LIGHT OF THE HEART is a wonderful story of a young woman who struggles to get past the shadows of her childhood. Cascade is a woman who uses busyness to avoid dealing with her past. When she discovers her next project is in the town filled with painful memories, she almost runs the other way. But when she meets Dan and start to fall for him, she must rethink her life, including issues with forgiveness. Ms. Andrews has a way of keeping the reader glued to the page. Her characters and their problems are real. She points to God as the only one who can renew the soul and offer a new start.

I don't typically read this genre. Full disclosure, the author is a dear friend and I wanted to support her publication. Early into the book, I found myself not wanting to put it down. The characters are easy to relate to and the story has a perfect balance of romance, mystery, and intrigue, not to mention descriptions of cities and towns in New England where I have spent much of my life. It was easy to imagine each scene and the kind-hearted characters that remind us of life's most important lessons. Download your own copy and get whisked away to Sterling Lakes, right now!

"Light of The Heart" was such a powerful story! This heartwarming romance was clean and uplifting. You feel the struggles that the characters deal with in order to come to terms with their past through forgiveness. The author developed the characters so realistically that you felt like they were your friends. I see why the author earned the wonderful honor of getting the five-rating star rating from Readers' Favorite!

Cascade Preston is a stained-glass artist who struggles to overcome an awful childhood and trust in men. She doesn't want anything to do with the town she grew up in when she's sought to complete the stained-glass project to remodel an old church in Sterling Lakes. Cascade encounters the project manager, Dan McQuay, and though she's attracted and single, she turns down the job and makes up her mind to forget his blue eyes until the ladies at the prison where she volunteers make her think twice. They throw a guilt trip on her, and she ends up wanting to do the windows for the church when she visits the site and thinks they've gotten another artist. The beauty of this book is in the method the author uses to convey God's light in the heart and entwine it with the light that filters through stained glass windows in a church. Dan McQuay makes it his business to not get involved until he's entwined in the rays of light Cascade throws his way and he opens his heart to God's light. When they both open their hearts to the stained-glass window project, God works in both. At first Cascade has to face her fear of Dan's leaving like usual when he completes a job. Then, she's offered a big contract and must go to New York if she wants to follow her dreams. Will she marry Dan or follow her dreams and be the one who does the leaving? She feels like she's sold her soul when she flies to New York and signs that big contract. She must search her conflicted heart, and she's so confused she doesn't know what is the right thing to do. Can she face living in Sterling Lakes again, the town she grew up in and hates? Is it possible for God to change her heart about Sterling Lakes and the people who live there, if she lets the light filter in through those stained glass windows? Can she trust Dan not to leave her? I bought this book, read it, and loved it. If you want to read a beautiful book with a filtered-light story, this is the one. And you won't want to miss what happens when Cascade must face her fear of the water when the canoe tips over during a sudden storm.

I enjoyed reading Regina Andrews' outstanding debut novel, Light of the Heart, in her Sterling Lakes Series about the talented stained glass artist Cascade Preston and project manager Dan McQuay. Andrews has created wonderful characters and a lively, interesting plot in Book One. Cascade's unhappy childhood gave her a strong reason for not wanting to return to Sterling Lakes to design and make stained glass windows for St. Luke's Church. Fortunately, her cousin and employee, Abby, turns a bid in for the job and forges Cascade's name. Abby realizes Cascade needs to face her past, even though it will be painful. Dan also has personal problems that must be resolved so he can move on to have a happier life. The scenes are remarkable where Cascade visits the women in Tanglewood Women's Prison and gives them positive feedback on their stained glass assignments. It adds a depth to the character I appreciated. On one particular visit, the women in prison accuse Cascade of holding the church renovation up by refusing to do the stained glass job. As she leaves the prison, Cascade realizes she might be in her own personal prison. I love Ms. Andrews' writing, and I'm sure Book Two in the Sterling Lakes Series will be another great story to enjoy.

This novel is the first in a series, and Ms. Andrews has made a wonderful beginning. The story is Inspirational and a sweet, heart-felt romance. Both Cascade Preston and Dan McQuay have deep-seated personal problems, but both also do a fair job of appearing to have no problems. Both have built up defenses against more pain, disappointment, and hurt. When a new job opportunity comes up for Cascade, she must return to the town she most wants to avoid. But whether the church that needs her expertise for new stained glass windows, or Dan who is the construction foreman, or her own demons make her balk at the job, she still feels pulled to the town by unsettled feelings. Seeking God in all things, Cascade works through the fog of indecision and uncertainty. Dan, too, learns to follow the same lead. Anyone would enjoy this story, but those who love Inspirational stories will love it. Five Stars Rising Star Reviews

It has been far too long since journalist Maryanne Lynch has been to church. Since the death of her brother Mark, she has felt betrayed and abandoned by God. “She wasn’t sure about anything anymore…” The Townsend Barn holds special, unforgettable memories for her. It was a symbol of her childhood, her family, her identity.” Travis Collimore and Elwood Stewart are both vying for her attention and affection. “You’re the angel of my heart.” She seeks assistance in saving her beloved barn, the heart of her community. “…moving on did not mean forgetting the past.” As she fights the good fight, she learns to stand up for what she believes in and what is right for everyone. This story contains several faith based discussions. I enjoyed this story of self-discovery, love, and selfless service. “Nothing on the surface was black or white; it was all varying shades of gray.”

A lovely, inspirational story that gets its message across without being preachy or dull. I love Laura the Librarian. The premise of the book was unusual as well and very enjoyable.

Baseball star Cliff Markham comes home to Sterling Lakes to help with a church fundraiser and meets librarian Laura Matthewson at a children's Bible camp. The two are attracted to each other, but don't get better acquainted until they get involved in solving a water problem hindering the church restoration they both support. As their relationship grows Laura questions whether or not she'd like the baseball life, not to mention that a new glamorous career offer comes her way. This book's filled with warmth and love of fellowman on every page. It keeps the reader turning them to find out what path Laura will choose, why the water's not flowing, and how the water problem relates to Laura.