Heart of Gold, by Robin Lee Hatcher

Heart of Gold, by Robin Lee Hatcher, tells the love story of Shannon Adair and Matthew Dubois. Shannon is the devoted daughter of a Southern preacher, and the book opens with them moving away from their native Virginia to the town of Grand Coeur, in the Idaho territory. To say that the accommodations aren't what Shannon is used to would be an understatement - they have moved from a semi-luxurious life to a cabin that isn't much more than a shack. Although Shannon has trouble adjusting, her father seems to think nothing of it, and sets about his work.

The stagecoach driver who drove them to Idaho, a man by the name of Matthew Dubois, has also made the decision to settle in Grand Coeur. His sister, who he hasn't seen in years, and her son, are also en route to accompany him in his new home. When they arrive, he finds out that his sister is dying of cancer. Eventually, this means he'll have to take care of his nephew, since his brother-in-law has been killed in the war. Matthew hasn't settled in a place in almost a decade, and this new life seems to press upon him. Shannon offers to stay with his sister as a home nurse, and their story develops from there.

I really liked Heart of Gold. I thought it was really interesting to set the book during the Civil War, and juxtapose Shannon, whose friends and former fiance have fought and died for the South, and Matthew's sister, whose own husband was a Yankee soldier. I also found it to be a well-researched book, heavy on the period details, but not too heavy. The book seemed to ring fairly true, and I appreciated that. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys American history, as well as Christian fiction.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”