Dream of Her Heart

Hearts of the War #3

by Shanna Hatfield

The best dreams are those that come from the heart…

Fall in love with this sweet World War II romance!

Days before he must ship out to prepare for a dangerous mission in the Pacific, Lieutenant Zane West crosses Oregon to see a good friend who has been wounded in action. He arrives at the veteran’s hospital, only to discover the army captain has disappeared without a trace. As Zane searches for answers, he finds himself captivated by a beautiful and spunky nurse who offers her help. Is she the key to his future, or an unwelcome distraction from his important wartime mission?

Nurse Billie Brighton puts her heart and boundless energy into caring for wounded soldiers, but she vowed long ago never to let one of the dashing rogues turn her head. That is, until a handsome lieutenant arrives seeking his missing friend. Thoroughly enchanted, she can’t help but break her own rules. Has she finally found the love she secretly longs for, or is she headed for heartbreak?

Step back in time to 1942 with a charming, sweet World War II romance full of history, heart, and a happily ever after in Dream of Her Heart.

Winner of the 2019 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Award in Christian Historical Romance

Don't miss any of the Hearts of the War

♥Garden of Her Heart

♥ Home of Her Heart

♥ Dream of Her Heart

♥ And read Gift of Faith, too!

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2018

About the author

A hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a best-selling author of clean romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor.

In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield

Reviews

[Glenda Kinard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away with Dream of Her Heart just like leaves falling now. Dream of Her Heart just totally wrapped itself around my Heart and hums just like a Dream. Zane and Billie girl are forever engraved in my Heart. I even came to love the tight strung Landlady Miss Burwell. Shanna Hatfield just has a way in writing that all her books touch me deep in my soul. She is amazing how she can put her characters in such situations that coming thru them can touch upon every emotion a reader has. Dream of Her Heart had me laughing, crying and times just plain sighing and saying awwww. Once Again the talented Shanna Hatfield takes readers on a Heartfelt journey with a wonderful story thru events of our Great American’s History.

[Tonya Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t prepared for the emotions this book was about to bring me. Shanna Hatfield is stellar in her ability to write books that develop her characters straight into your heart and very soul.
Shanna truly incorporated a beautiful love story with Zane and Billie. A love story so heartwarming and poignant, you’ll believe its non-fiction.
Dream Of Her Heart not only swept me into the story, it brought back memories of my Papa Douglas who was a prisoner in Japanese Prison camp for 3 1/2 years. His stories he shared with me, which was special because he rarely talked about those days, still are vivid in my memory.
Ms. Shanna I applaud you in writing such a defining book that was so detailed and prolific.
Thanks for honoring those who served in the Asia-Pacific War. May their service never be forgotten.

[Stephanie Jenkins Ortiz Cerrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness I loved this book. Shanna Hatfield never disappoints and most often astounds me with her writings. The research for the time period and the bombing of Pearl Harbor alone bewilders me. These characters will draw you in and you'll just have to know what happens with them. I can't imagine being in the front lines of any of the wars we have been in or imagine being the doctors or nurses that take care of wounded soldiers. This book packs a great moral issue in it too, an American is an American no matter their ethnicity, so don't be so quick to forget that in the hard war times or any other. I loved this book!

[Doni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this book! It is a heartwarming
& engaging story.
It really pulled all my heartstrings.
This is a well-written book
that has wonderful characters
& has some incredible & touching
scenes. Set in the 1940's. At the time
of Midway & Pearl Harbor.
Zane, a pilot that is recovering from
an injury to his leg. When he went to
visit his friend, Rock, Zane meets
Nurse Billie. She is like a ray of sunshine.
Together they tried to figure out the
mystery about Rock. While spending time,
Zane & Billie become very close.
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!

[Shash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The characters jumped off the page and the settings were vividly described. I felt like I was inside the story watching everything happen around me. I loved Billie and Zane!! Billie's ability to lift the spirits of everyone around her was inspiring. I loved the loyalty and love she was given in return. Zane is determined and dedicated. He is a fighter. I loved seeing the brotherhood among the soldiers and the strength that brought them. Zane is also quite the romantic. There are so many swoony moments thanks to him! *sigh* He and Billie are perfect together. I loved watching their relationship deepen and grow. Their story touched my heart in so many ways. It will stay with me for quite awhile!

I received a complimentary copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion.

[Veda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story with more twists and turns then I expected. I loved it. Author Shanna Hatfield brings to life another side of World War II, the nurses at home and the hospitals that cared for the wounded. You can see, feel the emotion of the wounded, nurses, and doctors during this whole book. I very much enjoyed the growing relationship between Zane and Billie. It wasn't rushed. Both Zane and Billie had things from their past that had to be worked through, and the journey was not easy.
I also enjoyed what the Shanna Hatfield included in this book concerning her research. She incorporated so much into this book, and gave the reader much needed information on why it was important during that time.
This is book three, and now I have to get and read books 1 & 2. This was a good wholesome book.

[Jerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane and Billie's story

Wow! Shanna Hatfield has outdone herself with this finale! The historical references are so spot on and place us right there. The characters are so real and breathe life into every page. It was heart warming to get the stories of characters from the previous books in the series. Zane is so romantic and Billie so loveable. Their patriotism was boundless. Their growing love was so visible around them. This one is written so masterfully with the characteristic humor only Shanna can provide. 5 stars is not enough. The history is educational. The romance is heart warming. The end is not to be missed. Maybe other characters will have their own story in the future?

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the story, he is a friend of Rock form book 1 she is the nurse that helps all of them. He is sent to Midway to fly planes, I wont say how or why he comes back and there are things going on in the hospital that are not right. he goes to stay with Rock and his wife, while there he meets Petey he is a hoot, if you read Marnie then you read about Sadie, Petey is just like Sadie, they would make a pair. I was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review. Zane is the best and Billie is perfect for him. this is also an informative story about the war and what some of the men went through.

[Vickie Raynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally walked in to this book with a bang, right along with Zane. Zane and Billie are those characters that steal your heart from the beginning. I really enjoyed the historical facts that were included, it gave the book that much more of a believable edge. I felt like I was transported back to WWII, and I was helping the war efforts while falling in love. Amazing way to feel part of a book. Thank you Shanna Hatfield! Book gifted to me.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written story taking place during WWII and hardships of falling in love and marrying a service man. This story deals with a nurse who cares for injured soldiers and falls in love with one visiting a patient. It takes you througn their daily lives and courtship through letters. The toughest patient she ends up having is her soldier after he is wounded. She will show him she loves him no matter what and hopes he will eventually ask her to marry him. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Jessica Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swoon-worthy Romance

If you love historical romance, this is the book for you! I absolutely fell in love with the characters. The details are wonderful making you feel like you've really gone back in time. It tugged on my heartstrings and made me laugh, like a good book should!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

At a time in U.S. history that is historically full of sad stories, this is a sweet glimpse into the softer side of the war.

Read full review in the 2019 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book had my attention to the very end with it warm loving story, mixed with a bit of history, you won’t want to put this one down. In a time of war, decisions and action are different from the norm with many lives changed. As this is set in the1940’s the author had captured the assents of the time period exactly as I believed it would have been. The 1940’s come alive in the words and as each page went by the more I felt for these wonderful characters in this wonderful wartime romance. If you have read the other books in this series you just might remember some of the characters that pop back up in this one again to entertain us again. I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review that I write voluntarily and would highly recommend.

Nurse Billie Brighton goes above and beyond to help her patients in the veteran’s hospital, where she helps returning wounded soldiers recover from the war. She loves to help the soldiers but she promised herself many years ago a soldier’s wife she would never be, she could not cope with the worry and the waiting.

Lieutenant Zane West comes to Oregon to visit with a very good friend before he returns to the Pacific to continue the dangerous mission of flying his plane. He is most surprised when he arrives to learn that his friend Rock was not doing well and had disappeared from the hospital without a trace. He meets Nurse Billie Brighton who just happened to be Rocks nurse; she is puzzled and censured as to his whereabouts and offers to help Zane look for this friend. Lieutenant is a military man of ten years and has no plans to ever return to his family’s farm back in Texas.

As the two searches for the missing soldier they both start to find that they have feelings for each other but on the eve of Zane’s departure, they decided to just stay friends. Dejected that he could not find his friend Zane ventures back to the war with the distraction of a very beautiful your nurse on his mind.
The two keep in touch through letters and gifts and Billie will fight her own battle with her decision to not get close to a soldier. Will, she ever find her dream of a farmhouse with a dog and a few kids with a loving husband or will she just get her heart broken in the search? Zane always said he was married to the military and she was his wife and his good friends his family but will the feisty, caring nurse change his plans or with fate do that for him?

Step back in time to 1942 with a sweet, charming World War II romance full of history, heart, and a happily ever after.
Read all the Hearts of the War Series
* Garden of Her Heart (Book 1) - Torn between doing what her country orders and what her heart demands, Miko Nishimura discovers love can bloom in the most unlikely places and circumstances.
* Home of Her Heart (Book 2) -He needed someone to remember him when he was gone. Instead, he found a woman he’d never forget.
* Dream of Her Heart (Book 3) - Would beautiful Nurse Brighton be the woman to tame him, or merely a distraction to his wartime mission?

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Days before he must ship out to prepare for a dangerous mission in the Pacific, Lieutenant Zane West crosses Oregon to see a good friend who has been wounded in action. He arrives at the veteran’s hospital, only to discover the army captain has disappeared without a trace. As Zane searches for answers, he finds himself captivated by a beautiful and spunky nurse who offers her help. Is she the key to his future, or an unwelcome distraction from his important wartime mission?
Nurse Billie Brighton puts her heart and boundless energy into caring for wounded soldiers, but she vowed long ago never to let one of the dashing rogues turn her head. That is, until a handsome lieutenant arrives seeking his missing friend. Thoroughly enchanted, she can’t help but break her own rules. Has she finally found the love she secretly longs for, or is she headed for heartbreak? With America’s entry into the War, the need for skilled nurses grew exponentially and both the Army and Navy Nurse Corps began to expand, making a major contribution to the nation's civilian and military healthcare systems.The Battle of Midway was a major naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II that took place on 4–7 June 1942, six months after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor and one month after the Battle of the Coral Sea.After Midway and the exhausting attrition of the Solomon Islands campaign, Japan's capacity to replace its losses in materiel(particularly aircraft carriers) and men (especially well-trained pilots and maintenance crewmen) rapidly became insufficient to cope with mounting casualties, while the United States' massive industrial and training capabilities made losses far easier to replace. The Battle of Midway, along with the Guadalcanal campaign, is widely considered a turning point in the Pacific War.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

His brother was his enemy and his enemy, his friend

My rating is 4.5 stars

If I wasn’t already a fan of Zane, the gift of the beautiful seashell he picked up on the beach simply because it made him think of Billie would have put me over the top. He showed the kind of loyalty and friendship that had him searching for his friend when he went missing from the hospital. He was playful, strong, determined and handsome as well. One fun quirk of his was that he liked reading the encyclopedia.

Zane had developed a strong prejudice against the Japanese because of his experiences on the front and learned an important lesson related to that.

Billie was a doll! She was the kind of girl who always thinks about others first and doesn’t even realize she is unusual for doing this. Everyone around her loves her, yet she feels isolated and alone. I loved the way she helped Jimmy, the young soldier who had lost his legs and his will to live. By a simple act of kindness, she brought him hope and life. And then the way she told off the sergeant. . .

The combination of Zane and Billie was sudden and electric. The dancing in the rain and the final goodbye before he shipped off to Hawaii were heart-melting. I loved his big gestures.

Oh, my favorite character was probably Petey! That adorable five-year-old made an already good story more enjoyable with his adorable expressions and his zeal!


This review was originally posted on Among the Reads


I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

[Albert · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has an average rating of 4.85 with 68 ratings. So how could I ever give it just one star? I must stress that this is just my personal opinion about the book, and also that I did not actually buy or finish the book. Before I buy any book, I always start by reading the free sample.

The first few pages were alright, but gradually, a feeling of emptiness crept over me. We have the perfect war hero Zane, who is a perfect gentleman, and we have the incredibly beautiful nurse Billie, and the further I read, the more it just felt completely empty to me. Hard to explain, but I managed to read until the end of the sample, with absolutely no desire whatsoever to continue the story. I am not saying that it was a bad story, or badly written, it just felt empty and meaningless to me.

Could it be because one of my absolute all-time favourite novels is Pastoral? It also takes place during WW II and is a romance between a pilot in the British air force Peter Marshall and WAAF (Women's Auxiliary Air Force) officer Gervase Robertson. The author, Nevil Shute was actually a successful aeronautical engineer. Where reading Pastoral was utterly immersive for me, reading Dream of Her Heart felt like reading just words on pages. Perhaps it is also because I am male, who knows?

[Elizabeth Fiscus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes place during World War II. It was definitely an eye opening book that held many historical details about the planes that soldiers flew and the attacks that took place.
Billie is a nurse who takes care of wounded soldiers in a civilian hospital during WWII. The soldiers all love and respect her for the amazing care she constantly delivers. One day she meets Zane, a friend of one of her patients and the short time that they spend together leaves both of them wanting to see more of each other despite the fact that Zane, as a soldier, is required to report for duty to fight against the Japanese. They are able to keep in touch somewhat through unreliable mail and those letters mean so much to each other. When the enemy shoots Zane’s plane, what will happen? Injury, death, destruction…and a chance for a reunion?
This book was wonderful! It held so many facts that had you feel that you were in the 1940’s. I loved the part where Zane realized that his best friend’s wife was of Japanese descent. He had been so hateful (and who could really blame him after what he had seen and endured!) towards the Japanese, but he realized that Americans are simply Americans. No need to separate due to race or background. The goodness of a person’s heart is what matters!
I received an ARC of this book from the author but that in no way effected my opinion of the book.

[Marty Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Zane and Billie ever be more than friends?

This is book three of the series and I hate that it's ending. I feel like I'm a friend of each character and don't want to let go of them just yet.
This story covers WWII from the bombing of Pearl Harbor and other battles in the Pacific. Ms. Hatfield, really did her research. There were details that were fascinating and unknown to me. The milkweed was one that I'd only thought of as a nuisance, come to find out, it was very important to the men and women of WWII.
Petey, sweet, busy Petey. What an adorable character! He livens things up and really brings out the lingo of the time.
I was thrilled at how Miss Billie was portrayed. The nurses of that time were so vital and really worked hard. They had to deal with the aftermath of the reality of war. Men were coming home with injuries and wounds that had never had to be delt with. These were both physical and emotional. Once we joined the war, the volume of patients was overwhelming. Long hours and hard, back breaking work, was normal for these angels on earth.
This is an amazing series and very sweet love stories.

[claire jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book of a series set during World War 2, this story brings out a mixture of emotions. There is sadness, joy, fear and love plus the feelings of hatred towards fellow human beings just because of their nationality.
Billie is a phenomenal character who has just the right mixture of pathos and firmness to make her a good nurse to men who have suffered terrible injuries through war.
It was good to catch up with Rock and Miko from Garden of her Heart and the continuing plight of Japanese Americans, who were rounded up and interned. This truly was a horrific time in world history. I love the character of the (not really ) awful landlady Miss Burwell, a humorous character whose personality shows hidden depths.
I would love a continuation of these characters set after the war ( just a suggestion!!) It would be nice to see how they have coped. A beautiful story with a lot 1940s touches to give the story an authentic feel. The radio, such an important part of everyday life, gets plenty of mentions, (you still can't beat a bit of Bing!!)
A great story.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories set in this era. I enjoyed it so much. It was good to see some of the other characters from the previous stories too and I loved Petey. Billie is such a great nurse, she goes above and beyond to help her patients. When one of her patients goes missing, she is very worried and agreed to help a friend of the patient to search for him. Zane only has a couple of days to find his friend and is very glad to accept the help of the beautiful nurse. They agree to write to each other after he ships out to parts unknown. When Zane lands in Billie's care, he knows they can't have a future because his is so uncertain. This is why Billie doesn't want to get involved with a soldier, they get hurt or could die. Now that Zane isn't able to fly anymore, will they be able to be together?

[Anne Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dream of her Heart

This is book 3 in the “Hearts of the War series by Shanna Hatfield.This is a wonderful book and it ties up some people we met in the other 2 books.It was such an easy read I was able to just start reading like I had already read part of this book.I just dived right in and couldn’t put it down.Very interesting parts about WWII since my Dad served in the Navy in the areas they were talking about.Then you meet Bobbie and she is the star of this book being such a wonderful nurse,friend and advocate for her patients.She met Zane early on but couldn’t believe it when he came to her floor in the VA Hospital seriously injured and blind.She takes the best care of Zane and helps him through all the trials and tribulations that come along.I loved all three books in the series and was so sad when they were over.

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shanna Hatfield Dream of Her Heart is more than a romance, as she weaves humorous elements, historical events, historical details, legends, a recipe and romance into a page turning emotional story. As stated in the author's note, the WW2 story is well researched through pictures, stories, slang, and legends. Heart and history woven together by a nurse and pilot, a starving dog, a young boy, a missing comrade, Japanese internment camp and more. The realistic 1940s characters, the twist and turn plot, and a satisfying resolution made this romance a hit with this avid reader.

[Sandra Sorola · Rating 5 out of 5]

WWII as a backdrop. This book brings romance, love , and compassion to you. This Author writes incredible romances and this one does not disappoint! You will not regret reading it. Historical information abounds. Intertwined into a beautiful story that leaves you wanting more. I love how you can absorb into the Authors story and feel a part of it. The strong characters and detail to history make you feel like you were right there in the 1940's.

I received an Arc of this book and have voluntarily chosen to write this review. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sweetest dreams come true...

I have so enjoyed this trilogy by Shanna Hatfield. Her writing never disappoints, but these WWII stories, intricately woven together, are really the cats pajamas! I adored Billie and Zane, whom I had already met in Garden of Her Heart, but was amazed at what a true romantic Zane was once he met his match! Additionally, the historical bits and pieces were thoroughly researched and brought these books to life in a way I truly appreciated. Breathtakingly poignant and rich in detail, I would recommend them to anyone!

[Alma Conchas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I think with each new book in this series, the stories get better and better! I really loved, loved, loved Billie and Zane's story, it had so much good history and a love story that made me want to clobber Zane and Billie a few times but in the end I was rooting for them to have their HEA, and boy did they get their happily ever after! This has been one of the best romance books I've read so far and I truly can't wait to be able to read more of this series! Thank you so much Mrs. Hatfield for letting me read this wonderful book!

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is story #3 in the author's WW II romance trilogy and I proclaim these three stories as possibly her finest work. The intensity of emotions during war-time are felt vividly by the reader. The author's research into this time in our history is impeccable. The author also manages to deftly incorporate the heroes and heroines from story #1 and #2 into this one but still manages to make each romance a stand-alone. If you read this one you'll be drawn to the other two! I challenge you, dear reader, to read only one.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this series of books, they are stepping back to the 1940s during WWII. These stories have what Hatfield's books are known to be, sweet, clean, romance and humor, with no cliffhangers, (just some new characters that I hope get their own stories in future books). Story telling at it's best, a relaxing romantic read with respect and honor to those who served their country. Thank you Shanna Hatfield for bringing this time period to life with such endearing characters.

[Judy Esposito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dream of Her Heart!

This is a beautifully written book to add to this awesome series. Wonderful storyline, well written characters that played all their parts well, even that dastardly varmint Floyd! The work spent researching for this novel, really paid off with all the historical facts woven in and around this beautiful sweet romance. Shanna Hatfield's writings has you feeling as though you are in the midst of what is going on and I love it! JudyE

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Shanna Hatfield’s novels, and Dream of Her Heart is my favorite so far. It’s a wonderful wartime romance. I appreciated Ms. Hatfield’s thorough research, and she makes this time period come to life! I enjoyed learning more about World War II, while reading a heartwarming book. Highly recommend!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Shanna! I’m really loving this World War II Series!! Nurse Billie gets her own story in this tale! We get to reunite with Rock and Miko from book 1, and finally meet Zane, another War Hero and Rock’s best friend! This is an exciting and emotional book with an attempted murder... the relocation of Japanese-Americans... and a Birthday surprise or two!