In Falon Ballard’s whimsical rom-com “Change of Heart,” readers are transported alongside uptight corporate attorney Campbell Andrews into Heart Springs—a saccharine small town that could have been plucked straight from the Hallmark Channel’s holiday lineup. This magical realism romance offers a refreshing twist on the “trapped in another world” trope while exploring deeper themes of self-discovery, community, and what it truly means to love. While the premise delivers charm and heart, the execution occasionally stumbles, resulting in a mixed but ultimately satisfying reading experience.
The Concept: A Corporate Lawyer in Hallmark Hell
Campbell “Cam” Andrews has her life perfectly organized: make partner by thirty-four (check), bill eighty hours a week (check), and avoid messy emotional entanglements at all costs (double check). After a disastrous blind date with pediatric surgeon Ben Loving, Cam wakes up in Heart Springs—a town where the sun always shines, everyone smiles, and the bakery is always stocked with perfect pastries. To escape this pastel nightmare and return to her real life, Cam must complete three tasks set by the meddling Mimi:
- Find a career she’s passionate about
- Become a valued member of the community
- Experience true love
What follows is Cam’s reluctant journey through job failures, community service, and unexpected romance—all while trying to maintain her sharp edges in a town determined to soften them.
Ballard’s concept serves as a clever vehicle for character growth. Heart Springs functions as both fantasy and crucible, forcing our protagonist to confront her workaholic tendencies and emotional walls. The town itself becomes a character—shifting seasons dramatically overnight, providing perfectly timed outfits in Cam’s closet, and manufacturing situations that push her toward genuine connection.
Character Development: From Corporate Shark to Authentic Self
The greatest strength of “Change of Heart” by Falon Ballard lies in Cam’s evolution. Her first-person narration invites readers into her cynical worldview from page one:
“I spot Dr. Ben Loving the moment I step through the door of Two Hearts Café. I’m late, but I don’t bother apologizing as I slide into the seat across from him, shooing him back into his own chair when he tries to stand to greet me.”
This introduction establishes Cam as someone easier to respect than like—competent but cold, driven but disconnected. Her sharp observations and internal monologue provide consistent entertainment, particularly as she navigates small-town quirks with big-city sensibilities.
What elevates the story beyond rom-com formula is how Ballard peels back Cam’s defenses to reveal the why behind her behavior. We learn about her absent mother, her demanding grandmother, and how she became the family’s designated success story. These revelations unfold naturally alongside her failed attempts at bookselling, wedding planning, and dunk tank survival.
By the time Cam discovers her passion for helping others through legal advocacy, we’ve witnessed a transformation that feels earned rather than imposed. Her final realization—that self-love was the “true love” she needed to experience—provides a satisfying twist to the expected romance resolution.
The Romance: Enemies to Friends to Lovers…and Neighbors
The relationship between Cam and Ben develops at a believable pace, beginning with mutual irritation that gradually transforms into friendship and eventually romance. Their dynamic benefits from constant proximity as next-door neighbors, allowing for regular porch conversations that build emotional intimacy before physical attraction takes center stage.
Ben serves as Cam’s perfect foil—compassionate where she’s calculating, patient where she’s demanding. Their banter provides some of the book’s most enjoyable moments:
“‘Am I the lucky winner? Ben’s eyebrows shoot up in mock surprise.
‘Whatever did I do to deserve to be blessed with the friendship of Campbell Andrews?’
I throw him a false grin. ‘Proximity’
He places a hand over his heart. ‘You are too kind to me, sweetheart.'”
However, the romance occasionally suffers from predictability. The “secret task” that Ben must complete (helping Cam complete her tasks) creates an artificial obstacle that feels contrived rather than organic. Additionally, the introduction of potential love interests who are clearly wrong for Cam diminishes tension, as readers recognize Ben as the obvious endgame from their first interaction.
