About the Book
Book: A Heart’s Gift
Author: Lena Nelson Dooley
Genre: Christian historical romance
Is a marriage of convenience the answer?
Franklin Vine has worked hard to build the ranch he inherited into one of the most successful in the majestic Colorado mountains. If only he had an heir to one day inherit the legacy he’s building. But he was burned once in the worst way, and he doesn’t plan to open his heart to another woman. Even if that means he’ll eventually have to divide up his spread among the most loyal of his hired hands.
When Lorinda Sullivan is finally out from under the control of men who made all the decisions in her life, she promises herself she’ll never allow a man to make choices for her again. But without a home in the midst of a hard Rocky Mountain winter, she has to do something to provide for her infant son.
A marriage of convenience seems like the perfect arrangement, yet the stakes quickly become much higher than either of them ever planned. When hearts become entangled, the increasing danger may change their lives forever.
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Review:
Marriage of convenience in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
Lorinda is a strong woman who has grown a lot through her experiences, and has to do what is best for her child. I liked how she grew in her faith over the course of the book and found a true friend in Franklin's housekeeper. I admired how she held to her faith and kept trusting, despite the difficult circumstances.
Franklin is a good man, he tends to keep more to himself, but I loved how he fell in love with Michael and how the baby really opened up the world of possibilities for him. I will admit that I did get frustrated with him for being really in his head and letting what ifs stop him from pursuing a relationship with Lorinda sooner.
Overall it was a enjoyable read, though the pace slowed down in the med section for a bit, but it does end with a bang. My favorite character was Lorinda for her faith and willingness to sacrifice to give her son a chance at a stable home and a bright future. A sweet marriage of convenience love story set in the Rocky Mountains.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About the Author
Lena Nelson Dooley has been an author for 36 years. Her 51st book released in June 2020. Raised in Arkansas, she married a Texan 56 years ago. They have lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for decades. She is an active member of ACFW and one of the founding members the DFW local chapter. She’s often been a speaker for other writers’ groups and conferences, both as a keynote speaker and a workshop teacher. Her fans love reading her books filled with characters who grip your heart.
More from Lena
The Story Behind A Heart’s Gift
I’ve been a lover of history for decades. In college and graduate school, all my elective courses were history. Of course, I chose the countries and eras I wanted to learn about. When I began writing novels, my first one was a contemporary story. After that at least 75% or more of my novels have been historical, from 1805 through the early 20th century.
I’ve always been fascinated by the relationship between Joseph and Mary the mother of Jesus. The Bible doesn’t give us a lot of information about their relationship. But by his actions, we can assume that Joseph believed the angel and Mary about her baby. He didn’t do the usual thing and put her away quietly. Instead, he protected her, and from the day He was born, he became the earthly father of Jesus. I’ve often thought about what that meant for Joseph and for Mary. When I wrote a story of a marriage between a man and a single mother, I used the emotions that I feel God has revealed to me about their relationship.
The first time I read a marriage of convenience novel, I loved it. And I’ve read quite a few. I’ve also written a few. A Heart’s Gift is one of them. This book was an easy and interesting book to write.
I’m what’s called in the industry a seat-of-the-pants author, more or less. I do have the complete outline of the story in my head. When I sit down to write, I know where I’m going, but I don’t have every single scene plotted out as some authors do. And I pray a lot. During the time I’m writing a book, God drops ideas into my mind. Not just while I’m writing, but other times, too. That’s the exciting thing about writing. This keeps it fresh for me.
During the writing of A Heart’s Gift, there’s a place where I just stopped and said, “God, what am I going to do now?” When you get there, you’ll know what scene I mean, but I don’t want to give a spoiler.
I never dreamed that the book would turn into a suspense novel in the last quarter of the book, but God knew. And it made it a better book.
Blog Stops
Connie's History Classroom, January 13
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 13
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, January 14
Maureen's Musings, January 14
Reviewingbooksplusmore, January 15
Sara Jane Jacobs, January 15
Inklings and notions, January 16
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 16
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 17
Writing from the Heart Land, January 17
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 18
Betti Mace, January 18
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 19
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 19
Artistic Nobody, January 20 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, January 20
Older & Smarter?, January 21
lalkesidelivingsite, January 21
For Him and My Family, January 22
Labor Not in Vain, January 22
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 23
Jodie Wolfe - Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 23
Texas Book-aholic, January 24
To Everything There Is A Season, January 24
deb's Book Review, January 25
Lis Loves Reading, January 25
Splashes of Joy, January 26
Pause for Tales, January 26
Mary Hake, January 26
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/105a2/a-heart-s-gift-celebration-tour-giveaway
