The Fugitive Heart

Written by Jane Orcutt

Narrated by Kris Faulkner

Are some crimes too horrible to forgive?Growing up on the Kansas prairie, Samantha Martin cherished two desires: to love God and 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's always adored. Instead, he is a physically and emotionally scarred man on the run, dodging charges of theft...and murder. Or is a lack of grace the gravest transgression of all? Nathan Hamilton once dreamed of seeing the world, becoming a doctor, and making Samantha his bride. But instead of adventure, he encountered tragedy and made choices that nearly destroyed his life. Now, in Samantha's arms, Nathan seeks peace and freedom—while she strives to lead him from darkness to light and into the embrace of the only one who can provide a true refuge for The Fugitive Heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Books in Motion
• Release date: Aug 15, 2006
• ISBN: 9781596076273

Jane Orcutt

Jane Orcutt is the author or coauthor of fifteen books, including the bestselling Porch Swings and Picket Fences. A two-time RITA award finalist, Jane was also a finalist for the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award.

Reviews for The Fugitive Heart

[Desker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent story with twists and turns. Great ending! Nice read

[judyg54 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story gets added to my favorites list because it was so good. There were ALOT of twists and turns to the story and it never went the direction I thought it would go which kept me wondering what would take place next. It spanned alot of years but kept you focused and interested in all the characters. It is a story of learning about true love, forgiveness and an acceptance of God and Him knowing what is best for us, no matter the circumstances.Samantha loved growing up on the Kansas prairie with her brother Caleb and his best friend Nathan and their families. She just wanted to love God and someday grow up and marry Nathan, her childhood sweetheart. But the War between the States breaks out and Samantha has her home, her parents and her brother and best friend taken from her. Fast forward 6 years and she is shocked to be reunited with her brother and Nathan, but neither are the "boys" she grew up with. They are now physically and emotionally scarred men who she later finds out are hiding from the law, for theft and murder. But Samantha still loves her brother and Nathan and although her love can cause her to make wrong choices, she never gives up on her God and His ability to change a life. You won't regret reading this story!

[love2readnovels_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the story of Samantha and Nathan. They are young sweethearts growing up and it's war that seperates them. Samantha's brother (Caleb) and Nathan leave her at an orphage and join the war. Over the years Caleb and Nathan have become wanted men and have lost their faith because of the awful things they saw and experienced during the war. Nathan has a strong feeling that Samantha needs him and decides to go the the orphange but doesn't expect to find her. She's there. He asks her to come live with him and Caleb. He still loves her but knows that he can't have a future with her. She loves him but is shocked to find not the gentle boy she knew but a hardend man. The story is their journey of triumphs and defeats, love and hurt. The thing that I loved about this story is that it was true to life. When I say gritty I mean that you can feel the physical struggle between the two. The desire to do what is right and the desire of the flesh. Isn't that how real life is as well? If you like westerns, romance and realism than you will love this story. I also recommend the sequel 'The Hidden Heart'. It is the story of Caleb. That's a great one too.