Dreams of the Heart
About the Book Dreams of the Heart
Book: Dreams of the Heart
Author: Penny Zeller
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: March 7, 2023
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 uncertainty keep two hesitant hearts apart?
In the sequel to Forgotten Memories, author Penny Zeller weaves 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.
Wyoming Sunrise Series
Prequel: Love’s New Beginnings (Lydie and Solomon’s story)
1-Book One: Forgotten Memories
2- Book Two: Dreams of the Heart
3- Book Three: When Love Comes (December 5, 2023)
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts on Dreams of the Heart
Dreams of the Heart is a sweet romantic historical fiction title that is also part of a wonderful series you’re going to want to read.
This is a sweet historical romantic fiction. It takes place in the West and is part of a series. You can but don’t have to read this story in order. The main characters in this story were introduced in a previous book.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book. It has a snippet of suspense but not a lot. It’s not enough for me to make it a suspense novel or even a suspenseful romance. I would still classify it as a historical romance novel with a smidge of suspense thrown in.
There is a marriage of convenience! I love marriages of convenience in novels so that was so fun. It’s also a Christian novel. I wouldn’t consider it a preachy book but rather easily interwoven within the structure of the book. I absolutely adored it. The characters were wonderful and they had a lot of growth and development throughout.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
About the Author of Dreams of the Heart
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.
Penny is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website, www.pennyzeller.com, her blog, www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks. To subscribe to her monthly newsletter with book news and other fun morsels, please go to https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/262119/74964679867237940/share
More from Penny
A handsome deputy sheriff.
A woman in search of freedom.
An unconventional situation.
These three statements sum up the faith, tender romance, and plentiful humor found on the pages of Dreams of the Heart.
Some highlights during the writing of this book:
- I conducted a lot of research on sheriffs because John Mark, one of the main characters, is a deputy sheriff in the small and lawless fictional town of Poplar Springs in 1894.
- Many of us have heard of famous Old West lawmen such as the Earp brothers (Kansas, Texas, and Arizona), Doc Holliday (Arizona), and Pat Garrett (New Mexico). In my research, I also learned of a Wyoming Territorial sheriff named Christopher Castle who, with his deputies, noted the amount of money an outlaw had in his pocket when arrested. Later, when a fine was assessed, it was that exact amount.
- A fun fact: some of the duties of Old West sheriffs included keeping the peace, collecting taxes, issuing liquor licenses, keeping the streets clear of dead animals, and cleaning up manure.
- There is a brief Wild West shootout in Dreams of the Heart inspired by a historical Wyoming character’s experience.
- John Mark carries a Colt Peacemaker revolver. While writing the book, I accidentally typed in “Colt Pacemaker”. Glad I caught it, although I’m sure it would have given my editors a laugh.
- John Mark’s favorite cookie, the sugar cookie, is believed to have its origins in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and was named the “Nazareth cookie”. Enjoy the following recipe for the cookies mentioned in the book.
Lydie’s Sugar Cookies
Combine the following:
½ c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg
¼ c. milk
½ tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking powder
2 c. flour
Roll out on floured board with a rolling pin and use cookie cutters.
Bake at 325° for 8-10 minutes.
Blog Stops for Dreams of the Heart
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 12
Lakesidelivingsite, April 12
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 13
Vicky Sluiter, April 14
Texas Book-aholic, April 15
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 16
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 17 (Author Interview)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 17
Connie’s History Classroom, April 18
Truth and Grace Homeschool, April 19
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 20
For Him and My Family, April 21
Holly’s Book Corner, April 22
Mary Hake, April 22
Splashes of Joy, April 23
Cover Lover Book Review, April 24
Pause for Tales, April 25
Giveaway for Dreams of the Heart
To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!
Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/2566a/dreams-of-the-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway
Rita Wray
Sounds like a good story.
Erin S.
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today and taking the time to comment.
kim hansen
Sounds good.
Erin S.
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today and taking the time to comment.
Anita Yancey
Love the review, and the book sounds amazing.
Erin S.
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today and taking the time to comment.
Emma
This sounds good!
Erin S.
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today and taking the time to comment.
Penny Zeller
Thank you so much for your wonderful review of “Dreams of the Heart”. I really appreciate you reading and reviewing it and being a part of the blog tour. Have a wonderful weekend!
Erin S.
It was a pleasure to review and share this book with everyone on my blog!