Stitched on My Heart: Delphina's Story

Discerning God's Best #2.5

by Heidi Gray McGill

In a land of constant struggle, one woman finds hope while forging her path to freedom.

Born into slavery on a South Carolina plantation, Delphina's only solace was the friendship of her mistress, Mary. When her owners die, Delphina is whisked away by a disenchanted plantation owner's son, Bennett, to the Wild West, where she envisions the promise of freedom and new beginnings. But Bennett’s sudden death leaves Delphina and her newborn daughter, Mary Ellen, vulnerable and alone. Without legal proof of freedom or marriage and no means to provide for her child, Delphina is taken in by the compassionate Shankel family. Despite the limitations imposed by society, Delphina feels a divine call to serve those who show her kindness.

Moses, a freedman with a heart as large as his towering frame, is drawn to Delphina and her plight. Despite having little to his name, he desires to support the brown-eyed beauty, even as he longs to win her heart. As their lives weave together, Delphina's gentle strength and Moses’s unwavering determination stitch comfort into a world where every stride forward is fraught with peril and unpredictability. Together, they navigate the intricate fabric of their lives, unearthing resilience and discovering love and purpose in the most unforeseen corners.

When a chance at love and a new life presents itself, will Delphina have the courage to seize it? Find out in the gripping novella "Stitched on My Heart," an inspirational historical tale of resilience and love in a land as expansive as the characters' desire for freedom.

If you loved Heidi Gray McGill's Discerning God's Best series, "Stitched on My Heart" is a must-read companion novella. For fans of Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford, this standalone Christmas story will capture your heart and leave you breathless. Don't miss out - buy now or read in Kindle Unlimited.

• Inspirational Christmas Story
• Christian Historical Romance
• A standalone novella in the Discerning God’s Best series
• 1860 – 1861
• For fans of Liz Curtis Higgs, Michelle Griep, Erica Vetsch, Karen Witemeyer, and Julie Klassen Christmas Stories

Book Desire of My Heart
Book With All My Heart
Companion Christmas Stitched On My Heart
Book Matters of the Heart
Book Healing of the Heart
Book Written on My Heart
Companion Christmas A Place to Belong
Book Keeper of My Heart
Christmas Before We Belong – available for free with newsletter signup.
Deep in My Heart – available for free with newsletter signup. Search Heidi Gray McGill to locate her website.

Genres: Christmas, Historical

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2024

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stitched On My Heart is a wonderful companion Christmas novella to the amazing Discerning God’s Best series which I dearly love! Delphina and Moses are two of my favorite characters in the other books of the series and such an inspiration. I have been looking forward to reading their backstory. My expectations were met and exceeded! I was totally immersed in this heartwarming love story from beginning to end. It evokes myriad emotions. Beautifully crafted characters, an intriguing plot, a vividly sketched 1860s Missouri setting, sweet romance, and a strong, encouraging faith thread make this an enjoyable, inspiring read. I highly recommend this book and the series.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic continuation of the Historical Christian fiction series, Discerning God's Best. I have really been enjoying reading these books by an author who shares my name! 😁 I was able to read a copy of this book via Overdrive, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.

[Hannah Barclay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple wholesome content- good Godly messages. Love a free audiobook on YouTube 🤍

[Heidi McGill]

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

Stitched on My Heart began with a quiet moment—Jesus praying on the Mount of Olives—and I wondered how I could carry that same intimacy of whispering my need for Him into fiction. Delphina’s story grew from that place: a woman stitched together by the tapestry of faith and courage, learning that prayer is more than words—it’s communion with our Heavenly Father.

I wanted readers to feel how radical it is when Scripture isn’t just a memory verse, but a living light that guides decisions, shapes compassion, and teaches us to reflect Christ in all we do. Delphina’s choices—small and faithful—mirror how quietly powerful that can be.

This novella is more than a Christmas romance. It’s a gentle reminder that even when we feel isolated, our stories are part of something greater, and we are never alone in our longings or our love. My prayer is that you’ll see God’s reflection in Delphina, and be encouraged today, just as I was.

—Heidi Gray McGill

[D'anah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtaking

What a wonderful world to experience on a day like today. Moses and Clint made the whole experience memorable for me. I revelled in the way they all turn to God for every need, trusting Him no matter what. The love, generosity, integrity, perseverance, honor, friendship, and warmth of them all wraps you around and makes you feel a part of it all.
I loved every page-turning part of the story. Lovely. Inspiring. Uplifting. I love how it stays with you even after you've finished reading it. Like a big warm hug. Would love to read the while series!

[Charlotte Tinsley Rouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

I loved this story and characters. The characters of Delphina and Moses are especially good. The family grows, the community grows, and God’s love continues to grow in the hearts and lives of everyone. I can see the ranch and the people. They are good friends now! Slavery is an awful injustice, and true God followers do whatever they can to promote freedom for all people. This story does a good job in portraying that. Heidi does a great job pacing and keeping the story moving. There is no boring places. A real page turner. You will enjoy this book.

[Claudia Faast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gentle love in a world of challenges.

You can not read this novella and not fall in love with the entire cast of characters Heidi introduces us to.Moses starts out as the driver of the Chuck wagon and the cook for the Shankel cattle drive. Clint and Charlie and Lizzy find Delphina and Mary Ellen in their disabled wagon with a missing husband.They find Delphina's husband dead, by an accident on his horse. They rescue Delphina and her young baby Mary Ellen and bring them with them to their Missouri ranch. Jesus leads and protects them all as they find love and family and people who band together to protect and love with Christian faith, a slave and former slave and Native American and Chinese. People who thank the Lord for all the blessings they receive as they make new lives in a harsh but beautiful land. If you love history of the westward expansion in the USA and like sharing blessed stories, you will love the story of Moses, Delphina, Clint and Rachel, Charlie and Lizzy, Pete and Robin, their families and friends. A story set in 1860 Missouri.

[Melissa Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational romance

I loved the way Delphina relies on God and trusts him to direct her paths. The sweet love story between her and Moses makes this a heartwarming book to read at Christmas or give for a Christmas gift. It’s a beautiful addition to the Discerning God’s Best series, a must-read series to encourage your faith.

[Cathy Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

a well written story about how God can use some of the worst moments in your life if you put them in his hands

[Medenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story of Delphina and Moses. Moses is such a special man. Delphina has so much healing to do and Rachel and Clint provide a place and space for them in their family. So special. I love how Heidi weaves scripture and the voice of God in her books. I am loving this series and thankful that I have found this author.

[Jeannette Harbottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning to hope

This delightful story about Delphinia and Moses, as they overcome the prejudices and hurts of their enslavement and enter into the freedom to love, is one of faith, perseverance and integrity.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free indeed

When a person is free in Spirit, he or she is free indeed! One can be free no matter what the circumstances may be. I loved Delphina's story. Very well done!

[charlita allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I liked how the main characters grew in their closeness and their faith kept them grounded.

[Joianne D. Pettigrove · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. I cannot even imagine the terror she felt for herself and her daughter but also for the people who gave her a home. A Christmas she will never forget.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Mrs Heidi Gray McGill ! Sure hope this series continues on! All the characters are very likable. I would love to hear more about Lizzie and Charlie also Rachel and Clint’s girls as they grow up.Looking forward to reading Healing of the Heart and more of Thomas’s story.

[Eileen C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story..

I have greatly enjoyed each book in the Discerning God's Best series. It's hard to choose a favorite, they are all so good.

[Frances Parham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

An enjoyable story of days of slaves, not the total focus but a little insight to how their lives changed. Snowy cold days, an unlikely group of people of different races coming together as one big family by the grace of God.

[Barbara Keigher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters relying on God, even in difficult and unsettled times.
Also the prayers were lovely and the scriptures quoted and applied to their lives.

[Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I took a while getting to this (out of the whole series including the new novellas, this was the last book I had to read). I meant to get to this before reading book 3. Whoops.

Delphina's story includes a lot of the early portions of when we meet her in the regular series. Hearing the story a bit more deeply through her perspective was good though. I enjoyed it. I just didn't really like having to read parts I already read before.

What also bothered me is that I thought she had a deep love with her husband before reading this book, not where they got married without passionate love. I figure even having a baby with a man you are married to who treats you well could make you fall more deeply for him too, so that was just odd to me, sincerely.

Delphina talks about what it meant to her to be treated well by the family of Melvin and Mary, with the way God weaved things together. Delphina had been a runaway slave and now she feared for her child's freedom on top of her longing for her own.

It was nice to hear a bit more about how Delphina and Moses' love developed while reading this. The ending was really sweet between them too. Moses' perspective of trying to not notice how attracted he was to Delphina was just odd while she was in desperation and wondering about her husband. I don't know if that would have happened if it were reality. I think the whole situation of Delphina being rescued would make a man not be able to focus or pay attention to the looks of a woman. I don't know. It just seemed odd to read in that moment.

The faith elements of this book were really good. I loved the weaving in of scriptures and also how Delphina paid close attention to details and had to trust in God through difficult times. Not the best of the books or novellas even, but it was still good.

[Danica Lohmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi Gray McGill's "Stitched on My Heart" is a heartwarming novel that encourages reflection on prayer, God's plan, and our unique purpose. The story highlights the biblical truth of 1 Thessalonians 5:17, showing how steadfast prayer can guide us through tough times. It underscores that turning to God in prayer is our strongest response when facing challenges.

McGill skillfully illustrates how God uses our stories for good, echoing Romans 8:28, and inspires us to dream beyond our expectations, as seen in Ephesians 3:20. Through characters like Moses and Delphina, the book shows that God's plans for us are greater than we can imagine.

The novel also emphasizes that we should value our unique talents and purpose, as reflected in Psalm 139:13-14. It reminds us to use our gifts for God's glory with confidence and gratitude.

"Stitched on My Heart" is a profound testament to faith, hope, and God’s love, uplifting readers and inspiring them to pursue their divine purpose.

May you experience these blessings by reading this novel.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautifully written story from the Discerning God’s Best series. I so enjoy reading of the love that the Shankel family shares with each other and their friends, as you will see while you read this amazing book. This one is the love story between Delphina and Moses. There are numerous tales in this one story of true love, love lived out every day in every way between the Shankel family members and their friends, including, of course the main characters of the story! I absolutely loved the way Delphina was portrayed and described in such beautiful detail and how Moses, also very well spelled out as a big, strong man of God, were written and how their love developed . I fell in love with them and this book! You will, too. I was asked to be on the review team and this is my honest opinion.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Christmas novella telling more of Delphina Rogers’ story. God is honored in every part of life in this story, as in her other books. That doesn’t mean that everything is perfect, but when God is in charge of our lives, we know we can trust Him for what is best. Delphina struggles in her heart to do this, because she isn’t free; technically she’s still a slave, and a runaway slave. Clint Shankel has written to get her manumission papers from South Carolina, but it is difficult to wait, especially since Moses has fallen for Delphina and she wants to make a life with him. McGill weaves all the story lines into a beautiful tapestry of family, welcoming new folks in, love, and spiritual growth. I eagerly await the next installment of the Discerning God’s Best, Shumard Oak Bend novels. I received a complimentary copy of this novella and a positive review was not required.

[SK · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Stitched on my Heart” was like a reunion. Reading the book was as if I just walked back to my old high school or family reunion, the experience was full of memories, old times, hard times, hugs, tears, and lots of love. What makes this series work and what is poignantly seen in “Delphina’s Story” is the endearing Koinonia of Christian fellowship between all in and around Shumard Oak Bend. Some of the stories were known and nicely remembered, some stories were more completely fleshed out, while Heidi also details some new, engaging episodes that helped to wrap my heart around the featured couple-Delphina and Moses.

This was a full-length novel with 240 pages. It was full of people living their lives working hard, building relationships, and looking for God’s guidance in all they did. These people did not have the creature comforters that are available to us today, but worked long and hard lives, but never felt life “owed” them. Every time I finish a new book in the Shumard Oak Bend series, I feel blessed. This was an enjoyable read.

[Beth Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author makes you feel as if you are their. Delphina being heartbroken at hearing what happened to her friends she and her husband were looking for. I almost cried for poor Delphina when that happened. Then it describes perfectly Missouri's beauty in the wildflowers and in the land. I maybe biased though about Missouri. It also describes the fearfulness some have in the weather here. Then when Delphina finally let herself truly feel for Moses and he for her it was perfect. If you want a book that is faith filled, letting yourself be vulnerable, and let yourself receive what God wants you to have then please pick this one up you won't be disappointed. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT

Disclaimer
I received this book as a gift from the author and was not obligated to like or dislike it. I am saying this in accordance to Federal Guidelines about Advertising

[S.F. Brooke]

Read to 62% and then skimmed the rest of the book until I got to the last two chapters and read those. Not sure if that counts for a DNF or not but this one has made it hard to review. I left the review blank for this particular book, while I enjoyed the writing and the Christian content, the plot itself was very slow. Too slow for me to read easily and for a rather smaller book I had a hard time reading it. The characters were lovely and the use of Scripture and Christian characters were beautiful, if it was a little faster I would be able to know how to rate it. I would have rated it three stars but I’m also stuck at two stars but don’t want to be so mean. For me, this one is left undecided.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delphina finds herself and her infant daughter in an awkward situation when her husband dies along the journey to find his brother in Missouri and she is taken ill. This is a beautiful story of seeing God provide for us even when we have no idea how things are going to work out. It was so rewarding to see Moses and the Shankel family surround her with love and acceptance.

Readers of Christian historical romance will love reading this story. It has a faith thread throughout as Delphina and Moses trust God to make a way for them. This is part of the Discerning God's Best, and I would read them in order to have a complete picture of what has happened up to this point of the book.

I received a copy of the book. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Mary Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gripped me from the start. Delphina was born a slave and when her owners died, she married, only in their eyes, the son of a plantation owner. As they were traveling west, Bennett, the husband, was killed. Now what is Delphina to do? She has a baby and she needs help. She is found by a loving family and moves in with them. Will Delphina ever find happiness? Read the book to find out. It's a masterpiece of how God can work through those that follow His leading. I highly recommend this book. I was given a copy of the book, but a positive review was not required. This is my own opinion.

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delphina's story starts as one of a young slave that is now an adult. Her life is still far from perfect but she has a beautiful baby girl and a faith that God has a plan for them.
Heidi's wonderful storytelling and Christian faith combine to bring this historical romance to life. You'll be reminded of the hardships of life in the mid 1800's. You'll be brought back to a time when slavery was still legal and see things from a slaves perspective. You'll also be reminded that sometimes the best family isn't always blood, it's chosen and a wonderful gift from God.

[Robin Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt at home with these characters right away. You have to love them, feel like you want to reach out to them. Wonderful family and ranch, strong Christian values. Lovely story that develops between Delphina and Moses, their belonging to the family. A feel-good read for sure.

I received this book free from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#StitchedOnMyHeart #HeidiGrayMcGill #HeidiGrayMcGillBooksLLC #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet Romance

This is a nicely written, Christian-themed romance set in 1860 Missouri. It dwells on the uncertainty of being a person of color on the frontier when having manumission papers meant the difference between having choices and being sent to the South and slavery. I gave it only three stars because I found it slow moving to the point of being tedious and because I hoped for more character development. Because it’s part of a series, the character development may be forth, but the slow plot will keep me from reading the rest of the books.