Different Hearts is an historical romance novel. It begins its tale in 1840 paralleling the lives of Sophia and Ezra who meet in California and fall passionately in love. Born in Rhode Island, Sophia faces established norms restricting her liberties. As a woman, she has limited occupational choices. Society dictates she remain subservient to her father until she marries. Once married, her husband will gain legal control of her personal property and their children. Ezra is a Native American born into servitude. California statutes permit Californians to kidnap, buy, sell, and own Native American children until males reach the age of twenty-five and females turn thirty. Circumstances, prejudices, and personal guilt forbid Sophia and Ezra's union. Spanning more than two decades Different Hearts journeys form isolation to love from bondage to freedom.