Friday, February 3, 2012

Heart of Gold by Robin Lee Hatcher

Heart of Gold
by Robin Lee Hatcher
Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance
Available February 14, 2012
Thomas Nelson
320 pages



About the Book
Against Shannon's wishes, love stakes its claim in her heart. Will she discover treasure or treachery?

When Shannon Adair accompanies her minister father to the western gold rush town of Grand Coeur, she's certain she'll never be happy away from her beloved Virginia, even though the South is still gripped in civil war.

Wells Fargo driver Matthew Dubois isn't sure the lovely Shannon belongs in Idaho Territory either, but he is a desperate man. His widowed sister is dying and leaving her young son, Todd, in his care. Matthew wants to return to driving coach for the express company soon—so he'll have to find a wife to look after the boy when he's away.

Shannon is determined not to lose her heart to a man who is neither a Southerner nor a gentleman. But love stakes its claim. Now, will her heart survive learning the truth behind the courtship?

My Thoughts
Robin Lee Hatcher has been writing Christian fiction since 1999, so I'm not sure how I've missed out on her for so long! Heart of Gold was captivating from the very first page. I flew through it . . . and was even a few minutes late for work trying to finish it this morning! Oops!

Shannon leaves her beloved Virginia during the Civil War and moves with her father to Idaho Terriotory. Her father feels like this is where the Lord is leading them to minister. Shannon isn't so keen on the idea of moving to a rugged gold rush town. Upon arriving, she meets Matthew Dubois and agrees to care for his dying sister. The Dubois family forces Shannon to re-think some of her long-held opinions and evaluate what she truly wants for her future.

Robin writes a powerful story set in the western territories during the Civil War. It's a different perspective on the war than I've read in fiction before. I love reading about the Civil War and appreciated reading from the perspective of those who were a bit more removed from the war.

Matthew and Shannon's relationship is so well-crafted. I loved them together and wanted them to love each other - not just marry for convenience. Also, there was a scene between Matthew and the sheriff (an old friend) where they talk about his sister. It was so poignant. Even though it was a minor point in the plot, I felt like this scene really showed Matthew's true character.

Because the story and characters were so well-written, I would even suggest this book to readers who aren't sure about historical fiction. It's a great place to start! I will definitely read more from Robin Lee Hatcher in the future!   [4 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author
Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. She discovered her vocation after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over 60 novels.

Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. Several nights every summer, she can be found at the outdoor amphitheater of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, enjoying plays under the stars. She makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with Poppet, the high-maintenance Papillon, and Princess Pinky, the kitten who currently terrorizes the household.

Robin Lee Hatcher Online
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