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Journals from the Heart

Write from the Heart: A Novel

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Journals are a woman's best friend...
When Samantha Sounder quits her office manager job the day after yet another boyfriend breaks up with her, the emotional havoc of these two events launches the beginning of her new life.
Samantha dives into therapy with Ragnar Axel, a traditional therapist who explores her failed relationships and sends her on a wild goose chase through her old journals to rediscover herself.
Despite the unsettling reactions of her best friend, Amanda, and Ragnar, Samantha decides to walk away from the corporate world and follow her dream as a novelist. She sets out to craft her first novel, Winter's Truth. Hesitantly, she accepts the unexpected guidance from Craig, an unlikely man she meets at the coffee shop.
Along her journey, Samantha picks up a new journal and titles it her "Positive Journal," declaring to only write positive thoughts in it. Samantha's life transforms from one of despair and loss to hope and faith as she navigates through new territory and explores the possibility of finding love over lattes.

Nook

First published January 1, 2009

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About the author

Heather Hummel Gallagher

17 books84 followers
Heather Hummel Gallagher is a New York Book Festival award-winning novelist of the Journals from the Heart Series.

A former high school English teacher turned novelist and ghostwriter, Heather followed her grandmother’s footsteps with the written word.

Born in Greenwich, CT, Heather soon left New England and spent her twenties and thirties traveling and living in every corner of the US. Eventually, she settled down and married for the first time in her early-fifties. She and her husband, Stephen, have two black labs, Sox and Lucy. They travel the country in their RV, where Heather satisfies her innate need for exploration.

As a ghostwriter, Heather has penned over a dozen books and counting. Her clients include corporations, politicians, philanthropists, dating coaches, real estate agents, public figures, and business leaders. With experience in both traditional and independent publishing, Heather's diverse background and knowledge of the industry appeals to many authors seeking a qualified ghostwriter.

By personal request from Arianna Huffington, Heather is a featured blogger in the Arts & Culture section of the Huffington Post. Her article titled "Why Agents Reject 96% of Author Submissions" gained remarkable attention in the industry, including ReTweets from Publishers Weekly and many quality literary agents.

Television, print, and radio coverage for her clients’ books include: The Today Show and other regional shows; 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 20 million in print alone. A contributing author in Successful eBook Publishing: The Complete How-to Guide for Creating and Launching Your Amazon Kindle eBook by David Wogahn, Heather shares her wisdom in a chapter on ghostwriting.

Heather's second career is as a land and seascape photographer. Her work is represented by Agora Gallery in the Chelsea District of New York City. 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.

Awards
2009 Mature Media Awards, Merit Award: Gracefully
2009 New York Book Festival, Women's Literature: Whispers from the Heart
Noted as a top "Books for Grownups" by Publishers Weekly: Gracefully
Essays: Messages of Hope and Healing (Sunpiper Media, 2006) Blue Ridge Anthology (Cedar Creek, 2007)

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5 stars
29 (39%)
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23 (31%)
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12 (16%)
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8 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Rachelle Ayala.
Author 212 books1,221 followers
July 18, 2012
This book is life-affirming and positive. When we first meet Samantha, the protag, she is in the throes of yet another breakup, has quit her boring job, and is wetting her pillow with tears every night. Somehow along the way, while writing her novel and in between therapy sessions, Samantha has a dream with these words. "WRITE POSITIVE"

What follows is a miracle, but one in small baby steps. Amanda rethinks her existence and the negative self-talk that constantly spiraled around her, dooming her relationships and hampering her success. Instead she grits her teeth and determines to Write Positive every day in her Positive Journal.

Well before the halfway point, I set this book aside and started my own Positive Journal. I counted my blessings, thanked God for letting me meet Heather and buy her book, and cast negativity and worries behind me. Knowing God has a plan for me, and really trusting it are two different things. Keeping a Positive Journal and writing down my prayers and giving thanks will help me to do the best I can and leave the results to Him.

