Awaken My Heart

By DiAnn Mills

Book Overview

1803, Texas . . .

The daughter of a wealthy rancher, Marianne Phillips has never agreed with her father's harsh treatment of the mestizos who first called Texas their home. When she is kidnapped by rebels who hope that her father will trade back their land for her freedom, Marianne realizes her loyalty lies with her abductors, not her father, who plans to marry her off to the don of a nearby estate.

Armando Garcia is the locals' reluctant leader, but he does not approve of the latest attempt to manipulate their enemy. When he learns that Marianne actually speaks his language, of her loyalty to his people, and of the faith that keeps her strong, Armando is faced with a difficult decision. Will his newfound love keep him from letting her go? Or will he set her free and risk losing everything?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061376019
• ISBN13: 9780061376016
• Release Date: February 2008
• Publisher: Avon Inspire
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful Historical Romance With A 'Hunky' Mexican Hero!

This was a great romance story that also read like an exciting adventure. Plus it had a gorgeous Mexican hero,that are so very seldom featured in *clean* (ie.non-sexually explicit) romances. It was a great romantic story with good character development and a delight to read.

Finally A Wonderful Historical Romance With A Mexican Hero!

This was a great romance story that also read like an exciting adventure. Plus it had a gorgeous Mexican hero,that are so very seldom featured in *clean* (ie.non-sexually explicit) romances. It was a great romantic story with good character development and a delight to read.

AWAKEN MY HEART

Truly enjoyed this read, for many reasons. IMO, one of Mills' best. The characters were well developed and REALISTIC, which unfortunately is becoming hard to find. The story was indeed enchanting, and the fact that the book is relatively short made it a perfect vacation read. I like the fact that Marianne's prayer life, and other 'inspirational' opportunities throughout the story were truly substantail. Sometimes "inspirational fiction" or "inspirational romance" goes little further that a clean romance that happened to be authored by a believer. But Mills presents situations through her writing that can really make me consider my own heart, or my call to leadership of others'. I also appreciate the way she sensitively, but clearly handles the facts of the gospel and the need for a true confession & surrender of the heart directly before the throne of Jesus; but, at the same time did NOT invalidate the true salvation and faith of the characters that were Catholic. I know Mills herself reads these reviews, and I hope she is already working on a sequel! This story NATURALLY calls for one since 1) we want to know what happens to the two babies, (and to Don Lorenzo), and 2) the time period following this story is so monumental in TX history.

Love and Courage

Armando. He's a man of great courage and passion, but a reluctant leader. He's a hero who draws admiration from men and women, but walks restlessly through life, not sure where his happiness will be found. Not sure it will be found. Marianne. She's a bold woman, full of life. In many ways like her father, yet still waiting for his approval. When Marianne is brought to Armando as a captive of his people, he regrets the decision that was made. He respects her, is surprised by her, and grows to love her. But she could never love him. Or could she? What will become of Marianne? Will she be happy in an arranged marriage to Don Lorenzo Sanchez, a respected older Spaniard? Wrestling with the truth of her feelings, she's drawn to Armando, her captor. He releases her, but she dreams of him, longs for him. How could she fall in love with her father's enemy? DiAnn Mills captures our hearts with this romantic adventure.

Her best historical fiction novel to date! Very romantic!

I've read many books written by Diann Mills, and this story is my favorite. It's definitely the most romantic book, in my opinion, that she has ever penned. Life in 1800s Texas was portrayed in such a way that I got a strong sense of the culture during those hard times. Marianne had some difficult choices to make and she had to choose wisely. Several gritty and edgy topics arose in this adventurous tale and I applaud the author for her excellent portrayal of the destructiveness of domestic violence, alcoholism, and greed. Her clear portrayal of true faith is also to be commended. The author contrasted traditional religion with a relationship the believer has with the Living God, and the hope and true peace such faith produces. Armando was the ultimate hero. He was strong, yet compassionate, dedicated, yet torn because of his past. The author's description of him made me think of Antonio Banderas. Zorro here I come! Ah, what a tale of love! It was so passionate and felt so real it swept me off my feet. I loved every yummy kiss and the emotion I experienced as the hero and heroine dealt with all of the things separating them, along with all of the things drawing them together. Fabulous romance. Great historical fiction. This story gets my highest rating. It's a real page turner! The Avon Inspire line has some of the best, most inspirational and romantic historical fiction I've read to date!