Jake Langley has retired from the rodeo circuit and learns the family ranch is in need of repairs, after he returns home. That wasn’t the only new development he uncovered after being away for six years. It seems Casey Middleton, the girl he wooed enough to have a moment of passion with, has a surprise for him. More importantly, Jake used her sister, Emily, to get close to Casey. Emily Middleton has never grown use to the cold weather in Wyoming, no matter how long she continues to live there. She likes things nice and orderly, in her life, but seeing that Jake has returned; she knows that won’t happen. In her heart, Jake was always her best friend, and the one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, even though he cared for her sister. Six years has changed Jake, and his feelings for Casey are no longer the way they were years prior. When his roping and business partner, Bode, comes to help out at the ranch, and takes a liking to Emily, a bit of jealously stirs within Jake. Could Emily be the one that Jake cares deeply for? After learning Casey’s secret, and his falling in love with Emily, will Jake be able to correct a wrong after all these years and find true happiness?

Get ready to savor every moment of this delightful read. A Change of Heart is a page-turner. I was surprised how Jake returns home to learn about past developments, only to find he can go home again and still get along with family and friends, even though Casey and Emily are sisters with their own interesting developments. I liked the way the consequences were brought out, and Emily was still a sweet person who didn’t wish to cause any conflict for Jake. Marianne Arkins produces a star-studded read I enjoyed immensely. With realistic characters she allows the players to emit love, jealously, betrayal, and a turn of the heart to make all things flow at their own pace. The reactions and justifications of each of them are brought out in a way that threw the reader into the scenes, making one feel a part of it. Heartwarming and wonderfully spun, this story packs a wallop of an exciting tale.

Reviewed by: Linda L.