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Heart of a Miner #1
Silver
Clara was determined to make her escape to Silver City her most exciting adventure… until she discovers her face on a WANTED poster.
It would be extremely difficult explaining that particular set back to Hal, the man she was quickly losing her heart to. When her outlaw uncle reappears after four years’ absence and threatens to kill her, Clara Early must decide whether to protect Hal by walking away or to trust their love will endure the evils ahead.
Silver miner Hal Horner didn't expect to find treasure in the form of the Idaho Hotel's newest maid, but he's invested and has plenty of reasons of his own to pursue a relationship with Clara. Just how far will he go to secure her hand?
Silver is the first in the Heart of a Miner series involving outlaws, Indians, claim jumpers, and sweet romance. You’ll love this action-packed story set in a 19th-century mining boom town, complete with a happy ending.
“Evil has a means of finding its victim. But so does love." Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
“Fans of the Old West will enjoy this wild ride…” Elissa Blabac, InD’Tale Magazine
It would be extremely difficult explaining that particular set back to Hal, the man she was quickly losing her heart to. When her outlaw uncle reappears after four years’ absence and threatens to kill her, Clara Early must decide whether to protect Hal by walking away or to trust their love will endure the evils ahead.
Silver miner Hal Horner didn't expect to find treasure in the form of the Idaho Hotel's newest maid, but he's invested and has plenty of reasons of his own to pursue a relationship with Clara. Just how far will he go to secure her hand?
Silver is the first in the Heart of a Miner series involving outlaws, Indians, claim jumpers, and sweet romance. You’ll love this action-packed story set in a 19th-century mining boom town, complete with a happy ending.
“Evil has a means of finding its victim. But so does love." Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
“Fans of the Old West will enjoy this wild ride…” Elissa Blabac, InD’Tale Magazine
Audible Audio
First published July 13, 2018
337 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Krystal M. Anderson
27 books69 followersReading has always been a passion of mine. I always wanted to become an author but it was a "someday" sort of goal. In 2017, I decided to make my dream a reality and began my first book. While I enjoy nearly all fiction, historical novels particularly fascinate me.
My family and I live in Southern Utah, USA. I grew up on horseback and treasured any time I could spend riding through the red sands and sagebrush. My husband Randon and I have four children - including a set of twins. Nothing makes me happier than being a wife and mother.... but reading is a very close second!
My family and I live in Southern Utah, USA. I grew up on horseback and treasured any time I could spend riding through the red sands and sagebrush. My husband Randon and I have four children - including a set of twins. Nothing makes me happier than being a wife and mother.... but reading is a very close second!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 5, 2018
Sometimes a shorter story lacks development, but that's not the case with Silver. The story immediately caught my interest, with a dangerous development. Clara escapes and endures quite an adventure, which ultimately leads her to her destiny.
Clara is a very capable young woman. If I had been in her boots, I would have been severely shaking. Hal is a protector and is able to see the big picture, which isn't always easy to do, but he keeps his secrets close to his chest. The relaxed and easy development of the friendship is very comfortable and sweet.
The plot clips along at a comfortable pace, without dwelling on unnecessary details, and delivers a deliciously delightful tale, with wisps of peril and love on the edges. The setting felt true-to-times and was written in a way that painted an authentic picture of the mining times in Idaho in the later 1800s. This one is recommended for those who enjoy a clean historical romance.
Content: mild romance; mild violence and moments of peril
Clara is a very capable young woman. If I had been in her boots, I would have been severely shaking. Hal is a protector and is able to see the big picture, which isn't always easy to do, but he keeps his secrets close to his chest. The relaxed and easy development of the friendship is very comfortable and sweet.
The plot clips along at a comfortable pace, without dwelling on unnecessary details, and delivers a deliciously delightful tale, with wisps of peril and love on the edges. The setting felt true-to-times and was written in a way that painted an authentic picture of the mining times in Idaho in the later 1800s. This one is recommended for those who enjoy a clean historical romance.
Content: mild romance; mild violence and moments of peril
July 19, 2022
3.5 Stars ✨
Love this Beautiful cover 🤩- I enjoyed this, was a sweet and quick weekend read, nothing fancy or over the top but a good clean story.
