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Wayward Heart
A compelling rural romance, with a healthy sprinkling of suspense and family drama.
Jasmine Thomas should feel safe in her cosy cottage at Admella Beach after finally putting an end to an ill-advised romance. But her perfect sanctuary is shattered with the arrival of hand-delivered threatening notes. Someone has discovered her secret.
When the notes escalate to vandalism, Jasmine's anxiety rises. But in such a small place, telling the police would mean the whole town finding out.
Digby Wallace-Jones is stumbling through the motions of life, wrapped in a fog of grief since his fiancee Felicity died. Withdrawn from his family, Digby doesn't care about anything beyond his loss. But in a chance meeting with Jasmine, his sister's best friend who he's known forever, even he can see the tension she carries. Worried and feeling protective, he continues to drop by, but it's more than that. Jasmine soothes him; and, unlike the rest of his family, he can talk to her about his pain without fear of judgement. But as much as he likes Jasmine, Digby's enduring love for Felicity means he has nothing left to give and he pushes Jasmine away.
Jasmine knew they were supposed to stay friends 'with excellent benefits' but she can't help her wayward heart from falling for this tortured, kind and sexy man. How can she ever loosen the grip Felicity's memory has on Digby's soul and remind him he still has a life ahead of him?
Jasmine Thomas should feel safe in her cosy cottage at Admella Beach after finally putting an end to an ill-advised romance. But her perfect sanctuary is shattered with the arrival of hand-delivered threatening notes. Someone has discovered her secret.
When the notes escalate to vandalism, Jasmine's anxiety rises. But in such a small place, telling the police would mean the whole town finding out.
Digby Wallace-Jones is stumbling through the motions of life, wrapped in a fog of grief since his fiancee Felicity died. Withdrawn from his family, Digby doesn't care about anything beyond his loss. But in a chance meeting with Jasmine, his sister's best friend who he's known forever, even he can see the tension she carries. Worried and feeling protective, he continues to drop by, but it's more than that. Jasmine soothes him; and, unlike the rest of his family, he can talk to her about his pain without fear of judgement. But as much as he likes Jasmine, Digby's enduring love for Felicity means he has nothing left to give and he pushes Jasmine away.
Jasmine knew they were supposed to stay friends 'with excellent benefits' but she can't help her wayward heart from falling for this tortured, kind and sexy man. How can she ever loosen the grip Felicity's memory has on Digby's soul and remind him he still has a life ahead of him?
352 pages, Paperback
First published December 12, 2016
14 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Cathryn Hein
34 books176 followersCathryn Hein is a best-selling author of rural romance and romantic adventure novels, a Romance Writers of Australia Romantic Book of the Year finalist with Santa and the Saddler, and a regular Australian Romance Reader Awards finalist.
A South Australian country girl by birth, Cathryn loves nothing more than a rugged rural hero who’s as good with his heart as he is with his hands, which is probably why she writes them! Her romances are warm and emotional, and feature themes that don’t flinch from the tougher side of life but are often happily tempered by the antics of naughty animals. Her aim is to make you smile, sigh, and perhaps sniffle a little, but most of all feel wonderful.
Cathryn lives in Newcastle, Australia with her partner of many years, Jim. When she’s not writing, she plays golf (ineptly), cooks (well), and in football season barracks (rowdily) for her beloved Sydney Swans AFL team.
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A South Australian country girl by birth, Cathryn loves nothing more than a rugged rural hero who’s as good with his heart as he is with his hands, which is probably why she writes them! Her romances are warm and emotional, and feature themes that don’t flinch from the tougher side of life but are often happily tempered by the antics of naughty animals. Her aim is to make you smile, sigh, and perhaps sniffle a little, but most of all feel wonderful.
Cathryn lives in Newcastle, Australia with her partner of many years, Jim. When she’s not writing, she plays golf (ineptly), cooks (well), and in football season barracks (rowdily) for her beloved Sydney Swans AFL team.
Do you love free stories? Join my newsletter team for new release news, teasers, book sales and more, along with access to my collection of smile-inducing romantic short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 24, 2017
Wayward Heart is about two people Digby Wallace-Jones and Jasmine Thomas. Digby Wallace-Jones who is suffering from grief and guilt over the death of his finance. Jasmine Thomas who is having problems with an ex-boyfriend. Jasmine was a friend of Digby sister Emily one day Digby realise that something was going on with Jasmine. Readers of Wayward Heart will follow Digby and Jasmine friendship developed into love and giving each strength to achieve what every they wanted to do.
Readers of Wayward Heart will learn about grief and how it affects different people. Also, readers of Wayward Heart will learn about the consequences of having an affair with a married man and how it affects everyone involved.
I am sure how I would handle seeing my love one fall from a great high. Cathryn Hein portrayed the feelings and guilt that Digby was suffering in a sensitive manner. I also like the way Cathryn Hein describes her characters. Also, readers of Wayward Heart will fall in love with Digby and Jasmine and the way they help each other to heal and grow. Reading Wayward Heart made me realise that you only need to be a good friend to help someone over the death of a loved one.
I recommend this book.
Readers of Wayward Heart will learn about grief and how it affects different people. Also, readers of Wayward Heart will learn about the consequences of having an affair with a married man and how it affects everyone involved.
I am sure how I would handle seeing my love one fall from a great high. Cathryn Hein portrayed the feelings and guilt that Digby was suffering in a sensitive manner. I also like the way Cathryn Hein describes her characters. Also, readers of Wayward Heart will fall in love with Digby and Jasmine and the way they help each other to heal and grow. Reading Wayward Heart made me realise that you only need to be a good friend to help someone over the death of a loved one.
I recommend this book.
February 7, 2017
Wayward Heart, by Australian rural fiction author Cathryn Hein, makes for the perfect summer romance read if you like your romance stories with served with a dash of suspense.
Cathryn Hein is an author who sits very comfortably in the Australian rural fiction field, she has penned seven rural romance stories to date. Hein is easily one of my favourite authors in this appealing sub genre. In her newest novel, Hein chooses to combine family drama, with the tricky friends turned lovers scenario. Wayward Heart features two very flawed leads. Jasmine Thomas has just ended a doomed relationship with a married man. Jasmine’s peaceful home, a cottage in Admella Beach, has recently been subjected to silent phone calls,threatening notes and vandalism. Jasmine is justifiably fretful and wary when Digby Wallace-Jones, her best friend’s brother, comes to check on her wellbeing. Digby is a man with the world on his shoulders, as just shy of a year ago, he lost his fiancé Felicity in a terrible accident. Since the accident Digby has moved in a haze of endless grief, blaming himself and his sister for the tragic loss of Felicity’s life. Digby is also stuck in rut, unable to find direction in his life or find the courage to move on from Felicity. Digby and Jasmine find solace in one another’s predicaments and they begin a passionate love affair behind closed doors. As the passion stage of Jasmine and Digby’s romance moves to something deeper, the two, mostly Digby, are scarred off. Digby fears he cannot enter a relationship whole heartedly with Jasmine, while still holding such deep feelings for Felicity. As they make the heart wrenching decision to cool things off, the couple are thrust back together through the upcoming celebrations of Digby’s sister Em’s wedding. The couple continue to battle their feelings for another, as well as deal with past hurts and the reader of left wondering if Jasmine can help Digby live life and love again.
Wayward Heart is a loose continuation of two of Hein’s previous books, Rocking Horse Hill and The Falls. I use the term ‘loose’ as it not imperative to have read these two books, in order to get a sense of the story that develops in Wayward Heart. I have read and thoroughly enjoyed these two books, as I am a big fan of Hein’s work. If you are a newcomer to Cathryn Hein’s works, Hein fills the reader in on the key details and introduces you to a whole new, all-encompassing story. Returning to the setting of Rocking Horse Hill was a true delight, both setting and character wise. I welcomed the opportunity to bask in the stunning rural setting of these two novels. There is just something about Hein’s writing in this area, which always seems to ring true. In Wayward Heart’s case, Hein continues to dazzle me with her country based locations. I devoured the scenes set in spectacular rural Rocking Horse Hill, as well as Jasmine’s coastal cottage location. Hein contrasted these two settings very well.
A return to the same location from two previous novels, also meant that I was able to reconnect with a number of key and memorable characters. For me, the standout character is a relatively minor one – Granny B. Hein has defined the character of Granny B so well and I could pick up on the fact that Hein clearly had a wonderful time in writing the scenes that involve this character. It was also a pleasure to catch up with returning characters Em, Josh and Teagan. Whether the character is a main protagonist or a just secondary character, Hein ensures that she brings a strong sense of realism to her characters. On reflection, I thought Wayward Heart seemed to have more emotional depth than Hein’s previous novels. Digby and Jasmine’s story really packed a punch, displaying Hein’s ability to get under her character’s skin mind, body and soul. Following Jasmine and Digby’s personal stories did send me through the wringer – I was pulled in many directions feelings wise. I experienced fear, lust, passion, true friendship, heartbreak, happiness and relief.
Cathryn Hein has done it again for this reader and I’m sure for her many fans, she has produced a wonderful story filled with questions of romance, suspense, family drama and finding your way. Wayward Heart in another winning read from Cathryn Hein.
https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Cathryn Hein is an author who sits very comfortably in the Australian rural fiction field, she has penned seven rural romance stories to date. Hein is easily one of my favourite authors in this appealing sub genre. In her newest novel, Hein chooses to combine family drama, with the tricky friends turned lovers scenario. Wayward Heart features two very flawed leads. Jasmine Thomas has just ended a doomed relationship with a married man. Jasmine’s peaceful home, a cottage in Admella Beach, has recently been subjected to silent phone calls,threatening notes and vandalism. Jasmine is justifiably fretful and wary when Digby Wallace-Jones, her best friend’s brother, comes to check on her wellbeing. Digby is a man with the world on his shoulders, as just shy of a year ago, he lost his fiancé Felicity in a terrible accident. Since the accident Digby has moved in a haze of endless grief, blaming himself and his sister for the tragic loss of Felicity’s life. Digby is also stuck in rut, unable to find direction in his life or find the courage to move on from Felicity. Digby and Jasmine find solace in one another’s predicaments and they begin a passionate love affair behind closed doors. As the passion stage of Jasmine and Digby’s romance moves to something deeper, the two, mostly Digby, are scarred off. Digby fears he cannot enter a relationship whole heartedly with Jasmine, while still holding such deep feelings for Felicity. As they make the heart wrenching decision to cool things off, the couple are thrust back together through the upcoming celebrations of Digby’s sister Em’s wedding. The couple continue to battle their feelings for another, as well as deal with past hurts and the reader of left wondering if Jasmine can help Digby live life and love again.
Wayward Heart is a loose continuation of two of Hein’s previous books, Rocking Horse Hill and The Falls. I use the term ‘loose’ as it not imperative to have read these two books, in order to get a sense of the story that develops in Wayward Heart. I have read and thoroughly enjoyed these two books, as I am a big fan of Hein’s work. If you are a newcomer to Cathryn Hein’s works, Hein fills the reader in on the key details and introduces you to a whole new, all-encompassing story. Returning to the setting of Rocking Horse Hill was a true delight, both setting and character wise. I welcomed the opportunity to bask in the stunning rural setting of these two novels. There is just something about Hein’s writing in this area, which always seems to ring true. In Wayward Heart’s case, Hein continues to dazzle me with her country based locations. I devoured the scenes set in spectacular rural Rocking Horse Hill, as well as Jasmine’s coastal cottage location. Hein contrasted these two settings very well.
A return to the same location from two previous novels, also meant that I was able to reconnect with a number of key and memorable characters. For me, the standout character is a relatively minor one – Granny B. Hein has defined the character of Granny B so well and I could pick up on the fact that Hein clearly had a wonderful time in writing the scenes that involve this character. It was also a pleasure to catch up with returning characters Em, Josh and Teagan. Whether the character is a main protagonist or a just secondary character, Hein ensures that she brings a strong sense of realism to her characters. On reflection, I thought Wayward Heart seemed to have more emotional depth than Hein’s previous novels. Digby and Jasmine’s story really packed a punch, displaying Hein’s ability to get under her character’s skin mind, body and soul. Following Jasmine and Digby’s personal stories did send me through the wringer – I was pulled in many directions feelings wise. I experienced fear, lust, passion, true friendship, heartbreak, happiness and relief.
Cathryn Hein has done it again for this reader and I’m sure for her many fans, she has produced a wonderful story filled with questions of romance, suspense, family drama and finding your way. Wayward Heart in another winning read from Cathryn Hein.
https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
June 16, 2020
Having ended her affair with Mike, Jasmine Thomas would like to feel she can heal in her cottage at Admella Beach. But then the hand delivered threatening notes start to arrive. Who else knows about her time with Mike and what does that mean for Jasmine now? As the notes escalate to acts of vandalism, Jasmine is worried. But the last thing she wants to do is get police involved and have her time with Mike become known to the whole town, especially now it is over. Meanwhile Digby Wallace-Jones is trying to come to terms with his grief and feelings of guilt after the death of fiancée Felicity. Jasmine has always been his sister Em’s best friend and so Digby tends to keep a bit of a brotherly eye on her. He feel she can talk to Jasmine in a way he can’t with anyone else. It ends up with them being a comfort to each other in their sorrow and a release of sexual tension. But it is something they prefer to keep secret from everyone including the soon to be married Em. That is, until things start to change. But can it ever be more than that. Or is there too much against them?
As the cover suggests this book fits squarely in the Australian rural romance genre. Rural romance is not often my genre of choice but I wanted something very different to my last read, which is why I picked this one up. A shame the cover doesn’t match the description of Jas with her dark brown hair and curls. It would seem crucial that the cover should at least match the description given several times in the book. Maybe the author or publisher needs to give a description of the main characters to whoever is designing the cover?
The cover discrepancies aside, if you are a fan of romance stories with steamy scenes and sexual banter, plus a lot of attention to preparations and pre wedding events prior to Em’s and Josh’s big day, you should enjoy this story. The main focus is that of Jas and Digby, two people who need to put aside the past and find a way to start over.
It is an enjoyable story with well-developed characters and the emotions of the main characters were brought to life well. Yet I was never fully engaged. I never warmed particularly to either of them. That could be just a personal reaction. The setting was brilliantly done. I could picture it exactly. As for Granny B she is an intuitive and meddling larger than life character, who adds some interesting moments. This is an easy read and I am sure a lot of people will love it. So, if it sounds like your sort of book, give it a go. I just found it a little too predictable.
As the cover suggests this book fits squarely in the Australian rural romance genre. Rural romance is not often my genre of choice but I wanted something very different to my last read, which is why I picked this one up. A shame the cover doesn’t match the description of Jas with her dark brown hair and curls. It would seem crucial that the cover should at least match the description given several times in the book. Maybe the author or publisher needs to give a description of the main characters to whoever is designing the cover?
The cover discrepancies aside, if you are a fan of romance stories with steamy scenes and sexual banter, plus a lot of attention to preparations and pre wedding events prior to Em’s and Josh’s big day, you should enjoy this story. The main focus is that of Jas and Digby, two people who need to put aside the past and find a way to start over.
It is an enjoyable story with well-developed characters and the emotions of the main characters were brought to life well. Yet I was never fully engaged. I never warmed particularly to either of them. That could be just a personal reaction. The setting was brilliantly done. I could picture it exactly. As for Granny B she is an intuitive and meddling larger than life character, who adds some interesting moments. This is an easy read and I am sure a lot of people will love it. So, if it sounds like your sort of book, give it a go. I just found it a little too predictable.
March 18, 2017
I wish I could give this 6 Stars, it deserves no less.
Beautifully written. A moving and emotional read. Cathryn Hein has the gift to draw you into each characters lives - to feel their passion, their grief, their loss, their happiness with such intensity it gives you a little shiver. And me being the sook that I am I cried a fair bit too. Jasmine and Digby's emotions are so strong and active it took my breath away.
Digby has lost his fiancé Felicity, the love of his life in a terrible accident and grieves for her deeply. Jasmine has also been through the wringer after ending her affair with a married man. Digby and Jasmine find comfort in each other and so a passionate affair begins until things become too much...
Oh, it was such a huge joy to reconnect with all the central and minor characters from Ms Hein's previous books: Rocking Horse Hill and The Falls which are loosely linked to Wayward Heart.
The seaside location where Admella Beach is set is one I can't wait to visit. (And to feast on the fish and chips which I heard are quite delish.)
This brilliant rural romance with its touch of suspense had me totally hooked from start to finish.
Cathryn Hein's books always leave me with a sigh wanting more it's no wonder she's one of my favourite authors.
Beautifully written. A moving and emotional read. Cathryn Hein has the gift to draw you into each characters lives - to feel their passion, their grief, their loss, their happiness with such intensity it gives you a little shiver. And me being the sook that I am I cried a fair bit too. Jasmine and Digby's emotions are so strong and active it took my breath away.
Digby has lost his fiancé Felicity, the love of his life in a terrible accident and grieves for her deeply. Jasmine has also been through the wringer after ending her affair with a married man. Digby and Jasmine find comfort in each other and so a passionate affair begins until things become too much...
Oh, it was such a huge joy to reconnect with all the central and minor characters from Ms Hein's previous books: Rocking Horse Hill and The Falls which are loosely linked to Wayward Heart.
The seaside location where Admella Beach is set is one I can't wait to visit. (And to feast on the fish and chips which I heard are quite delish.)
This brilliant rural romance with its touch of suspense had me totally hooked from start to finish.
Cathryn Hein's books always leave me with a sigh wanting more it's no wonder she's one of my favourite authors.
December 6, 2016
I loved this one OMG another keeper and just saying love Granny B whom I met in Rocking Horse Hill, I love her character she brings so much to the story and this is one that you are not going to want to put down so make yourself comfortable when you start.
Jasmine Thomas has grown up in this area and has always felt safe and comfortable she has friends that she is very close to family a good job but she has had a bad relationship that did not sit well with some of the people around but has been kept quiet and now there has been some vandalism on her house in the beautiful town of Admella Beach and Jas is not going to go to the police she does not want this being gossip, but she is very surprised when her best friends brother Digby steps in to help and feelings that surprise both of them get stronger.
Digby Wallace-Jones has been to hell and back losing the love of his life in a tragedy he is withdrawn and quiet but when he sees that Jasmine is locking her gate he feels that something is wrong and that he needs to help and with this help for Jasmine it also helps Digby she brings him out. Who knew that a few episodes of Dr Who and the quiet peaceful evenings spent together would get them both to open up and become whole again.
This really is an amazing story about two tortured people who become even better friends with very sensual benefits and get them living again as they should, both feel that this probably should not be happening but you can't stop love and their journey is a beautiful one that had me in tears and cheering them on and smiling throughout. The setting is fabulous the characters that have become friends from other stories add so much to the story and again Granny B the best :) Thank you MS Hein for a story that will stay with me for a long time.
Jasmine Thomas has grown up in this area and has always felt safe and comfortable she has friends that she is very close to family a good job but she has had a bad relationship that did not sit well with some of the people around but has been kept quiet and now there has been some vandalism on her house in the beautiful town of Admella Beach and Jas is not going to go to the police she does not want this being gossip, but she is very surprised when her best friends brother Digby steps in to help and feelings that surprise both of them get stronger.
Digby Wallace-Jones has been to hell and back losing the love of his life in a tragedy he is withdrawn and quiet but when he sees that Jasmine is locking her gate he feels that something is wrong and that he needs to help and with this help for Jasmine it also helps Digby she brings him out. Who knew that a few episodes of Dr Who and the quiet peaceful evenings spent together would get them both to open up and become whole again.
This really is an amazing story about two tortured people who become even better friends with very sensual benefits and get them living again as they should, both feel that this probably should not be happening but you can't stop love and their journey is a beautiful one that had me in tears and cheering them on and smiling throughout. The setting is fabulous the characters that have become friends from other stories add so much to the story and again Granny B the best :) Thank you MS Hein for a story that will stay with me for a long time.
December 19, 2016
There is a long history and a complicated backstory of Rocking Horse Hill and a bit of it is fleshed out a little in ‘Wayward Heart’, which is essentially, a story that moves from a dark place of grief and betrayal to life and love.
Cathryn Hein writes very sympathetically about her characters and her insights about human nature and their motivations are gold. My own prejudices and hard-limits are the only things that colour the way I’ve come to perceive Jasmine, whose affair with a married man made me like her less than a female romantic lead with more moral integrity. I did think her insecure and weak—again, my own interpretation of her character despite Hein’s persuasive writing about Jas’s struggle in being 'the other woman' for years and then her easy capitulation and desperation—as much as I wished she’d done her life more differently. Digby on the other hand, struggles with grief, jealousy and unforgiveness ever since his fiancée died tragically, only beginning to find himself again when he starts an affair with Jasmine.
But he remains unconvinced that he’ll ever be able to give his heart to another woman as he did with his ex and from then on, the plot gets rather predictable as they finally move down the slow road of conflict and acceptance.
'Wayward Heart’ is about taking very deeply-flawed characters—even those that we can’t tolerate when they fail to do what’s right —and using them to show that even these characters deserve some kind of happy ever after. And the answer that Hein leads us to, really, is time: time apart from each other for things to get reset, for family wounds to scab over and for Digby and Jasmine to rediscover their own ambitions before getting together again without past hurts getting in the way.
There’s a powerful load of family drama, a lot of meditative contemplation and a little suspense as well, but what really lingers is Hein’s beautifully wrought description of the languid, rural Australian landscape that stays long in my mind after I’ve finished the book.
*ARC by netgalley and the publisher
(always grateful, mind)
Cathryn Hein writes very sympathetically about her characters and her insights about human nature and their motivations are gold. My own prejudices and hard-limits are the only things that colour the way I’ve come to perceive Jasmine, whose affair with a married man made me like her less than a female romantic lead with more moral integrity. I did think her insecure and weak—again, my own interpretation of her character despite Hein’s persuasive writing about Jas’s struggle in being 'the other woman' for years and then her easy capitulation and desperation—as much as I wished she’d done her life more differently. Digby on the other hand, struggles with grief, jealousy and unforgiveness ever since his fiancée died tragically, only beginning to find himself again when he starts an affair with Jasmine.
But he remains unconvinced that he’ll ever be able to give his heart to another woman as he did with his ex and from then on, the plot gets rather predictable as they finally move down the slow road of conflict and acceptance.
'Wayward Heart’ is about taking very deeply-flawed characters—even those that we can’t tolerate when they fail to do what’s right —and using them to show that even these characters deserve some kind of happy ever after. And the answer that Hein leads us to, really, is time: time apart from each other for things to get reset, for family wounds to scab over and for Digby and Jasmine to rediscover their own ambitions before getting together again without past hurts getting in the way.
There’s a powerful load of family drama, a lot of meditative contemplation and a little suspense as well, but what really lingers is Hein’s beautifully wrought description of the languid, rural Australian landscape that stays long in my mind after I’ve finished the book.
*ARC by netgalley and the publisher
(always grateful, mind)
March 21, 2019
I've had this on my shelf for ages and at only 40 or so pages in, I knew I was going to love it. This is definitely my favourite Cathryn Hein novel to date. The subject matter combined with the writing just had something extra that drew me deeply into the story straight away.
There are many reasons we connect to certain stories. I connected with our female lead Jasmine straight away, she was real and flawed, having been involved with the wrong man, she was now trying to get over the relationship. I connected with Digby too, the hurt he felt, so deep inside for the loss of his fiance was heartbreaking.
This story had so many dynamics for me and took my heart for a ride throughout. Cathryn Hein has done a wonderful job making her characters and their circumstances complete. The guilt and blame the characters carried or lay at anothers feet, the healing that needed to be done in order to move on, the jealousy you can feel seeing a loved one succeed in something you feel should have been yours and the loss of direction in life, these are some of the concepts that spoke to me through this story.
This was an absolutely enjoyable story
There are many reasons we connect to certain stories. I connected with our female lead Jasmine straight away, she was real and flawed, having been involved with the wrong man, she was now trying to get over the relationship. I connected with Digby too, the hurt he felt, so deep inside for the loss of his fiance was heartbreaking.
This story had so many dynamics for me and took my heart for a ride throughout. Cathryn Hein has done a wonderful job making her characters and their circumstances complete. The guilt and blame the characters carried or lay at anothers feet, the healing that needed to be done in order to move on, the jealousy you can feel seeing a loved one succeed in something you feel should have been yours and the loss of direction in life, these are some of the concepts that spoke to me through this story.
This was an absolutely enjoyable story
February 24, 2020
Authentic
Healing
Sexy
Healing
Sexy
December 17, 2016
Loved it!
May 28, 2017
Wayward Heart is the third book in the loosely link Wallace-Jones series. First there was Rocking Horse Hill (Em and Josh's story) which is alluded to a lot throughout this narrative, then there was The FallsThe Fall (Teagan and Lucas' story) and now Wayward Heart(Digby and Jasmine's story).
I'm just going to start by saying that reading Wayward Heart was like coming home after a long trip away. I loved revisiting the stomping grounds of Rocking Horse Hill and the world these characters inhabit, but most of all I loved opening my arms to all the characters and enveloping them in a massive hug after all the hurts and trials they have been through so far. It felt like opening my arms to family members.
If you are a fan of a meatier romance novel, then Wayward Heartis the perfect book for you! When the book opens it reads much a like a romantic suspense novel as Jasmine is being targeted by unknowns for her affair with a married man. If only the perpetrators knew that she'd ended the affair months ago! If only her problems ended there however. Digby, the brother of Jasmine's best friend Emily, is broken hearted and at a loss of where to go from here. With Jasmine in similar dire emotional circumstances the pair strike up an unlikely friendship and bond that will test not only their limits, but their own sense of self, right and wrong and the love of their family and friends. With past demons haunting the pairs every move, only time will tell if they are strong enough to overcome their differences and fully embrace life for what it is.
Wayward Heart is an emotional read. it's a book that will capture your heart and crush it as characters are put to tests that are far bigger than any person should ever face. While it deals a great deal with grief and the process of surviving and withstanding the avalanche of emotions that it losing someone (whether through death, miscommunication and lies) entails, it's surprisingly not an overly angst-y book, but rather one that offers hope and love in a time of black clouds and a maze of deceit.
What's more despite the fact that the two leads develop an 'alternative' relationship and physical bond early on the book, Wayward Heart reads like a slow burn. Which when you think of it, is nothing short of an impossible feat for Hein to pull off! The chemistry between the pair is hinted at early on, and sizzles away quietly as they try to navigate the emotional land mines left behind. It reaches a physical point early on, and yet it's the pair learning that love and sustainable and healthy relationships are more than a physical attraction and touch that gently courses through the book until the fiery climax at the end. Through this the characters grow tremendously and you get this sense of whole and peace emitting from the book. It's kind of amazing.
All in all
Wayward Heart is a book with so much going on that it's kind of hard to describe. A little bit romantic suspense, a little bit emotional and with a whole lot of romance, it's a book that will capture the readers heart and hold it close long after the last page has been turned. It's a book about past wrongs and deceits, loss and life and learning to move on and love when the world is but a blanket of grief wrapped tightly around your shoulders. But most of all it's a story about learning who you are as a person first on your own and then with someone, and learning to love yourself no matter how big or small your mistakes might have been. It's a story filled with hope and love, and it's well worth a read.
This review originally appeared at The Never Ending Bookshelf and can be found here: http://wp.me/p3yY1u-18I
I'm just going to start by saying that reading Wayward Heart was like coming home after a long trip away. I loved revisiting the stomping grounds of Rocking Horse Hill and the world these characters inhabit, but most of all I loved opening my arms to all the characters and enveloping them in a massive hug after all the hurts and trials they have been through so far. It felt like opening my arms to family members.
If you are a fan of a meatier romance novel, then Wayward Heartis the perfect book for you! When the book opens it reads much a like a romantic suspense novel as Jasmine is being targeted by unknowns for her affair with a married man. If only the perpetrators knew that she'd ended the affair months ago! If only her problems ended there however. Digby, the brother of Jasmine's best friend Emily, is broken hearted and at a loss of where to go from here. With Jasmine in similar dire emotional circumstances the pair strike up an unlikely friendship and bond that will test not only their limits, but their own sense of self, right and wrong and the love of their family and friends. With past demons haunting the pairs every move, only time will tell if they are strong enough to overcome their differences and fully embrace life for what it is.
Wayward Heart is an emotional read. it's a book that will capture your heart and crush it as characters are put to tests that are far bigger than any person should ever face. While it deals a great deal with grief and the process of surviving and withstanding the avalanche of emotions that it losing someone (whether through death, miscommunication and lies) entails, it's surprisingly not an overly angst-y book, but rather one that offers hope and love in a time of black clouds and a maze of deceit.
What's more despite the fact that the two leads develop an 'alternative' relationship and physical bond early on the book, Wayward Heart reads like a slow burn. Which when you think of it, is nothing short of an impossible feat for Hein to pull off! The chemistry between the pair is hinted at early on, and sizzles away quietly as they try to navigate the emotional land mines left behind. It reaches a physical point early on, and yet it's the pair learning that love and sustainable and healthy relationships are more than a physical attraction and touch that gently courses through the book until the fiery climax at the end. Through this the characters grow tremendously and you get this sense of whole and peace emitting from the book. It's kind of amazing.
All in all
Wayward Heart is a book with so much going on that it's kind of hard to describe. A little bit romantic suspense, a little bit emotional and with a whole lot of romance, it's a book that will capture the readers heart and hold it close long after the last page has been turned. It's a book about past wrongs and deceits, loss and life and learning to move on and love when the world is but a blanket of grief wrapped tightly around your shoulders. But most of all it's a story about learning who you are as a person first on your own and then with someone, and learning to love yourself no matter how big or small your mistakes might have been. It's a story filled with hope and love, and it's well worth a read.
This review originally appeared at The Never Ending Bookshelf and can be found here: http://wp.me/p3yY1u-18I
June 27, 2017
The best part about this book is it's beautiful romantic cover. Which, incidentally doesn't depict the lead characters at all. Both I believe have dark hair, Jasmine has curls. The cover and description on the back were the reason I bought this book. I thought I'd enjoy it far more. The story itself was fine. I just prefer a more intellectual romance where the emotions are explored in a deeper fashion. I thought it was written in a fairly superficial and basic way. That of a young person. Granny B may have to be my favourite character - brandishing her filthy cigars - loved her (for the most part). That Jasmine is flawed because she becomes involved with a man who doesn't disclose that he is actually married until after she has fallen in love with him? Come on, the poor girl, she's not flawed. She was taken for a ride, sure. And the fact that Digby wasn't madly in love with Jasmine even though he was still grieving for his dead wife, well, excuse me for saying this, but he was a moron for most of the book. Anyway, I greatly admire anyone who can write for a living and has a sturdy following. While I wish I'd never bought this book (because then I was invested in reading it to the end) I think it's great that many people enjoy an easy read for what it is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2018
I haven't read any of the Rocking Hill books, so getting-the-characters-straight was a little disconcerting at first. However, I should trust Cathryn Hein to simply take me by the hand and lead me through. Which she did! In this book grieving Digby Wallace-Jones is still haunted by the horrible nature of his fiancee's death and the subsequent troubled relationships in his family. He sort of accidentally hooks up with his sister's long-time best friend Jasmine Thomas, as his sister's wedding is upcoming: Jas is bridesmaid and he is best man for the groom. Jas is coming out of an ill-fated relationship, and the two find comfort together. But can they actually get past their own issues and find love? A very heartfelt and moving romance.
January 22, 2019
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the Australian novel a Levenham Love Story Book 2: Wayward Heart by Cathryn Hein and this review was given freely.
This novel begins as the previous one during Emily and Josh's wedding preparations however, this one features the two heartbroken characters Jasmine and Digby as they strive for peace. Heartbroken after a bad breakup with a married man, Jasmine seeks assistance from her best friend's brother Digby who is still grieving after a quarry collapse killed his fiancee. A poignant story with both sinister steamy undertones and a happy ending.
I purchased a copy of the Australian novel a Levenham Love Story Book 2: Wayward Heart by Cathryn Hein and this review was given freely.
This novel begins as the previous one during Emily and Josh's wedding preparations however, this one features the two heartbroken characters Jasmine and Digby as they strive for peace. Heartbroken after a bad breakup with a married man, Jasmine seeks assistance from her best friend's brother Digby who is still grieving after a quarry collapse killed his fiancee. A poignant story with both sinister steamy undertones and a happy ending.
July 16, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Life gives us some hard lessons to swallow at times and it can take quite a while sometimes to move on and bounce back. The grieving process is not an easy one and everybody reacts in different ways and it takes different amounts of time to pick up the pieces and move on. You never forget but it hurts a little less as time goes on. This was captured well in this book.
August 25, 2017
Wow! So ambitious writing such a tortured hero, but somehow that just makes us cheer harder for him at the end. Not to forget the appeal of a heroine who openly admits her deep appreciation for Doctor Who - there can never be enough of them! LOVED it 😊😊 !!
August 18, 2018
This was a lovely book. Digby had lost his wife, Felicity, in trying circumstances and was having a great deal of trouble to come to terms with her death.
Jas had broken up with Mike after many years.. They meet and the story evolves.
Jas had broken up with Mike after many years.. They meet and the story evolves.
June 26, 2024
Relationships, family & friend influences and memories play a big part in the story, The overbearing hill/quarry also plays a big part. Granny B is a great character. An enjoyable read.
I score this book 4.2 stars 🌟
I score this book 4.2 stars 🌟
July 14, 2017
Sweet story.
January 23, 2019
Good insight into love and heartbreak.
January 31, 2021
Easy enough to read. So-so story with likeable characters.
September 8, 2021
A quick lockdown read. A nice read with a predictable storyline.
August 23, 2022
I quite liked this story - from heartbreak to love. And Granny B was lovely and meddling and fun.
December 8, 2022
Even though this is not listed s a series I felt I was missing a bit of background having not read the other books with some of the same characters.
December 15, 2025
audiobook - narrator was a bit monotone unfortunately, Hannah Frederickson.
February 9, 2017
This is the third in a set of books linked together by the Wallace-Jones family. In the first, Digby’s sister Em found her happy ever after. The second featured Emily’s friend Tegan and now this book showcases Em and Tegan’s friend Jasmine as well as Emily’s brother, who has suffered terribly. The foundations for Jasmine were laid in that first book as well as readers learned she was involved in a particular relationship, something that caused tension in her friendship with Tegan. I was interested in Jasmine’s story, because I wanted to find out her motivation for her part in the relationship and how she came to move on from it.
When this book begins, Jasmine has ended that toxic relationship and is suffering from some of the fallout. It seems unfair that someone has discovered her secret after everything is finished and they’re making her life a misery invading her privacy and leaving threatening messages. She doesn’t feel as though she can file a complaint because then the whole sordid story would come out, something she couldn’t bear.
Digby is a mess. It’s been about a year since his fiancee Felicity died in a terrible accident on a family property and he’s deep in depression and grief, to the point where some of his family are incredibly worried about him. He’s also struggling with how he feels about the role his sister Em played in the events that led to Felicity’s death as well and chooses to isolate himself from his family. As Jasmine is a lifelong friend of Em’s, he knows her well and a meeting in a park one day leads to the two of them beginning to spend some time together to just watch dvd’s and hang out. Digby doesn’t feel pressured to behave in a certain way when he’s with Jasmine and she in turn enjoys an easy, judgement free companionship. Their friendship escalates into the type with benefits, both of them filling a space for the other.
But things always get complicated and Jasmine knows she has developed feelings for a man whose heart belongs to someone else. Even though Digby has begun to find a little peace and happiness in his moments with Jasmine, he’s still tormented by Felicity’s loss. Digby’s grief is a very large part of this book. It consumes him and so does his conflicting feelings for his sister Em. It’s almost like Digby has a bit of post traumatic stress disorder. He finds being around people, even (especially) his own family difficult. He hasn’t really been able to come to terms with what happened and I think he’s twisted bits of it around in his mind to make his guilt even bigger. I had a lot of sympathy for Digby, because I think to go through something like that and the way in which it happened, would be terrible of course. But my sympathy began to wane around the time that he ended things with Jasmine for “her own good”. Digby was a bit slow in realising that what the two of them had was much more than a friends with benefits situation. It had morphed into a relationship between two people that knew each other well, cared about each other. But Digby was stuck in this rut where he didn’t believe he could ever move on or deserve happiness with someone else. He needed to do something to be able to finally let go of Felicity and look to the future….and hope that it wasn’t too late.
I think that Wayward Heart was a nice addition to these linked books and I loved that we got to see previous characters again. I’m always a big fan of revisiting past couples to see how they’re getting on and I think fans of Josh and Em, Lucas and Tegan and even Harry and Summer will be pleased here. Jasmine was a really interesting character….I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about her going into the book, given some of the decisions she’d made but I felt her strength and growth over the course of the novel was perhaps its strongest feature. She’s exactly the sort of woman Digby needs, especially after what happened with Felicity. She’s very understanding of Digby’s pain and seems to make a lot of effort into really trying to make him happy without freaking him out about her developing feelings. Digby is more a typical dense male who doesn’t seem to realise that his feelings have also evolved as well until quite a bit later.
A sweet summer read from an author who always delivers.
When this book begins, Jasmine has ended that toxic relationship and is suffering from some of the fallout. It seems unfair that someone has discovered her secret after everything is finished and they’re making her life a misery invading her privacy and leaving threatening messages. She doesn’t feel as though she can file a complaint because then the whole sordid story would come out, something she couldn’t bear.
Digby is a mess. It’s been about a year since his fiancee Felicity died in a terrible accident on a family property and he’s deep in depression and grief, to the point where some of his family are incredibly worried about him. He’s also struggling with how he feels about the role his sister Em played in the events that led to Felicity’s death as well and chooses to isolate himself from his family. As Jasmine is a lifelong friend of Em’s, he knows her well and a meeting in a park one day leads to the two of them beginning to spend some time together to just watch dvd’s and hang out. Digby doesn’t feel pressured to behave in a certain way when he’s with Jasmine and she in turn enjoys an easy, judgement free companionship. Their friendship escalates into the type with benefits, both of them filling a space for the other.
But things always get complicated and Jasmine knows she has developed feelings for a man whose heart belongs to someone else. Even though Digby has begun to find a little peace and happiness in his moments with Jasmine, he’s still tormented by Felicity’s loss. Digby’s grief is a very large part of this book. It consumes him and so does his conflicting feelings for his sister Em. It’s almost like Digby has a bit of post traumatic stress disorder. He finds being around people, even (especially) his own family difficult. He hasn’t really been able to come to terms with what happened and I think he’s twisted bits of it around in his mind to make his guilt even bigger. I had a lot of sympathy for Digby, because I think to go through something like that and the way in which it happened, would be terrible of course. But my sympathy began to wane around the time that he ended things with Jasmine for “her own good”. Digby was a bit slow in realising that what the two of them had was much more than a friends with benefits situation. It had morphed into a relationship between two people that knew each other well, cared about each other. But Digby was stuck in this rut where he didn’t believe he could ever move on or deserve happiness with someone else. He needed to do something to be able to finally let go of Felicity and look to the future….and hope that it wasn’t too late.
I think that Wayward Heart was a nice addition to these linked books and I loved that we got to see previous characters again. I’m always a big fan of revisiting past couples to see how they’re getting on and I think fans of Josh and Em, Lucas and Tegan and even Harry and Summer will be pleased here. Jasmine was a really interesting character….I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about her going into the book, given some of the decisions she’d made but I felt her strength and growth over the course of the novel was perhaps its strongest feature. She’s exactly the sort of woman Digby needs, especially after what happened with Felicity. She’s very understanding of Digby’s pain and seems to make a lot of effort into really trying to make him happy without freaking him out about her developing feelings. Digby is more a typical dense male who doesn’t seem to realise that his feelings have also evolved as well until quite a bit later.
A sweet summer read from an author who always delivers.
March 1, 2017
Loved this novel, it was a wonderful read....
November 21, 2016
Digby's character had many up and down emotional moments in Wayward Heart by author Cathryn Hein. His character transformation was positive in some of the chapters. I liked how the author managed to change my opinion of his character from the start of the read up to its final chapter. When his darkness began to fade, Digby surprisingly became like a breath of fresh air in many chapters. His affection and protectiveness towards Jas was endearing and heartfelt and Jas herself was outstandingly portrayed from the start. Surprises, tender moments and drama in the mix made for an entertaining read.
Review copy received from Harlequin Australia via Netgalley
Review copy received from Harlequin Australia via Netgalley
February 5, 2017
Wayward Heart was such a beautiful story finding love when overcoming grief and loss of the one you love. Rocking Horse Hill is the previous story of Emma Wallace - Jones and Josh. Wayward Heart returns to Rocking horse Hill is the story of Digby Wallace - Jones who is grieving the loss of his Fiance Flick and Jasmine who is getting over an affair.
Together they find solace in their friendship and lean on each other in process of healing each other's heart. Digby has to let go of the guilt of not saving Flick and forgive his sister as well.
Cathryn Hein writes this book with emotion and depth of the characters. Granny B , Emma, Josh, Tegan are also in the book
Together they find solace in their friendship and lean on each other in process of healing each other's heart. Digby has to let go of the guilt of not saving Flick and forgive his sister as well.
Cathryn Hein writes this book with emotion and depth of the characters. Granny B , Emma, Josh, Tegan are also in the book
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