Heidi Gray McGill Books LLC
Desire of My Heart: A Shumard Oak Bend Novel (Discerning God’s Best Book 1 - AUDIOBOOK
Desire of My Heart: A Shumard Oak Bend Novel (Discerning God’s Best Book 1 - AUDIOBOOK
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No matter how dark her night became, she knew God promised joy in the morning.
When Rachel realizes aging out of the orphanage is synonymous with being auctioned off to marry a stranger, she and her younger brother plan their escape.
A widower with a five-year-old son and infant daughter needs help for his children. Could a marriage of convenience be the answer to their problem?
The five travelers quickly become a family, and their hope of happiness becomes a promise fulfilled in the place they call home. Even when tragedy strikes, God sees them through their trials by surrounding them with friends whose love helps them heal.
Rachel’s adventurous life in 1858 Missouri brings more happiness than she ever expected and a heartbreak that nearly cost her everything. As she searches for the desire of her heart, she learns God has bigger plans than she could ever have imagined.
“Desire of My Heart” Discerning God’s Best series, Book 1. Written by Heidi Gray McGill. Narrated by Aimee Lilly. Copyright 2020. Registration Number TX 9-331-491. Production copyright 2023 by Heidi Gray McGill Books LLC.
**Audiobooks are delivered via BookFunnel and can be streamed from their app or by listening from your browser. The actual files will not be downloaded to your device.

In the heart of 1858 Missouri, Heidi Gray McGill delivers a spectacular Christian historical fiction novel with Desire of My Heart, the first installment in the Shumard Oak Bend series. This story is a beautiful exploration of "found family" and the power of trusting in God’s perfect timing.
We follow eighteen-year-old Rachel Shankel, a courageous girl who flees a forced marriage at her orphanage to protect her younger brother. Her path intertwines with Melvin, a widower desperate for help with his children, leading to a marriage of convenience and a daring journey to settle the wilds of Missouri.
The narrative is deeply grounded in faith, reminding us that while we often crave immediate results, God is never late; we are simply impatient. The author masterfully illustrates that even in moments of perceived silence, God is active and listening to the longings of our hearts. These spiritual truths are woven seamlessly into the plot, particularly as Rachel struggles with the temptation to take matters into her own hands. Her growth—and her battle with depression—is handled with incredible grace, making her a character that feels both authentic and relatable.
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, especially the wonderful "Grammie" Brooks, whose wisdom and encouragement provide a steady anchor for the community. The novel beautifully depicts a time when neighbors truly cared for one another, solving problems through prayer and collective action. Whether it is through sharp banter or the quiet fulfillment of the biblical call to care for widows and orphans, the characters' actions prove that they are known by their fruits.
Narrated with skill by Aimee Lilly, the audiobook captures the vivid atmosphere of the era, from the unique adages of the children to the rugged reality of homesteading. Despite the hardships the characters face, the story remains a charming, slow-burn romance that emphasizes the importance of seeing God in the small details. Desire of My Heart is a heartwarming, five-star read that balances gripping historical drama with profound layers of healing and resilience, proving that no matter how dark the night, there is always the promise of joy in the morning.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful and generous review. I’m truly honored by the care you took in reading Desire of My Heart and in reflecting on its themes so deeply.
Rachel’s journey, her struggle to trust God’s timing, and the beauty of found family are all very close to my heart, and it means more than I can say to know those elements resonated with you. Your mention of Grammie Brooks, the community’s quiet faith in action, and the balance of hardship with hope especially encouraged me.
I’m also grateful you highlighted Aimee Lilly’s narration. She brought such warmth and authenticity to these characters, and I’m thankful her performance enhanced your experience.
Thank you again for your kind words and for sharing them so openly. I’m deeply grateful you took this journey with Rachel and the people of Shumard Oak Bend.
This book was amazing. It was perfectly written and the characters were wonderful.
Aimee Lilly did an absolutely perfect job bringing all the characters to life.
Thank you Ear Candy for the ALC!
Thank you for these kind words. I have to agree that Aimee Lilly is an exceptional narrator who brings the characters to life!
A friend introduced me to Miss McGill's audiobook entitled Desire of my Heart. She had just begun to read the book herself while she's going through a huge cancer battle and she stated that it was a very clean and very good book and thought since I was sick and laid up for the last month that I might enjoy it myself while I'm trying to rest. So I started the audiobook that same day I finished it the next day It was a I could not stop it it was just amazing. Not only that but the scriptures that were used in this particular book were multiple different god winks to me on confirmations of things that I have witnessed and things that God had promised in things that I've seen him fulfill or is fulfilling at this time it was as if the author knew exactly what I would be going through at this particular time. Not only that, this was top rate narration! Probably one of the best narrators I have ever heard and I've listened to a lot of audiobooks. Thank you to both author and narrator for a job very well done! Cannot wait for the next book In this series to be available via audio. Since I'm on a very limited budget I'm happy I could find the first one on YouTube but I would be willing to cut back on grocery orders or something to be able to purchase these audio books if they weren't ever coming to YouTube or Spotify.
Terresa, I am so sorry you are experiencing difficult days. THANK YOU for your kind words and for taking the time to leave a review. What a blessing your thoughtfulness is to me. My goal is to have all the books available on YouTube for free, and I pray they continue to bless you. Watch for book 2 coming soon. You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and click the bell icon to be notified when the book is available.
If you enjoy Historical Romance with a strong spiritual thread, you'll definitely want to read this book! Rarely do I find a novel, even among Christian Fiction, that so clearly represents godly Christian values and unapologetically highlights faith in Christ.
Early on in the story there was a surprise twist that caught me off guard, and I wasn't very happy about the event, but before I finished the book, it all made sense and the author brought the story to a satisfying end.
I listened on audio, and the narrator did a fabulous job with the various accents, including an Irish brogue.
I highly recommend this read for fans of Misty M. Beller, those who love stories set during the 1800s, or anyone who loves a book with a strong spiritual thread that will challenge you to go deeper in your walk with God.
Deena, thank you not only for your support through a purchase, but for the courtesy of leaving a review. Your words filled my cup to overflowing. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know your thoughts.