What do you think?
Rate this book
A Hero's Heart
THE ODDS MEANT NOTHING
Following her preacher father to Oregon was not the life Rachel Cooke had imagined for herself, but dreams of love had to wait when there were orphans and a rebellious sister to care for. Then her father was murdered in a vicious Indian raid, leaving Rachel and her family alone on the rigorous trail west. A hardened gambler with seductive eyes was the only man to deliver them to safety and Rachel to a passion she had never known.
UNTIL HE GAMBLED ON LOVE
Wade Ketchum might have been raised in a saloon, but he was determined to find the only family he had left in the world. A spinster with a wagonload of Bibles and three small children was more trouble than he needed along the way. Yet he couldn't leave them to the trail's cruelties. And he couldn't deny the desire that overwhelmed him whenever he kissed the lovely woman who believed that he still had a heart.
Following her preacher father to Oregon was not the life Rachel Cooke had imagined for herself, but dreams of love had to wait when there were orphans and a rebellious sister to care for. Then her father was murdered in a vicious Indian raid, leaving Rachel and her family alone on the rigorous trail west. A hardened gambler with seductive eyes was the only man to deliver them to safety and Rachel to a passion she had never known.
UNTIL HE GAMBLED ON LOVE
Wade Ketchum might have been raised in a saloon, but he was determined to find the only family he had left in the world. A spinster with a wagonload of Bibles and three small children was more trouble than he needed along the way. Yet he couldn't leave them to the trail's cruelties. And he couldn't deny the desire that overwhelmed him whenever he kissed the lovely woman who believed that he still had a heart.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1998
220 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia McDaniel
190 books651 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sylvia McDaniel has published more than forty western historical romance, contemporary romance and even a few sci-fi novels. Known for her sweet, funny, family-oriented romances, Sylvia is the author of The Burnett Brides a historical western series, The Cuvier Widows, a Louisiana historical series, Lipstick and Lead, a western historical series and several short contemporary romances.
Former President of the Dallas Area Romance Authors, a member of the Romance Writers of America®, and a member of Novelists Inc, her novel, A Hero’s Heart was a 1996 Golden Heart Finalist. Several other books have placed or won in the San Antonio Romance Authors Contest, LERA Contest, and she was a Golden Network Finalist.
Married for over twenty years to her best friend, they have two spoilt dachshunds that reign supreme over the house. She loves gardening, hiking, shopping, knitting and football (Cowboys and Bronco’s fan), but not necessarily in that order.
Sign up for Sylvia’s newsletter
Visit Sylvia at www.SylviaMcDaniel.com
Follow Sylvia on twitter
Join Sylvia on Facebook
Goodreads
Former President of the Dallas Area Romance Authors, a member of the Romance Writers of America®, and a member of Novelists Inc, her novel, A Hero’s Heart was a 1996 Golden Heart Finalist. Several other books have placed or won in the San Antonio Romance Authors Contest, LERA Contest, and she was a Golden Network Finalist.
Married for over twenty years to her best friend, they have two spoilt dachshunds that reign supreme over the house. She loves gardening, hiking, shopping, knitting and football (Cowboys and Bronco’s fan), but not necessarily in that order.
Sign up for Sylvia’s newsletter
Visit Sylvia at www.SylviaMcDaniel.com
Follow Sylvia on twitter
Join Sylvia on Facebook
Goodreads
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 29, 2014
This was almost an enjoyable romance, but it had two things that kind of ruined the story for me. First, the idiocy about the stupid organ. Rachel would never even have made it to Ft. Laramie with all that heavy junk, so the junk would have been dumped before this story commenced or the family would have been stranded with dead oxen or a smashed wagon long before they got that far. Imagine a real Wagon Master allowing such foolishness knowing that Too Stupid To Live Rachel wasn't just being suicidal but also endangering her animals and every other person signed up with them should the wagon break loose or topple during the mountain and river crossings. Oregon Trail Wagon Masters were notorious for putting silly things like survival ahead of crazy hysterical bimbos' hissy fits. This stupidity wasn't vital to advancing the story so why bother? Second, for a romance to work, the obstacle keeping the lovers apart must work, and the overdone generic "since I'm not good enough for her and might break her heart later, I'll just leave her and make sure that I break her heart now" does not work for me. Know of any male author who uses that hackneyed generic plot? No, because male author's are smart enough to know that the male of the species isn't wired that way. Percy Sledge's "When a Man Loves a Woman" has it right; and the five million female romance writers who recycle this same stale chestnut have it wrong. Please, retire it already, and try writing an original story-line that rings true.
March 1, 2014
Al final no he podido terminarlo. He conseguido llegar al 82% pero me he rendido.
No le he encontrado ni pies ni cabeza a esta historia. No es romántica, no es interesante y sobre todo me ha puesto los nervios de punta, como suele pasarme cuando los personajes no dejan de hacer tonterías, son egoístas y dicen una cosa y hacen otra completamente distinta, es decir, no son consecuentes.
Otra historia más con el “no puedo, no soy lo suficientemente bueno para ella” que se repite cansinamente hasta el final, o bueno, al menos, hasta el 82% se sigue repitiendo, sin ninguna otra explicación.
Otra historia en la que se nos presenta a los protagonistas de una manera y después actúan de otra diferente…en qué quedamos?
El remate final lo pone el “doble rasero” con el que se miden las acciones dependiendo de si lo hacen los protagonistas (en cuyo caso está bien y es justificado) o si lo hacen los secundarios (en cuyo caso está muuuuy mal y se condena…aquí hubiese metido yo la famosa frase “el que esté libre de culpa que tire la primera piedra”)
En fin, cansino, aburrido, poco creíble y muy previsible.
Lo siento.
No le he encontrado ni pies ni cabeza a esta historia. No es romántica, no es interesante y sobre todo me ha puesto los nervios de punta, como suele pasarme cuando los personajes no dejan de hacer tonterías, son egoístas y dicen una cosa y hacen otra completamente distinta, es decir, no son consecuentes.
Otra historia más con el “no puedo, no soy lo suficientemente bueno para ella” que se repite cansinamente hasta el final, o bueno, al menos, hasta el 82% se sigue repitiendo, sin ninguna otra explicación.
Otra historia en la que se nos presenta a los protagonistas de una manera y después actúan de otra diferente…en qué quedamos?
El remate final lo pone el “doble rasero” con el que se miden las acciones dependiendo de si lo hacen los protagonistas (en cuyo caso está bien y es justificado) o si lo hacen los secundarios (en cuyo caso está muuuuy mal y se condena…aquí hubiese metido yo la famosa frase “el que esté libre de culpa que tire la primera piedra”)
En fin, cansino, aburrido, poco creíble y muy previsible.
Lo siento.
February 3, 2019
A lovely story, but too many errors.
It was difficult to concentrate on the story. The grammatical errors were confusing and forced me to read parts of the book a few times, in order for the story to flow. Sometimes the word 'man' was in the sentence, when it should have been the word 'woman'.
It was difficult to concentrate on the story. The grammatical errors were confusing and forced me to read parts of the book a few times, in order for the story to flow. Sometimes the word 'man' was in the sentence, when it should have been the word 'woman'.
Read
September 16, 2020A Hero’s Heart follows Wade and Rachel through their journey on the Oregon Trail from Fort Laramie Wyoming to The Dalles Oregon. After Rachel’s father dies leaving her with her sister and three orphan children to take to Oregon, Rachel has no other choice but to convince Wade to masquerade as her husband for a price.
I had trouble writing this review being as I wasn’t sure how I felt about this book from page one to page 227. My thoughts were in a spiral of “this is going to be good” and “oh man that kind of killed it for me”.
I felt the author was very inconsistent in her writing. There were times the story flowed so well and kept the reading in a tailspin of Oregon Trail adventure and love. And other times the story got very monotone and stumbled through events and moments with little description. I felt like you could tell what moments in the book the author loved writing about and which moments were just filler for her.
Overall, I enjoyed the setting of the story, the character development of the hero Wade and all the strife that the author put in the book. It wasn't all sunshine, love, and flowers. But I also found the inconsistent writing distracting and disappointing. Particularly the ending, which I will not spoil, but I was very disappointed in. I believe it needed much more detail and thought put into it.
I do recommend this book if you're interested in a light read before bed or in those few minutes on break time but I wouldn't recommend for those Sunday sit-downs were you sit down and really focus on a book.
A Hero's Heart
I had trouble writing this review being as I wasn’t sure how I felt about this book from page one to page 227. My thoughts were in a spiral of “this is going to be good” and “oh man that kind of killed it for me”.
I felt the author was very inconsistent in her writing. There were times the story flowed so well and kept the reading in a tailspin of Oregon Trail adventure and love. And other times the story got very monotone and stumbled through events and moments with little description. I felt like you could tell what moments in the book the author loved writing about and which moments were just filler for her.
Overall, I enjoyed the setting of the story, the character development of the hero Wade and all the strife that the author put in the book. It wasn't all sunshine, love, and flowers. But I also found the inconsistent writing distracting and disappointing. Particularly the ending, which I will not spoil, but I was very disappointed in. I believe it needed much more detail and thought put into it.
I do recommend this book if you're interested in a light read before bed or in those few minutes on break time but I wouldn't recommend for those Sunday sit-downs were you sit down and really focus on a book.
A Hero's Heart
November 12, 2021
Need for editing worsens toward end, spoils the joy
The story has a basic romance plot that kept me turning the pages in spite of the gajillions of nuisance errors in the writing and a few plot holes. Unfortunately, the errors increase in severity and frequency toward the end, ruining key climatic moments so the reader is forced to reread and guess what the author meant.
Prime example: The male protagonist says to female protagonist: “You and I both know you’re not the right man for me.” Huh?
There are some shallow secondary characters who are annoying. The children lack personalities, and the protagonists’ motives seem forced. There are some word usage and spelling errors, myriad comma errors, missing words, indentation errors, and an untimely slang phrase or two. There are two sex scenes that seem redundant. There are lots of references to whores but no consideration for STDs or unwanted pregnancies, there are references to the death of family members, infidelity, alcohol consumption, and some Native Americans are portrayed in a questionable light.
The dialog is fiery at times, and that’s probably why I finished the story. The ending was incomplete, though, as the author left some loose ends and missed some key thematic scenes and ideas to tie in. I’ll just say—the organ? The kids arriving at the orphanage?
The story has a basic romance plot that kept me turning the pages in spite of the gajillions of nuisance errors in the writing and a few plot holes. Unfortunately, the errors increase in severity and frequency toward the end, ruining key climatic moments so the reader is forced to reread and guess what the author meant.
Prime example: The male protagonist says to female protagonist: “You and I both know you’re not the right man for me.” Huh?
There are some shallow secondary characters who are annoying. The children lack personalities, and the protagonists’ motives seem forced. There are some word usage and spelling errors, myriad comma errors, missing words, indentation errors, and an untimely slang phrase or two. There are two sex scenes that seem redundant. There are lots of references to whores but no consideration for STDs or unwanted pregnancies, there are references to the death of family members, infidelity, alcohol consumption, and some Native Americans are portrayed in a questionable light.
The dialog is fiery at times, and that’s probably why I finished the story. The ending was incomplete, though, as the author left some loose ends and missed some key thematic scenes and ideas to tie in. I’ll just say—the organ? The kids arriving at the orphanage?
September 10, 2023
A new lease on love
I loved this book, I felt like I was there with Rachael and the children trying to get to Oregon. I enjoy how resourceful Rachael was determined to get to Oregon by asking Wade to be her pretend husband to be able to join the wagon train. As time past how they both fell in love with each other, without realizing how much they were falling in love with each other.
Even though the heartache that they both endured to have to bond together. While getting to know each other and learning to understand what each other is feeling about their relationship and how much they both needed each other.
I loved this book, I felt like I was there with Rachael and the children trying to get to Oregon. I enjoy how resourceful Rachael was determined to get to Oregon by asking Wade to be her pretend husband to be able to join the wagon train. As time past how they both fell in love with each other, without realizing how much they were falling in love with each other.
Even though the heartache that they both endured to have to bond together. While getting to know each other and learning to understand what each other is feeling about their relationship and how much they both needed each other.
December 10, 2018
I really like historical westerns and this one was no exception! Wade and Rachel built up to good chemistry. They were well written and their stories was great. The side characters were not so wonderful and there were some errors, causing it to lose a star. Ms. McDaniel is a great author so I was surprised by these errors. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy this genre.
July 18, 2020
A Hero's Heart
What does a Preacher's daughter, 3 orphan kids and a gambler have in common? They are all traveling to Oregon only the gambler is being paid to go. Will the Preacher's daughter be able to resist the charms of the gambler? Will the gambler find what he is looking for or maybe what he needs?
What does a Preacher's daughter, 3 orphan kids and a gambler have in common? They are all traveling to Oregon only the gambler is being paid to go. Will the Preacher's daughter be able to resist the charms of the gambler? Will the gambler find what he is looking for or maybe what he needs?
November 30, 2021
A wonderful romantic western!
This was a wonderful novel. The characters were very real and believable, made reading about them a real pleasure. That they were meant for each other was very obvious, the ending was special and made the book a true pleasure to read, thank you, Jack.
This was a wonderful novel. The characters were very real and believable, made reading about them a real pleasure. That they were meant for each other was very obvious, the ending was special and made the book a true pleasure to read, thank you, Jack.
July 7, 2020
She had to be married to go with wagon train
He was broke so he became her pretend husband so they both could go on wagon train to Oregon. I liked how it showed character is what is important not always what you see.
He was broke so he became her pretend husband so they both could go on wagon train to Oregon. I liked how it showed character is what is important not always what you see.
July 25, 2023
Tragedy is always hard...getting through it takes risks
What a horrible life the pioneers had! I can't imagine the struggles of wagontrain travel. Being a single woman with young sibblings and orphans along for a trip sounds insurmountable.
What a horrible life the pioneers had! I can't imagine the struggles of wagontrain travel. Being a single woman with young sibblings and orphans along for a trip sounds insurmountable.
September 27, 2017
Good story line
I liked the story line of this book but didn't grade it high because of all the typos in the last third or so.
I liked the story line of this book but didn't grade it high because of all the typos in the last third or so.
July 5, 2020
A little spicy
An interesting story of two of the most stubborn and non communicating characters ever. It was fun to see what they would fight about next.
An interesting story of two of the most stubborn and non communicating characters ever. It was fun to see what they would fight about next.
September 24, 2020
Was a good book but needs a good proofing.
October 1, 2020
A Heart's Last Chance
On a wagon train west a young woman be loses her father due to an Indian attack, meets a gambler and puts her life and those of three orphans in his hands.
On a wagon train west a young woman be loses her father due to an Indian attack, meets a gambler and puts her life and those of three orphans in his hands.
November 13, 2021
Great story
A look at overcoming the trials and tribulations of the Oregon trail! With romance and heartache thrown in to spicy up the story! Makes for a great read!
A look at overcoming the trials and tribulations of the Oregon trail! With romance and heartache thrown in to spicy up the story! Makes for a great read!
May 24, 2022
Good
Not a blood and guys western but a story about unity and the hardships of love. I enjoyed and hop
Not a blood and guys western but a story about unity and the hardships of love. I enjoyed and hop
May 9, 2023
Gambler's Last Gamble
Rachel and her sister were left with only 3 orphan children on the trail to Oregon after an Indian raid. A gambler stumbled on the scene and tried to help.
Rachel and her sister were left with only 3 orphan children on the trail to Oregon after an Indian raid. A gambler stumbled on the scene and tried to help.
September 25, 2016
Decent afternoon read
Storyline and characters were decent and we'll developed. The end of the book left me curious as to what happened to a few of the characters. My only negative is in several places the Author forgot who was talking and used "he said, she said, Mr or Mrs " n the wrong . I believe this should have been caught by editor or ARC readers. Not a deal breaker though.
Storyline and characters were decent and we'll developed. The end of the book left me curious as to what happened to a few of the characters. My only negative is in several places the Author forgot who was talking and used "he said, she said, Mr or Mrs " n the wrong . I believe this should have been caught by editor or ARC readers. Not a deal breaker though.
September 27, 2016
Didn't finish after page 30. So I did like Rachel, the lead female. She's kind and strong. I liked wade okay so far too and I like the fact that they are total opposites as a good conflict for starting a relationship. But this book just feels way too rushed. The two characters meet immediately with no build up at all. The dual point of view writing style lends no mystery or intrigue. I know what both characters are always thinking about each other all the time so there's no wondering. Also wade is all into Rachel immediately. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing but given the way the whole book is written so unnaturally rushed this is just another thing that contributes to that overall feel. By page 30 he's been monologuing all about how he wants to taste her and about his erection because of her and all of that nonsense. I just don't like this kind of in your face writing. I like a story that weaves an intricate tale with layers and a light touch where you are wondering what is going to happen or what the other is going to do or say in situations. and I want to see a relationship build slowly and naturally. I don't want to see the couple kissing already after only a handful of sentences have been exchanged. Also, something that really bugged me was that he intoxicates her without her knowing. He does it to try and calm her down but she seriously wakes up the next day with a bad hangover and is puking and can't remember what even had happened. So wow super unimpressed with wade now. What a complete dick. I'd be so pissed if some guy I just met spiked my drink without telling me! I don't even care his reasonings. But the major thing I didn't like overall was just the abruptness and rushed feel of the story.
September 5, 2014
I found this as a free book on amazon and decided to take a risk since it was by an author I'd never read before. I can honestly say it was a sweet story. Yes, there are a few major flaws and the story wanders around a little with side plots that don't really matter. But, I liked watching the hero & heroine come together slowly - no love at first sight here. So, yeah, I liked it and would happily recommend it to others looking for western genre historical romances.
September 20, 2016
The Gambler Wins His Lady
On the way to Oregon Rachel faces heartache and loss when her father is killed by a group of Pawnee braves and she is forced to rely upon a handsome stranger. Wade is searching for his brother when he finds Rachel stranded with three young children and her sister. Wade offers assistance, and the more time he spends with Rachel he begins to see another purpose for his life.
On the way to Oregon Rachel faces heartache and loss when her father is killed by a group of Pawnee braves and she is forced to rely upon a handsome stranger. Wade is searching for his brother when he finds Rachel stranded with three young children and her sister. Wade offers assistance, and the more time he spends with Rachel he begins to see another purpose for his life.
September 4, 2017
A very good story about love. Once you get to see how love grows you can't put the book down. A lot of different emotions occur during the trip west. Finally you get to see the deep meaning of love in two people . I would recommend this story.
Sometimes you think you know what another person is thinking and feeling, ask the questions needed to get to the truth of how they feel and think. You will be surprised at times, for the good things in life.
Sometimes you think you know what another person is thinking and feeling, ask the questions needed to get to the truth of how they feel and think. You will be surprised at times, for the good things in life.
July 26, 2016
If you like western romances then you can't go wrong with this book. It's got your hero and heroine and the forces that bring them together and try to keep them apart. And with more editing I could be inclined to give it another star. But there are still too many grammar errors to allow for that at this time.
August 30, 2014
This was a typical journey west story. Woman is left alone with kids, needs man to get her west. Good guy comes along and helps her. A couple of exciting parts to keep things moving. Nothing remarkable nor memorable. Just an easy, entertaining read. Would have gotten more stars had it not been for the errors.
September 26, 2016
I love western romance books and this one had enough romance, It was intriguing and it had a amazing adventure. I have fall in love with Sylivia McDaniel stories. I highly recommend that you read this one.
December 28, 2012
I loved this book! I wanted reach through my kindle and strangle a couple of people but loved it still.
Want to read
February 17, 2014Free today on Amazon, 02-17-14
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006W1BBR2?i...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006W1BBR2?i...
March 21, 2014
Is a great book to read forever
May 15, 2014
Enjoyed the book. Wade and Rachel both changed and grew on the wagon trail. Great character development. Clean sweet romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews