[Review] — "MY HEART WILL FIND YOU" is a Muddled, Dream-Like, Time-Bending Romance

Jude Deveraux was one of the best historical romance novelists during the 1980s and some of the 1990s, as well, but for good or for bad, her style of writing has changed in recent years. Her newest novel, My Heart Will Find You (published by MIRA), has something in common with her 1989 epic A Knight in Shining Armor—time travel. 

My Heart Will Find You (available to purchase on hardback and Kindle) opens in March 2020, and no, Deveraux isn't ignoring recent events—the COVID-19 epidemic helps frame the scene. Henrietta "Etta" Wilmont, the protagonist, was waiting in the Kansas City airport when the "lockdown" occurred. Etta, who is frantically trying to find a place to stay, meets Henry Logan— a lonely elderly gentleman. Henry is in need of a caregiver and extends an invitation to Etta to reside with him, which appears to be the answer to both of their issues and perhaps the unplanned adventure Etta has been lacking in her life.

Etta indulges in Henry's library as they establish a friendly living arrangement. The captivating historical stories of Midwest living generate vivid dreams of Kansas City in the 1870s—where she's a mail-order bride, married to a gorgeous but cautious rancher referred to as Maxwell Lawton.

Haunted by the drama playing in her head, Etta understands that her dreams of the past and the familiar individuals portrayed inside are beginning to have an effect on the present, changing her current reality. After spending so much time caring for others, Etta might finally claim something for herself—through her dreams. She's most curious about whether the alluring man she is falling for while she dreams is authentic or whether there is true love out there waiting for her, which would transform both of their lives forever.

My Heart Will Find You is a long cry from Jude Deveraux's earlier works, and I must concur with other readers that it plays it safe in a muddled, dream-like, time-bending manner. Yes, that remark may seem strange; however, once you read the book, you'll know what I mean. I, for one, don't want to relive 2020, let alone read about it. The sole advantage of the setting is that it aids in building the story and rapidly transitions to the backdrop. The main narrative is about a woman who dreams about the past and falls in love with a handsome man. Her dreams, the past, and the present converge, leading to a satisfactory climax.

Overall, Jude Deveraux's brilliant use of description, engaging conversation, and intriguing characters made My Hear Will Find You a book I enjoyed. The narrative does have some problems, for sure, but nothing that prevented me from absorbing it. ╌★★★½✰