{"id":7796,"date":"2011-05-19T22:48:15","date_gmt":"2011-05-20T03:48:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/\/?p=7796"},"modified":"2011-05-19T22:51:15","modified_gmt":"2011-05-20T03:51:15","slug":"secrets-of-the-heart-by-jillian-kent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/?p=7796","title":{"rendered":"Secrets of the Heart by Jillian Kent"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a>\"\"<\/a>It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour<\/a><\/strong><\/span> book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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Today’s Wild Card author is: <\/strong><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jillian Kent<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n

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and the book:<\/span> <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Secrets of the Heart<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Realms (May 3, 2011)<\/p>\n

***Special thanks to Anna Coelho Silva | Publicity Coordinator, Charisma House | Charisma Media for sending me a review copy.***<\/p>\n

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:<\/span> <\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>Jillian has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers for several years. She has also been a member of Romance Writers of America for 20 years and a member of The Beau Monde, Kiss of Death, and Faith, Hope, and Love specialty chapters of RWA. With a master\u2019s degree in social work, Jillian is employed as a counselor for nursing students, which reflects within the pages of her first novel, Secrets of the Heart, which won the 2009 Inspiration for Writers contest, previously finaled in the Daphne du Maurier, the Noble Theme, and Faith, Hope, and Love\u2019s Touched by Love contests.<\/p>\n

Visit the author’s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:<\/span> <\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>Madeline Whittington, daughter of the deceased Earl of Richfield, emerges from English society\u2019s prescribed period of mourning in the winter of 1817. Madeline believes that she no longer belongs in a world of gossip and gowns after experiencing multiple losses. When she rescues a runaway from Ashcroft Insane Asylum, her life will be forever changed as she discovers the dark secrets within the asylum walls.
\nBecause of his elder brother\u2019s unexpected death, Devlin Greyson becomes Earl of Ravensmoore and struggles between two worlds: one of affluence and privilege and one of poverty and disease. Torn between his desire to become a doctor and the numerous responsibilities of his title, he wrestles with God\u2019s calling for his future. Will he be able to honor this God-given gift and win the woman he falls in love with in a society that does not value gentlemen who work? And will Lady Madeline be able to honor her father\u2019s memory when she is attracted to the man she holds responsible for her father\u2019s death?<\/p>\n

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Product Details:<\/p>\n

List Price: $13.99
\nPaperback: 304 pages
\nPublisher: Realms (May 3, 2011)
\nLanguage: English
\nISBN-10: 161638185X
\nISBN-13: 978-1616381851<\/p>\n

AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:<\/span> <\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Prologue<\/p>\n

Yorkshire, England, 1817
\nWho\u2019s there?\u201d Lady Madeline Whittington reined her horse in and listened. She looked into the dense, wooded edge of the forest of Richfield, her family home. \u201cDid you hear something, Shakespeare?\u201d She petted her gelding\u2019s neck. The horse\u2019s ears pricked forward. She studied the fading sun. Darkness would close in soon. It would be unwise to tarry over long. The forest edges, thick with bare brambles now, would become heavy with foliage in the next few months. If she was fortunate, the blackberries would return. Last year\u2019s winter had been harsh, and she\u2019d had to go without that succulent treat. A shadow flitted from within, causing a branch to tremble. \u201cCome out.\u201d Madeline hardened her voice. \u201cCome out at once.\u201d<\/p>\n

Papa had taught her to be firm and bold when encountering the unknown, but also cautious. She reached for the revolver in her pocket wishing she hadn\u2019t sent Donavan, their groomsman, on ahead. But she\u2019d desperately wanted to ride alone for a few short minutes.<\/p>\n

Two huge brown eyes in a tear-streaked and muddy face peered between parted branches held back by long slim fingers. Blood trickled from scratches on the girl\u2019s arms and hands.
\n\u201cWho are you? Why did you not answer me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The eyes grew wider.
\nMadeline\u2019s heart softened along with her voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s safe. I won\u2019t hurt you.\u201d She tore a hunk of bread from a leather pouch strapped across her shoulder. \u201cAre you hungry?\u201d She offered a large portion. Crumbs fell.<\/p>\n

