Authors: Rene Gutteridge & John Ward
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-4143-4829-2

“That time is going to come. But before that, you need to figure out why the music stopped and make sure it keeps playing no matter what kind of noise your life brings in,” Luke is told in Rene Gutteridge and John Ward’s novel, Heart of the Country.

This four hundred and four page paperback book is targeted toward mature teenagers through adults who like tales of romance and redemption. With no profanity but slang words such as darn and heck and the use of the word hell, there is no violence or overtly sexual scenes. The end of the book includes eleven discussion questions and interviews by each author with each other.

Country gal Faith Barnett and wealthy Luke Carrady have a whirlwind romance in New York and marry weeks later without the blessings and acceptance of Luke’s family. Since Faith left her North Carolina home after her mother died in a car accident, she has run away from her past, especially when it comes to her beautiful singing.

Luke, angry with his father and brother’s attitude toward Faith and his position as “second” in all business matters, badly wants to strike out on his own so asks his father for an advance inheritance. He embarks on a financial business without being constantly attached to his father’s monetary apron springs while Faith enjoys the comforts of wealthy living.

When Luke is arrested for being involved in a Ponzi scheme, no one comes to his aid, including the heart-broken Faith who abandons him and flees to her family’s home to be with her ailing father and detached older sister which she has not seen in ten years.

Both prodigals must face their family demons and mistakes of the past and present. With Luke not trusting his father and brother’s protection, he finds himself ruining the family name. Never to face a problem head on, Faith has to rely on both her father and sister for support, encouragement, and guidance making future plans.

While each deal with abandonment issues, the common thread throughout the tome is that God is always there, allowing the music of love to play in the background of their hearts as they seek Him. Through thick and thin, all characters involve are forced to look inward as they seek hope, acceptance, and love with one another.

This book was furnished by Tyndale House Publishers in lieu of an unbiased review.

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