I didn't read Book 1 and it took me a few minutes to jump into this story. From reading other reviews, it picks up right where Book 1 left off, so I would definitely recommend reading that one first.

Springer has a fun way of writing and delivers a story of hope, warmth, compassion, and second chances. I enjoyed watching Evie come to terms with her life changes--it was enlightening and inspiring. Of course, I loved watching Evie and Jack. Sometimes the best things come from things that cause us to stretch and grow and I felt that's what happened with their relationship, on both sides.

This is a sweet story and I enjoyed being enveloped in its pages for a time.

Content: mild romance; mild+ religion

Delightful read. Love so real and tender and the reading experience as smooth as a cup of exquisite chocolate!

This book is the second one of the series and I recommend to read it is this order (because you don't want to miss the awesome first installment!).

Evie has married young, has had her child young, has became a widow young. All her life is her son, Cody - and now he is off to marry his girlfriend. The house is too quiet now.
And Evie, the quintessence of calm and elegance, doesn't know that she is to enter another path in her life, as butterfly doesn't know that about its life. Because Evie is frozen, stuck in being many things, but not Evie. And there is jeans-wearing version of Evie in her, who wants to try the new things with gusto. Who wants to fall in love again.

Jack Vale might look as a biker gangster (a bit, with his tattoo and energy), but he is actually the "connector", the one who brings people together to share a simple food as a simple love. Jack, coming from troubled family, is the one who cares. About his wild younger brother, his wife and his daughter, about the neighbours, the church...but now there is a woman he wants for himself. But is also scared to love.

This story feels very real. The story is simple - man and woman, both with baggage, open their hearts to love. But this story is about nuances and about warmth in the smallest and simplest things.
And it shows its warmth the way that makes you think about more warmth in your own life. And I am not speaking just about love between man and woman, but about humanity, shared food, smiles, honesty, ice cream and trips to beaches. Small things, but the ones you remember because of how you have felt in the situation.

This book is cup of the best chocolate, melting the right way in your mouth. Full both of sweetness and quality (and a little calories :)).
Recommended read.

Even though I haven't read the previous book, I found this story enjoyable and easy to follow! I liked the characters, setting, and romance. The ending was really sweet, although a bit rushed in spots. I liked how caring the characters were and that they did things to help others. All in all, a very sweet read and I recommend it!

*I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Sequels often fall flat, but The Hearts We Mend is utterly charming and enchanting, with plenty of sizzle and heart, and is even better than the first Banister Falls book. Highly recommend!

I wanted more of a romance with this book and it was more of a drama which is still good but not for me at the moment.