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Texas: Star of Destiny #1
The Desires of Her Heart
Description In 1821, Dorritt Mott is a woman ahead of her time. When events make it impossible for her family, including an overbearing stepfather and a spoiled half-sister, to remain in New Orleans, they head to Texas to join Stephen Austin's settlement and recoup their fortune in virgin Texas. Quinn, half-breed son of a Cherokee mother and an American father, has made a name for himself as a scout and a man not to be taken lightly. When the New Orleans lady and the half-breed frontiersman meet, they become unlikely allies as they travel the wilds of Texas. But will their trek be in vain? Mexico has broken with the Spanish Crown that had granted Austin land. And both armies plus marauding Comanches roam the pine forest and prairie of Texas. And though they are unaware of it, there is a closer danger, a man who is plotting destruction and who will try to make Dorritt and Quinn pawns in his scheme. Can Dorritt help Quinn put all their trust in the God who has promised that those that delight in Him shall be given the desires of their hearts? Will Dorritt believe that promise?
309 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
3 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Cote
123 books590 followersLyn grew up loving books. Her favorite night of the week was Friday night, when the Bookmobile came to her neighborhood in Illinois. She’d spend those two hours chatting with the driver of the Bookmobile and the librarian and making the big decision of the week — which books to check out! In those distant days, children were limited in how many books they could check out. Lyn could only take home six a week — and there were so many to choose from. Her favorites were Cotton in my Sack by Lois Lenski, The Little House series and the One of a Kind Family series. Later, she discovered Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances!
This love of books led to a desire to write. Lyn won prizes in high school and college for her poetry and, not surprisingly, Lyn became a history and English teacher. When she became a mother, she gave up teaching, and while raising a son and a daughter, she began working on her first novel. Then she wrote her second and third. Long years of rejection followed — as it does for most writers. Finally in 1997, Lyn got "the call." Her first book, Never Alone, was chosen to appear in the first year of the new Love Inspired line. Lyn has written many articles on writing and the emerging Christian Booksellers Assoc. (CBA) fiction market. In 2006, Lyn's book, Chloe, is a finalist for the RWA's RITA, the highest award in the romance genre in the inspirational category.
Now, Lyn spends her days writing books that show the power of divine as well as human love. Her nest is empty and she and her real life hero, her husband, have more and more time to spend together in their home on a lake in the lovely northwoods. And books are still dear to her heart.
This love of books led to a desire to write. Lyn won prizes in high school and college for her poetry and, not surprisingly, Lyn became a history and English teacher. When she became a mother, she gave up teaching, and while raising a son and a daughter, she began working on her first novel. Then she wrote her second and third. Long years of rejection followed — as it does for most writers. Finally in 1997, Lyn got "the call." Her first book, Never Alone, was chosen to appear in the first year of the new Love Inspired line. Lyn has written many articles on writing and the emerging Christian Booksellers Assoc. (CBA) fiction market. In 2006, Lyn's book, Chloe, is a finalist for the RWA's RITA, the highest award in the romance genre in the inspirational category.
Now, Lyn spends her days writing books that show the power of divine as well as human love. Her nest is empty and she and her real life hero, her husband, have more and more time to spend together in their home on a lake in the lovely northwoods. And books are still dear to her heart.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 13, 2009
I have read Lyn Cote’s new novel: “The Desires of Her Heart” the first book in her new series, Texas Star of Destiny published by Avon Inspire. Dorritt Mott is a step-daughter of Mr. Kilbride who married her mother and they produced a sister for her named Jewell. The half-sisters don’t get along at all and Mr. Kilbride has no affection for his step-daughter. suffering gambling loses Mr. Kilbride loses the family plantation and decides to start a new life in Texas. Stephen Austin has an agreement with the Mexican Government that will allow the Americans to come and have land in Texas as long as they are doing it for Mexico. The one in charge of everything is Dorritt as she is highly intelligent and organized; everything her step-father is not. However as good as she is they are all ill prepared for the journey and find themselves in need of the services of a guide: Quinn.
This book is a tale of adventure as they encounter a hurricane, a flooded river to cross, Indians, soldiers and kidnappings. Lyn Cote has written a story that is a lot of fun to read, filled with lots of action for the men and tender romance for the women. The characters are well drawn, believable and become very real. Each scene logically flows from the one before it and beautifully sets up the next one.
This book, however, is more than a romance or adventure it is a book of many deep themes. First is the exploration of prejudice and bigotry. Even though he is almost penniless Mr. Kilbride still feels that he is better than the half-breed Quinn, the black people and the Mexicans simply because he is white.
