Heidi Gray McGill

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Heidi Gray McGill

Goodreads Author


Born
in The United States
Website

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Genre

Influences
Griep|2754194
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Beller|8468992


Member Since
October 2020

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Selah Award finalist Heidi Gray McGill writes award-winning Christian fiction that draws readers into stories of hope, grace, and redemption. Her Discerning God’s Best series brings the American frontier to life with historical richness and biblical truth, while her contemporary novels explore modern struggles with the same heartfelt honesty. Blindness has not limited Heidi’s vision but refined her focus, shaping the way she writes about resilience and faith. She lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband of more than thirty years and treasures her role as Grammie to three energetic grandsons. Connect with Heidi and receive a free prequel at HeidiGrayMcGill.com.

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Heidi Gray McGill For years, I happily served as a Beta reader for a friend. Each time I reviewed one of her books, I realized I enjoyed the process of thinking through…moreFor years, I happily served as a Beta reader for a friend. Each time I reviewed one of her books, I realized I enjoyed the process of thinking through the details of whatever book I was engrossed in. I’d read to see if characters were compelling, sympathetic, or someone I found myself rooting for. I envisioned the characters in my mind to see if they felt real and were three-dimensional, with distinct voices, flaws, and virtues.

I enjoy stories where the stakes are high enough or the tension throughout strong enough to make it a “page-turner.” And I always enjoy a hook at the end of each chapter or scene that makes me want to read more.

Because I enjoy travel, vivid descriptions “showing” a scene, make me use my senses to see it in my minds-eye.

I wondered, “Can I do this? Can I write the way I like to read?”

There was no “story” in my mind when I started. I weighed my options and chose 1858 Missouri as my setting. I picked this year because the railroad was not yet established in the west, keeping me to certain modes of transportation. Since Missouri was open territory back then, I was able to place my little towns wherever I wanted. I made my main character an orphan child so there would be less back story to consider, as far as her family was concerned. And I chose to create a character I could relate to, someone simple and plain.

In a way, I wrote my own story. Rachel, the main character, has a deep faith that doesn’t grow fully until she has been dealt some devastating heartaches. She struggles with depression and comes out on the other side gloriously new in mind and spirit. My favorite verse, 1 Samuel 1:18 is woven throughout my book.(less)
Heidi Gray McGill Hi, Lily! Thank you for your question. I do not need reviews at this time.
…more
Hi, Lily! Thank you for your question. I do not need reviews at this time.
(less)
Average rating: 4.65 · 3,543 ratings · 877 reviews · 24 distinct worksSimilar authors
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More books by Heidi Gray McGill…

When the Lights Go Out: Finding Joy When Life Feels Dark

I didn’t run into a tree because the street was dark—I ran into it because my world was changing and I didn’t want to admit it. As my physical sight dimmed, God brightened my spiritual vision. This devotional is for anyone who feels like the lights have gone out and needs to remember that the Light of the world has not.

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Published on December 27, 2025 05:00
Desire of my Heart With All My Heart Matters of the Heart Healing of the Heart Written on My Heart
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Dial E for Endearment Dial P for Perfect
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A Bride for Harley
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4.56 avg rating — 154 ratings

Keeper of My Hear...
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Breathe
Heidi McGill is currently reading
by Lisa Tawn Bergren (Goodreads Author)
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The Appomattox Sa...
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Heidi’s Recent Updates

Heidi Gray McGill wrote a new blog post

When the Lights Go Out: Finding Joy When Life Feels Dark

I didn’t run into a tree because the street was dark—I ran into it because my world was changing and I didn’t want to admit it. As my physical sight d Read more of this blog post »
Desire of my Heart by Heidi Gray McGill
" Thank you so much for this thoughtful review. I’m truly grateful for the care and attention you gave to Rachel’s story. The way you spoke about her fa ...more "
Desire of my Heart by Heidi Gray McGill
"Desire of My Heart is a deeply moving story about longing, faith, and learning to trust God’s timing even when the heart aches. Rachel’s desire for a family is simple, pure, and profoundly relatable, which makes her trials all the more heartbreaking." Read more of this review »
Heidi McGill is now following Eunice Carter's reviews
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Before We Belong by Heidi Gray McGill
" Thank you, Christy!! "
Before We Belong by Heidi Gray McGill
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Before We Belong by Heidi Gray McGill
"This short Christmas romance is utterly wonderful! I loved watching God move in Mary and Melvin's lives. I highly recommend this sweet story."
Before We Belong by Heidi Gray McGill
" Thank you for this beautiful review! And you are SO right. It's important to get to know people to then better understand them! ...more "
With All My Heart by Heidi Gray McGill
" They do have a fun storyline! Thank you for the comment. "
Desire of my Heart by Heidi Gray McGill
" I appreciate your kind words, Medenna! "
More of Heidi's books…
Quotes by Heidi Gray McGill  (?)
Quotes are added by the Goodreads community and are not verified by Goodreads. (Learn more)

“He was telling her to live in the ‘yet’—that transitional time where she could grow and learn until He was ready to fulfill His will.”
Heidi Gray McGill, Matters of the Heart

“Happiness is an outward expression of what is inside us and depends on our circumstances. Joy comes from changing what is inside us to see goodness in situations, no matter the circumstance.”
Heidi Gray McGill

“God what he wanted rather than asking God to show him His will.”
Heidi Gray McGill, With All My Heart

“Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go they merely determine where you start.”
Nido Qubein

“Happiness is an outward expression of what is inside us and depends on our circumstances. Joy comes from changing what is inside us to see goodness in situations, no matter the circumstance.”
Heidi Gray McGill

“…he wondered if he could ever outrun himself.”
Heidi Gray McGill, Matters of the Heart

“He’d heard more than once that freedom cost dearly. The war may be over, but there was no freedom for those now enslaved by their scars.”
Heidi Gray McGill, Matters of the Heart

“Don't make a decision based on a season of life that will alter the rest of your life.”
Heidi Gray McGill, Matters of the Heart

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