The Captain of Her Heart

The Buchanan Saga #1

by Anita Stansfield

The year is 1777. As the brooding mists of war settle over a stark American battlefield, Captain Ritcherd Buchanan yearns for his native England—and for Kyrah Payne, the woman he loves. Wounded and disheartened, he eventually returns home, only to have Kyrah torn cruelly away from him and deported for a crime she didn’t commit. Desperate to bring her home, he joins a band of privateers and finds himself embracing the American patriot cause—a cause he’d once sworn to defeat.

All alone in a country at war, Kyrah becomes a victim of the breach between her own impoverished circumstances and the aristocratic upbringing of the man she loves. They had been best friends and confidants for more than half her life, but now she wonders if Ritcherd will ever be able to find her—or if he’ll even try. And she fears that the chasm between their worlds can never be bridged.

Genres: Romance, Lds Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical, Fiction, Lds

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2004

About the author

Anita Stansfield, the LDS market's #1 best-selling romance novelist, is an imaginative and prolific writer whose romantic stories have captivated her readers.

"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."

"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."

Reviews

[Sarah]

When I went to add this book to my currently reading lists, some reviews caught my eye. Due to some of the content, I chose not to continue.
Apparently, the unwed couple end up in bed together. Not my thing.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a wonderful story that teaches true love can withstand ANYTHING and prevail.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate, hate, hate when books are broken up into series without some resolution in each of the books.

The writing wasn't great. I was honestly bored in parts of the book and skimmed pages just trying to finish and figure out what happened. But I never did find out because the book only wraps up one little thread. Kyrah drove me crazy. She created so much drama, looking everywhere for Ritcherd to rescue her, only to reject him each time he showed up. I was thrilled when Daisy finally told her to fix her own problems and stop waiting for everyone else to do it for her.

Don't get sucked in. It's a fluffy, tedious read.

[Chris Meikle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is horrible!! Never have I read a book with so much crying, sobbing, weeping, tearing, etc... It was both the hero and the heroine. Yuck! Mop my kitchen floor with the buckets of tears. She also repeated herself over and over. You read the same account two or three times. It was as if she was trying to make the book big enough to publish and she had no brain cells left to come up with a story line. I cannot recommend this to anyone.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't read this book fast enough to see what would happen! Loved it

[Sharyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My attention was glued to this book the whole way through.

[Bethany Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

intriging charters, complex storyline and a brave face

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an intense read! So much suspense I had to finish even when I already had an idea of what would happen. A lot of introspection, but still the story moved quickly. I loved how she developed the characters, they aren’t perfect, make mistakes, and even pay the consequences for them. There are some very triumphant moments in the dialogue when characters have to make a stand against evil, or when friends need to provide help.

This was my first book by Anita Stansfield; apparently one of her ‘general audience’ books. I don’t generally read ‘inspirational’ novels; this one didn’t seem too ‘preachy’. Prayer is part of the characters’ lives, which makes sense given what they are experiencing. Towards the end it was a bit much, with references seeming out of place and awkward at some points. It derailed a little for me when one character seems to suddenly feel the need to ‘trust in God more’ and decides she won’t take any more abuse from her husband. The first speech seemed too contrived, not natural, and the second, well, it’s the eighteenth century, and I have a feeling realistically she would have been less likely to be able to stand up to her husband. I’m not a fan of imposing modern values on historical fiction, for realism’s sake, whether I like the values or not. The story touches nicely on facing what life has given you, making the best of what you have and being determined to be happy in spite of tragedy, loss or hopelessness.

But wow how much more could she put these two through! Talk about tugging the heartstrings! Don’t expect this first book to resolve everything; you have to read at least 3 books to get the whole story. I didn’t enjoy the second book as much as this first one, but Anita Stansfield can certainly weave an enthralling tale.

[Michelle Llewellyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just listen to the song "Captain of Her Heart" by Double and save yourself the trouble of reading this series. Note the change in publisher from Deseret Book to an independent house. The storytelling just isn't the same. Tragic.
Wealthy Ritcherd has been in love with peasant girl Kyrah his entire life but nobody wants them to get together; such as Ritcherd's evil mother who arranges to have Kyrah kidnapped from England and sent to the Americas. What Ritcherd doesn't realize before that cruel separation is that he and Kyrah's "roll in the hay" resulted in heartbreaking consequences for Kyrah.
Appropriate for all readers, there is no swearing or graphic scenes, even the lovemaking scene between the two main characters is confined to the barest of description, "When the passion subsided and they realized what had happened..." blah blah blah. Meant to be a page-turner, readers are always one step ahead of the characters making it a chore just to finish.
This series is now out of print. Read this book and find out why.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some parts of the story were really lovely, mostly at the beginning. The initial friendship was interesting and promising, but things started to fall apart once the characters grew up. The writing was a little simplistic - like it was written for younger readers. The show, don't tell rule for authors was broken pretty constantly which made it a little hard to really immerse myself and get lost in the story.

I had a hard time falling in love with the hero because he was incredibly dramatic and emotional. At one point I could hear Gilbert Blythe in my head complaining that he was "mooning" and encouraging Kyrah to pitch him. And that brings me to. . . really, Kyrah? In the 1700s? A contemporary for Austen's Janes and Elizas and Annes and Emmas? It was jarring. But not quite as jarring as an old Germanic spelling for our very English (and weepy) hero, Ritcherd.

It's a light read, and clean-ish, but I'm glad I didn't spend money on this one because it's not really the type of story I'd want on my bookshelf. This was my first try with this author and I think I'll move on now.

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes place in England and the American Colonies during the Revolutionary war. A love between two young people is put on hold when Ritcherd is called up to serve for England in the war. Three years pass before he returns wounded. But his girl has been irrevocably changed by circumstances in his absence, and feels unworthy of his love after her father’s suicide and subsequent degradation by others in the community. Ritcherd does all in his power to restore Kyrah’s faith in herself and their love, but just as he does, his cruel, wicked mother tears them apart.

This was so intense and heartbreaking. I couldn't put it down once Ritcherd's mother became involved. I sobbed for Kyrah as she found herself alone in a new world with no one to care for her. And I cheered for Ritcherd as he cast off his doubts and fears and went after her. Best love story ever!

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

haven't read a Stansfield book in a while, but I thought this one had a shot since I prefer her non-LDS based stories. The first half of the book was good and then it spiraled into a Stansfield no-no. Warning: spoil alert- why is it with her books that if sex occurs just once the girl always end up pregnant? Any time there are 2 individuals that should be together she tends to put someone else in between, usually marrying them to the "wrong" person first. The absolute worst case scenario does not need to occur in order for it to be a page turner. She fills the books with them instead of great character development and a more subtle plot. Having said that - I thought the ending was better than expected, so it did slightly redeem itself, but I think I'll skip the rest of the series.

[Susan Tietjen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a hard time sometimes with Ms. Stansfield's storytelling. Her characters are always compelling, and her plot and theme are fascinating, but for me she tells too much of the story in narrative rather than allowing the story to unfold through her characters' eyes and voices. It was worth reading it, but I have to say I was a little disappointed with the beginning of the book, and the ending dropped me flat. I know it's a "Saga" and will continue, which is a saving grace, but I think it needed a gentler or even more provoking ending. That said, I know her stalwart fans will love it.

[Sandie Mixa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one. It was different, they knew each other as children and grew together, forming a strong bond. It was also cool how they grew up as English citizens and found themselves in America during the Revolution and became sympathetic to the patriot's cause.
The dynamics between their parents were unusual too and I like that he had to stand up to his mother and eventually forgive her. I want to read the sequel, but haven't found it yet.

[Teya Teya · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't really my Favorite. I had misdeeds, but the illustration of deep profound love is quite remarkably delve into in the book. The depth of true, emotional and eternal love is the foundation of this book. I got frustrated and had a hard time with the constant trials, but nothing of that companies to the passion words expression of heart to heart feeling this book invoked. That was truly powerful.

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I read an Anita Stansfield book. After she and I's reunion I've decided she should change her name to Anita Cheesefest. I felt like this author glazes over critical points in the story and then goes on and on over details that are irrelevant to the story. I found myself doing a lot of skimming. And it drove me nuts the entire book, that she spelled Richard "Ritcherd." I will not be picking up one of her books again.

[Maile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing romance novel, but one that is full of family drama that ends up all working out in the end. Couldn't put it down once I picked them up. I was finished with them before I even gave birth to Kalena. I would stay up late just to finish the books. This is the series that started me reading.

[Kaycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes Anita Stansfield's writing drives me crazy. This book is no exception. However, the storyline is still quite intriguing. Cheesy, as always, Stansfield creates intensity without being morbid or dirty or distasteful. I love a good clean read! This comment goes for the entire series, but I do love it!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just to be clear I don't love Anita Stansfield books as a general rule. In fact, I stopped reading the Gables series, mid book, all together. But, that being said I did really like the Buchanan Saga, they are worth reading and are not at all churchy like her other books are. This one actually makes no reference to her LDS faith.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very intense story that is hard to put down all the way through. I really liked looking at the American revolution through the eyes of British characters who didn't understand it at first, but grew to appreciate the American cause. The characters are strong and strong willed. I am anxious to learn how their lives progress is the next book.

[Laura Bueno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I couldn't love a book by stansfield as much as the Gable Faces East, but I believe I love this series just as much if not more. I love the sailing aspect of it and the character Garrett. Must read! I also like it that it's not set with lds characters. I am lds but I don't constantly need to read about them. Lol.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was recommended by a friend and read mainly for enjoyment. It was just that--enjoyable. I usually try to challenge myself to read things that are more substantial but it was nice to read something that didn't take too much thinking. Since the friend also gave me the next book in the series I read that as well.

[Betty Ann Baer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poor person meets rich person. Buchanan goes off to war of England against colonies. Poor girl loses everything. Buchanan comes back. Mother hates girl. Mother has girl deported. Buchanan spends months looking for her. Many set back happen during book. It is an over dramatized drama that goes on forever.

[Aubrey Chaves · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved some parts of this book but most of it was just. so. annoying. I felt a little jerked around- it was like the frustration of the Romeo and Juliet ending- but dragged out and repeated so many times through the whole book, it got so old. As much as I'd like to know what happens, I just don't think it's worth it.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of praying and lamenting in this book. Intimate details are not dwelled on. (Clean). The story makes me proud to be an American.
There are 4 other books in the series. I could bring myself to buy the set. The preachy feel makes me think I won't finish the series. I'll purchase books one at a time. (There isn't a price difference for buying separately).

[A.L. Sowards]

I'll round this one up to four stars. It took a while to get into and I skimmed parts that were a little wordy, but I like the time period and the setting. The characters weren't perfect, but I liked that they felt sorrow when they did something wrong and I liked that they both grew as the story progressed. The ending wasn't complete, so I'll probably read the next book in the series, eventually.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because it is pre-LDS culture, so it isn't overly cheesy and fluffy like alot of her predictable modern setting books. It was action packed, unpredictable, mystery and full of great emotion and surprises. An easy read.

[Malauna · Rating 2 out of 5]

The spellings the author uses for the main characters is distracting and feels out of place for a novel set in 1770s. The hero continually tells the heroine that he won't let any harm come to her when things are out of his control.

[Mignon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost gave up on this one a few times. So much drama! It was never ending. It did get better by the end, but I feel like the book could have been half its length if they would have gotten to the point. Just talk about your problems instead of throwing fits and pouting for days.

[Dan Masterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

This book has such an interesting plot and unexpected twists. I love the way she writes and there is no questionable scenes. She brings the characters to life. Love it.