The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is featuring Awaken My Heart by Diann Mills on January 28. I'm heads-down on my next project at the moment, so I haven't had a chance to read this one, though it's on my nightstand in my To Be Read pile. But I know Diann, and she's an incredible, award-winning writer. She has an awesome talent of transporting her readers into the setting of her stories. Maybe that's why she's such a popular author.
Here's a description of Awaken My Heart:
1803, the colony of Texas Marianne Phillips, the daughter of a wealthy rancher, has never agreed with her father's harsh treatment of the poor mestizos who first inhabited the colony of Texas. When rebels kidnap Marianne, in hopes her father will trade back their land for her freedom, she realizes her loyalty lies with her abductors, not her father, who plans to marry her off to the don of a nearby estate.
Armando Garcia is the locals' reluctant leader, but his people revere and depend on him. Knowing that without his leadership they'd be forced from their land, Armando accepts his role, but does not approve of the latest attempt to manipulate their enemy. When he learns that Marianne actually speaks his language, of her loyalty to his people, and of the faith that keeps her strong, Armando is faced with a difficult decision. Will his newfound love keep him from letting her go? Or will he set her free and risk losing their land forever?
Sounds good, doesn't it? I can hardly wait to start reading. If you're interested in buying the book, I hope you'll support your local bookstore and purchase it there. But if you absolutely can't, you can purchase it online here.
