Inspirational Historical Christian Fiction Books

A Decision of the Heart

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Back Cover:

"He's the epitome of all I didn't want in a husband!"


Feisty and daring, Elizabeth Somers thrives on adventure. When tragedy strikes and she's stranded with a broken ankle in the midst of a raging snowstorm, her carefree existence comes to an abrupt halt.


An abominable snow-covered man rescues her from an icy grave, taking her to an abandoned cabin to wait out the storm. 


Elizabeth's reputation is called into question once the small-town gossips get wind of their stay. Her life spins out of control.


She's powerless to stop it ....


A Decision of the Heart is not just a moving story of faith rising above suffering, slander, and life's circumstances, it's about a tender love that begins with a decision -- 

A Decision of the Heart.

Reader Comments:

Read what people have to say about this book and the other books in the Michigan Chronicles series.

Order Information

  • Paperback (6X9)
  • 488 Pages
  • English Language
  • ISBN-10: 0615455336
  • ISBN-13: 978-0615455334
  • Retail Price - $18.95 USD

Available through Amazon.com and other on-line Christian Retailers or simply by clicking on the QUICK ORDER LINK below ...

A Heart of Joy

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Back Cover :

1830 - Ypsilanti, Michigan Territory


Olivia Ordan must accept that her ailing parents are leaving their home in Tecumsch to seek medical treatment in their final days. Intent on seeing Olivia wed before they part, her father resorts to unconventional methods in order to find her a husband.


After careful consideration, he is convinced that the young man coming to dinner will be perfect for her. He can only hope his daughter will agree ....


"We barely know each other, yet in the morning we could be saying vows that will join us as husband and wife -- the same morning that I must say goodbye to my parents for the rest of my life ...."


A Heart of Joy is not just a moving saga of overcoming faith, it's also a heartwarming romance filled with adventure that ultimately leads to -- A Heart of Joy!

Reader Comments:

Read what people have to say about this book and the other books in the Michigan Chronicles series.

Order Information:

  • Paperback (6X9)
  • 462 Pages
  • English Language
  • ISBN-10: 0615466060
  • ISBN-13: 978-0615466064
  • Retail Price - $18.95 USD

Available through Amazon.com and other on-line Christian Retailers or simply by clicking on the QUICK ORDER LINK below

A Heart Takes Flight

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Back Cover:

1834 - Ypsilanti, Michigan Territory


For Suzanne Somers, accepting her widowed mother's plan to remarry would be a betrayal to her father's memoy - and that she cannot abide.


Desperate to flee, Suzanne runs to her friend Amy who is scheduled to leave on the noon stage for Detroit. Amy is more than willing to take Suzanne along; however, having read aout the dangers of young women traveling without a proper escort, Amy insists on one stipulation; until they arrive at their final destination, Suzanne must travel in disguise, playing the part of Amy's brother Zanne.


One lie leads to another ....


When Zanne is falsely accused of a crime, her future looks grim. A handsome stranger is willing and able to rescue her from the long arm of the law, but ther is a hitch; Zanne will be indentured to him for the next year. Can she keep up the ruse for that long?


Is the cost of deception too high?


Although fleeing faith and family had been her intent, did the One who loves her too much to ever let her go have something entirely different in mind?


A Heart Takes Flight is a life changing story of God's abounding Grace and love's powerful influence - filled with intrigue, romance, and so much more ....

Reader Comments:

Read what people have to say about this book and the other books in the Michigan Chronicles series.

Order Information:

  • Paperback (6X9)
  • 464 Pages
  • English Language
  • ISBN-10: 0615486665
  • ISBN-13: 978-0615486666
  • Retail Price - $18.95 USD

Available through Amazon.com and other on-line Christian Retailers or simply by clicking on the QUICK ORDER LINK below.

A Heart Set Free

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Back Cover:

"You're crazier than a loon if you think I'd marry the likes of you!"


Ruth Anne Schmidt's desire to become a teacher should have sheltered her from this antiquated coming-of-age practice, but something went terribly wrong.


Her marriage had been arranged without her knowledge. The contracts signed and filed weeks ago. "Life," her papa had said, "has a way of altering our plans ... things are at stake you know nothing about."


Perhaps she was a bit spoiled, accustomed to having her own way. Her papa should have told her sooner. That would have given her time to adjust, but it was too late for regrets now. The wagon carrying the preacher, her betrothed, and his parents had just arrived.


"But how can I marry him?"


Oh, his tall masculine build was a sight to behold, and those deep brown eyes, so probing. His nearness unsettled her. She resented the power his touch had over her. All that aside, the rumors - she had heard the rumors. Could she ignore her premonitions - and his arrogance?


A thread of fear slithered up her spine ...


A Heart Set Free is an intriguing love story that evokes the heart's greatest passions, exposing the degradation of abuse in the light of God's Word; a reminder of the importance of our being active in the ministry of reconciliation and that no sin is too great that it cannot be forgiven through the power of God's rdeeming love.

Reader Comments:

Read what people have to say about this book and the other books in the Michigan Chronicles series.

Ordering Information:

  • Paperback (6X9)
  • 426 Pages
  • English Language
  • ISBN-10: 0692021906
  • ISBN-13: 978-0692021903
  • Retail Price - $18.95 USD

Available through Amazon.com and other on-line Christian Retailers or simply by clicking on the QUICK ORDER LINK below.

Book 1 - Reader Comments

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A Decision of the Heart

  • "This is by far the best book I have read in a long time if not ever. You can read it over and over. A beautiful love story with a great message." - Barnes & Noble Book Reviewer (5 Stars)


  • "Donna Rhine offers the reader much more than just the surface: one receives mouth-watering bites of real life from her interesting characters. I enjoy grabbing a glass of iced tea, kicking back in my La-z-boy recliner, and entering this delightful author's wonderful world."  - Alan Maki (author of A Choice to Cherish and Written on Her Heart Broadman and Holman Publishers)


  • "A charming nostalgic debut! Kaleb is a hero to cheer for as he patiently woos Liz, a spunky tomboy with bigger things than marriage on her mind. Mrs. Rhine builds a tender love story between two long-time friends who have much to learn about each other. This one's not to be missed!" - Jenna Mindel (Author of Miss Whitlow's Turn, 2006 RITA finalist)


  • "Great novel, if you love Francine Rivers (Scarlet Thread, Last Sin Eater, Redeeming Love), you will love "A Decision of the Heart". Had a hard time putting it down and can't wait for a sequel. Really love Rivers books but think I may have found a new favorite historical / romance / novelist in Donna Rhine!" - Cheryl Burke (Amazon Reader)


  • "Donna Rhine is an artist who colors her canvas with words. In A Decision of the Heart, she takes the reader back in time with a wonderfully compelling story of life and love. It's impossible not to be drawn into the saga of the trials and struggles of a young couple in a very different and difficult time, sprinkled with the non-changing grace of the Lord. One can only hope that there will be many further offerings in the Michigan Chronicles series."   - Rocky Barra (Pastor of Connection Church, Canton, Michigan)


Book 2 - Reader Comments

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A Heart of Joy

  • "A Heart of Joy is a wonderful and refreshing book of life. It helps one to remember how beautiful and fragile life can be. I found myself drifting back on many occasions just thanking the Lord for all He has done for us. From a simple glance or expression to the full understanding that no matter what happens, God is and will always be in control. Jesse and Olivia may only be storybook figures, but they represent the true meaning of God's unconditional love. Thank you for the good read." - Dr. Hubert W. Russell     


  • "Donna sets the stage for us as readers to experience the warmth of love and the anticipation of what is to come. A Heart of Joy is a compelling story of true love and a passionate desire to follow Christ's direction. I loved reading A Decision of the Heart and now A Heart of Joy is a breath of fresh air." - Faye Thomas     


  • "A Heart of Joy tickles the senses, excites the mind, and evokes the heart's deepest emotions. The characters' Christ-centered relationships inspired me to bring even more love and happiness to my own young marriage, and to completely trust in the Lord's love, purpose, and power." - Jessica Colvin     


  • "A Heart of Joy is a wonderful recipe of love and devotion where the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit permeate the recounting of each moment in these memorable characters' lives. If you believe that a family who prays together stays together, the story of Jesse and Olivia will become yet another reason why your belief is so well founded." - Dr. Robert McTyre

Book 3 - Reader Comments

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A Heart Takes Flight

  • "This third book of the series does not disappoint! God's Word is beautifully woven into the story and I was gently discipled as you drift through the lives of Suzanne, Jason, and the Somers family. Just when I thought I knew what is going to happen next, Rhine kept me guessing, eagerly turning the pages to read more." - Michelle Reed     


  • "Donna Rhine has a gift for writing stories that entertain and warm your heart, while teaching moral and Biblical principles. Her works may be fictional, but she has a 'real' relationship with the Lord, as evidenced in her everyday life and every book she writes."  - Kathryn MacDonald     


  • "A Heart Takes Flight is a compelling love story, showing God's amazing grace and mercy, a reminder that God will never leave us nor forsake us. Though we don't always understand life's journey, keeping our faith and focus on Him, we can rest knowing God will bring us through. All of Donna's books have touched me in some way and this was no exception. A great read! I loved it!" - Kim Russell    


  • "Finding a great wholesome romance that keeps my attention is not easy, but A Heart Takes Flight is a rare delight .... Donna's books are refreshing, inspiring, and uplifting. Her sweet and non-offensive presentation is a true reflection of her love for God, her husband, family, and others -- crafted in a completely beautiful way. She is one of my favorite authors."  - Beth Henninger

Book 4 - Readers Comments

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A Heart Set Free

  • "Wow! Rhine's novels are difficult to put down and A Heart Set Free was no exception. We suffered along with Ruth Anne as she held on to the hope for better days. We experienced her fear as her husband's abuse escalated, and we rejoiced with both of them as the Word of God brought about change. We loved the way Donna brought the story's message and scripture together." - Becky & Stan Shadbolt     


  • "Amazing stories written by a very talented Author. I cannot put any of her books down once I start reading them. The details of the area the stories are wtritten about are captivating." Tammy Wallace      


  • "A Heart Set Free takes a hard look at how abuse of any kind destroys the soul of both the abuser and the victim and challenges those who know God's redeeming love to be active in the ministry of reconciliation. What a reminder of God's redeeming love and grace ... only He can take two broken lives and blend them into one in Him. Rhine reminds us that the truth spoken in love can bring healing and wholeness. II Corinthians 5:18-19 (NIV) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." - Betty McDonald     


  • "Incredibly captivating, A Heart Set Free delivers so much more than a great story ... Rhine offers help that God can use to bring healing to those who are in or have been in an abusive relationship. If you're looking to establish a healthy, godly relationship, you'll find many practical tools and wisdom on what God intends for love and marriage ..." - Jodi Otto     


  • "Donna, thank you! Honest and eye-opening. A Heart Set Free does a great service to anyone who has witnessed or experienced abuse of any kind. For me, this novel had a twofold effect; yes, I have been a victim, but God's love brought healing and restoration. With Him, nothing is impossible." - Sue Andrews (Voice of the Martyrs)     


  • "Once again, Donna Rhine has captured the reader with her ability to involve us in the pain and the joy of the characters involved. It was difficult to put down this book as I read into the early hours of the morning with tears in my eyes. Her message of forgiveness and unconditional love is one we need to be reminded of over and over." - Kathy MacDonald