The Hidden Heart (Heart's True Desire Series #2) [Paperback]

Jane Orcutt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 20, 1998

"4 1/2 Stars. Pick of the Month. In this beautiful love story, two hearts seek God’s redemption, one sin-scarred, the other wounded and terrified of falling in love. Jane Orcutt’s name may be fairly new to readers, but her work is every bit as fantastic as veteran authors, and like cream, she’s certain to rise to the top.” --Romantic Times

Elizabeth Cameron
Seeking to leave her troubled past behind, nineteen-year-old Elizabeth Cameron decides to join a religious group in Belton, Texas. There she believes she and five-year-old Joseph, her Indian charge, will be hidden from a cruel world. But fear for Joseph’s safety keeps her from betraying the terrible secret that the child is more dear to her heart than she can ever claim.

Caleb Martin
A former gunfighter and robber, Caleb Martin reluctantly agrees to escort Elizabeth to Belton. He’ll do anything to receive a governor’s pardon, even if it means watching over the irritatingly prim young woman. After this final assignment, he’ll finally have what he wants most of all--his freedom. Yet along the way, he learns that there may be something else he needs even more.

Elizabeth and Caleb soon find their lives--and hearts--intertwined. But can their love break through their shields of self-protection and secrecy, to reach and heal The Hidden Heart?

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This sequel to The Fugitive Heart (WaterBrook, 1998) follows former gunfighter Caleb Martin as he accompanies prim Elizabeth Cameron and her ward Joseph on their journey to join a religious community. If Caleb gets them to their destination safely, he will receive a governor's pardon. Although Elizabeth is revolted by certain habits like alcohol that Caleb still enjoys from his past life (a life he keeps secret from her), she finds herself strangely attracted to this enigmatic man. As the two slowly fall in love, they find their pasts?his criminal history and Joseph's parentage?getting in the way of their future, and Elizabeth's strong love of God makes her regret Caleb's lack of faith. Although portrayals of most of the subsidiary characters are less successful, the character of Elizabeth makes this book stand out among the many prairie romances. Recommended.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Elizabeth Cameron and Caleb Martin are running from their pasts. Elizabeth joins the Sanctificationists, a group of women committed to economic independence from men. She finds a home and work caring for Anna, a blind woman whose faith in God is a far cry from the doctrines of the Sanctificationists. Anna welcomes Joseph, the small Indian boy Elizabeth has guardianship over and soon that welcome includes Caleb. Caleb is drawn to Elizabeth and Joseph despite his efforts to stay away from them. Elizabeth rejects Caleb's friendship, the chains of past abuse leaving her suspicious of his motives. Then her guardianship of Joseph is threatened. To keep the child she loves, she must marry a man she doesn't. Will their mutual love for Joseph be enough to bring Caleb and Elizabeth together? Or will the ghosts in both their pasts rise to destroy them? The Hidden Heart continues the tale of the Martins begun in The Fugitive Heart. Jane Orcutt has a deft touch with historical details and the often harsh realities of the American West. The reader will laugh and cry with Elizabeth and Caleb and share the peace of Anna's wisdom. A worthy sequel! A compelling tale that will lure the reader from page to page! Share this one with a friend! It can only enhance the relationship! Linda Fitzner -- Copyright © 030199 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press; 1st edition (October 20, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578560535
• ISBN-13: 978-1578560530
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #935,319 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A captivating story and a joy to read., July 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hidden Heart (Heart's True Desire Series #2) (Paperback)

Jane Orcutt's gripping romance novel, The Hidden Heart, transports the reader back in time to early Texas, and by page two, that same reader is in the middle of a heart-stopping Indian raid. Not only did this historical romance have an exciting plot and memorable characters, it contains a strong, Christian message. Readers who like Christian romance novels will love The Hidden Heart.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Enthralling Read!, February 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hidden Heart (Heart's True Desire Series #2) (Paperback)

This is the poignant story of a young woman named Elizabeth who has received only mistreatment at the hands of her Indian captor and her severely self-righteous father. On her way to join an all-female religious sect in the Texas of 1875, she meets a former outlaw named Caleb who will shatter all her assumptions about men. But the shameful secrets they both harbor threaten to destroy their budding relationship, and it will take a blind woman to help Elizabeth find the road to trust, love, and forgiveness. The Hidden Heart is an enthralling book that will touch the deepest fears and insecurities of female readers and reassure them that they too are not alone on their journey. Highly recommended!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Hidden Heart, June 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hidden Heart (Heart's True Desire Series #2) (Paperback)

Mrs. Orcutt, is a really gifted writer. The story line for the Heart Series are a "can't wait to read what happens next". The stories are of true hardships and how individuals deal with different challenges presented to them. Mrs. Orcutt, dare I hope and pray for Elizabeth's brother to be next in this wonderful series.