Welcome to the Takeover & Review Blitz for Desire of My Heart by Heidi Gray McGill hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Desire of My Heart by Heidi Gray McGill
Series: Discerning God’s Best – Book 1
Publisher: Heidi Gray McGill Books, LLC
Release Date: June 1, 2021
Genre: Christian Historical Romance with a Western (Louis L’Amour) touch
No matter how dark her night became, Rachel knew God promised joy in the morning.
1858, Missouri. Rachel faces an uncertain future as she approaches adulthood in the orphanage. With few options and a looming arranged marriage, she risks everything, escaping with her younger brother to avoid a future she never chose.
But when she encounters Melvin, a grieving widower with two young children, her life takes an unexpected turn. Desperate for help and willing to offer Rachel refuge, Melvin proposes a marriage of convenience. Together, they create a family rooted in faith, love, and resilience, navigating the joys and heartaches that bind them.
Just as hope blossoms, a tragedy tests their strength and trust in God, but with a supportive community and unwavering faith, they find a way forward.
Desire of My Heart is a stirring journey of redemption, resilience, and God’s unfailing love. For fans of Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford, this standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series will capture your heart. Discover a love story built on faith, hope, and the promise that even the darkest night can lead to a brighter dawn.
Series in Order:
1. Desire of My Heart
2. With All My Heart
3. Matters of the Heart
4. Healing of the Heart
5. Written on My Heart
Prequel: Deep in My Heart (Free with newsletter signup at heidigraymcgill.com/free_book)
Available on Kindle Unlimited, with discussion questions for book clubs included!
PURCHASE LINKS:
Goodreads | Amazon
More Books from This Series
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™.
Excerpt
Excerpt One
“It’s all right, dear child,” the older woman said. “God hears our prayers even when we aren’t able to voice them.” From memory, Grammie quoted Romans, “‘Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.’” She turned Rachel to her.
“What is it you truly want, child? What is the desire of your heart?”
Rachel didn’t hesitate. “To be loved by the man God has chosen for me and to have a child of my own.”
Excerpt Two
“Mr. Trexler, this is my brother, Charlie.”
The two sized each other up during a long handshake.
Rachel took a breath to speak, but Charlie jumped in, “My sister here needs a husband, and I need a job.”
Rachel gasped.
“You seem like a decent man. Marry Rachel, and she’ll help with the kids. I’ll work for you till I can stand on my own.” He thrust out his hand. “Deal?”
“Charles Dalton!” Rachel exclaimed.
“Deal,” Mr. Trexler said.
The men went on making plans while Rachel stood in stunned silence. As soon as they were away from the orphanage, she promised herself Charlie would get a proper tongue-lashing—if she could get her tongue to cooperate.
Excerpt Three
“Grammie, do they have names?”
“Oh yes, child…”
“Thomas,” Rachel whispered in the old woman’s ear, hoping she was not hard of hearing. The mischievous smirk and raised eyebrow she received answered Rachel’s question. Widow Brooks was neither hard of hearing nor crazy. She was a hooligan at heart, and Rachel adored her instantly.
“Those four in the back with the black on their legs are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Over there on top of the rock, trying to figure a way out or waiting for his next victim to jump on when they walk by, is Paul.”
Widow Brooks leaned toward Rachel and said in a hushed tone meant for her ears only, “Goes from sinner to saint in a flash of light.” The chuckle they shared was lost on the men.
“The sweet runt you’ve got there is Zacchaeus. The senseless girl with the silky brown coat who is currently on top of the shed roof is Ruth.” Again, she leaned into Rachel. “Should have named her Jezebel.” She wiggled her eyebrows for emphasis.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive an ebook copy of Desire of My Heart and With All My Heart!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 28, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 6, 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 the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops
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