Daughter of an outlaw and trained in the skills of that trade, Ginger Freeman knows just how to go about tracking down and killing Dr. Grant Kelley, the man she blames for her brothers death seven years ago. Her hunting and tracking skills prove valuable to the wagon train to which she has traced Kelley. Becoming part of the crew, Ginger now has a chance to complete her act of vengeance. But life and thoughts get very complicated as Ginger gets to know these people and their spirit of Christian cooperation and love. Collisions galore slash across the pages of Dangerous Heart: vengeance vs. love; willfulness pitted against the needs of others; outlaw values ramming into wagon train values; crime wrestling with morality; the value of self collapsing against the needs of others; safety opposed by cholera. And what will be the outcome when Ginger finds out that Christ is good, and so is Grant Kelley, and, that what she believes about her brothers death is not the truth?
A romance in both senses (love story and imaginative adventure tale) Dangerous Heart concludes Tracey Batemans popular Westward Hearts series. This book refers to the other two in the series, but is quite readable on its own. Lured by an imaginative plot, an interesting, believable cast of characters, humor, adventure, pathos, and whimsy, as well as a most satisfying denouement, the reader quickly becomes involved in this saga. The Christian lessons form an integral part of the story, slipping into the readers mind with ease and acceptance. The story as a whole brings to mind 1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Other themes woven throughout include family love and respect, salvation, God's love, care for even those you despise, obedience, personal worth of all people, marriage, the value and interaction of tradition and new ideas, and racial and social prejudices. I particularly enjoyed the large and varied cast of both male and female characters. They are presented with flaws as well as goodness, and ably portray the reality of Christ as they grow spiritually and interact with each other. Dangerous Heart will appeal to many readers, male and female, middle school through adult. Closing with Discussion Questions, this book will be useful for both individuals and groups. Donna Eggett, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
