Carla's Book Crush

Written on My Heart by Heidi Gray McGi
Series: Discerning God’s Best – Book 5
Publisher: Heidi Gray McGill Books LLC
Release Date:  April 24, 2025
Genre:  Christian Historical Romance with a Western (Louis L’Amour) touch

​​It’s hard to hear God’s voice when you’ve already decided what you want him to say.

In the wilds of the rugged West, Betsy Smith discovers beauty in every corner—from the blazing sunsets to the wind murmuring secrets through the mountains. Yet, it’s the magnetism of Gabe Manning, with his dark complexion and dashing demeanor, that draws her gaze. Having known him since childhood, Betsy sees in Gabe the embodiment of the heroes she admires from her a stalwart protector of the innocent, a champion of justice, a man of unshakable integrity, and a paragon of honor, guided by principles as steadfast as the mountains themselves— all while reconciling with his Arapaho Indian heritage. Yet, amid her admiration, Betsy longs for God’s reassurance that Gabe is the one for her.

As deputy of Shumard Oak Bend, Missouri, in 1875, Gabe “Little Sun” Manning sees the allure and harshness of frontier life. Amidst the chaos, he finds solace in the presence of Miss Betsy Smith, a compassionate schoolteacher whose independence and intellect captivate him as profoundly as her beauty. Yet, as their bond deepens, Gabe wrestles with doubts about his ability to fulfill the desires of her heart. He knows she’s willing to forsake her career for a future with him, but can he offer her the family she seeks? Haunted by the secrets of his past and desperate for redemption, Gabe faces his most formidable challenge yet.

Written on My Heart is a powerful Christian Historical Romance full of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of the human spirit. In award-winning author Heidi Gray McGill’s fifth installment in the Discerning God’s Best series, you’ll be transported to a world of wild-west adventure and heartwarming romance.

For Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford fans, this standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series will capture your heart and leave you breathless. You’ll love this book if you enjoy gripping historical drama and compelling characters. Binge-read the entire series on Kindle Unlimited.
• Full-length Christian historical fiction
• A standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs
• Timeline: 1875–1876
• For fans of Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford

Book One: Desire of My Heart
Book Two: With All My Heart
Companion Christmas Novella: Stitched On My Heart
Book Three: Matters of the Heart
Book Four: Healing of the Heart
Book Five: Written on My Heart
Book Six: Keeper of My Heart – Preorder now
Prequel: Deep in My Heart – available for free with newsletter signup. Search Heidi Gray McGill to locate her website.

PURCHASE LINKS:
 Goodreads | Heidi Gray McGill | Amazon | BookBub

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More in This Series

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About the Author

Heidi Gray McGill is a celebrated author whose award-winning Christian fiction transports readers to the rugged landscapes of the past, where faith and fortitude reign supreme. With a talent for crafting historical and contemporary tales, Heidi has penned nine compelling books, each filled with resilient characters navigating the wilds of life with God’s love as their guide.

Heidi’s writing is as bold and purposeful as the untamed West itself. She began her literary journey in March 2020. She quickly became a beacon of inspiration, weaving stories that echo the timeless themes of redemption, courage, and the transformative power of God’s love and forgiveness. Much like the pioneers of old, her characters face adversity head-on, offering readers a chance to journey alongside them, discovering healing and insight through God’s Word.

Living in a quaint town near Charlotte, NC, Heidi shares her life with her devoted husband of over three decades. When she’s not crafting stories of grit and grace, she treasures moments with her family, especially her grandsons, and finds joy in cooking, playing games, and exploring new worlds through books.

Join Heidi on her inspiring journey into the heart of the American frontier and beyond. Visit HeidiGrayMcGill.com to discover the transformative power of God’s love woven into her stories. Connect with her on social media and sign up for her newsletter to receive a free prequel to her bestselling series.

Christian Fiction. Relatable Characters. Life-changing stories. Fusing Faith and Fiction™

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidigraymcgill.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Author Q&A

CB:  Hello, Heidi! Thank you for taking time out of your day to do this interview. I’m excited to dive in and get to know you better as a person and writer. And, of course, learn more about Written on My Heart.

You describe yourself as a “hands-on craftsman” when writing faith into your stories. Can you describe how that impacts your writing process? 

McGill: I love this question! I’m just a girl who loves Jesus and wants others to fall in love with Him, too. Writing faith into my stories is less about inserting Bible verses and more about weaving God’s truth into the very fabric of my characters’ lives. Like an excellent craftsman, I want the faith thread to be sturdy and seamless, something you can’t pull out without the entire story unraveling. I ask myself constantly, “How would trusting God look in this situation?” or “Where might a character wrestle with God’s will?” The result (I hope!) is faith that feels authentic, relatable, and life changing. It’s not just background—it’s the heartbeat of the story.

