Book Review and Giveaway: Awaken My Heart by DiAnn Mills

Let me share some Q and A with DiAnn Mills to give you some insight into this writer.

Q. Did you always want to be a writer, or is it something you fell into in your adult life?

A. Always. As soon as I could hold a pencil. My mind was always filled with some kind of story. As a child, I was punished for lying, now I get paid for it!

Q. Your love of Texas history is displayed throughout the book, especially since it takes place in 19th century Texas. Why do you think this would appeal to your readers?

A. Texas is known for it's rugged and courageour people. The folk lore and legends could fill volumes - and has. Those people who were not born here got here as fast as they could. The good people are the best, and the outlaws were the worst. That makes for grand stories. Awaken My Heart shows the beginnings of Texas from a Spanish and Mexican perspective. Where would this state e if not for those who stood up to tyranny?

Q. Marianne is in love with Armando Garcia, her father's arch enemy. How is Marianne able to suppress her feelings for Armando around her family?

A. Marianne understood that above all things, she should obey her parents. Outwardly, she respected their wishes, but in her heart, she could not deny her growing feelings for Armando.

Q. Weston Phillips is a hard man to understand, perhaps an even harder man for his wife and daugther to love. Do you have people like him in your life?

A. All of us have unlovable people in our lives. Sometimes we attempt to be indifferent or ignore them, but it doesn't change the way that person hurts us.

Q. Armando is confused by his feelings for Marianne. He feels like his heart has betrayed him. How does his past drive those feelings? Do you understand his hesitation?

A. Armando's parents were involved in a forbidden relationship -- his father a member of Spanish aristocracy and his mother a peasant. When it appeared that Armando's father had deserted his mother and son, Armando despised him. Now Armando has fallen into the same trap - forbidden love. He doesn't want to experience the same rejection again, but his heart is more powerful than his logic. He egins to understand the powerful force of love between two people.

Q. Armando and Marianne admit their love, but social and political environment of the day frowned on their relationship. Forbidden love often pulls two people together, but what does God say is the foundation for His gift of love?

A. The foundation for God's gift of love is rooted in His Son Jesus Christ. Those who have put their faith and trust in Him understand that all are equal in the eyes of God.

A lot of times I will read an inspirational romance and the mentions of God seem a bit forced, but in DiAnn's book, the references are believable and appropriate. I highly recommend this book which goes on sale on February 5th. But you can try winning your very own copy here! Just comment below and I will have a random drawing on February 6th at 6 pm. This is welcome to U.S. citizens only, but if you are overseas and would like a chance, all you have to do is pay the postage if you win.