Book Review: Hearts Reunited by Robin Bayne

Cara Peyton is content with her life; her trendy bookshop in the delightful town of Dogwood Creek is perfect for her and her best friend and co-owner. When they unknowingly hire Jackson, the man who once broke Cara’s heart, to remodel the store, he comes heart-in-hand, asking for a second chance. Cara is intrigued, and torn, about risking her heart again.

Jack Bridger is determined to win Cara back; he’s regretted his long-ago decision for years. Having now given up dreams of a music career, he’s learned a wood-crafting skill he’s sure Cara will be proud of.

Needing the new grand bookcase completed by Valentine’s Day, Cara puts Jack on a deadline. Can he convince her to trust him, and God to reunite their hearts, before the job is finished?

Small town charm and rediscovered dreams are always in season in Dogwood Creek, Tennessee!

Julie’s Note: Hearts Reunited is the seventh novella in the Dogwood Creek Matchmakers series. Robin’s book follows my Dogwood Creek Matchmakers release, Clean Sweep, which was released in November. You can read these as standalones or binge the series. I hope you binge! Every book is so good.

Review:

I love a good second‑chance romance, and Hearts Reunited delivers exactly that. Jack deeply wounded Cara years ago, and his return to her life is anything but warm and fuzzy. He chose music over their relationship, and now that he’s back in Dogwood Creek with a new career, he’s hoping for a fresh start. Cara? She’s not convinced her heart can take another risk.

Several things stood out to me in Hearts Reunited. Jack’s woodworking job places him right in the middle of the bookstore renovation, giving Cara plenty of opportunities to see just how much he’s changed since they dated. Jill, Cara’s best friend, is a strong and steady secondary character who helps move the story forward. I especially enjoyed all the scenes set in the bookstore—they felt cozy, meaningful, and full of possibility.

And then there’s the matchmaker. Each novella in the series features one, and in this story, Samantha is delightfully sneaky. Her methods are crafty, but they add such charm to the unfolding romance.

Finally, Dogwood Creek itself shines. With each book, there’s more to love about this small town—a bookstore, restaurants, a mobile library, a candle shop, and so much more. Robin creates an atmosphere with Jack, Cara, and the bookstore that feels right at home in Dogwood Creek’s warm, welcoming world.

I wholeheartedly recommend Hearts Reunited, especially as Valentine’s Day approaches. It’s a lovely, comforting read for a winter evening.