About the Book

Book: A Heart’s Gift

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian historical romance

Series: Love’s Road Home, Book 1

Publisher: Wild Heart Books

Release Date: January 12, 2021

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Publisher's Book Description

“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.”

My Review

A Heart’s Gift, by Lena Nelson Dooley, is the first book in the Love’s Road Home series. Page after page, this novel offers a compelling story of perseverance, faith, and restoration. With resilient characters, plenty of adventure and suspense, and a bit of sweet romance, this historical fiction novel is just right for hours of enjoyable reading.

Ms. Dooley’s writing style is engaging and detailed. Her use of descriptive story-telling brings the historic settings to life. As the characters endure hardships, threats, and heartbreaks their experiences are moving and relatable. Their struggles, insecurities, fears, and beliefs are authentic and emotionally-stirring. Even as the characters endure real trials that test their assumptions, their resolve, and their faith, God’s mercy flows with healing and second chances. Full of warmth and heart, this novel also places a meaningful emphasis on family and friends and the unexpected ways in which they can learn to support, encourage, and protect each other.

A Heart’s Gift is a memorable story brimming with hope, courage, and redemption. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading clean, historical romances.

*I was given a copy of this novel by the publisher and CelebrateLit. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

About the Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

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.