Here in My Heart by Anna Destefano- a Book Review

Here in My Heart: A Novella by Anna DeStefano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Here in my Heart by Anna DeStefano is a 2014 Montlake Romance publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is charming small town contemporary romance brings two people back together after years of misunderstandings and avoidance of one another. When Brad's grandmother, Vivian, becomes gravely ill he must return home to deal with the end of life decisions and the stunning revelation that Viv has added an interesting codicil to her will. Now the girl Brad hurt all those years ago, Dru, will have to live and work with him up close and personal or everything she has worked so hard to achieve will be sold off. It was outrageous! Dru couldn't believe it. But, for Vivian the town and the kids Dru works with she goes along with it.
Brad made a youthful mistake that had far reaching consequences. Dru's brother blew his changes to stay at Viv's and Dru's heart was broken to pieces. Brad's actions caused him to distance himself from Dru and so he only visited his grandmother on special occasions and took great pains to stay away from Dru. Now he sees the chance to finally work things out between them, hopefully giving them the peace they need to completely move forward with their lives , with or without each other.
Although the story is novella length it doesn't stunt the character growth or have a rushed feeling like many shorter stories do at times. ( I think this is a beginning of a new series introduction) It was an emotional story due to Vivian's declining health and it was sad that Dru spent years not knowing how much people loved her.
Besides that, I love small town settings, meddling grandmothers, forgiveness, second chances and true love. This is wonderful book to curl up anytime . 4 stars
Nationally bestselling author Anna DeStefano has searched her entire life for the soul of the matter at the heart of her world's mysteries. As a small child, she drew from her experiences, senses, and dreams to paint a lush fantasy world, filled with endless possibility and characters of her own creation. Putting pen to paper, Anna transforms these inner landscapes into rich storytelling.
Hers is a realistic but optimistic vision, searching for hope and transformation through intense emotional journeys. Her fuel--the inner passions and conflicts of the characters she crafts. Much like a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, Anna's characters face the ultimate of human choices: finding the courage to conquer their fears and thrive until, despite every obstacle, they become the beautiful things they're meant to be.
An author, workshop and keynote speaker, writing coach, and acquiring editor, Anna's creative vision permeates every challenge she undertakes. She wants you to stop, look, and keep digging, until you find the soul of your own fantasies. Her novels' rich blend of realism and fantasy invites Anna's readers into her creative mission to dig deeper and see each of life's moment with emotional honesty and clarity.
Discovery and joy are her touchstones, regardless of how difficult her characters' journeys might be. She will challenge you to transform into all you're meant to be, as well. She speaks and blogs regulary. Join Anna each week for Soul Of The Matter, Dream Theories, Things My Teenager Says, How We Write, Waterfall Challenges, and more.
Past President of Georgia Romance Writers (GRW), Anna's also Senior Tech Writer with a GA Tech honors degree an 10 years of experience working in Corporate IT. Her novels have garnered numerous awards including twice winning the RT Reviewers' Choice Award, the Holt Medallion, the Golden Heart, the Maggie Award for Excellence, and finalling in awards such as the National Readers' Choice and Book Seller's Best Awards. She's the author of over 16 novels since 2004 in four different genres, with nearly half a million copies of her books in print in over 5 different languages.
Her interactive workshops and keynotes on the writing process regularly attract standing room-only crowds. She's presented to over 60 groups and conferences, and also teaches half-day and one-day seminars to smaller groups interested in a more intensive, interactive experience.
She's an acquiring editor for Entangled Publishing's Dead Sexy suspense line, and takes on a select number of freelance clients, coaching authors to create the very best books they can from their individual visions.