The Desires of Her Heart

Title: THE DESIRES OF HER HEART
Author: Lyn Cote
Publisher: Avon Inspire
2009
ISBN: 978-0-06-137341-1
Genre: Inspirational/historical

Dorritt’s stepfather is a gambler, and has lost the family fortune. Their only hope to remain in Louisiana is for Dorritt and her half-sister, Jewell, to marry well, to rich men. But Dorritt has no intentions of marrying, and Jewell’s only suitor just gave her a good-bye present. So, the step-father decides to move them to Texas to where Stephen Austin is meeting.

But Dorritt is unofficially the one in charge since her stepfather has no intelligence and her mother seems unaware of what is going on. Dorritt asks a traveling half-breed, Quinn, to guide them, but he refuses, unless Dorritt’s father asks him, and pays him with a thoroughbred horse.

The trip is still ridden with difficulties. Slaves are not allowed in the Mexican territory of Texas. A hurricane blows through, threatening death. A raging, flooded river. And many other. Plus one of their party is planning destruction.

What will it take for Dorritt to find what she wants—and for the other members of their party to step up to the plate?

THE DESIRES OF HER HEART is the first book in Ms. Cote’s newest series, Texas Star of Destiny. Dorritt is a very strong heroine, though I wasn’t sure that some of the things she did she’d really be able to do in 1821. Quinn was also a strong hero, but sometimes he was weak when I felt he needed to be strong.

Over all, the story is very well written and the setting expertly described, to the point where I could almost feel the hurricane winds and the pelting rains. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. Discussion questions as well as an excerpt from Ms. Cote’s next book in the series, Her Inheritance Forever, are included at the end of the book. Don’t miss THE DESIRES OF HER HEART for a good historical read. $12.99. 305 pages.