Hearts in Circulation - (Checking Out Love) by Sarah Monzon

Once again, Sarah Monzon’s storytelling melts me and tugs fiercely at my heartstrings. This book is the second installment in the Checking Out Love series, and after reading the first one—which has become one of my absolute favorites—I went in with high expectations. I’m happy to say I was not disappointed. Hayley’s story, after meeting and loving her in book one, is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, blending angst, joy, humor, and all the feels. Hayley Holt’s bookmobile is practically a death trap on wheels, and she lives in constant fear that it will one day tumble off a mountainside with her in it. Still, she sees it as her chance to serve her community and prove herself worthy of the lifesaving liver transplant she received as a child. But when the bookmobile breaks down and a rockslide leaves her stranded in tiny Turkey Grove, reclusive mechanic Levi Redding becomes her only hope. Forced proximity leads to plenty of awkward moments, but also to an unexpected friendship—and the slow bloom of something deeper. The question is: can they find their own happily-ever-after in a world full of uncertainty? This story touched me in so many ways. One of the things I love most about Monzon’s writing is how her main characters are flawed, relatable, and in different ways a little broken. Hayley and Levi each carry their own burdens. As a liver-transplant survivor, Hayley lives with the ongoing uncertainty of her health and the pressure she places on herself to “earn” the second chance she’s been given—trying to prove worthy of the gift her donor unknowingly gave. Her bright, selfless heart is beautiful, but she pushes herself to extremes, and I felt her fears deeply. I rooted for her and Levi to find a love without restraints. And Levi… sigh. A gentle giant with a sensory processing disorder, he may seem grumpy, but only until you glimpse the huge heart beneath his quiet exterior. He and Hayley are complete opposites—he’s a man of few words, while she could talk circles around him—and I absolutely adore the opposites-attract dynamic. The forced proximity trope is another favorite of mine, and it’s done wonderfully here. Levi won me over with his awkwardness, his tenderness, and the unique way he expresses love. Their romantic letter exchange was incredibly sweet, and their chemistry practically leapt off the page. The whole bookish theme of the series delights me—I honestly wish I were a librarian! The faith message resonated deeply with me, especially the reminder that God’s graces are gifts freely given, not rewards we must earn. I loved how Levi gently helped Hayley confront her fears and her very human, but unnecessary, survivor’s guilt. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a heartfelt, beautifully layered story that stays with you long after you finish. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to write a review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.