Grit, Grace, and a Deputy with a Past: Behind the Story of Written on My Heart
If Louis L’Amour wrote Christian historical romance, he might’ve dreamed up someone like Deputy Gabe “Little Sun” Manning.
Of course, Mr. L’Amour would’ve probably added a few more bar fights and left out the slow burn romance—but the grit, the honor, and the determination to do what’s right no matter the cost? That’s pure Gabe.
Set in the rugged town of Shumard Oak Bend, Written on My Heart is where tumbleweeds meet transformation, and where the path to justice often overlaps with the journey of faith. It’s a story of belonging, redemption, and learning to trust God’s purpose—especially when life feels more like a shootout than a Sunday sermon.
Gabe Manning isn’t your average lawman. He’s Arapaho, raised in a world that rarely gave him the benefit of the doubt. Now, as deputy in a town with more secrets than saloons, he’s sworn to uphold the law—while carrying his own burden of past regrets, unspoken grief, and a question that keeps him up at night: Can a man with blood on his hands ever truly be clean?
Enter Betsy Smith. Schoolteacher. Book lover. Dreamer. The kind of woman who keeps her boots polished and her heart guarded. She’s not looking for romance, especially not with a deputy whose silence speaks louder than most folks’ shouting. But Betsy’s world isn’t as tidy as her lesson plans. Trouble’s brewing in Shumard Oak Bent, her past is knocking louder than she’d like, and she’s about to find out that heroes don’t always wear white hats—or follow the script she imagined.
Edge-of-your-seat moments—ambushes in the woods, stormy confrontations, secrets that threaten to unravel everything—abound in the story, yet its quiet, faith-filled pauses might leave you breathless. Because woven through the gunpowder and grit is the undeniable thread of God’s grace.
I didn’t set out to write a story that balanced intense drama with tender romance, but sometimes, characters have minds of their own. Gabe wouldn’t let me ignore his pain. Betsy wouldn’t stop fighting for her future. And in the end, I found myself writing about two people searching for purpose in a world that seemed set against them.
But that’s the beauty of Westerns, isn’t it? They strip life down to its bare bones. What do you stand for? Who will you protect? And how do you move forward when the dust settles and the silence creeps in?
In Written on My Heart, the answers come not just through love, but through faith—a God who redeems broken stories, restores hope, and reminds us we are never too far gone to be called His own.
So, if you’re in the mood for a romance with the soul of a cowboy tale, the stakes of a showdown, and the heartbeat of a Savior’s love—I’d love to invite you to Shumard Oak Bend.
Just watch your step. The horses spook easy, the past has a nasty habit of showing up uninvited, and there’s a deputy with dark eyes and a heavier heart than he lets on.
But I promise, the ride is worth it.
Why do you like stories set in the old West? Is it the history, the setting, or maybe just the good “feeling” they give you? Leave a comment to get in the drawing for one ebook copy of Written on my Heart.
AUTHOR BIO:
Heidi Gray McGill is a celebrated author whose award-winning Christian fiction transports readers to the rugged landscapes of the past, where faith and fortitude reign supreme. With a talent for crafting historical and contemporary tales, Heidi has penned nine compelling books, each filled with resilient characters navigating the wilds of life with God’s love as their guide.
Heidi’s writing is as bold and purposeful as the untamed West itself. She began her literary journey in March 2020. She quickly became a beacon of inspiration, weaving stories that echo the timeless themes of redemption, courage, and the transformative power of God’s love and forgiveness. Much like the pioneers of old, her characters face adversity head-on, offering readers a chance to journey alongside them, discovering healing and insight through God’s Word.
Living in a quaint town near Charlotte, NC, Heidi shares her life with her devoted husband of over three decades. When she’s not crafting stories of grit and grace, she treasures moments with her family, especially her grandsons, and finds joy in cooking, playing games, and exploring new worlds through books.
Join Heidi on her inspiring journey into the heart of the American frontier and beyond. Visit HeidiGrayMcGill.com to discover the transformative power of God’s love woven into her stories. Connect with her on social media and sign up for her newsletter to receive a free prequel to her bestselling series.
Christian Fiction. Relatable Characters. Life-changing stories. Fusing Faith and Fiction™
It’s good to see you here, Heidi. I have three of your wonderful books, and it sounds like I need to get this one, too.
Hey, friend! This one has a Louis L’Amour western feel and was such fun to write!
I love western romances. The setting and the way the cowboys talk to their special lady. It just gives me an overall good feeling.
How fun, Bonnie! I hope you enjoy this western!
I enjoy reading them because it takes me back to a time you can only experience in a book.
I completely agree!!!
I love reading stories set in the old west. I love the travel by stage coach and train with all the adventure thrown in. I like the old fashioned ways of the couples courting, being careful to act properly and not be caught being alone stealing a kiss. I enjoy the simple cooking on wood cook stoves and fireplaces, making a feast out of just basic food they had. It does give me a good feeling to read this type of book, it’s my favorite reading.
Historical is my favorite as well and for many of the same reasons! I love the simplicity of the time, even thought it was a difficult period in time to live!
I love reading about how protective the cowboys were of their loves and families, how brave and strong the ladies were as well
Yes! No damsels in distress syndrome or you didn’t survive!
Howdy Heidi! I grew up reading Louis L’Amour! Loved those Sacketts! First real westerns I read at age 11. I grew up watching westerns on tv. I guess it’s my true love. The settings, the action, the down to earth nitty gritty! I guess I love that era. And what characters show up!
Your book sounds good! Best blessings to you!
Thank you for the blessings, Tracy! I still enjoy a good western!
My dad was a cowboy, and we had horses and cattle my whole life, so I identify with that world and the people who live in it.
What an amazing life! I bet he had stories of his own!
I love reading about westerns for all of the above and because I grew up on a ranch where there were a lot of men who personified what a “good” man was all about. Plus mom started me reading L’Amour books from a young age. I would love to read your book. thanks for the chance.
My pleasure, Lori! You understand the meaning of hard work if you grew up on a farm! I can only imagine how intensified it was in the 1800s without our modern conveniences!
I love everything about it.
Historical fiction is a GREAT genre!
Hey, Heidi!! This is such a good story!!!! LOVED it!! I grew up watching westerns, and they’re still my favorite books to read and movies to watch!
Thank you for your sweet words and the beautiful reviews you left, Trudy!
History, setting, grit, determination, romance, cowboys, etc…
I agree with ALL of these!!!
I like many many genres including historical everything! I enjoy fiction and nonfiction. If the story sounds good, like this one, I will add to my TBR list. That thing grows faster than weeds in the spring and summer! lol
HAHAHA! Those weeds propogate! I hope you enjoy this one!
I like the simpler times, history, and the feelings. I can “see” the story as I read it.
This is a GREAT comment. Yes, “seeing” the story as I read it is super important to me as a reader and writer!
I like the historical aspects of the books and the fact that people made do with what they had and pulled together to help their neighbors and strangers alike. Thanks for the chance to win a book. It’s on my TBR list.
They truly had to pull together or not survive!
I enjoy the historical setting of westerns, the character of people back then. It’s very inspiring.
The character of people…I love that!
It is all of the above to me. I love the setting, the history and the good feelings that they give you. I just love me some cowboys.
Gotta love a cowboy!
I just love the settings that are outdoors in nature and how people cope with all of theses and how life used to be simpler and in a way harder also. (not entering this ebook giveaway, as I am not tech savvy , but Thank you) Your book sounds ike a great read and I love your book cover. Have a great weekend and may you have a Very Happy and Blessed Mothers Day!
Thank you. You’ve been a supporter from the beginning. I so appreciate you!
I like the escape from the reality of the present
That’s one beauty of being an author! I get to do that every day!
I do like the history, thank you for the giveaway opportunity!
You are most welcome!
The West is a favorite setting for the books I read. It is a combination of the land itself, the history of the area, and the character of the people who are there. The area does much to influence the development of the people. Those of weak character will take advantage of others and become the outlaws and the unscrupulous businessmen and community leaders. Others will work hard to better themselves and try to build a community that is welcoming and safe for everyone. It brings out the strengths and weaknesses of everyone.
Written On My Heart touches several of my favorite themes and should be an enjoyable read.
This is lovely! Thank you!
I love the old west stories and learning about their travels and the working of ranch life. I watched all the westerns on TV.
Those are some of the best shows on TV!
I choose westerns #1 by their cover, it draws me in, #2 by the history, a western tends to be set in a time & place that I can relate to… #3, the setting tends to be exciting & the characters (#4) have a decision to make , a decision that will change the course of their life and then there a matters of the heart that they must choose. I look forward to reading Betsy & Gabe’s story.