At the Heart's Command

Far Hills Ranch has bound the Susland family for nearly a century and a half. For just as long, there's been a legend that the ranch and its family are cursed. Now, says the legend, the current generation is the last with a chance to break the curse. 


Colonel John Griffin Jr. is the best kind of military man. He's a good and honorable soldier who's determined to protect Ellyn Sinclair at all costs – especially from himself. 

Once, he'd rejected a young Ellyn's advances, because he could not give her the life she deserved. Instead, Grif stood up as best man when Ellyn married his best friend. He became a member of the family, a safe friend to her, the godfather of her children. 

But Ellyn is a widow now, back in Far Hills, Wyoming, living on his family's ranch there with her two young children, and struggling as a single parent to give her children what they need. No matter what it costs him, Grif will do his duty – help Ellyn and her children, while ignoring that he has never stopped wanting her. 

The Army's sending him back to the western life he knew as a boy, the world of cowboys and cattle on Far Hills Ranch ... and back to the love he knew as a boy. But how can he even dream of second chances at love, when they should have no chance at all. 


"A beautiful, emotional story that cuts right through the reader's heart." — Rendezvous


"A touching and believable love story." — Romance Journal


"Characters and a story that will stay with you long after you read the last page and the book is resting comfortably on your keeper shelf." — Writers Club Romance Group


"Grif is a hero of the most wonderful kind" —Road to Romance


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Grif's adventures in At the Heart's Command, by USA Today bestselling author Patricia McAllen, form the second book in the A Place Called Home contemporary western romance series. Along with the temptation to turn his relationship with Ellyn from friends to lovers, he wrestles with the next element of the family curse. Can this military hero help free Far Hills Ranch?


Read all of the A Place Called Home series!

Lost and Found Groom

At the Heart's Command

Hidden in a Heartbeat


Want to know more about the recent lives and loves of the family and friends of Far Hills Ranch?

Grif and Ellyn harbor an Army veteran and Wyoming rancher who's in a royal predicament in The Forgotten Prince, Book 9 of Patricia McLinn's Wedding Series.


Reader reviews for Patricia McLinn's A Place Called Home stories:

"Great romance. Page turner."


"Very intense in places, both with love and adventure."


"I enjoyed the love story but more I loved each and every character's personal story told just right! Some suspense, heartbreak and mystery!"


"So different from other romance novels ... amazing."


"Terrific book. This is the first book I read by this author and I will definitely read her others."


"This was very good. READ, READ!!!


"If you love emotional stories with complex characters, especially strong heroines and heart-stopping heroes, don't miss this!"


"Just the right balance of romance, action and mystery."


"As always with Patricia McLinn's books, this is well written and heartfelt .. . her books never disappoint."


If you especially enjoy western romances, also try these other books by Patricia:

Bardville, Wyoming series

A Stranger in the Family

A Stranger to Love

The Rancher Meets His Match


Wyoming Wildflowers series

Wyoming Wildflowers: The Beginning (prequel)

Almost a Bride

Match Made in Wyoming

My Heart Remembers

-- A New World (prequel to Jack’s Heart)

Jack’s Heart

-- Rodeo Nights (prequel to Where Love Lives)

Where Love Lives

A Cowboy Wedding

Making Christmas


NEW! The Wyoming Marriage Association – Helping love find a way

Characters from the A Place Called Home, Bardville and Wyoming Wildflower series, and the romantic suspense Ride the River, join forces to bring together people they hope will find love and happiness as they have. Book 1 is First Date: Divorce, now available for pre-order.


About the Author

Patricia McLinn is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 60 published novels cited by readers and reviewers for wit and vivid characterization. Her books include mysteries, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, historical romance and women’s fiction. They have topped bestseller lists and won numerous awards.

McLinn spent more than 20 years as an editor at The Washington Post after stints as a sports writer (Rockford, Ill.) and assistant sports editor (Charlotte, N.C.). She received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University.

Now living in Kentucky, McLinn loves to hear from readers through her website PatriciaMcLinn.com and social media.