Heidi Gray McGill: Spotlight on Desire of my Heart & a Giveaway

Please enjoy this post by Heidi Gray McGill about her excellent Historical novel, Desire of My Heart. Be sure to comment below by January 21 for a chance to win a copy! (Paperback for US winner OR a $15 Amazon gift card for an international winner)

Welcome to the Hope-filled Fiction blog, Heidi, and thanks for sharing about your amazing novel and offering a giveaway!

Discover the Heartwarming Inspiration Behind Desire of My Heart

What makes a story truly unforgettable? Is it the characters whose struggles feel like your own, the plot twist that sucks the air from your lungs, or the themes of hope and redemption that linger in your soul? In Desire of My Heart, you’ll find all this and more woven into a narrative inspired by a remarkable woman—my mother, Ardis.

My mother wasn’t just the muse for Grammie in this story; she was Grammie. Her steadfast faith and infectious joy left a legacy that continues to inspire. Ardis had a way of infusing life with prayer and grace, even in the most challenging moments, always turning to God’s Word for strength. Her quiet wisdom shaped the character of Grammie, who anchors the story with her unwavering belief that God’s plan is always at work—even when we can’t see it.

Grammie’s presence in Desire of My Heart offers both comfort and conviction. She’s a gentle reminder that God’s guidance is as close as an open Bible. Her scenes are filled with wisdom, her actions with love, and her words with profound truth, embodying the very heartbeat of the story.

Set in 1858 Missouri, Rachel’s journey begins at a crossroads. A strong orphan with a quiet strength, she faces the daunting task of protecting her younger brother. Unexpectedly thrust into a marriage of convenience with Melvin Trexler, a grieving widower with two children, Rachel finds herself on a path she didn’t choose. As Grammie might say, “God has ordained our lives from the very beginning,” Rachel must trust in His plan—even when it seems impossible.

Desire of My Heart reveals the beauty of second chances and the transformative power of faith. It’s a story of finding family where you least expect it and redemption that flourishes even in life’s most challenging seasons.

Rachel and Melvin’s journey will speak to your heart if you’ve ever wondered how God can turn brokenness into something beautiful. This story invites you to experience trials that turn into triumphs, love that grows from ashes, and hope that lights the way forward.

Pick up Desire of My Heart today and discover how God’s hand works in life’s most unexpected moments. You’ll find inspiration not only in Rachel’s journey but also in the timeless wisdom of Grammie—because her faith, much like my mother’s, reminds us all to lean into God’s provision with trust and joy.

I love hearing about the inspiration behind Grammie’s character. And I loved this book! If you’re interested in reading my five-star review, you can FIND IT HERE.

I listened to Heidi’s book on audio, and you can, too!

PURCHASE IT HERE or listen to it for free ON YOUTUBE. The courtesy of a comment, liking, sharing, and subscribing to Heidi’s channel is always appreciated.

Join the conversation. Do you like stories with strong spiritual elements? Are you a historical fiction fan? What’s your favorite time period to read about? What questions or comments do you have for Heidi?

Be sure to comment below by January 21 to enter the giveaway! (US winner will receive a paperback of Heidi’s book. International winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card)

Desire of my Heart by Heidi Gray McGill

Click the book cover for purchase link

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.

Heidi Gray McGill is a distinguished author known for her impactful Christian fiction. She blends timeless themes of faith, hope, and love with a touch of humor and depth. Despite the challenges of blindness, Heidi has written eight books, including her beloved Discerning God’s Best series, which showcases God’s provision and guidance through richly crafted characters and settings.

Her writing journey began in March 2020, but her passion for connecting with people was honed as the founder and director of an ESL program, where she helped students achieve their dream of U.S. citizenship. Heidi lives near Charlotte, NC, with her husband of over thirty years. She enjoys family time, cooking, playing games, and finding inspiration in everyday moments.

Heidi invites you to stay connected and explore the stories that inspire her heartfelt writing. As a special gift, she’s offering her free prequel, Deep in My Heart, available in both eBook and audiobook formats. This captivating journey from South Carolina to the Midwest sets the stage for Desire of My Heart.

VISIT HEIDI’S WEBSITE to join her mailing list and embark on a path of faith, hope, and inspiration alongside Heidi.

Connect with Heidi: Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / BookBub / Goodreads / X / Amazon

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If you missed Laura DeNooyer’s interview last week, FIND IT HERE.