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Heart of Integrity
Not all fault lines are hidden in the earth...
Ifor Morgan and his father have traveled far from their home in Wales to settle in the small mining town of Lone Pine, California—driven by a need to escape the shame and sorrow of his brother’s fatal scandal.
Susan Kelly is starting over, too. Miles from her home in Ireland, she’s determined to build a life for herself in Lone Pine that doesn’t involve any of the deception she was caught up in back home.
As Ifor and Susan forge a cautious connection, people from Susan’s past show up in town, entangling her in a fresh web of illegal activity.
And when a devastating earthquake throws the town into a state of upheaval, secrets soon shake those least expecting to uncover them...
Brimming with faith and intrigue, this Christian Western Romance from award-winning author Edwina Kiernan will encourage and delight you long after you turn the last page.
Ifor Morgan and his father have traveled far from their home in Wales to settle in the small mining town of Lone Pine, California—driven by a need to escape the shame and sorrow of his brother’s fatal scandal.
Susan Kelly is starting over, too. Miles from her home in Ireland, she’s determined to build a life for herself in Lone Pine that doesn’t involve any of the deception she was caught up in back home.
As Ifor and Susan forge a cautious connection, people from Susan’s past show up in town, entangling her in a fresh web of illegal activity.
And when a devastating earthquake throws the town into a state of upheaval, secrets soon shake those least expecting to uncover them...
Brimming with faith and intrigue, this Christian Western Romance from award-winning author Edwina Kiernan will encourage and delight you long after you turn the last page.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2024
55 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Edwina Kiernan
15 books770 followersEdwina Kiernan is the Christian author of the award-winning novel, Ruby’s Redemption.
An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination and research in hope-infused tales set in times past.
A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood.
She is a committed follower of Jesus (the Living Word), and endeavours to use her pen to point others to Him.
When she’s not writing, Edwina loves spending time with her dashing husband and lively little son, reading and studying the Bible, getting lost in a captivating novel and drinking more types of tea than most people realize even exist.
Join her mailing list for free gifts, updates, regular giveaways, and lots of classic and historical fiction goodness. Subscribe at EdwinaKiernan.com
An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination and research in hope-infused tales set in times past.
A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood.
She is a committed follower of Jesus (the Living Word), and endeavours to use her pen to point others to Him.
When she’s not writing, Edwina loves spending time with her dashing husband and lively little son, reading and studying the Bible, getting lost in a captivating novel and drinking more types of tea than most people realize even exist.
Join her mailing list for free gifts, updates, regular giveaways, and lots of classic and historical fiction goodness. Subscribe at EdwinaKiernan.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 3, 2024
Heart of Integrity incorporates an edge-of-your-seat plot, darling characters, and a marvelous faith element.
I adored Ifor and Susan and dear old Opal, who reminded me so much of my great-grandma before the dementia kicked in. In fact, if Opal was real, I think the two of them would be great friends. Ifer was a sweetheart and Susan--you can't help but root for her. The antagonists were appropriately odious, and one even earned himself the title of Mr. McNasty.
There is a strong redemption theme, with the Gospel message preached clearly and beautifully. You can just feel the author's heart and passion in these sections. Characters also pray and attend church.
If you like Christian historical fiction with strong faith, great characters, and a plot containing romance and suspense, then I guarantee you will enjoy Heart of Integrity.
I adored Ifor and Susan and dear old Opal, who reminded me so much of my great-grandma before the dementia kicked in. In fact, if Opal was real, I think the two of them would be great friends. Ifer was a sweetheart and Susan--you can't help but root for her. The antagonists were appropriately odious, and one even earned himself the title of Mr. McNasty.
There is a strong redemption theme, with the Gospel message preached clearly and beautifully. You can just feel the author's heart and passion in these sections. Characters also pray and attend church.
If you like Christian historical fiction with strong faith, great characters, and a plot containing romance and suspense, then I guarantee you will enjoy Heart of Integrity.
May 20, 2024
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
An excellent second installment in the multi-author Hearts of the West series!
Both Ifor and Susan were well-drawn, sympathetic characters. Their backstories added depth to the plot. As far as the plot went, plenty of suspense, touching moments, and high stakes kept me reading right along. I appreciated that Edwina Kiernan kept both the romance and language clean, and the faith content complemented the character development and plot.
Overall, I found Heart of Integrity to be a quick, enjoyable read that I'd recommend to those who love Christian fiction and historical romance.
An excellent second installment in the multi-author Hearts of the West series!
Both Ifor and Susan were well-drawn, sympathetic characters. Their backstories added depth to the plot. As far as the plot went, plenty of suspense, touching moments, and high stakes kept me reading right along. I appreciated that Edwina Kiernan kept both the romance and language clean, and the faith content complemented the character development and plot.
Overall, I found Heart of Integrity to be a quick, enjoyable read that I'd recommend to those who love Christian fiction and historical romance.
September 26, 2024
Beautiful story of family, loss, and redemption. Sweet love story. ❤️ 5 stars
May 5, 2024
Heart of Integrity is book 2 in the Hearts of the West novella series.
It’s 1872. Susan Kelly moves from Ireland to California for a new start. She’s left her scheming dad behind. She’s also left behind her role in his schemes. But her father tracks her down.
Ifor Morgan is from Wales. He and his father moved to California for their own fresh start. Ifor has eyes for Susan, but even more so, he worries about her soul. She is not a Christian.
Kiernan’s characters are amazing. I couldn’t help but root for Susan. She’s a woman in the 1800s trying to make it on her own in a new country. Ifor is adorable, so is his father. Susan’s father, however, is a terrible dad. I hoped by the end of the story he would learn his lesson (can’t say if he does or not because that would give the story away).
My favorite character, however, is Opal. She’s an elderly widow who explains God’s salvation plan to Susan. Poor Susan feels so guilty for her past that she has a hard time accepting what Opal is saying. Ifor invites Susan to church, but again, her guilt over her past makes her feel like she shouldn’t go.
Opal keeps working on Susan.
My other “favorite” character is a villain named John. He’s cruel and hateful. Kiernan is brave to write such a violent character into a Christian novella. (There’s even a rage-filled murder, though the reader only sees the aftermath.) John is amazingly well drawn. I cringed every time he was on the page.
If you are familiar with California history, you know that there was a big earthquake in Owens Valley in 1872. The earthquake plays a significant role in the story. Kudos to Kiernan for incorporating that piece of real history.
I did take half a star off because the story seems rushed. I think Kiernan is used to writing full-length novels. I am confident, however, that other readers will find Heart of Integrity perfectly paced and a perfect length.
Overall, this is an engaging, heartfelt story with faith-filled messages, 4.5 stars!
It’s 1872. Susan Kelly moves from Ireland to California for a new start. She’s left her scheming dad behind. She’s also left behind her role in his schemes. But her father tracks her down.
Ifor Morgan is from Wales. He and his father moved to California for their own fresh start. Ifor has eyes for Susan, but even more so, he worries about her soul. She is not a Christian.
Kiernan’s characters are amazing. I couldn’t help but root for Susan. She’s a woman in the 1800s trying to make it on her own in a new country. Ifor is adorable, so is his father. Susan’s father, however, is a terrible dad. I hoped by the end of the story he would learn his lesson (can’t say if he does or not because that would give the story away).
My favorite character, however, is Opal. She’s an elderly widow who explains God’s salvation plan to Susan. Poor Susan feels so guilty for her past that she has a hard time accepting what Opal is saying. Ifor invites Susan to church, but again, her guilt over her past makes her feel like she shouldn’t go.
Opal keeps working on Susan.
My other “favorite” character is a villain named John. He’s cruel and hateful. Kiernan is brave to write such a violent character into a Christian novella. (There’s even a rage-filled murder, though the reader only sees the aftermath.) John is amazingly well drawn. I cringed every time he was on the page.
If you are familiar with California history, you know that there was a big earthquake in Owens Valley in 1872. The earthquake plays a significant role in the story. Kudos to Kiernan for incorporating that piece of real history.
I did take half a star off because the story seems rushed. I think Kiernan is used to writing full-length novels. I am confident, however, that other readers will find Heart of Integrity perfectly paced and a perfect length.
Overall, this is an engaging, heartfelt story with faith-filled messages, 4.5 stars!
May 20, 2024
I love clean, smooth, expressive words, and E. Kiernan incorporates them all in a suspenseful story with delightful characters. I loved the Irish and Welsh elements in a familiar US setting. She crafted the story well and kept me turning pages with an intriguing plot. I especially enjoy reading about flawed characters who struggle, and this story played out that aspect to my satisfaction. The author has a sympathetic voice that connects me to the likable (and unlikeable!) characters. Well done. I'm looking forward to reading her other books.
July 9, 2025
Heart of Integrity was a quick read (1 day) that captured and kept my attention. The plot of Susan leaving Wales to escape a life of deceit in order to find a new home, juxtaposed with the gospel of leaving our sins behind us was encouraging.
Susan hearing and accepting the good news that Jesus came to pay the debt we owe for our sins brought me joy. That she found a home and place of belonging with Ifor was sweet.
Jesus has willingly paid the price to redeem us from all of our sins and give us love and a place to belong.
Susan hearing and accepting the good news that Jesus came to pay the debt we owe for our sins brought me joy. That she found a home and place of belonging with Ifor was sweet.
Jesus has willingly paid the price to redeem us from all of our sins and give us love and a place to belong.
January 18, 2025
Susan did the best she could to escape her unwanted life in Ireland by immigrating to California. Unfortunately, her criminal father and his cohort followed.
Life is not always the way we want it to be and that's what happened to her.
Terrified, she was too frightened to confess her fears to a man who wanted to help her.
This is a grand story and not as I expected it to be or to end.
Read it and discover how it all ended.
Life is not always the way we want it to be and that's what happened to her.
Terrified, she was too frightened to confess her fears to a man who wanted to help her.
This is a grand story and not as I expected it to be or to end.
Read it and discover how it all ended.
May 17, 2024
sweet, clean, Christian historical romance
This is the first time I’ve read this author - a wonderful find. A beautiful story showcasing the redemption we have in Christ. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it if you enjoy historical romances that leave you smiling and thinking about Jesus.
This is the first time I’ve read this author - a wonderful find. A beautiful story showcasing the redemption we have in Christ. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it if you enjoy historical romances that leave you smiling and thinking about Jesus.
May 19, 2024
Heart of Integrity is a lovely historical romance novella that takes place in California in 1872 and has:
*a pretty Irish lass running far from her past
*villains she can't shake
*a handsome Welshman with a heart of gold and focused on God
*terrible family secrets that can't stay hidden forever
This book is well-worth the few hours it will take you to read it!
*a pretty Irish lass running far from her past
*villains she can't shake
*a handsome Welshman with a heart of gold and focused on God
*terrible family secrets that can't stay hidden forever
This book is well-worth the few hours it will take you to read it!
January 29, 2025
Good book
I liked so many things about this book. The characters were genuine and developed. The plot was mostly believable. The author gave the correct amount of information about the setting, characters, and development of the story. The Christian aspect was very natural and not just thrown in to make it a Christian book. The writing was very good. I would recommend.
I liked so many things about this book. The characters were genuine and developed. The plot was mostly believable. The author gave the correct amount of information about the setting, characters, and development of the story. The Christian aspect was very natural and not just thrown in to make it a Christian book. The writing was very good. I would recommend.
September 4, 2025
Loved this!
This book pulled me along, and I just needed to know what happens. But I like that I couldn't guess how it turned out, and that she's Irish and he's Welsh. I really enjoyed this, especially the Irish and Welsh words. I could figure them out from the context or else they were explained. A great read.
This book pulled me along, and I just needed to know what happens. But I like that I couldn't guess how it turned out, and that she's Irish and he's Welsh. I really enjoyed this, especially the Irish and Welsh words. I could figure them out from the context or else they were explained. A great read.
June 14, 2024
Interesting setting.
I love reading stories in historical settings. As a novella the storyline was shorter than I am use too. I liked Ifor and Susan. But would like to have gotten to know them better before the story ended.
I love reading stories in historical settings. As a novella the storyline was shorter than I am use too. I liked Ifor and Susan. But would like to have gotten to know them better before the story ended.
June 16, 2024
I thought this book was wonderful. It has great characters that are well developed. I really got behind the main characters and hoped things would turn out well for them. It is a story of forgiveness and restoration. I highly recommend this book.
January 24, 2025
HeRt
What a sweet book about how we often look at our past and feel guilt and shame. Also beautiful how Jesus forgives and loves us. We all need someone to talk with and trust like Opal in this story. Highly recommend this book.
What a sweet book about how we often look at our past and feel guilt and shame. Also beautiful how Jesus forgives and loves us. We all need someone to talk with and trust like Opal in this story. Highly recommend this book.
May 13, 2024
Edwina Kiernan has penned an excellent story with a well-written faith thread and strong characters. Whether a lengthy book or a novella, Kiernan excels at delivering a must-read book.
July 17, 2024
Heartfelt, scary, gutsy and real. It kept my pulse racing!!
July 22, 2024
I’m grand
A wonderful book filled with great characters and redemption and tragedy but most of all the wonderful grace of God. Don’t miss it!
A wonderful book filled with great characters and redemption and tragedy but most of all the wonderful grace of God. Don’t miss it!
December 14, 2024
Very Good Inspirational Romance
Book 2 in this series is a sweet story about seeking the Lord and finding His Love and Salvation are what was missing. On to Book 3...
Book 2 in this series is a sweet story about seeking the Lord and finding His Love and Salvation are what was missing. On to Book 3...
December 22, 2024
Exceptional Story
I was truly affected by the way Susan learned to believe in God's forgiveness and the people who helped show her that love.
I was truly affected by the way Susan learned to believe in God's forgiveness and the people who helped show her that love.
March 24, 2025
A very inspiring story of learning to stand up for what is right in spite of abuse. Finding forgiveness and true love. You will enjoy this clean historical California story.
April 15, 2025
Heart of Integrity
An excellent story, well told. I found a lot of ideas that will have me thinking for quite awhile.
I heartily recommend this book.
An excellent story, well told. I found a lot of ideas that will have me thinking for quite awhile.
I heartily recommend this book.
April 25, 2025
I could not put this book down, a very intriguing read. Looking forward to reading more from this talented author.
May 22, 2025
Wonderful story
Great story and wonderful author! I recommend this book. Edwina has such great storytelling abilities! Two big thumbs up! 📖📖
Great story and wonderful author! I recommend this book. Edwina has such great storytelling abilities! Two big thumbs up! 📖📖
October 20, 2025
I loved it!
Such a sweet romance, with a worthy hero ❤️ I enjoyed it this book! A quick read too, I would love to see what happens next for Ifor and Susan
Such a sweet romance, with a worthy hero ❤️ I enjoyed it this book! A quick read too, I would love to see what happens next for Ifor and Susan
November 22, 2025
Sweet
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews