A Harvest of Hearts

GIVEAWAY!

HILTON, LAURA V.
A HARVEST OF HEARTS

A Participant in a swap of Amish men, independent yet kindhearted Matthew Yoder was glad to leave the vast farmland of Lancaster County and make a fresh start in Missouri, where he's living with the Stoltzfus family until he finds a place of his own.

Strong-minded yet filled with compassion, Shanna Stoltzfus always dreamed of becoming a nurse, despite her father's threats to shun her. Determined to follow her heart, Shanna ran away and enrolled in college. But when her classmates embark on a medical mission trip that Shanna can't afford, she must turn to the last place she wants to go for help: home.

Even though Shanna still flirts with the people and practices of her Englisch life, Matthew is fascinated by the Stoltzfuses' prodigal daughter, and a close friendship soon blossoms between them. Amid mounting tension with her father and growing attraction to Matthew, Shanna must ask herself some tough questions and decide where her true home is.

My Review:

Emotionally charged and positively riveting, A Harvest of Hearts will touch your heart and stay there long after you read the last word. Hilton digs deep, uncovering layers of pain and misunderstanding in her characters. The family relationships in this book are so real! It made my heart ache to watch her characters struggle.

The contrast between Shanna and Matthew is profound -- like oil and water they shouldn't mix, but they do, though not without difficulty. I love how Matthew's steadfast calm is a perfect foil to Shanna's volatile, reactive nature. And how sometimes that calm sets her off even more. But his constancy is swoonworthy -- quiet, unyielding, but oh so gentle and compassionate...oops, excuse me while I slide into a puddle. He's that delectable a hero!

The inspirational thread is strong and resonated with me. Hilton may have set out to entertain readers with a story but she's managed to include plain truths that we would all do well to remember. A touching, tender, thought-provoking read.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Harvest of Hearts leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca.  Please remember to include the title in your subject line. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 4. Offer open internationally.  Good luck!