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Heart of Legend
An evocative romance about illusions, last chances, and embracing hope set against the magical backdrop of North Wales and the glitter of an epic Hollywood historical film.
Kath Cameron escaped a horrible mistake by running away to Hollywood, hoping to become someone else. Then her acting career plunged off a cliff after a divorce from her mega-star ex-husband. She has one last chance to start over when casting for the lead in the Welsh version of Braveheart reopens weeks into production. On location in Wales, she finds herself working around the clock with the film’s director. But Dai Rhys has a knack for seeing past a lifetime of armor plating Kath has built for herself.
Dai left the British army and took up acting as part of his PTSD treatment. Now he’s paid his dues after a decade as a Hollywood star, and directing The Last Prince is his dream project. He’s had to replace one star already, so he can’t risk more complications by getting involved with Kath. If only his heart would listen to that advice. Dai’s always had a protective streak two miles wide, and Kath’s slow smile and vulnerability make him ache to show her how good an actor she can be.
Dai and Kath are both fighting to rebuild their lives. They know the film and their reputations are at stake, but as Dai pushes Kath to face her fears, they can't help opening themselves to each other. And that places the two of them in the kind of danger neither of them saw coming.
Kath Cameron escaped a horrible mistake by running away to Hollywood, hoping to become someone else. Then her acting career plunged off a cliff after a divorce from her mega-star ex-husband. She has one last chance to start over when casting for the lead in the Welsh version of Braveheart reopens weeks into production. On location in Wales, she finds herself working around the clock with the film’s director. But Dai Rhys has a knack for seeing past a lifetime of armor plating Kath has built for herself.
Dai left the British army and took up acting as part of his PTSD treatment. Now he’s paid his dues after a decade as a Hollywood star, and directing The Last Prince is his dream project. He’s had to replace one star already, so he can’t risk more complications by getting involved with Kath. If only his heart would listen to that advice. Dai’s always had a protective streak two miles wide, and Kath’s slow smile and vulnerability make him ache to show her how good an actor she can be.
Dai and Kath are both fighting to rebuild their lives. They know the film and their reputations are at stake, but as Dai pushes Kath to face her fears, they can't help opening themselves to each other. And that places the two of them in the kind of danger neither of them saw coming.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2022
About the author
Martina Boone
12 books1,978 followersMartina Boone was born in Prague and spoke several languages before learning English. She's the award-winning author of feel-good romances set in magical places, including COMPULSION and the Heirs of Watson Island trilogy from Simon & Schuster/Simon Pulse and the Celtic Legends series starting with LAKE OF DESTINY.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 22, 2023
“Heart of Legend “ by Martina Boone was given to me as an ARC. Initially I thought the book was set in the past, and was a romance novel, which is a genre I don’t read very often. However, I was quickly corrected to understand that it takes place in the present and revolves around a movie representing the past. ?? Confused yet? Well, give me a little time and I will do my best to confuse the hell out of you.
I liked the back stories of the myriad characters, especially the female lead and the two male characters. The blind Westie was a good touch. Love, mysteries, teen drama, awesome backdrop of Wales, and PTSD suffered by more than one person all combined to create a story that kept me more interested than I thought I might be. Toss in fairy lights appearing mysteriously, and you have a great combination.
Was it my absolute favorite? No. But neither was I setting it aside to gather dust. It grew on me word by word, and I felt good about the whole thing at the end. I would have no problem recommending this novel to anyone who enjoys romance stories. All in all, quite interesting.
I liked the back stories of the myriad characters, especially the female lead and the two male characters. The blind Westie was a good touch. Love, mysteries, teen drama, awesome backdrop of Wales, and PTSD suffered by more than one person all combined to create a story that kept me more interested than I thought I might be. Toss in fairy lights appearing mysteriously, and you have a great combination.
Was it my absolute favorite? No. But neither was I setting it aside to gather dust. It grew on me word by word, and I felt good about the whole thing at the end. I would have no problem recommending this novel to anyone who enjoys romance stories. All in all, quite interesting.
July 25, 2022
Been waiting for this book and is was perfect!
⭐️ I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Kath after the previous books, but I honestly really loved her as a character.
⭐️ Dai was also such a loveable hero and he and Kath had some fantastic sizzling chemistry.
⭐️ The movie star back drop felt perfect for this book, loved it.
⭐️ The Welsh setting and history also added so much to this book, I loved how atmospheric the setting felt and how the history worked into the story.
⭐️ The tension overall in this was just excellent, a perfect past paced read with plenty of emotion!
⭐️ I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Kath after the previous books, but I honestly really loved her as a character.
⭐️ Dai was also such a loveable hero and he and Kath had some fantastic sizzling chemistry.
⭐️ The movie star back drop felt perfect for this book, loved it.
⭐️ The Welsh setting and history also added so much to this book, I loved how atmospheric the setting felt and how the history worked into the story.
⭐️ The tension overall in this was just excellent, a perfect past paced read with plenty of emotion!
July 5, 2022
First of all, the setting is amazing and pops to life and one I hope to visit in the future. Kath and Dai are fully-fleshed out characters with painful pasts that still impact their current views on life and impacts their emotional states. Their flaws connected them to me as real people. I enjoyed the dual point of view of Kath and Dai which gave me insight into both characters, allowing me to fall in love with them and cheer them on. This story takes on more than the filming of a dream project by Dai and Kath's desire to succeed as a serious actress; it ties in deeper issues of bullying, gossiping, and treatment of women in the workforce. It also has lighter moments, mostly centered around Muppet, Kath's blind, and very opinionated dog. I received a PDF copy of the ARC for an honest review.
July 12, 2022
A very charming tale entwining modern-day celebrities with legendary historic figures. They slated two actors once married to each other under odd circumstances for roles in an upcoming film. The story hits on many levels of what it is like being a 5-star celebrity and a faded rose actress, no longer revered by peers. From doubt, fear, and need, Kath pushes beyond her normal boundaries to audition and win the prized role of her lifetime. Kai, a Welsh actor, writer, and director, sees Kath's audition and feels an intrinsic need for her to portray the Welsh heroine. Despite the film industry's guidelines for better revenue using star players, Kai chooses Kath.
For the time between as Kath is sinking into her role, she is subject to her ex-husband HT's follies, foibles, dalliances, and aloofness. They actually address the past issues and their unique crime, which led them to marriage and unhappiness. Kath also learns more about the director Kai, who is certain she will rise as a star again. Underneath it, all are the typical jealousies, gossip, and undermining by other cast members and crew. A few mysterious events occur among the crew and in the neighborhood where the crew stays. Kath is the unlucky one to find and experience it all.
Yet, through everything, Kai sees more than the timid, untried, and sometimes insecure neurotic behaviors in Kath. Through personal coaching and chats, the pair uncover other life secrets, including the source ideas of the script and film. For Kath learns she is stronger and more like her movie persona, the experience becomes a spiritual and soulful awakening. This leads her to open her heart and mind again to new experiences, including falling in love again and forgiveness.
A great Welsh tale of bravery from unexpected persons and the pairing of modern heroes and heroines who find new life purpose.
I enjoyed this novel from start to finish.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For the time between as Kath is sinking into her role, she is subject to her ex-husband HT's follies, foibles, dalliances, and aloofness. They actually address the past issues and their unique crime, which led them to marriage and unhappiness. Kath also learns more about the director Kai, who is certain she will rise as a star again. Underneath it, all are the typical jealousies, gossip, and undermining by other cast members and crew. A few mysterious events occur among the crew and in the neighborhood where the crew stays. Kath is the unlucky one to find and experience it all.
Yet, through everything, Kai sees more than the timid, untried, and sometimes insecure neurotic behaviors in Kath. Through personal coaching and chats, the pair uncover other life secrets, including the source ideas of the script and film. For Kath learns she is stronger and more like her movie persona, the experience becomes a spiritual and soulful awakening. This leads her to open her heart and mind again to new experiences, including falling in love again and forgiveness.
A great Welsh tale of bravery from unexpected persons and the pairing of modern heroes and heroines who find new life purpose.
I enjoyed this novel from start to finish.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 27, 2022
I loved this book. It story ended up having so much more to it than I was expecting. I can’t wait to read more by this author. Definitely recommend!
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
May 29, 2022
Beautiful story with a wonderful weave of historical snapshots as relate to the filming, and modern situations which push Kath and Dai into feelings and emotions they didn’t expect. The moral concerns of Kath and HT’s past seems to reflect not only on their current interactions, but those of the people around them in the Welsh village. Of course, gossip is everywhere on the film set and in the pub, and Kath is finding it difficult to shrug it off. Her awareness of the ‘lights,’ and their subsequent assistance, gives her a better understanding of herself and her attraction to Dai. I loved the final chapters and really enjoyed Muppet’s antics. This book is well worth reading.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 18, 2022
I can't say enough about this heartfelt story!
Heart of Legend is every bit as good as I have come to expect of a book written by Martina Boone!
Heart of Legend begins with Kath struggling to rebuild her acting career after it was torpedoed by her ex-husbands publicists to keep his reputation in good standing with the movie goers and his studio. When the co-star of a major film had to drop out of her role during filming, Kath, feeling like the part was meant for her, got a friend to get her a copy of the script. She asked her agent to arrange for her to get an audition for the part and he told her it was time for her to leave acting and find a new career. Although he had fired her, he did recommend a dialect coach to her. That is all I am going to say about the plot of the book as I always fear I may reveal too much.
Ms. Boone writes wonderful characters. The story contains just the right amount of romance with a lovely story to accompany it. I love that every story in the Celtic Legends series contains a legend about a historical person or incident. She impeccably researches the legends and educates us about it as well as having it be a big part of the story, in this instance the topic of the movie. The stories are very descriptive. Even the dialogue is above par. I hope she continues to find legends worthy of inventing other books around.
I received an ARC of Heart of Legend which in no way influenced my opinion voluntarily given in this review.
Heart of Legend is every bit as good as I have come to expect of a book written by Martina Boone!
Heart of Legend begins with Kath struggling to rebuild her acting career after it was torpedoed by her ex-husbands publicists to keep his reputation in good standing with the movie goers and his studio. When the co-star of a major film had to drop out of her role during filming, Kath, feeling like the part was meant for her, got a friend to get her a copy of the script. She asked her agent to arrange for her to get an audition for the part and he told her it was time for her to leave acting and find a new career. Although he had fired her, he did recommend a dialect coach to her. That is all I am going to say about the plot of the book as I always fear I may reveal too much.
Ms. Boone writes wonderful characters. The story contains just the right amount of romance with a lovely story to accompany it. I love that every story in the Celtic Legends series contains a legend about a historical person or incident. She impeccably researches the legends and educates us about it as well as having it be a big part of the story, in this instance the topic of the movie. The stories are very descriptive. Even the dialogue is above par. I hope she continues to find legends worthy of inventing other books around.
I received an ARC of Heart of Legend which in no way influenced my opinion voluntarily given in this review.
July 3, 2022
Kath has a lot of insecurities, partially caused by her guilt over the past, and how the public has painted her. Her ex was a winner and I was prepared to hate him, but he turned out alright in the end. Dai is a sexy ex-military Welshman screenwriter who had his own issues to deal with and wasn't expecting to have feelings for his new leading lady. I loved that he helped Kath find her own and encouraged her feedback on the screenplay. I didn't like her agent, but loved her hilarious new dialect coach Fiona. There's a bit of a mystery, some suspense, and a dash of magic in the story. I most enjoyed reading the descriptions of the Welsh scenery and history. It made me want to plan a trip there.
August 9, 2022
Engaging story about a woman who found a second chance as an actress. The movie is being filmed in Wales and has a wee touch of fairies. She also finds a second chance at love. Will she find the courage to take a chance? The characters were well developed and it was easy to get caught up in the story and hard to put it down. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommend!!!
August 8, 2022
Wales
Well first off I want to say that I WON this book from Goodreads giveaways and thank you for that. This book is about Margaret Hammer the wife of Owain Glyndwr and how her life could have been. In the notes of Martina Boone, not much is really known about her, so maybe this is the life she lead and her love for her husband and for Wales.
Well first off I want to say that I WON this book from Goodreads giveaways and thank you for that. This book is about Margaret Hammer the wife of Owain Glyndwr and how her life could have been. In the notes of Martina Boone, not much is really known about her, so maybe this is the life she lead and her love for her husband and for Wales.
August 15, 2022
Kath’s life is crumbling all around her. Her failed marriage, her failed career as an actress, her difficult relationship with her family. Can she have her chance at redemption through a Welsh hero and a great man helping her find her self by filling each other brokenness? Martina has a way with words and emotions that really touch your heart
November 10, 2022
This is interesting, quiet romance that sort of crept up on me. I’d started it and put it aside for awhile … when I picked it up again I really got involved with the depiction of Wales and its history. The romance was sort of an added bonus to the story.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
June 30, 2022
Wonderful story
I do not know where to start, there was so much I loved about this book. The setting in Wales was magical, with folklore and myth weaved into it. It is a story of the main character, Kath, which I thought was very well done and heartwarming. A story about hard knocks and coming back from bad past decisions. Kath is strong but also vulnerable, so well done to show the depth of her character. The writing is exceptional and the plot has an excellent flow to it. I was grabbed right off the bat and did not want to put it down. There were many layers of emotions that ebb and flow through the story. I am sure I will be re-reading this one again. Highly recommend to read. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
I do not know where to start, there was so much I loved about this book. The setting in Wales was magical, with folklore and myth weaved into it. It is a story of the main character, Kath, which I thought was very well done and heartwarming. A story about hard knocks and coming back from bad past decisions. Kath is strong but also vulnerable, so well done to show the depth of her character. The writing is exceptional and the plot has an excellent flow to it. I was grabbed right off the bat and did not want to put it down. There were many layers of emotions that ebb and flow through the story. I am sure I will be re-reading this one again. Highly recommend to read. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
June 30, 2022
I was given the opportunity to read this wonderful romance as an ARC by Book Sirens. The storyline is so good. Kath grows so much over the course of the book. This is brought about mainly by, Fiona, her Dialect Coach, and Dai, her director. She manages to get herself cast in a movie that was out of her typical role as well as starring opposite her ex-husband, and replacing another actress who had to drop out of production for health reasons. Surprising everyone, herself included, she blows everyone away with her take on the character. There were a few typos and a couple of places with a missing word or an extra word, but overall it is well written and I really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend this one.
July 27, 2022
Stunning read
I got into this story right away and could not put it down. The story line, the wonderful descriptions and emotions were so well done. A great read for everyone
I got into this story right away and could not put it down. The story line, the wonderful descriptions and emotions were so well done. A great read for everyone
February 20, 2023
Great read
This author combines historical facts and fiction in her 4 of a series.This is Kath redeeming herself for past mistakes that have harmed both her family and herself.
This author combines historical facts and fiction in her 4 of a series.This is Kath redeeming herself for past mistakes that have harmed both her family and herself.
July 10, 2023
Heart of legend
Awesome book so well written with such a heart. About family issues and embracing who you are and forgiveness to yourself
Awesome book so well written with such a heart. About family issues and embracing who you are and forgiveness to yourself
June 28, 2022
I absolutely loved this book, which has more than one story running through it. In fact, it has everything a good story should have - Drama, Action, Love, and real life settings.
It’s set in North Wales, where I was born and raised, and I’m still living here after 60+ years, so I couldn’t help but love it. The Welsh language itself is acknowledged throughout the book as a living and breathing everyday thing to the locals too.
I’m really impressed by the research that has gone into the storyline of the making of the film about Owain Glyndwr and his wife Margaret, which runs alongside the development of the relationship between the Heroine of the story, an American actress, and the Hero, an embattled Welshman.
I shall certainly be reading more of the Celtic Legends Collection.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It’s set in North Wales, where I was born and raised, and I’m still living here after 60+ years, so I couldn’t help but love it. The Welsh language itself is acknowledged throughout the book as a living and breathing everyday thing to the locals too.
I’m really impressed by the research that has gone into the storyline of the making of the film about Owain Glyndwr and his wife Margaret, which runs alongside the development of the relationship between the Heroine of the story, an American actress, and the Hero, an embattled Welshman.
I shall certainly be reading more of the Celtic Legends Collection.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 4, 2022
A great read. The storyline is easy to follow, the atmosphere is spot on, and the writing is almost perfect (very few if any grammatical issues). This is a book that helped me escape the doldrums of life.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews