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Canvas of the Heart
Canvas of the Heart is romantic novel about a young woman with cerebral palsy, and how she rises above the term disability through her relationship with friends, family, and above all, the man who becomes her husband. Funny, sexy and inspirational, the book focuses on Lindsey’s insights, struggles and triumphs, teaching us that those with disabilities can also lead rich, full lives.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2014
28 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Taggart
11 books14 followersGeorgia native Melissa Taggart is a believer in tackling challenges. Diagnosed with CP at the age of three months, as a child she discovered that writing offered her a way to deal with a speech impediment. It not only paved the way for better communication, but she transformed a challenge into the voice of a writer eager to teach the world that people with disabilities are people with the same lives, loves and longings as anyone else.
Through Melissa’s amusing, insightful and touching stories, she addresses issues and common misconceptions in a way that will open the eyes and hearts of readers everywhere. Her goal is to deliver her special message with humor and candidness, as well as bring greater awareness about the real world of the disabled.
When Melissa is not busy creating the universe of Lindsey, Jason and Max, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also volunteers part-time in a first grade classroom helping the kids with worksheets and games and other activities..
Through Melissa’s amusing, insightful and touching stories, she addresses issues and common misconceptions in a way that will open the eyes and hearts of readers everywhere. Her goal is to deliver her special message with humor and candidness, as well as bring greater awareness about the real world of the disabled.
When Melissa is not busy creating the universe of Lindsey, Jason and Max, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also volunteers part-time in a first grade classroom helping the kids with worksheets and games and other activities..
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 13, 2017
Canvas of the Heart is Melissa Taggart’s debut release and it’s a story that covers several years, beginning when the main characters—Lindsey and Jason—are eighteen and twenty-six. Lindsey has a form of cerebral palsy but she lives as normal a life as possible, not wanting to be coddled but knowing that help is there in case she may need it. When she and Jason meet, he’s actually dating Lindsey’s best friend Becky and those two proceed to engage in a long-term relationship, even living with Becky’s family. They eventually break up and then Jason moves out. It’s a few years before Lindsey’s and Jason’s paths cross again, but their friendship grows even stronger, this time developing into much more. The two are bound to face challenges, both from Lindsey’s condition, the demands of life beyond their bubble, and the return of someone from their past. Will they be able to remain strong in spite of everything and be able to surpass all expectations?
One look at the synopsis—which is more of a brief summary—for this book and you basically know what’s going to happen in the story. The idea behind the book is an inspiring one, especially considering that the author herself has cerebral palsy. However, I confess that the story left me feeling detached, mainly because it felt as if I was sitting down listening to someone relay a story rather than me feeling like I was on the journey alongside the characters. The story is also more about Lindsey and Jason’s relationship than Lindsey’s cerebral palsy, and that’s all well and good, but I went into the book thinking that it was going to be about the trials and triumphs of a woman with cerebral. Then there’s the whole Becky situation, which was just…weird. The split between her and Jason wasn’t really clear and then she suddenly disappeared. I was so hoping for something good, but Canvas of the Heart fell shorter than I would have wanted. 2.5 stars. ♥
One look at the synopsis—which is more of a brief summary—for this book and you basically know what’s going to happen in the story. The idea behind the book is an inspiring one, especially considering that the author herself has cerebral palsy. However, I confess that the story left me feeling detached, mainly because it felt as if I was sitting down listening to someone relay a story rather than me feeling like I was on the journey alongside the characters. The story is also more about Lindsey and Jason’s relationship than Lindsey’s cerebral palsy, and that’s all well and good, but I went into the book thinking that it was going to be about the trials and triumphs of a woman with cerebral. Then there’s the whole Becky situation, which was just…weird. The split between her and Jason wasn’t really clear and then she suddenly disappeared. I was so hoping for something good, but Canvas of the Heart fell shorter than I would have wanted. 2.5 stars. ♥
March 17, 2017
I absolutely loved this story. I have never found a book with main character with a disability. And this book was simply amazing.
It really shows people with disabilities are people to, they can fall in love, have a job and everything.
I loved Lindsey, she may have a lot to go through in life, she is still strong and doesn't let it get her down.
I loved Jason, he was always there for Lindsey and stood by her through everything. He also didn't shy away from standing up for her.
This author is amazing.
It really shows people with disabilities are people to, they can fall in love, have a job and everything.
I loved Lindsey, she may have a lot to go through in life, she is still strong and doesn't let it get her down.
