Desire of My Heart: A Shumard Oak Bend Novel (Discerning God’s Best Book 1)

𝑵𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆, 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒋𝒐𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈. In the heart of 1858 Missouri, Rachel's world is a whirlwind of uncertainty. But amidst the darkness of her circumstances, she clings to the promise of joy that God whispers to her soul. Facing the grim reality of being sold off into marriage as she ages out of the orphanage, Rachel refuses to accept her fate. With determination blazing in her heart, she hatches a daring plan with her beloved brother to escape the cruel grip of destiny. Enter Melvin, a widower burdened with raising two young children alone. Desperate for help, he sees a glimmer of hope in Rachel—a chance for a new beginning through a marriage of convenience. As God intertwines their lives, the five of them embark on a journey that transcends the bounds of blood, forming an unlikely family bound by love, resilience, and unwavering faith. Through trials and triumphs, they forge a home where hope blooms even in the harshest of circumstances. But just when they think they've found their slice of heaven on Earth, tragedy strikes, threatening to shatter their newfound happiness. Yet, guided by the light of God's love and surrounded by a steadfast community, they rise from the ashes stronger than ever before. Rachel's adventure unfolds against the backdrop of a tumultuous era, where every twist and turn brings her closer to her heart’s desire. Yet, in her quest for love, purpose, and security, she discovers that God's plans far surpass her wildest dreams. Join Rachel on her breathtaking journey through the untamed landscapes of the past, where love, faith, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow illuminate even the darkest of nights. In this powerful Christian historical fiction, award-winning author Heidi Gray McGill weaves an enthralling tale of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of God's grace. For Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford fans, this standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series will capture your heart and leave you breathless. You’ll love this book if you enjoy gripping historical drama and compelling characters. Binge-read the entire series on Kindle Unlimited. • Full-length Christian historical fiction • A standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series • Includes discussion questions for book clubs • Timeline: 1858 – 1857 • For fans of Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford Book One: Desire of My Heart Book Two: With All My Heart Companion Christmas Novella: Stitched on My Heart Book Three: Matters of the Heart Book Four: Healing of the Heart Book Five: Written on My Heart Prequel: Deep in My Heart – available for free with newsletter signup. Search Heidi Gray McGill to locate her website.