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A Journey of the Heart #2
A Heart's Obsession
Will Sarah's journey west lead her back into the arms of the one man she can trust?
When her father succumbs to a long illness, Sarah Montgomery is freed from duty to family. At last she can be with the love of her life, Rand Campbell, who has gone out west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Sarah and her younger brother Joel make the arduous journey filled with hope.
But at Fort Laramie, the reception Sarah meets isn't what she had hoped for. Her friend Amelia is thrilled to have her, but Rand seems to be in the clutches of Jessica DuBois, the scheming daughter of the post commander.
Sarah resolves to remain at Fort Laramie and try to win Rand back. But things will get tougher before they get easier . . . especially when her ex-fiancé Ben Croftner arrives in Wyoming, obsessed with having her back in his arms.
When her father succumbs to a long illness, Sarah Montgomery is freed from duty to family. At last she can be with the love of her life, Rand Campbell, who has gone out west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Sarah and her younger brother Joel make the arduous journey filled with hope.
But at Fort Laramie, the reception Sarah meets isn't what she had hoped for. Her friend Amelia is thrilled to have her, but Rand seems to be in the clutches of Jessica DuBois, the scheming daughter of the post commander.
Sarah resolves to remain at Fort Laramie and try to win Rand back. But things will get tougher before they get easier . . . especially when her ex-fiancé Ben Croftner arrives in Wyoming, obsessed with having her back in his arms.
100 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 1999
7 people are currently reading
959 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Coble
152 books6,105 followersUSAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Arizona. She is the author of dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 6 million books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
May 15, 2024
A "heart's obsession" describes the three main characters in three very different ways. After traveling to Wyoming, Sarah is devastated to learn that Rand has moved on and quickly chosen another woman to be his bride. Her heart is obsessed with winning him back and restoring their love. Rand, for his part, still cares for Sarah but can't see a way for them both to be happy. His obsession is with moving on and facing a future without Sarah by his side. Ben's obsession comes from a selfish and cold place. He is angered to learn that Sarah has left him and his focus is on claiming her for his own and "winning" instead of Rand. He will do whatever it takes to bolster his pride while simultaneously shattering someone else, including an innocent young woman.
A forward-moving continuation of the overall story with a focus on place and time. The descriptions of the living conditions at Fort Laramie, and the mentions of the attitudes toward and treatment of Native Americans and women do much to establish the setting and timeframe in which the action takes place. An interlude from the emotional drama that still maintains interest with compelling tension and conflict.
A forward-moving continuation of the overall story with a focus on place and time. The descriptions of the living conditions at Fort Laramie, and the mentions of the attitudes toward and treatment of Native Americans and women do much to establish the setting and timeframe in which the action takes place. An interlude from the emotional drama that still maintains interest with compelling tension and conflict.
April 3, 2023
I can’t add much to the synopsis- a story of undying love, evil plots, revenge and forgiveness. This is book #3 in series - best to read them in order.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
February 22, 2017
Another exciting installment.
July 24, 2023
I just had a feeling Ben would continue to be trouble, but what I hadn't expected was Rand's drastic decision to marry someone else - especially after his harsh words and opinion of Sarah, when in her case she believed him dead. Jessica seems horrible and controlling, I don't think Rand really understands who he's planning to marry. I really hope someone teaches Ben a lesson after what he did to Morning Dove!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2021
The second novella in Coble’s planned six-book series takes the group to Fort Laramie, Wyo. The length doesn’t allow for much character development or for plot exposition. The story is entertaining, but there’s not much depth.
Sarah’s father passes away, and she and her younger brother narrowly escape town before Sarah is forced to marry Ben Crofter. Rand Campbell is already stationed in Fort Laramie, and when Sarah arrives with other members of the family, she is in for a shock from Rand.
Sarah’s father passes away, and she and her younger brother narrowly escape town before Sarah is forced to marry Ben Crofter. Rand Campbell is already stationed in Fort Laramie, and when Sarah arrives with other members of the family, she is in for a shock from Rand.
April 24, 2024
I think I enjoyed this book a little more than the first in the series.
February 17, 2018
This was a good continuation in this series. I like that it is a short read as I can pick it up and read it in one night. It also gives me a little suspense in wondering what is going to happen in the next installment. I also like that there are lovable characters and those who you really don't like so it balances the story out.
June 2, 2015
Several characters are followed in their journey out west in this second part of a serialized novel that has a total of six installments.
A HEART'S OBSESSION is part two of a serialized series called A JOURNEY OF THE HEART. Part two picks up where part one left off, so you should read the first installment for better understanding. I may spoil the first part a bit just because there is no way to review a serialized book without some spoilers. See my review of A HEART'S DISGUISE and read that book first before reading my review below if spoilers bother you.