I loved Jason, he was always there for Lindsey and stood by her through everything. He also didn't shy away from standing up for her.
This author is amazing.
November 1, 2017
Lindsey and Jason's story is a testimony to how a wheelchair-bound person CAN lead a normal life. Fighting to get out from under the fears and protection of her parents, Lindsey succeeds. I love how Jason sees a woman, not a disabled person.
July 28, 2014
An insightful first novel from the authour. You get a real feel of the daily struggles that a person with CP may face. Despite this you can see that the main character leads an enriching and full life, never letting her disability stop her from achieving her life goals and ultimate happiness.
February 10, 2017
Lindsey has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair to get around. But she is bound and determined to be independent and not let that define her. Lindsey’s next door neighbor and best friend, Becky brings over her new boyfriend, Jason and they three become friends. Then Becky and Jason split. Becky drifts away from Lindsey and Jason is accepted into nursing school in another town. Later, Lindsey and Jason find themselves back together.
This is a good romance story. I think it’s great how Lindsey has cerebral palsy, you don’t find stories like this often and it makes this book that much better. I love Lindsey, she is a strong woman and determined to be independent. Jason is a great person, very loving and caring. I love how Lindsey keeps encouraging to be an artist.
If you like sweet romance stories, this book will appeal to you. It makes you step out of your comfort zone but leaves you happy and hoping the best for Lindsey and Jason.
I received Canvas of the Heart from Socially Awkward Book Nerd and Melissa Taggart for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
This is a good romance story. I think it’s great how Lindsey has cerebral palsy, you don’t find stories like this often and it makes this book that much better. I love Lindsey, she is a strong woman and determined to be independent. Jason is a great person, very loving and caring. I love how Lindsey keeps encouraging to be an artist.
If you like sweet romance stories, this book will appeal to you. It makes you step out of your comfort zone but leaves you happy and hoping the best for Lindsey and Jason.
I received Canvas of the Heart from Socially Awkward Book Nerd and Melissa Taggart for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
February 7, 2017
3.5 stars
Canvas Of The Heart tells the story of Lindsey who suffers from cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility. It is about one woman's determination not to let her disability define her and to lead as much an independent life as possible in all aspects, whether it be daily issues or relationships.
When her best friend Becky brings around her boyfriend at the time Jason to meet her, she knows this man will be a constant in her life. After a year or so things go downhill for the pair and inevitably Becky and Jason split, which also causes a rift between Becky and Lindsey, with Becky eventually upping sticks and losing all contact with Lindsey. Jason also leaves to pursue his career as a nurse and Lindsay feels left behind.
Until Jason re-enters her life and they fall madly in love. And so pursues the struggles and happiness of a relationship.
I've got to be honest, I didn't love this story. I thought it was a pleasant read though and I enjoyed that the author had a go at writing about the struggles of living with a disability. I love it when authors use very real issues.
One thing that actually gobasmacked me (because I love smut) is that there was too much sex going on. Now I'm all for sexy scenes, I like detail and I am certainly no prude, however it was in every chapter nearly after Lindsey and Jason got together. I know it's called the honeymoon period but for me there really didn't need to be so much.
I really did like this book but again I didn't love it. It's a sweet romance but for me it didn't have that oomph that I look for.
Happy Reading :-)
Canvas Of The Heart tells the story of Lindsey who suffers from cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility. It is about one woman's determination not to let her disability define her and to lead as much an independent life as possible in all aspects, whether it be daily issues or relationships.
When her best friend Becky brings around her boyfriend at the time Jason to meet her, she knows this man will be a constant in her life. After a year or so things go downhill for the pair and inevitably Becky and Jason split, which also causes a rift between Becky and Lindsey, with Becky eventually upping sticks and losing all contact with Lindsey. Jason also leaves to pursue his career as a nurse and Lindsay feels left behind.
Until Jason re-enters her life and they fall madly in love. And so pursues the struggles and happiness of a relationship.
I've got to be honest, I didn't love this story. I thought it was a pleasant read though and I enjoyed that the author had a go at writing about the struggles of living with a disability. I love it when authors use very real issues.
One thing that actually gobasmacked me (because I love smut) is that there was too much sex going on. Now I'm all for sexy scenes, I like detail and I am certainly no prude, however it was in every chapter nearly after Lindsey and Jason got together. I know it's called the honeymoon period but for me there really didn't need to be so much.
I really did like this book but again I didn't love it. It's a sweet romance but for me it didn't have that oomph that I look for.
Happy Reading :-)
March 19, 2015
Lindsey is a very independent young woman. A young woman with cerebral palsy. Her next door best friend Becky, introduces her to a man named Jason, who happens to be Becky's boyfriend. Time passes, and Becky and Jason break up, and Becky moves away. Around the same time, Jason gets his dream job as a nurse in a different town, and moves two hours away. Life goes on, and friendships drift apart.
Jason and Lindsey reconnect, and Lindsey admits her love to Jason during a medicated confession. As the two grow closer, once again, Jason also admits his love for Lindsey. Lindsey and Jason have everything going for them. Jason plays 'Super Nurse' when Lindsey's body doesn't cooperate. She feeds his dreams of becoming an artist full-time. Jason’s friends and family help him make his dream come true of becoming an artist full-time.
Melissa Taggart's first book is a delightful love story. It has all the elements that one would look for when reading this genre. I loved Lindsey’s character and how she truly lived her life, not allowing her disability to get in her way. Jason’s character was super sweet and caring, and it was a nice change from the dominating billionaires. It’s always nice to read about characters that you can relate to. Although, many people might not be able to relate to Lindsey’s physical traits, her personality is one that you might see in yourself or a close friend.
Overall this was a nice debut novel and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a light, love story. No angst here! This is how everyone wants there happily ever after to be.
Jason and Lindsey reconnect, and Lindsey admits her love to Jason during a medicated confession. As the two grow closer, once again, Jason also admits his love for Lindsey. Lindsey and Jason have everything going for them. Jason plays 'Super Nurse' when Lindsey's body doesn't cooperate. She feeds his dreams of becoming an artist full-time. Jason’s friends and family help him make his dream come true of becoming an artist full-time.
Melissa Taggart's first book is a delightful love story. It has all the elements that one would look for when reading this genre. I loved Lindsey’s character and how she truly lived her life, not allowing her disability to get in her way. Jason’s character was super sweet and caring, and it was a nice change from the dominating billionaires. It’s always nice to read about characters that you can relate to. Although, many people might not be able to relate to Lindsey’s physical traits, her personality is one that you might see in yourself or a close friend.
Overall this was a nice debut novel and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a light, love story. No angst here! This is how everyone wants there happily ever after to be.
September 16, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this sweet romantic novel by Melissa Taggart. It’s packed full of friendship, love, and humor. Lindsey is in a wheelchair but she doesn’t let that stop her from achieving her goals and being just as independent as everyone else. She is super sweet and a little shy. She has two best friends, but over time, one friendship dwindles but it actually opens up a whole new relationship with Jason. Now Jason is everything you want in a guy. He’s smart, driven, and he loves Lindsey no matter the obstacles they faced. I really loved how Jason treated Lindsey even with her disability. He doesn’t see her as a burden and when you read this novel, you can feel the love they have for each other.
Overall I feel this was a great and compelling novel. It has a huge meaning behind the actual storyline, and I for one, will be impacted by this book for a while. I highly recommend reading this, if you are looking for a sweet romantic read. I promise it will put you in a great mood!
Overall I feel this was a great and compelling novel. It has a huge meaning behind the actual storyline, and I for one, will be impacted by this book for a while. I highly recommend reading this, if you are looking for a sweet romantic read. I promise it will put you in a great mood!
August 14, 2014
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Canvas of the Heart by Melissa Taggart
⭐⭐⭐
I felt like this could be an amazing book. A story about a girl in a wheelchair finding love and happiness, great concept.
I just felt like there was a lack of build up and drama. Every chapter ended in a neat bow.
There were huge gaps of time missing, and I wanted to know what happened!
If you love super happy stories, where everything goes right, this is the book for you!
Thank you,
Meghen Barker
Thirty Second Book Reviews
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Canvas of the Heart by Melissa Taggart
⭐⭐⭐
I felt like this could be an amazing book. A story about a girl in a wheelchair finding love and happiness, great concept.
I just felt like there was a lack of build up and drama. Every chapter ended in a neat bow.
There were huge gaps of time missing, and I wanted to know what happened!
If you love super happy stories, where everything goes right, this is the book for you!
Thank you,
Meghen Barker
Thirty Second Book Reviews
facebook.com/meghen.barker
facebook.com/thirtysecondreviews
thirtysecondreviews.blogspot.com
twitter.com/meghenelizabeth
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/AGJU...
February 5, 2017
We meet a character that is strong in will even with life has thrown at her. Lindsey has cerebral palsy and has will herself to become very independent for her own peace of mind. Lindsey has had her friends move on to better things and still once in a while will think about Jason. Can two that find that dreams can truly come true and be that special one. Jason is nurse that has always had true dream of being a artist. With the support of friends and their family dreams can become true. Looking for a story about care and loving someone no matter their physical disable then you will love this one. Recommend this book
December 5, 2014
The writting for a first novel was good to the point it kept my interest the whole time. It was interesting to see a "normal" main character that has daily struggles and finding happiness at the end. The only complaint I had is it was a little to sweet and needed more of a backbone to the story. I would be interested in what this author offers in other novels because for a first novel it was pretty good.
I received a free copy from the author for an honest review.
I received a free copy from the author for an honest review.
September 5, 2016
I was asked by the Author to read and give an honest review, I downloaded the book to my Kindle VIa Kindle unlimited.
An amazing read.. love does overcome all! A sweet romance about a disabled woman with CP, and how she deals with life, love and everything in between. A fearlessly independent woman, and a supportive caring man. They support each other and you see their relationship grow despite all of the medical issues. A MUST READ, grab a glass of wine and your kindle and enjoy this book!
An amazing read.. love does overcome all! A sweet romance about a disabled woman with CP, and how she deals with life, love and everything in between. A fearlessly independent woman, and a supportive caring man. They support each other and you see their relationship grow despite all of the medical issues. A MUST READ, grab a glass of wine and your kindle and enjoy this book!
November 11, 2016
This book completely took me aback. It told about a love story between a woman in a wheelchair and her special someone. They had such a passionate relationship that even made me wish that I could bottle some of it up. It was about a love that was true and not one that was fleeting or just about the physical portion of a relationship, but also about how, we, as partners, can also show our love. This is a must read!
March 25, 2017
This is a touching read about a girl with cerebral palsy, it covers many years with lots of things changing in their lives. Lindsey and Jason hit it off from the start it was like he could almost read her mind. Jason made her feel comfortable in her own skin, he was easy to talk to they grew very close. The story moves on through the years pretty fast until the day they admit how they feel about each other. It moves on from there to their love growing and being a couple. There are a few small twists along the way which are interesting. There are some normal issues that couples have and some that is caused by her illness.
It is a heartwarming story that does pull on your heartstrings. I just felt like there was too much filler used and not enough insight on issues I would have liked to know more about. I didn’t feel very much chemistry between Jason and Lindsey I didn’t feel the passion. To me they seemed more like friends than lovers. It isn’t a story that pulled me in just when I thought it was going to take off and I couldn’t put down it went sideways leaving me feeling like something was lacking. Don’t get me wrong there was some very good writing here but for me to much fillers. Becky and Lindsey relationship was so close and then not, her one day gone the next with no real explaining making us wonder what happen. The same with Becky and Jason’s relationship. I felt when detail should have been given it wasn’t and sometimes when it was it should not have been.
I felt it was good for a debut story but with some work it would have been great. Needs more spice more drama and more passion. I had a hard time getting into this and found it lacking in areas. I am not sorry I read it just wish there was more conflict as well as more about her dealing with cerebral palsy. I felt like someone was setting beside me telling me parts of their life leaving out parts as we all do when telling our life story. It wasn’t a great but a good fit for me it might be just what you are looking for.
It is a heartwarming story that does pull on your heartstrings. I just felt like there was too much filler used and not enough insight on issues I would have liked to know more about. I didn’t feel very much chemistry between Jason and Lindsey I didn’t feel the passion. To me they seemed more like friends than lovers. It isn’t a story that pulled me in just when I thought it was going to take off and I couldn’t put down it went sideways leaving me feeling like something was lacking. Don’t get me wrong there was some very good writing here but for me to much fillers. Becky and Lindsey relationship was so close and then not, her one day gone the next with no real explaining making us wonder what happen. The same with Becky and Jason’s relationship. I felt when detail should have been given it wasn’t and sometimes when it was it should not have been.
I felt it was good for a debut story but with some work it would have been great. Needs more spice more drama and more passion. I had a hard time getting into this and found it lacking in areas. I am not sorry I read it just wish there was more conflict as well as more about her dealing with cerebral palsy. I felt like someone was setting beside me telling me parts of their life leaving out parts as we all do when telling our life story. It wasn’t a great but a good fit for me it might be just what you are looking for.
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