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The heart has many sides. But people have even more.
Nicola’s husband always said hearts have four sides. But ever since the night her world was shattered when he died in a car accident, Nicola Cooper can’t find a side that loves herself, let alone connects with her neurodivergent daughter.
Determined to start living again, Nicola finds herself in a number of precarious situations. Her muffin-making narcissistic neighbor accidentally buys her a sex toy. She’s getting lessons in lust from her daughter’s violin teacher. And every margarita night gets her closer to her late husband’s best friend, who is a constant reminder of all that she lost.
Nicola’s life is definitely changing—which isn’t ideal because her daughter Daisy hates change.
As secrets surface and hearts collide, Nicola must face an impossible choice—the security of the past or the uncertain promise of a new beginning.
What readers are loving about Square Hearts:
“Square Hearts is realistic women’s fiction – with a touch of romance and sizzle – at its finest. Balko brings us a memorable cast of characters revolving around the flawed but sympathetic heroine who struggles to repair her damaged life. In this character-driven work, the portrayals of Nicola and the other players are consistently multi-faceted and authentic. Highly recommended!”
-Ruth F. Stevens, award-winning author of My Year of Casual Acquaintances
“Written with heart-tugging depth, Square Hearts is irresistible, endearing, and an emotional journey toward acceptance and healing. With a shocking twist, forgiveness hangs in the balance and sometimes comfort is found in the most unexpected places. A heartwarming story about finding oneself after loss and learning to love again. Don’t miss it!”
-Annie Cathryn, multi-award-winning author of The Friendship Breakup
“Author Julee Balko knocked it out of the park, speaking as both an author and psychotherapist. Her real, complex, and satisfying storyline in Square Hearts kept me flipping the pages to know what happened next, for both the grief and neurodivergent parent journeys. She was spot on with mental health representation and human experience in general, weaving both masterfully into a story that will stay in any heart for a long time.”
-C. D’Angelo, award-winning author of The Gift
“In a web of grief, Nicola navigates motherhood, romance, and friendship. She's learning how to live without the love and guidance of her late husband, while searching for steady ground. Neurodivergence representation is the beautiful core of Square Hearts, but ultimately, it's a celebration in loving ourselves.”
-Kerry Chaput, award-winning author of the Defying the Crown series