Customer Reviews

Where the Heart Leads

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Where the Heart Leads is an engaging story about Thomas Ollenberger, a young man torn between his Mennonite roots on the Kansas prairie and his love for the big city of Boston. Thomas also struggles with his attraction toward two women. Two women who are so different, the only thing they have in common is their feelings for Thomas.

Even though this novel is set in 1904, it still resonates with what people experience today. We all must decide on a daily basis what path we choose. Do we let ourselves be drawn to what looks like the ultimate path to happiness? Or do we seek God for His direction and His timing?

And sometimes, when we think we have it all figured out . . . God surprises us.

I have to admit--this book was not satisfying for me--but only because I was not ready to see the story end! I wanted to read further and continue the journey I'd begun with the characters. Where the Heart Leads is the sequel to Kim's novel, Waiting for Summer's Return, another favorite of mine. Both also work well as stand-alone novels. You don't HAVE to read one to enjoy the other, but I encourage you to read both.

Through connections he has made from Summer's family, Thomas Ollenburger has had the advantage of a college education. For the past several years, he has been away from his roots and the lifestyle of all that is familiar. Now he must make a choice. Not only in where he will live, but what to choose for a career and whom he should marry. These are not the only issues clouding Thomas' life. He finds himself questioning the values of the father who raised him.
Only when Thomas's finds himself face to face with ethical choices does he truly appreciate those values instilled upon him through his life.

Kim Sawyer has done an outstanding job in this sequel to Waiting for Summer's return. In this story, she has taken an historical episode and weaved the impact of history upon the fictional lives of those who might have been impacted by these events. Once again she shows how God preserves those who set their hearts and mind upon Him.

In the long-awaited follow-up to Waiting for Summer's Return, Kim Vogel Sawyer takes us on a journey with Thomas Ollenburger. He is torn between a life as a journalist in Boston, and returning to his small hometown to make a life there. Even worse, he finds he has feelings for women in both places.

This book surprised me more than once. A subplot concerning a presidential election and the power of the press makes it remarkably timely. And the romance aspect, while sweet and gentle, is unique with a lovely twist.

Fans of Sawyer will not be disappointed with her latest offering. And if you've never read this author before, don't worry. Even though this is a sequel, you can read it on its own and never feel left behind. Enjoy!

I was looking forward to reading this sequel to "Waiting for Summer's Return" to find out what happens to young Thomas Ollenburger as he becomes a man. He turned out to be the man I hoped he would become and was faithful to his father's teachings and Godly heritage. I prefer a book with a little more spark to the romance so I was a bit disappointed in that area. You don't even know who Thomas is really interested in for most of the book. The ending was skimmed over with what felt like quick resolutions to finish up the story. I enjoyed the book but probably won't read it again.

WHERE THE HEART LEADS
by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Reviewed by Marion Kelley Bullock

If you've read Waiting for Summer's Return, you're probably dying to read more about Summer, Peter Ollenburger, and his son, Thomas. Thomas, grown now, and having earned a college degree from Boston Tech, must make a momentous decision. He's lived in Boston with Nadine Steadman, Summer's mother-in-law, for the past six years, in order to complete his education. He's torn between his Mennonite roots in Hillsboro, Kansas, and his love for Boston, where he's been offered a newspaper job befitting his education. Add to that his affection for a girl in each place. Which path does God want him to choose? Which girl?

While Thomas struggles with these decisions, he's faced with another conflict. His boss expects him to support a certain political candidate. Now he finds that this candidate's ideals and values are opposed to his own. He wants to be where he can do the most good. But how can he write less than the truth?

I loved this book and highly recommend any of Kim Sawyer's books. They are great, clean enjoyable reads!!! The characters' struggles with everyday life are intriguing!

This second book in the series is as good as the first. I don't like to include specifics about the story because I don't want to ruin it for you. I love Kim's writing style - you're never bored and her characters have wonderful personalities that we can all relate to.

I highly recommend this series.

The second book in this series was well written and left me thinking. I enjoyed learning about what happened to Thomas after he went to college. The choices that Thomas has to make will forever effect his life. I enjoyed reading about the presidential election and the ideas that changed America's views. The story has a surprising end and I truly enjoyed the story.

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a master at crafting characters with a deep sense of passion for Christ. This is the second novel I've read by this author. The first being "A Promise for Spring." The beautiful premise of fervent prayer, faith, and seeking God's will is strong in this novel. I didn't want to put this book down! I felt as if I were being welcomed into the Ollenburgers humble home. I so wanted to see at least one more chapter at the end.
I initially expected some sort of romance in these novels. Yet, the characters' love for God made the story more beautiful. A perfect novel for young adults!

I loved Waiting for Summer, so I was disappointed with this one. I don't think Thomas ever knows his heart. How can Daphne be the woman for him? Disappointing....