Review of Listen to Your Heart

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
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Uggie Bear
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Post by Uggie Bear »

This review perfectly captures the essence of the book! I love how you highlighted the emotional depth and unique storytelling approach. Now I’m even more excited to read it!
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Post by Leonie Vermaak »

Since this is not your typical conventional love story, I'll give it a try. Another plus is that it's set in Vietnam War time period, so it should be rich of history. I'm also interested to read about Hinata's words of wisdom. Thanks ks for a great review. Congrats on BOTD and thanks for the free KU book.
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Kaitlyn Canedy
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Post by Kaitlyn Canedy »

Sam and Jenny's story sounds adorable; they appear oblivious to what is actually going on between them. I am curious to know how this ends for them. Thanks for the review!
"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant, it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.”- Mewtwo
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Sandeep Moses Arulnesan
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Post by Sandeep Moses Arulnesan »

Listen to Your Heart is about an unconventional love story between Sam and Jenny. While reading the sample, I liked how Jenny's story was put in italics to differentiate. I loved it and will add this to my bookshelf. Thanks for the review. Congrats on the BOTD!
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ABCrawley93
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Post by ABCrawley93 »

With the promises of not-the-usual plot for a romance story and a flawless readability, I am adding this to my TBR shelf!

I’ve read the sample of the book on Amazon, and I have to agree with this review about the book’s readability!
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Post by kashala »

' Listen to your heart' by Judy condon. It will be great for me to read this book someday. Congratulations on BOTD!
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Post by Zuko Crowe »

It sounds like a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
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Post by Peter Greaven »

This book sounds like a realistic portrayal of love. It explored the complexities of relationships, showing readers how miscommunication and the weight of external circumstances can impact even the strongest bonds. Great book!
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Post by Asario Fox »

Thanks for your thoughtful review, Deretha! You perfectly captured what makes Listen to Your Heart special—the raw, evolving bond between Sam and Jenny and how time/miscommunication tests their love. I agree the dual perspectives and nostalgic Sugar Creek scenes add such depth. Hinata’s wisdom and the seamless editing stood out to me, too. Your 5-star praise is well-deserved—this isn’t just a romance but a heartfelt reflection on timing and connection. Great recommendation for readers seeking emotional, layered stories!
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Post by Bhimlendra Kumar 1 »

"Listen to Your Heart" is written by Judy Condon. Sam and Jenny have been very close since childhood. Initially, it seems like a brotherly relationship, but they develop into lovers. The story also touches upon America's war in Vietnam and the tragedy it causes for families. It is a heartwarming and engaging book. Your review is also balanced and beautiful. Congratulations on being declared 'BOTD'!
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Post by Reva Parker »

Thank you for your great review. Though historical fiction isn't one of my favorite genres, this one sounds different and has romance in it. I did enjoy the sample. I hope Sam and Jenny can get together and solve the mystery of what happened. I've added it to my list of books to read.
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Post by Quentin Russel »

Listen to Your Heart by Judy Condon beautifully captures the delicate balance between fate and missed opportunities. The idea that a single miscommunication can alter the course of a lifetime adds an emotional depth that makes this more than just a love story, it’s a reflection on the power of timing, choices, and destiny.
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Post by Francis Kapola »

The premise of Listen to Your Heart intrigues me because it explores love beyond the usual clichés—rooted in friendship, tested by war, and shaped by time.
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Post by Tars »

While normally I love historical fiction, especially the kind built on actual facts or real tendencies and customs, I have doubts I will like this book because it sounds like its single connection to history is the involvement of the Vietnam War. I am sorry to disagree with the reviewer's opinion, but I find nothing unique in the conventional romance genre anymore and prefer to pass. Still, congratulations on BOTD!
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Post by mrlefty0706 »

"Listen to Your Heart" by Judy Condon is a story about a unusual love affair that began in elementary school and progressed through high school for Sam and Jenny. I could not put down the sample that provided wonderful backgrounds of both of them. Sam was an athlete that excelled in high school, excelled in college and then completed his law degree before joining the U.S. Air Force before he could be drafted into the Army and sent to Vietnam. He still went to Vietnam and returned a different man. I have seen the impact of serving in Vietnam to several people I knew in college and I also knew seven friends whose older brothers died in Vietnam. Twenty years elapsed since Jenny saw Sam and the letters, he sent from Vietnam ended before he completed his deployment. Jenny sent Sam a letter asking him for advice about Jenny’s boyfriend Ed and Sam never responded. I was disappointed when the sample ended without any news about Sam and I had to wonder if he is still alive. They grew up in Sugar Grove, a town of 500 people where everyone knew everyone else. Sam was adored by many a teenage girl but he never showed any interest in them. Jenny always thought that Sam was like a big brother to her and I wonder if Sam really felt the same way. I read the sample non-stop and then realized I needed to read the remainder of the book. I wish this was a free eBook since I want to read the book but I cannot buy every book that interests me.
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