real life. it just made me feel warm whenever cam and ben interacted because they have an ease that a lot of couples lack and when they were pulled apart, my heart hurt immediately. ballard's descriptions of cam's feelings made the book for me and i enjoyed the escape.

also, this is a small thing, but i've noticed that ballard tends to introduce characters (not just in this novel) by saying their race "white", "east asian", etc. but it never helps me picture the character better. it just feels out of place every time.

I fell in love with Falon Ballard’s effortless writing style when I read Right of Cue. Every single time I read her books I find myself lost in the characters and the story. She is truly one of the best authors and every book I read of hers is an instant favorite!