This was quite an intriguing tale that really grabbed my attention from the outset. I loved the atmospheric details that really set the scenes and made the reading experience so much more. Not all of the characters were likeable (for which I applaud the author, it cannot be easy to craft characters that will have a reader experiencing negative emotion), but this made the tale so engaging and the more I read, the more invested I became in their lives.

Another excellent book to read. It was full of sadness, happiness and excitement. It kept me enthralled and the storyline was interesting. I do recommend that you read this book.

A beautiful, descriptive, historical romance about heartbreak and renewal. The setting was its own character. Any fan of historical romance will love.

I am not a fan of the romance genre but I love Kate Hewitt’s books so I couldn’t resist reading this trilogy.

Set in 1819, The Heart Goes On tells the story of the MacDougall and Campbell families. The MacDougall travelled to New Scotland to make a new life for themselves. Left behind in Scotland are the Campbells who are struggling following the loss of their farm. The two families are connected by love and friendship.

This story is so well written and captivating right from the first page. The descriptiveness took me back to 1819 and I could imagine what life was like for Scots seeking new life in a foreign country. I liked the description of the vast landscape (wilderness), unforgiving sea, way of life and the hopes and dreams of different characters. I could imagine what it was like trying to start afresh and make a life on the wild, virgin lands. The sea sounded like a character in itself and it was scary!

The characters are well developed and I found myself getting invested in each of their stories. I can’t wait to reconnect with them in the next book, Rebel heart.

Romance is a key theme in this story. It is well portrayed in a way that I found relatable. Courtship at that time period is interesting to read about. Themes of family, gender roles and emigrants’ dreams also come alive through the pages. I highly recommend this series to fans of historical fiction.

The Heart Goes On is the first book in the Far Horizons trilogy and was previously published under the title of Far Horizons. According to the letter written by the author Kate Hewitt at the end of the book, this historical fiction book is based on the story of her own ancestors, the MacDougalls, who did travel from Scotland make a new life in New Scotland or Nova Scotia, Canada in 1819. Using both facts and fiction, she has written a saga about her great-great-great uncle Allan MacDougall and the woman he loved Harriet Campbell and their trials in keeping their love and faith strong in the midst of changing fortunes, tragedy, hardships and the thousands of miles that separated them. All the main characters that the author introduces actually existed and it really makes you wonder what they must have gone through and what their lives must have been like. Although slow to begin with, the story and pace gradually picks up and the best parts about the book were undoubtedly the author's description of both the rich, fertile Scottish lands and the new, raw, dangerous and untamed beauty of Canada.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Kate Hewitt for the e-Arc of the book.

Rating: 3.75⭐

Allan leaves Scotland to go to America with his family, leaving Harriet behind.  He asks her to wait for him, then writes a letter releasing her from this promise.  Harriet doesn't hear from Allan, and Allan does not hear very much from Harriet.  He finally hears from her that she is marrying someone else.  How can she be doing this?  Will they ever be reunited?

This was an enjoyable book.  I was not sure that the two would ever be reunited, or if Harriet would find love somewhere else.

4.5★s

When Allan MacDougall left the Isle of Mull in Scotland in 1819, Harriet Campbell was devastated. He’d asked her father for her hand so she could travel with them as Allan’s bride, but her father refused. Consequently, although Allan had promised to return, Harriet knew she wouldn’t see him for a long time. Allan and his family were headed to New Scotland, Canada – more specifically Prince Edward Island. They would build on the land they now owned and join the many others from Scotland’s shores.

The farm Harriet lived on with her father, brother Ian and sister Eleanor had always been a profitable one but when their fortunes changed, Harriet struggled to know what to do. Wondering why she hadn’t received any letters from Allan, her mind was in turmoil. As trouble loomed and mistakes were made, Harriet needed to make a decision. But would it be the worst she’d ever made – or the best? And would she ever see Allan again?

The Heart Goes On by Kate Hewitt is the first in the Far Horizons Trilogy and was previously published as Far Horizons. I thoroughly enjoyed the settings of both Scotland and Canada; the harsh living conditions; Harriet’s strength of character as well as her compassion and (mostly) calm demeanor. Although there are quite a few spelling/editing errors which I hope have been rectified by publication, I have no hesitation in recommending The Heart Goes On to fans of the historical genre.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

A tale of love set in the time of the Highland clearances. Good characters,very descriptive.Can love survive the separation and the obstacles life throws up?
An enjoyable read.

This is a wonderful book for lovers of historical fiction.  Take a journey from Scotland to Canada at the time when people were settling in a new world..  The plot has loads of twists and turns to keep the reader enthralled as you follow the fate of two families and two people who love each other..
I really enjoyed the book and will definitely be looking for book 2!  Great characterisation and historial information.

I really like this book.  It is full of great descriptions and characters.  This is the story of a Scottish couple, Harriett and Allan and the numerous obstacles they faced trying to wed and live in a new land (Prince Edward Island, Canada) in the 1800s.  The descriptions of the scenes bring you right into the book.  This is a new author for me, and I'm impressed.  I look forward to reading the remaining 2 books in this trilogy and also reading many more of Hewitt's novels.  Highly recommend, wonderful historical romance!

This book was a quick, heartbreaking at times read that kept me engaged throughout. "The Heart Goes On" by Kate Hewitt is the story of Allan and Harriet along with their families and has so much depth in the characters and their development throughout the story. The story starts off in Scotland but ends up moving mostly between Harriet left in Scotland and Allan going to Prince Edward Island in the new world. 

Allan asks Harriet to wait for him in person but then the next day sends her a letter releasing her to find someone else if he's unable to return. What follows is a series of events that leaves the reader hoping these two individuals end up together. There is intrigue and parental control involved in keeping them apart. The reader is kept wondering until the very end....Will they end up together?

I enjoyed this read and do recommend it to fans of historical romance. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me the chance to review this ARC.

A sweet, classic story about true love and fate set in a time period in which there was increased Scottish immigration into Prince Edward Island, Canada. But it is more than that, it is also about seeking a better life for one’s family, about survival, opportunities lost, tragedies, and unrequited love. Of course, not all characters in a story can be main characters. Yet, the secondary characters are portrayed in such a way that made me feel for them. I felt sad for Archie and Andrew, sympathized with Betty and Sandy, worried for Ian, and wondered about Henry. 

I liked that I got a glimpse of settlers’ life in New Scotland. I can say that I like reading about it but would not want to live in those rough conditions. I now know something about ice floes, fur traders, pemmican, Metis, Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company.  The events and characters are authentic to story's setting.

Definitely a memorable and worthwhile story. Though, I would have liked to read more letters by Allan, Harriet, Margaret and/or Henry. I have a weak spot for old love letters written in that long ago tone and style.

I really loved this book.  After years apart and then losing one another and then finding each other again. A love story that stands the test of time.

I read The Heart Goes On (Far Horizons Book 1) by Kate Hewitt years ago in paperback, I think. I can’t tell you if this edition has been revised or not. The series is a sage in the tradition of maybe Centennial a James Michener book. Because of that the pace is not hurried or fast but it is smooth and feels genuine. 

Setting is bigger than life with the Canada’s Prince Edward Island and Scotland’s Isle of Mull in the early 1800’s. Allan MacDougall and Harriet Campbell are in love but will soon be separated by an ocean. Long distance romance is always difficult but postal service made it even more so. Misfortune and family allegiance also work against these two young adults in love. 

Realistic story that draws you in as the characters work, fight, and struggle to survive. Characters that are noble but also normal so you care about what happens to them. An entertaining historical read that all can enjoy.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A great historical romance, I loved the way with the perspectives you almost get two stories in one. I loved the drama, the emotion and tension. I loved the themes of hope, patience and perseverance throughout which we all need during these turbulent times and it takes the past sometimes to remind us of this. A fantastic read, my first by the author but definitely won’t be the last

🌊Will fate ever bring them back together? Good romance👍

This family saga had a lot going for it.  The central romance between Allan MacDougall and Harriet Campbell is key but the story has a number of offshoots as different members of the Campbell and MacDougall families face separations and hardships on both sides of the Atlantic.  It's easy in our age of instant communication to forget earlier times when ships carried correspondence infrequently and contact stopped altogether during the snow and ice of winter.

I was first drawn to. Kate Hewitt's novel by the setting.  I knew nothing about the Scottish immigrants to Canada in the nineteenth century and really felt the story gave me a glimpse at their motives and the challenges they faced when leaving Scotland for the wilds of Canada. 

Allan and Harriet's wrenching separation early in the book is followed by a really good plot with plenty going on.  Both of them are hard put upon, by events that overtake their families and by their own kin's direct actions and attitudes, but somehow they survive and move on, even after their plans to reunite fall apart.  It's thrilling stuff and I am eager to read the sequel to learn more of what happens to secondary characters in subsequent years.

The story is easy to read, constantly moving, with scenes alternating between Scotland and North America.  It's a romance, make no mistake about it, and provides plenty of emotion but Hewitt kept the romance squeaky clean and suitable for all readers. 

Thanks to publisher Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book;  this is my voluntary and honest review.

Harriet Campbell and Allan MacDougall have known each other for years, and have fallen in love. Unfortunately, Allan's family is scheduled to set sail from Scotland's Isle of Mull in the morning, preparing to emigrate to Canada. In the year 1819, times are hard, and many people are seeking a new beginning in a new land. Will Allan ask Harriet to wait for him to return and claim her as his bride? Will their love withstand the opposition from Harriet's father? Through a series of unforeseen circumstances, Allan and Harriet's commitment is repeatedly tested. Will they ever get to experience life together as husband and wife?

Themes of faith, hope, and perseverance are woven throughout this work of historical fiction. Filled with authentic historical details and continuous plot twists, this book would make an excellent addition to any historical fiction collection.

Kate Hewitt does it once again!!!  I have learned with any Kate Hewitt novel that it’s best to go in completely blind and that is exactly what I did with The Heart Goes On!  This historical romance was packed with raw emotion that grabbed my attention and held it until the last page.  The characters are extremely well developed and I enjoyed the way Kate gives us two stories in one novel.  Also make sure you read “A Letter from Kate” at the end! ❤️ I am so excited for the next installments in this series!

Really enjoyed this story which had the feel of a Catherine Cookson novel..  The writer vividly created the struggles of ordinary people during the early 1800s when a large number of Scots headed for the New World and a better life.  Harriet Campbell's father does not think Allan MacDougall is the man for his daughter. He wants her to marry someone with his own property. Working for his father, Allan has no alternative but to join his family on their journey to Nova Scotia, determined to make something of himself and return to claim her.  Harriet agrees to wait for him however long it takes, but fate steps in, forcing her on a different path.

There were many twists and turns during the read. While Harriet battles with changing situations at home, Allan and his family have to cope with a new and sometimes unfriendly environment.  A great read for those who enjoy historical romance.  This is the first of a three book series. - Her Rebel Heart, the second of the Far Horizons Trilogy is due out on 17th August.and have pre-ordered. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this  book in exchange for an honest review.

Epic historical saga with two romances!

Grab a cuppa before you sit down to immerse yourself in this fantastic book, as you won't be able to put it down until you're done.  This story starts in Scotland in 1819 and follows two intertwined families as they deal with the changing times.  Allan MacDougall is obligated to follow most of his family to Nova Scotia where the promise of a better future awaits.  His childhood friend and the only woman he's ever wanted, Harriet, is not free to follow him, staying instead with her father, who forbids their marriage until Allan has proven he can provide for her.  Also staying behind is Allan's youngest siblings, Margaret and Rupert, who move in with Harriet's family.  

From there we have two separate stories; one of the MacDougalls and their hardships in their new world, and the other of the Campbells who have their own troubles back home.  Events span several years as Allan and Harriet deal with a long-distance devotion to each other that seems impossible at times to sustain, especially considering the difficulties in communication.  Also, Margaret is courted by a dashing young merchant captain, a man who ultimately plays a much larger part in both the MacDougall and Campbell families.  

The writing is breathtaking, catapulting the reader back in time so viscerally that one can truly feel every struggle these daring families endured.  The end notes indicate that these people are based on the author's own ancestors, which explains the amazing attention to detail as well as the never-wavering faith and hope that is woven throughout the story.  Usually I'm nervous reading "based on a true story" tales because real life doesn't always guarantee a happy ending, but rest assured, the characters in this book may suffer unbearable losses and setbacks, but they do have a HEA by the end.  

The subsequent books in this series deal with the romances of some of the younger siblings of this book's main characters, tying them all together as one rambling extended family with adventures around the world.  I highly recommend this book, and this series, for anyone who loves true history with heartwarming romance.   I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.