THE FIERCER HEART is like the prime rib of historical fiction.  Micaela Gilchrist's novel became an obsession.  I just couldn't stop savoring it--regardless of any other pressing matters.

The book's first line prepares the reader for a journey into life, love, profound joy and shattering sorrow.  "It is a fact of natural history that a beautiful woman can destroy a man's life with very little effort."

From the very moment he spied her, Philip Kearny knew that he would never get Diana Bullitt out of his thoughts.  However, his position in the American army had to come first.  He would leave Diana hoping to forget her, however destiny had other ideas.

A year passed, Philip learned that Diana was being forced to marry, so he whisked down to Virginia to propose.  Diana accepted and the couple planned to live happily ever after.  Diana battled Philip's roving eye with a fierceness he had not planned on, yet their love remained true.  However, fate had another blow in store--Philip was assigned to the Mexico where he was badly wounded.  Upon his return, Diana could not bear to be around the man Philip had become.

THE FIERCER HEART is based on historical figures and often the story revolves around military members that are very familiar to the reader.  The stunning blend of fact and fiction become so seamless, it is hard to tell just if there is any fiction at all.