The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang
What can I say about The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang other than the pages are so filled with emotions & I loved every single word? Love, grief, career, family, identity, relationships – Helen tackles a lot here and does it all beautifully.
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang Publication Date August 31, 2021
Synopsis: When violinist Anna Sun accidentally achieves career success with a viral YouTube video, she finds herself incapacitated and burned out from her attempts to replicate that moment. And when her longtime boyfriend announces he wants an open relationship before making a final commitment, a hurt and angry Anna decides that if he wants an open relationship, then she does, too. Translation: She’s going to embark on a string of one-night stands. The more unacceptable the men, the better.
That’s where tattooed, motorcycle-riding Quan Diep comes in. Their first attempt at a one-night stand fails, as does their second, and their third, because being with Quan is more than sex—he accepts Anna on an unconditional level that she has just started to understand herself. However, when tragedy strikes Anna’s family she takes on a role that she is ill-suited for, until the burden of expectations threatens to destroy her. Anna and Quan have to fight for their chance at love, but to do that, they also have to fight for themselves.
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang Book Review
It’s no secret that I thoroughly enjoy love stories featuring grief. It’s also no secret that I love Helen Hoang & her books really opened me up to my love of the romance genre. You can check out my full review of The Kiss Quotient here & my review of The Bride Test here. Spoiler alert – I loved them both!
Grief & Caregiving
Helen also gives readers frank and honest descriptors of caregiving. Years ago at a caregiver support group, my family learned caregiving can and may leave caregivers in a constant state of grief. This is so incredibly true especially when caring for someone with progressive neurological disease, which is the type of caregiving my family provides.
Each time an ability is lost, we grieve as independence drifts further away and we grieve constantly for the life we could have. Helen really nails these aspects in a way that only a caregiver can. I am not one to ever cry while reading but these passages nearly brought me to tears due to the authenticity and raw reality reflected in the pages.
THE VERDICT
I am Really Into This book! I preordered The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang months ago and I highly recommend this book. I’ve seen rumblings questioning this book as a romance as the characters contend with grief, suffering, and hardships. I’m here to say this is one of my new favorite romances.
This story reaffirms we all deserve love despite the many obstacles, permanent scars, and deep wounds life gives us. I loved every piece of this book and hope you do too.
Special thanks to Helen Hoang & Berkley for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: HELEN HOANG
Helen Hoang is that shy person who never talks. Until she does. And the worst things fly out of her mouth. She read her first romance novel in eighth grade and has been addicted ever since.
In 2016, she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in line with what was previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Her journey inspired THE KISS QUOTIENT, which comes out in June 2018 with Berkley.
She currently lives in San Diego, California with her husband, two kids, and pet fish.
Helen is represented by Kim Lionetti of BookEnds Literary Agency.
Sarah
Momma, wife, baker, reader & smart ass. I am Really Into doughnuts, inside jokes, trash TV, pizza, 48 Hours & George Michael.
