Author Joyce Hynes Shares a Lifetime of Faith and Survival in “Heart of the Matter”

“Heart of the Matter” by Joyce Hynes is an autobiography of a journey that began at age nine when she underwent her first open-heart surgery in 1961 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Across three surgeries, repeated complications, and long hospital stays, Hynes documents a life marked by uncertainty sustained by faith, resilience, and optimism.

In addition to her medical journey, Hynes is a Certified Activity Director, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, having written for several stringed instruments. She began writing during the pandemic, publishing “Words from the Maestro,” before returning to her earliest memories to complete “Heart of the Matter.”

In an interview with Writers’ Branding, Hynes said it began when she discovered a small notebook from her mother.

“Heart of the Matter came as I found a small notebook after my mom passed. It was actually the 3 months of intense notes when I was in hospital at John Hopkins in 1961 for my first open heart surgery. I was there for three months, not expected to live, and her notations were every day. And I decided that this needs to be for somebody else to read. It was a treasure. And so that’s how Heart of the Matter came to be,” Joyce shared.

Reflecting on the book, she continued: “It’s intense for me to read because she says my fever was 103 and they put ice chips all over me and I wasn’t supposed to make it through the night, but God let me live. And I feel the ‘Heart of the Matter’ was the reason to get the story out of faith and family, and that the will to live is a strong thing that keeps you going.”

“Heart of the Matter” stands as testament to endurance, gratitude and sustaining power of faith and family offering a reflective account of survival and purpose. This book is available on Reading Glass Books, Amazon, and other major online book retailers.

Buy “Heart of the Matter” on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0dtuY7ai

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