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To Trust A Heart
Austin felt like the luckiest man alive when he married a beautiful temptress, until his wedded bliss abruptly ended just hours later. Humiliated, he refuses to ever trust another woman, especially with his heart.
After being sold, traded, or used for gambling debts more times than she could count, Fern had lost all hope. While witnessing a murder at a high-stakes poker game—one where she was the prize—she gets a chance to run…but to where? She has no money, friends, or family, and trusts no one.
When Austin finds her hiding and scared, she begs to die rather than have a man hurt her again. He can’t help but wonder if the beautiful woman is really distraught, or if she is trying to cheat him somehow.
Can Fern trust him to help her? Or is he just like those she’s run away from? Out to use her.
After being sold, traded, or used for gambling debts more times than she could count, Fern had lost all hope. While witnessing a murder at a high-stakes poker game—one where she was the prize—she gets a chance to run…but to where? She has no money, friends, or family, and trusts no one.
When Austin finds her hiding and scared, she begs to die rather than have a man hurt her again. He can’t help but wonder if the beautiful woman is really distraught, or if she is trying to cheat him somehow.
Can Fern trust him to help her? Or is he just like those she’s run away from? Out to use her.
- GenresHistorical Romance
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2024
38 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Lanning
55 books43 followersLynne Lanning has such an effortless way of evoking emotion from her readers. Her characters are so realistic that the reader can feel their pain during trials and their joy during triumphs. Reviews state: "...it's as if Mrs. Lanning lived through this herself." "Couldn't put it down..." "A real page turner." Lynne enjoys turning history and her love of God into enjoyable, relatable stories with practical life lessons that can benefit people today. Each story tells of true bonds of love and loyalty, mixed with tough times and decisions, with a twist of humor and sometimes devastation...the same is true in life. With a blend of her own family members and heritage along with lots of fiction, it's hard to tell where reality stops and fantasy begins.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 3, 2024
Austin had a horrible marriage that turned him against love. Fern had never known love. She lost her mom very young and her and her siblings were sold to the highest bidder and separated. For the next 6 years she was bought and sold to many people and was desperate to find a way out. When the perfect opportunity she took her chances and escapes.
She follows some men to get to a town and met Austin. He took her to his neighbors where she learned what it’s like to not be owned and to love again.
This was an amazing story of love and following Gods words. It keeps you enthralled until the very end. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
She follows some men to get to a town and met Austin. He took her to his neighbors where she learned what it’s like to not be owned and to love again.
This was an amazing story of love and following Gods words. It keeps you enthralled until the very end. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
September 4, 2024
SECOND CHANCES FOR AUSTIN AND FERN
The story is part of the Weary Hearts and Wounded Spirits series. These are Western-themed stories with Christian elements. Each story is designed to be read as a standalone and written by various authors. People who have been hurt, broken, or have suffered in some form, will find new beginnings.
Austin Greenwood thought when he married Maureen, that life was beautiful but that illusion quickly disappeared. She was a shrew, a fraud, and a cheater who made his life miserable. Divorcing her left him bitter and embarrassed to be in town around people he had considered his friends. He is haunted by his dreams and burns down the home he had built for them. He moved into the barn, which is good enough for a single man. Now, it is time to move forward, to go and purchase the horses he planned on for years.
Fern Hedrick and her four siblings lost their mother, and their father drinks and gambles. Who would have ever thought a man could sell his own children? But he did. The children are separated and for years Fern has lived a life of servitude. What a nightmare to discover that her new owners, Mr. and Mrs. Insley are planning on selling her to the highest bidder at a card game.
The story’s plot will have Austin leaving Cool Springs, Wyoming, and traveling several days away to purchase his horses. On the trip home, with the help of two men, they take turns at night watch. During the day, they all have this feeling of being followed and are on extra alert. Fern did it, she escaped the Insleys and the building holding the card game when one gambler accused another of cheating, and shots were fired. Grabbing her bag, in which she stashed extra food, she releases all the horses but one, which she rides away on. Keeping to the woods, and in a different direction than she came—but where will she go and what will she do? Following the men and their horses during the day is one thing, but now it is night. When she is confronted, has she met another nightmare?
I loved the story, of how God worked in both Austin’s and Fern’s lives. Both had prayed to God and when God started answering those prayers, we watched the struggles they experienced. Faith isn’t always easy and even answers to prayers are sometimes not what we thought we wanted, but it is always what God knows we need. Hearing Fern’s life and what she endured unfold is heartbreaking. Austin’s neighbors, the Brunswicks, are an older couple with grown children. They graciously take Fern into their home and give her safety. Now Fern wants to find her four siblings. Will the sheriff be able to help? The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly of people, and in the end, good will prevail over evil. God is moving in small ways in the lives of both Austin and Fern—and together, they will find that God’s blessings are bountiful.
Mr. Brunswick: As much as she wants Alice and Dale unless a miracle of sorts happens, she won’t get them.
Austin: All I know to do is pray for a solution.
Mr. Brunswick: You do that Austin. But remember, God expects us to put feet to our prayers. So, if we aren’t willing to take the action God lays on our hearts, then we’ve prayed in vain.
“Home. Just the thought of her own home gave her chills. How drastically her life had changed in a matter of a few months. She never dreamed her heart could hold so much love and happiness.”
The story is part of the Weary Hearts and Wounded Spirits series. These are Western-themed stories with Christian elements. Each story is designed to be read as a standalone and written by various authors. People who have been hurt, broken, or have suffered in some form, will find new beginnings.
Austin Greenwood thought when he married Maureen, that life was beautiful but that illusion quickly disappeared. She was a shrew, a fraud, and a cheater who made his life miserable. Divorcing her left him bitter and embarrassed to be in town around people he had considered his friends. He is haunted by his dreams and burns down the home he had built for them. He moved into the barn, which is good enough for a single man. Now, it is time to move forward, to go and purchase the horses he planned on for years.
Fern Hedrick and her four siblings lost their mother, and their father drinks and gambles. Who would have ever thought a man could sell his own children? But he did. The children are separated and for years Fern has lived a life of servitude. What a nightmare to discover that her new owners, Mr. and Mrs. Insley are planning on selling her to the highest bidder at a card game.
The story’s plot will have Austin leaving Cool Springs, Wyoming, and traveling several days away to purchase his horses. On the trip home, with the help of two men, they take turns at night watch. During the day, they all have this feeling of being followed and are on extra alert. Fern did it, she escaped the Insleys and the building holding the card game when one gambler accused another of cheating, and shots were fired. Grabbing her bag, in which she stashed extra food, she releases all the horses but one, which she rides away on. Keeping to the woods, and in a different direction than she came—but where will she go and what will she do? Following the men and their horses during the day is one thing, but now it is night. When she is confronted, has she met another nightmare?
I loved the story, of how God worked in both Austin’s and Fern’s lives. Both had prayed to God and when God started answering those prayers, we watched the struggles they experienced. Faith isn’t always easy and even answers to prayers are sometimes not what we thought we wanted, but it is always what God knows we need. Hearing Fern’s life and what she endured unfold is heartbreaking. Austin’s neighbors, the Brunswicks, are an older couple with grown children. They graciously take Fern into their home and give her safety. Now Fern wants to find her four siblings. Will the sheriff be able to help? The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly of people, and in the end, good will prevail over evil. God is moving in small ways in the lives of both Austin and Fern—and together, they will find that God’s blessings are bountiful.
Mr. Brunswick: As much as she wants Alice and Dale unless a miracle of sorts happens, she won’t get them.
Austin: All I know to do is pray for a solution.
Mr. Brunswick: You do that Austin. But remember, God expects us to put feet to our prayers. So, if we aren’t willing to take the action God lays on our hearts, then we’ve prayed in vain.
“Home. Just the thought of her own home gave her chills. How drastically her life had changed in a matter of a few months. She never dreamed her heart could hold so much love and happiness.”
March 29, 2025
Lynne's writing is always so sweet and tender! A story about a man burned by women and a woman terrified of men from sexual abuse. He was so gentle and patient 😍😍 and her journey to find herself was so fun to see! She cannot believe men want a woman because they love them,and not to just use them for their pleasure. Their journey together and finding healing was sweet.
Tbh my only complaint with the book is that it is too short to do the plot justice. There was so much to uncover and unbury esp with what both of them had been through. It was kinda glossed over by how that would have affected them and rushed the healing journey faster than what actually happens. Otherwise a good book and I'd encourage Lynne to consider rewriting this someday into a complete novel so we can deep dive and deal with all those issues! That would be tremendous!
Tbh my only complaint with the book is that it is too short to do the plot justice. There was so much to uncover and unbury esp with what both of them had been through. It was kinda glossed over by how that would have affected them and rushed the healing journey faster than what actually happens. Otherwise a good book and I'd encourage Lynne to consider rewriting this someday into a complete novel so we can deep dive and deal with all those issues! That would be tremendous!
August 22, 2024
An Absolutely wonderful story! Lynne has outdone herself. Austin wishes to remove all traces of the wife he thought would be his forever mate. He had a really rough go of it with her. Then he finds Fern tracking him through the dark night. When Austin finds her he knows she is in desperate need of help. Can he put aside his mistrust of women to help Fern? Ferns story is much the same only she was the one abused. Can she ever trust anyone again? You must read this inspiring book. If they will listen to God and have faith will things change? The only way to find out is to read this book.
September 4, 2024
I enjoyed the book! Austin had been betrayed by his former wife and swore off women. Fern’s father had sold her and her siblings to payoff debts. After enduring six horrible years, she managed to escape. She followed behind Austin and his men until she was discovered. There was excitement and unexpected happenings be for the book came to its happily ever after conclusion. I highly recommend reading this book!
September 3, 2024
very nice
This is a very nice book to read. It is written by Lynne Lanning and is written very well. This is a book about a woman who was sold, traded, and gambled for, this is all the life she knew after her father sold her. It is also about a man who lost his trust in his wife when found her cheating on him in his own house. Both have to learn to trust again then love will come. This was a very ebook to read.
This is a very nice book to read. It is written by Lynne Lanning and is written very well. This is a book about a woman who was sold, traded, and gambled for, this is all the life she knew after her father sold her. It is also about a man who lost his trust in his wife when found her cheating on him in his own house. Both have to learn to trust again then love will come. This was a very ebook to read.
September 6, 2024
TEN STARS 🌟
What an incredible story! Oh my goodness…this book would make a wonderful movie! It’s unimaginable what evil people have done and still do to others. Fern was a survivor. Austin was a broken man and was intent on remaining unmarried. But God had other plans for them 💘
What an incredible story! Oh my goodness…this book would make a wonderful movie! It’s unimaginable what evil people have done and still do to others. Fern was a survivor. Austin was a broken man and was intent on remaining unmarried. But God had other plans for them 💘
August 26, 2024
Oh Fern! What an incredible inspiration you are! Austin too. My heart ached for each of you. Y’all showed us that if you keep your faith, God will provide. From heart wrenching moments to clinging to the edge of my seat to heart warming moments, this story is phenomenal! It is a must read!
September 4, 2024
WOW, great read! hope all of the books in this series are as good as this one!
September 8, 2024
Great book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I absolutely loved the characters. I'm also glad there was a happily ever after. I recommend this book q
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I absolutely loved the characters. I'm also glad there was a happily ever after. I recommend this book q
September 17, 2024
Wonderful book. I really enjoyed it
September 11, 2024
Wow! Such a profound Love.
With as much trauma as Fern had endured, Austen was just as devastated by a woman, who humiliated him in front of the whole town! Learning to trust again is a very difficult thing to do. With Gods help they both came to trust each other! Well written and researched, you can feel every hurt the characters have to endure! This is a great series starting out with this story!
With as much trauma as Fern had endured, Austen was just as devastated by a woman, who humiliated him in front of the whole town! Learning to trust again is a very difficult thing to do. With Gods help they both came to trust each other! Well written and researched, you can feel every hurt the characters have to endure! This is a great series starting out with this story!
October 17, 2024
To Trust A Heart will get you from page 1. Austin just wanted all the reminders of his ex wife gone, even burning his house down. He needs to move forward, but he could never trust any woman again. When he discovers Fern following him, he doesn't know what to make of her. He just knows he is as to help her. Not even knowing her name, he knows she needs his help. This story will show you that with God's help, you will know what path to take for love. Beautifully written.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
September 4, 2024
Great story about overcoming abuse and let-downs. The book starts with Austin burning down his house, on purpose. His divorced has been finalized. He doesn't trust any woman and when you find out how his ex-wife is, you'll totally understand. He's living in his barn for the time being. He decides to head to another town to buy horses as his plan was to raise/train horses. One his way home with his horses, he finds Fern camping not far from them. Fern has had a very rough life. She was sold at about 13 years old by her own father. In the 6 years she has been sold, traded, & used for gambling debts. She only knows servitude. Her current owners take her to a high-stakes poker game where she is the prize. Someone claims another player cheated and there's shooting. In the mayhem, Fern runs. When Austing finds her near his camp, she's very afraid but when he shows how nice and considerate he is, she starts to wonder if not all men are evil. Austin takes her with him, and she stays with his neighbors. This is a great story of faith, love, & over-coming. There are many good characters in this story. If you like good clean Western romance with some suspense, you'll like this story.
October 7, 2024
Austin was married to a woman who quickly forsook her vows and has more mood swings than the weather!
He was finally free and vowed to never trust women again!
Fern has been sold since the age of 14 beautiful but passed around and abused by men!
When Fern was to be sold again she escaped and was found by Austin!
He took her home to the neighbor where she gradually tells her story and starts to heal!
Fern is drawn to Austin and many men at church in town try to approach her but she’s very afraid still! Austin knows she special and I love how they both pray and cry out to God for answers!
This is a faith based love story that shows two people who need to heal and trust God to bring answers! Bravo
He was finally free and vowed to never trust women again!
Fern has been sold since the age of 14 beautiful but passed around and abused by men!
When Fern was to be sold again she escaped and was found by Austin!
He took her home to the neighbor where she gradually tells her story and starts to heal!
Fern is drawn to Austin and many men at church in town try to approach her but she’s very afraid still! Austin knows she special and I love how they both pray and cry out to God for answers!
This is a faith based love story that shows two people who need to heal and trust God to bring answers! Bravo
June 10, 2025
This book had so much potential.. I’ve read plenty of books that were under 200 pages and it’s done really well but this one didn’t really do it for me. I feel like if it were longer, it would had been a phenomenal story. The premise was great it, the book wasn’t bad but i do wish it was longer and make into a full novel. That way i could connect to the characters more and see their relationship grow, look more into the found family, the trauma and see how they really come together through and with God. I just was left wanting more.
August 15, 2024
One would be hard pressed to find a more hope inspiring, more heart healing story than this! Having read and enjoyed several works by this author, I find each book reveals the heart felt inspiration that can only come from a soul fully committed to reaching deep within the reader that only the love of our Father can fill. Entertaining, soul searching, healing read, one to bring a ray of sunshine into a dark and unpredictable world.
August 17, 2024
When I started reading this book, I thought “wow, has Austin ever been through a lot!” Then we meet Fern! My oh my! This book is so inspirational, heartfelt and filled with a message of hope! Definitely recommend!
I loved this quote from the book:
"You do that Austin. But remember, God expects us to put feet to our prayers. So, if we aren't willing to take the action God lays on our hearts, then we've prayed in vain."
I loved this quote from the book:
"You do that Austin. But remember, God expects us to put feet to our prayers. So, if we aren't willing to take the action God lays on our hearts, then we've prayed in vain."
September 9, 2024
What a great read!! This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last. Fern and Austin have both been through difficulties in their past. They are wary of their feelings for each other but he makes her feel safe. She makes him feel like a hero. I truly enjoyed this book! So glad it was suggested to me!
June 24, 2025
good book
This was a good book and by a great author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
This was a good book and by a great author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews