4 Star Book Review: Dreams of the Heart by Penny Zeller, Book Two in the Wyoming Sunrise Series
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review. Also, this blog post includes affiliate links. You can view my affiliate disclaimer here.
Romance & Faith · Marriage of Convenience · Heartwarming
Sometimes the hardest battles take place in the heart.
Poverty and abuse at the hands of her drunkard father leaves Hannah Bane trapped and alone. Without hope, she prays for a miracle just on the off-chance God will hear her. Will the handsome new deputy, who seems to be watching her every move, be Hannah’s one chance to escape the only life she’s ever known?
For as long as he can remember, John Mark Eliason has wanted to be a deputy sheriff. When a job opens in the nearby town of Poplar Springs, he eagerly accepts, but finds his greatest mission won’t be tracking down criminals and bringing justice to the ruthless Wyoming town, but saving a beautiful young woman he barely knows.
Will an unexpected answer to a difficult situation show how love can endure—and even thrive—in an unconventional situation? Or will fear and uncertainly keep two hesitant hearts apart?
In the sequel to Forgotten Memories, award-winning author Penny Zeller brings a tender tale of faith, romance, and humor in a memorable story that reminds us God hears every prayer and has a plan for every life.
MY REVIEW: ★★★★ 4/5 Stars
Escape to the territory of Poplar Springs, Wyoming where trouble is brewing and Deputy John Mark Eliason enters an unconventional marriage of convenience in order to protect shy, soft-spoken Hannah Bane from an abusive past. This brand new release by author Penny Zeller gave me a sense of nostalgia as a fictional work of art similar to beloved favorites I grew up reading by Janette Oke and Lauraine Snelling!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Marriage of Convenience · Heroine With Abusive Past · Faith-Filled Historical Fiction · Small Town Wyoming · Law Enforcement Hero ·
What I liked:
This sweet, tender story warmed my heart so much! As a first-time reader of the works by author Penny Zeller, I had no idea of the delight I was in for. After reading Dreams of the Heart, it was clear to see that the author’s heart shines through in her carefully-crafted characters and story. This short novel is wholesome and offers rich, deep threads of Christian faith.
I simply adored each of the main characters in this story. Hannah bravely faces her broken past and displays a life-long longing to be free from the abuse and terror she faces on a daily basis. Her faith is strong, her persona shy and delicate. John Mark was the perfect balance to her character, with his protective, almost impulsive, nature and strong family heritage. Witnessing them marry, discover new truths about one another and fall in love was so rewarding.
I loved how the characters spent time in prayer, seeking God’s will for each of their lives as they moved into their unconventional union. What reader doesn’t love a marriage of convenience? This is one of my favorite tropes and it was so well done in this story. It was wholesome and tender, mature and filled with scriptural foundation and admonitions.
The little town of Poplar Springs, Wyoming hosted a wide variety of secondary characters, from adorable, little Ambrose and his pet pig, Grumbles, to townsfolk who both won over my heart and still others who provided a delightful hint of suspense and evil.
The ending was surprising and heartfelt. This story read at a great pace, was the perfect length for a cozy afternoon read and truly left my heart feeling inspired and warm. It reads as a standalone, though it is book two in Zeller’s Wyoming Sunrise series. I definitely recommend reading them in order, but it's not necessary.
sUMMARY:
If you’re a reader who enjoys clean, heartfelt historical fiction stories with multi-layered characters, deep threads of Christian faith and a dash of excitement, then you’re sure to love Dreams of the Heart! Readers who enjoy books by Janette Oke, Lauraine Snelling, Jody Hedlund, Tracie Peterson and/or Misty M. Beller will likely love this story as well!
Content and Trigger Warnings: Parental Abuse, Child Abandonment
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Image Courtesy of www.pennyzeller.com
Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics. Today Penny is a multi-published author of over a dozen books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ. When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.
You can connect with Penny at her website, www.pennyzeller.com, her blog, www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks.
