Archive for February 3rd, 2009
Can They Overcome the Prejudice?
February 3rd, 2009 | 
Author: This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Desires Of Her Heart (Avon Inspire, February 10, 2009) by Lyn Cote.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A New Orleans lady and a half-breed frontiersman become unlikely allies as they travel the wilds of texas.
In 1821, when circumstances make it impossible for her to remain in New Orleans, Dorritt and her family head west to join Stephen Austin’s settlement and recoup their fortune in Texas.
Quinn is a man of the frontier who has made a name for himself as a peerless scout. But as he and Dorritt’s party begin a grueling trek across untamed Texas, the success of their journey is in grave doubt. Mexico has broken with the Spanish Crown, and armies from both countries—plus marauding Comanches—roam the pine forests and prairies. And one of the party is plotting destruction.
Now, with their lives joined in a virgin land fraught with peril, can Dorritt and Quinn put all their trust in God and receive the desires of their hearts?
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Desires Of Her Heart, go HERE.
MY REVIEW
I really enjoyed the story of the characters’ travels through the frontier and the topic of overcoming prejudices. The historical details were intriguing, and the events believable for the time period. Based on those factors, I would recommend the book as a good read, and it was.
However, I just did not connect with the characters. Something was missing. I’ve thought about the book since I finished it a few days ago, and I can’t put my finger on exactly what it was. I found myself reading to find out what happened next in the action, not what happened next to Dorritt or Quinn. To me, I should care about the characters more than the events of the plot.
For those who are sensitive about certain details in a book, I would recommend reading with caution since there are some obvious physical tensions and details discussed. Based on that, I would not recommend this story for teens.
Lyn Cote, the author, does an amazing job of revealing how prejudice and discrimination based on race or social status can affect all parties involved – the individuals and the family members. We hear so much about the issue of slavery during the early 1800s that, in a way, I never thought of how being a Mexican, an Indian or a half-breed during that time might affect a person and his/her opinion of self-worth. Cote brings a variety of individuals together for an interesting mix.
Overall, The Desires of Her Heart is a good story, and I look forward to the adventures of Alandra in book #2 of the Texas Star of Destiny series.
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