About the Book
Book: A Heart’s Forgiveness
Author: Lena Nelson Dooley
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: April 6, 2021
Accepting an ad for a mail-order bride was supposed to solve her problems.
It’s 1890, and Golden, New Mexico, is a booming mining town where men far outnumber women. So when Jeremiah Dennison’s good friend and mentor finds himself in need of a nurse, Philip places an ad for a mail-order bride—despite Jeremiah’s protests.
Hoping to escape a perilous situation back East, Madeleine Mercer answers the ad and arrives in town under a cloud of suspicion. What she finds in Golden is nothing like what she expected, especially not Philip, her expected husband-to-be.
But just as she begins to win over Philip—and Jeremiah himself—the secrets she left behind threaten to follow her to Golden…and tarnish her character beyond redemption.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Lena Nelson Dooley has been an author for 36 years. Her 51st 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.
More from Lena
The Story Behind A Heart’s Forgiveness
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, all the way from 1805 through the early 20th century.
One of the hallmarks of my historical novels is the authenticity I write into the stories. Because of the amount of research I’ve done over the years, I’m kind of an expert in 19th century history. My characters and their stories are completely fictional, but the other things in the book are mostly true. I search until I find what I need to know or until I reach a complete dead end.
A Heart’s Forgiveness is set in two places—Boston, Massachusetts, and Golden, New Mexico. It’s a Mail-Order Bride story. This is another type of story I like to read and I like to write. Finding a different reason for both the man trying to get a wife that way and a woman who needs an answer to her serious problems is a fun way to start the story. In this book, the bride and groom don’t meet until several chapters, even though he knows about her. And then I added another twist I think you’ll like.
There is also a very bad villain. One who doesn’t deserve to be forgiven. I didn’t plan that from the start of the book, but I realized much later in the book that God wanted her to forgive him. That one act of obedience, undeserved forgiveness, affected the lives of others in the novel. And isn’t that just like God. None of us really deserve forgiveness, but He freely gives it to each of us who will accept the gift.
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.
When you’ve finished reading this story, I hope you’ll let me know what you think of it. I really like getting reader feedback.
Blog Stops
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 10
A Novel Pursuit, April 10
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations April 12
Reviewingbooksplusmore, April 12
lakesidelivingsite, April 13
Texas Book-aholic, April 14
Inspiration Clothesline, April 14
Inklings and notions, April 15
Betti Mace, April 16
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 16
For Him and My Family, April 17
deb’s Book Review, April 18
Simple Harvest Reads, April 18 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, April 19
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 20
Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 20
Connie’s History Classroom, April 21
Vicky Sluiter, April 22
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 23
Maureen’s Musings, April 23
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!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/10a50/a-heart-s-forgiveness-celebration-tour-giveaway
My Review
A Heart's Forgiveness is the second installment from the Love's Road Home series by Lena Nelson Dooley. Even though it is part of a series, I believe this one can be read as a stand alone. I thought it was a good read. It has a lot going on within the pages. There was action, adventure, mystery, suspense, and romance. There were a few life lessons to learn, as well. I loved the faith element and the power of forgiveness. It is wonderful story to read.
A Heart's Forgiveness will be getting four and a half stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance. I look forward to reading the next addition from Lena Nelson Dooley’s Love's Road Home series, A Heart's Forever Home.
I received a paperback copy of A Heart's Forgiveness from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Historical romance is definitely up my alley! Adding to my list!
ReplyDeleteAmy, thank you for being a part of this blog tour. Your comments about my book really blessed me.
ReplyDeleteI like historical fiction and this sounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteWonderful review, Amy! Sounds like one not to miss. Thank you for hosting.
ReplyDeleteNice cover. I liked the blurb. It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteChristian historical is my favorite genre, especially romance. The added mystery and action of this story adds to its appeal.
ReplyDeleteThis book has all the elements that make a story a satisfying read for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete