Welcome to the Blog Tour for Where the Wild Hearts Are by Sondra Kraak, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! First, I love this cover and second, the story sounds super cute! Be sure to check out the book excerpt & giveaway below!
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
Book Excerpt
“The sale of the camp?” she asks.
It’s a big ask. I might be crazy. It’s not like I can gift it to her for Christmas. But I would if I could. I’d give her anything in my power. Including my heart—if she’d have it.
“What can be done?” Resignation slips into her gaze. “Nothing stays the same. Just because the camp is going to become something different doesn’t change how it affected my life. Those summers will always be foundational to who I am.”
“It still hurts,” I say. “I mean, it’s okay if it hurts.” That’s what my mom used to say when I was sad.
Juliette swallows hard and sucks in a deep breath of air. “Yes, it hurts. I’m a big feeler.”
We’re kind of like the pot and the kettle. “Yes, you are.”
“But I’m not someone who gets pinned in place by my feelings. I’m not going to curl into a ball and cry my way through the rest of life.” She speaks words I’ve heard her say before. “I’m too young for that. I want to fall in love again. Eventually. And I want …”
She knows what she wants. I see it in her eyes. She’s just afraid to name it.
“You’re a survivor.” I hate the words as soon as I say them. “Survivor” ties one to the past, which is too limiting for Juliette. “You’re not just a survivor. You’re a thriver—in spite of the losses you’ve endured.”
I don’t know exactly what it is that swells within me, but it’s the emotional version of the superhuman strength that enables a man to lift a car off someone. The car is the sale of the camp. My heart wants to lift that sorrow off Juliette and throw it to the bottom of the lake.
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.
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!
