Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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Book Description
All Rachel has ever wanted is a family. How could God grant her the desire of her heart, then do nothing to prevent it from being taken away? Can she wait for God’s perfect timing, or will she take matters into her own hands…again?
When trouble comes, it comes in a big way and those who care for Rachel wonder if she will ever recover. Rachel and Charlie face danger and sorrow, see new territory, and grow in their faith. They just might even find the desire of their hearts and realize God had bigger plans than they ever imagined.
About Heidi Gray McGill
Heidi is an award-winning and best-selling author. Whether historical or contemporary, you will find Heidi’s writing true works of 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.
Heidi is an optimist who chooses to find the silver lining in life’s clouds of doubt. She lives with her husband of more than thirty years near Charlotte, NC. When she isn’t writing, you will find her outside playing with her three grandsons, walking, scrapbooking, reading, cooking, traveling, or finding an excuse to have an outing with a girlfriend.
2025 Selah Award Finalist
My Thoughts
In the heart of 1858 Missouri, Heidi Gray McGill delivers a spectacular Christian historical fiction novel with Desire of My Heart, the first installment in the Shumard Oak Bend series. This story is a beautiful exploration of "found family" and the power of trusting in God’s perfect timing.
We follow eighteen-year-old Rachel Shankel, a courageous girl who flees a forced marriage at her orphanage to protect her younger brother. Her path intertwines with Melvin, a widower desperate for help with his children, leading to a marriage of convenience and a daring journey to settle the wilds of Missouri.
The narrative is deeply grounded in faith, reminding us that while we often crave immediate results, God is never late; we are simply impatient. The author masterfully illustrates that even in moments of perceived silence, God is active and listening to the longings of our hearts. These spiritual truths are woven seamlessly into the plot, particularly as Rachel struggles with the temptation to take matters into her own hands. Her growth—and her battle with depression—is handled with incredible grace, making her a character that feels both authentic and relatable.
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, especially the wonderful "Grammie" Brooks, whose wisdom and encouragement provide a steady anchor for the community. The novel beautifully depicts a time when neighbors truly cared for one another, solving problems through prayer and collective action. Whether it is through sharp banter or the quiet fulfillment of the biblical call to care for widows and orphans, the characters' actions prove that they are known by their fruits.
Narrated with skill by Aimee Lilly, the audiobook captures the vivid atmosphere of the era, from the unique adages of the children to the rugged reality of homesteading. Despite the hardships the characters face, the story remains a charming, slow-burn romance that emphasizes the importance of seeing God in the small details. Desire of My Heart is a heartwarming, five-star read that balances gripping historical drama with profound layers of healing and resilience, proving that no matter how dark the night, there is always the promise of joy in the morning.
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