Strengths: Community, Growth, and Genuine Heart
Where “Change of Heart” by Falon Ballard truly shines is in its depiction of community and friendship. Cam’s relationship with Emma, the baker whose shop faces closure, provides a compelling subplot that showcases Cam’s professional skills while developing her capacity for genuine friendship. The fundraiser sequence delivers both humor and heart, becoming a pivotal moment in Cam’s integration into Heart Springs.
Ballard excels at creating secondary characters who feel distinct rather than decorative. From grumpy Noah to sunshine Emma, each character serves a purpose in Cam’s journey while maintaining their own motivations and personalities.
The magical elements are handled with a light touch that enhances rather than overwhelms the contemporary romance at the story’s core. Heart Springs’ shifting seasons reflect Cam’s emotional journey while providing visual variety to the setting. The fantasy elements allow for humorous situations (like Cam waking up with perfect hair and makeup every morning) without derailing the character-driven narrative.
Weaknesses: Pacing Issues and Underdeveloped Elements
Despite its charms, “Change of Heart” by Falon Ballard struggles with uneven pacing. The first half dedicates significant time to Cam’s job failures, creating repetitive scenarios that delay the more compelling community and romance elements. The second half accelerates dramatically, resolving multiple plot threads in quick succession that might have benefited from more breathing room.
The three-task structure occasionally feels more like a checklist than an organic journey. Cam’s career exploration, in particular, follows a predictable pattern of comical failure that, while entertaining, doesn’t fully capitalize on the premise’s potential for deeper character exploration.
Some readers may find the profanity-laden narration at odds with the Hallmark-inspired setting. While Cam’s colorful language reinforces her fish-out-of-water status, the frequency of expletives occasionally undermines otherwise tender moments.
The most significant missed opportunity lies in the epilogue. After building toward Cam’s realization about self-love, the resolution in the real world feels rushed. The quick acceptance of her Heart Springs memories by both protagonists diminishes the impact of their shared experience and glosses over the real-world complications of their relationship.
How It Compares to Ballard’s Other Works
Fans of Ballard’s previous novels—”Lease on Love,” “Just My Type,” and “Right on Cue”—will recognize her talent for creating prickly protagonists who gradually reveal their vulnerabilities. “Change of Heart” continues this tradition while adding magical elements that distinguish it from her earlier contemporary romances.
Compared to similar works in the genre, “Change of Heart” by Falon Ballard sits alongside:
- “In a Holidaze” by Christina Lauren (for its magical premise and holiday setting)
- “The Ex Hex” by Erin Sterling (for its blend of romance and magical elements)
- “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren (for its enemies-to-lovers dynamic)
But Ballard’s unique voice and focus on self-love create a reading experience that feels fresh despite familiar elements.
Final Assessment: A Flawed but Fulfilling Romantic Journey
“Change of Heart” by Falon Ballard delivers an entertaining romantic journey with moments of genuine emotional resonance. Cam’s growth from closed-off workaholic to open-hearted community member provides a satisfying character arc, while her romance with Ben offers both chemistry and depth. Though hampered by pacing issues and occasionally predictable plot developments, the novel succeeds in its central mission: creating a protagonist whose transformation feels both significant and earned.
What Works:
- Cam’s distinct voice and gradual character evolution
- The friends-to-lovers romance with Ben
- Emma and Cam’s friendship development
- The magical elements that enhance the contemporary romance
- The twist on what “true love” really means
What Falls Short:
- Uneven pacing, particularly in the early chapters
- Predictable love interest selection
- Rushed resolution in the real world
- Occasional disconnect between tone and setting
“Change of Heart” by Falon Ballard offers a charming escape into a world where magic facilitates personal growth and second chances. While it doesn’t completely reinvent the rom-com wheel, Ballard’s latest provides enough heart, humor, and heat to satisfy romance readers looking for a magical detour from everyday life. Like Heart Springs itself, the novel may not be perfect, but its imperfections are part of its charm—reminding us that sometimes the most meaningful journeys are the ones we never intended to take.
