I loved the story, but the number of "F" words lowered my overall rating. Also, Ben the MMC was little cringey for me. The plot was excellent and unique; for me, the F-words detracted from the engaging and creative story. *I received a complimentary ARC from the author/publishing company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

DNF at 40% due to boredom

As someone who has read and loved all of Falon’s books, I was shocked when I couldn’t get into this one.

I was so ready for a fun twist on the Hallmark “unlikeable big-city FMC goes to small town and falls in love” but by the 40% mark, it felt like nothing had happened. I simply wasn’t invested in either of the main characters or the storyline.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book!
This was my first Falon book, and I was excited to read it based off of other feedback on the back list.
This one wasn’t bad.

I’ve never wanted to get into an altercation with a FMC as badly as I did Cam. How Ben sat through that dinner is beyond me- and he continued to stay available and open to her.
While Cam did experience growth in this book, it just still wasn’t rewarding enough for me? Idk.

I love the premise of magical realism, the plot was great sounding, and I like the whole “thrown into a magical spicy hallmark town” vibes.

I’m definitely going to give Falons other works a try. The writing itself was fantastic.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to my community if they were looking for specific tropes.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-arc for a copy of this book.

While quite cute, this book didn't have the substance for a plot of this kind, and although it was short, it needed some editing and improvement of the character.

Our MC, Cam, is a bitchy lawyer, and while this book seems to be trying to flip hallmark movies on its head, it still falls into the trope that a woman needs to be improved to be able to balance her life and needs a man for her life to be complete. This would have been better if her character improvement wasn't literally because of a man.

Also, I don't love the choice by white authors to write "diverse" stories where all of the side characters are POC, but the actual MCs who fall in love are white. This isn't diversity, its just odd...

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the eARC of Change of Heart! Falon Ballard was a new to me author last year, when I was lucky enough to get an ARC of All I Want Is You which I DEVOURED and then proceeded to run to her back catalogue. Falon Ballard is an author for me and this book is no exception. This fast paced and fun romance was delightful, though I struggled a bit to connect with Cam as a narrator. Looking forward to what Falon has in store next for sure!

I'm always up for a story featuring a prickly, "unlikeable," workaholic woman, and after loving Falon Ballard's "Just My Type," I was looking very forward to seeing her take on a black-cat woman, as well as magical realism.

The story follows Campbell (Cam), a high-powered attorney who is laser-focused on her career working at her family's law firm and has no time for anything else. However, the matriarch of her family keeps setting her up on blind dates—after meeting Ben, a pediatrician, for dinner where she informs him that he has no obligation to remain on this date and proceeds to spend the time answering emails rather than trying to get to know him, she wakes up in a sun-drenched room with a closet full of flouncy, pastel dresses and discovers she's been transported by the waitress from the restaurant to a small, magical town and that she'll need to complete three tasks before she can return home. Worse, Ben is there, too—and he's her next-door neighbor.

Though I actually liked Cam as a main character and found it to be an easy and fast-paced read, when I stopped to think about the world and other characters, I unfortunately found that not much about it worked for me. Ben was unremarkable and said "sweetheart" nearly every time he opened his mouth, and the goal of the tasks Cam is forced to undertake ultimately don't make much sense when everything resolves.

Overall, I think this story had a lot of potential, but it just didn't come together in a way that worked for me.

2.75 🌟

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC of Change of Heart by Falon Ballard.

I’ve become a big fan of Falon Ballard. Romance but always a little different. This one has a bit of the magical. Just enough to leave to guessing if Ben and Cam’s situation is really something magical, one really long dream, or is this real life?!? Cam is the power driven woman who doesn’t have time for love while Ben is looking for love but work takes up a lot of his time. One blind date and now they seem to be trapped in a strange town tasked with figuring some things out so to speak. How to do they get out of this situation, especially when Cam has to find her true love and Ben is her assigned “keeper” apparently? A fun and lighthearted read.

Thirty-four year old Campbell "Cam" Andrews has one thing on her mind....work. All she is interested in is earning the right to take over the family law firm Andrews & Associates from her grandmother. When her grandmother sets her up on blind date, Cam isn't very interested, but goes anyways. She walks into Two Hearts Cafe and immediately recognizes Dr. Ben Loving instantly. Cam is upfront with Ben and explains that she was forced into this date and has no interest in being there. Their waitress, Mimi brings their bill but says their meal is on her and the next time they eat together she hopes that love surrounds them. Cam thinks the whole the was weird.....that is until she wakes up the next morning and finds herself in the little Hallmark type of town called Heart Springs. Guess who is her neighbor.....Ben! The mayor....Mimi! Everything is this town is perfect. Mimi explains to Cam that she needs to do three things....1. Find a career she's passionate about. 2. Become a valued member of the community. 3. Experience true love. Crap....she's screwed.

As Cam navigates life in Heart Springs, she starts to commiserate with Ben. The more time they spend together, the more Cam realizes that Ben's a great guy. Cam will have to go through a fun and interesting journey to find her happy ever after but in the end it works out perfectly.

I really enjoyed this fun twist of needing changes in your life. I loved the realness of Cam. She told it like it was. Ben was more a sweet, guy next door type of guy and exactly what Cam needed even if she didn't realize it at first. Together these two go on this fun ride through a perfect small town until they finally find their way back to the big city.

I have to admit that it took me a while to get into this book, but I persevered and I’m glad that I did. I really liked the “second chance” aspect of the book. I am however, disappointed that it seems everyone apparently feels that all powerful women are course and vulgar. Really loved Ben and how patient and supportive he was. For all of us that wish we could live in a Hallmark universe… it just might not be as perfect as it seems. But then again… who needs perfect?

I enjoyed this story. Cam starts off as rude and abrasive to start. Ben was a saint for sitting through that dinner with her. For a character to start off so unlikeable and actually make me root for her is a feat. I did find myself relating to Cam a few times and feeling the pain her and Ben were feeling. I liked the premise, but wouldn't have minded a little bit more of an explanation of Mimi's "powers" or what this town actually was. A nice little escape from reality since the last book i read was Onyx Storm.

I don’t think Falon is really the author for me. Her characters did go through some growth in this book but the FMC was very annoying. The love interest was fine but a smidge cringy. I would say this could fall under magical realism but there are a lot of plot holes and just the logistics of the plot did not land for me. It’s was a quick, cutesy read but not one that I would shout from the rooftops ya know

This story follows Campbell Andrews, a workaholic lawyer living in New York, who has little patience for love or anything that distracts her from her career. After another meaningful blind date, she unexpectedly wakes up in the magical town of Heart Springs—where her date turns out to be her neighbor. To return home, she must complete three tasks, one of which is to experience true love.
This was my first book by this author, and while I haven’t read any of Falon’s other works, I found this one to be a cute, lighthearted read. It has all the Hallmark movie vibes —small-town charm, a tight-knit community, good deeds, and a sweet romance. While the story can be cheesy and predictable at times, I didn’t mind it at all. It was a fun, feel-good read.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this eARC!

I am a huge fan of this author. I have read all her previous books and really enjoyed them. One of my favorite parts of her books is the quick witted main character and her ability to write very relevant and laugh out loud banter. Sadly, I felt like that was exactly what was missing this time! The premise of waking up in a magical suburban world right off the bat was not my favorite but of course that could be personal preference to some others. I thought the romance was more rushed than some of the other books and therefore, I was not connected to them as closely. My favorite parts were the ‘hallmark movie’ style scenes working at the bakery or strolling to the Christmas tree. Character development was good just not my top favorite! I will continue to read her books because they are usually a hit, but I didn’t jive as much with this one.

First let me say I will read anything Falon Ballard writes. She is so good at telling a story and can always grab me with her writing. And yet, Change of Heart is probably my first miss with reading her. I enjoy a good magic realism plot line and am a big fan of the movie Pleasantville, and this book gave off those vibes. There’s an alternate universe called Heart Springs that’s the perfect pastel small town that surely can help a hardened soul experience love, find a passionate career path, and become an integral part of the community. And through a wormhole, Cam ends up there, along with her blind date Dr. Ben Loving, from the night before. In fact Cam DOES find all of these things, and my issues weren’t with the story, but with the characters.

Cam is VERY unlikable when we first meet her. She’s self absorbed, rude to her date for no reason, and just genuinely an unhappy person. You know how a first impression can rub you the wrong way? That was Cam. And I really wanted to give her a second chance and space for growth (which she does), but I just never felt that she was a character I wanted to root for. At the other end we have Ben who is the ideal boyfriend. He’s consistent, available, handsome, and always says the right things and for some reason he’s into Cam. I think that was hardest for me—I just wasn’t sure why he chose her. But also, he’s so ideal that he becomes very one-dimensional. I wanted more depth from him, not just someone to serve as the background prop for Cam’s disastrous personality. His whole purpose for even being in Heart Springs was to help Cam and I just wanted more from my heroes. Where is his flaw? What causes him to be in Heart Springs purgatory? Although Cam does make changes in her life, Ben stays exactly the same from when we first meet him.

As I mentioned the storytelling is good. Even though I was on the fence with Cam and Ben, I kept reading to see what the end results would be. Will they be stuck forever? Will they lose all memory of their time in Heart Springs? Will going against Mimi and her ideas, thwart their ability to go home? I was satisfied with the ending, but just wished I had felt more connection to the characters (main or supporting). Regardless, I’ll continue to read more of Falon Ballard in the future, this just wasn’t my favorite. I received an early copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Let me start this off by saying that Falon Ballard is hands down an autobuy author for me, I have absolutely loved everything I have read by her. I don't think I have given anything she wrote less than 4 stars. I went into this expecting to love it immediately and unfortunately this one fell flat for me. But I think that's a me thing, and not to the fault of the book. It was a decent read, I just went in with way too high expectations and then I just couldn't connect well with the main character. My favorite part of Falon Ballard's books is the fact that I always love the main characters, so to have one I didn't really connect with, took away from it.

Besides that, it was a decent romcom and I definitely found myself chuckling throughout and rooting for the main characters, despite not connecting with them. Everyone has a least favorite book from all authors they love and unfortunately this one was mine. With that said, I HIGHLY recommend anything Falon Ballard writes and I will continue to read anything by her. Do yourself a favor and read something by her, you won't regret it!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Change of Heart is about a high powered, career focused attorney (Cam) who gets stuck in a small town after a bad date with three objectives to get home, including experiencing true love. Sound familiar? Well it sounded familiar to Cam too and she studies "Hallmark" movies to help her figure out how to accomplish her objectives and get home with the help of her cute next door neighbor...

This is a rom-com that doesn't take itself too seriously and is an interesting twist on the contemporary romance. Still full of Ballard's ability to create interesting characters with good chemistry it is definitely going to be a fun one for this valentine's season!

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam Books for the advanced e-copy of this book.

Campbell is a total workaholic lawyer with zero time for love. So, when she gets set up with Ben, she straight-up tells him she’s not interested, spends the date answering work emails, and bails. But the next morning, she wakes up in a small-town dream (nightmare?) straight out of a Hallmark movie—complete with a magical closet that picks her outfits. Not the vibe she’s intentionally bringing to the party!

Turns out she’s stuck in Heart Springs until she completes three tasks, including, of course, finding true love. And wouldn’t you know it—her neighbor is Ben from the date she ditched. You’d think that would be hella awkward, but the more time they spend time together, feelings develop, and Campbell starts to let her walls down.

This book is magical realism done right, with a touch of humor, heart, and just the right amount of spice. It’s all about self-discovery, falling in love (with yourself and someone else), and maybe giving Hallmark movies a second chance? For fans of A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston, this is a fun, lighthearted read that will go down like cotton candy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the eARC!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Publishing for this eARC!

Campbell Andrews knows what she wants and only makes time for her job. She goes on dates to appease her Grandmother, but has zero interest in them. When she has a date with Dr. Ben Loving their waitress leaves them a little note on their check that both of them brush off. The next morning Cam wakes up in an idyllic Hallmark-esque town called Heart Strings. And in order for both Cam and Ben to get home, Cam has to compete three tasks given to her by that same waitress from their disaster of a date.

I enjoyed this one! Very predictable, but I think that made it a very cute romcom with a Hallmark vibe. This is my second book from Falon Ballard, and I plan on reading more!

If you're a fan of Sarah Adams and Erin Sterling you will love this Magical Realism Romance story from Falon Ballard!! Shout out to Netgalley, Falon + Penguin Group Publishing for the amazing eARC!

What To Expect:
⭐ Magical Realism - Think Stuck in a Hallmark Town
⭐ Single POV
⭐ Blind Date to Friends to Romance
⭐ Low spice but enough to support the story!
⭐ A list of three tasks to go home

My Thoughts:
This is my 2nd book from Falon and while I know this book has mixed reviews I actually really enjoyed it. It was really nice to have a romance story with a different plot line. While magical realism can seem over done or fake this felt a bit more believable.

I enjoyed the back and forth between Campbell and Ben. I really liked the story growth between them as they go from bad blind date to friends and beyond. I loved even more seeing Campbell go from a workaholic and if she is anything like most lawyers close to burning out. Her journey from high strung lawyer to finding joy in living life was so lovely. I wish thought we had gotten to see more about Ben. I know we get the general level of who ben is and what he does but not as deep about him as we do Campbell.

That said the main characters are well developed, outside of Ben there aren't any plot holes that make the story feel lacking. The third act breakup I wish didn't exist in romance but it does and there is one. The secondary characters are a hoot! You will love them just as much as the main characters!

All in all I enjoyed this! I'm looking forward to circling back and reading the others from Falon!

Synopsis:
Campbell Andrews despises exactly three things in incompetence, tardiness, and love stories. Making partner at her law firm at thirty-four, she has no time for anything or anyone else. And certainly no respect for those who choose love over work. That is, until she wakes up in Heart Springs—her own personal hell.

The good news? She's not dead. She's been magically transported to a small town straight out the Hallmark channel, complete with a meddling mayor, seasonal festivals, and friendly townsfolk. Cam can't stand it, but in order to make it back to her real life, she has to fulfill three tasks . . . most importantly, she has to find true love. It seems impossible. But anything's possible with a Change of Heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this book!

This was my first Fallon Ballard book, and I’ll admit, I was initially drawn in by the gorgeous, colorful cover and intriguing excerpt. Beyond that, I went in mostly blind—and ended up having a really fun time with this one!

The plot is quirky and unique, leaning into magical realism with its alternate Hallmark-esque town reality. It’s definitely a departure from my usual reads, but I think this book delivered exactly what it intended to. It’s not a sweeping love story or a high-stakes drama; instead, it’s fun, silly, smart, and unapologetically cheesy—in the best way possible.

Our FMC, Campbell, starts off as an unlikable ice queen workaholic, and it’s clear from the outset what kind of journey she’s going to embark on. But honestly? That predictability is half the fun. Watching her growth and transformation kept me entertained. The MMC, Ben, is sweet and likable, though his character and the romance itself don’t dive too deep. Still, the love story is secondary to the hilarity and charm of the town itself, which steals the show with its quirks and colorful characters.

This book is a light, easy read and serves as a perfect palate cleanser after heavier stories. It’s silly, funny, and a delightful good time overall. While I understand why some readers might not connect with it, I found it refreshing and enjoyable for what it was: a whimsical escape.

If you’re in the mood for something lighthearted and sweet, with just the right amount of humor and charm, Change of Heart is worth picking up!