"My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas: Madeline's Search" by Kathleen Y'Barbo

About this book:

  “A Storm of Danger and Romance Brews on Galveston Island.

Pinkerton agent Jonah Cahill is hired by the mysterious widow to find her lost granddaughter, rumored to be living in Galveston, Texas. Though Jonah prefers to travel alone, Mrs. Smith insists that she and her companion accompany him. Madeline Latour, investigative reporter, has been acting as Mrs. Smith’s assistant for several months, and Madeline will not allow anyone—even a Pinkerton agent—to ruin the story of a lifetime. The pair forges an uneasy truce as the investigation grows dangerous. Is there a bigger story beyond a missing girl to be revealed?

Journey now to Galveston, Texas, and meet a couple dodging danger around every corner in 1880.”


Series: Part of the “My Heart Belongs” series, but not connected to any other books.


Spiritual Content- Jonah 1:4-6 at the beginning; Scriptures are remembered & thought over; Prayers; Talks about God; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Many mentions of God & Jesus; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of Bibles; Mentions of churches/cathedrals, church going, & ministers; A few mentions of those & events in the Bible (and a play); A few mentions of God’s creation; A few mentions of Heaven; A few mentions of blessings & being blessed; A couple mentions of God-fearing people; A couple mentions of a miracle; A mention of thanking God; A mention of a convent; A mention of nuns.

Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, two ‘shut up’s, two ‘stupid’s, and eight forms of ‘idiot’; Some sarcasm & eye rolling; Gunshots (barely-above-not-detailed); Fighting, hitting, & being hit (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Mentions of illnesses/fevers & deaths; Mentions of deaths, storms/hurricanes, & ships going down; Mentions of (possibly and nearly) drowning & drownings; Mentions of (possible) kidnappings; Mentions of crimes, criminals/thieves/outlaws, intruders, & illegal activities; Mentions of gunshots, a shooter, blood/bleeding; Mentions of wars & fighting; Mentions of threats; Mentions of jails & arrests; Mentions of lies, lying, & hating to deceive; A few mentions of murderers, murders, & an assault; A few mentions of a fight & bruises; A couple mentions of a planned assassination; A couple mentions of gossip; A mention of con men; A mention of slavery.

Sexual Content- four barely-above-not-detailed kisses and two semi-detailed kisses; Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; A wedding night is very slightly alluded to; Mentions of kisses & kissing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of falling in love; A few mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of a man having several wealthy wives; A couple mentions of blushes; A mention of a possible accosting; A mention of a man staring/leering at Madeline; A mention of a married couple sharing a kiss; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;

             *Note: Mentions of a wife who died in childbirth.

-Madeline Latour

-Jonah Cahill
                                P.O.V. switches between them

                                               Set in 1880 (Prologue in 1855)
                                                        250 pages

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My personal Rating-

I was actually quite hopeful about this novel due to it being set in Texas, a city whose history fascinates me, and a Pinkerton agent plot. Three of my favorite topics, yes?
In all honestly, I truly, really enjoyed this novel.

There was lots of faith content, a sweet romance with the best banter, a goose-bump worthy prologue, and a mystery. Some might not like the ending of the mystery, but I was quite satisfied. History fans should enjoy as well.

Even though I don’t believe it will happen, I would love to see a follow up book, even just a short novella! (But another actual book would be the loveliest. ;))
I was overall really impressed and loved all the Texas history parts for sure. :)

“There went that twinge again. Her mother would ask if she would be able to offer that excuse to the Lord and feel good about it. At this moment, Madeline knew the answer was a most uncomfortable no.” -p. 86

See y’all on Wednesday with a new review!

*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Barbour Publishing) for this honest review.