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Follow the Heart
Sarah Spender could barely believe the good fortune that brought gallant and handsome Captain Adam Hastings into her life. For the beautiful Sarah, left destitute by her father's death, was being pursued by Adam's lustful imperious brother. Adam wanted her as his wife, and Sarah said yes to this man who taught her the power of passion and the magic of love.
And even when he was sent over the seas to help tame the American wilderness, the intensity of Sarah's love for Adam welded her to him, for better, for worse, forever.
And even when he was sent over the seas to help tame the American wilderness, the intensity of Sarah's love for Adam welded her to him, for better, for worse, forever.
396 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
6 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Anita Mills
44 books66 followersA former history and English teacher, Anita Mills turned to writing in the mid-1980's. After her regency romance SCANDAL BOUND was published followed by her highly acclaimed LADY OF FIRE, Anita Mills went on to enjoy an award filled career. Her historical novels and regency short stories are ranked among the best in their respective genres. The parents of four children, Anita and her husband Larry find peace on a small farm near Plattsburgh, Missouri. This former teacher has drawn upon her love for both history and English to enrich her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 29, 2023
Read:6/25/23
4.5 stars
It's been days, and I still can't think of the right words. Most of the book I enjoyed. Less when the two characters are separated.
RTC in detail
4.5 stars
It's been days, and I still can't think of the right words. Most of the book I enjoyed. Less when the two characters are separated.
RTC in detail
July 15, 2018
Enthralling Adventure From England to the American Wilderness, Two Brothers in Love with One Woman.
If you loved the movie, Last of the Mohicans, I think you will love this book.
I discovered Mills’ books last year and am now one of her fans. Great storytelling, meticulous research and gripping love stories characterize her novels. This is yet another.
Set in the 18th century during the French and Indian War (1754-1763) when British America fought against New France, this is the story of Sarah Spender, whose baron father gambled away their wealth leaving Sarah in poverty.
Sarah has known the Hastings brothers, Devin, now Viscount Audley, and Adam, now Captain Adam Hastings, since they were all children. As Sarah grew into a beauty with spirit and uncommon courage, both Devin and Adam developed feelings for her. When her father died and her home is forfeited to the Hastings family for debts, Devin makes her a dishonorable offer, which she soundly rejects. Adam, unaware of his brother’s dishonorable act, offers marriage to Sarah. Having loved Adam all her life, she accepts.
As Adam readies to leave with his regiment for the war in the American wilderness, Sarah learns she is with child and so Adam’s plans to take her with him must change; she will stay behind in England—where his brother remains, a rising political figure aligned with William Pitt.
Much happens in both America and England in this well-written story. Mills has done the research to put you into the sweeping historical events, using real historic figures, such as William Pitt (in this story, Devin’s superior), and John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun, who in 1756 was made the commander of the British forces in America (in this story, Adam’s superior officer). Adam will join Rogers’ Rangers and lead his own group of rough men.
This time in American’s history fascinates me because it contains the seeds of what would become America’s war for independence. Mills brings it to life in a love story where two brothers love the same woman, who incidentally, is a very worthy heroine. I highly recommend it.
If you loved the movie, Last of the Mohicans, I think you will love this book.
I discovered Mills’ books last year and am now one of her fans. Great storytelling, meticulous research and gripping love stories characterize her novels. This is yet another.
Set in the 18th century during the French and Indian War (1754-1763) when British America fought against New France, this is the story of Sarah Spender, whose baron father gambled away their wealth leaving Sarah in poverty.
Sarah has known the Hastings brothers, Devin, now Viscount Audley, and Adam, now Captain Adam Hastings, since they were all children. As Sarah grew into a beauty with spirit and uncommon courage, both Devin and Adam developed feelings for her. When her father died and her home is forfeited to the Hastings family for debts, Devin makes her a dishonorable offer, which she soundly rejects. Adam, unaware of his brother’s dishonorable act, offers marriage to Sarah. Having loved Adam all her life, she accepts.
As Adam readies to leave with his regiment for the war in the American wilderness, Sarah learns she is with child and so Adam’s plans to take her with him must change; she will stay behind in England—where his brother remains, a rising political figure aligned with William Pitt.
Much happens in both America and England in this well-written story. Mills has done the research to put you into the sweeping historical events, using real historic figures, such as William Pitt (in this story, Devin’s superior), and John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun, who in 1756 was made the commander of the British forces in America (in this story, Adam’s superior officer). Adam will join Rogers’ Rangers and lead his own group of rough men.
This time in American’s history fascinates me because it contains the seeds of what would become America’s war for independence. Mills brings it to life in a love story where two brothers love the same woman, who incidentally, is a very worthy heroine. I highly recommend it.
July 6, 2022
Read this for Regan Walker’s monthly theme/blog, July is American patriotic month. This book involves the American French and Indian war/ American phase of the 7 years war in Europe. I thought I’d start with that and move to an American Revolution themed book next. Think Last of the Mohicans time. Although overall this was a good book, the first 60% of the story was a little slow for me and not a page turner, despite the good characters. It really picked up in the later half when the heroine leaves for America and there’s now more action and story line between the H/h, both of which I liked. I rate the first half 3 stars, (why it took me awhile to finish) the second closer to 4, so I’ll settle on 3.5 to 3.75 more generous Stars. In the end I enjoyed it would I read it again no. I don’t usually read anything I rate under 4 stars as reread material. As always YMMV. This was my first book by Anita Mills. I also have several of her Medievals to read. Her writing was good perhaps it was just the slowness of this book in the first half. Maybe the others will be better.
May 15, 2017
This book. This book is why I love to read and write historical romance, because it has generous helpings of both, inescapably intertwined. It's set during the French and Indian War (how's that for a setting we don't see every day?) in England, New York, and Canada (points for geographical sweep) and centers around the orphaned and impoverished Sarah Spender, who loses her family and her home in one fell swoop. As a woman of her time, she knows she has limited options. She can find herself a position, or...or...marry her best friend, Adam, whose estate borders her former home, and it doesn't hurt that both of them have decidedly more-than-friendly feelings for each other. That little matter of Adam's older brother, Devin, also having more-than-friendly feelings for Sarah? Pish tosh, hardly matters.
Psst. Hint: it totally matters. Devin doesn't give up easily, and goes to reprehensible, yet relatable, means to make his play for Sarah, even after she and Adam are married. Adam, being a soldier, goes off to war, and, for family reasons, Sarah can't go with him, so he'll trust her to Devin's tender care (Adam, oh, Adam, I want to grab you by the lapels and shake you here, because that is a Very Bad Decision.) From here, we plunge into a turn of events that will please historical fiction fans mightily, but romance fans, do not despair, because this is still most definitely a romance, and Adam and Sarah's relationship is still the center, even when they are an ocean apart.
Sarah gets huge heroine points for taking matters into her own hands when she finds out exactly why Adam hasn't written in months, and their reunion, rocky as it is, is also full of intense emotion, and the strength of their love. Devin's actions might be thisclose to unforgiveable, but that speaks to Ms. Mills' talent as a writer, because dang if he doesn't come through in the one way he had a snowball's chance in hell of redeeming himself. Though there was, at one point, talk of a sequel with Devin as hero, this book remains a standalone, and stands on its own extremely well.
The supporting cast is fully fleshed out, especially Devin, and his and Adam's parents; no Mary Sues or Snidely Whiplash villains here. Supporting character bonus points go to Joanna, an Iroquoi woman with a keen interest in the English way of life, and the brains to pull off some impressive strategy. I like to think she made it to England one day, and hope she had a fine old time of it.
This isn't a pleasant book or an easy one. No carrying a teacup from scene to scene without spilling a drop, but that's what makes it real and alive. Highly recommended for fans of Pamela Clare's historicals, or eighteenth century romance, in general, with a generous helping of history, and an emotional edge. Bad things can and do happen to good people here, but love, in all its forms, most assuredly comes out on top. If I could give five and a half stars, I would. If Anita Mills ever wants to come back to writing historical romance, I will personally put the porch light on for her and set her place at the table.
Psst. Hint: it totally matters. Devin doesn't give up easily, and goes to reprehensible, yet relatable, means to make his play for Sarah, even after she and Adam are married. Adam, being a soldier, goes off to war, and, for family reasons, Sarah can't go with him, so he'll trust her to Devin's tender care (Adam, oh, Adam, I want to grab you by the lapels and shake you here, because that is a Very Bad Decision.) From here, we plunge into a turn of events that will please historical fiction fans mightily, but romance fans, do not despair, because this is still most definitely a romance, and Adam and Sarah's relationship is still the center, even when they are an ocean apart.
Sarah gets huge heroine points for taking matters into her own hands when she finds out exactly why Adam hasn't written in months, and their reunion, rocky as it is, is also full of intense emotion, and the strength of their love. Devin's actions might be thisclose to unforgiveable, but that speaks to Ms. Mills' talent as a writer, because dang if he doesn't come through in the one way he had a snowball's chance in hell of redeeming himself. Though there was, at one point, talk of a sequel with Devin as hero, this book remains a standalone, and stands on its own extremely well.
The supporting cast is fully fleshed out, especially Devin, and his and Adam's parents; no Mary Sues or Snidely Whiplash villains here. Supporting character bonus points go to Joanna, an Iroquoi woman with a keen interest in the English way of life, and the brains to pull off some impressive strategy. I like to think she made it to England one day, and hope she had a fine old time of it.
This isn't a pleasant book or an easy one. No carrying a teacup from scene to scene without spilling a drop, but that's what makes it real and alive. Highly recommended for fans of Pamela Clare's historicals, or eighteenth century romance, in general, with a generous helping of history, and an emotional edge. Bad things can and do happen to good people here, but love, in all its forms, most assuredly comes out on top. If I could give five and a half stars, I would. If Anita Mills ever wants to come back to writing historical romance, I will personally put the porch light on for her and set her place at the table.
May 22, 2010
This was a really good book about a period of history I do not know enough about. It did help me understand a little more how incredible Canada is, the years of the centuries of hatred between the French and English did not prevent the Chunnel or the country of Canada. Amazing!! It was a very stressful book though, don't read if you can't deal with the French and Indian War or a very stressful plot.
August 15, 2013
**2.5/3** Much historical detail & enjoyable characters but just lacked something... felt 2D(?) but was still a good book.
January 18, 2023
I loved the beginning of the book! Loved Adam and Sarah’s connection. Then they were separated for most of the middle half or middle third of the book. I guess I don’t like my MCs separated then brought back together. I did like the historical aspect and the setting of FI war in NY frontier.
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April 17, 2020Really enjoyed reading this book. Like the way the author made the people seem alive. I laughed and cried reading this book it was so good.
March 4, 2023
Follow the Heart by Anita Mills (1990) easily could be a BBC miniseries… it’s a sweeping adventure and enduring romance during the time of the French and Indian War and makes the history come vividly alive.
From England to America … two brothers are in love with one woman. The heroine Sarah, left destitute after the death of her father, is approached by Devin, the eldest son of the Earl of Westerfield whose estate is nearby. He wants her to become his mistress. She refuses. Then the younger son Adam, who’s a captain in the British army, comes home on leave, hears about Sarah’s plight and quickly offers her marriage to save her from homelessness and poverty. She’s always cared for him and accepts.
The story continues with Adam returning to America, specifically New York to fight the French and Indians while Sarah stays in England. Much drama ensues with the older son, Devin as he gets her to help him with his political ambitions. Eventually, Sarah leaves England and reunites with her husband tho it’s a gut wrenching time for both of them. Treachery abounds thanks to the older brother. Ensnared in the brutal fighting and battles both Sarah and Adam endure many hardships and heartaches.
The book is heavy on the details of the war … nevertheless it’s exciting…. and is an expertly crafted romantic story.
From England to America … two brothers are in love with one woman. The heroine Sarah, left destitute after the death of her father, is approached by Devin, the eldest son of the Earl of Westerfield whose estate is nearby. He wants her to become his mistress. She refuses. Then the younger son Adam, who’s a captain in the British army, comes home on leave, hears about Sarah’s plight and quickly offers her marriage to save her from homelessness and poverty. She’s always cared for him and accepts.
The story continues with Adam returning to America, specifically New York to fight the French and Indians while Sarah stays in England. Much drama ensues with the older son, Devin as he gets her to help him with his political ambitions. Eventually, Sarah leaves England and reunites with her husband tho it’s a gut wrenching time for both of them. Treachery abounds thanks to the older brother. Ensnared in the brutal fighting and battles both Sarah and Adam endure many hardships and heartaches.
The book is heavy on the details of the war … nevertheless it’s exciting…. and is an expertly crafted romantic story.
April 16, 2015
I look forward to reading more from this author
It had my attention from beginning to end. Super story, not many characters, easy to follow. Anita Mills has a vivid imagination.
It had my attention from beginning to end. Super story, not many characters, easy to follow. Anita Mills has a vivid imagination.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews