Member Reviews
🌟 Probably my favorite Falon Ballard book yet! Change of Heart is a heartwarming story about discovering love within yourself, learning to accept love from others, and finding joy in the everyday moments—though that’s easier said than done.
Campbell, a high-powered NYC attorney, is set up on a date with Ben, a charming pediatric neurosurgeon. It’s the setup for a perfect power couple... except Cam isn’t looking for love—she’s just trying to please her grandmother and secure her spot in the family law firm. But fate has other plans. When both Cam and Ben wake up in the seemingly magical, Hallmark-esque town of Heart Springs, Cam has to figure out how to get back to her real life—with a little help from her own personal fairy godmother and, of course, the possibility of love along the way.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the hilarious contrast between Cam and the picture-perfect world of Heart Springs. Despite the town's charm—seasonal wardrobes, perfect weather, no one ever getting sick—Cam stays true to herself: cursing, making mistakes, and being her wonderfully real self in a world where everything else is too good to be true.
Ben and Cam are both lovable characters, and their dynamic was such a joy to read. This book felt magical, funny, and full of heart. I can’t wait for others to dive into this delightful romance!
✨ Recommended for fans of:
Second chance romance
Grumpy/sunshine dynamics
Forced proximity
A sprinkle of magical realism
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for an advanced copy of the book!
This was my first read by this author, but definitely won't be my last! It's a sweet, fun, steamy Hallmark-esque romcom with a heavy dose of magical realism. The golden retriever MMC goes from McDreamy to McSteamy in the spicy open door scenes. I loved the magical town full of quirky characters, and the overarching themes of belonging, friendship, and community.
Overall Change of Heart has a sweet premise and character building for our girl Cam. Cam is what you'd consider a girlboss, strong independent woman, but throughout the story learns that her career might not be the most important thing in life. I was worried that this would be a "save me strong man" type of story, but luckily Cam keeps her strong attitude throughout.
This has a bit of magic and small town mixed into it along with forced proximity romance. It's a cute story but I did feel like dragged long towards the end. The usage of the word sweetheart also made my eyes roll...... so be warned. While I have enjoyed Falon's previous books I can't say this is my favorite. Still worth the read if you need a little heartwarming this winter!
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC.
I loveddddd it!!!! First of all, the dialogue felt like such a real person. I loved Cam. She was so funny and quick and raw. Second of all, the yearning! Ben is perfect (maybe a little too perfect - I wish we explored a little deeper into his issues but NBD) and all the descriptions of him just pained he couldn’t share how he felt I also felt. I just really loved this. Ended the book with happy tears and feeling so uplifted and good! I was in a bit of a reading slump and then read this and it totally got me out of it. Thank you!!
I have never read anything by this author, but I will definitely be looking out for this author! The pace was great and I was hooked from just a few pages in!
Change of Heart by Falon Ballard is a heartwarming story with the magic of small town charm. Campbell Andrews, a no nonsense attorney, finds herself in Heart Springs, a town brimming with romantic cliches and quirky characters. For someone who scoffs at love and fairy tales, it’s her worst nightmare, until she realizes her ticket back to reality hinges on finding true love. This novel is equal parts hilarious and touching, with both witty banter and heartfelt moments. This story is about reevaluating priorities and opening yourself up to unexpected possibilities. Cam’s transformation from workaholic to someone willing to embrace vulnerability and connection makes for a feel good read!
This novel is the perfect Hallmark movie turned on its head - I loved the strong female lead and the premise of a working woman being trapped in an idyllic Town to find love was fun and creative. Ben as the male main character was the perfect match, I admired his optimism and work ethic and how he was able to help Cam throughout the story. This would be the perfect cozy story for a cold winter day or anytime you want to smile and root for the career driven underdog.
Oh, if only I could give this book 6 stars!! I was immediately enthralled by Campbell and her brash attitude. The banter between her and Ben was chefs kiss from the start. The plot was wholly unexpected but I loved every minute of it. This felt like a hallmark movie in book form. The town of Heart Springs, Mimi, and Emma made this book feel charming and magical.
Campbell believed she had everything she could ever want, until her waitress during a blind date basically did a freaky Friday move and brought her to a completely alternate universe, Heart Springs. There, she has to check off 3 things: find something she’s passionate about, be a good member of the community, and experience true love. The adventures she goes on throughout this book are hilarious, wholesome, and borderline emotional. Cam’s inner struggles are so relatable and I found myself connecting to her more and more as I continued reading. This book was so unique, the romance was again, Hallmark certified, and the friendships and magic felt so special. I’m so thankful I was approved to read this ARC. I highly recommend!!!
Falon Ballard outdoes herself yet again. I wasn’t sure she could after how much I loved her latest Christmas release, but this is the next sweetest Hallmark-esque romance that will make you smile. I’m rooting for any couple that Falon Ballard writes. I loved this one and can’t wait for her next. Received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Change of Heart by Falon Ballard is a fun rom-com with a touch of magical realism. Cam, a workaholic, and Ben, a pediatric surgeon, find themselves stuck in a perfect small town where they're tasked with finding passion, community, and love. Cam’s fiery determination clashes with Ben’s laid-back nature, and their chemistry slowly builds.
The writing is fun and fast-paced, and Cam’s personal journey is both relatable and heartwarming. Her personal growth really shines as she learns to slow down and reevaluate her priorities in life. Her fiery determination and relatable flaws made me really root for her. The small-town setting and quirky side characters add warmth, though, in my opinion, Ben could have used more depth to make him feel like a true main character. Still, this is a feel-good romance and was such a fun read! I loved the magical realism touch.
Thanks for NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!
I didn’t enjoy this as much as I normally enjoy Fallon Ballard’s work. The magical realism element intrigued me but just didn’t work on paper.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this! 2.5 /5 stars for me.
Let me start by saying: I LOVED the opening of this. I self professed workaholic lawyer goes on a date with a doctor and just tells him out right "this is going to be terrible and i hate love" and honestly: right with you Campbell. I was TOTALLY on board. Then the magical realism starts and they get sucked into an idyllic Pleasantville style story, where they each must complete some tasks to find each other and themselves. I actually really like these kind of sliding door stories, so normally this is much more up my wheelhouse.
But this just... once it turned the corner, it struggled for me. I never really GOT the connection between Ben and Cam: it felt really forced, especially his language (she just doesn't feel like a sweetheart kind of girl). I felt their chemistry was off in the romance scenes and it just felt very awkward to me at times.
I liked the first half, but the second half dragged and got a bit strange.
The town was charming and wonderful. I enjoyed lead character Cam's journey. She wasn't quite easy to root for at first, but she became more likable as the book went on.
I haven’t read anything by this author before but I thoroughly enjoyed the sweet concept of the romance and how the main characters’ relationship developed over time. Definitely something I’ll be thinking about for a while!
This was as delightful as a Hallmark movie! This was a fun romance with a touch of magical realism and a hint of spice. Campbell is a workaholic whose only goal in life is to work harder, she doesn't have time for love. When she meets Ben on a blind date she makes it clear that she isn't looking for romance. When they wake up the next morning, Cam and Ben are in the picturesque town of Heart Springs, straight out of a rom com. How are they going to get home? And can Cam fall in love?
I really enjoyed the concept and Cam's skeptical personality. Cam's banter with most of the other characters was hilarious, especially as she learns the quirks of her new town. The romance was slow burn but still enjoyable and I thought the ending was satisfying. A perfect Valentine's Day read!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of the book.
Change of Heart is a cute Hallmark-esque romance story by Falon Ballard. A cynical work-aholic lawyer, Cam, gets thrown into a perfect little town, Heart Springs & told she is not able to return to real life until she completes her "task."
This is my first Falon Ballard story & I enjoyed the storyline, but it was a struggle to get into this story. It just didn't have a hook that makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens. Some nice sappy romance, a sprinkling of passion, & a whole bunch of self-reflection as Cam reforms her way of thinking.
Thank you, #NetGalley, as I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own & if you're a sucker for a good Hallmark movie with a little unrealistic settings, then do yourself a favor & read Change of Heart by Falon Ballard.
Oh wow! I unexpectedly love it!
The whole book was a sight to see because it's such a unique concept and the cover looks so beautiful.
I didn't like the FMC at first but she grew on me and the way her character evolved was great to see because it reflects us as a person. She felt real and authentic. This book reads more of a women's fiction with a dash of romance as we follow Cam's story.
The whole town was charming, like a Hallmark movie and Pleasantville combined.
The MMC was so cute and sweet. I wished we explored more depth to him and his character, but he's just so great.
The way the author wrote the book was so endearing. It was also fun and entertaining. Fast read!
This book is a little different than the typical Falon books. I wasn't sure what to expect and I have to say, this book wasn't one of my favorites. I had a really hard time getting into it, it seemed to drag but did pick up towards the end. The story of people magically waking up in a different world just isn't for me, I guess.
The premises of the book is Campbell works too much and is striving to become partner at her law firm. She goes on a date with Ben and doesn't really pay attention to him and blows him off. The waitress that served them that night makes a comment that she hopes to serve them again at another time, but Campbell has no interest in seeing Ben again. They both go their separate ways till they both wake up the next day in Heart Springs.
Lo and behold the mayor of the town who brought them to Heart Springs is the waitress from the night before. They both question her and ask her why they are there and how they are to get back to their normal lives. She gives them both a list of items that they must accomplish in order to leave Heart Springs if they wish.
The story follows them as they try to figure out how to accomplish theirs lists and the fun characters they meet along the way. Campbell finds out that the more time she spends with Ben, that he might not be such a bad match after all.
If you like books that transport you to Hallmark towns and want romance sprinkled in, then I would recommend this book to you. It wasn't one of my favorites but who's to say it might not be yours.
I think Campbell is my spirit animal. I absolutely love this one. Another great read from Falon Ballard. Thank you NetGalley.
I love Falon Ballard, all of her books have been 5 stars for me. This one I just couldn't even finish. First off Campbell is the most horrific person, she is so rude to absolutely everyone. Then she wakes up and is in this new world and it is just awful not my type of book at all.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review, as always all words are my own.