Welcome to the Blog Tour for Where the Wild Hearts Are by Sondra Kraak, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Where the Wild Hearts Are
Series: Hearts of Sparrow Ridge #1
Author: Sondra Kraak
Publisher: Trail House Publishers
Release Date: April 7, 2026
Genre: Sweet Small-Town Romantic Comedy
Miles
Second chances come in all shapes and sizes. Let’s be clear, I did not see this one coming in any shape or size. I was over Juliette as soon as she started dating my brother years ago.
But here we are. I’ve lost my brother, Juliette’s lost her husband, and our short-lived summer camp romance from when we were teenagers is rising from the grave to haunt me—or rather, invite me into an unexpected, irresistible redemption opportunity.
No problem. I’m a handyman. I fix things for a living. And I want to fix everything that’s been shattered in Juliette’s life.
Unfortunately for me, I overwhelmed her years ago with my big personality. Who’s to say I won’t be too much again? But I hope and pray I’m not because there’s no holding my feelings back this time, and with the way she’s distracting me, using power tools is out of the question.
Juliette
I don’t need my brother-in-law, Miles, swooping in to save me and my girls. I may not be thriving as a single mom, but I am surviving. The last thing my life needs is more upheaval, which is what I’ll get if I misread this chemistry between me and Miles.
Besides, my heart’s got a bigger issue: the summer camp that saved my life is for sale, and my old dream of running a camp is resurrecting with a vengeance. Only, it’s even less practical now than when I was a teenager.
I can’t let my heart run away with my good sense—regarding Miles or camp.
But I really want that camp, no matter how impossible the dream. And why am I acting like a schoolgirl crushing hard on her first boy? It’s just Miles.
Wild hearts scheme big to buy a summer camp in this swoony, second chance romance with found family, quirky characters, and sizzling chemistry. And it’s all wrapped up in a low spice, inspirational package. Where the Wild Hearts Are is the first in a new rom-com series featuring adventurous friends and the love and laughter they bring to their small, mountain town.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon
About the Author
Sondra Kraak (pronounced croc, like the shoe) is a part-time writer, full-time Jesus follower. A native of Washington State, she now lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where she serves as the Worship Coordinator at her church. She and her Michigan-born husband, Nate, have two children–a daughter in college and a son in high school. Sondra fails miserably at social media and Jane Austen trivia, but she’s a champion sports fan (yah, hockey!), and has recently had success making sourdough bread (miracles do happen). Don’t ask her to drink eggnog (or kiss her husband after he does), but she’ll happily consume most teas and coffee, so long as it’s decaf (otherwise her heart races and she gets chatty). Her current to-do list includes training for a backpacking trip and folding laundry that’s been left in the dryer for two days. But first, just one more chapter.
Connect with Sondra by visiting sondrakraak.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Miles was Juliette’s summer camp boyfriend, but things fizzled between them when Juliette started dating (and eventually married) Miles’ brother. Now Juliette is a single mom, raising three girls on her own after her husband died. She moved back to her small hometown to get away from her slightly overwhelming but well-intentioned in-laws, and from Miles and the suddenly weird chemistry between them. And when she learns that the summer campground is for sale, old dreams of running a camp come rushing back to life.
This book was such a delight! I’m a summer camp kid, and I loved that Sondra Kraak has a group of friends who met at camp and have maintained those friendships into adulthood. I love it more that Juliette and Miles met at that camp, and that the summer romance sparks were there, just waiting to be fanned back to life. I do love a good second chance romance, and this one was adorable.
Both Juliette and Miles are wonderfully likable characters. Juliette is determined to make it on her own, and she’s so sure she needs someone like Philip, someone levelheaded to balance out her big emotions. She thought Miles was “too much” when they were younger. And Miles is just huggable. He’s a handyman, a fix-it kind of guy with a big heart, and he genuinely cares for his nieces and enjoys spending time with him. It’s lovely to see a male character who’s a nurturer and not afraid to act like it.
Juliette’s kids are a lot of fun, too. Bea is constantly on the move, a chatterbox who wants to be in the thick of everything. I could really relate to Lucy, carrying her favorite book with her everywhere. And Aria is just a toddler, but of course she’s precious, too!
There’s just enough tension mixed in with the sale of the camp. Juliette doesn’t have that kind of money, and there are several potential buyers interested in the property. But Sparrow Ridge was a haven for several of the friends. Can they come up with a plan to band together and bring dreams to fruition? Those aren’t high stakes in terms of physical well-being, but losing a dream is sometimes more painful than a physical blow, so I was invested in the outcome.
Found family, second chance romance, a gentle faith that underlies daily decisions, cute kids, there is nothing about this book I didn’t like. I’ll be reading more from Sondra Kraak, and I recommend this to anyone who appreciates a sweet, clean romance!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I wasn’t required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Where the Wild Hearts Are (winner’s choice between ebook or print)!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 13, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 20, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
I’m excited to read this.
This sounds like a great book! Ty for sharing!
Sounds terrific
Thanks for the wonderful review.
Thanks for sharing your review; I enjoy reading books that have to do with summer camp. This book sounds like a fun, sweet story!
I am excited to check this author out.
This looks like a very enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing.