A mesmerizing tale of how love and compassion can change lives, The Golden Hearts Club by Cinda K. Swalley follows two sisters, Katie and Megan Summers as they embark on a cross-country trip that has been planned for a long time. While filled with adventure and fun moments, the sisters also encounter challenges that test the bond they share with each other and situations that make them think about their destiny. Everything changes for them when they trespass on a California horse ranch. Follow them as they become involved with a family that has problems of its own while being involved in dangerous deceptions. A tragic incident that might destroy lives forces the family to unite in order to help a stranger. Friendships are born, new discoveries are made, lives are changed in mysterious ways, and love is found in unexpected moments and places.

This is a wonderfully written story that is brimming with humanity and realism. Swalley writes in dazzling prose, balancing strong imagery with the remarkable skill of writing realistic and sophisticated characters. Simple scenes are embellished by the careful capture of those intangible bonds that bind the characters. It is interesting to notice how the author allows the humanity of the characters to shine through the story, weaving insightful moments into the sparkling dialogues. The language itself is a work of beauty and the author’s ability to write scenes that are focused shines through the entire story.  This is a richly drawn, original portrayal of themes of love, compassion, family, and humanity, a tale that is not only riveting in the cleverness of the plot but inspiring in the power of its message. A powerful story that is brilliantly told with moments that are overflowing with a sense of realism.