Keeper of My Heart: A Shumard Oak Bend Novel

Discerning God's Best #6

by Heidi Gray McGill

She’s never met a man who could keep up. He’s never met a challenge he couldn’t solve. But when love and faith collide, will either of them surrender their hearts?

Cecelia Grace Trexler Shankel has never met her match. Raised on the rugged frontier, she rides harder, shoots straighter, and knows the land better than most men. At eighteen, she’s expected to marry, but no suitor has ever been her equal—and she refuses to settle for less. Independent to a fault and fiercely intelligent, Cecelia has no patience for anyone who can’t keep up with her.

Then James “Jimmy” Reeves arrives.

A brilliant but socially awkward pharmacist, Jimmy Reeves has spent his life mastering medicine, not people. After earning his medical degree in Philadelphia, he pursues further studies at the new school of pharmacy in South Carolina, refining his knowledge of formulas and precision-based healing. But instead of returning to a life of privilege, he heads west, determined to learn the practical side of medicine—where science meets survival.

His plan is study natural remedies, assist his friend Thomas Shankel’s clinic, and return with newfound expertise. What he never expects is Cecelia Shankel—a woman as wild and untamed as the land itself, challenging everything he thought he knew about strength, skill, and survival.

Their first meeting is a clash of worlds—her bold confidence against his quiet precision. She thinks he’s too stiff and bookish; he finds her exasperatingly unpredictable. But when a sudden smallpox outbreak threatens the town, they are forced to work together, testing their skills, patience, and faith.

As sparks fly and respect grows, Cecelia finds herself drawn to a man who challenges her not with strength, but with knowledge. And Jimmy discovers that some things—like love and faith—can’t be measured in scientific terms.
But Cecelia isn’t ready to let any man keep her heart.

And Jimmy isn’t sure he’s brave enough to try.

In a world where independence is survival, can two opposites surrender to God’s best plan for their lives?

For Lorraine Snelling, Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford fans, this standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series will capture your heart and leave you breathless. You’ll love this book if you enjoy gripping historical drama and compelling characters. Binge-read the entire series on Kindle Unlimited.

• Full-length Christian historical fiction
• A standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs
• 1877
• For fans of Lorraine Snelling, Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford

Book Desire of My Heart
Book With All My Heart
Companion Christmas Stitched On My Heart
Book Matters of the Heart
Book Healing of the Heart
Book Written on My Heart
Companion Christmas A Place to Belong
Book Keeper of My Heart
Christmas Before We Belong – available for free with newsletter signup
Deep in My Heart – available for free with newsletter signup. Search Heidi Gray McGill to locate her website.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Christian, Romance, Christian Fiction

307 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2026

About the author

Selah Award finalist Heidi Gray McGill writes award-winning Christian fiction that draws readers into stories of hope, grace, and redemption. Her Discerning God’s Best series brings the American frontier to life with historical richness and biblical truth, while her contemporary novels explore modern struggles with the same heartfelt honesty. Blindness has not limited Heidi’s vision but refined her focus, shaping the way she writes about resilience and faith. She lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband of more than thirty years and treasures her role as Grammie to three energetic grandsons. Connect with Heidi and receive a free prequel at HeidiGrayMcGill.com.

Reviews

[Lisa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a clean romance and Christian historical novel, look no further. “Keeper of My Heart” is a beautiful story of finding faith and love when not expected or even searching. I love how McGill constantly reminds readers throughout the book that no matter how intelligent and strong a person is, we can only go so far on our own and in the end it is God who controls our paths. Highly recommend reading this encouraging story.

I received a complimentary copy of the book, and a positive review was not required

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heidi Gray McGill does a beautiful job weaving together themes of love, forgiveness, and trusting God’s plan, even when life doesn’t unfold the way we expect. The characters felt genuine and relatable, each carrying their own burdens and hopes, which made their journeys all the more meaningful.

It was slow at times but the overall it was a good read.

If you enjoy Christian historical romance this is definitely worth picking up.

Overall, a touching read that reminds you God is always at work—even in the hardest seasons.

I was given this eARC by the author in exchange for a honest review.

[Danica Lohmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In a world where independence is survival, can two opposites surrender to God’s best plan for their lives?” Author McGill's tagline truly captures the heart of this story.

Keeper of My Heart is a heartfelt Christian Historical Romance that beautifully blends faith, vulnerability, and love against the backdrop of frontier life. At its core, this story is about two people who have learned to depend on themselves so fully that letting someone else in doesn’t come easily. I really appreciated the way it shows the double-edged nature of independence — how strength and self-sufficiency can also leave us feeling unseen when what we truly long for is to be loved as we are.

Cecelia was such an enjoyable heroine. She’s poised, confident, and capable, but also funny, sarcastic, and full of personality. Jimmy is much more straight-laced, organized, and by-the-book, and though he’s intelligent and dependable, he’s also a little naïve in ways that made him endearing. Their differences created such a lovely tension, especially with the added layer of them coming from opposite ends of society and expectation.

I also liked that the story touched on gender roles, class differences, and societal pressures while still keeping faith at the center. More than anything, this book is a reminder that while two people may be better together, God’s guidance is what truly makes a relationship whole.

A sweet, clean and wholesome inspirational romance about trust, surrender, and letting love in.
___________________________________________________
I received a complimentary copy of the book, and a positive review was not required.

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful book in this inspiring and heartfelt series. Each book in the series could be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading them all. The author has a way of making you feel as if you are walking down that dusty road and living through their trials and victories. In the story, we learn more about Cecilia, her drive and grit that keeps her going. When she sees a new city slicker in town, she predicts he won’t be around long.
James Reeves has come to Shumard Oak Bend to learn more than he ever could from a book. He is a pharmacist by trade and wants to expand his knowledge of herbal remedies and healing plants. A city slicker in a western town always makes for great entertainment. Especially when you have a confident, strong woman to witness all of your blunders.The story also draws on your heart strings with an outbreak of smallpox. In these historical, trying times you see and feel the outpouring of grief, but also miracles, prayers and earthly angels that do everything in their power to heal the sick and afflicted. This touching and heartwarming story will fill your empty lanterns with light. There is a sweet and inspiring romance that will bring a smile to your face. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Cheryl Tabor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Christian love story which begins in 1877, Shadow Ranch Missouri. Cecelia is not your typical woman of the times. She is a Rancher and makes no apology for it. When most women her age are dressing prim and proper dresses and looking to marry and have a man take care of her. Cecelia is content for the most part taking care of herself and her family.A man and a woman who raised her as their own and she now considers her father and mother, when her parents died and a sister. Her father she has learned everything about ranching from. Cecelia is beginning to feel a bit lonely and understands her family's kind full nudging about finding a suitable mate, but she has yet to find anyone who fills the shoes of her expectations. Like her father says, she may be missing out on a suitable man because he is in the process of growing into one. Serafina her sister has been swooning over one of the ranch hands that is really interested in Cecelia. Cecelia finds him a nuisance at best. Then James Reeves comes to town, school friends with the local doctor. He himself is a pharmacist who is coming to learn about home remedies as a treatment for patients. During an out break of Smallpox that hit many in their small town and at the ranch. James worked along side his doctor friend and Cecelia. A mutual appreciation became evident the more they worked along side each other to care for the inflicted. Love manifests in strange settings sometimes. There was such uncertainty around them. Beautiful story.
Goodreads ARC.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the Discerning God’s Best series. I loved this story about Jimmy and Cecelia. Meaningful message and story. Great book for those who enjoy Christian historical romance stories. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

[Rhonda Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

What a fantastic story. This is a story of loss and survival during a smallpox outbreak. But through it all came love. I received an advance copy of this book but the review is my own thoughts. I recommend this book.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good clean historical fiction read from Heidi Gray McGill. I love this series! Can’t wait for book 7.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

“God makes people whole in pieces.”

There is something about Heidi Gray McGill’s writing that just settles over me like a favorite quilt. She has a lovely way with words, often causing me to stop for a moment in order to properly savor the sentence I just read. Her characters exhibit such depth too, be it in their brokenness or their joy, and their skillfully-developed layers reflect personalities that feel real as well as relatable. Keeper of My Heart‘s Jimmy and Cecelia may only exist in fiction, and a hundred years before I was born at that, but they each had something to teach me during our time together on these pages. Truths that are lingering in my heart even now.

Cecelia Shankel is formidable at a glance – the quintessential independent woman of the western frontier who can masterfully handle any task a ranch throws at her better than most men can. She has little patience for those who don’t have the instincts or skill needed to do cattle work or wrangle the rugged land… and she has no intention of marrying anyone who doesn’t know cattle or Scripture (along with a short-but-firm list of other ‘musts’). Oh how I loved her father’s response to her unyielding list of what she’s looking for in a husband – “That kind of man might already be taken… or might still be learning how to be one.” Enter Jimmy Reeves, whip-smart & meticulous when it comes to medicine but a bit awkward around people or disorder and completely ignorant about horses, ranching, or the frontier. The opposites attract trope should have their pictures next to its definition, because these two definitely don’t get off to a great start as you might imagine. After their first clash, I wasn’t sure how in the world the author would get them to fall in love in a way that made sense, but – my heart! – watching them grow to respect each other and appreciate their differences was incredibly sweet and moving.

Aiding this shift in their feelings is being forced by necessity to work together in desperation as a smallpox outbreak sweeps through the town and its vicinity, leaving few families untouched by fear and grief. McGill captures the intensity of their exhaustion, the roller coaster of highs and lows, and the rawness of their emotions so well in this part of the story. I caught myself biting my nails more than once during these scenes, unsure if characters I loved would make it through unscathed or even alive. Some tears were shed, and not just by the characters on the front-lines of the outbreak. But the author also does a great job of lightening the mood when needed, without diminishing the magnitude of what they’re facing. The darling Girls’ Brigade made my whole heart smile, as did watching Cecelia begin to see Jimmy for the treasure he really is. I also loved seeing how the title of this book took on more than a romantic meaning for both characters, especially when one of my favorite verses (and one I’ve clung to often the last 13 years) made a touching appearance.

Bottom Line: Keeper of My Heart by Heidi Gray McGill entertains readers with wonderful characters, a sweet romance, and a compelling story wrapped in warm prose and poignant depth. It’s unapologetically Christian but never preachy, which is often a difficult balance to achieve but this author consistently does so well. She puts Jimmy and Cecelia – and all of Shumard Oak Bend – through the wringer in this story but that just makes the faith threads all the more meaningful. And the sweet opposites-attract friendship that gradually develops into a tender romance was a joy to follow through the story, really touching my heart by the end. I love this author’s writing voice, and based on the foreshadowing included in this book I’m eager to read the next one too. Keeper of My Heart is a great next read for fans of Misty M. Beller and Janette Oke!

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Lori Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

TODAY is the DAY, it’s finally out!! Order you very own copy of KEEPER of MY HEART: A Shumard Oak Bend Novel (Book 6 of 7 in Heidi Gray McGill’s Discerning God's Best series)

If you love Christian Historical Romance, make sure you grab this one! It is a stand-alone novel that gives a magnificent view of Pioneer Life on the Missouri Frontier in the late 1800’s. My husband and I often talk about how we would like to see what frontier life was like. The parts of this novel that are told from the perspective of Jimmy, a city pharmacist, especially give a vivid picture of this life. Although he is from this era, he is born and bred into city life and the way he describes (actually the author, Heidi) what he encounters as he arrives on the frontier are like being there. It is so foreign to him and yet so enthralling that he wants to learn all he can, especially about natural medicine. The other main character is Cecelia, a woman who rides, shoots, and works the ranch better than almost any man. She is a strong woman who feels she is simply fine alone and doesn’t need any man to complete her life. Surviving and facing challenges no one can endure alone these two opposites find love in someone they never expected each other, and more importantly they find God is their one true strength. He is, was and always will be there for them and the provider of all they need. As always, Heidi’s faith shines through in her writing and she weaves believable characters, historical events, and Godly wisdom into an incredibly enjoyable novel.

If you love clean and wholesome inspirational romance, get your copy and dive in!

I received an early complimentary copy of this book, and a positive review was not required. All the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Elaine Kiefer]

This is a wonderful next chapter in the Trexler/Shenkel family story. Two people who couldn't be more different, find themselves thrown together in different circumstances and learn to admire and trust each other. Cecelia doesn't see the need to be married, and Jimmy has worked his whole life to earn a place where he feels accepted. At first their differences separate them, but when they face a smallpox outbreak and work together, they learn to accept and even admire the differences. It was beautiful to watch them both learn to trust God and learn to allow Him to direct their paths and lead them to the life He always had for them. This was a story of surrendering to God's will and finding the joy of serving Him.



I received a copy of this book from the author as an ARC, but this is an honest heartfelt review.

[Revee Kraszewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeper of My Heart was a vivid and heartfelt read. Heidi Gray McGill has a wonderful way with words, and her writing made me feel as though I was watching the story come to life. Cecelia was a strong and admirable heroine, using her talents and hard work to help save her community during the smallpox outbreak. I also loved the slow-burn romance between Cecelia and Jimmy. His journey toward becoming the man he was meant to be, and his decision to follow his calling as a pharmacist, made his story especially compelling. Cecelia’s sister’s story also left me eager for the next book in the series. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more!

[Carol Kaylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and a positive review was not required. Heidi Gray McGill is a new author for me so I was not sure what to expect. There was also the fact that I did not read book 1 in the Shumard Oak Bend Series, yet I had no problem following the story. Nor did I feel like I was missing a large “chunk” of the plot. Ms McGill did a wonderful job developing the characters in such a way that I felt like I truly knew them. I am definitely planning to go back and read book 1 in the series and I look forward the next installment as well. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.

[cheryl k woods]

Couldn't wait to read more!

I loved the fierce but ethereal character of Cecilia. I also loved Jimmy and couldn't wait to learn more and get involved in his rich character. I always appreciate when the author ties it to the characters of her other works in the series and gives you a glimpse of them too. There were some heartbreaking moments, yet the development of her characters both spiritually and emotionally meant the characters weren't one dimensional. It gave you the focus to keep reading.
I love Heid's style of writing. It was so engaging and more literary than I expected. Wonderful! I can't wait to read about Serafina and Conner.
Please keep writing.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personalities

Keeper of My Heart is the latest of this remarkable series by Heidi Gray McGill.  It captures one interest and draws you into the story. She is independent,funny and a wild west type girl. He is dependable, highly intelligent pharmacist and shy. Society will demand adjustments for both. Can they learn to adjust to each other's perspectives and personalities? With the outbreak ,working together their will is tested but faith supports.

This is an excellent Christian Historical series which reinforces the characters faith and is most believable.

I received a complimentary copy of the book and this positive review is not required.

[Debra Kronenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeper of My Heart returns us to Shumand Oak Bend.
Cecelia has never met a man she can't out ride, move the herd, or feed the horses.
Jimmy has never come across a puzzle or challenge he can't figure out. He's coming to Shumand Oak Bend, with plans on learning all he could about natural medicines.
When an epidemic is comes into town on the stagecoach, all plans they may have made are gone.
Joining forces to save the townspeople causes them to join forces woth her okder brother, the town doctor.
Thomas and Cecelia were exposed at young ages, and Jimmy was given the vaccine at medical school.
I could not put this book down.
It is one of Heidi McGill's best.
I was given this book by the author. However, my review is unbiased and true.

[Taylor Veruchi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of the book, and a positive review was not required. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the character development in this book. How each one found themself during a hardship and came out loving each other all the more. I wasn’t sure about Jimmy at first, but through his growth and change he became endearing and really found himself in Christ. What a beautiful lesson to trust God in all things.
I enjoyed this read and look forward to more.

[Megondeb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continued praise

The novel captivates readers with its deeply nuanced characters, weaving an emotionally rich narrative that pulls you into its intricate world. Despite touching on poignant themes, the story ultimately resonates with hope and redemption, offering a profoundly satisfying resolution. The underlying Christian message is thoughtfully integrated, providing spiritual depth without overwhelming the narrative's powerful human elements.

[Joselyn T Everett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quiet, yet very intelligent Hero; Strong- minded Heroine …perfect match

Clean - Historical Christian Romance. Faith-filled story.

This is a story of growth, which I love! Both characters grow personally and in their faith. This book is a series and I would definitely recommend starting with book one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and a positive review was not required.

[Marti Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book in the series! I loved this one so much. It may be because I so can relate to the female main character. So much good truth and learning how to love yourself as you are.

[SK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book series. Every book in this series has pulled me in with compelling plots, captivating characters I wanted to know, historical setting of 1870s Missouri, and testimonies of biblical faith that were anchored to biblical practice that blessed as well as led to self-reflection. That is why Heidi Gray McGill is one of my favorite authors, she excels in the Historical Christian fiction genre. Coming to Book 6 in the Discerning God’s Best series, I anticipated great things from Keeper of My Heart; I Was Not Disappointed. It was complete, complex, and captivating. I enjoy reading about characters who have flaws but grow, change, and anchor in God’s will and way, as specifically seen in the H/h, Cecelia and James “Jimmy” Reeves.

At various stages in the book, Heidi makes potent use of description to evoke deep, instinctive, emotional reactions, particularly from Cecelia or Jimmy. These were not contrived, but rang very true to me. In Chapter 3, the stage coach driver shouts to James that he has reached his stop. The driver states, “Welcome to Shumard Oak Bend.” He is then bombarded with noise and movement. It was too much for Jimmy, the child screeching, dog barking, hammer pounding, wet slush spraying his shins, a woman arguing with a rough-looking man. And then the scents, such as a wet horse, smoke, fried meat all tangling with what should be fresh air. This was also my experience, the first few months of my twenty plus years living near the equator. Every day felt like a shelling of my sight, smell, and hearing; even the humidity was tangible and oppressive. But like Jimmy, when you are where God wants you to be, all the sensory assaults just melt away!

Scenes I found commanding and pivotal were: 1) the evening scene where Jimmy first sees Cecelia; 2) Pastor Hans Korhonene’s Convicting Sunday sermon, where he states, “Sometimes the favor God calls us to do comes dressed like an inconvenience…” Then, Cecelia’s initial response of “No trouble here, Pastor. You want strict obedience? Try hiking ten miles through….that’s obedience.” ; 3) Pete and Robin’s patient instructing of Jimmy in natural remedies and in what a Christian home is like (love the irony in many of Pete’s comments); 4) The Branding Preparation and the Branding Day were pivotal to the change in both Cecelia’s and Jimmy’s perspective toward each other. Priceless; 5) the Rattlesnake incident; 6) Chapters 20-23 Jimmy becomes a patient & Cecelia a Caregiver, this was masterful; 7) The Girls Brigade.

Quotes:
• Jimmy reflects on what Shumard Oak Bend & specifically Cecelia and Thomas had given him: “She hadn’t offered comfort. What she’d given instead was clarity and a steady mirror to show him the kind of grit this land expected….In their silence, he’d found something Philadelphia had never given: the space to prove himself. Not with status, but with substance.”
• Pastor Hans to Jimmy, “You would be hard-pressed to find a man who does not feel claimed by something. The trouble comes when we let those claims speak louder than God does…Whatever you decide…doing what God Desires is always the best answer.”

I rate this book a “mega plus 5 stars.” I’m even ruminating on using the book with a woman’s group for reading and discussion on some of the dynamic themes from the book. This story hit the spot for me and I believe it will be just what you want also in a great Christian Historical fiction book.
I received an ARC eCopy from the author; a positive review was not required. All the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book in the series with several past main characters coming up briefly as minor characters too. The story was well told and I enjoyed learning about the main characters.

Both of the main characters were brought up in other previous books for the series but now have their own story. The first one is Cecelia, who was just an infant in the first book. She has now grown up to become a woman and helps her father Clint on the cattle ranch (man he's an amazing dad and I loved the scenes with him in this). Her family appreciates her hard work but hope that she will want to find a man to marry soon. She is of age but doesn't want to marry. There are a couple of those who work on the ranch who also have longed to be with her (one who is in particular quite bothersome throughout the story towards her).

The other main character is one of Thomas' friends who we met with his story back in Philadelphia. Jimmy is a pharmacist. You can feel he has a lot of fears with being around too many people and seeing too much blood or doing actual doctoring. It is not what he enjoys. He goes to visit Shumar Oak Bend to receive training from Robin with herbs and giving a Native American perspective for healing in medicine (love that she is back in this book, and I loved having Pete show up and give some wisdom too).

Cecilia and Jimmy are very different from one another and this is definitely a slow romance story. There isn't a lot of build up for them to form a relationship, it is just they end up working side by side when a sickness spreads in the village. You can watch how they shine in the work they do and see that in one another. Jimmy seemed so timid early on in the book, but he grew so much and was great.

I definitely think that people would get very confused reading this book if they have not read the rest of the series, so please do so (it's great series and I love it so much).

The faith elements are so strong and beautiful! Jimmy obviously came from a hard childhood, and it is nice to see how he sees the kindness around him and watches how God really answers prayers even with a lot of loss around him.

At the end, we find out some sad things happen to prepare for the next book (which it seems will be the last in the series. Aww).
I really enjoyed reading this and don't really have complaints. I would probably just wish there were some more deeper interactions between Cecilia and Jimmy earlier on, but I do feel this was told in a way that would be pretty natural. You get to know some people over time with just being around them and feelings can grow from that.

content: a lot of death from illness (which includes little children/babies), a man who seems pushy with his intentions towards a woman, injuries and effects of illness explained

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

So incredibly good!!!

She had learned how to carry everything ... and he had learned how to calculate everything ... and somehow neither of them knew how to rest.

Cecelia lives like she has to hold it all together ... and she does. She shows up, she gives, she keeps going ... pouring herself out in every place she is needed. It has carried her this far ... it has protected her ... and it has quietly become the way she understands strength. Jimmy has built his life differently ... careful, thoughtful, always trying to get it right ... believing if he can understand enough, measure enough, he will finally arrive where he is supposed to be. And still ... there is a tiredness in him that does not lift.

“Sometimes we get so busy proving ourselves ... we forget we’ve already got Someone who sees us fully and loves us, anyway.”

When they meet, it does not feel easy ... it feels like friction ... like two lives moving in different directions. And yet ... there is something underneath it all ... something steady and sure ... the quiet, faithful work of God drawing two paths together with a purpose they cannot yet see. Not rushed. Not forced. Just guided ... step by step ... by a hand that knows them both fully.

“It’s easy to serve when the task is tidy ... But the genuine test of obedience is when the Lord asks for what we don’t want to give ...”

What unfolds is gentle and deep ... a slow softening. What has always worked begins to feel heavy in a different way. What once felt like strength begins to reveal its limits. And in that place ... God does not pull away ... He comes closer ... patient, steady, inviting them to trust Him where they have only trusted themselves.

“Lord ... I’ve spent my whole life trying to earn things ... and I am so tired of getting it wrong.”

It comes down to this quiet surrender ... not of who they are, but of what they have depended on. The strength that protected. The effort that tried to secure what only God can give.

Because what they have trusted has carried them ... but God, in His kindness, does not leave them there.

He guides. He protects. He gently reorders what they thought they needed ... and brings them, together, into something steadier than anything they could have built on their own.

He becomes the One holding each of their hearts ... as they become the keeper of each other’s.

I received the eARC of this book from the author. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeper of My Heart
Discerning God’s Best #6
By Heidi Gray McGill

Cecelia Shankel doesn't have time for men who think she needs a man at her side to prove her worth in the saddle. No, she knows that she can get a job done and doesn't want to waste time on men who can't see who she is and what she's capable of.

Jimmy Reeves comes from a wealthy background, but instead of leveraging his place in society he's pursued knowledge. He might have trouble interacting with people, but he knows the intellectual side of the study of pharmaceutical practices. But Jimmy wants more and his old school mate Thomas Shankel provides just the opportunity he seeks. Jimmy goes beyond the classroom and lab seeking the natural side of healing and heads west.

Jimmy takes this opportunity given him to grow as both a person and a healer. What he hadn't counted was meeting Thomas's sister Cecelia, a young woman confident in her own abilities and unlike any woman he has ever before met, one who guards her independence and doesn't have time to waste on a man who can't keep up with her.

Jimmy and Cecelia seem like such opposites. Two people one wouldn't expect to ever work together, but when lives are on the line, they do so. What's more they see that each has something to offer, and that maybe God has a better plan for them than what they had made for themselves.

Excellent reading that delves into the being of two individuals who must come together under challenging circumstances.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Heidi McGill]

FROM THE AUTHOR

One of the unexpected gifts of writing Keeper of My Heart has been hearing from readers after they finish the story. Writing can feel like a long stretch of putting one word after another and hoping it lands somewhere meaningful. It is not until someone shares how the story touched them that I get to see what God was doing all along.

A few early reader responses, especially from Evelyn Foreman and Marbeth Skwarczynski, truly filled my cup. Their words reminded me of my purpose and why I write. I want to tell a compelling story, yes, but even more, I want to remain faithful to the calling God has placed on my life.

It can be tempting as an author to soften the message or separate faith from story to make it more general market. My heart has always been to weave Christ naturally into the lives of my characters through their struggles, their growth, and their surrender, so that His truth feels as real on the page as it does in our own lives.

Cecelia and Jimmy’s journey is, at its heart, about learning to release control and trust God’s greater plan. It is something I relearn in every season.

If this story has encouraged you, challenged you, or reminded you that God works even when you cannot see it, then it has done exactly what I prayed it would do.

Heidi Gray McGill

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary beta copy of this book and a positive review was not required.
Cecelia is all practical, all no nonsense, and all impatience with perceived incapability. Jimmy is nervous about belonging and being in Shumard Oak Bend and the Manning farm. He’s a city boy and comes with a mantle of expectations and money, yet he feels God tugging him away from his privileged family in Philadelphia and West to this rough land of 1877 Missouri. To strengthen his pharmacist training, he learns more about plants from Robin and is immediately tested when illness breaks out. When Jimmy falls ill, it is Cecelia who stays by his side. Jimmy is so different from the other men she knows; he wants to learn from her expertise; he wants to stand beside her. Her heart starts to crack open and the hard shell of practicality starts to shed.
In this penultimate story of the Discerning God’s Best series, we see love blossom and share in heartbreak, and we see the characters grow spiritually and emotionally. If we look, we also see ourselves in these characters. I pray we all allow God to prod us where we need it and to surrender the bits of us where we’ve allowed a hard shell to form.

[Freida Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next in the Shumard Oak Bend series, "Keeper of My Heart" lived up to my expectations. Once more, entering the world of Shumard Oak Bend is like stepping into a familiar and comfortable space. Old friends wander in and out, bringing glimpses of prior tales, and it is easy to see the unfolding weaving of the people's lives.

"Keeper of My Heart" was a roller coaster ride emotionally. Once again, Shumard Oak Bend faces a challenge that seems overwhelming and will alter the town when resolved. There were many times I found myself catching my breath-knowing things would work out, but just not sure how it was going to happen. Like an opera, Heidi's words paint a picture that takes you into deep, emotional darkness and rises up like a crescendo to the joyful and triumphant ending. Cecelia and Jimmy are two unlikely heroes, but that very fact makes them shine brighter.

If you like clean, wholesome romances with a solid historical background and unashamed Christian backdrops, "Keeper of My Heart" and the other Shumard Oak Bend novels will be a good fit!

“I received a complimentary copy of the book, and a positive review was not required.”

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Discerning God’s Best series, and I was honored to be selected for Ms. McGill’s launch team. Keeper of my Heart is book 6 but is easily read as a standalone. Despite her young age (17), I was able to relate to Cecelia as she doesn’t “fall in line” with societal expectations of the era. She wears trousers, herds cattle, rides astride, and marches to her own tune. Poor Jimmy Reeves likes an ordered world and is uncomfortable when things don’t go as planned, so when he’s thrown together with the whirlwind that is Cecelia, he isn’t sure what to do with his attraction. He is a fish out of water who is a bit beaten down because of his past, and I loved watching him come into his own. A brilliant man, he just needed room and grace to bloom. Cecelia is prickly to keep people at arm’s length, but Jimmy gets under her skin, and it was fun to see her come to terms with that. I laughed, sighed, and cried. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the author, and a positive review was not required.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeper of My Heart is a heartwarming and heart-tugging addition to the wonderful Christian Historical Romance series Discerning God's Best. The story, set in the 1870s in Shumard Oak Bend, Missouri, revolves around heroine Cecelia Shankel, a strong, independent frontierswoman and hero Jimmy Reeves a quiet, intellectual pharmacist--a perfect opposites-attract couple. The well-paced, intriguing plot--a perfect blend of serious and laugh-out-loud moments--drew me into the story quickly and along with beautifully crafted, memorable characters and slow-burn romance, held me captive to the end! Information woven into the story about herbal remedies is interesting and educational. As always, I greatly appreciate how Ms. McGill seamlessly incorporates faith into her novels as a natural part of the characters' lives, a blessing to my heart and soul. I love this beautiful story of longing and belonging and highly recommend it and the series.
I read an early copy of this book from the author with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Jimmy and Cecelia's story!! Jimmy and Cecelia meet when Jimmy comes to Shumard Oak Bend to learn about natural medicine from Singing Bird. When they first meet, Cecelia thinks he's a dandy and won't be able to learn anything about the west. She first finds out she's wrong when he helps at branding time. She learns further about how wrong she is when they work together when smallpox strikes the town. Jimmy learns that he can't control everything, though God can. Cecelia finds out that when she fully trusts God, He can bring the man she thought she'd never find to her. Both learn to trust God and each other, and manage to save lives while doing it. They bring out the best in each other, and strengthen each other as they do so.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.