book review: write from the heart

In Heather Hummel's Write from the Heart, a woman takes a hard look at her life and what she wants from it after undergoing a break-up from her boyfriend and career.

Samantha Sounder quits her job after ending a relationship with her boyfriend and does serious soul searching with the help of her therapist. Through the sessions, she rediscovers her love for writing with old journals. This leads her to follow her dream of writing and publishing a novel. Along the way, she receives help from unexpected sources and learns to follow her heart.

Though I did not read the first installment in the Journals from the Heart series, I was not lost as I read this book, which is always a good thing. Not knowing anything about the other book, I would definitely check it out.

As far as characters go, Samantha is likable. Not only is she relatable, but it is easy to root for her, because she actively pursues the changes she makes in her life. She uses outside assistance, proving that it can be beneficial to put aside pride in the interest of self improvement. I found myself cheering for her and hoping she would succeed.

Though creating a writing career was an important part of her journey, exploring her relationships was even more significant in helping her grow. I enjoyed the relationships Samantha has with her therapist, friend Amanda and Craig, a fellow writer she meets at a coffee shop. Especially Craig, who I would not mind meeting at one of the coffee shops I frequent when I write.

Though everything ties up perhaps too nicely for Samantha, she still deserves her happy ending. And sometimes, it is nice to be reminded that thinking positively and chasing your dream can yield those results.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for my interview with Heather.

Rating: 4 of 5

About the Author
Heather Hummel is a "photonovelist" who blends her love for photography with her award-winning career as an author. Her published works include:
Journals from the Heart Series:
Whispers from the Heart (2011)
Write from the Heart (2011)
Nonfiction
GO BIKE & Other Signs from the Universe (2011)
Gracefully: Looking and Being Your Best at Any Age (McGraw-Hill, 2008),
Essays:
Messages of Hope and Healing ( Sunpiper Media, 2006)
Blue Ridge Anthology (Cedar Creek, 2007) with David Baldacci and Rita Mae Brown
Awards:
2009 Mature Media Awards, Merit Award
2009 New York Book Festival, Honorable Mention

Heather's books have appeared in newspapers such as: Publishers Weekly, USA Today and the Washington Post; and in magazines that include: Health, Body & Soul, First, and Spry Living, a combined circulation of nearly 15 million. A graduate with High Distinction from the University of Virginia, Heather holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree with concentrations in English and Secondary Education. She is currently earning a Ph.D. in Metaphysical Sciences.

Visit Heather’s website at http://www.heatherhummel.net/
Like Heather’s Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/heatherhummelfanpage
Follow Heather on Twitter @HeatherHummel
http://twitter.com/HeatherHummel

Receive Change the Word's latest updates in your Inbox. Subscribe by entering your information under "Follow by email" in the sidebar. Follow me on Twitter @lmchap or "Like" Change the Word on Facebook.