The Jewel of His Heart by Maggie Brendan

MY REVIEW:

Maggie Brendan takes the reader back in time to the Montana frontier of the late 1800’s. At her mother’s death, Juliana, who hasn’t seen her father in years, is determined to take care of herself without depending on a man. Josh, a sheepherder, is determined to prove himself to his cattle rancher father whatever it takes. When the two meet, they are instantly attracted but attempt to ignore it for their own personal reasons.

The Jewel of His Heart portrays frontier life colorfully – from the muddy streets, unruly citizens, and disastrous events to caring friendships, breathtaking scenery, a little humor and of course romance. There are enough misunderstandings, adventures, and romantic tension to keep the story interesting. An added plus is the spiritual growth experienced by Juliana as she underwent  numerous challenges in her life. I also enjoyed the history of Yugo sapphires that was woven into the plot.

For those who love novels about the old west, particularly those with a little romance, The Jewel of His Heart might just be right up your alley.

Thanks to Donna Hausler with the Baker Publishing Group for my review copy of The Jewel of His Heart.

Breakthrough Author Captures Romance and Rugged Adventure Big Sky Country holds two treasures: rare jewels and Juliana’s love. Which will he choose?

Romance readers have taken to the soft, romantic style of Maggie Brendan in her runaway-hit debut novel No Place for a Lady. Now, the second book in the series releases with great anticipation, taking readers back to the Big Sky Country of the American frontier—and the life and love that awaits.

The second book in the Heart of the West series, The Jewel of His Heart is set in 1890s Montana. It is here that Juliana calls home when she meets Josh McBride, a handsome, gentle sheepherder. When he discovers a rare kind of sapphire on his property and considers striking out on his own path in the world, he is forced to decide what’s most important to him: the world’s riches or the eternal value of love in a woman whose eyes rival the rarest of gems.

For fans of Lori Wick and Kim Vogel Sawyer, Maggie Brendan’s beautifully woven story captures the rugged, adventurous life on the American frontier—and the quest for love by the pioneers who live there.

“Maggie Brendan is adept at weaving a sweet love story…
Within these pages indeed lies a jewel.”
—Tamera Alexander, bestselling author

“With its tender love story and vivid imagery of a time gone by,
Maggie Brendan’s gentle style of prairie romance is reminiscent of Janette Oke”
—Julie Lessman, author of the Daughters of Boston series

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Maggie Brendan is a member of American Christian Writers and the American Fiction Writers Association, and is a contributor to www.bustlesandspurs.com, a website for inspirational romance in the old West. You can read her blog at southernbellewriter.blogspot.com. She is the author of No Place for a Lady and lives in Georgia.

Available October 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell,
a division of Baker Publishing Group.

For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com