It all started with a hike… about to change when she has an unfortunate encounter in the middle of nowhere.
Why would God take a personal interest in someone like her?
Grant McClintoch generally loves his job as a ranger in the oldest national park in the country. That it includes rescuing stranded visitors to the park is unfortunate. He has been trying to rebuild his life after it had nearly been destroyed. Grant doesn’t realize that God isn’t done with him yet when he stumbles onto an injured hiker.
But can he place his past in God’s capable hands where it belongs?
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I really enjoyed this book. It is the first book of Anne Perreault that I have had the pleasure to read. A trip to Yellowstone for Cady and her friend holds lots of adventure and growth. The characters are enjoyable and people that you want to get to know better as the book progresses.
This is a Christian story and for me that is exactly what I enjoy. The characters make good choices somet not quite so good and the book is heartwarming and fun as well. The spiritual text is exactly what keeps me reading good books.
I was gifted a complimentary copy of this book from the author and no expectation of a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
This book is about Cady and Grant. Cady goes on a trip without her parents for the first time and meets a ranger, Grant, with a troubled past. Romance and drama ensue. The characters are well-developed and the author clearly knows a lot about Yellowstone, the setting. This is Christian literature, so there’s obviously religious aspects throughout the book. Some of the religious views are a little strict for my liking, but I can appreciate that Cady herself is struggling with the strictness of the views her parents taught her. Without giving spoilers, I would have liked to see a little more healing between Cady and her parents, but realistically that doesn’t always happen. Overall it was a good read, and I’d like to read the next to find out what happens to her cousin!
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
It all started with a hike…
Cady Jackson’s vacation plans were simple. Go to Yellowstone National Park, enjoy the scenery, take lots of pictures. She and her cousin, Ashley, have grown up in a strict, conservative Christian family in upstate New York. Cady has never been encouraged to spread her wings. This trip is an opportunity to do so. Only, she doesn’t know how much her life is about to change when she has an unfortunate encounter in the middle of nowhere.
Why would God take a personal interest in someone like her?
Grant McClintoch generally loves his job as a ranger in the oldest national park in the country. That it includes rescuing stranded visitors to the park is unfortunate. He has been trying to rebuild his life after it had nearly been destroyed. Grant doesn’t realize that God isn’t done with him yet when he stumbles onto an injured hiker.
But can he place his past in God’s capable hands where it belongs?
MY TAKE
This is an overtly Christian love story, so if that’s not your thing this won’t be the book for you. BUT if you’re open to learning how others think even if you don’t agree, the story is full of beautiful writing, engaging characters, and Yellowstone!
Cady was raised in a very strict denomination of Christianity. She’s twenty-four when she heads out on her first trip away from her controlling family, along with her cousin Ashley. While Ashley goes wild, saying she’s not sure she believes anymore, Cady still does. She’s might chaff at some of the strictures, but she retains her faith and the belief that God will guide her.
Grant is several years older than Cady and has been married before. He’s suffered much, but he’s pulled himself together with the help of loving friends and faith in God. But his heart isn’t healed yet. He’s so focused on his work as a ranger that he gets really impatient with Cady when he first meets her. It’s a hilarious meet cute, and eventually shows that both of them have a sense of humor.
It’s kind of insta-love in that they both decide fairly early on that they’re in love with each other. But the book spans several months, some of it taking place when Cady is back home, so they each have time to get to know each other.
A lovely Christian romance.
I listened to the audiobook, and Nacia Walsh did a great job!
4 1/2 stars
An interesting and wonderful read. Cady isn’t just naive, she isn’t just sheltered. She grew up with more “law” than “grace” from her parents and pastor. Interpreting the Bible their way and only their way results in a young lady who is confused when she meets a man who she feels attracted to, and even more confused when she attends church with him. The story is well-written and does have a happy ending. I must admit, I was getting frustrated with Cady’s family. So I must include a spoiler, in case you too get frustrated with parts of the story. Spoiler alert: I’m so happy Cady finds her own path to her Savior despite the strict teachings of her childhood!!
This is my first book by this author and I must say that I was very entertained. The characters are engaging and believable. I loved the way author weaves the element of Christian faith through the story in a believable way.
On vacation in Yellowstone National Park, Cady Jackson and her cousin, Ashely, take in the spectacular sights, but when an accident occurs, Cady gets carried away, literally, by two handsome men.
Unused to the attentions of the opposite sex, ultra-conservative Cady keeps the “hounds” at bay. However, Ashley falls quickly for Clint, a western cowboy, and is tempted to set aside her tight morals the cousins were raised with.
Ranger Grant McClintock, one of her rescuers, checks up on Cady after her accident, and Cady lowers her guard enough to get to know him. Grant, bearing a grief he thought he’d never recover from, finds his heart drawn to the feisty, natural beauty Cady exemplifies. As their hearts grow closer, family tensions and a tragic accident threatens to separate them.
Will Cady and Grant trust in God’s timing and purpose for their future? Will the opposition, guilt, and misunderstanding from Cady’s family be great enough to split Grant and Cady apart or only serve to draw them closer together?
How will Ashley react when her world tips upside down? Her story continues in book two in the Yellowstone series.
Desire of the Heart is an unusual, Godly tale of true love within boundaries and rising above the past to embrace the future. Readers of Christian Romance and Christian contemporary fiction will be pulled into the story by the growing feelings of Cady and Grant and their desire to submit their lives to God. A good smattering of adventure and suspense awaits readers as well.
Perrault has a way of making the characters and the challenges they face real and is skilled at crafting individual, unique traits for her characters, which make them stand out from the crowd.
Although I don’t usually read romance or contemporary Christian fiction, I enjoyed this sweet, well-crafted tale and can easily give it a five-star rating.
I love Anne Perreault’s books! They really come alive with characters–like feelings and their temptations. If you really want a treat, try this book! It kept my interest throughout as I watched Cady’s attempts to reconcile her feelings for Ranger Grant with her beliefs in God’s way of conducting a godly relationship. She believes waiting for intimacy in a relationship until after marriage, and I do too, will bring the most joy!
Funny things happen, in this adventurous novel, that I really dream of doing one day, but hope the most disastrous don’t fall place for me or my family. It was amusing to see the way Cady bantered with Ranger “McGrant” as they got to know each other.
The dream sequence in this novel reminded me of the one in her historical romance, An Unusual Adventure An Unusual Adventure! Seriously, it really gives me shivers in a good way!
I’m personally looking forward to reading the second book in the series, For Better or For Worse! I highly recommend reading this sweet romance! I don’t think you will want to miss the fun!
I received a free copy of this book and bought my own copy since I loved this story so much! All opinions are completely my own.
A well-known line from a poem of Robert Burns says “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” In Desire of the Heart more than one character finds that statement to be so true in their lives. Cady Jackson just wants the freedom of a short vacation away from her strict parents who control her life. Her cousin Ashley wants even more – to experience more of the world that has been forbidden to her. And Grant just wants to spend his days working hard enough to overcome the guilt he carries over a tragedy in his past. A trip to Yellowstone National Park brings them all together and choices they make could well change their lives forever.
The author’s vivid descriptions set the perfect backdrop for this story and made me want to pack up everything and take a trip of my own to Yellowstone. Like Cady, I’d love to use my own camera to capture the beauty of the park and its wildlife. I enjoyed Cady’s sense of humor that revealed itself often despite her very straight-laced upbringing. Her innocence, caring heart, and brave determination made her a character I would love to call my friend. It was satisfying to observe Grant’s change of heart due to Cady’s influence and his eventual return to faith. Ashley’s story was a bit disheartening but I have hope that things will take a more positive turn for her life in the next installment of this series.
Desire of the Heart was not exactly what I expected when I began reading it. Not only is it a sweet romance but it is laced with danger, humor, faith, and several surprises. I definitely plant to be on the lookout for the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Filled with faith, some wonderful one-liners, and interesting characters this book was enjoyable to read. Perhaps because my husband and children love delivering one-liners, I really appreciated that aspect of this book. The author includes the use of faith, forgiveness, and more in her plot. God always being with us rings true for me, and I respect how the author included that piece in this book.
The author impressed me with the descriptions of the scenery and backdrop of where the story is taking place. Grant and Cady encounter each other at the beginning of the book and sparks fly. Between park rangers, a fireman, and more this story comes to life. So check it out for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
What a great book from a new-to-me-author! I’ve been seeing this author’s books online for a while now and I was really interested in them but hadn’t yet had a chance to read one, so needless to say I jumped at the chance to request a review copy of this one! I was first drawn to this book by it’s absolutely gorgeous cover, and I’m thrilled to say that the story inside is every bit as beautiful as the cover! I liked Cady instantly, I was cheering her on from the beginning. I loved watching her discover (for the first time really) grace and the depth of God’s love for His children, while still holding to her conviction to save her first kiss for her wedding day. I made the same commitment as a teen, and am still waiting for the man I believe God created with me in my mind to come into my life, and this story gave me hope for my own future happily ever after!
Grant was an awesome hero, he totally made me melt!
I loved all the nicknames that Cady came up with for Grant, my personal favorite being: Ranger McSmooth.
This engaging romance held me captivated throughout, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I highly recommend Desire of the Heart, and especially if you are a fan of Christian romances that focus on more than just physical attraction this is a story you don’t want to miss!
I look forward to reading the rest of the Yellowstone Series!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
Within the grandeur of Yellowstone park is a story of romance that Anne Perreault has created in her Christian novel “Desire of the Heart”.
A hike is something most want to do when visiting Yellowstone park. It is unusual to find love on the trail, except love of beauty and nature that one is surrounded by in a national park. But into one’s life Cupid’s arrow may fall no matter where they are. A young woman finds this to be true when she is rescued by a handsome ranger. But personalities clash and fight and snip at the edges of attraction. Where will this relationship go? Praying and listening to God’s wisdom may not lead to what this young woman thought!
Perreault has a magical way of describing the beauty of Yellowstone that had me dreaming of being within the park’s boarders. Her story is interspersed with how one leans on their faith to help guid them to where they should be. They characters are easy to love and cheer for through their dilemmas.
Let your heart lead you to this book! Everyone can find something to love between the pages of this wonderful novel!
Desire of the Heart by Anne Perreault is set in Yellowstone National Park. Filled with unexpected romance, faith, and suspense the story looks at parental expectations and the desire to follow our upbringing and our hearts. I enjoyed this story. It is worth the read.
This book was provided through Celebrate Lit and the author for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts.
Much of the romance and adventure in Desire of the Heart takes place at our nation’s oldest national park. I’ve always wanted to visit Yellowstone and I felt like author Anne Perreault was my personal tour guide as she described the scenery around this beautiful place. The first meeting between Cady and Grant was quite unusual and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop but it is the strong faith element that I especially appreciated. Bible scripture, prayer, and God’s grace are mentioned often in the story.
‘She wanted God’s plan for her life. It wasn’t always sticking to the rules her church had set up. There was room for grace and mercy.’
Desire of the Heart is a Christian romance with exciting adventure and a great faith message. It is definitely a book that I’ll want to read again!
I received a copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit Book Tours. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own opinions.
This is not your average Christian novel. Our heroine isn’t just the typical sheltered, naive girl; her background is much more complicated- maybe even borderline cultist- than that. And the brooding hero has more than a good reason to be so. But when the Grand Canyon- through a greater power- thrusts these two wounded and searching souls together, they find that they want something that completely derails their plans for their lives- but that’s far from the same as derailing God’s plans for their lives.
A compelling novel with themes one doesn’t normally see explored. The hero’s backstory did make me cry, so be warned there. But otherwise, an excellent book for someone who wants a clean romance with depth.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was not required to give a favorable review.
This story is so well written I hated it to end. The author takes us to Yellowstone National Park and I felt I was right there among the trees. I enjoyed learning about the park and all it has to offer. I wasn’t real thrilled about bear sightings but after all we are on their land. Let the adventure begin.
Let’s start with Cady. She has grown up in a very strict home and her feelings on falling in love are mixed up. Her parents have made her feel that she can never make a mistake and has sheltered her from any chance of finding someone to love. Her upbringing does cause her to be a little judgmental at times especially with her cousin Ashley. I’m surprised they took a trip without any supervision. After all their families still treat them like children. The tension that develops between the cousins are due to someone being a bit high and mighty and the other giving in to temptation. This part of the story is worth mentioning because it’s a great example of learning to forgive and look past a sin to give grace.
The story really gets good when Cady meets the handsome Park Ranger Grant. He is quite upset to find her out by herself injured . I did enjoy their banter as he insists on taking her to get looked at. Seeing a bear would scare me and Cady was so lucky she wasn’t attacked by him. Grant is certainly not looking for a relationship but God may have other plans. As we slowly find out about his past, I understood why he was so hesitant to keep his feelings in check.
I loved how the author showed a young woman who needed to branch out on her own and trust God. Her parents made me angry by the way they never trusted her. I felt like she was living in a home where she was seen but not heard. Cady girl you need to start relying on God to direct your path, and stop worrying about making mistakes. I was so hoping she would soften up and give her concerns to God.
Grant is still feeling guilty over a tragic loss and won’t allow anyone to capture his attention. But what happens when these two people start to pray, open up to each other and trust God? The story is filled with faith and I loved seeing how several characters grew and began to be set free from their past and learn to forgive people who have judged them.
There is a little danger in the story that I felt was the perfect addition to draw Cady and Grant closer to each other and God. They both seek God to show them His plans for their lives. Oh it’s an emotional journey of love, forgiveness and trust. I am so excited to learn that there is a second book to follow.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
This is a wonderful read. I really felt for Cady. Sometimes I think we all have those feelings of doubt. Of why would God bother with someone like me. Her character is easy to relate to and makes you want to keep reading to find out what is going to happen next.
Within Desire of the Heart, there is slight suspense but also romance. The setting is gorgeous and though I’ve never been I now feel like I have even though I still want to go and experience it myself.
Grant has had a hard time with life and he is just trying to get his life back together. Can he do that and trust God? What is his role in all of this? And why does he have to be the one to rescue Cady?
Loved reading this book. Excited to see that it is a series and can’t wait to read more!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Desire of the Heart is the beginning of the Yellowstone series, as well as, the first book I have read by Anne Perreault. It will not be the last. I thought this was a fun, heart warming, and delightful book. It had some beautiful life lessons of how to forgive and heal. There were some great moments that made me laugh out loud. The setting was gorgeous and the characters were relatable. I felt like I was part of the story and right there living among the story.
I am giving Desire of the Heart four and a half stars. I look forward to the next installment from the Yellowstone series, For Better or For Worse. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy faith filled and inspiring reads that is oh so good for the soul.
I received Desire of the Heart from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
“Azure blue, it went on forever, only interrupted by white, puffy clouds bouncing into each other” – I’m visualizing myself staring at this beautiful sky….I’m ready to visit Yellowstone!
Beautiful setting, wonderful characters, and intriguing plot – makes a great story!
You’ll meet Ranger McBroody and McGruff who will transform to McSmooth and McSweets.
You’ll chuckle and you’ll cry, but this story won’t leave you indifferent.
“Don’t hang on to the guilt. That’s misplaced. Give it up to Christ, Grant. And then allow Him to shoulder the brunt of it.”
this was the first book I have read from this author, and I was not disappointed. The story started out strong and ended strong. I really enjoyed it and had it done in 2 days.. ready for book #2 in the series.. I was given an ARC copy for an honest review.
I love the start to this series and love the flow of this clean story. Cady is finally spreading her wings and going on vacation to Yellowstone with her cousin. Cady chooses to get up early and explore Yellowstone alone when she unfortunately twists her ankle. Lucky do her Ranger Grant McClintoch comes to her rescue helping her get checked and back to her cousin. Could this chance encounter turn into more? I really got into this story and can’t wait to read the next one in this series.