Heidi Gray McGill

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Selah Award finalist Heidi Gray McGill writes award-winning Christian fiction that draws readers into stories of hope, grace, and redemption. Her Discerning God’s Best series brings the American frontier to life with historical richness and biblical truth, while her contemporary novels explore modern struggles with the same heartfelt honesty. Blindness has not limited Heidi’s vision but refined her focus, shaping the way she writes about resilience and faith. She lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband of more than thirty years and treasures her role as Grammie to three energetic grandsons. Connect with Heidi and receive a free prequel at HeidiGrayMcGill.com.

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Heidi Gray McGill For years, I happily served as a Beta reader for a friend. Each time I reviewed one of her books, I realized I enjoyed the process of thinking through…moreFor years, I happily served as a Beta reader for a friend. Each time I reviewed one of her books, I realized I enjoyed the process of thinking through the details of whatever book I was engrossed in. I’d read to see if characters were compelling, sympathetic, or someone I found myself rooting for. I envisioned the characters in my mind to see if they felt real and were three-dimensional, with distinct voices, flaws, and virtues.

I enjoy stories where the stakes are high enough or the tension throughout strong enough to make it a “page-turner.” And I always enjoy a hook at the end of each chapter or scene that makes me want to read more.

Because I enjoy travel, vivid descriptions “showing” a scene, make me use my senses to see it in my minds-eye.

I wondered, “Can I do this? Can I write the way I like to read?”

There was no “story” in my mind when I started. I weighed my options and chose 1858 Missouri as my setting. I picked this year because the railroad was not yet established in the west, keeping me to certain modes of transportation. Since Missouri was open territory back then, I was able to place my little towns wherever I wanted. I made my main character an orphan child so there would be less back story to consider, as far as her family was concerned. And I chose to create a character I could relate to, someone simple and plain.

In a way, I wrote my own story. Rachel, the main character, has a deep faith that doesn’t grow fully until she has been dealt some devastating heartaches. She struggles with depression and comes out on the other side gloriously new in mind and spirit. My favorite verse, 1 Samuel 1:18 is woven throughout my book.(less)
Heidi Gray McGill Hi, Lily! Thank you for your question. I do not need reviews at this time.
…more
Hi, Lily! Thank you for your question. I do not need reviews at this time.
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Average rating: 4.65 · 3,591 ratings · 883 reviews · 24 distinct worksSimilar authors
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More books by Heidi Gray McGill…

Ripple Effect of Kindness: How Self-Talk and God’s Word Shape Generosity

When kindness starts in our thoughts, it ripples outward. God calls us to love our neighbors and to speak His truth to ourselves.

The post Ripple Effect of Kindness: How Self-Talk and God’s Word Shape Generosity appeared first on Heidi Gray McGill.

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Published on January 10, 2026 05:00
Desire of my Heart With All My Heart Matters of the Heart Healing of the Heart Written on My Heart
(5 books)
by
4.65 avg rating — 2,947 ratings

Dial E for Endearment Dial P for Perfect
(2 books)
by
4.64 avg rating — 239 ratings

A Bride for Harley
(1 book)
by
4.57 avg rating — 155 ratings

Keeper of My Hear...
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Breathe
Heidi McGill is currently reading
by Lisa Tawn Bergren (Goodreads Author)
bookshelves: currently-reading
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The Appomattox Sa...
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Heidi’s Recent Updates

Dial P for Perfect by Heidi Gray McGill
"It was a cute story. One I can relate to as I also have many of the same thinking and esteem issue of the main character, Ginger. The only things about the book that caught me off guard was the sudden abrupt ending. I guess I was expecting the story " Read more of this review »
Dial P for Perfect by Heidi Gray McGill
" Thank you! "
Dial P for Perfect by Heidi Gray McGill
"I really liked Ginger because of her kindness and her still trying even when it seems like she cant do what she would like to do. I also like how Ginger is asked to figure out who she is to God numerous times. There are some surprises in the story an" Read more of this review »
Dial P for Perfect by Heidi Gray McGill
"Great!!

Every book you have written that i have read has been a joy! I thank you and I will look for the next one that I find, I know I will enjoy it! "
Dial P for Perfect by Heidi Gray McGill
"Fun read with added encouragement to be who you are in God's eyes! Easy to like, genuine characters, relatable and honest. The story also had purpose to encourage the reader to think deeper about their own view of themselves and knowing we are made i" Read more of this review »
Before We Belong by Heidi Gray McGill
" Thank you for this courtesy, Sandra! "
Desire of my Heart by Heidi Gray McGill
" Thank you, Laura, for not only your sweet words about the story, but for your kindness is sharing your thoughts on the amazing Aimee Lilly's narration ...more "
Desire of my Heart by Heidi Gray McGill
" So beautifully written. Thank you for capturing the heart of the story so well. Thank you also for seeing the amazing talent of Aimee Lilly. She bring ...more "
Desire of my Heart by Heidi Gray McGill
" Thank you for the kind review, Alanna! "
Heidi McGill is now following Eunice Carter's reviews
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More of Heidi's books…
Quotes by Heidi Gray McGill  (?)
Quotes are added by the Goodreads community and are not verified by Goodreads. (Learn more)

“He was telling her to live in the ‘yet’—that transitional time where she could grow and learn until He was ready to fulfill His will.”
Heidi Gray McGill, Matters of the Heart

“Happiness is an outward expression of what is inside us and depends on our circumstances. Joy comes from changing what is inside us to see goodness in situations, no matter the circumstance.”
Heidi Gray McGill

“God what he wanted rather than asking God to show him His will.”
Heidi Gray McGill, With All My Heart

Topics Mentioning This Author

topics posts views last activity  
Clearly Christian...: Notes from Authors! 24 63 Jan 05, 2026 06:42AM  
“Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go they merely determine where you start.”
Nido Qubein

“Happiness is an outward expression of what is inside us and depends on our circumstances. Joy comes from changing what is inside us to see goodness in situations, no matter the circumstance.”
Heidi Gray McGill

“…he wondered if he could ever outrun himself.”
Heidi Gray McGill, Matters of the Heart

“He’d heard more than once that freedom cost dearly. The war may be over, but there was no freedom for those now enslaved by their scars.”
Heidi Gray McGill, Matters of the Heart

“Don't make a decision based on a season of life that will alter the rest of your life.”
Heidi Gray McGill, Matters of the Heart

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