I then finished the rest of the story in a single evening. The story was full of little surprises and nuggets of truth, about serendipity, believing you deserve happiness and being content. I cheered with Samantha and shared in her happiness as she fulfills her dreams and has a brighter future to look forward too.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,410 reviews35 followers
March 12, 2012
Samantha Sounder has been looking for love in all the wrong places for many years. When her latest boyfriend Robert broke up with her, she did the unthinkable, she quit her job as an office manager the next day, and decided to follow her dream to become an author. Samantha also decided to seek out answers to why all her past relationships didn't last, and why she couldn't find the love she so badly wanted. She contacted a therapist, Ragnar Axel, who recommended that they should explore her history of failed relationships, and encouraged her to read her journals from the past seven years to see if there were any patterns that may have developed from the relationships. While rereading her journals, she discovers that they contained a pattern of negative thoughts, a lot of complaining and venting, which was a real eye opener for her. She realized that she had been continuing the cycle of creating negative experiences in her relationships over and over again. She decided from that point on she had to change her way of thinking and writing, so she started a new journal of "Positive Thoughts," where she would focus and write only positive thoughts down in the hope of transforming her life for the better. As she begins writing her first novel, Winter's Truth, at her favorite coffee shop, she meets Craig, a fellow aspiring author, who assists in helping her learn the ropes. With the support and guidance of Craig and her best friend Amanda, Samantha embarks on a journey of self-discovery, where the power of positive thinking could change her life if she followed its doctrine to believe, to allow and to have unconditional faith that everything you desire can come to fruition.

Last October, I read the author's first book from the Journals from the Heart Series, Whispers from the Heart, and absolutely loved it, so I was eager to read the second book, Write from the Heart, which did not leave me disappointed. Write from the Heart is a warmhearted, feel good story that captivated me from the beginning, and resonated deep down in my soul. The author provides a storyline that is well written and intriguing, it compels the reader to follow along on Samantha's journey of self-discovery, and ponder about their own life and way of thinking. This story is so much more than the typical chick-lit romance story, the author provides the readers with a lesson in the power of positive thinking concept, and how effective a tool journal writing can be if one wants to go on their own journey of self-discovery. I was really intrigued by the concept of the power of positive thinking and journal writing, that I'm considering keeping a journal. The characters were realistic and fun, their engaging personalities made it so much fun to get to know them. I really admired Samantha's character, and was cheering her on as she went on her journey of self-discovery. I could relate to Samantha's character in a lot of ways, and the lessons she learned on her journey gave me a lot of food for thought about my own life. I absolutely loved Craig's character, he is everything that a woman would be very happy to call her own. I liked how the author also gives the readers a look inside the author and publishing world, I thought it was fascinating, and it gave me a new appreciation for all the authors that provide us with such wonderful stories.

Write from the Heart's positive and inspiring message is one that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. This novel is a must read, it provides the reader with a nice mix of romance and positive personal lessons that will not leave you disappointed.

Disclaimer: At the request of the author, publisher and Chick Lit Plus, a Kindle edition of the book was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review and participation in the virtual book tour event.

Virtual Book Tour Event: On Monday, March 12, 2012, in association with Chick Lit Plus, author Heather Hummel participated in a virtual book tour event with an Author Guest Post on Jersey Girl Book Reviews. http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

Profile Image for Samantha March.
1,102 reviews313 followers
February 27, 2012
Heather Hummel is on tour with her novel Write from the Heart. I did a tour with Heather for her first book in the Journals from the Heart series titled Whispers from the Heart, and really enjoyed the story. I was eager to read another from her. Write follows Samantha Sounder, who abruptly quits her job as an office manager and decides to really get what she wants out of life. During her therapy sessions, her therapists encourages her to go through past journals. Samantha is trying to figure out why so many of her relationships with men have failed. While immersed in that project, Samantha also decides that she needs to take her dream of becoming a novelist seriously. She determinedly starts writing her first novel, Winter’s Truth, and receives help from a Craig, a man she meets at a coffee shop. Samantha and Craig are soon heading into their own romance, but Samantha isn’t sure if that is the right decision. After much soul-searching, journaling, and never giving up, Samantha’s life finally seems to be turning around, all because of her go-get it attitude and some positive thinking.

