Awaken My Heart

by DiAnn Mills

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?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Christian Romance, Historical, Christian Historical Fiction

261 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2008

About the author

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?

Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.

DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.

A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.

Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:

Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills

Reviews

[Hannah Linder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a signed copy of this one! Great read! 😁

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've mostly read DiAnn Mills' romantic suspense so it was a treat to discover this re-release of an earlier historical novel. Awaken My Heart has all the earmarks of a classic historical romance: forbidden love, treachery and betrayal and the kind of greed that drives men to do unthinkable things. And Marianne is the alluring heroine who becomes caught up in it all.

I haven't read much about Texas before it joined the states so I found the history fascinating. A clash of cultures struggling for the right to make this land their home. Marianne and Armando are on opposite sides of the equation. She's the landowner's daughter and he's the rebel leader. They are separated by race, religion, politics and social standing. A relationship between them seems impossible and yet, this is the kind of story that explores the power of love -- both between a man and a woman and between a loving Father and His children. I'm starstruck! A definite must-read for Historical Romance connoisseurs.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of historical fiction. Other than Like Water for Chocolate, however, I am not drawn to western or Latin history. I highly respect DiAnn Mills, however, and so, I delved into this gorgeous page turner. What a delight! Complex, mysterious characters drew me in to a plot that promised conflict, danger, spiritual battles, and forbidden love. Marianne exhibited all the strong female Christian characteristics I cherish: a free spirit, deep love for God, coming of age and maturity, love of service and mankind, desire to do God's will, and love of the poor. The handsome vaquero-almost-priest, whose family tragedy caused him to turn away from God, acts like Robin Hood or Zorro and makes questionable decisions for well-intentioned reasons. Some characters you'd love to hate, but Marianne continuously shows Christ-like forgiveness and trust in God though her heart knows much anguish. DiAnn uses suspense and descriptions that heighten all our senses to enchant us with this love story. DiAnn strings a delicious tightrope about the consequences of choices we make and which battles to fight. Secrets are kept and revealed in a lively play on the knowledge of being bilingual. We see the grip that power, misjudgmentment and denying God makes on the heart. The ending does not disappoint. A lovely read! Left my heart pounding.

[Jennie Pendergast · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mexican vaquero finds love with his American Angel his treasure.

Enjoyed being back with this author after a long time. Armando and Marianne story was one of forbidden love. She became his captive after his men took her from her home. Her father had evil planned for he and his friends. She was returned to her home but she had fallen in love with Armando. Her father wanted her to marry someone else. The government stopped him from getting Armando land. But her father greed for the land didn't stop there. She took her trusted horse Diablo and warned Armando and stayed with him. But in the end God will prevailed for Armando and Marianne to be togethor.

[Becky Durstenfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. The characters were interesting, as was the conflicts going on. I appreciated that faith was an important part of the story. I suspected the two main characters might have a happily ever after, but was not sure how it would happen until the end.

[Clara K Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Characters so great...and Diablo, who wouldn't love him! I learned some about the Spanish of early Texas. Loved how the personal relationship with Christ was presented. And of course the happy ending was great.

[Terry Yaceyko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this author. I'm not really into historical Texas books, but took a chance on reading this one. It was a good read with an unexpected twist ending.

[Josie]

I wasn't engaged by the writing style or the MCs. This was a DNF for me.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that this is my first experience with DiAnn Mills and I have to say that I like her. "Awaken My Heart" was thrilling to read. Just the right pinches of rebellion and devotion to God... Real emotions and the struggle to understand them make this book and it's story true to life. An early 19th century Texas Colony Zorro meets Romeo meets Shakespeare in Love. The heroine Marianne is a much better person than I, but she gives me an example of a woman's life that I should strive to be as strong as she. This book does have the desired kidnapping, fall in love, find peace with Christ, someone dies, and an almost happier ever after ending just as most good Christian Inspirational Fiction novels do, but it is even better because it is real and not overly flowery as some. I would definitely read this author again.

[Sandy Duke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah...forbidden love. God's ways are not man's ways though, and Dios does some pretty amazing things in this story. I liked that the author was unafraid to use Spanish words without feeling the need to translate for us. The context alone provided the translation.

I've not read much about this period of Tejas history, but I think the author did a good job of describing the tension between the mestizos, the Spanish, and the gringos in the area. The gentle revelation of the differences between the Catholic and Protestant faiths was handled well also.

This story ends begging for a sequel. I hope Ms. Mills will continue the story of the Phillips hacienda and La Flor.

[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? ~ Micah 6:8

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ~ Matthew 6:33

Time Period: 1803
Location: the Colony of Tejas (Texas, USA)

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light Christian romance with strong Gospel message. Interesting setting in pre-statehood Texas. Difference in knowing about God and knowing God through a relationship with Jesus Christ emphasized in addition to honoring a difficult and verbally abusive parent add to storyline.

[Bridget R. Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read better.

[Tammy Sotela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of DiAnn Mills. This book allowed me to see a different style of her writing. I loved the story. DiAnn always makes you feel you are right there watching it all happen.

[Emily Agnello · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book about finding love and Jesus Christ. Although, I do not understand why Weston was giving Marianne to a spanish man when he hated the spanish people. Not to mention living on spanish land.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about bravery and love in the spanish territory of Texas.

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an ok book