The Jewel of His Heart

The Jewel of His Heart takes us to the mountains of Montana in the 1890s, where we find Josh McBride herding sheep with his faithful companion, Shebe. Josh had a falling out with his father three years earlier, which lead to his decision to pursue shepherding instead of ranching. He met, and hired, Andy as his cook, as well as, his sheepherder. Even with quite a bit of years between them, they've become close friends who work really well together. Josh is always telling Andy, "If you were a woman, I'd marry you", because he's an excellent cook! We also meet Juliana Brady, who lost her mother suddenly, and has no idea where her father is, or if he's even alive. She's not yet eighteen, but already feels all alone in the world. She's so mad at God for not bringing her father home, that she can barely stand to have a conversation that involves Him. She no longer attends church or reads her Bible, and since her mother passed away, she's even more angry. Her best friend, Marion Stockton, insists that Juliana move into her family's hotel indefinitely, since she has no where else to go. Juliana eventually finds a job, meets new friends, and starts to enjoy life again. Even though Josh is falling for Juliana, he feels she is much too young to be interested in him, and that she could do a lot better than a lowly sheepherder like himself. Juliana has feelings for Josh, but tries not to entertain them because she promised her Mama that she would not depend on a man as her only means of survival; she's determined to take care of herself. Josh and Juliana encounter some really tough times, but learn to lean on God, their friends, and each other to see them through. The Jewel of His Heart is excellent!! I simply cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book, but I'll try my best! At first, I thought No Place for a Lady (book 1) was going to be my favorite book in this series, but now I'm not so sure...these are both wonderful books that will touch your heart. I met so many wonderful people in the town of Lewistown, that I'm sorry to leave them. There was one person I was not overly fond of throughout most of the book, but by the last few chapters, Wes Owen had carved himself a place in my heart. I'm hoping to see him again and find out what happens when God catches up with him! I'm also anxious to find out what happens with Josh's cook/sheepherder, Andy, and his lovely Nellie. I can't wait to read, A Love of Her Own (book 3), releasing in June 2010. If you haven't had a chance to enjoy The Jewel of His Heart, or No Place for a Lady, please be sure to pick up your own copies as soon as you can...you just don't realize what you're missing! Be sure to visit Maggie at her blog: SouthernBelle Writer ~Revell Publishing (a division of Baker Publishing Group) provided this book for me to review~

The Jewel of His Heart is the second installment in Maggie Brendan's Heart of the West trilogy. Josh McBride has left his wealthy father's cattle ranch in Colorado to become his own man as a sheepherder in Montana. When Josh finds beautiful Yogo sapphires in a stream on his property, he thinks he may have found a solution for his money troubles. Then he meets Juliana. Her life of disappointment, struggle and loneliness has left her certain of two things: she doesn't want to be dependent on a man and she doesn't want to marry a miner. This story is well-written and well-researched. It made me want to learn more about the Yogo sapphires so I looked them up. Maggie Brendan's descriptions are so vivid. I can almost see the people and places. The fact that I finished reading this book around 1:00am tells you how engrossing it is. Another thing I really like about this book is that it's a very sweet romance that is suitable for ages 12 and up.

"The Jewel of His Heart" by Maggie Brendan is an enjoyable read about a sheepherder who happens to find a few rare sapphires on his land, the young lady who captures his heart and the decisions he must make about the two. Julianna swears that she will never marry a miner, so Josh must choose: the lady he loves and a hard life as a lowly sheepherder or making a possible fortune in mining for these rare gemstones. Throw in a couple of unfit suitors competing for Julianna's affections and an unscrupulous rich girl who may manipulate Josh after a tragic fire, and you have quite an enticing story. At times, the characters seem a bit wooden, but the story moves the reader right along and overall, this is a completely pleasurable and entertaining reading experience. The thread of faith that Brendan has woven throughout the tale offers several subtle reminders in Whom to put your trust. I will definitely be looking for Maggie Brendan's novels on the bookstore shelf.

I really do despise reading a series out of order; and I am currently expecting book one in the mail... But I got this first and had nothing else new to read but boring old writing books, {wink} and I just couldn't wait. I finished it in less than a day. I identified with this book and the characters on many levels. Juliana didn't want to be dependent on others--or a charity case. I have felt the same way with the limitations my health has placed on me. There is also the whole idea of how people associate or identify with you and how your personality is... perceived by others. Sometimes they can be mistaken. I have experienced that firsthand as well. I dabble in jewelry ~ and sapphires are my birthstone, so the whole history of the Yogo Sapphire was fascinating. The characters all interacted in a natural way that was at once heartening and challenging. The author did such good work on all her characters that I expected even the smaller ones to walk into the room and sit down on the couch beside me. The love story between Josh and Juliana was beautiful, passionate and touching. I think Maggie has done a beautiful job and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Feeling a little sad and lonely, I decided to immerse myself in the story of Josh and his Jewel. It was wonderful and I can only pray that someday someone will think me worthy of such love and adoration. I love the fact that you have a subtle way of weaving a relationship with God throughout your books in such a way that no one could be offended, yet the love of God is certainly evident everywhere. The settings are so vividly described that I truly can "see" each scene. You've got an amazing God-given gift. Thank you for your first two books and for pouring your talents into creating such wonderful stories. I can't wait for the next one!!!