Title: Heart of the Soldier
Author: Heidi Vanlandingham
Genre: Historical romance with fantasy elements
Book Blurb:
Caroline Grayson, member of the French Resistance, wields a secret power—one that lets her glimpse the horrors of war before they unfold. When an American soldier appears behind enemy lines, she faces an impossible choice: risk everything to save him or remain focused on her mission to free those trapped in the grip of Nazi terror.
Stuart Williams never expected to find himself relying on more than just his training. On the front lines against the relentless Nazi war machine, he meets an enigmatic Resistance fighter whose courage and mystery draw him in. As danger closes in, Stuart must decide whether his duty lies with his country or the woman who could be his salvation—or his undoing.
As magic and fate intertwine, can love find its way in a world torn apart by war? Or will the brutal reality of the battlefield tear them asunder?
Step into the heart of history and let the passion, peril, and power of 'Heart of the Soldier' captivate your soul. Grab your copy today and journey into a tale where love fights to survive the deadliest of wars.
Excerpt:
“If you ask him to dance, I will ask his dark, swarthy companion,” Maria said.
Caroline Grayson frowned at her friend, then glanced back at the man drawing her curiosity from across the room. When he met her gaze, she lowered her head and stared at her shoes. “I will do no such thing! Besides, I don’t dance very well.” She raised an eyebrow. “And you’re still married.”
“What’s difficult about dancing? You are in the man’s embrace, his strong arms wrapped around you, and you float around the room with him. I think you are making excuses. Just because Jean Luc isn’t here doesn’t mean I can’t dance, now does it?”
Someone beside her cleared his throat, and she raised her head. The handsome stranger stood in front of her, his hands twisting his cap. “Excusez-moi…voulez-vous danser…avec moi?”
Caroline bit back her smile. The man’s accent, along with his hideous pronunciation, made it obvious he was American. “Yes,” she replied in English. “I would love to dance with you.”
His relief was evident as his pained expression disappeared. With a sweet smile, he held out his hand.
She wrapped her fingers around his warm palm and let him lead her among the few couples already moving around the open area they’d set up for dancing, while still other townspeople laughed and talked good-naturedly at several of the surrounding tables.
He pulled her closer, his movements awkward, as if he might be shy. She liked the way he smelled, of pine trees and the smoky scent of a recent campfire. Fun memories of camping with her older brother filled her with a bittersweet peace. She missed home. Her family.
He stiffly maneuvered them around the floor, never saying a word, but his gaze touched on everything. Everyone. When they’d circled around the small space one last time, she forced aside her nerves, admitting to herself that she wanted to know more about this mysterious man.
“If you’re wondering, my name is Caroline Grayson.”
His dark brown gaze held hers, and she felt as if she were swimming in a pond of melted chocolate. One corner of his mouth twitched, almost raising in a smile but not quite making it. Up close, she could see the light sprinkling of freckles across the bridge of his nose now that his skin had returned to its normal color.
“Stuart Williams.” His eyes narrowed. “You’re American?”
She nodded. “I was enrolled at a school in Paris when the war broke out. With so many people trying to leave before the Germans arrived, it was impossible to get a train or boat ticket. Even the roads were too crowded. I would’ve missed the last boat leaving for America by three days, so I stayed and came here with a school friend to help with the resistance movement. And you? The way you speak French would never pass for anything but American.” Her lips twisted as she bit back a smile. “Sorry.”
He shrugged. “Don’t be. You’re lucky I said the right words when I asked you to dance. I could’ve said something completely inappropriate instead.”
She laughed. “I know that feeling. You should hear me trying to speak German.”
The music changed to a slow waltz, and she found herself tucked against his nice chest. She felt his cheek rest against the top of her head as he softly hummed. “You have a lovely voice.”
He cleared his throat, as if he hadn’t realized what he’d been doing. “Thanks.”
“So, what are you and your friend really here for? You do know this town is in the middle of what’s known as Alsace-Lorraine. The Germans control the area. It’s extremely dangerous for Americans.”
His dark gaze held hers. “You’re American.”
“Well, yes, but I’ve been here since the war began, so not many in this sleepy village would suspect me of anything.”
“Anything?”
She didn’t like the sharp glint in his eyes as he stared down at her. Somehow, she’d made him suspicious of her and she didn’t like it. “You know, spying for one side or the other. I’m a student of history, which is why I came to Europe in the first place.” She leaned closer, her head tipped back so she could see his face better. “So, why are you here in this tiny mountain village…in the middle of nowhere, Mr. Williams?”
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
Draft 2 Digital: https://books2read.com/Heart-Soldier
Barns & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-of-the-soldier-heidi-vanlandingham/1130063788?ean=2940186044086
What’s your favorite thing about autumn:
When Oklahoma has more than two days of Fall, I love how the weather turns cooler and, while I’m not into football, the sights and sounds bring on a bit of nostalgia. There air has a promise of cold, especially when we have a good brisk, wind, which is daily, and carried on the breeze is the rich scent of cinnamon and burning pine. And, for me, it’s a time of peace and family as we head into the Christmas season.
What inspired you to write this story:
I love John Wayne movies and grew up on them. I also began reading Louis L’Amour’s books when I was thirteen and always wanted to write a story reminiscent of his, so that’s where Alayna and Riddick’s journey came from. Traveling through the desert on horseback, meandering through the cacti and heat until you find yourself at the base of a mountain range that leads you into some of the most gorgeous high country you will ever see, all while falling in love with a handsome lawman.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally.
Runs September 1 – 30, 2024
Drawing will be held on October 1, 2024.
Author Biography:
Author Heidi Vanlandingham writes sweet, action-packed stories that take place in the Wild West, war-torn Europe, and otherworldly magical realms. Her love of history finds its way into each book, and her characters are lovable, strong, and diverse.
Growing up in Oklahoma and living one year in Belgium gave Heidi a unique perspective regarding different cultures. She still lives in Oklahoma with her husband and youngest son. Her favorite things in life are laughter, paranormal romance books, music, and long road trips.
Heidi currently writes multiple genres but mostly fixates on fantasy/paranormal and historical romance.
Social Media Links:
Goodreads: goodreads.com/heidivanlandingham
Instagram: instagram.com/heidivanlandingham_author
Facebook: facebook.com/heidi.vanlandingham.author
Thank you, Heidi, for sharing your book in our Fall Into These Great Reads Bookathon!