Three best friends, three cherished dreams, three searching hearts...
As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. Libby Conley hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete Leidig believe God has called him to study to become a minster. And Bennett Martin plans to pledge a fraternity, find a place to belong, and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well.
When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?
When God opens a door, you need to walk through it.
Otherwise you'll miss the blessing He has planned for you.
Sewn throughout the Autumn and early Winter of late 1914 Missouri, In Every Heartbeat is a beautiful Christian romance and coming-of-age tale of friendship among three closely-knit teenage orphans. Enriched with turn of the century settings, the antique clothing and modes of transportation are well depicted as well as current events such as the aftermath of the Titanic tragedy. The central characters are so well cultivated you get the sense the author perhaps modeled them after realistic personalities with whom she is acquainted or familiar with.
...don't give up your dream. God has a plan in all of this.
One of the best attributes of this tale is definitely Kim Vogel Sawyer's talent for bolstering the reader's empathetic grasp into her characters' emotions. Coming from a broken home and neglect, you can feel the complete hostility of Peter's resentment toward his family due to the subsequent loss of his leg, contrasted with his startling reentry into their heart-wrenching lives. If only he had two good legs! The total despair and envy Bennett harbors for being unwanted and deserted. They just let me go. After the ambitious drive, desperation for parents, passionate love and heartache, Libby experiences a spiritual awakening...I know I rest in Your every heartbeat.
It occurs to me that God is the maker of romance.
The romance between particular characters I will not mention by name. I believe that one of the gems in this book is to discover the existing and developing chemistry between the two, and it alone is well-worth reading this book for! The author perfectly incorporates the glory of falling in love, yearning, heartache and humor in the phenomenon.
Her gaze shifted...her heart swelled...
His gaze collided with hers and held.
For several seconds they stared at one another...
His heart was still thudding like the hooves of a runaway horse.
There is only one downfall, however, of loose ends free-floating at the culmination of the story. The bulk of the main plot is graciously tied together well, however, I am left to wonder what becomes of Bennett's decision in his patriotic contribution, as well as his relationship with Anne-Marie. Does Libby's creative turn in her writing get accepted? How does it fare with Peter in response to Libby's request for his approval? I would also really enjoy the reappearance of the the encouraging author Catherine Whitford. What ever happens with Peter's father or with the formidable Roy? I am also eager to learn if Peter decides to change his last name or not after the turn-round with his family. I am pleased to examine these curiosities and sense that they not only allow the story to peacefully close, but they all the more leave adequate room for an already much anticipated sequel.
It is no surprise Kim Vogel Sawyer is a multi-award winner. In Every Heartbeat is a fantastic piece of Christian romantic fiction. Although I am left hungry for more, the loose ends are worth over-looking and being sated with such a fine piece of work! A lovely tale to read or recommend to others for the toasty Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Yes, this is one of those books you cannot put down until it is over. Then you do not want it to be.
So the storybook tales are right. One's heart does take wing.
Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of sixteen novels, including many CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in Kansas,
and have three daughters and six grandchildren.
and have three daughters and six grandchildren.
Visit the author's website:
This book was provided free for review by Bethany House.
