Book Review of 'Matters of the Heart' by Heidi Gray McGill

HAPPY FRIDAY BOOKWORMS!

Can anyone else believe Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK??  How can time possibly be going this fast!!  Do you have any plans?  Our family has had some major changes these past few years, so we don't do anything special on Thanksgiving except eat pumpkin pie and watch football, but I still love it, and I am so thankful for my life, and all the blessings God has bestowed upon me, which includes reading the novel I am featuring today.

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for Matters of the Heart by Heidi Gray McGill, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Matters of the Heart 

Series: Discerning God's Best #3 

Author: Heidi Gray McGill 

Publisher: Heidi Gray McGill Books LLC 

Release Date: July 26, 2022 

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, Christian Historical Romance

 

She determines to champion the needs of others, no matter the fallout.

He’s determined to be his own man and make his own way. 

Will stubbornness keep them from discovering God’s best? 

Unconventional Katie empathizes with the widows and orphans of the Civil War who are searching for a place to call home in Shumard Oak Bend. But with no one to help her, she’ll need to do it secretly, a challenge she readily accepts. Katie’s taken charge before, and she’ll do it again, no matter whom she has to outwit to get the job done. 

Hans vows to stop doing everyone else’s bidding. But he follows orders when a pair of emerald green eyes, blazing red hair, and freckles that dance on the bridge of a pert nose conscript him to duty. Be his own man. Who is he kidding? Skunks don’t change their stripes. They leave disasters in their wake wherever they go, just like him. 

Overcoming personal obstacles and finding your true self doesn’t mean going it alone. Yet the answer isn’t always in the one you seek. 

True Christian Fiction. Relatable Characters. Life-changing stories.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

---

MY REVIEW

I was entranced from the beginning. I don’t know what it is about this novel, but it had my heart from the beginning, and the heartstrings tightened the more I read. The world building is unmatched, the ebb and flow almost melodic in its tempo. This is a very character driven novel that gave me Little House on the Prairie vibes with all of these wholesome characters that are doing life on the prairie together, along with that whisper of faith.

Hans is suffering from PTSD, though it didn’t have a name back then, and is having a faith and identity crisis. After coming home from being a medic in the Civil War he’s not sure what to do with himself, only knowing that he is tired of being told what to do, so he sets out on his own, the future uncharted. He immediately comes upon a traveling pastor that leads him to Grammies Boarding House, and to Katie.

Katie Murphy is a fiery redhead with a strong faith and even stronger conviction, wanting to open an orphanage in their small town, and help as many as she can, despite facing adversity from the town magistrate. Nothing is going to stop Katie from pursuing her dreams, her tenacity and passion for children is admirable and her toughness is helping to make true change in her community.

The faith of many of these characters, including Katie, inspired me greatly as I read, especially with what I am going through in this season of my life. They are living what they believe and stand strong, even in the face of adversity, which is very inspirational. I also loved how Hans talks to his horse Dorcas like a person, and how Dorcas responds, truly seeming to understand her owner. Such a cute touch!

I was quite charmed by all of it and often found myself lost in the narrative. This was truly a delight to read and though this is the first novel that I’ve read in the stores, and the first novel I’ve read by this author, it will not be my last. I am hooked!

My Rating: ★★★★★

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Whether historical or contemporary, you will find Heidi Gray McGill's works to be true Christian Fiction, full of God’s redeeming love. Everything Heidi writes is purposeful. She believes in bringing a reader into the awareness of who God is to them and how He interacts with them on a personal level. She does this by crafting characters so relatable you feel part of who they are. Heidi reaches deep into the reader’s heart through masterfully written words and offers ways toward healing by seamlessly applying God’s Word throughout her stories.

Connect with Heidi by visiting her website to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive an Amazon Fire 7 tablet.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 16, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 23, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.