"Leap of Faith" (Heart's Haven) by Tanya Stowe

 Heavenly days!, January 23, 2013



Book Description

Zack Manning is a computer software genius and he’s just been offered a six-figure position in Manhattan. But for some reason, Zack can’t bring himself to accept the offer. Perhaps it has something to do with his free-spirited neighbor, Zoe Wyndham. Zack thinks Zoe’s pretty, but she’s far too kooky for him. Still, he takes a second look when she arrives at his front door with a message about his job.

Zoe’s been attracted to Zack for a while, but he’s not her type. He's business-minded, serious, successful--certainly not the type to go into the mission field, and that's her plan. She would just be a kink in his well-ordered life. So when Zack finally looks her way, Zoe doesn’t expect much, but he's constantly on her mind.

Then there's his recent change of heart where she's concerned. Zoe’s convinced the resident angels at Heart’s Haven have something to do with it, and while she doesn't understand, she may just have to take a leap of faith.

Biography

Tanya Stowe has had an eclectic career, doing market research, arts education and event coordination. She has written for the real estate industry, television, publicity firms and national publications. Tanya has been married to her high school sweetheart for thirty-seven years. They have four children and eighteen grandchildren. Currently, they are living and working in the Middle East where they are beginning a new phase of their life with much adventure!

My Review:

Zack Manning is overwhelmed about which direction to take regarding his future as a computer software genius. He's been offered the job of a lifetime which could take him from rural Angel Falls, Texas to Manhattan. Zack is battling with himself regarding the position, and can't bring himself to accept the job when Zoe Wyndam raps on his door with a plate of food from the Heart's Haven community barbecue. He's not sure about her presence, knowing she's "different," and a bit weird, although pretty.

Zoe is a free spirit, a flower child born to hippie parents who raised her in communes. She dresses in peasant style tops, long flowing skirts, bell bottom pants, and her hair is woven into a long braid that flows down the length of her back. Zoe is blessed with the gift of discernment that she refers to as a "God thing." She's an artist with a vision and spends her days creating beauty in stained glass windows inspired by God. Her relationship with God is close to tangible. It appears to emanate from her being. Her dream is to do mission work in orphanages in Haiti. What could she and Zack possibly find in common?

In the little cottage rental community of Heart's Haven in Angel Falls, Texas, angels dwell and a spirit of love blooms. The residents have all been affected at one time or another by the movings of the angels throughout the community. Zoe has a special affinity for the angels, God's heavenly guardians, and it appears that the angels of Heart's Haven are moving about through Zoe and Zack's lives. As Zoe explains to Zack about her "God things" he's confused that she can so clearly feel the spirit moving within and around her. His only experience with church was when his grandmother was alive. She made sure he attended church every Sunday, but after she passed away he stopped attending. Zoe asked if he ever talked to himself, explaining that by talking aloud he was in essence talking to God. As they become more acquainted Zack doesn't see Zoe as quite so kooky after all, and begins to take to heart what she has to say. 

Tanya Stowe enhances an already magical and enchanting setting named Heart's Haven, where her characters are as different as night and day. She creates quirky visions of Zoe, unique and one of a kind, spirited by angels and a strong faith in God. Zack is a grounded businessman who is on the path to a respectable career and success. She then tosses them together and they become as irresistable to the reader as they are to one another! This is a precious and sweet story of opposites who certainly attract!