Love this Beautiful cover 🤩- I enjoyed this, was a sweet and quick weekend read, nothing fancy or over the top but a good clean story.
July 25, 2022
This book was a quick, easy read that I needed after the day I had.
If you'd like a sweet love story with a little bit of suspense, this is it.
I do enjoy historical research, but sometimes the author forced in the information.
I was also not a fan of the hero trying to save the heroine without letting her know what was going on and ending up scaring her very much.
I loved how she called him on it later. I also loved the interaction between the two romantic leads--very sweet.
Enjoy!
If you'd like a sweet love story with a little bit of suspense, this is it.
I do enjoy historical research, but sometimes the author forced in the information.
I was also not a fan of the hero trying to save the heroine without letting her know what was going on and ending up scaring her very much.
I loved how she called him on it later. I also loved the interaction between the two romantic leads--very sweet.
Enjoy!
November 18, 2018
HONESTY—INTEGRITY—AND DUTY
What an adventurous tale of family, fortune, greed, and new beginnings. The story is the first in the Heart of a Miner series and was a page-turner. I liked the characters and their interaction. The two main characters, Clara Early and Hal Horner are both living lives with heartache and disappointment. One is running for their life; the other is escaping their past. What happens when they are on the same stagecoach that takes them to Silver City? Hal is searching for a treasure and finds one better than silver or gold.
Clara Early lost her mother during childbirth, and her father was murdered for his wealth. Being a wise man he had a will and left his fortune to his only child, Clara, that she can access upon her eighteenth birthday which is fast approaching. Clara has lived with her Aunt and cousin since the death of her father, but now trouble has shown up with demands and threats.
Harold “Hal” Horner was the second son, one who idealized his older brother, Mark. When Mark dies, Hal is lost in his family’s grief, with a father who drinks heavily and berates him, and a mother who is in depression. Even trying to appease his parents, going to law school and getting a degree doesn’t matter, so he leaves Philadelphia and travels to Idaho and starts mining, eventually buying his own mine.
The plot will have Clara and Hal on the same stagecoach traveling to Silver City, Idaho. Clara is fleeing for her life from her evil uncle, and Hal has purchased a silver mine, seeking treasures. Two people with a troubled past, trying to start over. Clara is lucky to find work at the hotel, with room and board and stays busy, enjoying her job and the people she works with. Hal must find a team of men that are willing to work and help him get the mine producing.
What happens when Hal finds a wanted posted with Clara’s picture? He knows she is hiding something, but he can’t just ask her. Hal is dealing with issues with his own family. The story will take on two people learning to confide and trust each other with problems. The more time that Clara and Hal spend together, they both realize they have developed strong feelings. But Hal is away working the mine and only comes to Silver City when bringing ore and picking up supplies.
“Pull up your socks, Hal. You trust her—she’s just obviously knee-deep in some kind of muck.”
Hal lets Clara see the wanted poster, and she will confide in him about her uncle, how her aunt and cousin told her to leave and not even write. She knows how slippery Lester is, and that he is coming for her, wanting her inheritance. Will Hal be able to keep her safe? Can he get past his family issues and finally acknowledge his love for her?
“It’s past time I move on with my life and prioritize what truly makes a life worth living.”
The story will take on a life and death situation and show how far a man is willing to go for a woman he loves. The story is a clean historical western, including action, and adventure, that ends on a happily ever after.
What an adventurous tale of family, fortune, greed, and new beginnings. The story is the first in the Heart of a Miner series and was a page-turner. I liked the characters and their interaction. The two main characters, Clara Early and Hal Horner are both living lives with heartache and disappointment. One is running for their life; the other is escaping their past. What happens when they are on the same stagecoach that takes them to Silver City? Hal is searching for a treasure and finds one better than silver or gold.
Clara Early lost her mother during childbirth, and her father was murdered for his wealth. Being a wise man he had a will and left his fortune to his only child, Clara, that she can access upon her eighteenth birthday which is fast approaching. Clara has lived with her Aunt and cousin since the death of her father, but now trouble has shown up with demands and threats.
Harold “Hal” Horner was the second son, one who idealized his older brother, Mark. When Mark dies, Hal is lost in his family’s grief, with a father who drinks heavily and berates him, and a mother who is in depression. Even trying to appease his parents, going to law school and getting a degree doesn’t matter, so he leaves Philadelphia and travels to Idaho and starts mining, eventually buying his own mine.
The plot will have Clara and Hal on the same stagecoach traveling to Silver City, Idaho. Clara is fleeing for her life from her evil uncle, and Hal has purchased a silver mine, seeking treasures. Two people with a troubled past, trying to start over. Clara is lucky to find work at the hotel, with room and board and stays busy, enjoying her job and the people she works with. Hal must find a team of men that are willing to work and help him get the mine producing.
What happens when Hal finds a wanted posted with Clara’s picture? He knows she is hiding something, but he can’t just ask her. Hal is dealing with issues with his own family. The story will take on two people learning to confide and trust each other with problems. The more time that Clara and Hal spend together, they both realize they have developed strong feelings. But Hal is away working the mine and only comes to Silver City when bringing ore and picking up supplies.
“Pull up your socks, Hal. You trust her—she’s just obviously knee-deep in some kind of muck.”
Hal lets Clara see the wanted poster, and she will confide in him about her uncle, how her aunt and cousin told her to leave and not even write. She knows how slippery Lester is, and that he is coming for her, wanting her inheritance. Will Hal be able to keep her safe? Can he get past his family issues and finally acknowledge his love for her?
“It’s past time I move on with my life and prioritize what truly makes a life worth living.”
The story will take on a life and death situation and show how far a man is willing to go for a woman he loves. The story is a clean historical western, including action, and adventure, that ends on a happily ever after.
March 29, 2019
Lovely Story
Lovely story about a young woman on the run until she comes of age. I enjoyed the author's handling of the characters and the way she portrayed the roughness of a mining camp where greed often rules.
Lovely story about a young woman on the run until she comes of age. I enjoyed the author's handling of the characters and the way she portrayed the roughness of a mining camp where greed often rules.
August 11, 2018
Reviewed at Historically Romantic
Silver is an intriguing introduction to the Heart of a Miner series. Richly interwoven with accurate historical facts, this story takes us into the Old West where outlaws were abundant and ruthless, and the victims they carelessly left behind forged new futures.
The basics of what you really need to know are in the cover description. Sometimes to say too much is to give away the heart of a story, so I’m going to be careful and a bit vague at times.
Clara’s life had drastically changed when her father was killed. She went to live with her aunt and cousin, together they managed to survive. When their past rears its ugly head, Clara is forced to run for her life. She just didn’t realize that she was heading for her future.
Hal is holding secrets and a past he won’t speak of. He’s heading West to mine for silver in a mine claim he recently bought. While he had drilled before, this time he’d be working for himself in ways that he had yet to learn. He planned to make something of his own, and wasn’t really looking for any romantic complications along the way. Yet, life often has unexpected surprises for us. Hal and Clara met on the stagecoach, during a most uncomfortable trip to Silver City. They’d run into each other often in the coming days and weeks, so their natural attraction to each other and a friendship began to form. Unfortunately, Hal discovered something about Clara that surprised him… and now he’s left with questions that he’s reluctant to ask directly.
Clara may have her eyes on her future, but her past is quickly gaining ground and the results of that clash won’t be pretty.
I enjoyed Silver, it’s an interesting look at our past with characters who will capture your attention quickly. There will always be evil people in the world and you’re about to meet a prime example. The historical facts scattered throughout this story gave it a depth that was satisfying. Hal and Clara make a lovely couple with their future brightly ahead of them… once they deal with Clara’s past and Hal’s secrets. If you love Western Historical Romance then you’ll want to pick up Silver. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next story in this series, Gold. I enjoyed myself in this world, and really isn’t that why we read?
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Silver is an intriguing introduction to the Heart of a Miner series. Richly interwoven with accurate historical facts, this story takes us into the Old West where outlaws were abundant and ruthless, and the victims they carelessly left behind forged new futures.
The basics of what you really need to know are in the cover description. Sometimes to say too much is to give away the heart of a story, so I’m going to be careful and a bit vague at times.
Clara’s life had drastically changed when her father was killed. She went to live with her aunt and cousin, together they managed to survive. When their past rears its ugly head, Clara is forced to run for her life. She just didn’t realize that she was heading for her future.
Hal is holding secrets and a past he won’t speak of. He’s heading West to mine for silver in a mine claim he recently bought. While he had drilled before, this time he’d be working for himself in ways that he had yet to learn. He planned to make something of his own, and wasn’t really looking for any romantic complications along the way. Yet, life often has unexpected surprises for us. Hal and Clara met on the stagecoach, during a most uncomfortable trip to Silver City. They’d run into each other often in the coming days and weeks, so their natural attraction to each other and a friendship began to form. Unfortunately, Hal discovered something about Clara that surprised him… and now he’s left with questions that he’s reluctant to ask directly.
Clara may have her eyes on her future, but her past is quickly gaining ground and the results of that clash won’t be pretty.
I enjoyed Silver, it’s an interesting look at our past with characters who will capture your attention quickly. There will always be evil people in the world and you’re about to meet a prime example. The historical facts scattered throughout this story gave it a depth that was satisfying. Hal and Clara make a lovely couple with their future brightly ahead of them… once they deal with Clara’s past and Hal’s secrets. If you love Western Historical Romance then you’ll want to pick up Silver. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next story in this series, Gold. I enjoyed myself in this world, and really isn’t that why we read?
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
July 24, 2022
Silver is the first book in Krystal M. Anderson’s Heart of a Miner series. In this historical sweet western romance, readers meet Clara Early and Hal Horner. Both settle in Silver City to forge a new life as they escape from their past. She leaves Oregon fleeing a conniving, evil and ruthless uncle. He leaves Philadelphia escaping the yoke of an aristocratic and domineering family. Destiny brings them together. Will they be able to forge a new life together? Will they be plagued by their pasts? Is Clara in danger? Can Hal keep her save? You must read this book to find out.
This book is a captivating quick read capturing the magnetism of love at first sight. Author has a remarkable skill of creating diverse and appealing characters that fit the opposites attract theory. The main characters have chemistry between them. This book is beautifully written with great dialog and descriptive scenes that lends credibility to this HEA romance. This is a great weekend read.
This book is a captivating quick read capturing the magnetism of love at first sight. Author has a remarkable skill of creating diverse and appealing characters that fit the opposites attract theory. The main characters have chemistry between them. This book is beautifully written with great dialog and descriptive scenes that lends credibility to this HEA romance. This is a great weekend read.
August 27, 2021
I love the way author Krystal Anderson immerses me in the era and location of her books, and Silver is no different. Through dialogue and description, she evokes the sights, sounds, and smells of the mining town of Silver City in the Owyhee Mountains of Idaho. I didn’t know that Idaho was the location of rich silver mining, so I enjoyed learning about the history. The first line of the book is one of the best I’ve ever read, and it drew me in immediately. Then the story kept me turning pages. Clara is spunky and tough, yet not unfeminine or unlikable. Hal is a wonderful hero, and I loved watching him become his best self as he sheds the damage and heartache from his youth. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
July 20, 2022
A lady, a gentleman, and an outlaw
The young lady runs to the end of the freight line that her Daddy used to run. But her Daddy's dead and her outlaw Uncle's after the money her Daddy left her. She figures a rowdy mining town like Silver City is a good place to get lost in. She takes a job and settles in a bit. The gentleman was on the stage and at the hotel. Now they see each other when he eats at the hotel because that's where she works. They both have secrets, but they're drawn to each other. Then there's a WANTED poster for the lady and one for the outlaw Uncle, too. Can the gentleman catch the outlaw and save the lady in time for the wedding bells? Recommended
The young lady runs to the end of the freight line that her Daddy used to run. But her Daddy's dead and her outlaw Uncle's after the money her Daddy left her. She figures a rowdy mining town like Silver City is a good place to get lost in. She takes a job and settles in a bit. The gentleman was on the stage and at the hotel. Now they see each other when he eats at the hotel because that's where she works. They both have secrets, but they're drawn to each other. Then there's a WANTED poster for the lady and one for the outlaw Uncle, too. Can the gentleman catch the outlaw and save the lady in time for the wedding bells? Recommended
December 16, 2019
This was as true to life of any a pioneering spirit.
To be so young and on the run at time when life was so rough on the pioneering trails of America and a 17 year old girl too! I love how everything did work for her good, but the dangers she was always aware lurked about never knowing when her outlaw uncle might show up didn’t make her end an easy or safe one to get to. Love the adventure and the love story. Could be a lifetime historical movie only they aren’t as in-depth. This isn’t sappy. The story and characters are written with clean moral compass.
To be so young and on the run at time when life was so rough on the pioneering trails of America and a 17 year old girl too! I love how everything did work for her good, but the dangers she was always aware lurked about never knowing when her outlaw uncle might show up didn’t make her end an easy or safe one to get to. Love the adventure and the love story. Could be a lifetime historical movie only they aren’t as in-depth. This isn’t sappy. The story and characters are written with clean moral compass.
August 29, 2022
Clara’s parents are both dead. She lives with an aunt and her cousin Charlie. One day her uncle returns after several years absence and threatened to kill her if she didn’t agree to sign over her inheritance to him. Her aunt hit him over the head and encouraged Clara to leave and not tell them where she was going. Clara takes a stage from the line her father used to own and ended up in Idaho in silver county. She met Hal on the stage but never spoke to him until they both ended up in the same city. This is a sweet story of young love, terror and hard work.
March 28, 2020
This was a wonderful book. I would call it a wholesome historical western romance. The characters of Clara and Hal were so sweet and fun, it makes you want to fall in love again. They both have a lot of excess baggage from their past, and a lot of fear and regret to overcome. The story was very fast-paced and I didn’t want to put it down. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I am anxiously anticipating the second book in the series.
October 27, 2020
Hal and Clara
This is a sweet, exciting and adventurous story written byKrystal M Anderson. She has done an exceptional job with the plot and the characters in this tale. Clara is a runaway trying to flee from a wicked outlaw uncleShe meet a handsome young man on the horrible stage ride to SliverCity, her new home. You will enjoy discovering how Hal and Clara find their happily ever after.
This is a sweet, exciting and adventurous story written byKrystal M Anderson. She has done an exceptional job with the plot and the characters in this tale. Clara is a runaway trying to flee from a wicked outlaw uncleShe meet a handsome young man on the horrible stage ride to SliverCity, her new home. You will enjoy discovering how Hal and Clara find their happily ever after.
October 27, 2020
This is a cute story with 2 main characters. Clara is a young lady who flees her home in Oregon to Silver City, Idaho and finds both adventure and love. The other main character, Hal, a lawyer turned silver miner, has come to Silver City to make his fortune. He soon concludes that Clara is his fortune after meeting and deciding to court her. Fairly well written and a interesting read with a feel good ending.
February 15, 2022
Clara's Story
Clara Early was looking for adventure. She came across her uncle, who was an outlaw and had no contact with Clara in four years. He threatened to kill Clara and she got on a stage coach in an effort to get away from him.
Read this book to learn about Clara's journey. Oh yes, there is silver in this story. Read the book to find out I enjoyed reading Clare's story and hope you enjoy it also.
Clara Early was looking for adventure. She came across her uncle, who was an outlaw and had no contact with Clara in four years. He threatened to kill Clara and she got on a stage coach in an effort to get away from him.
Read this book to learn about Clara's journey. Oh yes, there is silver in this story. Read the book to find out I enjoyed reading Clare's story and hope you enjoy it also.
October 24, 2020
Really lovely romance
This is a beautiful read. All of the characters are so well described, and the descriptions of the town and countryside has me walking through them along with the people in the book. The suspense, danger, attempted murder, kidnapping, the coach ride and the ball make this a very enthralling read. It so romantic too. Just wonderful
This is a beautiful read. All of the characters are so well described, and the descriptions of the town and countryside has me walking through them along with the people in the book. The suspense, danger, attempted murder, kidnapping, the coach ride and the ball make this a very enthralling read. It so romantic too. Just wonderful
May 1, 2022
Anderson has crafted a riveting masterpiece. This novella is fast paced and a clean read. I enjoyed my time in Idaho Territory. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series.
Recommend to readers who enjoy historical fiction.
I borrowed a copy from Kindle Unlimited. I've expressed my honest opinion.
Recommend to readers who enjoy historical fiction.
I borrowed a copy from Kindle Unlimited. I've expressed my honest opinion.
July 18, 2022
Hair raising!
Running from her evil uncle, the heroin escapes her home in the Pacific Northwest to a small mining town. Unbeknownst to her, her uncle has gone to the law with a fabricated story intended to set the law men and others wishing to earn a reward on the trail of his niece.
Running from her evil uncle, the heroin escapes her home in the Pacific Northwest to a small mining town. Unbeknownst to her, her uncle has gone to the law with a fabricated story intended to set the law men and others wishing to earn a reward on the trail of his niece.
October 13, 2018
Clara’s bravery and self-determination strikes a chord while her sweet personality makes her instantly likable.
Read full review in the 2018 Oct issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2018 Oct issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 6, 2019
Very nice read
I found this book to be well written and the characters and plot well drawn.
Those facts made the errors in research really glaring. Please correct the historical errors. Research is vital.
I found this book to be well written and the characters and plot well drawn.
Those facts made the errors in research really glaring. Please correct the historical errors. Research is vital.
March 24, 2020
Silver HosM
Somewhat slow in the first half, however the information presented there came together at the end. Lovely story line of true love and the life style of the time period. Nicely done. Thank you.
Somewhat slow in the first half, however the information presented there came together at the end. Lovely story line of true love and the life style of the time period. Nicely done. Thank you.
October 21, 2020
Silver Treasure
Pretty good western, though a bit flowery with adjectives. Good stories need a good bad guy and this one was really a baddie;). Great hero and heroine, especially. Just wished their relationships with God were deeper.
Pretty good western, though a bit flowery with adjectives. Good stories need a good bad guy and this one was really a baddie;). Great hero and heroine, especially. Just wished their relationships with God were deeper.
January 2, 2021
All that sparkles is not silver
A sweet story that shows that money or silver is not what to seek after in this life but forgiveness and healing and of course love.a lovely plot with well developed characters. It is an enjoyable clean read based loosely on history.
A sweet story that shows that money or silver is not what to seek after in this life but forgiveness and healing and of course love.a lovely plot with well developed characters. It is an enjoyable clean read based loosely on history.
June 20, 2023
Clara must escape her unruly uncle. Hating to leave her cousins behind, she sets off for parts unknown. A mining town. Hal comes in on the stage with her. Looking to mine, he sees into Clara’s troubled past. He wants to help but will he be too late?
August 13, 2018
If you want to lose yourself in a book, this is a great one! This book is well written and amazing! I highly recommend it! I am really looking forward to the next book!
March 21, 2020
Such a great story. I was so taken by this story that I finished it in a day and a half. Can't wait to read Gold and Copper.
April 9, 2020
Good
Wonderful story about a strong woman and the love she finds. Starting on second book now can't stop reading this series
Wonderful story about a strong woman and the love she finds. Starting on second book now can't stop reading this series
July 12, 2020
Silver
You can tell the author did historical research and that makes the story real. Loved the location and its history. I took the time to look up the towns involved. Never did quite understand Hal’s issues. Had some real surprises near the end.
You can tell the author did historical research and that makes the story real. Loved the location and its history. I took the time to look up the towns involved. Never did quite understand Hal’s issues. Had some real surprises near the end.
August 13, 2020
This is a good story set in the old west. I enjoyed it very much & recommend it.
October 26, 2020
Hal and Clara’s story
I enjoyed reading this story very much. It is well written and has a lot of historical facts woven into the story. I look forward to reading Charlie’s story.
I enjoyed reading this story very much. It is well written and has a lot of historical facts woven into the story. I look forward to reading Charlie’s story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews