This book was an adorable blend of magical realism and romantic comedy with a charming Hallmark-like atmosphere. It follows the story of a workaholic pediatric surgeon, Cam, who finds herself in an idyllic small town where everything seems perfect. Tasked with discovering her passion, gaining the community’s acceptance, and finding true love, Cam is determined to complete her mission and return to her life in New York.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was a light and breezy read that beautifully captured Cam’s journey of realizing what truly matters in life, especially after a childhood filled with expectations and a lack of affection. I loved the dynamic between Ben and Cam, who are polar opposites in many ways, yet their relationship evolves naturally from friendship into something deeper. The slow build of tension between them and the subtle moments where their bond deepens were particularly enjoyable.

Cam’s personal growth and the diverse cast of side characters she encounters were highlights for me. However, I do wish Ben had been given more focus; at times, he felt more like a supporting character in Cam’s story, and I think his character could have been further developed to feel more complete.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy stories with Hallmark-like charm, a strong and determined female lead, and a small town brimming with love and warmth.

Campbell is a hardworking attorney, and her 80+ hour work weeks don’t allow for much free time, let alone dating. So when her grandmother sets her up on a blind date with Dr. Ben Loving, Campbell plans to just get a free meal out of it before she can dash back home to get back to work. But after receiving a cryptic note from their waiter, both Campbell and Ben wake the next morning to find themselves trapped in their own personal hell—they are stuck inside a cliche, Hallmark-esq small town romance. And they are the main characters. Forced to trade her power suits for pastel dresses, Campbell has to complete three tasks to escape this waking nightmare: find a career she’s passionate about, give back to the community, and find true love. Seems impossible, but Campbell is determined to do whatever it takes get back to her normal life ASAP.

Thank you so much @falonballard, @putnambooks, and @netgalley for this ARC! I love Falon Ballard and I was so excited to get approved for this! This book was just as charming and heartwarming as the rest of her books, but a completely different take! The book had a Pleasantville feel at times with Cam finding herself in the perfect small town romance setting in Heart Springs. I like that Heart Springs helped Cam access her softer side and have some introspection into what her life was and whether she was truly happy. The book was quick and lighthearted, and overall a super fun read! I also loved all of the side characters and the friendships Cam made along the way. Sometimes the book was a little cheesy…but let’s be real, all the best Hallmark romcoms are. Change of Heart hits shelves in February 2025!

Ballard has yet to disappoint me with her romances, although this one presented me with a few challenges. The two main things that made me consider giving this only a three star were:

1) Ben always calling Cam sweetheart. It always read - to me - as condescending and a sexist. Like why does he get to call her this when they hardly know each other, and she never calls him anything but his name. Even as their relationship evolves, I can't help but think that he is using it less as a term of endearment.

2) Although they are spending time together, I just don't buy into the idea of them becoming best friends. I get that they talk, but the way that they settle into this friendship almost immediately felt odd especially given their characters.

But looking past that, I found this to be a fun Hallmark-esque romance. I could totally see this becoming one of the many plots, and I know that I have watched at least one movie that had a similar concept. But unlike the movies, the books by Ballard don't smack of cheesy and I genuinely enjoy the characters. Cam was definitely the focus, and I appreciated that, because I don't think Ben could have held my attention more than any of the secondary characters. Did I want them to get together? Yes. Was the plot around their romance a bit predictable? Yes. Was that a bad thing? Nope, not at all.

I was looking forward to a historical fiction and cringed a bit picking up another contemporary romance, but this one did not disappoint and so I was not sad to be back into this fiction space.

If you like Ballard, this one is a good book to read by her. Not sure I would recommend it to someone who hasn't read her books before, only because the others a bit stronger.

I absolutely adored this book, the grumpy sunshine, small town romance with a touch of magic. It was written so well, I fell in love with all the characters from the beginning. I felt drawn in by the author’s words, and the imagery that she created, I felt like I was really there, experiencing all the emotions in real time with the characters. This really was such a sweet story and one I can definitely see myself picking up again!

This is a hallmark movie in a book (quite literally). It was very cute and a quick read but it just didn’t hit with me. I think I needed a dual POV. I’d loved to have been able to hear about Ben’s experience in Heart Springs. But I also needed more character development for Cam. I didn’t have enough time to see her in her Villian era to truly appreciate her growth. Also, I would’ve loved more developed side characters for that small town feel. But this book made me smile and laugh out loud a few times. Worth the read

3.5!! this was a good one but fell flat at times for me sadly. this is definitely like a hallmark film with the cheesiness. i wish we got dual pov because i feel it would have added more to ben’s character.

This book had an interesting premise but ended up being a little cheesy and hard to get through. The magical elements were fun but this book just didn't do it for me.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Falon Ballard veers slightly off of her well-trod path of career romances with a bit of a magical element in this upcoming release. Our main character, Campbell, is somehow magically transported to a place that is not quite normal but charming just the same. Her charge: complete three tasks including finding true love.

This was like magical realism meets romantic comedy? This just wasn't it for me. The entire story felt rushed and nothing about the romance felt like it was unfolding organically to me. It was a bit cringey in spots, and to be frank I just didn't find any of the character's feelings to be believable. I can see an audience for this one, but overall it was not for me.

This book was such a cute take on a magic realism rom com with an added Hallmark feel. About a workaholic and a pediatric surgeon get thrown into a picturesque small town where everything is good and happy. Forced to with a task of finding a passion, community acceptance and true love Cam is on a mission to get back to New York and her life.

I found this book to be so much fun from beginning to end. It was a quick light hearted read that shows Cams journey of finding what actually matters in life after growing up with expectation to become one thing and with very little love. I love Ben and Cam and how they are exact opposites on most things but the way they come together as friends and more. I like the build up of tension between these two and the small moments you can see their relationship blossom.

I really enjoyed Cams journey and all the side characters we meet along the way. I do wish we got to see more of Ben and got to know him a little better. I feel for most of the book he was a side character to Cam and I feel he needed more to make his character more rounded.

But I definitely recommend if you love Hallmark vibes, mixed with a fiery determined female character and a small town full of love.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy in return for an honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The magical realism aspect of this novel felt rushed and weird. Ben calling cam sweetheart before they had ever gotten feelings for each other was also weird and so redundant. The storyline was cute though and I did enjoy myself.

I went into this book with high expectations because I really enjoyed Falon Ballard's last book. It fell slightly short for me, but was still an enjoyable read.

i should first say, this isn’t a Bad 3 stars. it’s an average 3 stars. i think the premise is really interesting (and cliche? but in the most aware way LOL.) i just didn’t have any connection with the characters. the romance lacked something for me personally. it was a cute read in the end though.

thanks to NetGalley and publishers for this arc.

If a Hallmark movie was a book, this would be it. If you enjoy the cheesy cliche books, this is the book for you. I just didn’t enjoy the magical realism aspect of the book. It was enjoyable to read.

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.