The girl took a step toward her and bit her lower lip. Bruises colored the young woman\u2019s wrists and ankles, her only covering a torn chemise and ill-fitting shoes with no laces.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your name? Can you understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Brown Eyes held out a hand.
\n\u201cYou are hungry. Of course you are. Come closer. I\u2019m going to toss the bread to you. Is that all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The pitiful creature nodded and held out both hands.<\/p>\n

She understands me. Madeline aimed and carefully threw the bread.<\/p>\n

The silent stranger caught it and stuffed the bounty into her mouth so fast that Madeline feared the girl might choke.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you come with me?\u201d Madeline held out her hand. \u201cYou may ride with me.\u201d
\nBrown Eyes stepped back.
\n\u201cDon\u2019t go. It\u2019s dangerous. You cannot stay here. I won\u2019t hurt you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The girl looked into the woods at the lowering sun and then at Madeline\u2019s outstretched hand. Brown Eyes stepped backward. One step. Two steps.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait.\u201d Madeline unbuttoned her cape. \u201cTake this. It\u2019s far too cold with only a chemise to cover you. You\u2019ll freeze to death.\u201d She threw the long, fur-lined wrap to Brown Eyes.<\/p>\n

The girl gathered the offering and backed into the forest, keeping her eyes locked on Madeline\u2019s until she turned and ran.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Wait. Please wait.\u201d Madeline searched for a way through the thicket. Not finding any, she pushed her mount farther north until she found an entry. How could she help this girl without scaring her out of her wits? She found the girl\u2019s path. Darkness chased them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you?\u201d Madeline shouted. \u201cIt\u2019s too dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shakespeare\u2019s ears pricked forward, and she caught the sound of scurrying ahead and then spotted Brown Eyes. Low-hanging branches attacked Madeline, clawing her with their long-reaching arms as she herded the girl toward a nearby hunting cabin. Minutes later they broke through the trees and entered a clearing where the outline of a small cabin was silhouetted against the fast-approaching night sky.
\nPulling her mount to a stop, Madeline kicked her booted foot out of the stirrup and narrowly avoided catching her skirt on the pommel as she slid to the ground.
\n\u201cI won\u2019t hurt you,\u201d Madeline called. The girl hesitated and then ran again. Gathering up her skirt, Madeline chased after the girl, grabbing for the cape that trailed behind. She easily caught the girl, who fell to the ground in a heap and rolled into a ball with the cape wrapped around her.<\/p>\n

Madeline knelt beside her and spoke gently. \u201cPlease don\u2019t run. I\u2019m not going to take the cape from you. It\u2019s yours. A gift.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brown Eyes panted with fear.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s all right. I\u2019m not going to hurt you. I want to help.\u201d Madeline patted the girl\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

She flinched.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry you are afraid. I want you to stay here. See the cabin? You can stay here.\u201d
\nThe girl peeked out from behind the cape, her ragged breathing easing from the chase through the woods. She looked at the cabin and then at Madeline.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you\u2019ve suffered something horrid. Come. You\u2019ll be safe here. Trust me.\u201d Madeline stood and offered a hand up.<\/p>\n

Brown Eyes took her hand and followed her into the cabin.<\/p>\n

One<\/strong>
\nEach one sees what he carries in his heart.<\/p>\n

\u2014Johann Wolfgang von Goethe<\/p>\n

Have you ever made a mistake?\u201d Madeline settled into her saddle, avoiding her friend\u2019s probing gaze. Anxiety rippled through her as she stroked the neck of her large bay gelding while they waited for the hunting horn to sound.
\n\u201cNot to my recollection.\u201d Lady Gilling gathered her reins. \u201cI\u2019m quite good at avoiding them.\u201d
\n\u201cI shouldn\u2019t have come.\u201d Madeline\u2019s gloved hands trembled. \u201cI hate hunting.\u201d She\u2019d tried to avoid the ride today. She wanted to visit her brown-eyed fugitive, and she\u2019d been unable to take food to the girl this morning because of the hunt. Mother had insisted she rejoin society this morning, and she\u2019d enlisted her best friend Hally, Lady Gilling, to be certain that she rode today.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou used to love the hunt.\u201d Hally circled her dappled gray mare around Madeline\u2019s horse, inspecting Madeline as though she were about to enter the ballroom instead of the final hunt of the season.<\/p>\n

Madeline shook her head. \u201cYou\u2019re wrong. I love riding, not hunting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps. However, at one and twenty, you are far too young to give up on this world. And even though I\u2019m only two years your elder, I\u2019ve had my sorrows too, and I have found ways to battle the pain. You must do the same.\u201d
\n\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hally.\u201d The heat of shame spiraled into her cheeks despite the sting of the cold, early spring air. She thought of her brother and sister who had died during the past two years and of Papa who had joined them last year. What could be worse\u2014losing siblings and a parent or a beloved husband, as Hally had only two years ago?
\nMadeline\u2019s horse pranced in rhythm to her rising anxiety. \u201cEasy, Shakespeare. Easy, boy.\u201d She tried to focus on the gathering outside Lord Selby\u2019s manor house where horses and riders crowded together in a flurry of anticipation. She took a deep breath to rein in her frustration and hoped her mount would settle down along with her. \u201cHally, you pick the most difficult of times to discuss such personal issues.\u201d
\nHally edged her mount next to Madeline\u2019s horse. \u201cI do this because you have been in hiding ever since your father died. If you refuse to mix in polite society, they will refuse you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave I become a ghost?\u201d Mist floated over the fetlocks on her horse, a dreamlike ground covering that made it seem like they waited in the clouds. \u201cDo you not see me?\u201d She wanted to slip away from this show of rejoining society. She wanted to check on the girl. She wanted to leave. \u201cDoes society not see me here today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the first time in a year at the hunt.\u201d Hally reached over and pushed back the netted veil that covered Madeline\u2019s face, tucking the material into her hat. \u201cThere, that\u2019s much better. Now everyone can see you.\u201d
\n\u201cAnd that\u2019s supposed to make me feel better?\u201d She reached up to pull the veil back into place, but Hally stopped her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour mother worries, Maddie. Since your father died, you have refused to mingle, you have refused to travel, and until today you have refused to ride with the hunt. Your father would have scolded you for such behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n

Madeline\u2019s chin trembled. \u201cThat was cruel. I enjoyed the hunt because Papa loved it when I rode with him. He\u2019s gone now. I don\u2019t have to hunt to ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hally lowered her voice. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I know you miss him, but society\u2019s prescribed period of mourning is quite enough. I\u2019ve always believed six months far too long, and here you are six months after that. You need not suffer further isolation.\u201d She leaned closer and whispered. \u201cFor heaven\u2019s sake, Maddie, your mother is out of mourning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid she thinks of allowing Lord Vale to court her.\u201d There, she\u2019d said it aloud. \u201cMay God forgive her. She dishonors Papa\u2019s memory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo that is what worries you. Your mother is interested in a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not just a man, Hally. He\u2019s Lord Vale, and there\u2019s much speculation about his actions and investments. Yet here I am, pretending all is well.\u201d Madeline lifted her chin and watched her breath dissipate like puffs of smoke on the wind.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretending is a fine art.\u201d Hally smiled. \u201cEveryone must pretend to some extent, dear, or life would be far too complicated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder where life will lead now. Mother isn\u2019t thinking clearly and allows Vale too much time with her at Richfield. I no longer know where I belong, but certainly not in this world of gossip and gowns.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will discuss your fears later, my dear. But for now, your mention of gowns is a subject that warrants further consideration. I think it is time we turn our thoughts toward lighter matters, and talk of fashion will do nicely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFashion?\u201d Madeline scrunched up her nose. \u201cPlease tell me you jest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFashion is always important.\u201d Hally tilted her head in thoughtful study. \u201cYour black wool riding habit does nothing to draw attention. Green would set your hazel eyes ablaze or, at the very least, a lush russet to show off the highlights in your hair.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy does this matter so much to you?\u201d For the first time that day, Madeline studied her friend in turn. A dark lavender velvet riding habit enhanced her figure. The fabric against the gray of her horse together with the soft early morning light provided Hally with an air of regal confidence, confidence Madeline envied. She was already looking forward to the end of this event.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you are my friend, and melancholia does not become you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense. I used that emotion up long ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you say.\u201d Hally scanned the area. \u201cThe chill has bestowed you with blushing cheeks, a most charming quality that will endear you to the male population. There are some very eligible and very handsome gentlemen here today. I shall be most pleased to make an introduction.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tentacles of panic snaked through her. \u201cI don\u2019t believe that is required today.\u201d Nor any other day. The thought of an introduction to a gentleman terrified her. She\u2019d witnessed Mother\u2019s agony when she\u2019d lost her children and then her beloved husband. Why allow the heart such vulnerability to begin with? \u201cReally, Hally. Do you never grow weary of your matchmaking schemes? Do you not find such things awkward?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy James was a rare man. I\u2019ll never stop missing him . . . and the children we might have enjoyed. I want you to experience that kind of love, Maddie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sorrow shadowed Hally\u2019s blue-green eyes. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I didn\u2019t mean to be so selfish.\u201d The last thing she had wanted to do was cause more heartache.<\/p>\n

Hally waved a dismissive hand. \u201cIt\u2019s all about love, dearest. Don\u2019t forget that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut love is\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNecessary. Not awkward. You must accept that. You missed your London season four years ago. I know many at this event. As a respectable widow I can be a great help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Madeline didn\u2019t argue. \u201cI appreciate your concern.\u201d She hoped to get through the hunt and the social gathering unscathed by men and their unwanted advances. The gathering after the hunt could prove to be difficult. Many men would drink, and some would drink too much, making themselves perfectly obnoxious. \u201cPerhaps we can just ride today and think on these matters another time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cForgive me, dear. I\u2019m overzealous when it comes to you. I will not speak of opportunities again this day. But I pray you\u2019ll think about what you are doing, think about your future, think about your life. If you continue to hide yourself away, you will not be accepted by polite society. And since your mother is ready to begin living again, should you not as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

The budding tree branches swayed gently in the early morning breeze and, bending toward her, seemed to hesitate on the wind, awaiting her reply. \u201cI am in no mood to meet anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll speak of your moods later.\u201d Hally smiled. \u201cLet\u2019s enjoy the present.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bright streaks of sunlight burst through the cloudy, late March sky. Madeline contemplated her friend\u2019s advice. \u201cYou\u2019re right. It\u2019s a beautiful morning. Time to imagine the future. As for now, I\u2019m just not certain how to proceed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hally reached across her mare and patted Madeline\u2019s hand. \u201cI\u2019ll be happy to show you the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lord Selby\u2019s raucous laughter roared through the crowd as he muscled his way through with his horse. Another rider crashed into her while trying to get out of Selby\u2019s way, causing Madeline\u2019s mount to lurch sideways into Hally, nearly unseating each of them.<\/p>\n

Madeline\u2019s breath caught, but she quickly tightened her reins and gained control.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Shakespeare. It\u2019s all right, boy.\u201d She stroked the gelding\u2019s neck to calm him and looked to see if the other rider had recovered his balance.<\/p>\n

A pair of green eyes, wide with concern, locked on her. The beginning of a smile dimpled the man\u2019s cheeks. A strong chin, straight nose, and clean-shaven face provided him with the good looks of a gentleman in a Van Dyck portrait. She felt the heat of a sudden blush and, not trusting her voice, held her tongue.<\/p>\n

Apology etched his handsome face. \u201cI beg your forgiveness.\u201d He arched a single black brow. \u201cAre either of you hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Madeline sucked in a deep breath to calm her nerves and brushed her skirt free of imaginary grime. \u201cI am unscathed, sir,\u201d she assured him, pulling her gaze away. \u201cLady Gilling?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo injuries here.\u201d She pushed her purple plumed hat back into place.<\/p>\n

Madeline turned back to him. The sudden urge to chuckle surprised her, but instead of laughing, she molded herself into a woman of politeness and poise. \u201cIt appears that we have survived the excitement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid Lord Selby is already in his cups this fine morning.\u201d The charming stranger maneuvered his mount closer and lowered his voice. \u201cHippocrates here found Selby\u2019s bellowing objectionable.\u201d His smile radiated genuine warmth. \u201cI must concur with his animal instinct.\u201d<\/p>\n

The blare of the hunting horn filled the air. The fine gentleman tipped his hat and disappeared into the crush of riders. A twinge of disappointment tugged at Madeline\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you certain you are unharmed?\u201d Hally asked as they trotted their horses out of the gate. \u201cYou look a bit pale.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t help but think I\u2019ve seen that man somewhere before.<\/p>\n

Does he look familiar to you?\u201d Madeline searched for him as they rode out.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I don\u2019t believe so. Could it be that you just met a gentleman of importance with no introduction from me at all?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStrange. I can\u2019t recall where, but I\u2019m almost certain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe hounds are on the move,\u201d Hally said. \u201cWe must discuss your newly made acquaintance later. We\u2019re off!\u201d<\/p>\n

The baying hounds drowned out the possibility of further discussion. A glimmer of anticipation lightened Madeline\u2019s heart. The challenge of the ride distracted her from other concerns and strengthened her spirit. Perhaps I have been a bit melancholy of late.<\/p>\n

Her worries lessened with each stride of her horse and with each obstacle cleared, but flashes of the past whirred by her as swiftly as the hunting field. The horses in front of her threw clumps of dirt into the air as they pounded across the countryside in pursuit of a fox she hoped would evade them.<\/p>\n

A pheasant burst from its nest. Startled, Shakespeare faltered as he launched toward the next stone wall. Madeline leaned far forward and gave him extra rein in an attempt to help him clear the barrier, but she knew immediately he was off stride.
\nThe crack of rear hooves against the top of the wall thundered through her heart. Shakespeare stumbled and went down on his knees, tossing her over his head. Madeline landed with a jarring thud on her left side. She struggled to get up, but racking pain paralyzed any attempt at movement.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaddie!\u201d Hally dismounted, ran to Madeline, and knelt at her side.<\/p>\n

She rolled onto her back and groaned. A fine mess. \u201cShakespeare? Is he hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d Hally clutched Madeline\u2019s hand in her own. \u201cMaddie?\u201d<\/p>\n

She lay still, trying to assess the damage. \u201cI believe I may have broken my arm.\u201d Tears stung her eyes. \u201cWhere\u2019s Shakespeare?\u201d She prayed he bore no serious injuries.<\/p>\n

A shadow fell over Madeline. \u201cI\u2019ve already looked at him. He\u2019s shaken, temporarily lame, but on his feet. He will be taken to Selby\u2019s stables to begin the healing process. Unlike your horse, young lady, I suggest you not move.\u201d<\/p>\n

The gentleman had returned. And here she lay, flat on her back, her riding skirt disheveled, an indelicate position, indeed. She did not need a man now, especially this very interesting man.<\/p>\n

She squeezed Hally\u2019s hand. \u201cI\u2019m not presentable,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is hardly the time to be concerned about one\u2019s appearance,\u201d Hally whispered back, smoothing Madeline\u2019s skirt down toward her ankles, a gesture that reminded Madeline of her maid making the bed. She\u2019d have laughed if she weren\u2019t completely mortified and on the verge of fainting. Her arm felt like glass under pressure, about to shatter.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou took quite a tumble.\u201d He dropped to his knees. \u201cMay I be of assistance?\u201d<\/p>\n

Madeline tried to sit up again, determined not to appear weak.She prided herself on her independence and strength, but her body rebelled and collapsed as if she were a marionette whose strings had suddenly been severed. \u201cWho are you, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Devlin Grayson of Ravensmoore. Where does it hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy arm.\u201d Madeline gingerly cradled her left arm and tried to blink back the tears. \u201cYou\u2019re Lord Ravensmoore?\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded.<\/p>\n

She felt suddenly vulnerable, looking into this stranger\u2019s intense gaze. \u201cI couldn\u2019t prevent it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLie still, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything happened so fast. It\u2019s been so long since I\u2019ve been on the hunt field,\u201d Madeline said, embarrassed. \u201cPoor Shakespeare. I hope he\u2019s not hurt. I\u2019m such a fool.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are no fool. This could happen to anyone. And your horse appears to be recovering from the shock. A fine horse. And you have given him a fine name.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gazed up into his caring green eyes. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I ask your name before I examine you? That is, if I have your permission?\u201d<\/p>\n

She found it difficult to concentrate. \u201cLady Madeline Whittington.\u201d Her head throbbed. \u201cExamine me? Are you a doctor? No, that wouldn\u2019t be right, would it? Not if you\u2019re Ravensmoore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will be soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fleeting thoughts of Papa suffering in the hospital filled her mind with fear and anger. The doctors had not helped him. He had died under their care. The slightest of remembrances bubbled to the surface of her thoughts. She turned her face away from him and looked at Hally.<\/p>\n

\u201cLady Madeline,\u201d Hally pleaded, glancing across at Ravensmoore. \u201cHe is offering you his medical skills.\u201d<\/p>\n

Madeline turned back and looked him in the eye, trying to catch the elusive memory. Where had she seen him before? \u201cSomething is not right.\u201d The memories, one after another, tumbled into her consciousness and revealed themselves as they broke through her defenses and exploded into the present. \u201cI remember you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember me?\u201d He paused and studied her, searching her face for details, some recollection of the past.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were at the Guardian Gate when we took my father to the hospital.\u201d Her voice dropped to a whisper. \u201cYou killed him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ravensmoore paled. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLady Madeline! What an unkind thing to say.\u201d Hally looked at Ravensmoore. \u201cShe must have hit her head. Maddie, have you lost all reason?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy father, Lord Richfield, bled to death because of your ineptness.\u201d A ripple of pain burst up her arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cLady Madeline\u2014of Richfield?\u201d he asked, turning a shade paler. \u201cYour father? I . . . I do remember. I\u2019m very sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hally gently touched Madeline\u2019s cheek and wiped away a tear. \u201cHe is only trying to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want his help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI assure you, madam, I am not a murderer. I am most sympathetic to your loss. I promise to be gentle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA fine promise,\u201d she scoffed. \u201cBut I have no confidence in your abilities, sir. It is regrettable, but it is the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pressed on. \u201cThe bone might be broken.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not need your attention,\u201d Madeline snapped. \u201cIt\u2019s most unnecessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

A pulse throbbed at his temple. \u201cYou don\u2019t understand.\u201d He recovered his composure. \u201cIf you refuse to let me examine you, then I must insist on escorting you to Lord Selby\u2019s home where you can rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Madeline groaned in frustration. \u201cI refuse to return to that man\u2019s home. He\u2019s drunk.\u201d The two of them outnumbered her. \u201cI want to go home.\u201d She allowed them to assist her to a sitting position.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe accepts your kind offer, sir,\u201d Hally put in.<\/p>\n

\u201cLean against me, Lady Madeline, until we see if you can stand,\u201d Ravensmoore said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI appear to have little choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ravensmoore put his arm around her waist and gently guided her to her feet. The strength of his body proved to be an unexpected comfort.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it. Keep your left arm pressed against your side,\u201d he instructed.<\/p>\n

The last thing she wanted to do was lean against this man who dredged up bitter memories of Papa\u2019s death. \u201cI\u2019m fine, really,\u201d she lied, in hope of escaping him. Her body betrayed her in a sudden burst of pain that forced her to stiffen. She repressed a moan and fought to keep her balance. Emotions from the past and present collided in a haze of confusion.<\/p>\n

Madeline pushed away from him. \u201cLady Gilling will assist me.\u201d She held her hand out and stumbled. Ravensmoore caught her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you will pull your friend to the ground with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

How could she have considered this man attractive? The thought made no sense now that she had put the pieces together. Yet, he seemed kind, not at all how she remembered him, wearing that horrible blood-spattered apron. Her father\u2019s blood. She squeezed her eyes shut trying to ward off the image. \u201cI don\u2019t want your help,\u201d she said through clenched teeth. \u201cI can ride by myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not strong enough. I\u2019ll take you home.\u201d Ravensmoore skillfully lifted her in his arms, careful to keep her injured arm protected. \u201cYou\u2019ll ride with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Madeline sat in front of Ravensmoore for the ride home. She tried not to lean against his chest for support but found the effort impossible. She\u2019d never been so close to a man, his breath kissing her cheek. She straightened and had to smother a moan of agony when pain radiated through her arm.<\/p>\n

When the high stone walls of Richfield came into view Madeline sighed in relief, grateful to be close to home. The great manor house spread before them, the additional wings on either side providing a sense of comfort and safety. A maze of hedges to the left of them and the soon-to-be-blooming gardens magnified the opulence of Richfield. To the right of the edifice stood stables and paddocks for the horses and housing for those who tended them.<\/p>\n

Madeline swallowed hard. She\u2019d just returned home with the man who\u2019d killed her father, the man she held responsible for her father\u2019s death. Betrayal weighed heavy on her heart, for this is where Papa had loved and raised his family.
\nMadeline longed to be in her bed as they drew near the entrance. She vowed to escape from this horrid day and to her room as fast as she could manage.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you ready?\u201d Ravensmoore asked.<\/p>\n

Startled from her pain-filled thoughts she said, \u201cYes.\u201d But that was a lie. Madeline\u2019s head throbbed simultaneously with the beating of her pulse. She fought for control and blinked back tears when the three of them reached the steps leading into the arched entrance. She nearly crumpled when Ravensmoore dismounted, and she clung desperately to the pommel of the saddle. He reached for her. \u201cIt\u2019s all right. I\u2019ll help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no need to coddle me, sir. I assure you, once again, that I am perfectly able.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcellent! Then this should not be too difficult for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Madeline fell into his arms, light-headed and shaky. She wobbled when her feet touched the ground. He held her, keeping her safe.<\/p>\n

\u201cAllow me to carry you, Lady Madeline.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pain sliced through her arm from the jolting ride. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing wrong with my legs, sir. I can walk.\u201d She took two steps and swayed precariously.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think not.\u201d Ignoring her protests, Ravensmoore scooped her into his arms again. His warmth and scent\u2014spice, leather, and sweat\u2014mingled together in a balm for her pain.<\/p>\n

Her mother, Grace, the Countess of Richfield, ran down the steps to meet them. \u201cMadeline, you\u2019re hurt!\u201d Her mother placed a hand on Madeline\u2019s cheek. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

Madeline bit her lip, trying not to reveal the depth of her pain. \u201cIt\u2019s nothing, Mother. I took a spill off Shakespeare.\u201d She would not be the cause of further anguish. Mother\u2019s grief over the past two years had been more than many tolerated during a lifetime.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019ll be fine, Countess,\u201d Hally said. \u201cWe\u2019ve brought a doctor with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA doctor? Thank God. Follow me, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now, beyond caring, she laid her head on his shoulder. Once again his breath whispered past her cheek as he took the stairs and delivered her safely into the embrace of her home.<\/p>\n

\u201cPhineas, bring some willow bark tea,\u201d Grace instructed the butler. \u201cBring her into the sitting room, sir.\u201d The countess continued her directions while fussing over Madeline. \u201cThe settee will do nicely. That\u2019s it, gently.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ravensmoore\u2019s hand lingered a moment on hers as Madeline sank gratefully into the plush green velvet cushions. Surely the man would leave her in peace now.<\/p>\n

Her mother pushed back the gold damask draperies, and muted light filled the room. A fire burned in the hearth, and Madeline shivered, perhaps from the lack of the body warmth she had shared with her rescuer on the ride home.<\/p>\n

The butler returned with a pot of tea. He poured the hot liquid into a rose-patterned cup and cautiously handed it to her. \u201cThere you are, Lady Madeline.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Phineas.\u201d Steam rose from the cup. Madeline watched her mother. \u201cPlease don\u2019t worry so. It\u2019s not serious.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ravensmoore knelt beside her. \u201cI recommend you take a swallow of that tea as soon as you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSir, your services are no longer needed. And I will drink my tea when I am good and ready, thank you very much.\u201d Madeline spoke more curtly than she\u2019d intended, but she longed to be alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrink the tea, young lady,\u201d Mother ordered. \u201cThe willow bark will help you relax and ease your pain. And you will permit the doctor to examine you. Do not argue with me on this matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Mother, you don\u2019t understand. He\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She touched her daughter\u2019s hand and their eyes met. \u201cI understand enough.\u201d She turned to Ravensmoore. \u201cWhat can we do, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAllow her to rest a few moments. Then remove her riding jacket so I may examine her arm. Is there a place where I might wash up?<\/p>\n

I must have left my gloves on the field, and I don\u2019t want to cause further distress by smudging a lady\u2019s clothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. Phineas will show you the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

As soon as he\u2019d left the room, Madeline looked at her mother. \u201cLet me explain. You must know that he\u201d\u2014she pointed in the direction he\u2019d just gone with cup in hand\u2014\u201cwas the physician-in training who allowed Papa to bleed to death in York.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t recognize him.\u201d A veil of sadness shrouded her mother\u2019s eyes. \u201cI didn\u2019t think to see any of them again.\u201d Even the worry lines that creased her mother\u2019s brow could not diminish the sculpted features of a woman who resembled a Greek goddess, though she seemed utterly unaware of her beauty. The name Grace suited her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not a doctor . . . yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grace plucked a pair of shears from a nearby sewing basket. \u201cYou have made that perfectly clear. Now, allow Lady Gilling and me to cut away your jacket. You might have broken your arm, and there\u2019s no point in causing you any more pain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou still want him to examine me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. I must think of your welfare. The past is the past.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe may be able to help you. It will take a servant a long time to ride into town, locate a physician, and return with him. Let this doctor help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Madeline looked from one to the other, then handed Hally the teacup. \u201cDo be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course we\u2019ll be careful, dear.\u201d Grace cut away the jacket in moments.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Maddie. I\u2019m so sorry this happened.\u201d Hally handed her the teacup again. \u201cIt\u2019s entirely my fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is not true.\u201d Madeline finished the tea. \u201cDon\u2019t be silly.\u201d She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. \u201cI am quite dizzy.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

MY REVIEW:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A debut novel with a somewhat lackluster cover, Secrets of the Heart<\/a> surpassed my expectations. To my surprise I found it to be fairly well written with an excellent plot and interesting characters. I particularly enjoyed learning about medical practices during the Regency era as well as the horrendous conditions and unethical management of the asylums of those times.<\/p>\n

The primary characters of Lady Madeline and Lord Devlin Ravensmore were especially engaging. Although Madeline was a privileged young woman, she strained against the restraints of society and yearned to do more with her life. Similarly Devlin broke tradition as he trained to be a physician. Their relationship suffered from one conflict after another even as the reader could see how perfect they were for each other.<\/p>\n

Secrets of the Heart<\/a> is filled with enough action, drama, mystery, suspense, and romance to keep those pages turning. Some excellent lessons in faith are well woven into the narrative. I am so glad I had a chance to read Secrets of the Heart<\/a> and look forward to future offerings from Jillian Kent.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8,34,68,41,33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7796","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-books","category-historical","category-regency","category-romance","category-suspense"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7796","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7796"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7796\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7807,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7796\/revisions\/7807"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7796"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7796"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7796"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}