My Review of Heart of Gold

Here's a description of 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 Rating

Spring

My Review

Hatcher's words flow sweetly in Heart of Gold. With an emphasis on dealing with the difficult changes in life - moving to a different home, losing a loved one, making sacrifices - this book is a bit more serious than her fun "Sisters of Bethlehem Springs" series, but it's still told in Hatcher's gentle and encouraging style.

The echoes of cannon fire and gunshots from the Civil War create the background noise for this story of one genteel woman out of her element in the West, one speed-hungry Wells, Fargo man out of his element with family to care for, and another courageous and loving woman and her son who bring these two together.

While there is some suspense involved, it never quite takes center stage. I would have liked some more adventure and plot twists, but I appreciated seeing the characters' growth (not perfection, but approaching maturity). If you're looking for exciting and unique historical romance, Heart of Gold doesn't really deliver in that way. However, it does offer a quick, sweet, meaningful story that takes a look at what it means to really have a heart of gold.

*With thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing through the Booksneeze program for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*