Live Out Loud (Toronto Collection)

I love Heather Wardells writing so I jumped at the chance to read her latest novel. I was expecting a character-driven story about a woman trying to balance her dreams, a career, and love and I was not disappointed. Amy has been writing songs for years, and sets a goal for herself to create a CD of her music. She is discovered singing in a local bar in Toronto, and a music career as a bubble gum pop princess soon develops. Amy has trouble finding the balance between writing songs that mean something and writing pop music. She also receives a surprising amount of push-back from her boyfriend Jason. She and Jason start to grow apart as a result of his jealousy over her sudden fame. Amy has to decide whats really important to her: her glamorous life as Misty Will, or starting the support center she and her late friend Giselle always dreamed of. Like Wardells other books, the process of reconciling dreams and the real world is the bulk of the book. I just love that about Wardells writing. I always feel like I can really identify with her characters, and Amy was no exception. Something kept me from really loving this book as much as Ive loved Wardells other books. I think it was that there wasnt quite as much chemistry between the two main characters. By chemistry, I mean a slow build from friends to more than friends. I like reading about a slow-developing relationship---which was the case here; however, something felt missing as far as the attraction went. I love that Wardells womens fiction is not laden with a bunch of bedroom scenes like so many other adult fiction novels. That gets old for me and it cheapens the story (in my opinion). Id rather read about love in action than read bedroom scenes. Overall, I really enjoyed Live Out Loud and would recommend it to fans of womens fiction.

as always I can live vicariously through a great book!

I really like the Toronto series, and would recommend anyone to read it. I applaud Heather for keeping the story-lines fresh and different, while still tying them together. Out of all the books Heather has written and Ive read really a favorite but she is consistent with what I admire her for...variety in story-lines and still tying them together through locations and people. Having said that, Ill probably read it again! I really enjoy this authors talent in writing. Becky Welter

Excellent read. Fun, entertaining and I would totally recommend. I have now read most of Heathers Books and have not been disappointed in any of them. I even joined her facebook page and she replied back to my posts. I felt really appreciated as a customer, especially getting a personal reply. Love her.

As always Heather has written a book that puts you in a position where your life has to stop because you have to know what will happen next... I couldnt put this down and actually read it in one day... I love that her stories never go in the direction you assume but off on a totally different angle... If you are looking for a good read that will make you think what would I do in that situation then make sure you grab this one...

This was a light and enjoyable reading. It kept my interest and was entertaining. It is a good read for a relaxing weekend.

When I first read Planning to Live, I didnt think that I would ever love a Heather-book as much or identify with a character more than Rhiannon. Live Out Loud completely blew me away from the first chapter. It is a beautifully written, eye opening tale of a woman (Amy) torn between living the life she wants and the life she thinks she should want. The truth is, sometimes we dont know how much we want something until its within our grasp and all pretenses are dropped. Misty Will learn to live her dreams, if she can forgive herself and let go of the past.

Reading these book just makes me feel good. They are funny and can take you into the characters lives as if they were your real friends. Ive really enjoyed feading each one. I am reading them in order as a series. Some of the people come back in other books , which is so fun to me! These books also help to lean about yourself, what I like about me and what Id like to change. I see this as the characters live out their daily lives. I very much recommend! ! Its great reading, deep and touching- as well as care free, Enjoy!

This was a fun read. I enjoyed the characters and I enjoy reading stories about the music industry. I have bought 2 more of Heather Wardells Toronto series books and I am looking forward to reading them also.

Ive read the whole Toronto series to date and have enjoyed them. They are fun, easy reads that have a good message of figuring out who you want to be and not who others expect you to be. And of course the predictable romance, but lets be honest thats why we really read these.