What do you think?
Rate this book
A Distant Heart
Welcome to Burning Dress Ranch. The place for second-chance romance.
After a painful and humiliating divorce, Cecelia Huggins escapes to the windswept plains of Wyoming, determined to rebuild her life on her own terms. No men, no attachments…just hard work and a fresh start at the Burning Dress Ranch.
Ranch foreman Jax Taylor knows a thing or two about walls. Scarred by his own past, he’s more comfortable with cattle than conversation…and love is the last thing on his mind.
Yet when two guarded hearts cross paths under the relentless Wyoming sun, sparks fly where they least expect. As Cecelia and Jax face storms both physical and spiritual, the quiet strength of one mysterious woman—and a loving, relentless God—may be the key to unlocking a future neither of them imagined.
Can two wounded souls learn to trust again before the past rides them down?
Fall in love with this clean, uplifting Christian historical romance—start the Burning Dress Ranch series today!
“Blanton is an immense talent who goes where the stories take her, even when the subjects are difficult.” —Linda Broday, New York Times bestselling author
Ranch foreman Jax Taylor knows a thing or two about walls. Scarred by his own past, he’s more comfortable with cattle than conversation…and love is the last thing on his mind.
Yet when two guarded hearts cross paths under the relentless Wyoming sun, sparks fly where they least expect. As Cecelia and Jax face storms both physical and spiritual, the quiet strength of one mysterious woman—and a loving, relentless God—may be the key to unlocking a future neither of them imagined.
Can two wounded souls learn to trust again before the past rides them down?
Fall in love with this clean, uplifting Christian historical romance—start the Burning Dress Ranch series today!
“Blanton is an immense talent who goes where the stories take her, even when the subjects are difficult.” —Linda Broday, New York Times bestselling author
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2026
About the author
Heather Blanton
69 books305 followers“Heather Blanton is blessed with a natural storytelling ability, an ‘old soul’ wisdom, and wide expansive heart. Her characters are vividly drawn, and in the western settings where life can be hard, over quickly, and seemingly without meaning, she reveals Larger Hands holding everyone and everything together.”
MARK RICHARD, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AMC’S HELL ON WHEELS, and PEN/ERNEST HEMINGWAY AWARD WINNER
I write Christian Historical Western Romance. Yes, that often entails the use of firearms in a threatening manner. Sometimes there are fistfights. There may even be politically incorrect but historically accurate language. But also, there is always an inspirational message and strong allusions (at least) to the gospel.
A former journalist, I am an avid researcher and endeavor to skillfully weave truth in among fictional story lines. I love exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. I have walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw's note in my hand.
I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. My most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to my daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! My daddy also taught me to shoot and, trust me, I can sew buttons on with my rifle.
I can be reached several different ways:
http://ladiesindefiance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorheathe...
https://twitter.com/heatherfblanton
https://www.pinterest.com/heatherfbla...
I am a proud member of Western Writers of America.
My novels are all Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets me write about strong, pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense. Of course, romance is always a strong element in my stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God and a perfect reflection of how he loves us: sacrificially and lavishly. My stories aren’t preachy or cheesy, but I hope they are inspirational, heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God.
MARK RICHARD, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AMC’S HELL ON WHEELS, and PEN/ERNEST HEMINGWAY AWARD WINNER
I write Christian Historical Western Romance. Yes, that often entails the use of firearms in a threatening manner. Sometimes there are fistfights. There may even be politically incorrect but historically accurate language. But also, there is always an inspirational message and strong allusions (at least) to the gospel.
A former journalist, I am an avid researcher and endeavor to skillfully weave truth in among fictional story lines. I love exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. I have walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw's note in my hand.
I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. My most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to my daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! My daddy also taught me to shoot and, trust me, I can sew buttons on with my rifle.
I can be reached several different ways:
http://ladiesindefiance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorheathe...
https://twitter.com/heatherfblanton
https://www.pinterest.com/heatherfbla...
I am a proud member of Western Writers of America.
My novels are all Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets me write about strong, pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense. Of course, romance is always a strong element in my stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God and a perfect reflection of how he loves us: sacrificially and lavishly. My stories aren’t preachy or cheesy, but I hope they are inspirational, heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 22, 2025
Let me begin this review by stating, I have read all five books in the Burning Dress Ranch series and they are gems. All the books center at the ranch, each one features a woman who has hit bottom, no hope, no options, and they are told that at the end of their ranch stay, they will be equipped to move on in a new direction. While the women shed hurts, they also learn about the one who loves them with an everlasting love, who understands their situation totally (Heb. 4:15).
Cecelia, the female lead is absolutely tragic. What she has experience just pulls at your heart-strings, even though it was a work of fiction, it transmitted the fragility of Cecelia’s rock-bottom situation. Added to this story is the community of women who have gone through tragedy, rejection, and demoralizing degradation.
Another star of the story is Sally, the owner of the ranch. She is the ranch-whisperer! She has a relationship with her Savior, knows her scripture, and listens closely to the Spirit’s voice. Gradually, I realized that Sally’s ranch and her ministry vision are wonderful, philanthropic endeavors.
Jax, the male lead rounds out the main characters. Miss Sally has a small crew of men who she trusts. They know the rules and help her complete her vision. Jax is a part of her team. It turns out that Jax also has a sad story, one that screams with rejection and betrayal and causes him to keep a respectful distance from all woman. Each story in the Burning Dress Ranch has an engaging cast of eclectic characters.
I didn’t know what to expect from this series, but my reading sojourn through the pages of “A Distant Heart’ had me quickly hooked. This book has mystery, pathos, joy, spiritual searching, God-leading, and some nail-biting action. Along with the story, the reader gets a real look into what life was really like on a ranch many, many years ago. Well-Written, Great Read, if you haven’t as yet read a Blanton book, grab this book and start reading.
Cecelia, the female lead is absolutely tragic. What she has experience just pulls at your heart-strings, even though it was a work of fiction, it transmitted the fragility of Cecelia’s rock-bottom situation. Added to this story is the community of women who have gone through tragedy, rejection, and demoralizing degradation.
Another star of the story is Sally, the owner of the ranch. She is the ranch-whisperer! She has a relationship with her Savior, knows her scripture, and listens closely to the Spirit’s voice. Gradually, I realized that Sally’s ranch and her ministry vision are wonderful, philanthropic endeavors.
Jax, the male lead rounds out the main characters. Miss Sally has a small crew of men who she trusts. They know the rules and help her complete her vision. Jax is a part of her team. It turns out that Jax also has a sad story, one that screams with rejection and betrayal and causes him to keep a respectful distance from all woman. Each story in the Burning Dress Ranch has an engaging cast of eclectic characters.
I didn’t know what to expect from this series, but my reading sojourn through the pages of “A Distant Heart’ had me quickly hooked. This book has mystery, pathos, joy, spiritual searching, God-leading, and some nail-biting action. Along with the story, the reader gets a real look into what life was really like on a ranch many, many years ago. Well-Written, Great Read, if you haven’t as yet read a Blanton book, grab this book and start reading.
June 21, 2021
A "meal" of the Holy Scripture and a "cup of tea" with Heather Blanton every day keep my feet firmly planted where they need to be. Of all the hundreds of books on my Kindle I chose this one and I AM GLAD IT DID!!!!!
The Holy Spirit must have given Heather insight into my soul because Heather always knows what I need to read and when. I cried, I laughed and I looked at forgiveness. Don't throw it to the wind but set it at the cross. There have been a few people in my life that I felt "did me wrong". But when you set it at the cross you are free to move on without the heavy weight of bitterness, anger, and poor self-esteem.
Heather's writing is down to earth, honest, true to the times and VERY insightful into the issues / concerns / problems faced by her characters. She doesn't push them to the answer but allows God to lead them at HIS pace. (Gee, another lesson for me)
What a perfect title - Burning Dress. We all need to do some dress burning to get rid of the issues in our life.
This is a MUST READ if you are lonely, sad, happy, secure, married, single, or just looking to growth your faith via fiction. A perfect read for non-believers, too.
Thank you, Heather for writing and Thank you, God for giving her the insight, story lines, plots, characters, and the message for her readers. Keep up the good work!
The Holy Spirit must have given Heather insight into my soul because Heather always knows what I need to read and when. I cried, I laughed and I looked at forgiveness. Don't throw it to the wind but set it at the cross. There have been a few people in my life that I felt "did me wrong". But when you set it at the cross you are free to move on without the heavy weight of bitterness, anger, and poor self-esteem.
Heather's writing is down to earth, honest, true to the times and VERY insightful into the issues / concerns / problems faced by her characters. She doesn't push them to the answer but allows God to lead them at HIS pace. (Gee, another lesson for me)
What a perfect title - Burning Dress. We all need to do some dress burning to get rid of the issues in our life.
This is a MUST READ if you are lonely, sad, happy, secure, married, single, or just looking to growth your faith via fiction. A perfect read for non-believers, too.
Thank you, Heather for writing and Thank you, God for giving her the insight, story lines, plots, characters, and the message for her readers. Keep up the good work!
September 13, 2024
This was a fantastic historical Christian fiction book the first in the series. The story was believable and the characters were heartwarming. I have read several books by this author and loved every single one! My only reason for the four stars is because of a single scene where the ML was smoking a cigarette. There is no reference to this and no repeats. Personally, I have read enough contemporary and historical Christian fiction books, that a born-again Believer does not have character traits that include addictions such as smoking or drinking, etc. This element in that one scene was just so isolated and surprising to me. However, I will still continue reading and enjoying this author's books.
June 13, 2020
A Time For Healing
Burning Dress Ranch is place for women who have been broken to go and learn about the love and healing presence of God. When they feel they have failed as women, they learn new skills that are traditionally reserved for men. Jax, the ranch foreman who was used by a temptress and Celeste, a woman who was literally shoved out the door, told she was useless trash and divorced because she was unable to bear a child, find healing from the Lord and learn to love again through trials and tribulation. This is a warm and uplifting story of love, healing and restoral that you won't want to put down.
Burning Dress Ranch is place for women who have been broken to go and learn about the love and healing presence of God. When they feel they have failed as women, they learn new skills that are traditionally reserved for men. Jax, the ranch foreman who was used by a temptress and Celeste, a woman who was literally shoved out the door, told she was useless trash and divorced because she was unable to bear a child, find healing from the Lord and learn to love again through trials and tribulation. This is a warm and uplifting story of love, healing and restoral that you won't want to put down.
October 16, 2021
Burning Dresses?
I selected this book to read because of the Author, Heather Blanton, and the series name, The Burning Dress Ranch. My first thought was Burning Dress? What a concept! Actually, this was a ranch that was operated by a woman, who brought in women who had been in some way damaged by men who beat them down and made them feel worthless. The symbolic burning of dresses was a protest of sorts to the way they had been treated. Read this book to learn how these women and the ranch hands were able to get some respect.
I enjoyed this book and encourage you to read it, especially if life seems to be beating on down. I hope you enjoy the book also.
I selected this book to read because of the Author, Heather Blanton, and the series name, The Burning Dress Ranch. My first thought was Burning Dress? What a concept! Actually, this was a ranch that was operated by a woman, who brought in women who had been in some way damaged by men who beat them down and made them feel worthless. The symbolic burning of dresses was a protest of sorts to the way they had been treated. Read this book to learn how these women and the ranch hands were able to get some respect.
I enjoyed this book and encourage you to read it, especially if life seems to be beating on down. I hope you enjoy the book also.
March 9, 2024
I thought the premise for this series was intriguing. A ranch where the hands are mostly women who have been hurt. Miss Sally, the ranch owner, hired these women and taught each of them a skill so they no longer have to be dependent on anyone. There was a great cast of characters. Celia had been hurt by her husband and friends and was determined that no one would hurt her again. I love how the other hands slowly made their way through her shell. Jax, one of the few male hands, had been hurt and was not going to let himself fall in love again. I thought this was a great story and I loved the ending. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
June 26, 2020
I really enjoy Heather Blanton's "A Distant Heart (Burning Dress Ranch Book 1)". The first book in this new series. A place for hurting women and men to learn to live again. To be able to overcome from their past hurts and to begin to heal. Real life situations and characters. A great read. I can't wait to read more in this series.
I received this book from Heather Blanton and all opinions are my own.
I received this book from Heather Blanton and all opinions are my own.
April 24, 2021
Cecilia and Jax 💞
Cecelia is broken and has closed herself off to not only men, but also any possible female friendships. Little did she know what was awaiting her at the Burning Dress Ranch.
Jax is a cowboy at the ranch, and has vowed to never lose his heart again. Especially to a non-believer. But he is inexplicable drawn to Cecilia.
Can two hurting people find healing and restoration?
Lovely story. I read it in one day and didn’t want it to end ❤️
Cecelia is broken and has closed herself off to not only men, but also any possible female friendships. Little did she know what was awaiting her at the Burning Dress Ranch.
Jax is a cowboy at the ranch, and has vowed to never lose his heart again. Especially to a non-believer. But he is inexplicable drawn to Cecilia.
Can two hurting people find healing and restoration?
Lovely story. I read it in one day and didn’t want it to end ❤️
August 22, 2023
unusual story captures your attention
A Distant Heart is based on the premise of a middle aged Christian woman who owns a ranch dedicated to helping hurting people, mostly women find Christ while learning a skill to make them independent of men. The story was unusual. Heather Blanton writing is fast paced with lots of action, but at the same time as the characters in the story begin to understand salvation it moves at a slower pace. I enjoyed this book.
A Distant Heart is based on the premise of a middle aged Christian woman who owns a ranch dedicated to helping hurting people, mostly women find Christ while learning a skill to make them independent of men. The story was unusual. Heather Blanton writing is fast paced with lots of action, but at the same time as the characters in the story begin to understand salvation it moves at a slower pace. I enjoyed this book.
October 28, 2023
Wonderful
I give this five glowing stars!!! I enjoyed everything about this book. The setting, the story, the characters, the story of the ranch. Also, we can all be like Cecilia at times and keep at a distance from people because we've been hurt by someone. I highly recommend this book if you've felt that way before. Such a great reminder that we have to choose faith or fear for how we live our life.
I give this five glowing stars!!! I enjoyed everything about this book. The setting, the story, the characters, the story of the ranch. Also, we can all be like Cecilia at times and keep at a distance from people because we've been hurt by someone. I highly recommend this book if you've felt that way before. Such a great reminder that we have to choose faith or fear for how we live our life.
December 7, 2023
A new premise
I enjoyed reading the first book of the Burning Dress Ranch. I loved the premise and the story did not disappoint. A story of redemption is always sweet, but this little book made it come to life with real characters, real hurts and real forgiveness.
I'm off to read book two. I hope you'll give this story a chance. It was action/Christian/western/romance with the promise of more to come.
-ncv
I enjoyed reading the first book of the Burning Dress Ranch. I loved the premise and the story did not disappoint. A story of redemption is always sweet, but this little book made it come to life with real characters, real hurts and real forgiveness.
I'm off to read book two. I hope you'll give this story a chance. It was action/Christian/western/romance with the promise of more to come.
-ncv
May 29, 2020
Really liked this story. A ranch for women wounded by emotional issues where they can heal and find God. Ranch manager, Jax has his own hurts that he is recovering from and Cecelia has come to the ranch broken by being rejected by her husband. Neither Jax or Cecelia want to know love again but their hearts have the final say and it makes for a sweet love story.
May 30, 2020
Wow! Just wow!
I'm not sure if this review should say it's a coyboys read or a Bible study, but it is fantastic! I could not out it down. By the end all should realize that yes, He died for you and nothing or no one can take that away. Great book and can't wait for more Heather Blanton.
I'm not sure if this review should say it's a coyboys read or a Bible study, but it is fantastic! I could not out it down. By the end all should realize that yes, He died for you and nothing or no one can take that away. Great book and can't wait for more Heather Blanton.
June 11, 2020
As a historical woman leaving an abusive relationships, finding one's self worth, believing oneself and finding one's niche on a ranch - a unique ranch with a unusual name. A page turning story with unique characters, twist and turn plot and a believable resolution. Well written and edited story. Nice start to a new series.
December 3, 2021
When I read burning dress ranch..a distant heart it was like being transported to the old west. I loved this book. There were so many godly principals encapsulated in this story. There was forgiveness, salvation,healing, obedience just to name a few. I gladly recommend this book to everyone. Author Heather Blanton has another hit story. Get your copy today.
November 17, 2023
Not worthless
Cecelia arrives at the Burning Dress Ranch feeling lost and hurt. Not able to have a child her husband threw her out. Her pastor send her to the ranch. She does not understand why. Will she find love again? Most important will she meet GOD and find understanding and belief?
Cecelia arrives at the Burning Dress Ranch feeling lost and hurt. Not able to have a child her husband threw her out. Her pastor send her to the ranch. She does not understand why. Will she find love again? Most important will she meet GOD and find understanding and belief?
July 1, 2020
Cecelia
A heart shattered by pain and torn asunder by hurtful words is soothed and mended t Burning dress ranch. Hard work and new friends restore faith and lead to a new path when belief becomes a blessing and trials are forgiven.
A heart shattered by pain and torn asunder by hurtful words is soothed and mended t Burning dress ranch. Hard work and new friends restore faith and lead to a new path when belief becomes a blessing and trials are forgiven.
August 10, 2020
Love dev nd chances
This has s s beautiful story of people who have suffered hurts, abuse, or are struggling with tough for issues.
The ranch helps them heal and find a path back to the cross where they can pay their burdens down.
This has s s beautiful story of people who have suffered hurts, abuse, or are struggling with tough for issues.
The ranch helps them heal and find a path back to the cross where they can pay their burdens down.
November 6, 2023
Cecilia ❤️ Jax
Finally, an author who can write about a faith in Jesus Christ, in full essence of His power and love and direct the story with Jesus as focus. Beautiful story. Cecilia and Jax have a sweet relationship at the end with the promise of a Christ-centered future. Bravo!
Finally, an author who can write about a faith in Jesus Christ, in full essence of His power and love and direct the story with Jesus as focus. Beautiful story. Cecilia and Jax have a sweet relationship at the end with the promise of a Christ-centered future. Bravo!
November 17, 2023
A wonderful story that I couldn't put down!
I loved the main characters, Cecelia and Jax, who made the story come alive as did Miss Sally and her Burning Dress Ranch. I definitely want to read the entire series!
I loved the main characters, Cecelia and Jax, who made the story come alive as did Miss Sally and her Burning Dress Ranch. I definitely want to read the entire series!
August 31, 2024
A Distant Heart
These books always seem to deal with real life issues that aren't always pretty. But they are handled well and always brings God's love into them. Good clean romance.
These books always seem to deal with real life issues that aren't always pretty. But they are handled well and always brings God's love into them. Good clean romance.
July 26, 2020
This is a gripping emotional story with the love of Jesus bringing healing.
June 18, 2021
Heartcatching
It was such a wonderful story, but also helped me in my daily WALK with my PRECIOUS LORD!!!!! Can't wait for the next book!!!!
It was such a wonderful story, but also helped me in my daily WALK with my PRECIOUS LORD!!!!! Can't wait for the next book!!!!
September 24, 2022
Very enjoyable read filled with suspenseful moments and soul searching. Unique characters added to make this book one I’m glad I read.
November 23, 2022
I loved this story. People who have been deeply wounded are sent to Burning Dress ranch for restoration and healing.
June 25, 2023
A good Christian romance from a great author.
December 6, 2024
I loved this book. God loves us and no man should treat a woman as if she’s worthless.
September 14, 2025
A beautiful and interesting love story. Great inspirational information for everyone. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2026
This is the first Christian romance by Heather Blanton that I've read, and it won't be my last! What a delight! I so enjoyed the Burning Dress Ranch with Miss Sally and the girls as well as a few male employees. Cecilia and Jax are well-developed characters--both hurting from past situations and trying to develop self-confidence and forgiveness. Neither wants to fall in love again. Both want to distance themselves from others so as not to be hurt again. I've already ordered the next book in the series and another one of Heather Blanton's books. This large print edition was easy to read!
November 11, 2023
Author Heather Blanton has given readers another winner with A Distant Heart. It is a captivating Western romance set on the Burning Dress Ranch in Montana. This was a very unusual ranch as it was run by women, the owner, Miss Sally, and a variety of abused women in need of healing and hope for the future. Brokenhearted Cecelia, a young wife discarded by her husband like a worn rug, arrives at the ranch with little notion of what the ranch is nor why she was even there. Would her heart ever heal? Were the ugly words from her husband indelibly inscribed in her heart and mind? Would she ever experience the audacious, fearless joy she saw in some of the other gals? The author does a good job describing the feelings of women who are abused and the struggle to live above the hurt and pain. At the Burning Dress Ranch, the way out of the pain was to turn to the God who loves to redeem the past and give second chances. And of course, there is romance in the story too. Would that one dance with Jax be one too many for Cecelia...could she have a chance to open her heart again? Romance, action, strong and lovable characters, and a plot that moves quickly, and readers who enjoy historical Westerns won't want to miss A Distant Heart.
I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews