My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas

Have you ever wondered what living in a frontier fort in the 1870's would be like, especially for a woman used to city living? Priscilla has no idea what she's getting into when she travels a long dusty road from Cincinnati, Ohio to Fort Bliss in dry, hot West Texas. Thinking she needs to rescue her brother's orphaned six year old twins, she is surprised to find they are faring well under their uncle's care, a Major at the outpost and the resident surgeon. From the start they are at odds, thinking each has the right to raise the twins, yet when adversity strikes, the call to work together just might be what it takes for them to raise a white flag finally and call a truce.

The careful research of military life in an outpost was evident in this interesting story, from all the details of daily life, the chain of command, medical procedures and cures, plus the hardships of living in an outpost under the threat of attack. Highlights to their disciplined life were all the things that brought a bit of life to the fort, like the dances, dinners, celebrations, and attempts at peaceful relationships to the tribes. It would be difficult to get used to, but the characters seemed pretty tough, and the best ones found joy in making the most of the situation, learning to be content, a good lesson for us all. I liked how the commanding officer's wife encouraged the other wives to support their husbands, and to pray for them all. Her faith and kindness were inspiring.
     The developing relationship between Priscilla and Elliot was a tender one, especially as she let go of her bitterness and grew to respect him, seeing the gentleness he showed the twins and watching him at his work. Couldn't help but think of the old John Wayne movies! I wasn't sure which way it would go, as each was so bent on getting their own way at first. The ending was a satisfying one though, with some action and romance making it worth the wait!

Recommend to readers who enjoy historical Christian fiction with some action, adventure and romance.

I cannot say enough good things about My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas! I loved the characters. You have the beautiful Priscilla who works in the city but has come to an Army base, Fort Bliss, to get her niece and nephew because her brother has died. When she arrives at Fort Bliss, she discovers they are already being cared for by their uncle, on the mother's side, Elliot. This book is about breaking down walls and has all types of characters in the book that help Priscilla and Elliot break down those walls. 

I love the ending of the book, it was just perfect. The book held my attention and it was incredibly well written. I highly recommend this book and would give it six stars if I could!

This was a delightful book!  (I was going to write "sweet" but that implies syrupy, which it was not!)  The main characters, Elliot and Priscella, were well-developed characters and didn't feel flat as often happens in this genre. They were likable, and yet you knew their faults. The author did a good job of helping you feel their struggles through actions instead of telling you. 

While this is a "boy meets girl" story, it is also about Priscella's struggle with the question - could she be content with a military life? As the book opens, it was clear that she could not be. And so I wondered how the author would realistically accomplish such a transformation of character. From one adamantly opposed to military life, to one who embraces it. You'll have to read the book to see how she did it.

This was a well written, fun read.

This book was my first full-length novel by Erica Vetsch. She is a great writer who draws the audience into the historical setting of her stories. I felt like I was one of the women living in Fort Bliss, TX during the late 1800s. 

Her writing style is easy to read and her plot is fast-moving; I finished the book in less than a day! It was quite enjoyable. 

Her characters are vivid, authentic, real, and lovable. Priscilla , a woman from Cincinnati, arrives in Fort Bliss with only one goal - retrieve her brother's orphaned twins and get them settled in Ohio. She doesn't realize that the twins are under the care of Major Elliott Ryder, a post physician and also the uncle of the twins from their mother's side. Neither one will give up caring for the twins and each believe his/her place in life is the best suited place to raise the children. 
I really liked the character of Elliott, mostly because he embodied the essence of the healer. Being in the medical profession, I found his thought process, dedication, and conflicts quite believable and eloquently written. 

The integration of faith into the storyline was seamless, though kind of sparse. 

Overall the book was a nice, predictable, romantic read that left a satisfied sigh at the last page. 

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and publisher. A review was not required and all opinions expressed are solely my own.

Doesn't this book cover just invite you to come read it?  It really speaks to me.  The fact that the story takes place in Texas makes it very dear to my heart, too.  Many family ties here as early Texan settlers.  As Priscilla comes to Fort Bliss she expects to return home with a niece and nephew whose parents both became ill and left them without parents.  

Unknown to her, the guardian role she had expected to take upon herself, had been taken by someone else.   The story gets really interesting and I just loved it!  I love historical fiction and this is a great one!

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review, which I have given.

Well crafted story, good plot, good character development.  Enjoyed it very much.

My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss,Texas: Priscilla’s Reveille
BY: Erica Vetsch
My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas is a new historical destination romance series by Erica Vetsch. The author captured my heart right at the start and did not let go till the end. Erica Vetsch did not disappoint me. I really loved the story and the characters, both was well written and easy to follow. They were so real that I felt like I was right there with them. There was times when I was holding my breath and trying to read faster to see what was going g to happen next. This historical destination takes your from the big city life to Fort Bliss, Texas. Eastern artist Priscilla is use to the big city life , but after the death of her brother and his wife , she takes off to Fort Bliss to gain custody of her twin niece and nephew . Major Elliot who is also the Doctor at Fort Bliss is taking care of his niece and nephew. Both are stubborn and will not give in for the other one to have the twins. Priscilla does not think that the Fort is any place to raise the twins. The Doctor does not think the city would be good for the twins since all they have known is the Fort. Who gets the twins , or will they be separated ? I really loved this new series and cant wait for the next book . 
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley , But was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I enjoy Historical romance and this is one that grabbed me in the first pages and I did not want to put it down or for it to end. Life in Fort Bliss was hard, very interesting and the characters were like family by the end of the book. What a ride! This author packs a lot in between the pages of this book and I certainly will be reading more of her books!

My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas By Erica Vetsch is a wonderful historical romance. Set in the 1870s of West Texas, readers are given a glimpse of what life may have looked like at an Army fort, one that seems to have been plunked down in the middle of a dry, cracked, barren land. Priscilla, taking leave from her job in Cincinnati, has come to Fort Bliss, like a knight in shining armor or perhaps more accurately in lace and ribbons, on a mission to rescue her orphaned neice and nephew and whisk them away from the rigid, dangerous life the Army afforded. Then she meets the twin's uncle, Elliot, a man with eyes that pierced hers and stole her breath away...no, she can't succumb to any romantic feelings that may be brewing, she had to convince him to let her create a home for the twins. Will she be able to do that in the time she has off from her job? Or perhaps caring for the children at the fort might give her a wake-up call as to what is God's will for their lives? Or will Elliot see the sense of sending the children to a safer place? Characters are realistic and well-rounded and draw the reader easily into the story. Action packed scenes keep the pages turning. The descriptions of Army life are realistic and the historical details adds good interest to the story. My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss is a captivating story of family, and faith and will have the reader wanting to read more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own.

Great historical fiction! This story made me feel like I was really at Fort Bliss in 1874. 
Priscilla Hutchens takes leave from her job as artist for the Carterson Ladies' Emporium Catalog in Cincinnati, Ohio to go to Fort Bliss in Texas. The book description tells you what she finds when she gets there so I won't repeat it.  I will tell you that Priscilla detests Army life. Army first, always. Her father died while out on patrol her mother became estranged from her son, Priscilla’s only sibling when he joined the army. Priscilla has no intention of staying more than a few days to retrieve the twins. But those days turn into weeks and her heart begins to change toward their uncle. She is stronger than Major Dr. Elliot Ryder ever thought she would be. The author does an amazing job of describing normal every day life in the Fort. There is some action with local and other Indian Tribes. There is also drama at the Fort but humorous moments are woven into the story very nicely too. It is the romance slowly develops between Priscilla and Elliot and what was going to happen to the twins that kept my attention.
I loved this book from the first line to the last. 

*I requested and received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my own reading. Review, positive or negative was not required. These are my own thoughts and feelings about this book.

Erica writes in a way that makes you feel like you are standing smack dab in the middle of the scene with the dust settling on your clothes. She make you feel as if you truly know the characters and are sitting right with them as they knit socks. This book was a touching story of family and love. Sometimes people think they know what's best for others and must learn to open themselves up for even the most unimaginable outcome. I loved the spirit Priscilla had and the way she wasn't afraid to speak what she thought. She was a lady but also wasn't afraid to work hard when help was needed. Elliot is a hard worker that wants to protect not only his country but also the promise he made to his sister. The twins were such a delight, from their excitement in the world to trying to play cupid. This was a book I definitely enjoyed! I received a complimentary copy of this book to review by NetGalley. I was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this latest full length from Erica Vetsch. I always love her full lengths and she didn't disappoint. If you're a fan of traditional historical romances with humor and authentic western wit and sass, you will enjoy Fort Bliss and all Priscilla and Elliot have to offer. Not to mention, the last line in the book is probably the best of the entire novel! Perfect for winter read. Don't wait. Soft romance, clean, inspirational, filled with authentic US Calvary history and Victorian medical facts. Loved it. 

-- I received a copy from Net Galley. My opinion was not influenced by the author, publisher, or Net Galley, but it was most assuredly influenced by coffee. --

Priscilla is travelling to Fort Bliss to take care of her niece and nephew, whose parents have recently died. She plans to take them back to Cincinnati with her, where she has a job, creating artwork for a ladies' catalog, she wasn't counting on meeting their uncle.

Elliot Ryder is a doctor and Major in the Calvary, he has known Timothy and Tessa since they were young, and he is committed to raising them in the Fort like he knows his sister and her husband wanted.

Priscilla get's an extension on her leave, in order to take the summer to work things out with Elliot.

Priscilla has never met Timothy and Tessa before, because her mother hated the military and cut off her brother when he chose to join.  Priscilla is not travelling alone, and her travelling companion Fern is coming to Fort Bliss to marry her fiance, Harry. Fern adapts quickly to her new life, unlike Priscilla, who is unafraid to show her disdain for all things military.

Elliot and Priscilla's relationship starts out on rocky ground because they both see the other as trying to take the children away, but as they work together, they come to admire the other and how they relate to the children. Elliot and Priscilla share a strong faith, and pray with the twins, leaning on their faith in times of trial.  I liked how Priscilla comes to admire Elliot, and how the life he has chosen has helped him to use his talents.

Overall, this is a great read that bring to life the pride, protocol, and hardships of military life in 1874. Full of action, drama, family and faith, this book has wonderful characters, and I loved how Elliot and Priscilla worked together to care for the twins. Excellent storytelling, I would definitely recommend this book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas by Erica Vetsch. I loved this story. My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas is a story that will have your heart pounding with anticipation. Making you want more and more of the story until the very end. This story is full of love, determination, devotion. You will fall in love with the two main characters Major Elliot Ryder and Priscilla Hutchens. I received a complementary copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion. 4 stars!

Great book! I love Erica Vetsch's stories and this one was no different! I loved the premise of it, and that Priscilla grew so much throughout the story and learned so much about contentment. She is a strong, devoted character and her willingness to acknowledge her own short-comings made her that much more likeable for me. Lovely book!

Erica Vetsch can always be counted on to deliver great historical fiction – rich in fascinating history, swoony romance, vivid characters, and some sass and humor thrown in for good measure. My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss Texas: Priscilla’s Reveille did not disappoint.

Combining frontier medicine (with a hunky doctor at the helm) with the rigors and tensions of a military fort is riveting enough. But then you add in a fashion conscious lady and two adorable twins at the center of a custody battle between East and West, and you have the recipe for a fantastic read.

I especially enjoyed the romance (of course) but the twins are all kinds of adorable. Tessa and Timothy steal your heart from their very first scene and take up permanent residence before much longer. A bevy of secondary and tertiary characters prove to be just as entertaining and dimensional, and I’d love to see more books about any number of them.

And the humor!!!! Oh my heart. Several scenes in Fort Bliss made me laugh out loud, while others had me giggling into the pages.  It endears you to the characters and the story all the more and really rounds out the plot nicely.  There are lots of tender moments in this book too… and some harrowing scenes … and some emotional ones … but the humor ties them all together in a way that leaves you smiling in spite of the occasional sadness.

As Vetsch is an admitted history geek, her novels always come meticulously researched and the history is worked seamlessly into the story. I learn so much from her books without feeling like I’ve been reading a textbook … but they often make me want to do even more research when I’m done reading.  That’s the history geek in me talking, too, by the way.

Bottom Line: You can never go wrong with an Erica Vetsch book, and My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss Texas: Priscilla’s Reveille is a prime example of why you should be a fan if you’re not already.  Humor, history, and heart weave together with a captivating plot and a sweet (and also convicting) message of faith. Characters with whom you’ll fall in love, a setting you experience vicariously, and a reminder to trust God in all things … plus some fantastic chemistry and adorable children. It doesn’t get much better!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

Erica Vetsch is an author not to miss. She has done it again, penning a gripping historical romance that grabs your attention right from the start of the book and doesn't let go even after it's finished. This author has really done her research, with vivid historical descriptions you could imagine yourself in Fort Bliss,Texas. I love the idea a of new series of historical romances created for readers who love historical destinations. I want to read many more books in this series. I know the stories will captivate you as they have done with me. Highly recommended to lovers of Historical Romance.
Pub Date 01 Jan 2017.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Books for providing me with a digital review copy for my honest opinion.

If you enjoy a great read along with historical information, this is the book for you. The research is evident but not in a way to take away the joy of reading the story.  A city woman arrives at Fort Bliss to pick up her brother's children to take back to Ohio. She doesn't have a clue what she's getting into and quickly realizes it's not what the children want. They are loving their life at the fort and living with their uncle (on the wife's side) who is a doctor at the fort. The ups and downs, along with the daily life is well-written and enjoyable. The growth of both aunt and uncle is great too.  I would recommend this to anyone who loves history and well-written fiction.

If you are a lover of historical fiction and Christian fiction, I think you'd really enjoy this new series. So far there are three books listed in the series, all different authors, but I have a feeling that there will be more. This book is the only one released so far but the other two are set for March and May(I believe it's May). In case you're wondering, the other two books are...My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho: Rebecca’s Plight & My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmela’s Quandary. 

This book looks at life in Texas, living on a Fort near El Paso and the many interactions(good and negative) with the Native Americans living close by at the time. I enjoyed reading about the lives of Cavalry wives and the women who chose to live their lives with the constant changes and many unknowns. It was also interesting reading about the interactions with the Native Americans, the medicinal remedies used during that time and I can't forget the love story.

Priscilla finds herself heading to Fort Bliss, Texas to take over care of her twin niece and nephew. Her brother and his wife have recently passed away leaving the two orphaned. She takes a leave from her work, packs up and plans to make a quick trip there and back, only staying long enough to gather Tessa and Timothy's belongings. Priscilla makes no secret of her disdain for the army and cavalry. Her father and now her brother have both given and lost their lives to serving and she is not going to get sucked into such a life ever again.

What Priscilla doesn't expect is to find that her sister in law had a brother. Major Elliot is the Doctor for the cavalry and has taken over care of Tessa and Timothy. He refuses to let them leave with Priscilla and she refuses to leave them when she heads back to Cincinnati. Quite the quandary they find themselves in and no easy solution in sight.

Priscilla is put to the test living life in a dusty fort, with very little refinement, no school to educate her little wards, confinement when the Indians come around, an obstinate man who is so frustrating, being forced and needed to perform dangerous medical procedures, friend's lives at constant risk and utter exhaustion. Can Priscilla find a way to convince Major Elliot that a Fort is no place to raise children. She mustn't stare too long at his eyes or she just might find herself falling into his trap and being stuck in the Fort is no option. Now how to get Major Elliot to agree to take the children and care for them, the sooner the better...or maybe not.

Major Elliot knew this woman would be trouble from the start. But he knows one thing for sure, his sister gave him charge to raise the twins in the army lifestyle and that is just what he plans to do. Never mind that they run around free and wild when he is unable to supervise. Never mind that Priscilla is able to keep them groomed and feed and interested in learning. Never mind that she's one of the best horsewoman he's ever seen and don't tell anyone, one of the most beautiful women too. He must steel his heart and make sure she doesn't have any chance of touching it. He's learned his lesson where women are concerned and it just goes to show that Priscilla is right, she's not meant to be at the Fort. Now how to get her to leave, the sooner the better....or maybe not.

It was a sweet romance but not a fast paced one. It took time for these two to realize what they really wanted. There's tragedy and a moment of terror(maybe not the best word but it sounded better than scared), horseback riding, Indian traditions, a medicine man, an obsessed Indian, a rude and disdainful matron, a new baby, gunshots, dances, beautiful dresses, long stares and some other fun surprises. I enjoyed the pacing of the story and the characters. I think the author did a good job in developing them in a manner that as a reader I could connect with them. Even with Priscilla's attitude I really liked her. She has a lot to learn. As does Major Elliot.

Content: A few mild Indian attacks, broken leg being set, a clean sweet romance, mild Christian religious aspects(not overly preachy, I enjoyed how it was done-the characters would have thoughts or little prayers in moments of peril or soul searching). I would say it's a clean read and would recommend for YA and up.

I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour book, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own!

Happy Reading!!!

Excellent book that I really enjoyed reading. The children in the book will capture your heart quickly! They are truly adorable! You see the dilemma of both guardians wanting the best for the children. But also for themselves. The way they need to come to a resolution is well written in the book. There is humor, Faith and romance well written!

Loved it! This book had me at Texas, but throw the military into the mix and this Texas military wife was thrilled for a good read. Vetsch does a great job painting the duty to the military and the ache of the family left behind.

My Heart Belongs to Fort Bliss, Texas takes us on a roller coaster of Indian relations, danger, adventure, and of course love. Speaking of love, I love the transformation that goes on for several of the characters in the story. When the next set of orders come up to move or deploy, I'm going to be asking myself if I'm being a Mrs Bracken or a Mrs Crane. For the sake of my sanity and family, I hope I'll be on the right team.

If you're a military spouse or member, are from Texas, or enjoy books about Indians, I highly recommend this book. I enjoyed it so much I took my time reading the last 20% of the book, so I could make it last.

I love it when I can get a good dose of history, romance, drama, and humor all in one book! Erica Vetsch has managed to do just that in “My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas”. Fashion artist Priscilla wants nothing more than to spend just enough time in Fort Bliss to pack up her orphaned nephew and niece and take them to civilization with her. Unfortunately their uncle and post surgeon Elliot Ryder believes that he should raise them himself. Forced to remain in Fort Bliss until the matter is resolved, Priscilla manages to surprise Elliot and even herself by proving she is much more than just a fashion plate.

With a well-paced plot, strong and likeable characters, and a story that pulled me in, this book kept me happy from beginning to end. Who could fail to like such a spunky yet caring heroine or the handsome but serious hero? Then there were those two delightful children who added just the right touch of charm to the story. Most seasoned readers will expect the direction the romantic relationship will take but what fun following their journey!

I highly recommend “My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas” and hope the other books in this series will be as enjoyable.

I really enjoyed this gentle romance set in the heart of Texas during a very volatile time with the surrounding Indians.  The author did a great job of painting a clear picture of the setting and the people for my mind.

Priscilla and Elliot are at odds.  Both are determined to have custody of their young niece and nephew.  Priscilla wants to take them away from the awful Fort they have been living at and Elliot is determined to keep the kids right where they are because it's all they have ever known.  Fortunately, both Priscilla and Elliot are good people trying to do good things so things never get mean or nasty- but there are definitely some tense moments with their tenuous relationship.

I really enjoyed the setting and how the author was able to weave so many characters and situations into the story to make me feel like I was sitting right there, watching it all play out.  It reminded me of a Hallmark movie- especially with the children playing such a large role in the book.  It's a slow and gentle romance and I thought it was great!

I didn't realize when I started reading that this book is part of a series being released- each book by a different author so I'm going to have to keep my eyes on that!  :)

Content:  Clean, some minor peril, Christian elements although nothing preachy

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Historically correct this book is, it also is  lively, noteworthy, memorable, jam-packed full of romantic tension, and a kaleidoscope of feelings, people, and living environment.  Priscilla's brother and sister-in-law dies leaving behind twins - whom she feels responsible for -so she goes to get them, little did she know that her sister-in-law asked her brother to take them - and he plans to keep that promise - so now you have a stalemate.  A stalemate that could end up in a romance - or maybe not - who knows - GOD does - and those of you who read the book - because I am not going to tell you who the twins go with either.......The twists in this book is amazing you feel like you are the hula-hoop.

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.

.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.

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.

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.**

Loved this story. It had some great character development and the dialogue was very believable as well as pushed the story along. Head hopping was at a minimum, and for that I am very grateful. I truly enjoyed the children characters who were not as developed as the main characters. That was a bit of a disappointment because there wouldn't have been a story without the children. The narration and the dialogue were period- accurate. In other words, I wasn't jerked out of the 1800s into the 21st Century with the turn of a phrase. Good book, and a keeper! I give this 4 stars out of 5 stars because there were a couple of places that were a bit confusing that blocked the story flow for me. I know it was probably because this was an advance reader copy rather than the real-deal off the shelf. But, I call them as I see them, and I've read things off the shelf that have this same problem, so those stumbling blocks may still be there when you read the book. Just sayin'

Received this book from the publisher at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

​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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.