Heart of Stone

Title: HEART OF STONE
Author: Jill Marie Landis
Publisher: Zondervan
February 2010
ISBN: 978-0-310-29369-9
Genre: Inspirational/historical

Laura Foster had an unspeakable childhood, one she has struggled to overcome. She now owns a beautiful, affluent boarding house in Glory, Texas, where she is known as a wealthy, respectable widow. But Laura is only one step ahead of her past.

Reverend Brand McCormick is the pastor in Glory. He has two young children from his first marriage, but his wife is deceased. His attention is caught by Laura, and even though he knows she has nothing to do with men, he’s determined to win her heart.

But then some strangers come to town. Strangers with the power to not only ruin Laura’s reputation, but also Brand’s. And some things might never be restored.

HEART OF STONE is the first book in the Irish Angel’s series. I looked at the cover and read the back cover copy and thought, this is going to be a book that’s a struggle to read. I was so wrong! This is probably one of the best historical romances I read this year. It is easy to see why Ms. Landis is a New York Times best selling author.

This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Landis but it won’t be the last. I fell in love with her characters in this book, and the message of forgiveness is one that everyone needs to hear. This is a book that will minister to so many, no matter what their situations. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series Heart of Lies. An excerpt is included in the back of HEART OF STONE. $14.99. 320 pages.