✝️💗 "Where He Leads" (Desires of the Heart #1) (2020) ❤️✝️ - Book Review

 

MY REVIEW

 

Series: Desires of the Heart (Book #1)

Paperback: 265 pages 

Publish Date: November 22, 2020

Language: English

ISBN-13: 979-8698338789

⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information 

 

“By the age of 11, Lilly had suffered more horrific circumstances, than any adult should have to bear. She lost both of her parents and the only home she ever knew, then was forced to move away from her brothers and sisters.

Why had God allowed all of this tragedy?

Papa had found the perfect home for her before his death. Through her new family’s loving care and instruction, Lilly grew into a beautiful young lady, filled with compassion, intelligent and having a strong faith in God.

When she met Tommy, her heart flipped! How could she make all of the life lessons she had learned, her faith in God, and Tommy fit into God’s plan for her life? Was Tommy truly part of God’s plan for her?

Tommy and his mother’s past brought possible danger to anyone close to them. Could Lilly put her family through that? Should she abandon Tommy and the feelings she had for him? Could prayer be the answer? 

With more circumstances beyond their control fighting against them, it seemed their troubles would never end.

Would God allow her the Desires of her Heart?”

 

Thank you in advance to the author; Lynne Lanning; for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not requested or required, and all words are my own.

Historical fiction/romance is a genre I’ve come to appreciate over the last couple of years. There are SO many stories to be told from the past. So, when I was asked to review this, it sounded interesting.

 

Right off the cover is gorgeous, and the young woman’s contemplation made me wonder what tragedies she’d seen and how she was going to cope with it. So, there was some vested interest in the character already.

 

The main cast of characters change during the “years” the story. Starting off with 11 year old Lilly, her family, and father; then progressing into Lilly’s new life with a different family.

 

The “timeline” was a bit of a sticking point with me; not knowing exactly “when” this story is taking place for reference. According to the author’s notes, it was around the 1880’s. Though it is unclear when exactly in that decade it begins and ends.

 

The dialogue is definitely authentic to the area and time. Most of the story is told through Lilly’s point of view, and some of the dialogue, as well as narrative is presented more for a younger audience (ages 8-16) than adults; at least the first eleven (11) chapters.

 

Speaking of characters, there are numerous characters, but the main ones I adored – Lilly, Sam, Daisy, and Tommy.  I did want more information about Lilly’s siblings throughout the years – how they adjusted to their parents’ deaths as well as how they were settling into their new families.

 

There were only two main ones mentioned – Clara and Matt. The rest were slowly forgotten. A minor mention in a “letter” would’ve been a good way of wrapping up their storylines.

 

Tommy and Kathleen were very interesting characters and the author did show some of the prejudices Native Americans faced in those times. She did so in a slight, nearly unnoticeable manner. There is quite a descriptive narrative about Kathleen’s history. It is hard to explain that in as few pages as needed, so it is a bit wordy. However the point is definitely made with regard to Kathleen’s treatment in her younger years.

 

There are a few other POVs alluded to, mainly Sam, but not nearly enough to balance the story. There were times, especially in the beginning where I felt that the religions tones were a bit heavy for an 11 year old; given what she was going through. Mind you this is historical fiction, so I am sure that was what happened back in those times. It is still jarring though.

 

The beginning of the book has 11 year old Lilly already having dealt with her mother’s death, has the impending death of her father, and watching her family split up. Worth noting – the disease that killed her father is so easily treatable, and in some cases reversible today. So, that was an interesting perspective to see. I’m sure everyone can appreciate the advances we’ve had in the past 130 years (author stated the store was during the 1880’s).

 

Lilly is sent to live with cousins Daisy and Sam. She’s the only one of the kids that end up there, and it is fortunate as she is Daisy’s favorite of the bunch. This makes for very little conflict in the story as Lilly is the “perfect” child for them throughout the years she is with them. While no one wants an unruly child, this was probably a bit boring in the story.

 

After a few bible studies, she is terrified her father will end up in hell and tries to “save” him prior to his death. Eventually, he does end up being “saved” much to Lilly’s relief.

 

One of the plot points that moves the town and story forward is the business of town expansion and bringing the town to the modern era – electricity namely. I felt Lilly’s inclusion in it, for her age, was a bit unrealistic and too much to burden her with.

 

There are some minor “issues” such as the school teacher picking on Lilly, unaware of her situation. While I understood his passion for education, his suggestion that Lilly was not interested was definitely judgmental. Part of being a teacher and guiding students is empathy as well.

 

It is while she is 11/12 that Lilly first meets Tommy, but has no understanding of who he is.

 

Chapter 12 finally moved the story along, albeit six (6) years later. It is here that the author begins to show some strength – pointing out the pros and cons of the town’s progress – more culture, less “knowing” of those around. She uses the chapter to progress the story and get to the good and bad of progress.

 

It is here that Lilly meets Tommy again and she soon figures out where she knows him from. And, it is here where we finally meet in antagonist by the name of Patsy.

 

Over the four months before Lilly leaves for college, she and Tommy get closer; as does her friend Emma and her boyfriend. Lilly adjusts to college life and when she comes home for Christmas, Tommy presents her with an Irish Claddagh ring in symbolism of their relationship.

 

This is where the author puts in a bit of much-needed “drama”. After Lilly gets an unexpected visit at the college, her and Tommy’s relationship suffers an unexpected setback that is quite jarring, and shows the lack of communication between the two. It also shows judgmental attitudes and immaturity. But, it is quickly solved, though another suspense crops up in chapter 18.

 

This one brings Patsy back into the center of it. And, I was pretty shocked to see it. As much as I liked the little story, the suspense part really piqued my interest. And, I definitely didn’t want to stop reading it.

 

Although no one likes anything “bad” happening to their favorite characters, suspense is always good for a bit of a plot shake-up and story movement. That’s what this book needed in some places. Sadly, that suspense element didn’t last nearly long enough as it could have before settling back into the calm.

 

Lanning adds one more setback to Lilly and Tommy’s relationship before the book comes to the end, but nothing sinister or serious.

 

Because of the narrative, dialogue, and story structure; this had a feel similar to the Little House on the Prairie series. And, those who enjoyed that series might like this read. As I said earlier in this review, it seems like this is targeted more for YA readers. And, I think it would be PERFECT for ages 12 and up. There is nothing in here that is truly questionable, and I am sure eagle-eyed parents could supervise the reading of this book.

 

Of all the characters, I believe that Tommy’s mother had the most significant development despite her short time in this book. She starts off with a minor mention, reclusive behavior, and at the end she emerges a strong woman who steps outside her comfort zone. I was SO shocked to see that, given her background.

 

Tommy was another character that showed significant development. Lilly was just herself, only older. The other characters were merely background and didn’t have much room to grow or show their development.

 

This is a clean read – no sex or foul language. There are definitive themes of God, the bible, and church which do seem to be a central part of the plot. The title comes from something Lilly says about “where he leads”, meaning God’s path. Most decisions made are after consultation and prayer.

 

I would be very interested in reading subsequent books in the series to see the progression of it as well as to see where the family goes from here.

 

Over all, it was an enjoyable read with some good, wholesome messages.

 

RATING:

 

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads

 

Bookbub (NOT LISTED ON BOOKBUB)

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)

 

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

 

Lynne’s stories are full of romance and action mixed with humor and sass; her poetry is full of inspiration… most is from life lessons learned herself, or taught by previous generations. She has a way of encouraging her readers to identify with the characters while evoking emotion.

 

 

You can find her on the following social media accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lynne-Lanning-Author-106487871200755

Website: http://lynnelanning.com/

 

 

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