CB: I’m also a grandma! It’s so fun. I have trouble keeping up with my job, the kids/grandkids, and a blog. So, how do you balance the joy of family life with the demands of writing and publishing?

McGill: Isn’t being a grandma the best gig? I’d trade writing deadlines for baby snuggles any day—but God’s called me to both. I’ve learned to give myself grace. Balance, for me, looks more like weaving writing into the cracks of life than perfectly blocking out hours. I jot ideas into my phone while waiting at the doctor’s office or think through a scene while washing dishes. I do my best writing (in my head) while I’m walking. I fit those in every chance I get. And when the grandkids are around, I’m all in with them. The stories will wait. These little ones won’t be little forever.

But the reality is…this job is difficult! Some weeks I feel on top of my game, and other weeks I realize I just took a walk in my bedroom slippers. Thankfully, I haven’t ventured out with my pj’s still on. Recognizing that God honors my efforts—that He sees me even when the to-do list doesn’t—is the best I can do some days. And that’s enough.

CB: You’ve said that writing is your ministry. Sharing books like yours on my blog and Instagram is my ministry and also a way to contribute to the ministry of Christian authors. Have you had the opportunity to see or hear about how your stories have impacted others in their spiritual walks?

McGill: Yes, and it’s humbling every single time. I’ve received emails from readers who said they felt seen, known, or reminded of God’s love because of something a fictional character said or did. That’s not me—that’s God at work through the story. One reader shared how a character’s journey helped her forgive someone in her life. That’s powerful. Stories reach people in ways sermons sometimes can’t. It’s a partnership with the Holy Spirit, and I’m so grateful you and others are sharing these stories. You’re a vital part of the ministry, too! When readers share how a story helped them feel less alone or more hopeful—it reminds me why I keep going.

CB: Written on My Heart is part of your Discerning God’s Best series, set in the late 1800s. What inspired you to set your stories during that particular time in American history?

McGill: There’s something raw and real about frontier life. Life wasn’t easy in the 1800s, and faith wasn’t theoretical—it was essential. People relied on God because they had to, and that dependence shapes such rich character arcs. I also love the grit and resilience of that time. My characters face tough circumstances, but they discover God’s faithfulness in the middle of it. The era provides a perfect backdrop for exploring how God’s best often looks different from our plans—and how we grow by leaning into Him in the middle of hardship.

CB: The characters in this book seem to wrestle with love, purpose, and possibly identity. What drew you to explore those kinds of themes in a frontier setting?

McGill: Oh, I’m drawn to messy hearts! Especially the ones asking, “Am I enough?” or “Where do I belong?” Gabe Manning, my hero in Written on My Heart, wrestles with being caught between two worlds—his Arapaho heritage and his role as deputy in a town that doesn’t fully accept him. Betsy Smith, my heroine, longs to be valued for more than what she does. The frontier amplifies those internal questions because survival forces choices—about loyalty, identity, faith, and love. I wanted to explore how God meets us right in the tension of those questions. When life feels uncertain, we learn to cling to what’s true—and that’s where God does His most beautiful work.

CB: The series title Discerning God’s Best is so intriguing. How do your stories explore that idea—especially in terms of how we recognize or wait on God’s plan?

McGill: One big question forms the heart of this series: What if God’s best doesn’t look like what we expected? Each book explores what it means to trust God when the path seems unclear or painful. I try to show that discerning God’s best doesn’t mean life gets easy—it means we get anchored. Through prayer, godly counsel, Scripture, and sometimes trial and error, my characters learn to listen for God’s whisper and trust His timing. And they discover that God’s best always comes with His presence.

In the first book of the series, Desire of My Heart, one character, Grammie, knows how to pray and wait on the Lord. That character is based on my mother, who showed by example how to not only take everything before the Lord, but to sit at His feet and wait for His reply. That kind of discernment comes from intimacy with God, and that’s what I hope readers take away—not just a good story, but a deeper desire to know the Author of their own.

CB:  For readers who are moved by the faith elements in your stories, what’s one way they can support authors like you who are weaving God’s truth into fiction?

McGill: Such a lovely question! The biggest way is prayer—truly. Writing faith-filled fiction comes with spiritual opposition, and knowing readers are praying is priceless. Another immense help? Leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads. Reviews not only encourage the author’s heart but also help more readers discover our stories. And finally, share the book! Whether by word of mouth, on social media, or handing your copy to a friend, every recommendation carries weight. You’re not just supporting a book or author—you’re helping spread the Gospel through story. And honestly, that’s the heart of it all.

CB:  Thank you so much for answering all of my questions, Heidi! I pray that God continues to bless you in your writing ministry.

McGill: Thank you! It’s been such a joy chatting with you. It blesses me more than I can say to link arms with others who are passionate about sharing God’s truth. May He continue to multiply your ministry and mine—one story, one reader, one heart at a time.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 28, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 5, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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