A Heart’s Gift

I meet Lena Nelson Dooley a few years ago. When she asked me if I had read any of her books, I was ashamed to admit that I had not. Even until now, I kept passing her books by. Not because I didn’t think I would like them, I was just too crazy with everything else. Then, this little gem crossed my path and the synopsis intrigued me enough that I figured “Why Not.” It was definitely time to see what her writing was like.

A Heart’s Gift is a touching tale of miss guided attraction, learning to accept the gifts given in the package they come in, and cherishing those God places in your care. There were tender moments–like when Franklin was interacting with the baby. Then, there were page-turning moments–like at the end (I’m not telling you.) Lastly, there were moments I wanted to throw my Kindle in irritation.

For all the sweetness, hints of steam, bits of suspense, and straight to the point facts of life (like what happens between husband and wife)–there were a few moments that just left me rolling my eyes.

First, I don’t like reading whiney characters. Especially if their dilemma is their own foolishness and it is all you read about when that character comes into the scene. If one character hadn’t been so caught up. on “who did them wrong” maybe there could have been more of something else. But that’s just me.

Second, some of the moments felt redundant or lacking in realistic conversation.

I’m not going to tell you I hated the story. The story was good and written well in a technical way, and as I said before, it did have many great points. I just don’t think I will be putting this book in my personal collection.

But don’t take my word for it. If you enjoy marriage of convenience and historical romance that flows well and sweet to read, then this book is for you.

***I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through CelebrateLit Publicities. A positive review is not required.

About the Book

Book: A Heart’s Gift

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian historical romance

Is a marriage of convenience the answer?

Franklin Vine has worked hard to build the ranch he inherited into one of the most successful in the majestic Colorado mountains. If only he had an heir to one day inherit the legacy he’s building. But he was burned once in the worst way, and he doesn’t plan to open his heart to another woman. Even if that means he’ll eventually have to divide up his spread among the most loyal of his hired hands.

When Lorinda Sullivan is finally out from under the control of men who made all the decisions in her life, she promises herself she’ll never allow a man to make choices for her again. But without a home in the midst of a hard Rocky Mountain winter, she has to do something to provide for her infant son.

A marriage of convenience seems like the perfect arrangement, yet the stakes quickly become much higher than either of them ever planned. When hearts become entangled, the increasing danger may change their lives forever.

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About the Author

Lena Nelson Dooley has been an author for 36 years. Her 51^st book released in June 2020. Raised in Arkansas, she married a Texan 56 years ago. They have lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for decades. She is an active member of ACFW and one of the founding members the DFW local chapter. She’s often been a speaker for other writers’ groups and conferences, both as a keynote speaker and a workshop teacher. Her fans love reading her books filled with characters who grip your heart.

THE STORY BEHIND A HEART’S GIFT

I’ve been a lover of history for decades. In college and graduate school, all my elective courses were history. Of course, I chose the countries and eras I wanted to learn about. When I began writing novels, my first one was a contemporary story. After that at least 75% or more of my novels have been historical, from 1805 through the early 20^th century.

I’ve always been fascinated by the relationship between Joseph and Mary the mother of Jesus. The Bible doesn’t give us a lot of information about their relationship. But by his actions, we can assume that Joseph believed the angel and Mary about her baby. He didn’t do the usual thing and put her away quietly. Instead, he protected her, and from the day He was born, he became the earthly father of Jesus. I’ve often thought about what that meant for Joseph and for Mary. When I wrote a story of a marriage between a man and a single mother, I used the emotions that I feel God has revealed to me about their relationship.

The first time I read a marriage of convenience novel, I loved it. And I’ve read quite a few. I’ve also written a few. A Heart’s Gift is one of them. This book was an easy and interesting book to write.

I’m what’s called in the industry a seat-of-the-pants author, more or less. I do have the complete outline of the story in my head. When I sit down to write, I know where I’m going, but I don’t have every single scene plotted out as some authors do. And I pray a lot. During the time I’m writing a book, God drops ideas into my mind. Not just while I’m writing, but other times, too. That’s the exciting thing about writing. This keeps it fresh for me.

During the writing of A Heart’s Gift, there’s a place where I just stopped and said, “God, what am I going to do now?” When you get there, you’ll know what scene I mean, but I don’t want to give a spoiler.

I never dreamed that the book would turn into a suspense novel in the last quarter of the book, but God knew. And it made it a better book.