Dreams of the Heart by Penny Zeller

 

SOMETIMES THE HARDEST BATTLES TAKE PLACE IN THE HEART

Poverty and abuse at the hands of her drunkard father leaves Hannah Bane trapped and alone. Without hope, she prays for a miracle just on the off-chance God will hear her. Will the new deputy, who seems to be watching her every move, be Hannah’s one chance to escape the only life she’s ever known?

For as long as he can remember, John Mark Eliason has wanted to be a deputy sheriff. When a job opens in the nearby town of Poplar Springs, he eagerly accepts, but finds his greatest mission won’t be tracking down criminals and bringing justice to the ruthless Wyoming town, but saving a woman he barely knows.

Will an unexpected answer to a difficult situation show how love can endure—and even thrive—in an unconventional situation? Or will fear and uncertainty keep two hesitant hearts apart?

In the sequel to Forgotten Memories, award-winning author Penny Zeller weaves a tender tale of faith, romance, and humor in a memorable story that reminds us God hears every prayer and has a plan for every life.

In book one, Forgotten Memories, we meet John Mark as a child. It is wonderful to see him as a grown man. The town he grew up in was a wholesome town filled with good people. The town in which he becomes a deputy sheriff is quite the opposite. Watching this young man do his best to make a difference in a corrupt  town reminds me of how we should be doing the same things wherever God has planted us. 

Hannah's life up until she meets this young deputy is one that is hard to take. She lived with a drunkard father her entire childhood, mostly alone. There were some that helped her in small ways but most turn a blind eye to other peoples hardships without ever realizing it. John Mark didn't do that. He saw her when no one else seemed to. People finally realize AFTER John Mark does something that THEY should have stepped up and done more to help. 

Despite the hardships she faces growing up, she clung to her faith and found strength everyday by reading her mother's bible. She never stopped praying and never gave up! 

These two young people's love starts out so simple, just a friendship that grows into so much more. I love how they pray that they can be what the other person needs them to be even before any feelings of love have begun to bloom. They both go through some really tough things but find a strong support system of people, including each other, that help them overcome the hardships and heartaches. 

This wonderful story had me really thinking about how I should approach things in my life. Even when things are challenging, downright unfair and just plain wrong. I read this book in about two days. I did NOT want to stop reading. I can't wait to read book 3! 

Prequel: Love's New Beginnings

Book One: Forgotten Memories

Book Two: Dreams of the Heart (March 2023)

Book Three: When Love Comes (Late 2023)

As Always,

~A Simple Texas Girl living life on the Jesus Way!