I liked what Samantha’s journey was all about – taking life in your own hands and making something happen for yourself. I harp on that lesson all the time. Samantha was a very sweet main character, someone who always wants to do the right thing but has a hard time finding a break. Craig was a delicious male lead, I was a big fan of his right when he entered the story. Sometimes, I thought the writing was a bit too loose and I had to question some of the dialogue, and how many times the word “Universe” was written. I also thought the ending came together really easily for Samantha. As a writer myself, I thought her journey to being published seemed very easy. But I don’t want to get on that subject too much, because really the focus of the story is about being positive, and how little moments of reflecting on positive thoughts can really help change a life. I really believe in that lesson as well, and I’m glad Hummel wrote such a fine story about it.

**Rating – 3.5 stars—I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**

Profile Image for Michelle.
44 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2012
I loved the first of Heather's "Journals from the heart series" and am quite happy to say that I love this book just as much as the first one. The characters are so likeable and they have enough quirks that make them stand out and make you root for them.

Who hasn't thought at some point in their lives if only they could quit their job and pursue a dream? Samantha plunges into that very thought, quitting her job the day after another boyfriend ends things with her. Meeting Craig, a fellow writer, starts a truly charming love story that had me intrigued from the first meeting. Of course, ex-boyfriend, Robert, had to pop up to cause a little bit of a problem.

Heather Hummel knows how to tell a story that keeps you interested from page one through the end. She gives her characters just enough conflict and flaws for them to work through and show their strengths. This was another must read in the works of such a talented author.
Profile Image for Lisa (lifeinlit).
697 reviews550 followers
March 4, 2012
After reading Heather's first novel in the Journals from the Heart series, Whispers from the Heart, I jumped at the chance to read her second. And I'm happy I did.

Write from the Heart is a beautiful story about a writer, Samantha, who finds herself down in the dumps after a hard breakup. Samantha learns, with the help of her therapist and through the use of journals, how helping guide yourself to happiness is the only way to truly obtain it. I love this theory and push it often, so this story really touched me.

Write from the Heart sends a lovely message about positive thinking, and how just the mere act of doing so can move your life in the direction you want it to go in. I did feel at times as though everything just fell into place a bit too easily for Samantha, but the overall concept I enjoyed.

I would definitely recommend Write from the Heart, as it combines a classic love story with a beautifully-written positive message that so many of us should really take to heart.
Profile Image for Chimnese Davids.
Author 7 books36 followers
September 5, 2012
When I first came across the title of this book I had an instant connection to have a need to read it. For one Samantha's journey helped me to uncover my own skeletons in my own closet, as I did the walk through the passages of her life I started one night and took out all my old journals and sat reading late at night wanting to find what i missed, especially the relationships that i have hold on to far too long, the things they didnt do and that i didnt do, but all through it i finally realize what i had to do, that the negativity had to stop and that is when i started my own Positive Journal. I followed Samantha's foot steps and found myself releasing my first book in 2 months time, i have not found my soul mate yet, but i did find self love and started taking care of my own needs.....Thanks to Heather and her passion for words and her love to share her work with the world....
Profile Image for Kellie Elmore.
Author 5 books143 followers
June 15, 2012
This is my first read from author Heather Hummel and from the moment I opened this book, I could not lay it down. I found myself relating aloud with Samantha and feeling as if I knew her personally and I wanted to reach in and give her a hug. I do not typically write reviews, I just star them accordingly but, I felt I needed to let readers know what a wonderfully rich book this is and it will touch any girl who has ever had a broken heart...that would be the better part of all of us. Ladies...just read it.
Profile Image for Skyye Breeze.
345 reviews
January 1, 2012
a compelling and touching story that warmed my heart! i have never felt so compelled and so moved by a book as i did with this one! this book has made me want to start my own positive writing journal so in time i can go back and reflect and learn from what i wrote! its a truly inspiring book that you must read and share with your friends!
1,667 reviews20 followers
July 26, 2022
I know a lot of people liked this book, but I am not one of them. To me, it just seemed to drag and I just couldn't really like the main character. I gave it a go, but just couldn't finish it.
Profile Image for Emily.
231 reviews14 followers
March 10, 2012
Samantha decided it was time for a change in her life. As she was just dumped by her latest boyfriend in a string of failed relationships. She quits he day job and fully commits to her writing. She keeps working with her therapist to try and figure out what keeps going wrong in relationships. Just when she is almost ready to give up on love things start to fall into place in other parts of her life and possible love too.

Warning: my review is a bit spoilery, but I don't give away big details. I love all the romance that is in this story though it isn't the main focus. Not just the romance that Samantha finds, in the traditional sense between two humans, but the romance she has with her work too. She is following her dream and fully commits to that and that comes across as a love story for me in this novel. Both then come out in a kind of a fairy tale/perfect ending, adding in my mind to the romantic elements of the plot. A romance like this being something we all would want, but doesn't always come out that way. But, I enjoyed it in thinking of it as a fairy tale almost.
A few other thoughts I had on the plot. I appreciated how drinking was handled through this plot. It was a social or celebratory thing here. Why I appreciate it is that I feel like so many books lately, my own writing included at times, use it as a crutch for characters and just have it around so much that it is nice to read about it being used more responsibly. Also, there was some inconsistencies in the minor characters and their back stories. It was almost like there was more back stories on a few of the characters that were edited out, but a few spots were missed. It could be the reason I noticed this and it stuck with me is I read almost the whole book while at the airport waiting for flights so it was all fresh in my mind. Overall, with the elements that I loved and the romance/fairy tale of it all I give this book 4 stars and encourage anyone who wants to journal more or write to put this on there TBR list.

I was provided a copy of the book for review, but the summary and thoughts on the book are mine.
3 reviews3 followers
February 19, 2010
I won this book here on Goodreads. I was a little skeptical, but for free, I'll at least try to read anything!
I felt the book started off slow, and though I had a harder time getting into the characters due to the perspective, I did find myself enjoying the book. I wouldn't say that it's the best I have ever read, probably because it's really not a chosen genre of mine, but it kept me going, and I'd say the last half I had a harder time putting it down.
All in all, despite a few typos, it was worth my time.
Profile Image for Jennifer Barten.
401 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2016
Cute book about being positive though I found the main character hard to relate to...I have never been one to get hung up on guys and have never thought I needed one in my life. I also haven't ever been a really negative person so found that hard to relate to as well. She then made the change too quickly to find real believable. Overall easy, quick read that was well written.
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,203 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2013
I enjoyed this story very much. It was a little slow to begin with but it caught my interest and I enjoyed the rest of their story. The growth on her part during the story made it a desirable chick lit story for me.
34 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2012
Got this through first reads for free. This was a pretty good book. I kept waiting for some crisis or breakup, but this was just really a feel good book.
Profile Image for Manju.
50 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2012
If only I had read this book four years ago! Hummel shares some the challenges beginning writers face.
Profile Image for hal.
780 reviews104 followers
Read
July 9, 2016
So, I read this. I never wrote a review or even rated it. Weird.

I believe a reread and review are in order. I don't know when I'll get to it but I hope to do that before the end of the year.
Profile Image for Choco.
246 reviews
March 15, 2018
This book is life-affirming and positive. When we first meet Samantha, the protag, she is in the throes of yet another breakup, has quit her boring job, and is wetting her pillow with tears every night. Somehow along the way, while writing her novel and in between therapy sessions, Samantha has a dream with these words. "WRITE POSITIVE"

What follows is a miracle, but one in small baby steps. Amanda rethinks her existence and the negative self-talk that constantly spiraled around her, dooming her relationships and hampering her success. Instead she grits her teeth and determines to Write Positive every day in her Positive Journal.

Well before the halfway point, I set this book aside and started my own Positive Journal. I counted my blessings, thanked God for letting me meet Heather and buy her book, and cast negativity and worries behind me. Knowing God has a plan for me, and really trusting it are two different things. Keeping a Positive Journal and writing down my prayers and giving thanks will help me to do the best I can and leave the results to Him.

I then finished the rest of the story in a single evening. The story was full of little surprises and nuggets of truth, about serendipity, believing you deserve happiness and being content. I cheered with Samantha and shared in her happiness as she fulfills her dreams and has a brighter future to look forward too.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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