THE CAPTIVE HEART by Michelle Griep

Eleanor Morgan is an English governess who likes her job until her boss makes unwelcome advances.  She finds herself with a little money and a ticket to Charles Town.  When she arrives, the family she thought she was going to work for wasn’t there to pick her up.  That left her with no choice but to marry a man she didn’t know and one who looks almost dangerous.  Samuel Heath is a tracker and trapper who lives in a humble cabin in the woods, mostly to escape the town and bad memories.  He really needs a mother to help raise his young daughter but he has no expectations about having a true wife.  Their agreement is a marriage in name only.  But Eleanor surprises Samuel with her determination to adapt to her new life and Samuel’s heart begins to stir.  Samuel surprises Eleanor with his caring and protective ways and Eleanor finds herself drawn to him.  But there are things Eleanor doesn’t know about her new husband.  Things that could challenge her growing feelings.

WOW!  I absolutely loved this story!  From beginning to end I devoured every page.  (and isn’t the cover gorgeous?) I found myself quickly immersed in action, suspense, danger and drama balanced with some humorous and tender moments.  The romantic tension between Samuel and Eleanor totally sizzled, which I love, and the dialog was amazing.  It keeps you completely engaged.  I was totally captivated as I was taken back in time to life in the late 1700s.  I will say there was one thing I had mixed feelings about that happened toward the end but it was also realistic. You have to read the story to know what I mean.  I fell in love with Samuel.  He was strong and wise yet very guarded.   Eleanor had a good heart but there were times I got a bit frustrated with her.  I loved the interaction between them.  I’ve read other books by this author that I really liked but this by far is my favorite and has earned a rightful place on my keeper shelf.  This would make an excellent Hallmark movie.  The Captive Heart is one I HIGHLY recommend.  Once you pick it up you won’t want to put it down.

*This complimentary copy was provided by Barbour/Shiloh Run Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

A couple favorite quotes (although there were many)

“I think there is a reason Jesus said He went to prepare a place for us, that His Father’s house has many mansions.  Not that we were not created to fellowship with others, for we are but perhaps the desire to have a space of one’s own is but a shadow of what is to come, what we will experience in eternity.  A place just for us, created by the Creator.  Some, like you, feel it more keenly.”

“I promised you on our wedding day that I wouldn’t touch you.”  His husky voice wrapped around her like a warm embrace, pulling her toward him.  “Do you want that to change?”  A foreign desire ran along every nerve.  She froze, unsure if she could speak or even breath.  Afraid if she did everything would change.  Forever.  “No,” she forced the word past lips she was terrified to open.  “Because if you do” - he brushed his thumb along the curve of her neck, leaving a trail of fire - “all you need to do is ask, Tatsu’hwa.”  His brown eyes held her in place, demanding she understand his meaning - and when she did, the implication stole her last bit of breath.  Want and need charged the thin space between them, but whose? His or Hers?

For more information about this book or other books by Michelle Griep, I encourage you to visit her website at https://michellegriep.com.