Morgan Callan Rogers

4.5 stars

Written on My Heart by Morgan Callan Rogers is the delightful follow up to Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Sea (reviewed HERE). Starring the same cast of characters, this newest release follows Florine Gilham through the first few (somewhat) turbulent years of marriage to Bud Warner. Equally compelling are the shocking revelations when the mystery of her mother Carlie's longtime disappearance is finally solved.

Florine's teen years were tumultuous following the disappearance of her mother and the heartbreaking deaths of her beloved grandmother and father but she has mostly made peace with her past. While Bud's childhood was less painful, his father's alcoholism left an indelible mark on him. With Bud's help, Florine has come to terms with her mistakes and just as they are about to be first time parents, they say their wedding vows in front of their friends and family at their home on the coast of Maine. Settling easily into married life, Florine is stunned when Bud announces he would like to take a job in a town about two hours from their friends and family. Although unhappy with his decision, Florine reluctantly agrees to move but their once happy marriage begins to falter as an unexpected pregnancy takes its toll on her health and Bud begins to cope with his problems in unhealthy way.

Florine is still a no nonsense, outspoken young woman who hides her vulnerability behind her tough as nails exterior. She is deeply in love with Bud but she is also determined to make the best life possible for herself and her children. She harbors a few regrets about some of her past decisions and while she would like to take steps to fix her biggest mistake, Florine is overwhelmed with taking care of her small family. Despite their longtime friendship, she comes to realize that Bud has hidden dreams and desires that leave her doubting his commitment to her and their children. Florine is a strong woman and although she loves Bud, she refuses to allow his problems to hurt her or their children.

Bud is deeply in love with Florine but his growing restlessness soon puts them at odds. They arrive at a compromise for his need to move, but neither of them are prepared for the demands of parenthood or the health issues she encounters during her second pregnancy. Their problems begin in earnest once Bud changes his mind about their compromise and Florine meets a long lost family member. Instead of communicating his growing dissatisfaction with Florine, Bud withdraws and turns to unhealthy means of dealing with his frustration. The divide between them grows wider when Florine takes steps to protect herself and their children, but will Bud take her concerns seriously?

The mystery surrounding Carlie's disappearance simmers in the background for a large portion of the story. With few clues to go on, it was impossible for police to determine whether she was the victim of foul play or if she left of her own accord. When Florine begins receiving mysterious letters in the mail that seem to be somehow related to her mother, the local police begin looking into the case with fresh eyes. When letters from a romance from Carlie's past surface, a new suspect emerges but there is not enough evidence for an arrest. After another set of letters is uncovered, the case takes a shocking turn and Florine learns the devastating truth about what happened to her mother.

Set in the early 1970s, Written on My Heart is a captivating novel of love and family. The characters are beautifully developed with faults and imperfections that are realistic and relatable. Morgan Callan Rogers brilliantly incorporates issues of the time into the storyline and this provides added depth to the overall plot. A dazzling follow up to Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Sea that can easily be read as a standalone although I highly recommend both novels.… (mais)

Morgan Callan Rogers' debut novel Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Sea is a beautifully written coming of age story that is poignant and moving. Florine Gilham’s carefree and sheltered childhood comes to an abrupt end with her mother’s disappearance while on her annual getaway with a girlfriend.

Until her mother’s disappearance, Florine lives a charmed life in a small fishing community on the coast of Maine. With her father falling apart and desperately trying to cope with her own grief, Florine depends on her small circle of friends and her paternal grandmother, Grand, as she enters into her tumultuous teen years. Grand is a practical, no nonsense, down to earth woman and Florine moves in with her when her dad turns to another woman for comfort.

The other constants in Florine’s life are her friends Dottie, Bud and Glen. Dottie is a close confidant who is always there for her yet she does not let Florine become mired down by her grief. While she is not as close to Bud and Glen as she is to Dottie, the two young men are always on the periphery of her life and when Florine experiences other losses, they provide unwavering support for her.

Forced to grow up too fast, Florine is sometimes rebellious and she does not always make the best decisions. Her relationship with her father is often contentious but they do eventually come to terms with one another. Carlie’s presence is felt throughout the novel and while we come to know bits and pieces of her character, she remains elusively out of reach both literally and figuratively.

Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Sea is a compelling character driven novel told in first person from Florine’s perspective. The characters are well-drawn and appealing and the plot is engaging and realistic. Never bleak or depressing, there is a strong undercurrent of love and Morgan Callan Rogers deftly balances this sometimes heartbreaking story with wry and unexpected humor. The ending of novel is surprisingly hopeful as Florine finally begins to find her way.… (mais)

This is the sequel to RED RUBY HEART IN A COLD BLUE SEA. I usually do not read sequels right after the previous book. I loved RED RUBY HEART,it was a lovely book to "dwell in". I could not wait to read the sequel. WRITTEN ON MY HEART was a great read as well.I enjoyed it! It was nice to see Bud and Florine go on in their lives.I love the characters,locale and the story line. BUT, I do wish the books could have been all one book. In WRITTEN there were many passages where the reader is brought up to date with details of the first book,to bring you up to speed.This is nice if you had read the first book more in the past than recently. If you are a first time reader, it was so that you would know the details of the first book and how it all ties in to WRITTEN. If this was all one book, it would have flowed a little more smoothly. The updates sort of "interrupted" the current story line of WRITTEN. Approximately one year passes between RUBY and WRITTEN. But then the epilogue of WRITTEN ON MY HEART jumps 9 years and the story rushes on,the pace changed just to end the story and tie the details up.I highly recommend both books and read them in order! Lovely coming of age story.… (mais)

I am giving this 10 stars~ I bought this book at a used book sale for 50 cents.It is a signed hardcover.I have passed this one over so many times (regrettably)in the last 3 years.I am beginning to learn that the books I pass over are the best. This book is a coming of age story at the Maine shore in 1963. Borrowing a quote from one of the reviewers is is "powerfully evocative". This is a memorable story,one that will be living with me for a while. It is incredible to think that this was the author's FIRST novel. It is well written and the characters are wonderful.Unforgettable story of a group of youths and their school years,their friendships,heartbreaks and family stories as well.Adding to my list of favorites.Just ordered the sequel at my library.… (mais)