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Deep in the Heart #1
Texas Deception
A plucky crusader falls for a down-on-his-luck stranger—only to learn too late that he's the villain determined to destroy her town
Franny Morgan is a small-town café owner with an insatiable need to rescue lost souls the way she couldn't hang onto her two sisters after their parents died. Now she's involved in a letter-writing campaign to save the small dusty town where she winds up.
Nathan Russell is a down-on-his-luck carpenter who shows up on her doorstep, willing to trade work on her rundown building for food and a roof—not because the wealthy investor needs either but because he's determined to fulfill the obligations his brother abandoned, and the first step is to meet the blue-haired crackpot who won't stop writing him demand letters. Finding that the crackpot is actually a curvy blonde fairy with a heart as big as the world would be a very pleasant surprise, if not for the fact that he's lying to her with every breath.
Falling for each other is a very bad idea, and being together is an impossible dream…until fate steps in and forces their hands.
A rewriting of a story once called What the Heart Wants
Franny Morgan is a small-town café owner with an insatiable need to rescue lost souls the way she couldn't hang onto her two sisters after their parents died. Now she's involved in a letter-writing campaign to save the small dusty town where she winds up.
Nathan Russell is a down-on-his-luck carpenter who shows up on her doorstep, willing to trade work on her rundown building for food and a roof—not because the wealthy investor needs either but because he's determined to fulfill the obligations his brother abandoned, and the first step is to meet the blue-haired crackpot who won't stop writing him demand letters. Finding that the crackpot is actually a curvy blonde fairy with a heart as big as the world would be a very pleasant surprise, if not for the fact that he's lying to her with every breath.
Falling for each other is a very bad idea, and being together is an impossible dream…until fate steps in and forces their hands.
A rewriting of a story once called What the Heart Wants
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2002
81 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Jean Brashear
147 books239 followersA letter to Rod Stewart resulting in a Cinderella birthday for her daughter sowed the seeds of New York Times and USAToday bestselling author Jean Brashear's writing career. A lifelong avid reader, at the age of forty-five with no experience and no training, she decided to see if she could write a book. It was a wild leap that turned her whole life upside down, but she would tell you that though she's never been more terrified, she's never felt more exhilarated or more alive. She's an ardent proponent of not putting off your dreams until that elusive 'someday'—take that leap now.
Over fifty published novels later, the five-time RITA finalist and RTBookReviews Career Achievement Award winner has accumulated a whole passel of war stories to swap and loves nothing better than talking writing and books with readers and fellow writers.
And she'd still take that leap, war wounds and all.
Over fifty published novels later, the five-time RITA finalist and RTBookReviews Career Achievement Award winner has accumulated a whole passel of war stories to swap and loves nothing better than talking writing and books with readers and fellow writers.
And she'd still take that leap, war wounds and all.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 27, 2025
A very good book. The characters were so well written it felt like you could sense how each one would react when some new issue would arise.
Nate had so many unresolved feelings, I could not imagine how he would be able to let them go enough to open his heart to the town and the people in it. I was surprised to find out how long Franny had lived there based on her love for the town and the community.
Nate and Franny did not have a hot, steamy chemistry. Jean Brashear made me feel like they had more of a passionate, sensual chemistry that gradually built into something more sustainable. A slow burn that became combustible.
When Nate was forced to face his demons and deal with the difficult, unwanted decisions he felt he was forced to make, all I could do was hold my breath until I could see how things were going to work out.
I would definitely recommend this book. It is the fourth in the series, but the first one in the series I have read. I discovered that I had purchased the first three books already and they were in my TBR pile. Guess I know what I'll be doing this cold, rainy weekend.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Nate had so many unresolved feelings, I could not imagine how he would be able to let them go enough to open his heart to the town and the people in it. I was surprised to find out how long Franny had lived there based on her love for the town and the community.
Nate and Franny did not have a hot, steamy chemistry. Jean Brashear made me feel like they had more of a passionate, sensual chemistry that gradually built into something more sustainable. A slow burn that became combustible.
When Nate was forced to face his demons and deal with the difficult, unwanted decisions he felt he was forced to make, all I could do was hold my breath until I could see how things were going to work out.
I would definitely recommend this book. It is the fourth in the series, but the first one in the series I have read. I discovered that I had purchased the first three books already and they were in my TBR pile. Guess I know what I'll be doing this cold, rainy weekend.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
March 31, 2018
4 stars! I've been reading this series in the completely wrong order (whoops!) and while it certainly may be more enjoyable if read together, this book can definitely stand alone. I liked Franny a lot. She is independent, tough, and always there for everyone else, but she still has a vulnerable side. I wasn't sure what to make of Nate at first, but he quickly grew on me. He has secrets and has been through a lot, but he really is just trying to do the right thing. While there were some times on their road to HEA that I had hoped may play out a bit different, I enjoyed their romance overall. The ending was really touching, and I can't wait to read more!
April 6, 2018
Loved this. Very well written from a great author. He comes to town telling them he is someone else. His brother owns most of the town and he is trying to save a dying town. The woman he helps and who gives him food and a room has been trying in vain to get ahold of the brother who bought the town. This is very emotional, sweet, suspenseful, enjoyable and so much more. I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.
February 7, 2018
Nice story. The hero comes to a little town not too far from Fort Worth because this woman keeps writing letters to her landlord. His dead brother. He's committed to doing something with the property for his brother's widow, but meeting the heroine hits him like the proverbial lightning bolt. She has tragedy in her past. He has a lot of guilt in his. It's a pretty good story, though it does feel a bit padded. I liked it.
April 16, 2018
Deception to desire
Franny wants to save her Aunts home and cafe. She can't get the landlords attention. Nate arrives in town looking down on his luck and tried to help, but instead he lies and makes it worse. The only thing that would have made this book perfect was for Ruby to show up. Maybe in the next book. Thank you Jean for writing such fun books.
Franny wants to save her Aunts home and cafe. She can't get the landlords attention. Nate arrives in town looking down on his luck and tried to help, but instead he lies and makes it worse. The only thing that would have made this book perfect was for Ruby to show up. Maybe in the next book. Thank you Jean for writing such fun books.
December 10, 2023
Franny has known loss after loss but it doesn’t stop her being a woman who embraces those in need. She is determined that the small town which she has made her home will not die but will flourish, if only she can get through to the landlord. What she doesn’t know is the man she is falling for is lying to her and her heart is going to be crushed once again.
August 17, 2017
Heartwarming story
Life has it's ups and downs. Where the Heart Wants is full of life and it's quirks. You just keep reading for the story keeps you glued to it. Can't get better than that!
Life has it's ups and downs. Where the Heart Wants is full of life and it's quirks. You just keep reading for the story keeps you glued to it. Can't get better than that!
April 9, 2018
Good read
She's emotionally wounded, yet she takes in and rescues any and all in a small, dying Texas town. He's there to assess the worth and saleability of the town his sister-in-law owns. He lies about who he is. Can she forgive him his lies? Highly recommend.
She's emotionally wounded, yet she takes in and rescues any and all in a small, dying Texas town. He's there to assess the worth and saleability of the town his sister-in-law owns. He lies about who he is. Can she forgive him his lies? Highly recommend.
April 14, 2018
Another wonderful story by Jean Brashear.
This book and series is a masterpiece of community, friends and family.Jean does romance and wonderful storylines with the best of them. I would recommend her books to everyone.
This book and series is a masterpiece of community, friends and family.Jean does romance and wonderful storylines with the best of them. I would recommend her books to everyone.
September 10, 2018
Texas Deception
A great addition to this continuing series. Franny and Nate are perfect for each but Franny is trying to save her dying town and Nate is trying to destroy it. A lovely romance.
A great addition to this continuing series. Franny and Nate are perfect for each but Franny is trying to save her dying town and Nate is trying to destroy it. A lovely romance.
July 14, 2022
A great read
I loved this story about Franny and Nate. Two strong, partly broken people finding a way to make an impossible dream come true. A romance for the books and pretty clean to boot. Another excellent book in this wonderful series!
I loved this story about Franny and Nate. Two strong, partly broken people finding a way to make an impossible dream come true. A romance for the books and pretty clean to boot. Another excellent book in this wonderful series!
April 6, 2018
Great Story
As always Mean Brashear gives you a really wonderful read.I laughed until there was tears in my eyes.I. can hardly wait for the next book in this series.
As always Mean Brashear gives you a really wonderful read.I laughed until there was tears in my eyes.I. can hardly wait for the next book in this series.
December 14, 2018
Great read!
Granny’s love for Aunt Prudie and Carl. Her understanding of what she needs to be whole again. Love her books!
Granny’s love for Aunt Prudie and Carl. Her understanding of what she needs to be whole again. Love her books!
July 12, 2019
Great book linking Diana and Franny. Wish there had been more story after the reunion.
July 2, 2020
Loved it
Yet again Jean brashear does it again. I can’t wait to start ready the next chapter in this great series.
Yet again Jean brashear does it again. I can’t wait to start ready the next chapter in this great series.
October 20, 2022
Such a sweet book with loveable characters !
April 7, 2018
Great story with strong women and men who aren’t perfect! I enjoyed this book so much, knowing it would be a HEA but wanting to figure out how it would get there. Lots of twists and turns, emotions, surprises and laughs.
Texas women are traditionally strong and maybe thought to be a bit rough around the edges, unless of course they are the beauty queens. Franny Morgan has a lot of losses in her past, and she’s not about to let herself be hurt again. She has made it her mission in life to revitalize the little town she settled in if she can only get the landlord to answer her letters. She is all work and no play, and she adopts the townspeople as her family and she won’t let them down.
Coming to find out how he can get the letter writing lady to back off, Nate Russell is sure he will find it a simple job. And then he meets Franny and those plans to spend a day and leave are thrown out the door. He can’t tell her who she is once he meets her but he has to figure out a way to tell her that saving the town is a lost cause.
Very interesting story that you know will work out but you just can’t figure out how. Love it!
I received an ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for the review.
Texas women are traditionally strong and maybe thought to be a bit rough around the edges, unless of course they are the beauty queens. Franny Morgan has a lot of losses in her past, and she’s not about to let herself be hurt again. She has made it her mission in life to revitalize the little town she settled in if she can only get the landlord to answer her letters. She is all work and no play, and she adopts the townspeople as her family and she won’t let them down.
Coming to find out how he can get the letter writing lady to back off, Nate Russell is sure he will find it a simple job. And then he meets Franny and those plans to spend a day and leave are thrown out the door. He can’t tell her who she is once he meets her but he has to figure out a way to tell her that saving the town is a lost cause.
Very interesting story that you know will work out but you just can’t figure out how. Love it!
I received an ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for the review.
April 5, 2018
I received this book in exchange for a ‘fair’ review. I’ve. Enjoyed Jean Brashear’s books in the past, but this exceeded all expectation. This is a perfect romance novel, for me. It is centered in a small town that is failing. The town’s major business has closed and there are no prospects to keep find another business to move in. Most of the citizens are struggling and/or elderly and/or don’t see any solutions.
One new woman has found a home and family in the rotenone and is determined to save it. She has been writing to the landlord - a person who purchased most of the buildings in the town and doesn’t respond to her letters (to a post office box). When a stranger, who seems to be down on his luck. Comes into town, she tries to help him too.
I’m not going to include any spoilers, but there were a number of times that I was convinced Jean had written herself into a corner and she wouldn’t be able to find solutions I would enjoy. Every instinct, within me, wanted to have satisfactory solutions to all the tangled 7strings. I loved the people in this story, I loved the town and it’s history. For me, this is Jean Brashear’s best book yet. And I can’t wait for the next.
One new woman has found a home and family in the rotenone and is determined to save it. She has been writing to the landlord - a person who purchased most of the buildings in the town and doesn’t respond to her letters (to a post office box). When a stranger, who seems to be down on his luck. Comes into town, she tries to help him too.
I’m not going to include any spoilers, but there were a number of times that I was convinced Jean had written herself into a corner and she wouldn’t be able to find solutions I would enjoy. Every instinct, within me, wanted to have satisfactory solutions to all the tangled 7strings. I loved the people in this story, I loved the town and it’s history. For me, this is Jean Brashear’s best book yet. And I can’t wait for the next.
April 14, 2018
Palo Verde, Texas is lucky to have Franny Morgan.
Determined to save the small town and put it back on the tourist maps, Franny is working her fingers to the bone. She's running the cafe, taking care of her ailing great-aunt, helping the residents with anything and everything, and trying to track down the owner of the buildings to get needed repairs done.
Nathan Russell is the brother of the owner of those buildings and he has taken over the task of letting the town know he is selling everything to try and recoup anything he can for his brother's widow. Nate, a self made millionaire, shows up in town and Franny mistakes him for a man down on his luck and offers him a meal, a job, and a place to stay. Soon Nate has fallen under Franny's spell, but he also knows he has to go back home soon.
This could be one of my favorite Jean Brashear books yet. Franny is wonderful, the townspeople are quirky and lovely, and Nate is a lost soul. But Franny loves saving the lost so there may be hope for him yet.
Best of all is the ending of this book. I can't wait for the next installment, Texas Lost
Determined to save the small town and put it back on the tourist maps, Franny is working her fingers to the bone. She's running the cafe, taking care of her ailing great-aunt, helping the residents with anything and everything, and trying to track down the owner of the buildings to get needed repairs done.
Nathan Russell is the brother of the owner of those buildings and he has taken over the task of letting the town know he is selling everything to try and recoup anything he can for his brother's widow. Nate, a self made millionaire, shows up in town and Franny mistakes him for a man down on his luck and offers him a meal, a job, and a place to stay. Soon Nate has fallen under Franny's spell, but he also knows he has to go back home soon.
This could be one of my favorite Jean Brashear books yet. Franny is wonderful, the townspeople are quirky and lovely, and Nate is a lost soul. But Franny loves saving the lost so there may be hope for him yet.
Best of all is the ending of this book. I can't wait for the next installment, Texas Lost
April 7, 2018
I was very fortunate to receive an ARC of Texas Deception by Jean Brashear. I will provide my honest review. I love this book. I love reading books in a series. The characters and/or families are so amazingly never left behind. It great to read about the main characters and discover other characters in the story are from past and/or future books in the series. The two main characters are Franny and Nate. Franny is trying to put down "roots" and Nate is trying to sell off the buildings. He has come to town as a mysterious stranger. When asked where he is from, he says, "here and there". Not revealing the true nature of his visit. This story involves Franny, the nurturer, her aunt, a few of the towns residents and of course, Nate. As I read each chapter, I could visualize the place, the people, and the mood. It has sadness, grief, happiness, joy, and love! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance novel. I very much enjoyed reading it and can't wait for the next book in the series!
January 7, 2019
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Teas Deception is book 4 of the Lone Star Lovers series and Book 26 in the Texas Heroes by Jean Brashear and as always these books are awesome and if you haven't read any in this series you need to! !
Franny Morgan, a small town café owner ants nothing more than to save her small town and she decides to start a campaign of writing letters to the conglomerate who own the building in the town and are falling down around their ears.
Nathan Russell a down on this luck carpenter who shows up in town and I willing to trade work for food and board and help the town if he can...except he is not who he seems...and keeping his deception under wraps and falling for Franny was not part of the deal.
What happens when the deception comes to light? Can these two find their way back to each other and rebuild the town or does it all come down around their ears???
Teas Deception is book 4 of the Lone Star Lovers series and Book 26 in the Texas Heroes by Jean Brashear and as always these books are awesome and if you haven't read any in this series you need to! !
Franny Morgan, a small town café owner ants nothing more than to save her small town and she decides to start a campaign of writing letters to the conglomerate who own the building in the town and are falling down around their ears.
Nathan Russell a down on this luck carpenter who shows up in town and I willing to trade work for food and board and help the town if he can...except he is not who he seems...and keeping his deception under wraps and falling for Franny was not part of the deal.
What happens when the deception comes to light? Can these two find their way back to each other and rebuild the town or does it all come down around their ears???
April 5, 2018
Franny Morgan has been knocked down but she has planted herself in Palo Verde. She is taking care of her Aunt Purdie but also is a nurturer. She sees a vision to revive this small town that is going under. Enter Nate Russell. He has come to town to tell the sweet little old lady that there is nothing that can be done. Only Franny is beautiful and has Nate's blood racing. How can he close this town down for his family and yet help Franny. The other characters are a hoot. Sweet Franny is screaming and raising her voice. Mable and Carl are just laughing and smiling. Family is calling Nate home and he does not want to go. Now Franny is determined to find the deadbeat landlord. Only when she does, her heart hardens. Family is all that matters to Franny and she is determined to keep her's. When all is said and done, Nate has finally found his home with Franny. I love the epilogue!
April 5, 2018
Franny and Nathan’s story. If you’re a lover of Jean Brashear books like I am you know she will never disappoint you. I loved this book. The valiant attempts of Franny to save the town of Palo Verde that’s welcomed her into its warm family. As Nate struggles with doing what he needs to do for his brothers widow and what his heart wants him to do for Franny and this town. Reading one of Jean Brashear’s books is like coming home to a warm loving hug. You just want to crawl right into the story and be a part of it. I can’t wait for her next book to be released. I gratefully received an ARC of this book and an happily reviewing it. For Jean Brashear fans this is a must read. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would.
April 10, 2018
I loved this book. He comes to town incognito to check out the buildings his brother's widow owns. He wants to sell them to get her some money. Franny lost her mother after her father abandoned them. She and her two sisters were separated. Franny came to Palo Verde after her husband died to stay with her great aunt and fell in love with the town. She writes letters to the landlord who ignores them. Two people who want two different things for the same town. I loved the characters in Palo Verde and I can hardly wait for the next story about one of Franny's sisters, Clarice. We already met Diana in a previous book. This book will have you crying and laughing and when you finish it you will be filled with warm fuzzies. I am never disappointed when I read Jean Brashear's books.
April 24, 2018
Another GREAT book by Jean! Franny the strong willed and determined woman who will do what it takes to save her town Palo Verde has a very soft heart for lost souls. Nate who comes to town looking like a lost soul is anything but. These two must learn to trust one another (something that was lacking in their past) and was hard to do. But love did win in the end. True to form Jean has a way of intertwining her characters from previous books and she follows through with this book as well. Nate brings Franny’s long lost sister Diana together (book 2 of the Lone Star Lovers - Texas Healer) and her husband Rafe Sandoval. Can’t wait to read about their third sister Clarice and also Liam’s, Rafe’s, and Alex’s brother Dane and sister Jilly!
March 14, 2018
Nate Russell arrives in Palo Verde looking like a man down on his luck and in need of a meal. Franny wants nothing more than to help him. Truth is he's the brother of the absentee landlord Franny has been trying to track down. She's determined to save the town and finding this guy is the key. Nate never tells Franny the truth and feelings of guilt start to overtake him as he begins to care for her. He's torn between Franny and this quaint little town and his family obligation. Will he follow his heart or his head?
This is a sweet small town romance that has some amazing characters and a story that will warm your heart. I definitely recommend it.
This is a sweet small town romance that has some amazing characters and a story that will warm your heart. I definitely recommend it.
July 23, 2016
There are values that are timeless, and we are poorer as a people if we try to deny them. The stories that have sustained mankind for generations do so for a reason--because values such as love and honor and truth are real, and they are crucial to man's survival. In this modern age, too much is focused on money and power and possessions. None of them satisfy cravings in us that are soul-deep. Jean Brashear
Mediocre story but the ancillary seasoned characters deliver deep life truths, like the one above, making it a very impacting piece.
Mediocre story but the ancillary seasoned characters deliver deep life truths, like the one above, making it a very impacting piece.
April 12, 2018
My goodness. Jean Brashear has done it again.
I was sucked into the story straight from the start. I could not put the book down. The emotions right through the whole book were palpable, I was on verge of tears on many occasions. Franny is just such a great character, you can't help but love her. I wanted to slap Nate couple times but he has a good heart and just tried to do what he thought was the best. Oh the end was great and I cannot wait to read the next book.
I was sucked into the story straight from the start. I could not put the book down. The emotions right through the whole book were palpable, I was on verge of tears on many occasions. Franny is just such a great character, you can't help but love her. I wanted to slap Nate couple times but he has a good heart and just tried to do what he thought was the best. Oh the end was great and I cannot wait to read the next book.
August 13, 2016
Something was missing. What could have been a good book descended into mediocrity because the story was too rushed with no depth. The author missed some great opportunities to pull the reader into the story. The relationship between the H/h was more like insta-love (which I am beginning to dislike with a passion). Not a keeper.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews