written on my heart | excerpt + giveaway

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about the book

It’s hard to hear God’s voice when you’ve already decided what you want him to say.

In the wilds of the rugged West, Betsy Smith discovers beauty in every corner—from the blazing sunsets to the wind murmuring secrets through the mountains. Yet, it’s the magnetism of Gabe Manning, with his dark complexion and dashing demeanor, that draws her gaze. Having known him since childhood, Betsy sees in Gabe the embodiment of the heroes she admires from her a stalwart protector of the innocent, a champion of justice, a man of unshakable integrity, and a paragon of honor, guided by principles as steadfast as the mountains themselves— all while reconciling with his Arapaho Indian heritage. Yet, amid her admiration, Betsy longs for God’s reassurance that Gabe is the one for her.

As deputy of Shumard Oak Bend, Missouri, in 1875, Gabe “Little Sun” Manning sees the allure and harshness of frontier life. Amidst the chaos, he finds solace in the presence of Miss Betsy Smith, a compassionate schoolteacher whose independence and intellect captivate him as profoundly as her beauty. Yet, as their bond deepens, Gabe wrestles with doubts about his ability to fulfill the desires of her heart. He knows she’s willing to forsake her career for a future with him, but can he offer her the family she seeks? Haunted by the secrets of his past and desperate for redemption, Gabe faces his most formidable challenge yet.

Written on My Heart is a powerful Christian Historical Romance full of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of the human spirit. In award-winning author Heidi Gray McGill’s fifth installment in the Discerning God’s Best series, you’ll be transported to a world of wild-west adventure and heartwarming romance.

For Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford fans, this standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series will capture your heart and leave you breathless. You’ll love this book if you enjoy gripping historical drama and compelling characters. Binge-read the entire series on Kindle Unlimited.

• Full-length Christian historical fiction

• A standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series

• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

• Timeline: 1875–1876

• For fans of Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford

publisher: heidi gray mcgill books llc

release date: april 24, 2025

goodreads | amazon | bookbub

other books in the series

deep in my heart (available for free with newsletter signup)

desire of my heart

with all my heart

stitched on my heart

matters of the heart

healing of the heart

keeper of my heart

excerpt

Gabe instinctively absorbed every detail around him. The faint buzz of flies, the steady crunch of horses grazing, the soft rustle of birds, and the gentle flow of water whispered of tranquility—but the rhythmic snores of the sleeping men told a different story.

He may no longer go by Little Sun, but the generations of wisdom passed down to him were as alive as ever. The earth spoke to him in ways only he could understand.

That was when Gabe caught the glint of steel.

The third scoundrel was crouched behind the rocks, knife in hand, moving with calculated silence. Gabe’s instincts heightened. He flicked a small stone into the brush—an intentional distraction. The bandit turned toward the sound. Gabe struck.

Wrapping one arm around the man’s thick neck and wrenching the knife away with the other, Gabe subdued him in seconds. The man’s writhing slackened. He’d wake with a headache but would live long enough to face the noose.

Capturing this fool had been easy. The other two would be harder—but Gabe was ready.

about the author

Heidi Gray McGill is a celebrated author whose award-winning Christian fiction transports readers to the rugged landscapes of the past, where faith and fortitude reign supreme. With a talent for crafting historical and contemporary tales, Heidi has penned nine compelling books, each filled with resilient characters navigating the wilds of life with God’s love as their guide.

Heidi’s writing is as bold and purposeful as the untamed West itself. She began her literary journey in March 2020. She quickly became a beacon of inspiration, weaving stories that echo the timeless themes of redemption, courage, and the transformative power of God’s love and forgiveness. Much like the pioneers of old, her characters face adversity head-on, offering readers a chance to journey alongside them, discovering healing and insight through God’s Word.

Living in a quaint town near Charlotte, NC, Heidi shares her life with her devoted husband of over three decades. When she’s not crafting stories of grit and grace, she treasures moments with her family, especially her grandsons, and finds joy in cooking, playing games, and exploring new worlds through books.

Join Heidi on her inspiring journey into the heart of the American frontier and beyond. Visit HeidiGrayMcGill.com to discover the transformative power of God’s love woven into her stories. Connect with her on social media and sign up for her newsletter to receive a free prequel to her bestselling series.

Christian Fiction. Relatable Characters. Life-changing stories. Fusing Faith and Fiction™

giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 28, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 5, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

tour schedule

justread publicity tours