Sundering Hearts: A Journey to Find True Love on America's Frontier

by Brandon M Miller

On Virginia's Colonial frontier, a captivating love story unravels, intertwining the lives of three friends who must confront perilous trials, unforeseen revelations, and profound sorrow. At the dawn of America's fight for freedom, love will be the ultimate test of their unbreakable bond.

Maisey Elaine McKenzie thrives amid the majestic mountains she calls home. Her spirited nature outshines even the most vibrant Shenandoah sunset. With a family she loves more than anything, Mai finds herself torn between settling down in the valley like they did or embracing the untamed spirit that courses through her veins. Fairy-tale books and tales of grandeur in America's bustling cities enthrall her. Her two closest friends, James Adams and Daniel Mason, complicate her decision. One embodies stability and reliability while being firmly rooted. The other is a free spirit, constantly seeking thrilling adventures and yearning to experience everything life offers. Mai longs for both paths.

Daniel Mason's father instilled in him strict values, always prioritizing family and friends over his desires. He has his life thoroughly planned out, with a clear vision of who he wants by his side. However, everything changes when he stumbles upon a life-altering revelation. To embrace this newfound truth, Daniel must risk losing everything, including his soulmate, Maisey. Doubt and fear plague each step on this daunting journey, but an insatiable thirst for purpose and an unexpected bond propel him forward.

James Adams sprints through the cobblestone streets, his heart racing with fear and determination. He must leave behind his past and the expectations placed upon him as a frontiersman to break free and find true adventure. The atrocities committed by the British against his family and neighbors have fueled his thirst for vengeance, and he will stop at nothing to make them pay. But even as he yearns for a life filled with excitement and freedom, James battles the turmoil within his own mind. Can he ever find peace? Only one person stands in his Maisey McKenzie, the fiery red-headed girl whose soft lips hold both his heart and fate in their grasp.

Will the bond between Maisey, Daniel, and James be enough to withstand the most powerful emotion, the one that threatens to tear them apart? Only time will tell as a gripping battle of love, loyalty, and self-discovery shakes them to their core. Join them on an emotional journey full of suspense, trials, twists, and romance that will surely entertain you.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2024

About the author

Brandon, a man born and raised in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, is a true multitasker. He juggles several roles in his life - a public school history teacher, coach, bus driver, owner of two businesses, pastor, devoted father, and loving husband to a beautiful wife. Although spare time is a luxury for him, he cherishes every moment he can spend outdoors, indulging in activities like fishing and bike riding. Lately, Brandon has discovered a newfound passion for writing and finds solace in creating his own fictional worlds, allowing him to escape the troubles of the real world.

Reviews

[Teresa Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

*spoiler alert*
This book tells about the beautiful tale of love, loss, secrets, and courage.

The story of Daniel Paul Mason or should I say Danon Trottier, also known as Two Hearts. This young man takes you on the journey of loss and overcoming the fate of not being who he thought he was. He takes you through falling in love and losing her over the same reason he hated himself for only months prior to her returning. It's a heart wrenching story that you must read!

Maisey Elaine McKenzie is the spitfire redhead he calls his best friend, along with being his one true love, that is too blinded with lust for James, their other best friend, to truly see Daniel and his love for her, until her papa dies and Daniel steps up to help Maisey and her mama around the farm and James leaves for the city, leaving Maisey and Daniel alone for the summer.

[Roberta Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Class - historical fiction; romance

This book was extremely well researched. It does a very good job of presenting life on the frontier in America before the revolution. The amazing thing is that Brandon Miller attempt to get everything right - the clothes; the food; the work; the family relationships; the community; the nationalities both native and immigrants from various places; the fun; the problems and so much more.

The story revolves around three childhood friends -2 boys and a girl. It moves from the carefree childhood days through adolescence to adulthood with all the choices that must be made.

There are just so many layers to this book.

The most amazing thing is that he lives us feeling that each of the characters is happy with their life.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

New to me author

Wow! What a story! This book would make an incredible movie. I only wish that it hadn’t ended so abruptly.

[Blake Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free Advanced Reader Copy of the book Sundering Hearts: A Journey to Find True Love on America’s Frontier by Brandon M. Miller. I was blown away by the story, which was well-written and conceived. It invites the reader to enter a portal to a forgotten period of American history, before the existence of the United States. Brandon Miller brings the pre-Revolutionary War American frontier to life in this captivating novel. The characters in this novel are well-developed and intriguing. I was completely invested in the main characters very early in the novel. The love triangle between Mai (a fiery, impulsive redhead), Daniel (an innocent, morally righteous young man), and James (a quiet, mysterious older boy), as they come of age in the wilderness of the Virginia colony, is something that will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat until the last page. Historically, the novel is accurate and represents a true look at life in the 18th Century Shenandoah Valley and Williamsburg, Virginia. Mr. Miller’s historical background is evident as he masterfully weaves together a story that includes the simple pleasures, hardships, and tragedies of life on the frontier. The Cherokee culture is also on vivid display, as the character of Lone Wolf brings another complexity to this historical romance. As I read the book, I found myself asking questions that I could not wait to find out the answers to. The author uses the literary tool of foreshadowing to give the reader subtle glimpses and hints of future events. In the end, throughout the suspense, trials, twists and turns of the characters, a great story is told; one that will leave an indelible mark on the reader long after the last page is turned.

[Bill Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of Sundering Hearts for free, in exchange for an unbiased review of the book. Sundering Hearts by Brandon Miller is about several love stories infused with problems of: forbidden love, identity crisis, prejudices, revenge, jealousy, and numerous hardships. Mr. Miller's clear-cut prose, full of vivid details, makes it easy for the reader to follow the numerous scenarios and characters. The most developed character, who quickly became my favorite character, was Daniel who searched for the answer to the age-old question of "Who Am I?". He was helped along in the search by a surprise mentor.

Sundering Hearts clearly defines frontier life and times of the 1700's with all of the hardships, battles, and neighborliness that occur. The plot meanders through the near proximity of Native Americans and the British Redcoats.

The romances tug at our heart strings. Readers can glean many life lessons from this work and its quotes. Some examples of life lessons are:

No one can live without hope.
"Can't" never could do anything.
Think of obstacles as opportunities.
Man's most dangerous weapon is the tongue.

Sundering Hearts is a great read for teens and up---hard to put down. I highly recommend this book. It left me wanting a sequel about these characters and their lives.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Started it one day and finished it the next. I absolutely could not put it down. It left me wanting more! There were twists and turns that kept me guessing the whole time!

[Shawna Combs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Really enjoyed the Christian aspects of the book. Keep me intrigued and guess I g how it would all end.

[Jo Rita Breeding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book from a local author. It kept my attention and I couldn’t hardly put it down. I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Dawson Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sundering Hearts is a breathtaking journey through love, history, and the depths of human emotion. From the very first page, I was captivated by the sheer brilliance of Brandon’s storytelling. The way they weave romance and historical accuracy together is nothing short of masterful.

At the heart of this novel is Daniel a protagonist so vividly written that they practically step off the page. Their struggles, triumphs, and heartfelt moments made me feel like I was right there, experiencing everything alongside them. The romance? Absolutely stunning. The kind that makes you believe in love again. The tension, the passion, the undeniable chemistry—it’s the sort of thing readers dream about.

But what truly sets this book apart is its historical depth. The attention to detail in recreating the colonial frontier is remarkable. I could almost smell the air, hear the sounds of the bustling streets, and feel the weight of the past pressing down on every decision the characters made. It’s clear that Brandon Miller put an incredible amount of research into crafting such an immersive world.

The prose is poetic yet accessible, the pacing is flawless, and the emotional payoff is beyond satisfying. By the time I reached the final page, I found myself both heartbroken and uplifted, a rare feat in modern literature.

In short, Sundering Hearts isn’t just a novel—it’s an experience. A must-read for anyone who appreciates masterful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and romance that truly stands the test of time. Bravo, Brandon Miller. Bravo

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sundering Hearts by Brandon Miller is a beautifully written historical romance that captures the raw intensity of love, identity, and self-discovery on Virginia’s colonial frontier. Through richly detailed prose and multiple points of view, the novel delivers an emotionally immersive experience that feels both intimate and sweeping in scope.

The character work is especially compelling. Daniel’s journey of self-realization is deeply affecting, marked by lyrical imagery, emotional vulnerability, and powerful moments of sacrifice and growth. Maisey is equally captivating spirited, conflicted, and wonderfully human as she matures into her own strength while navigating love, loyalty, and shocking revelations about her past. James, though absent for stretches of the narrative, returns with purpose and emotional weight, reinforcing the novel’s themes of destiny and choice.

The author excels at grounding the story in vivid, lived-in details of frontier life while weaving together action, romance, and introspection. The prose is evocative without being overwrought, and the emotional beats linger long after the final page.

For readers who love historical fiction infused with romance, emotional depth, and character-driven storytelling, Sundering Hearts is a captivating and rewarding read.

[Carol Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Sundering Hearts is well-written, making for an easy and enjoyable read. The author, Brandon Miller, has done an amazing job of capturing the essence of a divided heart. The book captivates the reader's emotions, drawing them in as part of the story. Whether the time period is on the Virginia frontier in the 1700's where the three young characters in this book lived, or in today's society, most humans, at some point, have battled with life's obstacles and the emotional anguish of making the right decision, initiating the content of this book timeless. Also, the author, in an underlying tone, portrays the struggle within one's soul to seek God's plan, or follow the path of their own cravings. This book is filled with fast-paced drama that consists of tragedy, mystery, humor and survival. Yet, it's intertwined with the innocence of young love that keeps the reader wanting to read more. Sundering Hearts shows that true love can prevail over any of life's hardships and prejudices. I highly recommend this book for all ages.

[Makenna Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of the book, and it was a thought-provoking read that captivated me from the first introduction of Daniel and his close friends James and Mai. This book kept me on my toes and is a great mixture of romance, mystery, and action. Brandon Miller ties in accurate historical information and turns the Shenandoah Valley into a getaway for readers. The most alluring aspect of this novel is how the character's emotions come through the writing and are felt by the reader. You will laugh, cry, and love with these characters. Once you pick up this book, you will not want to lay it down until you find out what happens in this coming-of-age story that discusses the relationships, hardships, and simplicity of the American frontier in the 1700s.

[Reader]

This book is fantastic it kept me on the edge of my seat craving to read more it is historically accurate which was very nice. the love story and tragedy in the book makes it a roller coaster ride it is by far my favorite book I have read in my life it kept me interested and emotionally invested in the story. I can’t wait for the prequel and sequel to be out to complete the story that I invested my time to read and enjoy I think the author is way underrated. his use of words paints a picture in your mind of what’s going on it makes it as if there’s a personal movie going on in your mind I highly recommend this book for any person of any age it isn’t inappropriate it is clean no foul language which is hard to find in this day and age I hope this review is found helpful.

[Serenity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced read with excellent historical context. Fantastic book to engage teenagers in conversations about love/physical attraction, faith, and morality. The action happens fast and will keep younger readers engaged. There are no overly graphic descriptions of violence but it occurs a lot throughout this book. There are a lot of subplots and storylines in this book and some of the storylines remain underdeveloped, stop, change direction, or climax very quickly. This will be great for readers overly taxed by too much description, but leave others feeling like they need more. Overall, great read!

[Tiffany Sanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC copy of the book Sundering Hearts: A Journey to Find True Love on America’s Frontier by Brandon M. Miller. This book was amazingly written. As I read each chapter, I found myself wanting to keep reading more and more. As I got to the end of one of the chapters I could not put it down. That day I sat and read 17 chapters because I had to find out how it ended. I actually hated seeing the book come to an end because I wanted to continue reading. If you enjoy reading, then this is an absolute must read!! I can’t wait to read more books from Brandon Miller.

[Freddie c rahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a really good book it keep you in to it the main characters and it is a really good emotional train. If you are in to romance and a little bit of action you should read this book it really is one of the best books I have ever read and it makes you want to read the prequel and sequel 10/10 amazing job

[Connor Haywood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this book made me feel is priceless. I love this book and have much respect for the author for what he wrote and how he wrote it. During my youth, I never liked to read and never got into anything like that. A book was the least of my worries but this book, this book pulls at the strings of my heart. Fantastic book and has many twists and turns. Must read!

[Brayden Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book, I usually don’t read books a lot but this story had me hooked form the first chapter thill the end it made me like reading the love triangle between James, Daniel, and Mai had me mad in moments but they was needed and the ending was a great way to keep us wanting more. I would recommend this book to everyone.

[Ben Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rollercoaster of a book takes you through hills of excitement, sadness, and love. Keeps you on your feet the whole time! I've read this book outside of hearing Miller read it to our class. It's been an honor to have him as a teacher for almost three years, and hearing him read this book has made me want more. Guaranteed, if you read this book, you will be hooked!

[Riley Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books! I love all of the suspense and adventure there was. It was full of romance and had a little bit of everything in it. I can´t wait for the second book! I´m buying it right away when it comes out. I would advise to read this book! The author knew what he was doing when he wrote this book and definitely took his time! A five star review for sure!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was such an exciting read. i was constantly on my toes. i always thought i would know what happened next, but somehow the story took a complete turn each time and the outcomes were even better than i could have imagined. it is the perfect mix of romance, history, and adventure. i would definitely recommend this book to anyone!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very exiting. We were reading it in class at school and I was so exited every day to come in and read the book and talk about it. This book has so many parts to the story and never has a dull moment. It makes you think and wonder what you would do in the characters situations. Overall 10/10 book. Loved it.

[Lakota Rasnake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. It was a joy to read and I can't wait for the next one. The romance felt real and honest, and the characters were realistic and felt tangible. Brandon Miller is a fantastic writer, would recommend to anyone.

[Colton Kitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the best books I have ever read it keep me in a cycle of emotions with the romance, historical events, and great character building all and all it was a great book (i recommend greatly).

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazingly detailed and worth while read. It kept me hooked even in the middle of the book, which never really happens too me. I am not much of a reader but I would genuinely love to see a movie or a prequel and sequel of this amazing storyline!!

[Lily Mcglothlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just tell you this is probably in my top 3 books I've read, it'll completely shock you and you can not predict the book you'll always want to keep reading more. I'm glad there will be another one after this one I'd love to see a movie of this!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way the book takes you on like a ride of emotion. Amazing character development along with great writing. My favorite book I’ve ever read because of the connection you feel with every character and what happens

[Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start of the book was slow. At the start of the book I was not into it,but at the end of the book I like it. I would recommend reading it but it will take a few chapters to get into it. I wouldn't say it was bad but it was slow getting into it.

[Julianna Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book! Once I started the book I couldn't put it down. It had my attention the whole book with the romance and suspense not knowing what will happen next. I can't wait for a second book!

[Landon Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very good start to finish, a problem a bunch of books have is having a slow and boring middle, this book does not have this problem. Having you constantly wondering what is gonna happen next between the characters and where the story was gonna take you.