The Loyal Heart by Shelley Shepard Gray

about the book

Robert Truax, former Second Lieutenant and Confederate officer in the Civil War, made a promise to his comrade Phillip Markham. If anything happened to Phillip, Robert would look after his beloved wife, Miranda. She was his life, his world, his everything.

After the war, Robert is left to pick up the pieces and fulfill his pact. When he arrives at Miranda’s home in Galveston, Texas, things are worse than he imagined. Phillip’s name has been dragged through the mud, everyone in town believes him to be a traitor, and his widow is treated as an outcast. Even more disturbing is her emotional well-being. Miranda seems hopeless, lost, and so very alone.

Robert had thought his duty would be simple. He would help Miranda as quickly as possible in order to honor a promise. But the moment Robert laid eyes on her, his plans changed. He’s mesmerized by her beauty and yearns to help her in any way he can.

He makes it his duty to protect Miranda, turn her reputation around, and to find some way to help her smile again. But it doesn’t prove to be an easy task—Robert knows something about Phillip that could shake Miranda to the core and alter her view of the man she thought she knew so well.

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my thoughts

Just looking at the cover I knew I had to read this book! Too many of my favorite things to be passed up, the stately home in the background, the beautiful period dress, Texas, and the title that just says it all!

Robert Traux and Phillip Markham are members of a band of brothers committed to helping one another rebuild their lives after the Civil War. Phillip is a devoted husband and his only concern is that his wife, Miranda, is cared for and protected. His adoration and praise for her are legendary within those cold prison walls.

After the war, Miranda’s world slowly crumbles around her. Rumors, shame, and threatening letters drive her into depression and despair. Even the strongest southern woman has limits, y’all! Miranda is at the end of her rope with no one but her servants to support and believe in her.

The depth of Robert’s love, respect, and grief for his fallen friend touched my heart. Regardless of his past, he is a true southern gentleman. Robert is straightforward and compassionate and I just can’t think of even one thing I’d change about him!

I can’t wait to read more of Shelley’s western and historical titles!!!

I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
This review was originally posted on 08/29/16.

about the author

Shelley Shepard Gray Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.

When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine’s annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.

Shelley is a member of RWA’s Published Author chapter, ACFW, and the Faith Hope and Love Chapter of RWA.

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