When I received Dreams of the Heart, I was excited to read more about John Mark Eliason from Forgotten Memories. I love how Penny Zeller makes memorable characters who come to life on the page.

I enjoyed this wholesome story with central themes of faith and family. My heart broke for Hannah, and I wanted so much more for her. John Mark such a good guy and I loved his heart. The slow-burning romance that follows warmed my heart.

If you enjoy an emotional, sweet, wholesome romance tied together with a lovely spiritual thread, this one fits the bill. Actually, any story by Penny Zeller does!

First Line: Why was he always watching her?
Series: Wyoming Sunrise Story book 2
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Author: Penny Zeller
Page Count: 367

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine. ( )

Dreams of the Heart by Penny Zeller is a work of Christian Historical Fiction. Isn’t it funny how sometimes our hardest battles occur within our hearts? Should we or should we not do something? Should we take one path, or should we take another path? What choices will give us the truest desires of our hearts? This book is the third book in the Wyoming Sunrise series. While you can read this book on its own, I recommend reading the books of the series in order.

Hannah Bane, abused by her father (a drunkard) for years, finds herself beaten down and unable to attempt to get away again. So she deals with the abuse daily. John Mark Eliason has always wanted to be a deputy sheriff and finds himself working as the deputy sheriff in the very town Hannah Bane lives. He works to find ways to help her, such as allowing her to sit in the jail building while she waits for her father to finish in the saloon.

The author illustrates the power of faith, love, and charity through the pages of this book. I found myself caught up in the stories of Hannah, John Mark, and others who provided friendship and kindness to Hannah. A young boy being raised by his grandfather after the death of his parents also plays an important part in this story. I love how the author develops the plots and characters of this story to bring an amazing story of faith and love.

So if you enjoy works of Christian Historical Fiction filled with faith, family, and friends, check out Dreams of the Heart by Penny Zeller for yourself. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I loved the continuation of the Wyoming Sunrise series as we meet dear Hannah who prays for God to grant her a miracle to escape her abusive father. I must admit I shed tears as I read of her plight but when God shows up in a mighty way you will be ecstatic. I loved the characters, the tender romance, the Faith , and even the difficulties as it made for an intriguing and believable story that left you wanting more. It is interesting to visit Wyoming in 1894and be immersed in the time period. I could visualize the town of Poplar Springs and how difficult life was at that time. Hannah is a strong young woman to endure and survive and I admire how she persevered and kept God at the center of her life. This series has introduced me to Ms Zeller and I now want to devour everything she has written.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and expressed opinions are my own and were not required. ( )

This has been a nice story about a marriage of convenience. I liked how the author didn’t write a typical story where the bride travels to another town to marry a stranger. We meet Hannah who has suffered abuse all her life from her Pa. He is as mean as they come and forces Hannah to wait for him every night outside the saloon. She barely has any food to eat and her clothes are so threadbare that at any time they could become rags. Hannah knows what poverty is like and she dreams that someday she will have a better life. I loved her deep faith and how kind she was to everyone.

John Mark is hardworking and places himself in danger each day as deputy sheriff. There is always someone breaking the law which keeps him busy. I liked that his father is a preacher and John Mark goes to him for guidance when needed. After seeing how mistreated Hannah has had to endure he devises a plan to save her from her Pa. It is a great plan if he can convince her Pa to agree to the terms.

I loved how the author shares the emotional side of both characters as they find themselves in a situation that may be uncomfortable for them . I admire John Mark for stepping up and rescuing Hannah and being honorable. His selfless act in will save Hannah from more abuse if he can keep her Pa away from her.

There is a little action in the story with a gunfight that shows how John Mark cares for Hannah and will risk his life for her. It is a beautiful story where two people learn to trust and how Hannah never gave up on her dream for a better life.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

“A fresh start was the dream of her heart …”
“If only God would hear her prayers like
He heard the prayers of others.”

Welcome to the lawless town of Poplar Springs, Wyoming, in 1894. Dreams of the Heart by Penny Zeller is our mode of transport to arrive there. By the time you leave, you will have gained some new friends, enjoyed many laughs, learned Scriptural wisdom, and maybe even had your heart broken and put back together.

Hannah Bane is a poor, but gentle, kind, young soul. Her father, however, is a cruel drunk who treats Hannah like property. He abuses her to the point she is afraid to try to leave.

John Mark Eliason, one of the sheriff’s deputies, notices Hannah and takes compassion on her. His attempt to help takes a decided turn for the bizarre before he can stop it. Will Hannah ever be able to trust John Mark, and does the deputy realize what he has committed himself to?

I liked that Zeller shows both main characters with areas that need growth, and both with solid strengths. Yet they must work together to be their best.

I wanted to cry for the conditions that both Hannah and Ambrose endured.

And, such serious topics need comic relief! Both Ambrose and Pritchard add vital substance to the story while bringing much-needed laughter. (Ambrose is so cute, you’ll want to squeeze the stuffing out of him, too!)

Solomon Eliason lives up to his name with his Biblical, practical wisdom. He and his wife’s approach to some issues their family face give me food for thought for my own struggles.

Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, plus I bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“sometimes desperation to help someone caused one to do absurd things.”

“But when God is the center of any relationship, whether it be a marriage or a friendship, it has the best chance of success.” ( )