“Sometimes, I feel like I’m watching a movie…that it’s not really me, Claire Richards, getting this second chance at life.”

“Open your eyes, it’s you, and I’m damn glad it’s with me.” ~ Aiken

Single mom and college professor Claire Richards only wanted a few hours of me time to soak in her tub, read a book, and drink wine.

But tragedy struck, and Claire found herself with a lot more me time than she bargained for.
 
Three years later, Claire is still mourning her losses when Aiken Fordham—who looks young enough to be one of her college students—moves in next door.
 
Forcing Claire to face her fears, Aiken almost forgets his reason for moving to Small Town, Pennsylvania. Falling for the sexy, smart, and strong professor next door was never in the plan.

But now it is… until their future intersects with their pasts.

I just finished my first book by Rachel Blaufeld. Heart Stronger’s plotline features Claire a divorced professor that thinks her life ended because of one decision she considers selfish now, but that was actually only human and is done by people around the world every other minute. And then there is Aiken her (as she feels) far to young new neighbor who will simply not take now for an answer. The interesting balance between the characters is based on the fact that one is too sweet while the other is to negative.

The pace of the book is on the slower side but it suited the plotline and the characters just fine. The writing style of this author is very detailed and she places a lot of thought into the characters as well as the surrounding story/ backstory.

Actually, the reader not only gets a developing romance with these characters but also suspense from the backstory. Again, the slower pace of the book supported the backstory as well because the whole plot felt far more believable.

If there is one thing that I would say felt not so believable then it was the fact that Claire kept on pointing at Aikens Age when in reality there was not really that big issue. Like it always is … older man with younger woman (the guy gets a high five) – younger man older woman (the woman gets a frown) … #sigh I hat that cliché to be honest and also we are not talking decades here …

Besides the building relationship both leading characters have their own agenda and that is also what will bring the suspense. The big question is if they can find closure and will be able to move on together. Or if their past will break them and forces outside their control will break them before they even have a chance to explore what is developing between them.