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™
