Elizabeth Graham s latest historical is both sweet and touching, and an emotional roller coaster of characters and plots. In the time of plantations and bond servants, this story is revealing and truthful. Hayley and Darryl Armstrong are trapped in a nightmare. As escaped bond servants, their world has turned upside down as they run from those who would claim them again. But their dreadful secret doesn t end there. There is a much more terrible crime committed, and only running and lying about their true identities will keep Darryl from hanging. Conn Merritt only knows that he has found two flaxen haired waifs, and he is in need of servants in his own home. When Hayley claims that their names are Jane and Anna and that they are trying to find work after loosing their parents on the trip to the New World, he believes them, even though he realizes that there is something more to their story. He is quite taken with Jane, and he can see clearly that Anna needs care and attention to mend from wounds she received supposedly during their time traveling alone. As time passes, Conn is drawn to Jane (Hayley). He has suffered one bad marriage and has always sworn to avoid such a temptation again. However, the wide-eyed innocent and vivacious beauty has captured his attention full well. Before either of them knows what has happened, their feelings become undeniable and marriage seems the only way to fulfill their desires completely. But the secrets that Hayley and her sister hide threaten to destroy them all. Hayley s Heart is almost too wound up in sideline plots. The emotions between the two main characters feel contrived at times, and their stilted conversation with one another is hard to swallow. It is hard to concentrate on the love story because of the intricately woven pattern of minor characters and hard emotions coming from so many other directions. The love story is there, and it is beautiful. Just dig until you find it. Highly emotional impact! Hayley s Heart is a tough nut to crack. Elizabeth Graham s latest is a hard punch to the stomach!