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The Brides #4
Only the Heart Knows
Mandy MacKenna is secretly the voice behind "Ask Mack," an advice column for men, addressing all matters ranching-related. And she's secretly in love with "Banks," one of her most devoted correspondents. But whenever she's around him, she can barely bring herself to make eye-contact with the man.
Adam Booker is a banker-turned-rancher, who's struggling to make his way after he inherits his uncle's place. If not for "Ask Mack," he would have surely floundered by now. But the ranch is only one of his problems, because the woman he has a romantic interest in - a natural beauty by the name of Mandy MacKenna, daughter of the region's wealthiest rancher - seems less than interested in him.
A sweet romance of secrets and revelations ensues...
A standalone companion novel to The Brides Series.
THE BRIDES SERIES
The Unexpected Bride
Sleigh Bells & Mistletoe
The Bartered Bride
Only the Heart Knows
EXCERPT
A look of alarm crossed the postmistress's face. "Miss Amanda! Behind you!"
Mandy spun around, expecting to find a crate on the boardwalk behind her.
What she collided with instead was a wall of chest. A man. Strong arms fastened around her, preventing her from tumbling backward off the boardwalk into the street. He set her back a bit without releasing her.
"I'm so sorry..." she said. Her words stumbled to a stop as she found her bearings and met the man's eyes. A pair of piercing blue eyes that reminded her of the deepest blue sky.
Those eyes.
Adam Booker's eyes.
He stood before her, so close. His face oh-so familiar. Freshly shaven, it looked like. Handsome. Refined. And yet entirely masculine. The ends of his dark, richly brown hair curling to just above his collar. Broad shoulders. That brown Stetson. A bright blue chambray shirt. A pair of nicely worn denims. Polished boots.
A banker in rancher's duds.
Lordy.
All Mandy's breath hitched up in her chest, making her lightheaded.
"Miss MacKenna," he said. She wondered if he was aware that he was idly smoothing his hands down her sleeves in a most familiar fashion. As if checking her for damage. Leaving a trail of tingles wherever he touched.
"Are you all right?" he asked.
She shivered. Not from cold. For she wasn't cold. Not in the least.
"I'm fine, sir. I mean, Mr. Booker. Sir." Oh, why had she said that? She'd called him sir. Twice. She sounded a fool, all breathless and overwhelmed with his closeness.
Mandy felt Miss Judith's curious gaze resting on them from the post office doorway. Miss Judith, who knew Mandy's secret. That she was the real face behind Ask Mack. Mandy had never revealed that Adam was Banks, but Miss Judith may well have figured it out.
Mandy answered Adam privately these days. And they'd become friends through their letters. A treasure she didn't wish to share with all of Cross Creek.
And here she was, Mack, standing with Banks on the boardwalk.
With his hands clasping her shoulders. Which felt so...right.
Something shifted inside Mandy. The usual butterflies danced inside her stomach, as they always did whenever she saw him, but this time she also felt the tiniest of clicks. Like something broken coming together. And with it came a rush of awareness that just yesterday she'd felt something missing in her life.
Was it this? That she belonged with him, Banks? A rather romantic notion. Especially since they'd only shared a few lovely dances. Adam couldn't possibly know when she looked at him, she saw a dear friend. And she could hardly expect him to view her with the same deep regard. Adam Booker didn't see her as a dear friend. How could he? He was possibly no more interested in Miss Amanda MacKenna than he was in a grasshopper hopping down the middle of Main Street.
He certainly didn't know she was Mack.
Not that she wanted him to know. He'd feel betrayed. Duped.
By her.
Adam Booker is a banker-turned-rancher, who's struggling to make his way after he inherits his uncle's place. If not for "Ask Mack," he would have surely floundered by now. But the ranch is only one of his problems, because the woman he has a romantic interest in - a natural beauty by the name of Mandy MacKenna, daughter of the region's wealthiest rancher - seems less than interested in him.
A sweet romance of secrets and revelations ensues...
A standalone companion novel to The Brides Series.
THE BRIDES SERIES
The Unexpected Bride
Sleigh Bells & Mistletoe
The Bartered Bride
Only the Heart Knows
EXCERPT
A look of alarm crossed the postmistress's face. "Miss Amanda! Behind you!"
Mandy spun around, expecting to find a crate on the boardwalk behind her.
What she collided with instead was a wall of chest. A man. Strong arms fastened around her, preventing her from tumbling backward off the boardwalk into the street. He set her back a bit without releasing her.
"I'm so sorry..." she said. Her words stumbled to a stop as she found her bearings and met the man's eyes. A pair of piercing blue eyes that reminded her of the deepest blue sky.
Those eyes.
Adam Booker's eyes.
He stood before her, so close. His face oh-so familiar. Freshly shaven, it looked like. Handsome. Refined. And yet entirely masculine. The ends of his dark, richly brown hair curling to just above his collar. Broad shoulders. That brown Stetson. A bright blue chambray shirt. A pair of nicely worn denims. Polished boots.
A banker in rancher's duds.
Lordy.
All Mandy's breath hitched up in her chest, making her lightheaded.
"Miss MacKenna," he said. She wondered if he was aware that he was idly smoothing his hands down her sleeves in a most familiar fashion. As if checking her for damage. Leaving a trail of tingles wherever he touched.
"Are you all right?" he asked.
She shivered. Not from cold. For she wasn't cold. Not in the least.
"I'm fine, sir. I mean, Mr. Booker. Sir." Oh, why had she said that? She'd called him sir. Twice. She sounded a fool, all breathless and overwhelmed with his closeness.
Mandy felt Miss Judith's curious gaze resting on them from the post office doorway. Miss Judith, who knew Mandy's secret. That she was the real face behind Ask Mack. Mandy had never revealed that Adam was Banks, but Miss Judith may well have figured it out.
Mandy answered Adam privately these days. And they'd become friends through their letters. A treasure she didn't wish to share with all of Cross Creek.
And here she was, Mack, standing with Banks on the boardwalk.
With his hands clasping her shoulders. Which felt so...right.
Something shifted inside Mandy. The usual butterflies danced inside her stomach, as they always did whenever she saw him, but this time she also felt the tiniest of clicks. Like something broken coming together. And with it came a rush of awareness that just yesterday she'd felt something missing in her life.
Was it this? That she belonged with him, Banks? A rather romantic notion. Especially since they'd only shared a few lovely dances. Adam couldn't possibly know when she looked at him, she saw a dear friend. And she could hardly expect him to view her with the same deep regard. Adam Booker didn't see her as a dear friend. How could he? He was possibly no more interested in Miss Amanda MacKenna than he was in a grasshopper hopping down the middle of Main Street.
He certainly didn't know she was Mack.
Not that she wanted him to know. He'd feel betrayed. Duped.
By her.
- GenresHistoricalRomance
306 pages, Paperback
Published December 14, 2016
43 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Lena Goldfinch
16 books174 followersLENA GOLDFINCH writes sweet historical Western romance, inspirational romance, and books for teens, books with a taste of "sigh-worthy romance." Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests.
Latest Releases:
CHRISTMAS CAKE KISSES
SWEET BRIAR ROSE
THE BRIDES SERIES:
* THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE
... "This old-fashioned mountain romance is an unexpected treat!"
* SLEIGH BELLS & MISTLETOE
* THE BARTERED BRIDE
* ONLY THE HEART KNOWS
"With unexpectedly fresh characters and twists, the imagination is kept on its toes, even while feeling entirely comfortable with the familiarity of the mail-order bride storyline... A great curl-up-on-a-cold-night read, so go grab a copy for yourself!" (USA TODAY on THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE)
"Danger, magic, romance, and royal intrigue, AIRE is a must read!" (NYT Bestselling Author JESSICA ANDERSEN)
"Looking for something fresh and new to read? Try Lena Goldfinch's AIRE." (USA TODAY)
"SONGSTONE sings with characters who come to life, a story full of magic, heart and adventure, and a world that lets you smell the sea air and feel the tropical sun on your back." (LISA GAIL GREEN, author of THE BINDING STONE)
"SONGSTONE is an original fantasy world inhabited by superstitious tribal nations and intriguingly developed characters." (USA TODAY)
"THE LANGUAGE OF SOULS is the perfect tiny romantic escape." (Tales of Whimsy)
Latest Releases:
CHRISTMAS CAKE KISSES
SWEET BRIAR ROSE
THE BRIDES SERIES:
* THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE
... "This old-fashioned mountain romance is an unexpected treat!"
* SLEIGH BELLS & MISTLETOE
* THE BARTERED BRIDE
* ONLY THE HEART KNOWS
"With unexpectedly fresh characters and twists, the imagination is kept on its toes, even while feeling entirely comfortable with the familiarity of the mail-order bride storyline... A great curl-up-on-a-cold-night read, so go grab a copy for yourself!" (USA TODAY on THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE)
"Danger, magic, romance, and royal intrigue, AIRE is a must read!" (NYT Bestselling Author JESSICA ANDERSEN)
"Looking for something fresh and new to read? Try Lena Goldfinch's AIRE." (USA TODAY)
"SONGSTONE sings with characters who come to life, a story full of magic, heart and adventure, and a world that lets you smell the sea air and feel the tropical sun on your back." (LISA GAIL GREEN, author of THE BINDING STONE)
"SONGSTONE is an original fantasy world inhabited by superstitious tribal nations and intriguingly developed characters." (USA TODAY)
"THE LANGUAGE OF SOULS is the perfect tiny romantic escape." (Tales of Whimsy)
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 3, 2017
Mandy MacKenna is twenty-one, a little old to be unmarried in nineteenth century West. She believes it's because of her tall stature and less than gorgeous appearance. She has a crush on Adam Booker, but when her parents get it in their heads to send her somewhere else to find a husband, that attraction won't stop them. She's desperate t stay, not only for Adam but for her family and the newspaper advice column she secretly writes. If she and Adam can get together by the end of summer, all will be well.
Only the Heart Knows is a cute historical romance by Lena Goldifnch. Mandy and Adam love each other from the beginning, but the have many miscommunication problems. It's not easy bearing your heart to someone that you think dislikes you. Mandy has issues putting her foot in her mouth. She is a competent young woman, but she keeps secrets (badly) and has a habit of inadvertently shaming the men around her. Adam, on the other hand, receives all of her mixed signals and becomes too afraid to talk to her about marriage. It's messy. And funny! Mandy needs to think before she acts more often.
There are several different things going on. First, the Ask Mac newspaper column Mandy is writing when no one is watching. She gives advice to men who are asking how to run their ranches and deal with employees. That is how she first gets to know Adam. Then there is something about a mail order bride. I'll let you find out what a catastrophe that turned into. And Mandy has issues with the boys she grew up with. They teased, she hurt, she beat them at games, and she glaoted. Both sides hurt, which is why the men stay away and she feels insecure and bitter. Finally, there is the ranch Adam inherited. He is running it pretty well but has to earn his employees respects, especially after he fired the manager. Many of these subplots layer on top of each other to create a complex and interesting story.
I recommend this book to fans of sweet historical romance.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Only the Heart Knows is a cute historical romance by Lena Goldifnch. Mandy and Adam love each other from the beginning, but the have many miscommunication problems. It's not easy bearing your heart to someone that you think dislikes you. Mandy has issues putting her foot in her mouth. She is a competent young woman, but she keeps secrets (badly) and has a habit of inadvertently shaming the men around her. Adam, on the other hand, receives all of her mixed signals and becomes too afraid to talk to her about marriage. It's messy. And funny! Mandy needs to think before she acts more often.
There are several different things going on. First, the Ask Mac newspaper column Mandy is writing when no one is watching. She gives advice to men who are asking how to run their ranches and deal with employees. That is how she first gets to know Adam. Then there is something about a mail order bride. I'll let you find out what a catastrophe that turned into. And Mandy has issues with the boys she grew up with. They teased, she hurt, she beat them at games, and she glaoted. Both sides hurt, which is why the men stay away and she feels insecure and bitter. Finally, there is the ranch Adam inherited. He is running it pretty well but has to earn his employees respects, especially after he fired the manager. Many of these subplots layer on top of each other to create a complex and interesting story.
I recommend this book to fans of sweet historical romance.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
December 15, 2016
Mandy isn’t happy when her mother tells her that in order to find a husband she is going to need to move to Denver with her Aunt and Uncle. Mandy’s mother thinks that Mandy has belittled all of the men in Cross Creek through the years and must find new prospects out of the area.
Through the years Mandy has often felt put down by the boys she has grown up with. After all, boys don’t like a girl who is taller than them and can out-perform them.
Adam has inherited his uncle’s ranch. He’s needed a lot of advice to learn how to run the ranch since he was a banker by trade. So Adam has taken to anonymously writing to Ask Mack of the current newspaper in the area. Ask Mack is an advice column for men on ranching and nothing else.
Adam is attracted to Mandy and vice-versa, but they both have some insecurities and one is holding a secret that may not settle too well with the other. Can they set aside their misconceptions and misunderstandings and both find they were meant for each other?
I enjoyed Only The Heart Knows; it was a sweet romantic read. I enjoyed reading as both characters developed and matured and found their way. There were a couple of scenes that had me laughing out loud as well as more serious tones that delved deeper into insecurities that the characters had. Mandy and Adam were perfect for each other and the story had a very satisfying Happily Ever After that left me with a smile on my face.
Through the years Mandy has often felt put down by the boys she has grown up with. After all, boys don’t like a girl who is taller than them and can out-perform them.
Adam has inherited his uncle’s ranch. He’s needed a lot of advice to learn how to run the ranch since he was a banker by trade. So Adam has taken to anonymously writing to Ask Mack of the current newspaper in the area. Ask Mack is an advice column for men on ranching and nothing else.
Adam is attracted to Mandy and vice-versa, but they both have some insecurities and one is holding a secret that may not settle too well with the other. Can they set aside their misconceptions and misunderstandings and both find they were meant for each other?
I enjoyed Only The Heart Knows; it was a sweet romantic read. I enjoyed reading as both characters developed and matured and found their way. There were a couple of scenes that had me laughing out loud as well as more serious tones that delved deeper into insecurities that the characters had. Mandy and Adam were perfect for each other and the story had a very satisfying Happily Ever After that left me with a smile on my face.
January 4, 2017
Only The Heart Knows by Lena Goldfinch tells the story of Mandy MacKenna and Adam Booker in beautiful Cross Creek, Colorado in 1885. Mandy secretly writes under the pen-name Mack in the newspaper column "Ask Mack" where she answers questions about ranching related matters. It is assumed throughout Cross Creek that Mack is a man. She hears from Adam many times under the pen-name Banker, and she gives him advice that he truly values. But the question becomes: what will Adam do if he ever finds out "Ask Mack" is Mandy?
I really enjoyed reading Ms. Goldfinch's newest book. She is a masterful storyteller weaving together themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and God's deep love for us. The story was delightful to read filled with romantic tension, some twists and turns, and sweet kisses. Mandy is a character I think all of us can relate to, and that makes for a great read.
Ms. Goldfinch is a new author to me and I plan on reading the rest of the books in the Bride series. I highly recommend Only the Heart Knows!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and the opinions expressed are my own
January 8, 2017
Only the Heart Knows ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ by Lena Goldfinch
This is a heart warming story of a beautiful but quite insecure young lady from Cross Creek, Colorado. Mandy MacKenna believes she is too tall, too thin and too outspoken. She has always competed with the boys, helped run her father's ranch never learned to cook or sew.
The secret Mandy harbors is that she has been the author for the Ask Mack column in the local town paper. She has become so popular but knows no one can learn she is not a man writing this men's column. When the Mack's persona begins to correspond with one of her men that writes to her column she become more than an advisor but a friend. She knows his identity but he does not know hers.
When Mandy first sets eyes on this newcomer she is very attracted to him but extremely shy when she is near him. She believes with all her flaws he could never like her.
This is a simple story of individuals overcoming their insecurities and love truly blossoms. I admire this author very much. Ms Goldfinch brings her point across unfolding the story like a flower. I find her quite the story teller.
A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection
This is a heart warming story of a beautiful but quite insecure young lady from Cross Creek, Colorado. Mandy MacKenna believes she is too tall, too thin and too outspoken. She has always competed with the boys, helped run her father's ranch never learned to cook or sew.
The secret Mandy harbors is that she has been the author for the Ask Mack column in the local town paper. She has become so popular but knows no one can learn she is not a man writing this men's column. When the Mack's persona begins to correspond with one of her men that writes to her column she become more than an advisor but a friend. She knows his identity but he does not know hers.
When Mandy first sets eyes on this newcomer she is very attracted to him but extremely shy when she is near him. She believes with all her flaws he could never like her.
This is a simple story of individuals overcoming their insecurities and love truly blossoms. I admire this author very much. Ms Goldfinch brings her point across unfolding the story like a flower. I find her quite the story teller.
A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection
June 15, 2021
I don't normally review books I don't finish, but this one stood out too much. I've never run into another book where the story is 1/3 overanalyzing stares, 1/3 rehashing the same self-doubts each chapter, and 1/3 possibly some interesting story.
Be prepared for a paragraph or 2 of this each time the characters meet:
He saw her across the street and noted that she, too, saw him. What did her look mean? Does she look down on me because I don't have much ranching experience? Is she in love with another guy? She hates me - that must be it.
I saw him see me across the street. He looked surprised at first and then confused. Surprised because I'm too ugly to be outside during the day? Confused that I'm daring to look at his godlike form? Trying to figure out how my sister's turned out perfect and I didn't? I look at my toes and am angry that he says "good morning" politely and walks on.
I'm only slightly exaggerating. The characters overanalyzing every single thing appears to be the whole story. (To be fair, I only made it 27% through so maybe it gets better)
Be prepared for a paragraph or 2 of this each time the characters meet:
He saw her across the street and noted that she, too, saw him. What did her look mean? Does she look down on me because I don't have much ranching experience? Is she in love with another guy? She hates me - that must be it.
I saw him see me across the street. He looked surprised at first and then confused. Surprised because I'm too ugly to be outside during the day? Confused that I'm daring to look at his godlike form? Trying to figure out how my sister's turned out perfect and I didn't? I look at my toes and am angry that he says "good morning" politely and walks on.
I'm only slightly exaggerating. The characters overanalyzing every single thing appears to be the whole story. (To be fair, I only made it 27% through so maybe it gets better)
March 10, 2017
Funny how secrets can leave you frustrated.
This was a truly entertaining read. It pointed out how poor communication and assumptions can leave a person frustrated and confused, but the sound reasoning of a true friend can help you see things more clearly. I liked this book so much I was able to read it in just two days.
This was a truly entertaining read. It pointed out how poor communication and assumptions can leave a person frustrated and confused, but the sound reasoning of a true friend can help you see things more clearly. I liked this book so much I was able to read it in just two days.
March 8, 2017
Cute Story
Sweet, funny, cute all describe this book. Gets your attention immediately, story moves quickly and has a sweet ending. Look forward to reading more of this author
Sweet, funny, cute all describe this book. Gets your attention immediately, story moves quickly and has a sweet ending. Look forward to reading more of this author
January 5, 2017
Mandy MacKenna has many different facets to herself. The strong self-assured women who works the ranch with her father, the shy awkward women who goes into town, and the painfully shy women who talks to Mr. Booker. And of course there is also Mack, her male persona who answers all questions about farming that is asked at the newspaper.
Adam Booker is a former banker but after a family relative dies and he inherits the ranch he has had to change everything about his life. Which has not been an easy transition considering the fact that his ranch hands do not want him on the ranch. So in order to learn a little more and to gain a bit more confidence he has begun writing to the Ask Mack column and now after numerous correspondences they talk about a lot of things and have become friends.
But what will happen when Adam realizes that Mandy is Mack and has been answering all of his questions. Will he think she is mocking him? Or will other things such as a mail order bride get in the way.
This was a good read that held a lot of misunderstanding, some good familial connections, and some romantic things like being "roped". This book has definitely improved my opinion of this author. Her writing style has definitely improved and it has made me understand the thought process of giving people/books second chances.
I would highly recommend this book to any historical romance lovers.
~ A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection.
Adam Booker is a former banker but after a family relative dies and he inherits the ranch he has had to change everything about his life. Which has not been an easy transition considering the fact that his ranch hands do not want him on the ranch. So in order to learn a little more and to gain a bit more confidence he has begun writing to the Ask Mack column and now after numerous correspondences they talk about a lot of things and have become friends.
But what will happen when Adam realizes that Mandy is Mack and has been answering all of his questions. Will he think she is mocking him? Or will other things such as a mail order bride get in the way.
This was a good read that held a lot of misunderstanding, some good familial connections, and some romantic things like being "roped". This book has definitely improved my opinion of this author. Her writing style has definitely improved and it has made me understand the thought process of giving people/books second chances.
I would highly recommend this book to any historical romance lovers.
~ A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection.
January 6, 2017
What a fun story! Mandy MacKenna and Adam Booker are wonderful characters, and I loved their misadventures. Brimming with humor and heart, this entertaining tale delighted me from beginning to end!
Only the Heart Knows is a standalone companion novel to The Brides Series, a series I have really enjoyed and one I recommend for fans of heartwarming historical romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.
Only the Heart Knows is a standalone companion novel to The Brides Series, a series I have really enjoyed and one I recommend for fans of heartwarming historical romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.
April 14, 2017
This was five stars right up to chapter 28. The rest of the book lost one star off my rating. However, this was still a fun read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews