The Fugitive Heart

by Jane Orcutt

Growing up on the Kansas prairie, Samantha Martin had two desires: to love God and to marry her childhood sweetheart. But the War between the States took nearly everything her family, her home, and Nathan, her love. When he returns six years later, she is shocked to discover he's no longer the gentle boy she adored. Instead, Nathan Hamilton is a physically and emotionally scarred man on the run, dodging charges of theft...and murder.

Long ago, Nathan dreamed of seeing the world, becoming a doctor, and making Samantha his bride. But instead of adventure, he encountered tragedy and made choices that ravaged his life. Now Nathan seeks peace and freedom in Samantha's arms - while she strives to lead him into the embrace of the only One who can provide true refuge for his Fugitive Heart. (c) back cover, The Fugitive Heart, 1997

I really enjoyed this novel by Jane Orcutt. This is the second I've read by this author and have really enjoyed both of them. I'd recommend her books to any reader who enjoys Christian fiction.

I found this to be a tender love story full of hopes and dreams that are altered when life gets in the way of their plans. War and its horrors are well known to affect soldiers and the affect they have on young Nathan is realistic. Samantha's tender love for Nathan has never waned and it is her faith in his ultimate goodness that wins him over once again where he can trust himself and deal with the sins of his past.

Great book - go ahead and read it!