At the end of A HEART'S DISGUISE, Sarah stayed home with her father, who is dying, while the love of her life, Rand, went west to Wyoming. Rand isn't happy with Sarah when she chooses to stay with her ill father instead of coming with him to start their life together. Sarah didn't think of it as a choice because she loves her father and wants to be with him until the end. Before Sarah's father dies in A HEART'S OBSESSION, he encourages Sarah to go after Rand as he's a good man. Sarah agrees to take care of her younger brother Joel because she is the only mother he has known.
Ben Croftner, the man who tried to force Sarah's hand in marriage is still determined to have her. He makes a deal with Sarah's brother Wade to force her into marriage but Sarah will have none of it. When Rand's younger brother Jacob leaves with his new wife Amelia, Sarah and Joel run off in secret with them to Fort Laramie, Wyoming, to start a new life.
Sarah is surprised when she arrives in Wyoming and realizes that Rand has moved on only months after their breakup, seeming to be over her quite quickly. Will Rand give Sarah a second chance, and will Sarah forgive him?
The concept for this serialized novel is good, which is why I'm so disappointed that I don't love this enough to continue with part three. There is so much potential here and the author has some really good ideas to make this an engaging series. There are many sections that could have been elaborated on to make A HEART'S OBSESSION feel more complete. There are days missing when I would have preferred a more connected flow by following the character's daily activities more closely. The character development isn't deep enough to understand their motivations which makes me feel as if I'm being told rather than shown. When A HEART'S OBSESSION ended in yet another cliffhanger more so than A HEART'S DISGUISE, I realized I'm just not patient enough to continue in this manner from part to part.
My suggestion to the publisher is to release these as a serial on Kindle with a low price point for each part, maybe even giving away part one for free, so that readers will feel more apt to read one after another. I just can't recommend this based on the way it's published because I think the price point is too high for 100 page books, even for print.
If you love and crave pioneer stories, then you may gobble these up because I was invested enough to want to continue. Even though I don't necessarily agree with the characters' viewpoint and their ways of handling their unique situation, I still want to know how it all ends. The author has talent that I'd like to investigate within a full size novel in the future.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies. ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
A HEART'S OBSESSION is part two of a serialized series called A JOURNEY OF THE HEART. Part two picks up where part one left off, so you should read the first installment for better understanding. I may spoil the first part a bit just because there is no way to review a serialized book without some spoilers. See my review of A HEART'S DISGUISE and read that book first before reading my review below if spoilers bother you.
At the end of A HEART'S DISGUISE, Sarah stayed home with her father, who is dying, while the love of her life, Rand, went west to Wyoming. Rand isn't happy with Sarah when she chooses to stay with her ill father instead of coming with him to start their life together. Sarah didn't think of it as a choice because she loves her father and wants to be with him until the end. Before Sarah's father dies in A HEART'S OBSESSION, he encourages Sarah to go after Rand as he's a good man. Sarah agrees to take care of her younger brother Joel because she is the only mother he has known.
Ben Croftner, the man who tried to force Sarah's hand in marriage is still determined to have her. He makes a deal with Sarah's brother Wade to force her into marriage but Sarah will have none of it. When Rand's younger brother Jacob leaves with his new wife Amelia, Sarah and Joel run off in secret with them to Fort Laramie, Wyoming, to start a new life.
Sarah is surprised when she arrives in Wyoming and realizes that Rand has moved on only months after their breakup, seeming to be over her quite quickly. Will Rand give Sarah a second chance, and will Sarah forgive him?
The concept for this serialized novel is good, which is why I'm so disappointed that I don't love this enough to continue with part three. There is so much potential here and the author has some really good ideas to make this an engaging series. There are many sections that could have been elaborated on to make A HEART'S OBSESSION feel more complete. There are days missing when I would have preferred a more connected flow by following the character's daily activities more closely. The character development isn't deep enough to understand their motivations which makes me feel as if I'm being told rather than shown. When A HEART'S OBSESSION ended in yet another cliffhanger more so than A HEART'S DISGUISE, I realized I'm just not patient enough to continue in this manner from part to part.
My suggestion to the publisher is to release these as a serial on Kindle with a low price point for each part, maybe even giving away part one for free, so that readers will feel more apt to read one after another. I just can't recommend this based on the way it's published because I think the price point is too high for 100 page books, even for print.
If you love and crave pioneer stories, then you may gobble these up because I was invested enough to want to continue. Even though I don't necessarily agree with the characters' viewpoint and their ways of handling their unique situation, I still want to know how it all ends. The author has talent that I'd like to investigate within a full size novel in the future.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies. ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
June 17, 2020
2nd book in the Journey of the Heart series where Sarah and Rand's story continues.
March 30, 2015
Title: A HEART’S OBSESSION
Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
April 2015
ISBN: 978-0718031657
Genre: Historical Romance serial
Series: Journey of the Heart part 2 of 6
Will Sarah’s journey west lead her back into the arms of the one man she can trust?
When her father succumbs to a long illness, Sarah Montgomery is freed from duty to family. At last she can be with the love of her life, Rand Campbell, who has gone out west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Sarah and her younger brother Joel make the arduous journey filled with hope.
But at Fort Laramie, the reception Sarah meets isn’t what she had hoped for. Her friend Amelia is thrilled to have her, but Rand seems to be in the clutches of Jessica DuBois, the scheming daughter of the post commander.
Sarah resolves to remain at Fort Laramie and try to win Rand back. But things will get tougher before they get easier . . . especially when her ex-fiancé Ben Croftner arrives in Wyoming, obsessed with having her back in his arms.
A HEART’S OBSESSION is the second book in Ms. Coble’s serial to introduce readers to her work. Readers will want to read the first book, A Heart’s Disguise, as this series doesn’t stand alone. This serial was originally published in a single book by Heartsong Presents.
I can’t really say I enjoyed this book. Sarah’s father dies and so she travels west, but Rand isn’t all that welcoming. If you have never read Colleen Coble read her newer books, romantic suspense, published by Thomas Nelson. Don’t start with this serial collection. This is not her best work.
If you like historicals, books based on Wyoming history, then A HEART’S OBSESSION will be a book to check out.
3 stars. Available in paperback and MP3 CD. 128 pages.
Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
April 2015
ISBN: 978-0718031657
Genre: Historical Romance serial
Series: Journey of the Heart part 2 of 6
Will Sarah’s journey west lead her back into the arms of the one man she can trust?
When her father succumbs to a long illness, Sarah Montgomery is freed from duty to family. At last she can be with the love of her life, Rand Campbell, who has gone out west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Sarah and her younger brother Joel make the arduous journey filled with hope.
But at Fort Laramie, the reception Sarah meets isn’t what she had hoped for. Her friend Amelia is thrilled to have her, but Rand seems to be in the clutches of Jessica DuBois, the scheming daughter of the post commander.
Sarah resolves to remain at Fort Laramie and try to win Rand back. But things will get tougher before they get easier . . . especially when her ex-fiancé Ben Croftner arrives in Wyoming, obsessed with having her back in his arms.
A HEART’S OBSESSION is the second book in Ms. Coble’s serial to introduce readers to her work. Readers will want to read the first book, A Heart’s Disguise, as this series doesn’t stand alone. This serial was originally published in a single book by Heartsong Presents.
I can’t really say I enjoyed this book. Sarah’s father dies and so she travels west, but Rand isn’t all that welcoming. If you have never read Colleen Coble read her newer books, romantic suspense, published by Thomas Nelson. Don’t start with this serial collection. This is not her best work.
If you like historicals, books based on Wyoming history, then A HEART’S OBSESSION will be a book to check out.
3 stars. Available in paperback and MP3 CD. 128 pages.
April 19, 2015
The story of Sarah Montgomery and Rand Campbell continues in the second installment of Colleen Coble’s Journey of the Heart novella series. The series is comprised of six short stories and they really do need to be read in order.
I am enjoying this collection. In A Heart’s Obsession, I felt so sorry for Sarah and the situation she finds herself in. Heartbroken after the death of her father, she ends up finding more heartache when she travels with her friends to Fort Laramie. Rand is no help, and in fact is at the heart of the problem. He has made choices in both book one and two that frustrated me. But, I am looking forward to continuing on in this journey and seeing how everything builds in the storyline.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through Litfuse Publicity, in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog and enter a Kindle Fire giveaway (ends 4/30/15) at: https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I am enjoying this collection. In A Heart’s Obsession, I felt so sorry for Sarah and the situation she finds herself in. Heartbroken after the death of her father, she ends up finding more heartache when she travels with her friends to Fort Laramie. Rand is no help, and in fact is at the heart of the problem. He has made choices in both book one and two that frustrated me. But, I am looking forward to continuing on in this journey and seeing how everything builds in the storyline.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through Litfuse Publicity, in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog and enter a Kindle Fire giveaway (ends 4/30/15) at: https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
December 17, 2015
The second installment in Colleen’s Journey of the Heart series had my emotions soaring once again. She is really good at drawing me in and making me “feel” all kinds of things for her characters.
I was a little irritated with Rand in this one. Though I can see his side of things, I’m a romantic at heart and it just frustrated me to see him turn so quickly.
I really felt sad for Sarah. After all she had been through…now this!
Ugh, don’t even get me started on Jessica (insert booing here).
As I said, these characters are real to me. I feel what they feel. I care about what happens to them.
This was a quick, but unforgettable read and I cannot wait for the third installment!!!
If you are a fan of Janette Oke, Catherine Marshall and the like…definitely pick up this series- you will not be disappointed!
I was a little irritated with Rand in this one. Though I can see his side of things, I’m a romantic at heart and it just frustrated me to see him turn so quickly.
I really felt sad for Sarah. After all she had been through…now this!
Ugh, don’t even get me started on Jessica (insert booing here).
As I said, these characters are real to me. I feel what they feel. I care about what happens to them.
This was a quick, but unforgettable read and I cannot wait for the third installment!!!
If you are a fan of Janette Oke, Catherine Marshall and the like…definitely pick up this series- you will not be disappointed!
April 10, 2015
The action moves to Fort Laramie in this second episode of the serialized novel. Rand is taken by the scheming daughter of the fort's commanding officer. Sarah shows up after her father dies and is shocked. Can she fight for Rand? We get some insight into the conditions for men and women on the frontier. We also learn a bit about fur traders and how Sioux women were treated. The action get's serious as a winter storm hits the area and Ben shows up.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1z3Qtau.
I received a complimentary egally of this episode through Litfuse for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1z3Qtau.
I received a complimentary egally of this episode through Litfuse for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
December 18, 2016
I know these books are supposed to be quick reads, but I didn't feel like the story was deep enough for me to really get into it. One scene would finish and the next would suddenly be three days later. I felt the book could have been better if it wasn't so short. Every scene might have had an easier, less jilted flow to it.
November 14, 2017
The publisher should’ve bound books 1-3 together. And let books 4-6 be a book 2. Carrying around all these tiny books is cumbersome. This is the main reason for the rating.
This story was more a romance than a suspense—like this author is more known for. It was a good story overall, just poorly bound.
This story was more a romance than a suspense—like this author is more known for. It was a good story overall, just poorly bound.
October 12, 2017
Rand is really starting to piss me off!
January 19, 2020
For the second part in the Journey of the Heart series we pick up right where the first novella leaves off and find that Rand is off to Fort Laramie, Wyoming without young Sarah, she just isn’t ready to leave her father and younger brother behind. However when circumstances take a turn Sarah realizes home is with Rand and she and her younger brother Joel are off to Wyoming.
I’m finding this series more enjoyable than I originally thought I would. Even though they are short, the development of the characters is growing and not as predictable as I previously believed they would be. Sarah is showing herself to be more independent and courageous on her own two feet and I’ve found to become fond of her character. There was a bit more of a climatic storyline in this second novella and the ending cliffhanger was pretty intense.
I’d recommend this novella to those who enjoyed the first one, who like historical fiction with a light touch of romance, and to those looking for a quick weekend read.
Please do note that there is slight mention and description of domestic violence.
I’m finding this series more enjoyable than I originally thought I would. Even though they are short, the development of the characters is growing and not as predictable as I previously believed they would be. Sarah is showing herself to be more independent and courageous on her own two feet and I’ve found to become fond of her character. There was a bit more of a climatic storyline in this second novella and the ending cliffhanger was pretty intense.
I’d recommend this novella to those who enjoyed the first one, who like historical fiction with a light touch of romance, and to those looking for a quick weekend read.
Please do note that there is slight mention and description of domestic violence.
December 30, 2021
Minutes before her father passes away, he tells her that she should follow her heart and go out west to be with Rand, and take her little brother Joel with her. When he dies in almost his next breath, she leaves as soon as she can, getting Joel and herself as far away from their older brother Wade as she can. When she arrives and discovers that Rand is engaged to someone else, she's determined to make the best of it. She's with her best friend Amelia in new territory, and there is so much for her to discover. Maybe Isaac will provide some distraction from her broken heart while she watches the love of her life move on with someone else.
A quick read that helps you move forward with Sarah's story that you first started in the previous book. Again, like the first time it felt like it ended far too soon with it being split up into 6 parts instead of 6 books but all in all enjoyable
A quick read that helps you move forward with Sarah's story that you first started in the previous book. Again, like the first time it felt like it ended far too soon with it being split up into 6 parts instead of 6 books but all in all enjoyable
July 11, 2020
Sarah finally can go on her journey now that her father has died. She had taken care of him while her beloved Rand Campbell has gone on to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. So Sarah alone with here brother who is younger than her starts on their journey to join Rand. She was disappointed to find that Rand had given up on her and now appear to be keeping company with another woman (Jessica DuBois) the daughter of the post commander Sarah wanted to win him back but it wasn't to be when another suitor Ben appeared on the scene trying to change her mind but he was not faithful and Rand saved her from this man. So she ended up with Rand who came to his senses.
July 9, 2018
Sarah, after her father dies, travels west to Rand Campbell who is stationed at Fort Laramie, Wyoming. She finds Rand engaged to Jessica DuBois, the scheming daughter of the post commander. Sarah intends to win back Rand.
I love this series. It has the "feel" of the old west. Tension mounts when ex-fiance Ben Croftner arrives as a fur trader. He schemes to get Sarah back and will do anything to do so.
I'm hooked on this series and can't wait for the next book. I have a lot of questions that will be answered in the next books. Looking forward to that.
I love this series. It has the "feel" of the old west. Tension mounts when ex-fiance Ben Croftner arrives as a fur trader. He schemes to get Sarah back and will do anything to do so.
I'm hooked on this series and can't wait for the next book. I have a lot of questions that will be answered in the next books. Looking forward to that.
August 27, 2018
Rand leaves and goes to Fort Lamarie. He meets a lady who he becomes smitten with (colonels daughter). Meanwhile Sarah is at home and her father passes. She decides to sneak away with Her brother Joel and go with her best friend Amelia and her husband to Fort Lamarie to be with Rand...read more to find out what happens.
May 6, 2019
Sarah takes Joel and heads to Fort Laramie with Amelia and Jacob only to find Rand is engaged to someone else. Ben is seeking revenge on Sarah for the way she shunned him. Life at Fort Laramie with Indians all around leaves little room for Sarah to ride or walk by the river. Her heart can't forget about Rand.
March 10, 2023
i understand this is an older novel by Colleen Coble that has been rewritten some. I am enjoying this series of hers as well as all of her books. It is a western that takes place during the war between the states. Since the location is out west it is more about the soldiers fighting with the American Indians.
June 29, 2023
2023 Book Quest category: <3 stars (see below).
This novella was nice enough, but it's one of those little stories that's part of a longer story, so not much character growth happens and the plot is short and somewhat jagged. And of course I'm missing part of the story. :) It really should just be one novel, not all the little novellas separated out.
This novella was nice enough, but it's one of those little stories that's part of a longer story, so not much character growth happens and the plot is short and somewhat jagged. And of course I'm missing part of the story. :) It really should just be one novel, not all the little novellas separated out.
June 20, 2025
Book 2 Journey of the Heart. A fast moving small (100 pages) romance. Sarah Montgomery follows her heart for Rand Campbell to military fort in Laramie, Wyoming only to find him pledged to another-Jessica DuBois, the daughter of the camps commander. Sarah decides to stay and try to win Rand back. It didn't happen in this addition. Maybe book 3 will lead to another outcome.
July 22, 2017
In this continuing story set in short burst novellas, Sarah's father dies and she sets out for Fort Laramie and her true love. Unfortunately, the man she nearly married is unhappy and follows. Yikes!! A fun read.
January 19, 2019
Continuing story of Rand and Sarah. An okay story with some harsher elements than I liked. I know the old West was a harsh place but still, didn’t care for some of the pieces of this story. Just not my cup of tea.
June 8, 2019
Second in a series about a woman who follows the man she loved to Wyoming hoping to rekindle their relationship. Arriving , she finds out he has a new love and the man who is stalking her has followed her to the fort as the new fur trader. Who will win her heart?
September 9, 2020
This second book continues where book 1 left off. I’m enjoying these short books. The story continues to be straight to the point. However at points I wanted more in this story. Of course I will continue to read on as I got to know how it ends!
November 22, 2021
3.5*
The second in the 6-book series of novellas by Colleen Coble, A Heart's Obsession continues Sarah and Rand's story - now taking them to the Wyoming frontier! Again, a light short story that will satisfy romance readers wanting something not too serious and quick to read. Coble's later works are of a much higher standard, but this was still fun to read. On to #3!
The second in the 6-book series of novellas by Colleen Coble, A Heart's Obsession continues Sarah and Rand's story - now taking them to the Wyoming frontier! Again, a light short story that will satisfy romance readers wanting something not too serious and quick to read. Coble's later works are of a much higher standard, but this was still fun to read. On to #3!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews