Isabella's Heart

Jeweled Dagger Series #2

by Diane Merrill Wigginton

In this follow-up, to Wigginton’s (Angelina’s Secret), the focus is on Isabella Deveraux, the daughter of Lady Angelina Marguerite Amelia Deveraux, the heroine of the first book. As the story begins, Isabella experiences a disturbing dream about her twin brother, Charlie, on the eve of her 19th birthday. We quickly learn that Isabella has a sixth sense, just like her mother’s, and when she dreams about Charlie’s abduction in London, it’s more than a simple nightmare. She sets off immediately to London, setting into motion events that require her to reunite with her grandparents and eventually her parents, from whom she has been estranged from for years. Complicating matters further, Isabella’s grandfather hires an Irish mercenary to help her locate and rescue her brother and his two school mates. Forced to prove her worth to the mercenary Captain, she is placed in a compromising position and in doing so must open herself up to other emotions that she is not be yet ready for. The Captain is a handsome but brooding man, with a brutish disposition, who is willing to save the lives of three privileged young men, for the right price. Aiden Townsend decides that the best way to avoid suspicion as they travel the Irish country side in search of the abducted men is to pretend to be lovers. Despite Isabella’s grave concern for her reputation, she grudgingly gives her consent to the arrangement and romantic chaos ensues. The romantic tension between Isabella and Aiden intensifies as the search for Charlie also ramps up. During this fast-paced, action-packed tale, readers are treated to many rich historical details about political unrest in Ireland, lending credence to the story’s setting. It is a fun, action packed read with just the right amount of sexual tension to keep even the most seasoned romance reader engaged.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2017

About the author

Diane Merrill Wigginton, born in Riverside, California, in 1963, grew up in
the vibrant community of Mira Mesa, San Diego. From a young age,
Diane developed a deep passion for storytelling, inspired by the
adventures of her childhood in the 1970s and early 1980s. Spending
summers on her grandparents' ranch in Idaho, Diane learned the value of
animals, nature, and storytelling that would shape her future writing
career. After marrying her husband, David, in 1998, Diane and her family lived in
Encinitas before moving to Herald, California in 2001. They embraced a
rural lifestyle on a 5 ½-acre ranch, raising six children. Diane’s love for
writing never waned, but raising a family and working full-time kept her
literary ambitions on hold. However, in her 50s, Diane decided to pursue
her dream of becoming a published author. It was then that she created
Angelina's Secret, the first book in her critically acclaimed Jeweled
Dagger Series.
Since then, Diane has published five novels, including her first children’s
book, The Secret of One-Eyed Cogburn, The Dreaded Pirate Captain.
Diane’s work spans multiple genres, from historical romance and
suspense to children's fiction, and she has earned a prestigious collection
of awards that reflect her remarkable storytelling ability. She has won
accolades such as the Benjamin Franklin Digital Award, Reader's
Favorite 1st Place Historical Fiction Award and ten awards for A
Compromising Position. In 2017, after retiring from her "9 to 5" job, Diane and
her husband moved to Kalispell, Montana, where they now enjoy a life filled with
adventure, hiking, and exploration in the stunning wilderness around Glacier
National Park. Diane continues to write full-time, bringing to life the rich
characters and intricate stories that captivate her readers.
Diane’s creative spirit is fueled by her deep appreciation for family and
her love for storytelling. Now a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren,
Diane is living her dream and continues to inspire readers with her heartfelt and
adventurous tales.

Reviews

[Elaine Milks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella's Heart by Diane Merrill Wigginton is a five star read!

It is hard to express the delight I take in this author's books. They just get better and better. A love story about real unselfish love and devotion. Very hard to put down and with lots of surprises. The characters begin to feel like people you know and care about. Some nail-biting moments and many laugh-out-loud feel-good ones too. A pleasurable read, very entertaining. Love, friendship, loyalty and some very insightful life-lessons about what really matters in a life well spent.

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella’s Heart, the second book in the Jeweled Dagger trilogy by Diane Merrill Wigginton is a unique continuation of Angelina’s Secret. This family has a secret, even those who have witnessed their bond don’t understand it fully. Isabella and her twin brother where ripped apart at sixteen. Their parents sending them to separate boarding schools was unforgivable in Isabella’s eyes. Three years later she transfers to his abduction in her dreams. Knowing she must help him she takes off to Ireland under protection of Captain Aiden Townsend and his mercenaries. Aiden has secrets of his own which could be the death of Isabella before she even finds her brother. It all comes to a head when forced to face her parents. Those who abducted Charlie are lurking in the shadows for this independent woman who could bring them much money for their cause.
 
Well described characters give Isabella’s Heart an edge as Diane Merrill Wigginton endears them to the reader. This historical romance will take you to another world where a daring and outspoken woman is an unusual sight. It weaves suspense, adventure, and humor throughout this novel, making it fun to read, while expecting the outcome of this couple. Though I enjoyed reading the whole novel, the author did an outstanding job on the ending. This story ends with the reader ready to pick up Olivia’s Promise, next in the family who hold a secret all of her own. Highly recommend for those who read a historical romance and suspense.

Written for Readers' Favorite by Peggy Jo Wipf

[Becky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good historic romance and Isabella's Heart was that in spades. Wigginton threw in the added spice of a paranormal flare and it worked so well. Isabella's Heart has more focus on the special abilities of Isabella's family than did her mothers book, Angelina's Secret.

The second in the Jeweled Dagger Series, it is my favorite so far. Suspense, adventure and love all in the 1700's, it is wonderful.

Isabella is on a mission to find her missing brother. To assist her in doing so, her grandfather enlist the help of Captain Aiden Townsend. Sparks fly.

Isabella is confident and opinionated. Not very common for the time and I love her.

Captain Townsend is handsome and roguish but has a sweet caring side as well.

I truly enjoyed Isabella's Heart and look forward to more in the Jeweled Dagger Series or whatever else is in Ms. Wigginton's imagination.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks

[Patricia King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the follow up story in the Jeweled Dagger Series.

This story is about Isabella Deveraux, the daughter of Angelina and Jude Deveraux. Isabella has a twin brother, Charlie. The story begins on the eve of her 19th birthday, with Isabella having a daunting dream. In the dream, her twin and two of his friends are in deep trouble. The ensues with Isabella standing her ground to find her brother and his friends. She will not skimp on the tactics she will take to find them.

In lies a wonderfully adventurous story of the woes she entails on her journey to find her brother. A journey that includes Captain Aiden Townsend, a missionary hired by her grandfather, Lord Stewart.

Read the story for lots of entertainment and enjoyment. I highly recommend this book.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another magnificent story!

Wigginton gives the reader more pleasureful stories by presenting Isabella's Heart. It's the second book in the Jeweled Dagger series, and it's just as amazing as the first one. Before the first chapter is over, the line that resonated with me was "I always knew where to fi nd Charlie, even when he didn’t want to be found." This line gave me a perspective into the story, and realized that there was a lot of depth to the story, and Charlie would play a major role. Sometimes it's just a line or phrase that hits the reader, and makes them want to continue. This was such a line, and I was definitely not disappointed. Wigginton brings the characters to life, as Isabella tells the story. Magnificent. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Evelena Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like romantic suspense and historical fiction, you’ll love Isabella’s Heart! The heroine is smart, sassy and determined as she journeys around the Irish countryside with a handsome mercenary in search of her kidnapped twin brother, Charlie. As many twins do, Isabella and Charlie have a special connection, but theirs goes beyond the natural as they can sometimes experience what the other sees, hears, smells, and feels. The search is non-stop excitement, and just when you think Isabella is going to get her happily-ever-after, another kidnapping occurs. This is a great read, so don’t miss out!

[Sheina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella Deveraux; feisty and strong-willed, with a penchant for trouble, sets off on a rescue mission. It will save lives and completely change hers. Isabella's journey is not just a rescue mission, it is one of facing fears and healing. It is a homecoming of sorts for two characters and this has unforseen consequences.
Set in the late 18th century in Ireland, this book brings to vivid life both characters and country. The reader is immediately drawn into this remarkable journey of misadventure and daring.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be both a romance and an adventure. It has a dramatic start and stays action-packed throughout the book. It had me hooked right from the opening, until the last page, waiting to see what was going to happen next. And the evolving relationship between Isabella and Aiden was sweet and well written. I definitely plan on reading the rest of the series.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angelina's twins, Charlie and Isabella have an unique psychic bond. Isabella experiences dreams indicating psychic connections to a kidnapped Charlie. Her search for her brother leads her to Dublin where her adventure continues. This book is very well written that is action-packed and fast paced with well developed characters. It is wonderfully narrated by Hetty Elliott.

[Darlene Sandefur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful

Diane Merrill Wigginton has published another wonderful, fast reading, astonishing book. Looking forward to reading the next one in this series.