A Man's Heart

By Lori Copeland

Jules broke off her wedding to Cruz practically at the altar. Not just once, but twice. Now the man Jules loves best can't stand the sight of her. Only for Pop could Jules have made such a sacrifice. And now Pop is gone, leaving Jules with his struggling Washington State potato farm; with a sister excluded from his will; and with a heart wounded by the sacrifice she has made on behalf of her father. It looks like strengthening her relationship with her sister and improving the prospects of the Blue Bayou farm will be Jules' chief concerns. But when cancer takes the life of her best friend, Jules finds herself caring for her friend's two small children as well as the Blue Bayou. A drought-stricken farm. A promise to a dead friend and two needy little lives. And disturbing memories stirring up a growing relationship with her sister. How can one woman handle it all? The answer lies with a God who holds the keys to yesterday, today, and tomorrow—and to the heart of the one man whom Jules could ever love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Release date: Oct 19, 2010
• ISBN: 9780310560951

Lori Copeland

Lori Copeland is a bestselling author whose books includde Now and Always, Simple Gifts, Unwrapping Christmas, and Monday Morning Faith, which was a finalist for the 2007 Christy Awards. Lori was inducted into the Springfield Writers Hall of Fame in 2000 and lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband and family.

Book preview

Prologue

Washington State

Jules’s breath caught in her throat. The lights in The Grille dimmed; heat rushed to her cheeks. She had to run. She had to get out of here! Sliding out of the booth, she fled.

Jules!

I’m sorry! I’m so sorry … Her breath came in ragged spurts. Poor Cruz. Why would she do this to him a second time? She loved him. She adored him, but she couldn’t marry him. Not tomorrow. She needed more time. She couldn’t be married, help Pop run the farm and go back to college. She wasn’t Superwoman.

Jules! Hold it right there! The force in Cruz Delgado’s tone stopped her dead in her tracks.

Drawing a deep breath, she held to the door frame. Jukebox music filled the background. Don William’s voice in the background sang something about some broken hearts never mend. She sensed Cruz stalk toward her. Think of a sane reason, Julianne Matias, some logical, justifiable circumstance that you would walk away from this man a second time. Visions of the hours and previous months that she’d spent winning back his confidence formed a gray aura around her.

His surprisingly gentle touch stopped her plight. Closing her eyes, she allowed him to lead her out of the local watering hole to the parking lot. Bitter cold air caught her breath and she took deep drafts of foggy night air.

It’s okay, sweetheart. It’s just a panic attack—

Just! She shrugged free, fighting a sense of impending doom. The kind of dread that some terrible calamity was about to befall her. Sorry … I can’t, Cruz—

We’ve been through this a hundred times, Jules. His impatient tone penetrated her angst. What’s wrong now?

Nothing’s wrong. I realize I needed more time.

His eyes pinpointed her. Hurt filled their depths. What do I have to do, Jules? How do I prove that I love you—more than life itself? He turned her around to face him, his breath a vapor in the nippy weather. You can commit to me. I’m not going to hurt you or abuse your trust.

Shaking her head, she tried to talk between gasps. It isn’t a matter of trust—

Bull!

It isn’t, Cruz. It’s just … not right yet. Pop needs my help —

Pop was growing Blue Bayou potatoes long before you were a twinkle in his eye, and he always managed to make ends meet. I can’t see how your going back to college now is going to help a blessed thing.

He was right. Her crazy idea that with more education she could get the farm in better financial shape was crock. She was looking for an excuse out and picked a poor one. She took a couple more deep breaths, squeezing her eyes shut, wishing the dread away. I can’t explain … I wish that I could, but I can’t. It just doesn’t feel right …

Okay. He released her so swiftly that she lost footing. A calm hand steadied her. So the wedding is off again.

No, not okay! Her heart screamed the silent rebuke. Calm. All she had to do was excuse the panic attack and pretend the incident never happened. They could continue with dinner, talk about last minute wedding preparations. The ceremony was at four o’clock tomorrow afternoon. Sophie’s lovely teal blue maid-of-honor dress hung in Jules’s closet. The cake was baked; flowers scheduled to be delivered to the church in the morning. She reached out and touched his arm and he drew back. Please, Cruz …

Not this time, Jules. The street light above the brick building illuminated his face. Anger. Disbelief … disgust played across his rugged features and she couldn’t fault him.

Anytime you think about marrying, a steel gate slams into place. I want marriage, Jules, and kids.

And that’s what I want. She held up a pleading hand. It’s exactly what I want, but … She paused. The time doesn’t feel right.

This is the second time you’ve changed your mind at the last minute, he snapped.

I know … I’m sorry. Perhaps in a few months …

Settling his hat back on his head, he said quietly, Obviously, you don’t know what you want. Your problem, Jules, is you’ve convinced yourself that you’re not capable of making a marriage work. You think since your folks’ marriage was a disaster, yours is doomed to suffer the same fate.

That’s not so.

It is so. You got yourself tied in knots thinking if you marry me, we’ll end up trying to outshout each other.

That’s not fair, Cruz. Especially in view of the fact that her parents’ marriage had been a truck wreck. She knew she would never cheat on Cruz like her mother had on her father. The thought would never enter her mind.

"Then what is your hang-up?"

I … need more time to work marriage into my life. She looked up. Why do you keep pushing?

Pushing? He shifted stances. "That’s what you think I’m doing? Pushing you into marriage?"

What’s the all-fired hurry? We’re young; we have all of our lives. Marriage would come. Eventually.

Irony dripped from his eyes and she turned away. We’ve been dating since we were teenagers. You’re what? Twenty-six now and I’m looking at thirty. I’m tired of waiting for you, Jules.

She whirled to face him. You know that deadlines freak me out —

Problems, he corrected. You have problems with commitment, Jules. That’s when you freak.

So not true. I commit: the farm, you, staying with Pop after Mom left. I can commit.

To a movie, not to me.

That’s ridiculous. She drew a deep breath. Okay. We’ll just forget all about this. I’m fine now. The panic hadn’t subsided, but she could do this. She could make herself go through with the wedding this time. Lifting her chin, she smiled. Let’s go finish dinner.

You’re good now? You’re okay? He slipped on his hat.

Yes. Thank you. She loved him and she could commit as well as the next person.

Okay. Let me know when you can make a commitment and keep it.

Now what’s that supposed to mean? The dripping sarcasm in his tone stunned her. She’d just said to forget it. It was only a case of pre-wedding jitters.

It means that I’m tired of waiting for you to make up your mind whether you love me enough to marry me.

That’s crazy talk. I adore you. All I’m asking is for a little more time.

To go back to college. For four years.

Not that much time. I want to go back and complete my education. WSU is doing cutting-edge work in potato nutrition; I talked to a friend and she says I can sign on as a lab assistant—or maybe get special dispensation to do a private study. You know how I love to experiment, and Pop could sure use the help. With an Agricultural Biotechnology degree, I can grow Blue Bayou’s business. She reached out to console him. Her heart ached. She wanted to marry him … she wanted this terrible sense of panic to dissolve.

Didn’t we have this conversation when you went to college the first time? He started to walk toward his truck.

Yes, but you didn’t object then. And that was for Crop Science.

Because ‘then’ it was sensible. Now I want to marry you, Jules, and I’m not waiting another four years. He shook his head. I don’t think so.

She fell into step, dogging him, anger rising. "You don’t think so? You’re breaking up with me?"

Take it however you want.

She reached for the sleeve of his coat. You can’t break up with me.

Yeah? Who made that rule?

"We’re getting married tomorrow!" She couldn’t breathe. Who stole the air? He couldn’t walk out on her …

He reached to open the truck door. I think not.

Cruz! You can’t do this—what about our friends? The church, Reverend Williams—we’ll look like complete fools—stop! She stepped in front of him. Stop. Their eyes locked.

Step out of the way, Jules.

You can’t leave—not like this.

I’m supposed to stay and let you keep walking out on weddings?

I haven’t walked out. I’m right here — and I love you. She reached out to touch him, loving him with her eyes. This was her Cruz. Understanding. Patient. He was always there for her. He understood her.

His features sobered. You need two years? You got it.

Relieved, she tried to kiss him but he eased around her and opened the door. But I won’t be around.

She stepped back, her mind whirling. What just happened? Had he broken up with her? Cruz? The only man in the world that she would ever love? Panic then regret choked her.

Or had she broken the engagement a second time.

She put her hand across her mouth and watched the taillights of his truck disappear into the foggy night.

She’d broken up with him, she decided. Yes. For the second time in as many years, she’d jilted him.

Chapter 1

Almost four years later

Im·pos·si·ble. a: incapable of being or of occurring. b. felt to be incapable of being done, attained or fulfilled: insuperably difficult.

Jules tossed the paperback dictionary aside, took a sip of hot tea, and then yawned. Yeah. That one. Insuperably difficult. That was her to a T. Reaching for another seed potato, she dropped it and two mixed seedlings into the hole she’d finger dug in the dirt tub. She should give up. After years of trying to grow the perfect potato she was no further along. She’d gotten her wish; she’d attended WSU for almost four years and she’d been involved in exciting research. Last year she’d been granted special dispensation to conduct a private project for her thesis. The experiment gave her extra time to complete the document: How to Grow the Perfect Potato. She must have been intoxicated with sleep deprivation the day she thought of the idea. So far no mixture of hybrid had panned out. The dissertation was done and only needed a satisfying conclusion.

Of course she’d lost Cruz in the process.

She moved to the futon, lined with dirt tubs.

She couldn’t grow a perfect potato. She couldn’t even hold on to a man’s heart. Cruz Delgado’s to be exact. Resting her head on a sofa pillow, she pictured the good-looking potato farmer. Delgado men were large, over six feet tall, dark hair and complexion. Did he ever think of her in the gutwrenching, totally sold out on love way she thought of him?

Shoving the past to the back of her mind, she stood and brushed graham cracker crumbs off her pajamas before she tackled the stack of plastic TV dinner containers piled high in the sink. Finals always left her trying to manufacture time.

The crowded living space was starting to grate on her nerves. Five wooden half-barrel tubs littered the living area. All filled with tubers—potato experiments. The tubs, a worn black sofa, an overstuffed chair piled with textbooks, a table with two chairs and a kitchenette had been her home the past four years. By choice, she lived off campus of Washington State University. At thirty, she didn’t exactly fit in with dewy-eyed eighteen-and nineteen-year-old college students, and socializing wasn’t her thing. She longed to go home, to be back on Blue Bayou, ride her horse, and raise potatoes. See Cruz. Catch a glimpse of him.

She wasn’t a city girl; college had proved that. She loved Pop’s old farm where they scraped by selling Ranger Russets to a factory up north, and a few local markets, but it was barely a living. Lack of rainfall was a big factor in these parts; farmers had to irrigate and irrigation cost money.

After running a sink full of steaming water, she washed the disposable containers and a few coffee cups. She didn’t own a dish. She drank from accumulated McDonald’s cups, and ate from sandwich wrappers and carry-out paper plates. Every chance she got she headed home, but Pullman, where the college sat, was a hundred and thirty miles from Blue Bayou and she was usually buried in experiments.

Around midnight, her cell phone played a jazzy version of Beethoven. Jarred awake, Jules closed the book she’d been studying and reached to answer. A phone call this late at night either had to be a wrong number or bad news. She relaxed. It couldn’t be Pop; she’d talked to him this morning and he would have been in bed hours ago.

Jules? The voice of Pop’s foreman, Joe Fraker, came over the line.

A shiver raked her spine. What’s wrong?

It’s your dad, hon. He took a hard fall late this afternoon. We were planting the north field and he went a little too far out on a ridge. The tractor overturned—now they don’t think he’s hurt badly. I’d have called sooner, but you know how clinics are. We’ve been waiting on tests and he didn’t want me to call you until we knew something for certain.

Jules struggled to clear her rattled thoughts. Clinic. The injury couldn’t be too serious, or they would have moved him to Pasco.

Where is he?

He’s lost a lot of blood. Hit his head on a rock and cut about an inch slash in his noggin. They want to move him on up to the hospital in Pasco. If I have your permission, I’ll give the go ahead.

Of course. Is he stable for now?

I have to go, hon. I’ve called your sister.

Crystal. He’d called Crystal? The fall must be more serious than Joe was saying.

I’ll start now, Joe.

She sensed a nod in his tone. I think you’d better.

It took all of five minutes to throw a few things into her backpack, and lock up. Her gaze fell on the potato tubs. Who’d look after her experiments — and she needed to record the last hybrid mix …

Hang the experiment.

Locking the door, she headed for her Geo Tracker. The apartment complex was quiet this time of night. Pop was hard-headed. A little fall wasn’t going to stop him, so why did Joe have to bring Crystal in on this?

Chapter 2

Franklin County, Washington

May

Cruz Delgado hefted a fertilizer sack and pitched it to his brother, Adan. The Delgado truck sat in front of Mayse Feed and Seed this morning.

Any mention of Jules Matias set him off. When her Tracker pulled up to the mortuary, he looked the other way. He had to hand it to his brother; it took Adan a good five minutes before he mentioned the fact that the irritant had arrived at Mellon’s.

Adan swung a bag in the pick-up bed, head bent, lips sealed. The truck’s worn springs sagged beneath the weight. Then the elephant waltzed into the room, as it usually did. You didn’t expect her to skip her dad’s funeral, did you?

With her you never know.

Grinning, Adan shook his head. You’re never going to get over her. Face it. A sack of fertilizer caught him mid-section. He grabbed for support. Hey!

Hey yourself. I’m over her. Got it?

Adan ducked when another sack whipped through the air. The men paused for a breather. Cruz averted his gaze when Jules got out of the vehicle but Adan lifted a friendly hand.

Can’t you at least offer your sympathies?

I’m going to Fred’s service.

Yeah, but you won’t say a word to her. Adan’s gaze followed the petite figure walking up the mortuary’s flower lined sidewalk. Sure is a shame about Fred. An aneurysm to the brain, and bam, he’s history.

Cruz shook his head. No, he wouldn’t say a word to Jules. He’d said all he was ever going to say to that woman four years ago. Pitching the last sack on the truck, he pulled the brim of his Stetson down over his eyes, and then climbed into the cab. Truth was, he would miss ole Fred. He was a good neighbor, and if you needed something, Fred had it. Shame the farm he’d worked for over forty years would fall into strangers’ hands. The rural community was tight knit; neighbors were extended families. Most had been born and raised in the county. Nearly all raised potatoes, unlike the apple growers in other parts of the state.

Cruz started the truck. Face it, Delgado. You’re not worried about Fred’s potato patch. You’re worried that when it goes, Jules goes. The admission caught him unawares. A hot branding iron rammed in his eye couldn’t have stung worse. Count your blessings. She and Crystal would sell out and that would be the end of Blue Bayou. Jules had been back in town less than twenty-four hours and already she had his mind going nuts.

Adan climbed in the cab, and Cruz backed out of the feed store lot and shifted into first gear. Well not this time, Miss Matias. He glanced at her car, once a sight that sent his heart into overtime.

Twice stung, and you’ve made your point.

Jules stepped out of the funeral home, shading her eyes against spring sunlight. The community where she’d been born and raised sat twenty miles outside of Pasco, Washington, deep in the heart of the Tri-Cities area. She loved everything about the community with the exception of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation outside of Pasco. Anyone could have lived without those 586 square miles. The fiftyish spring air had a bite to it this morning. The past thirty minutes had been the most trying in her life. Joe offered to come with her, but she’d refused. She needed a strong arm to lean on, but Pop’s foreman’s wasn’t it.

An ache latched onto her heart when Cruz had driven away without a word of condolence. They’d been friends a lot longer than the state they now found themselves in, which she couldn’t identify if she tried. Jilting a man twice was admittedly hard on the ego, but in her mind she had never jilted him, simply postponed the inevitable. She could not ever imagine herself married or having children with any other man. To this day, that was her goal.

He was the one who jumped the gun, acted with pure egotism. Cruz knew that she didn’t jilt him; that she longed for a solid marriage — maybe not as badly then as now, but her needs seemed to be more pressing at the time. She’d been crowded too often and she hated the feeling.

Sliding into her vehicle, she snapped her seat belt in place and turned the key, listening as the old truck sprang to life. Crystal wouldn’t make it to Pop’s funeral. She’d bet a bushel of spuds on that. Joe said she promised to come, but Crystal’s promises were like Mom and Dad’s marriage. Empty.

What she needed now was a strong dose of her best friend, Sophie.

Cruz Delgado’s sister.

Chapter 3

Jules! A spoon of oatmeal sailed through the air when Sophie bound to her feet to hug her. It’s so good to have you home. Pausing, she drew back and her features distorted in a heartbreaking expression. I’m so sorry about Pop. Everyone prayed so hard; we thought Fred’s injury was minor."

I know. Jules patted her on the back, shed another bucket of tears. She reached for the oatmeal-covered Olivia. Livvy’s growing so fast.

Like ragweed. Grinning, Sophie wet a washcloth and cleaned the toddler’s face. She’s twenty-two months now and you won’t believe her vocabulary. She must take after her father’s side. She’s almost two, going on nine.

Time sped by too quickly. Jules had been with Sophie through labor and delivery, but a week later she’d returned to college and the winter session. Last summer flew by and she was back in college before she realized it. Sophie emailed pictures, but there was only so much to be said in cyberspace and even harder to imagine that this chubby angel was growing up fast. Sophie motioned to a chair. Tell me what’s happening. I know you’re reeling with Pop’s death.

The dam burst and Jules stepped back into her friend’s arms and poured out her heart. Once the flood of emotion subsided, she wiped her nose and concentrated on happier days. I’m graduating in a couple of weeks.

I know. Pop and I … Sophie paused. I’m planning to be there.

He almost lived long enough to see his dream realized. Jules sighed and reached to butter a piece of toast. Pop was really looking forward to the event. He’d been proud of her accomplishment and rooted for the experimental potato; he’d also been grateful because he knew she’d sacrificed Cruz’s love with her unselfish act.

Nodding, Sophie said, I was going to drive, and then we were going to take you for a celebration dinner at Holliman’s.

Ah. I’d have loved that.

Silence closed over the kitchen as Jules fought back tears. Pop had to scrimp to send her to college. The money could have gone toward a new irrigation system, but he figured her education would pay off more in the long run if they could grow the business, and growing the business took more educational savvy. With Pop gone, enlarging the business made little sense. Crystal hated potato farming. She’d want to sell the operation as soon as possible and split the proceeds.

Crystal coming to the funeral?

Jules smiled. Sophie was always tuned in to her thoughts. She told Joe she was. I haven’t talked to her.

When is the service?

Day after tomorrow. Jules reached for a napkin and dabbed the corners of her eyes. She hadn’t seen Pop yet, just taken his clothes to be buried in. Sunday suit. Blue tie. White shirt. She’d shined his best shoes to be set at his feet. Seeing him would be hard; he was always so full of life.

As sad as it is, you wouldn’t wish him back, Sophie comforted.

No. She glanced up and smiled. Everything okay with you?

The usual. Money is so tight right now.

Jules didn’t know how Sophie kept a cheerful spirit; she’d married two absolute losers.

She flashed Jules a grin, a grin from a woman who had been unlucky in love more times than Jules could fathom. "Ethan’s dad isn’t exactly Father of the Year, but he pays

Reviews for A Man's Heart

[jbbkelsey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love books by Lori Copeland. "A Man's Heart" by Zondervan was a good book, but a little slower than some of Copeland's other books. I had expected the book to be in the 'Old' West, but was actually a contemporary setting in Eastern WA state. I enjoyed reading about cities that I actually know. I really enjoyed this book, but if you are new to Copeland, you would probably lkie one of her other books as your first.

[twinmom_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A fun quick romantic read that while simple gets the point across, but not always realistic in some plot twists but make the story stronger. If looking for something to while away the hours pick it up, if you looking for accuracy in details, skip it.

[msh09_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this as an easy-reading, not incredibly deep read. I never felt fully invested in the characters, but I liked the story.

[wendyk_40 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A MAN’S HEART by Lori Copeland is a tear-jerker inspirational romance set in modern-day Washington State. It is well written with a depth plot and wonderful characters. It has romance, love, faith,past hurts, second chances,children, death, secrets, family, survival, friends, promises, potato farm life,redemption, forgiveness,coming to terms with the past and creating a future. This story will tear your heart out from the beginning to end. The hero, Cruz, is handsome, practical, hard-working, determined,owns a failing potato farm, been jilted by Jules,his ex-fiance not once but twice and will always love her. The heroine, Jules, is tough, just lost her Dad, wants to create “the perfect potato”, choses her Dad over Cruz not once but twice, she has a fear of commitment, and loses her best friend to cancer. Cruz’s sister is Jules best friend,learns she has cancer, and makes Jules promise her to take care of her two small children. Jules and Cruz find themselves together over and over due to the children. Jules learns a family secret from her sister.Through, their faith in God, hard work,determination and a willingness to change and to forward they will learn their true love can last. BEWARNED! You will need a box of tissues! One man,one woman,one promise and one last chance. I would highly recommend this book especially if you enjoy human nature, God’s forever love, power of true love, families coming together and family relationships

[books007_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I didn't really enjoy this book. I have read her novels before, and enjoyed them, but this one just wasn't one of my favorites. For it, I think it was the believable factor. Runaway bride, family secrets, custody of children, etc. I'm not quite sure that all the main character went through (and overcame) is something that I could ever feel like I could relate too. Althought I wouldn't mind trying another book by Copeland, this one was just ok for me.

[read2me2010 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Due to her mother and father's broken relationship, the main character of this book (Jules) finds it difficult to commit to a relationship with the man she loves and calls off their wedding at the last moment...twice. The story is basically about her dealing with the loss of her father and her best friend , developing a relationship with her estranged sister who comes to stay with her after their father dies (the mother having died some time before), and trying to win back the love of her life. Also, she takes on the guardianship of her best friend's children.The problem I had with this book was that I didn't much like her character. While the author maintains that Jules is a Christian who is struggling with her faith, I found her to be shallow and unstable. At one point she has an epiphany: “She has allowed fear to rule her life, not God”. But then she continues in her self-absorbed way of dealing with life. I have read many Love Inspired Steeple Hill books and the religious aspect of this book falls short. There were more platitudes from the characters than actual following of Christian convictions in their lives. I thought the author, in writing about the death of her friend, did an excellent job of describing the pain and sadness that accompanies death of a loved one.I found the “perfect potato” thing very strange. Why did the author throw that in, only to have it fizzle out? And the sister getting a million dollars...bizarre.All in all though, I did find the book compelling and, as an Early Reviewer, read it in two days; always expecting it to get better as I read along. Unfortunately, it didn't.

[hischild_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A Man's Heart, set in the potato-growing district of Washington state, is the story of Jules and her one true love, Cruz. Jules knows that she will never love another man the way that she loves Cruz. So why is it that, when the wedding day draws near, she calls it off -- not just one time, but two times? Certainly not because she doesn't love Cruz, but because she has goals that she has not yet attained and perhaps she is, quite simply, afraid to commit. Cruz, his heart bruised by her betrayal, vows that he will never again give Jules the opportunity to wound him. Can't say that I blame him, can you? When, after a span of four long years, a chain of circumstances arises that throws Cruz and Jules into constant, nearly daily, contact with one another, they both put up barriers to protect themselves from being hurt once again. However, it seems that God has other plans if they are only willing to yield their futures and their hearts to His divine will.The plots and subplots in this book are so intricately woven together that it is an emotional roller coaster ride from the first page to the satisfying conclusion. Lori Copeland has created characters who are real and who have true-to-life struggles. She has shown quite clearly that it is only when we are willing to surrender all to Him can we ever expect to attain the level of joy that is waiting for us. Only He has the answers to all of our questions, the solution to all of our problems, and only He can provide a way when there seems to be no way. As I read this book, I mourned with Jules and Cruz and happily rejoiced with them when God stepped in and proved His faithfulness. The scripture that came to me as I read A Man's Heart is found in Psalms 31:7 (KJV): "I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities." Certainly there was an abundance of adversity that Jules, Cruz, and other family members had to combat throughout the course of the book. But, they ultimately learned the truth of Psalms 126:5 (KJV): "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy."I first read a book by Lori Copeland in 2002. (I know this because I keep a log of every single book that I read, including the date that I read it and the number of pages in the book). It has, admittedlly, been a while since that I read that first book. However, one thing that I do remember is that from that day forward I was always on the lookout for a new release by her. Lori has the ability to create realistic characters and place them in situations that are also tenable. She will keep you engrossed until the last page and you will be blessed by what you read and the lessons depicted.A Man's Heart was given to me by Library Thing for review purposes. I was not obligated in any way to give a positive review. All opinions and statements contained in this review are solely the opinion of the writer. I received no compensation in any form for providing this review.

[dawnymae_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novel is set in Washington State in an agricultural community that grows potatoes. Jules is the daughter of a potato grower who has died in a freak accident. Jules comes home to take over the farm, but when she left for college she left a hurt man behind, Cruz Delgado. He has tried to move on without her, but can’t get over Jules and the fact that she left him not once, but twice at the altar! He has lots of distrust where she is concerned, and now that she is back, he sees her all the time! It’s a light novel with good character development, lots of heart with a few chuckles besides! I truly enjoyed this novel, it’s the first I’ve read by Lori Copeland, but it won’t be the last!

[godsgirl_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a sweet story. A little predictable, but with enough surprises to keep my interest. She is a good writer. Will definitely look for other books by Lori Copeland. Maybe a sequel to this one? Only slight complaint is I've spent a lot of time in the Destin, Florida area and they are on central time instead of eastern time. She mentioned twice in the book that they were three hours ahead of the people in Washington state. Oh well, not a big deal.

[bburke79 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received this book from Zondervan publishing as an early review copy. This was the first book I have read by Lori Copeland.I was a little concerned from reading the back of the book that this would be rather boring. After all- a potato farmer I am not. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how the book turned out. There were many struggles throughout the book and I for one am glad that I am not Jules. She had a lot on her plate. I loved that neither of the main characters were perfect. That is where we all are so I felt that they were relatable to most people in at least that way. Jules and Cruz spent a lot of time avoiding each other that could have been more productive had they just talked- but hey who hasn't been there before. I did wish for more details of the Adan/Crystal relationship. It seemed to be swept under the rug or that she didn't feel that she had the time to devote to it. Overall I thought that even though it was a slow start it was a refreshingly different book. There are sad parts though so if you are looking for something that may seem more like real life than all of the 100% happy books out there then this one is for you. If you only love the happy- well perhaps you should save this for later.I passed this book on to my grandmother who also enjoyed it. :)

[steph33_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I have read a few other books by this author, but this was the first with a contemporary setting. I did not especially enjoy this book. I thought it moved very slowly. But my real problem with this book was the main characters. I did not identify with any of them and I would not have liked any of them if I had met them. So maybe this book is for someone else.

[gypsywether · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I am already a Lori Copeland fan, and I enjoyed this one as well. I loved that neither character was perfect. I loved the way she wrote the story and that I cried in the middle of the book.I didn't love the way some of the story could have used with a little more detail. I would have loved to see Why Jules felt the way she did, instead of just hearing what she was telling Cruz about why she should put off their wedding again. Why she would think that she Could do that without it being a choice of Not being with him. A few things just seemed to Happen and then be over and part of the past in teh story. Her father dying, giving the kids to Cruz, the tractor getting stolen, the End of the story... Several things I almost felt like I Missed. Even with the parts of the story that I felt could have used more attention, I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others who enjoy Lori Copeland books. This was a christian romance without the angst of one of the characters struggling with belief and I enjoyed that.

[tammyphillips · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A Man's Heart by Lori Copeland fell short of my expectations for Christian Romance. This story began with a jilted groom, continued with the death of a father and best friend, meandered along a sketchy reunited sister relationship, and stubbornly snagged along the poor communication between two people who supposedly loved each other. The only thing that kept me reading was the hope that it would get better, and while the last chapter wrapped it up neatly, it felt unrealistic and left me thinking, "That relationship is never gonna make it." What I hope for in Christian fiction is a realistic portrayal of people living in a Christ-like way, making mistakes and overcoming obstacles, but finding the ultimate truth in their faith. This novel fell short. While the main characters voiced prayers in desperation, and recognized their need for God, they never really turned to Him. In addition, the main characters were suing each other over child custody and communicating with snide, sarcastic, and stubborn remarks throughout. And while they ended up together in the end, I never saw evidence that they had overcome this disasterous communication trait. All in all, mildly entertaining, but I would not recommend it to my friends.

[booksandbutter · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I didn't really enjoy this book. I have read her novels before, and enjoyed them, but this one was inconsistent on the details and didn't make you really care about the characters. I also felt it didn't have very much about their faith and how they practice it every day situations. When I really enjoy Christian authors, they use their faith as an integral part of their daily life and how it works out in difficult or average situations. I didn't feel that this book did that. I will read her books again and hope the next one is better.

[phdinhorribleness · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderful story about learning what it really means to follow your heart. Twice Jules has left Cruz practically at the altar. Now he doesn't want anything to do with her and she is struggling to get used to a new way of life after the death of her father. She must adjust to the pressures of running a potato farm and getting to know a sister she hasn't seen in many years. Soon cancer takes the life of her best friend and she adds the responsibility of caring for two small children. Through it all she struggles to get Cruz to at least accept a friendship with her while knowing in her heart that the only way for her to be happy is to be his wife.The ending is predictable, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable.

[ladytaluka · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I won this book, otherwise I might not have read it. The cover looks cheesy and so is the title. Also, just have to mention that the main character, Jules, has short dark hair in the book...yet the cover has her with long hair. Kind of a stupid error.Anyway, the writing was okay, but the plot was kind of lame. I couldn't really buy why Jules left Cruz at the beginning of the book. When the main character does something that doesn't make sense to the reader, it sort of throws off the rest of the story. So the whole problem they have to overcome seems trivial.That being said, it was still an okay read, with some Christianity thrown in (quite a bit). I read it quickly because I wanted a break from my to-do list, not because it was something I couldn't put down.

[oodsatemydingo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A Man’s Heart is about the on again off again relationship of Jules and Cruz. Both of them are potato farmers, Jules however goes off to college to learn more about the trade. More then that, since her parents had a disastrous, she also uses college as a way to run from her relationship with Cruz, who wants to marry her. Since she jilts him twice, he tells her that its over and she goes off to college not returning for years later when her father dies.This story was beautifully written, and the characters were lovely. The only thing I didn’t really like about it was the little plots in it that were addressed, like it would have been nice if Cruz had found out about the bull accident. Because the cover story just wasn’t believable in my opinion. But still excellent book!

[mgray16 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A Man's Heart is a book about a man (Cruz) and his on and off again fiancé Jules. They are both potato farmers and have been in a relationship since they were young. When Jules decides to go to college instead of getting married Cruz breaks off the engagement and they go their separate ways. Four years later as Jules is finishing college two tragic events occur that require her to go home again. She reunites with Cruz and the rest of the book is about them dealing with issues from their past and the problems they are currently facing.This is a Christian book and while I don't usually read Christian fiction it wasn't so overpowering that it turned me off from the book. The religion was a subtle constant theme throughout the book that didn't try and force beliefs on the reader. Overall the book was well written even though it was very predictable as far as the overall outcome. There were sad moments that were handled well by the author but nothing that hasn't done before. I think 3 1/2 stars is appropriate because the story wasn't anything new but it was well written and a decent story. This book was sent to me by Zondervan publishers for my review.

[divinemissw · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I did not like this book. I would not recommend it to anyone. The beginning of the book was like coming into a movie 10 minutes after it started. I don't know the characters because I don't understand who they are or why they do what they do. Therefore, after a few chapters I did not care for the main characters at all; their histories and motivations for their actions are not described in enough detail to get me on their side. After too many chapters of this, I did not care what the characters do or why. By the middle of the book I was struggling to finish reading the book. The longer I read the book, the more I understood the characters and could empathize a little with their plight but by then I had lost interest in the story. By the end of the novel, I pretty much understand the characters, but I am angry at the author for not telling me more about them, sooner and in more concise terms.The story is rote and there are no surprises. The Christian aspect was so weak; I had trouble believing these were really Christian characters. The heroine did not develop or depend on her faith in any significant way for you to believe she took it in any way seriously. I was disappointed that there was no clear narration on why the events happened, how God’s hand was at work in the characters lives. Where was the contrast of a faithful person in the story and who is the voice of reason? Apparently no one was the voice of reason, God or even common sense, which is why the Christian aspect was so unsatisfying. This book may be good for teen readers as the writing; the characters and the plot are simple and unsophisticated.I enjoyed the location of the story and the descriptions of the crops and procedures were interesting. The dialogue was realistic and moved along nicely. The author seemed to struggle with the descriptions of events in the characters lives. The descriptions did not flow well together with the dialogue. The author probably needs to be taken in hand by a good editor who understands how to move a story along in an interesting way. The characters all sound the same; they have no separate voices to differentiate them in the story.I have not read any of this author’s other books, I would hope they are better than this one. Hopefully she is working on developing her writing technique. This book was sent to me by Zondervan publishers for my review.

[rhonda1111 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked the book. i cried in part of it. part cheesey. deals a lot with coping with forgiveness, with death and other trials. I wished for more results on the pototoe, if cruz ever found out about her riding the bull. it seamed really familar to me in parts. was a good clean book. i would reread it again sometime in the future.