As I read this story, I marvelled at Lorinda Sullivan's inner strength. After enduring a traumatic childhood filled with abuse from her father and brother, she experiences more grief when her husband is killed and she is left to spend a winter alone in the Rocky Mountains. How can a young pregnant widow expect to endure a severe Colorado winter in the year 1893?
Lena Nelson Dooley has written an intriguing novel about two needy people who enter into a marriage of convenience. Lorinda and her baby boy need a home and Franklin Vine needs an heir, so a 'marriage in name only' seems to be the perfect answer. Perfect...until Lorinda witnesses Franklin's love and acceptance of baby Michael and has her perception of controlling men completely altered. Perfect...until Franklin learns what a kind, loyal woman is really like! Will their marriage of convenience agreement succeed?

A Heart's Gift is a heartwarming, historical romance filled with adventure, danger, and suspense but there is also a sweet romance and a strong faith message that runs throughout the story. I recommend this book to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit Book Tours. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own opinions. ( )

Out of the ashes of a broken heart comes beauty for Lorinda. She has so much to grieve but she needs to carry on. I wondered what she would do after losing her husband, house, being pregnant and alone. Living in the mountains during this time was hard. The snow was deep and there was no way to travel to town. I loved Lorinda’s spirit of never giving up. The child she is carrying is comforting but she knows she needs help.

Franklin is a good man and takes Lorinda in when she is struggling to survive. His idea to marry her was more of a convenience but maybe it would be good for both of them. I liked how the author shows us that a man can love a child even if it id not his. It was obvious that Franklin was starting to have feelings for Lorinda. It is easy to feel like you are there watching the story unfold. The author does a great job of giving us details that relate to the time period and I love stories about the 1800s. We experience the emotions that Lorinda has when she sees Franklin with her baby. It is clear to see the love he has for the child. There are a few surprises in the story that added a bit of drama. I loved how evident it was that Franklin and Lorinda were starting to feel more like husband and wife. It may have been a marriage of convenience but God knew exactly why he brought Lorinda to Franklin’s home that day.

The story has romance, suspense and two people who both want to find love. I loved reading how Franklin started to let go of his past and start to trust Lorinda. He is such a great character. He is very protective and will do anything to keep his family safe. The ending is exciting and filled with the knowledge that God protects His people. Evil will try to come in and pull Lorinda and Franklin apart, but with faith they will overcome. Beautiful story of faith, trust , blessings and accepting each other.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

A Heart’s Gift, by Lena Nelson Dooley, is the first book in the Love’s Road Home series. Lorinda left her father’s home and married Michael. Before leaving on a two week trip, he stored up supplies for the long winter ahead. He didn’t return as expected and was brought back to their home by neighbor Franklin to be buried. Franklin offers to take her to his home but she refuses. Only when fire destroys her home does she go with Franklin.

Franklin has been hurt in the past and refuses to let himself let another person into his heart. When Lorinda gives birth to Michael’s son, he offers her marriage and a home to have Michael as his heir.

This is a wonderful historical Christian story that focuses on helping others, forgiveness and second chances. The writing is so clear is to easy to envision the surroundings and imagine the fear Lorinda lived with. It is easy to understand how Lorinda does not like having a man make decisions for her. One of the things that stands out to me is that Lorinda and Michael only had a Bible to read and they read it every day. I also enjoyed how Franklin’s housekeeper was so involved with helping him see the needs of his home and of others. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the rest in the series.

I received an ebook copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit, this is my honest review. ( )

Sometimes, life fails to go according to our plans but brings blessings anyhow. Franklin Vine found himself abandoned when his best friend married Franklin’s fiancee. He became satisfied with his life on his ranch with his housekeeper and ranch hands and friends.

Lorinda Sullivan experienced a horrible childhood after her mother dies while trying to give birth to her brother. But she finds happiness with Mike Sullivan. Her heart breaks when Franklin and one of his ranch hands bring Mike’s body back to her.

Both Franklin and Lorinda experienced hurt in the past, but wind up staying together on his ranch after her home gets destroyed. The two wind up marrying for convenience and for Lorinda’s son. But twists and turns occur on their path, including Franklin’s ex-fiancee showing up, and more. The story captured my imagination. Franklin’s housekeeper becomes a surrogate mother/grandmother to them. Plus, the community that surrounds Franklin and Lorinda brings the story to life. So check out this story for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

This is a sweet marriage of convenience story. I enjoyed the author's wonderful use of words to paint pictures that drew me into the scenes.

I found myself struggling to draw close to the main characters. They both seemed bogged down by past hurts through much of the story, making their relationship feel stuck in neutral.

I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own. ( )