Mend Your Heart (Bounty Bay #4)

Natalie is a widow, raising her teenage daughter alone after the death of her husband, Jackson, a famous and talented New Zealand rugby player. His untimely death 5 years ago is a touchy subject, especially when his best mate Isaac is around. Natalie has a great group of supportive friends that assists with balance in her life. Jackson's death was 'wrong place at the wrong time’, however Isaac still carries the burden and Natalie still holds a grudge. When the media gets a chance to dramatize their lives again, Isaac takes Nat and Olivia to his family ranch for seclusion and healing. When the truth is revealed will it permanently divide a love that never got a chance to start?

“You are both broken halves of the same heart, and the only way to mend a heart is with (aroha)-love.” Ms. Alvarez weaves a beautiful love story that also gives readers a glimpse into another culture. The two hearts now get a chance to be repaired, so they can finally move on with their lives. The plot is well developed, giving readers glimpses into the past as it moves the story along. The supporting characters and the subplot involving Nat’s daughter Olivia is nicely done; the personality of a teenage girl is complicated and well portrayed. The delicate balance of loss, love and moving on is something to which all readers can relate. The fourth installment in the Bounty Bay series, "Mend Your Heart" stands alone very well. It is not an original plot, but a spot-on love story with drama and love, New Zealand style. 

Viola Robins