I love the wisdom poured out in this story. My main takeaway is to remember that God is in control--a lesson we all need to remember and be reminded of. When a story can take a simple reminder and weave it in a way that captures our imaginations, it's almost magical. When we can experience a Truth through a story, it's real. Our brains process the emotions the same way as if it happened to us and when we read a Good story, we find it difficult to separate the "real" from what we read. We feel it. We embrace it. That is why I love Story. I love the lesson/experience in this story.

The history. The characters. The chemistry. The whole story. Loved it! A great read, I can't wait to share the story with my friends.

Wonderful book, loved the story!! Highly recommend to all! The entire My Heart Belongs series is wonderful!

My Hearts Belongs in Fort Bliss is about Priscilla Hutchen's who leaves her successful job as an illustrator for a women's clothing catalog, to head to Fort Bliss, Texas to retrieve her niece and nephew. Having grown up in a military household, she is left with less than pleasant experiences. So with the intention of retrieving the children and heading back home, she's disturbed to realize that this may not be as easy as she had anticipated. Her brother and sister in-law have died, and now her sister in-law's brother, has the children in his care. Of course, it doesn't help that the brother is single and attractive. In addition what doesn't help Priscilla, is that the uncle has no interest in letting Priscilla just "have" the children. Because of this, Priscilla finds that she must stay to find out a way to let Elliot, allow her to bring the children back home with her.

The one thing I had an issue with was with Priscilla, I didn't like her. I did flip through the chapters a little too frequently to find out how the story ended. The cover art. I thought was pretty awesome. And despite me not liking this particular book, I am interested in reading other stories in the series.

I got an ARC from netgalley.

Having previously read several novellas by Erica Vetsch, I was happy to give this novel by the same author a try. Happily, this book proves that she has potential to become a go-to author for Historical Romance.

Priscilla's Reveille at first seems like a typical fish-out-of-water story, as the very fashionably dressed lady's catalog artist, Priscilla Hutchens, travels from Cincinnati to the very rustic Fort Bliss in Texas. As she discovers that her orphaned twin niece and nephew already have a guardian in their uncle, post-surgeon Major Elliot Ryder, it slowly becomes more of a story of Priscilla's personal growth, as she learns that attitude is everything and rediscovers happy memories of her early years as a 'child of the regiment.'

I quite liked that this story focuses on two individuals who are not opposed to marriage but aren't pursuing it and are somewhat content with their singleness. Their unlooked for romance is that much sweeter, and I enjoyed the interactions between Priscilla and Elliot. In particular, how they eventually find that they and their particular skills complement each other and how Elliot witnesses Priscilla's different strengths as she helps with the twins and assists those in medical need both with him and in his absence.

This is one of those novels that evokes the Texas setting, 1870's time period and also brings to mind classic movie westerns in the best way. I enjoyed the author's writing, and the just-right amount of historical detail. Life at the fort, the forays into Indian territory and the dangers encountered there, the differing personalities of the officer's wives and the laundresses, the adorable and rambunctious twins, the touch of politics, and the medical aspects of this story all came together for one interesting, entertaining, and adventurous story.

An enjoyable read that I recommend for those who enjoy Historical Fiction with faith, romance, some "wild west" style excitement and interesting characters.

This review refers to a paperback borrowed from my local library. I was previously approved to read an e-galley for review purposes courtesy of the publisher, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas, is a clean, sweet tale set amidst a real time in American history, and in a real place.

Priscilla is one feisty woman! She may have the voice and the dress of a posh lady, but she certainly is no pushover. She has pure stamina and determination, and is used to getting what she wants. She doesn’t take too kindly to Major Ryder’s upbringing of the twins, nor does she like Fort Bliss.

Major Ryder, is also a man with determination and used to what he says, goes. He isn’t about to let a woman come into the children’s life and take them away from him, the only family he now has left after the death of his sister.

The two characters are both very likeable and I could understand where both of them were coming from. They both had the children’s best interests at heart, and I was hoping for some joint resolution.

The book had a lovely pace to it. There were no fast-paced, gripping, heart-pounding scenes, but there was plenty enough going on to keep me hooked to the pages. Ms Vetsch has a knack for making you feel like you have travelled back in time, and are witnessing the events firsthand.

If you are looking for a short, easy, historical read, then this book would be perfect.

Erica Vetsch continues to climb the ladder as one of my favorite Christian authors. Her book combines the perfect elements to make for a delightful tale, thoroughly engaging the reader with her characters and story throughout.

Loved this story...have shared it w/ all of my reading friends.

The plight of two orphans brings two very different people together in a rugged western fort. Military precision, medical practices, and interaction with Native people groups provide an interesting and adventurous backdrop for this sweet romance.

Barbour Publishing has started a new line of historical romance fiction called My Heart Belongs focusing on different locations in the USA. In January, it started with Fort Bliss, Texas: Priscilla’s Reveille by Erica Vetsch. Priscilla is the ‘fish out of water’ stylish city woman who is completely unprepared for life on the frontier. She has one plan: to get to Fort Bliss, gain custody of her family, and then immediately take them home to civilization. The children might be loved at Fort Bliss but, as far as Priscilla is concerned, a military environment is no place for a child. Her plan takes a slight detour, however, when she’s attracted to the Major in the Military Corps who happens to be the children’s uncle.

My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas is a cute story that’s easy to read. While it’s mostly light, there are serious times such as interactions with local Indian populations and the spread of disease throughout the fort. The physical descriptions were so good I could visualize everything. During the course of the novel, Priscilla must continuously step out of her comfort zone and, as she does so, she gradually comes to realize that home really is where the heart is.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing for my complimentary electronic copy of My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas, which I downloaded from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was a good book that I enjoyed. It wasn't always a page turner that I couldn't put down but I think it definitely earned a four stars. In my opinion there were a few too many word choices that had me looking to the dictionary but I suppose it's good to expand one's vocabulary.

"My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas was truly a wonderful, western adventure of historical fiction that I immensely enjoyed. As an inspiring read, the novel itself contained strong foundations of genuine family values, the vast openness of the state of Texas, of course, the depression of war.

There certainly was a great deal to favor about the actual novel. I was drawn to the landscape that was highlighted as the backdrop of the book. The author, Erica Vetsch did a fantastic job at completing her research for the era and in doing so the characters were equally created.

Priscilla, the heroine was my favorite character. I overly liked how independent Priscilla was. She was not only determined in her own self-will, but also in the custody battle for her niece and nephew. Of course, the hero, Elliot who also the uncle of the children wants custody as well. This created somewhat of an interesting trait that I hadn't found that often in a historical read and so this was an added bonus for me, the creativity of the author.

My one flaw with the novel is that I wished there would have been small moments of romance that lead more to the ending of the book. There was romance, but it was very limited. I normally read inspiring fiction when I find myself needing a much-needed break from the more traditional romances, but I still would like to have cute interactions among the characters.

Regardless, if this flaw I still think that this novel is worthy of a reading and I am looking forward to continuing the series, "My Heart Belongs," to see what more I can discover within my readings.

​What a fun and enjoyable story! Erica Vetsch has written a charming and delightful novel in My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas: Priscilla’s Reveille. Readers will love the energetic and spunky main character, Priscilla. She may like her fashion and fancy clothes, but when it comes down to it she is a determined and hardworking family centered woman. Readers will enjoy the family focus and theme in the story. Vetsch also includes details about the army, which readers will enjoy learning about. This charming story will capture the attention of readers from the beginning, all the way until the very last page. It is an engaging and enjoyable novel that readers will not want to miss.

My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas – Priscilla’s Reveille – by Erica Vetsh

My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas – Priscilla’s Reveille is the first book I have read by Erica Vetsh. This is the story of Priscilla who has traveled to Fort Bliss to retrieve her niece and nephew because their parents died. She was unaware that they were under the care of their uncle, Major Elliot Ryder. Priscilla hates the army. She hates the wilderness, and just wants to get out of there with her family. Her plans are put aside when she realizes that their uncle won’t let them go with her.
She stays to help at the army fort. She experiences some fear from the Native Americans. And this is where I stopped reading. I am sorry, but I found the book slow.
I hope you will read this book and form your own opinion!


I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

What happens when two people both think they have the right to raise orphaned twins and each one thinks a very different environment is right for them? That’s the question at the heart of Erica Vetsch’s Love Finds You in Fort Bliss, Texas: Priscilla’s Reveille. The leading characters of this novel are Priscilla, who detests all things military, and Elliot, someone who is an officer in the United States Army. And also Timothy and Tessa, the orphaned twins who are consistently getting into a bit of mischief and bringing a bit of light-heartedness to the page.

Despite the slow start of this novel, which feels a bit rough at times, this novel slowly smooths out to being one of those books that are just enjoyable to sit back and read for a time. It was fun following Priscilla around Fort Bliss and also consistently arguing with Elliot over what would be best for the twins. And I enjoyed watching the two of them on the page. And while there were a few unexpected moments in the story, nothing really caught me off guard or were huge surprises.

By the end, I can say that this was a well-written and fun book. While it wasn’t something that I would call highly memorable, I can’t say that I really have any complaints about it either. It’s a book I would recommend to someone looking for something in the historical fiction genre that isn’t too meaty of a story.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**

I love historical fiction, and My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas: Pricilla’s Reveille is a good example of why. I am able to open the pages of a book and visit a time in the past. I loved the vivid scenery, and felt the fears and difficult realities of living in the early 1800s.

1847 Fort Bliss, Texas is a unique setting, and the author did a fabulous job of pulling the reader in. I easily sunk into the era and experienced the rising tension with the surrounding tribes, as well as the growing attraction between Priscilla and Elliot. Their stories are believable and I was able to relate in many ways to Priscilla’s thoughts of the military and it’s soldiers. Although I don’t see things the same way she did, I can understand, due to her personal experiences, why she had those thoughts and fears.

This is a full, rich story, though a relatively quick read. It offers themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and resilience. My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas: Pricilla’s Reveille is an inspiring, hard-to-put-down book. I’d love to have this story continue.

5 Stars


Cover: Love
Title: Love
Pages: 256
Series: My Heart Belongs In series
Publisher: Barbour Books
ISBN: 978-1634099301
First Line: Only the army would think a place like this worth defending.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing (and NetGalley) and was under no obligation to post a review.

.Priscilla Hutchens travels to Ft Bliss, Texas, to rescue her niece, Tessa, and nephew, Timothy, after the untimely death of their parents. She is determined they not be subjected to the type of life she was as an army child being dragged from pillar to post. They are already too much like her, in that the Army has made them orphans. Major Elliott Ryder is their uncle, and he definitely has something to say about Priscilla’s attitude and where the twins will live.

I especially enjoyed getting to know Priscilla. She is a very spunky, spirited and feisty young woman who is not afraid to speak her mind, but neither is she afraid to get her hands dirty and help when needed.

The twins are fun to meet, too. Tessa is a lot like her Aunt Priscilla in spunkiness and spirit, and she is never still, running full tilt night and day. Timothy, on the other hand, is more circumspect and reserved.

Erica Vetsch has written a captivating story of late 1800s military life. I found myself fascinated by the remarkable detail to the story. Just a few of the topics Miss Vetsch described in interesting and realistic imagery include the primitive conditions, herbal and natural medicinal techniques, military protocol and Army regulations.

un read that transports you to the plains of Texas. I enjoyed the glimpse into what life was like in a frontier fort. There were many times that I took to heart the sacrifice that families took to support thier military, both back then and now.
I enjoyed watching Priscilla grow over the course of the story. The banter and friction that she had with Elliot was entertaining. The twins were fun, and added a "Parents Trap" element to the story. A good read, that makes me want to read from this author again.
I received this copy from Netgalley, in exchange for my review, my opinions are entirely my own.

I loved how the author described the territory and made you feel like you were there with the soldiers. The details of the herbs used by the Indians for healing were well researched. I am always amazed at how gifted this author is. She has brought a story set in the late 1870s to life with vivid descriptions of the land and army life. I could picture the soldiers as they guarded the fort and the Indians as they rode throughout the land.

Priscilla has come to Fort Bliss, Texas to bring her niece and nephew home with her. After learning of the tragic death of their parents, she must do her duty as their aunt and rescue them from a life in the military. She is a very gifted artist and I was fascinated about her work. What a wonderful job to have in those days as an artist for a catalog. She drew beautiful pictures of fancy dresses and loved her work. Will she bring the twins back to her home with no problem?

After a very long ride in a stagecoach she arrives at her destination. Her dislike for army life is well known within moments of being at Fort Bliss. She knows if her brother and sister-in-law had not been there , they would still be alive. She is on a mission to get the twins and leave the dreary place as quickly as she can. There is one person she did not know existed and will prove to be a force she must battle with.

Major Elliot Ryder is a great character. He loves his niece and nephew and will do anything to protect them. He is a busy surgeon but always has time for the children. Priscilla and Elliot are both surprised to realize they each exist and want the children. The story is well written and emotional at times. I loved the feeling of being in a different era and watching the story unfold before me.

I was captivated by the love everyone had for the twins and loved how they enjoyed living at the fort. They are quite taken by their aunt but the reason she is there worries them. Can Priscilla and Elliot make a decision that is best for the children? Will Priscilla's bitterness towards army life cloud her judgment? This is one story you don't want to miss. It is filled with adventure , faith and family.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.