Another theme is how we see ourselves. Although Quinn is exactly the same as Carlos in that they are both half-breeds Quinn sees himself as inferior and it takes both Dorritt and his friend, Ash, to help him see otherwise.
Finally the grand theme is small-mindedness. Dorritt thinks as she did when she left New Orleans that the best she can do is teach school. It is only when she is in Texas that she feels she hgas to think like Texas which is big. She has to alter her thinking from being small to being big because of the land that she is now living in. That is the way we must feel about Heaven. We are now citizens of Heaven even though we still live here. We must think big like Heaven so that we may accomplish great things for our Big God.
Book two of the series will be out this month and all the primary characters will be back but the focus will be on the sister of Don Carlos who grows up to have her story. It will be good to spend time with these characters again. Lyn Cote is a very good writer and I am looking forward to seeing what themes she develops in the second book of this trilogy.
September 6, 2015
It's been a long time since I've read a book worthy enough to go on my favorite books shelf! This book had it all! Excitement, adventure, history, romance! I loved this book so much I carried it everywhere just to keep touching it lol. Can't wait to read book 2!
November 23, 2009
Lyn Cote's "The Desires of My Heart" definitely captured and held my attention. The conflict levels kept my heart pounding with suspense and frustration, and I enjoyed getting a glimpse into this period of Texas' history. Dorritt is an admirable addition to Lyn's line-up of Strong Women heroines. Dorritt's faith was nicely and believably integrated into her motivations and lady-like behavior, even in the face of untenable obstacles and a step-father who would try a saint's patience. Quinn is a great hero, and I was happy to see several of my favorite characters in the next book in the series. The only problem will be waiting for book 3 to come out after I finish book 2. Thanks, Lyn, for another inspiring story.
February 19, 2020
Once again, another wonderful historical romance from Avon Inspire. I love everything they are putting out without fail. This was my first opportunity to read Lyn Cote and I know she has many more titles available. I look forward to reading more of her novels in the future.
"The Desires of Her Heart" is a story in the category of Tracey Batemen, Tamera Alexander, Janette Oke, Lori Wick, and Tracie Peterson's hearts on paper. It is the first in the Texas: Star of Destiny series and I definitely look forward to the next few titles in the series.
I felt that the book did not end at a complete close, but that is my preference I suppose. It did have a perfect setup for the next novel, but I am impatient and want answers now. On a flaw point, just on a random note. There were many of the earlier chapters while traveling they were herding the cattle, but then about halfway on the journey it was strange that all of the sudden the cattle were never mentioned again... That stuck out to me and lost a little bit of the experience.
Overall, the story was a great adventure. I knew how I wanted to characters to end up, but was fully kept guessing up to the last pages. The protagonists are extremely lovable, and as a reader, I felt myself even drawn to some characters that I would not have imagined that I could feel anything for much less to appreciate. The "bad people" were really bad, and as per usually the "good" had much better behavior than what was in my heart.
The author is completely able to pull you in and really make you feel what is going on in the story and that is the kind of novel that I like and cannot put down. I read this book in a day and a half, because I was unable to put it down. I just had to know what would come next.
Quite the adventure from Louisiana to Texas, and to understand how much so, you really need to get yourself a copy to read. It's a keeper for me.
"The Desires of Her Heart" is a story in the category of Tracey Batemen, Tamera Alexander, Janette Oke, Lori Wick, and Tracie Peterson's hearts on paper. It is the first in the Texas: Star of Destiny series and I definitely look forward to the next few titles in the series.
I felt that the book did not end at a complete close, but that is my preference I suppose. It did have a perfect setup for the next novel, but I am impatient and want answers now. On a flaw point, just on a random note. There were many of the earlier chapters while traveling they were herding the cattle, but then about halfway on the journey it was strange that all of the sudden the cattle were never mentioned again... That stuck out to me and lost a little bit of the experience.
Overall, the story was a great adventure. I knew how I wanted to characters to end up, but was fully kept guessing up to the last pages. The protagonists are extremely lovable, and as a reader, I felt myself even drawn to some characters that I would not have imagined that I could feel anything for much less to appreciate. The "bad people" were really bad, and as per usually the "good" had much better behavior than what was in my heart.
The author is completely able to pull you in and really make you feel what is going on in the story and that is the kind of novel that I like and cannot put down. I read this book in a day and a half, because I was unable to put it down. I just had to know what would come next.
Quite the adventure from Louisiana to Texas, and to understand how much so, you really need to get yourself a copy to read. It's a keeper for me.
February 3, 2009
The Desires Of Her Heart is the first in the Texas Star of Destiny series by Lyn Cote. Dorritt is a young woman from New Orleans traveling--not particularly by choice--with her family (stepfather, mother, half-sister, and their slaves) to Texas. The year? 1821. Their goal? To join Stephen F. Austin's settlement. Why Texas? Her stepfather has gambled away the family's money and they've lost almost everything. Texas is their last chance and only hope. Austin has been granted permission--by the Spanish--to have Americans come and settle down. Of course, they will be leaving the U.S. behind to live under the authority of another government, a foreign government. But when they arrive--thanks in large part to their guide Quinn--they learn that Spain is no longer in control. Mexico has declared their independance. Texas is now being ruled by Mexico...and well, Mexico isn't particularly thrilled to have these Americans come in and claim the land. They don't trust white settlers all that much. Will the family be allowed to stay? The escorting soldiers makes it an iffy proposition. Unfortunately, Dorritt has too much on her mind to worry about that. See, she's fallen for Quinn. The problem standing in the way? Well, there is her father's not-so-glowing personality--I can't quite say what he is--but more importantly to Quinn (at least) there is the fact that he "doesn't belong with" a fine lady. He's a "half breed" (to use the term in the book)--partly white (and American), part Native American. He doesn't feel good enough to marry a lady--even a lady down on her luck. But Dorritt is so head over heels in love with Quinn....so determined to make him see how much he is loved and wanted and needed....that she won't take his dismissal so easily. Add in the fact there is another man in the picture--a Mexican Don--a wealthy landowner--who wants her as his wife, thinks she'd make a perfect Donna. What's a girl to do? One man loves her and wants to give her everything...the other refuses to give her what she wants most of all--his heart.
March 14, 2009
For the most part this was a good story. It kept my interest more than lost it. But there were some things that made it a bit challenging. Like sometimes the sentence structure didn't make sense. Also, the characters would say things and do things that didn't fit the era they were in. That kind of stuff tends to bug me. Like use of expressions that didn't exist in speech in that time period.
There is also the issue of characterization, and some of the people were pure evil. Usually even the bad guys have vulnerable spots and I didn't see that with two of the characters who always gave Dorritt a hard time. I did admire Dorritt but I question whether or not she would have been allowed to act the way she did toward the slaves without negative consequences. It made her heroic but lost some believability at the same time given how harshly her stepfather treated their slaves.
But on the plus side the romance was pretty intense at times. The author knows how to write a yummy kiss and leads up to it very well. But toward the very end there was another issue that is hard to share without giving away any key plot points, but it did seem a bit unresolved. Several people were in perilous situations that went unresolved, so you don't know what happened to them. Did the guy die? Did the other guy ever get out of jail? Stuff like that.
Overall I enjoyed this story more than not. Though I did mention more downsides, I have to say that this author does know how to write a good romance, which is why I finished the book. Maybe she should just stay away from historical romances and stick to contemporaries.
There is also the issue of characterization, and some of the people were pure evil. Usually even the bad guys have vulnerable spots and I didn't see that with two of the characters who always gave Dorritt a hard time. I did admire Dorritt but I question whether or not she would have been allowed to act the way she did toward the slaves without negative consequences. It made her heroic but lost some believability at the same time given how harshly her stepfather treated their slaves.
But on the plus side the romance was pretty intense at times. The author knows how to write a yummy kiss and leads up to it very well. But toward the very end there was another issue that is hard to share without giving away any key plot points, but it did seem a bit unresolved. Several people were in perilous situations that went unresolved, so you don't know what happened to them. Did the guy die? Did the other guy ever get out of jail? Stuff like that.
Overall I enjoyed this story more than not. Though I did mention more downsides, I have to say that this author does know how to write a good romance, which is why I finished the book. Maybe she should just stay away from historical romances and stick to contemporaries.
March 16, 2009
this was a clean easy read book. I like that there was unpredictablity. Dorritt has always been comfortable as far as finances go, until her father is killed and her mother remarries a way that isn't thrifty at all. She know that they are in a financial crisis and just wants to be independant and take her friend and maid servant with her. At the time slavery was accepted in some parts of the country and the classes of people were very prominant. Women were beneath men and were expected to just sit back and let the men take care of everything. Dorritt was treated as one of the hired help by her stepfather who was not a nice man. They head to Texas to claim free land and start over. It is a rough unsettled land to cross. They meet up with troubles on the way with the mexican and spanish soldiers, indians and more. They hire Mr. Quinn as a guide, he is also of mixed blood which is looked down on. Dorritt must choose to remain a spinster like she has always planned or marry for love or money.
October 28, 2012
I had mixed feelings about this book. It had a good story line, but there were little things about it that bothered me. For example, Quinn was such a tough character, but then he acts like a little kid when Dorritt tells him she loves him and he thinks he is not good enough for her. Really? Don't you just run with it at that point? It just didn't fit with his character for me. He had dealt with discrimination all his life, had a black best friend, but suddenly cared about social status because he liked a girl? I suddenly respected him a lot less.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2011
Excellent young adult historical fiction. Easy read and accurate historically. Still wondering about would she really take the "bull by the horns" like she did, but made for a good ending.
February 7, 2016
Very good. I liked the part at the horse races.
July 21, 2013
4.25 stars
September 20, 2015
Great book! Hoping I can get my hands on the rest of the series.
July 8, 2018
*strokes chin* You know, folks, I didn't think it was possible to want to strangle so many characters in a single book. Also, I despise the name Dorritt. Firstly, I wanted to strangle our MCs. Dorritt, she of the horrible name, was posed to be a likeable young woman who took charge and tried to fix things. Something something. Yeah. She tried to fix things, my ass. She was trying to escape, a marvelous plan for a young woman of some means in the 1820s. It would have been a perfectly wonderful book, but Dorritt was boring as hell. Oh, don't get me wrong, plenty of things happened to poor dorritt. Her stepdaddy was a complete idiot who was also a giant asshole for lack of a better term. Her half-sister was spoiledest of spoiled brats. Her mumsy was a completely distracted airhead. Quite frankly, I don't know how a girl like Dorritt, who was tryin' to be all brave and leaderly and junk despite her circumstances, managed to come from a group of people like she had. I PICKED THIS BOOK AND ITS SEQUEL BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE IT HAD PROMISE FROM THE FIRST COUPLE PAGES. And I have my narrowed eyed doubts that I'll be picking up anything by this author again.
Anyhoo. Did not super dig Quinn either. He was posed as this super fantastic godlike man. *strokes chin again* Meh. I mean, he spoke a bunch of languages and junk, but was he really all that great?
The characters enjoyed riling stepdaddy. Like. All of them except mumsy.
There were some rather important plot points where I went "uh huh. no. plausibility = negative."
I feel like these people had this huge respect for propriety, but they did plenty of improper things. Although, I was surprised that despite being sticklers for propriety, there wasn't a call to make things right. Though, considering that Quinn was supposed to be half Indian, I understand. Sort of. It was just not the world's greatest... story?
BUT WAIT. THERE'S MORE...
THE CHARACTERS AREN'T EVEN THE WORST PART. Nosiree. The book got worse. I've read more easy to follow things that I wrote when I was twelve. *glares* Now. I'm a girl who actually likes reading those romance books where the story follows different points of view, but this? Nigh impossible to follow. One sentence we're in Dorritt's head, the next we're in Quinn's. It's steady for a couple paragraphs, and BACK to Dorritt. It's not even clarified when the majority of the switches take place until we find ourselves back in the other head! I can handle chapter by chapter switches. I can handle a few changes within the chapter because the author has clearly stated which character was the main for the portion by some of those clever marks in the middle of the page.
Quite frankly, my desire to read the next book has dropped whilst writing this review. I ain't a quitter, but I'll be damned if I waste my life on bad books.
I'm certain that there are other lousy points of the book, but quite frankly, I'm about ready to throw the sequel across the room.
Anyhoo. Did not super dig Quinn either. He was posed as this super fantastic godlike man. *strokes chin again* Meh. I mean, he spoke a bunch of languages and junk, but was he really all that great?
The characters enjoyed riling stepdaddy. Like. All of them except mumsy.
There were some rather important plot points where I went "uh huh. no. plausibility = negative."
I feel like these people had this huge respect for propriety, but they did plenty of improper things. Although, I was surprised that despite being sticklers for propriety, there wasn't a call to make things right. Though, considering that Quinn was supposed to be half Indian, I understand. Sort of. It was just not the world's greatest... story?
BUT WAIT. THERE'S MORE...
THE CHARACTERS AREN'T EVEN THE WORST PART. Nosiree. The book got worse. I've read more easy to follow things that I wrote when I was twelve. *glares* Now. I'm a girl who actually likes reading those romance books where the story follows different points of view, but this? Nigh impossible to follow. One sentence we're in Dorritt's head, the next we're in Quinn's. It's steady for a couple paragraphs, and BACK to Dorritt. It's not even clarified when the majority of the switches take place until we find ourselves back in the other head! I can handle chapter by chapter switches. I can handle a few changes within the chapter because the author has clearly stated which character was the main for the portion by some of those clever marks in the middle of the page.
Quite frankly, my desire to read the next book has dropped whilst writing this review. I ain't a quitter, but I'll be damned if I waste my life on bad books.
I'm certain that there are other lousy points of the book, but quite frankly, I'm about ready to throw the sequel across the room.
January 24, 2023
Just okay.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews