In Every Heartbeat

a story of friendship and romance

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was the first time I read a book by Kim Vogel Sawyer, and I would definitely like to read her work again. The story introduces us to three close friends who grew up in the same orphanage and are now heading off to college. Libby is a feisty, young woman who hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete, who suffered a childhood accident and now wears a peg leg, wants to become a minister. He is also in love with Libby. And Bennet is the tough street fighter who longs for a place to belong.

The author builds these characters so well, I felt I knew them. I was quickly pulled into the story because I liked them and wanted to know more. The themes of friendship, loyalty, morality, family and finding God are dominant in the book. Pete is secure in his relationship with God but not so Libby and Bennet. I found their trials and struggles realistic and poignant. After all, they are all orphans and the loss of their parents, either in death or abandonment affected each differently and profoundly. This was well explored in the story. I also liked the setting - college in the early twentieth century and the brink of WWI. Although the latter didn't affect the story too much, it explained adventurous Libby's desire to be an independent woman with equal rights to report what was happening as a journalist.

The only part that caught me a little off guard was Libby's transformation towards the end of the story when, after a heartfelt prayer, she feels God's presence and has now found God in her life. She becomes too suddenly pious and all-knowing regarding God. Usually, it takes time to acquire spiritual maturity. It requires diligent study of the Scriptures and exercising faith. Although I understood that she found a measure of peace, I missed her impulsive and exuberant self.

I really like the book cover of this book, from the colors to the photo layout. It captures the mood of the story perfectly. Unlike some other books, the woman on the cover does look like the main character. I recommend this book to all fans of Christian historical fiction.

Thank you to Bethany House for sending me this complimentary copy for review.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

A HEARTWARMING STORY OF FRIENDS, ORPHANS AND DREAMS!

IN EVERY HEARTBEAT by Kim Vogel Sawyer is an inspirational historical fiction set in 1914 Chambers, Missouri. It is well written with depth,details and a page turner. It has love, redemption tension, orphanage,abandonment, independance,journalist, life's journey,finding a place to belong,differing aspirations and different opinions. Three orphan friends, Pete, Libby and Bennett, goes to college together. Each looking for their own place in the world. This is during the time when on where on the brink of World War l.Each have different opinions and desires. Pete, looking for his family on abandoned him after a trouble accident left him cribbled. Libby, who wants to be a journalist. Bennett who only wants to pledge to a fraternity. They learns true friendship, while Pete and Libby learn they are truly in love with each other. This is a heartwarming story of life's journey and how it sometimes does not take us where we think we want to go. Another story that will speak to your heart.This book was received from the publisher for the purpose of review and details can be found at Bethany House Pulishers and My Book Addiction and More.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

End of heartclan territory

Heartstar.

Wonderful story!

One thing I love about this author is that I'm always sure of getting a great story. One that offers honest slices of life with a strong Christian influence. This story definitely fit that. I couldn't stop reading it.

In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Libby, Pete, and Bennett are three friends who forged their relationships at the orphanage where they grew up together. As they head out to college together, each has their own struggles and desires. This coming of age story takes place just before the beginning of World War I at a college in Southern Missouri. As their lives ebb and flow through the current of young people trying to find their places in a world that has not been friendly. We see their yearnings, hopes, and dreams. Kim Vogel Sawyer has done a fine job of sharing a story of place and time that weaves through the lives of three young people. An excellence book to give to a young adult after you have read it.

What a beautiful story!

I had never read anything by Kim Vogel Sawyer before In Every Heartbeat but I got to tell you, she sure did blow me away with the first try! I absolutely loved it!I found it refreshing to read about orphans because I know I would've reacted the exact same way Alice-Marie and the other women at the university did when they found out Libby was an orphan. Refreshing to know that I shouldn't feel sorry for or look down upon any orphan because many (well at least these three) don't feel sorry for themselves. I read In Every Heartbeat rather quickly. It was pretty much an easy read, with such a believable love story, and God wrapped around the whole thing even when you might think he is not. I loved it! I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Wonderful Story!

For Libby, Petey and Bennett life has been difficult. Orphaned at young ages for different reasons, they now face adulthood at college. For Libby this means following her dream to become a great writer. Petey seeks the Lord as he studies to become a minister. And Bennett? Well, life is meant to be enjoyed.although the war going on across the ocean sounds very interesting.
As orphans, they are used to difficulties and trials to overcome, but each much learn to face hardships they never dreamed of. Will Petey's faith stand as he comes face to face with the parents he has never forgiven? How will Libby support her friends and seek her own dreams? And will Bennett ever find a place to belong?
In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a wonderful book about three young people at the turn of the century as they face the challenges God places in their paths. If you have a rainy Saturday ahead, pick it up and enjoy!

Sawyer Doesn't Disappoint

Friends Libby Conley, Pete Leidig, and Bennett Martin grew up together in an orphanage in Shays Ford, Missouri, so it's fitting that they attend college together too. September 1914 ushers in a new and exciting chapter in their lives. Libby will major in journalism, Pete plans to study to become a minister, and Bennett plans on joining a fraternity. An introduction to the campus sports star provides a rocky start, but they soon settle into the campus routine. Interesting adventures follow the trio, who spent their days at the orphanage climbing trees and getting into scrapes. The transition from childhood buddies to adult friends proves challenging; redefining such lines can be difficult. As orphans, each one struggles with a sense of belonging. Their past lives intersect with their future plans, particularly when Libby learns something about Pete's past. To further complicate things, Libby realizes that she loves Pete. But does he love her? And if so, where does Bennett fit into these changes? It was interesting to see the story unfold as they dealt with memories and events. I looked forward to reading this; Sawyer always tells a great story. She keeps you on your toes from beginning to end. I was left wondering just a bit about one character at the end - no cliffhanger or anything like that. Just some room perhaps, for a future story. Otherwise it was a wonderful tale sure to please her fans and those who enjoy historical fiction.

It has all - love, despair, friendships, anger, murder, prayer, and hope.

This book has it all - love, despair, friendships, anger, murder, prayer, and hope.

I really appreciated this book. The battles presented are met with realisms and honesty. I love how the characters show true examples of the human spirit and the Lord's character prevails, no matter what the circumstances.

This book is encouraging. It presents a light in the darkness. The author writes in a way that is easy to follow and yet still provokes a desire to learn more.

I would recommend this book in a heartbeat - it would be a great book for a road trip.

Blessings to you! You are loved!

Note: I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only. This review has not been monetarily compensated. The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Three friends that have grown up together, will they stay together?

Imagine growing up most of your life in an orphanage? Imagine that each time parents came looking for a child to adopt, you were not the one that they were looking for?

For Elisabet Conley this was her life. She spent time growing up in an orphanage at a time when most people came looking for strapping young boys that they could put to work, so hers was a time spent lonely and searching in desperation for a place to fit in. She did when she made friends with Bennett Martin and Pete Leidig, both boys in the same place as her, friends she made in the orphanage.

Pete Leidig is a cripple missing a leg that was ran over by a trolley when his parents needed money and sent him out to sell papers. Now missing a leg, his parents didn't know what to do with him so they had him sent to the orphanage as a way of solving a problem.

Bennett Martin is a muscle bound boy whose hopes and dreams in life is finally finding a place to fit in. He has always had a fondness for Elisabet or Libby as the boys have affectionately named her. Yet her caring and compassion seem to be only for Pete. Perhaps she feels overly protective of him due to his injury.

Yet when all three find themselves in the same college thanks to the orphanage sponsoring all three, each one has a goal in life to seek. For Libby it's becoming a writer, Pete wants to be a minister and Bennett, wants to join a fraternity and just have fun.

Just how will the trio survive the challenges that each will face in light of the coming World War. Will they seek what they hope to find or will this be the force that drives them apart? Find out by reading Kim Vogel Sawyer's latest novel, In Every Heartbeat

I received this amazing book compliments of Bethany House Publishers for my honest review and would rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars. This book is available in hardcover, paperback and eBook formats.

Great Novel!

In Every Heartbeat is about three friends, Libby Conley, Pete Leidig and Bennett Martin. They grew up in an orphanage. When they became adults, they went their separate ways. Bennett Martin pledges into a fraternity and just wants to have fun. Pete wants to become a minister, and Libby wants to be a famous journalist.
Libby finds it hard to be a writer in the early 1900s. Editors keep telling her to write romance stories and leave the news journalists to the men.

Pete decides to track down his birth parents and learns that his younger brother has been charged with murder. With the help of Libby, they try to set his brother free.

I have read several novels by Kim Vogel Sawyer and found this novel to be different from the others. I liked that the book was set in my home state, Missouri. I enjoyed the character Libby the most, since she is a struggling writer. There is a little mystery plot thrown into the story, and a little romance. It is a good read.

I would like to thank Bethany House for sending me a copy to review.

In Every Heartbeat Review

I just put down the book In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer. Upon reading the last words, I was filled with a sense of satisfaction and contentment. The book ended so well, neatly wrapping up all, or nearly all, of the conflict and questions that arose throughout the novel. As a romantic story, I would say that the book was highly successful in giving the reader a sense of adventure and wonder and staying away from the typical. This was a story that I hadn't heard before, and was content to follow the many different paths it took.

That being said, I have a few critiques. First and foremost, I believe that a title should say something about the book and I definitely would not associate this title with the storyline. I felt that it was a halfhearted stab instead of a well thought out summary of the storyline. To be honest, it had little to do with the actual story, at least that I can see. Secondly, it was not an easy book to get into. The story follows the lives of three different friends. It often changes perspectives and although this gives the book added depth as you get into it, it is harder to fully be drawn in as you are trying to relate to three characters instead of one. There was so much background information on all of the characters, I felt that Sawyer would have done better to write a story before that on Bennett, Petey, and Libby's growing up years in the orphanage rather then having to backtrack for the first half of the book.

Nevertheless, once I got into the story, I loved it! The characters were unconventional, something I often crave from the books I read. I would highly recommend this book as a gift, or a part of your permanent library. And I will be looking for more books written by Sawyer in the future. Her writing style and imagination will keep me going back for more :)

**Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Highly recommeded

Libby is a young woman full of imagination, passionate and ready to act, able to see worlds and stories arise from even rocks that once were the foundation of a building. Pete was thrown out of his home at a young age, but his new parents loved him and taught him well; he is the thinker and prefers courtesy and a correct use of words instead of disrespect or confrontation. Bennett is the strong, flirty one, with good instincts and leadership abilities. Libby enrolls in journalism, Pete in theology and Bennett in engineering. They all need to find their place in such a place; being orphans and having lived very difficult situations, they have a completely different perspective to those with parents able to afford a college tuition and only worried about society, marriage, looks and being accepted in a sorority or brotherhood. Up to that point, in the beginning, the book was not interesting to me; besides, I thought I was going to read about a bad impersonation of Jo March. However, as I read, I was pleasantly surprised that the story was much deeper than that, to the point I could not put the book down. Due to courses and activities, they get far from each other, but cannot stop thinking about each other. Libby knows that they do not belong to the group of students who get money from parents, so she tries to find a job. With her writing activities (I will try not to reveal relevant details) and her assignments, she begins to isolate herself. In the meantime, she will try to find her true vocation. Pete realizes that, if he is going to be a pastor to other people, he must be honest with himself first and face forgiveness; to that end, he seeks to find his birth parents and solve his conflict. Bennett, the protector, has his mind in being accepted into the brotherhood everyone wants to belong to, along with Pete, as a payback - the most notorious member is a bully and has made fun of his friends. He just wants to be accepted and feel important. The author depicts the characters' conflicts and backgrounds in such a way that the reader cannot help but get involved with them and sympathize with their struggles and hardships. They are seen growing up and making harder decisions as their faith is strengthened and their character shaped. A lovely story about three orphans that begin their college life, In every heartbeat is a lesson about accepting others as they are, nurturing friendships and finding peace in forgiveness. Libby, Pete and Bennett learn that innocent things might actually help accepting immorality little by little. They also learn that people generally to "find God in the midst of their selfish wants, instead of realizing He is waiting where He needs us to be." I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review. This has not influenced my opinion on the book nor on the author.

Very well written

3 friends, all raised in an orphanage, go off to college in Missouri. Libby Conley, who was left orphaned when her parents were killed in an accident,wants to be a famous journalist, and make a name for herself. Bennett Martin, who was left on the doorstep of the orphanage, as a baby, was there to have fun, meet girls and find a place where he can belong. Pete Leidig wants to become a minister, but he has yet to forgive his parents for putting him out at a young age, and while trying to survive on his on, the loss of his leg. Libby starts submitting romantic stories to a magazine, and soon she gets a small check and a letter that they will print her story, she is ecstatic, until Pete tells her he is trying to get those titillating romantic stories removed as they were not 'fit reading' for young women. He has no idea she has written one of those stories, so Pete doesn't understand the reason she is upset. On a trip home to the orphanage for a wedding, Libby finds that the woman she always wanted as a mother, has adopted twin girls, and she feels abandoned,. She also discovers that she is in love with Pete, and that he is in love with her. Shortly afterward, she goes home with a roommate, so that she can meet a published author. She sees a notice in the local paper about a 16 year old who ws convicted of murder, while robbing a store, and is to be hanged. The picture of the young man looks a lot like Pete, so she goes to see the young man, and then starts waging a campaign to save him. This is a very compelling story, with several twists and turns. It is the first I've read from this particular author, but I will be interested in reading more. I recieved a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers to read and review. I received no other compensation for my review, and I am not required to post a positive review.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pick it up and you won't want to put it down.

Three young friends begin their college journey together, but this is not their first journey. Orphaned at different ages, Libby, Petey, and Bennett have grown up together in a local orphanage. Eager to prove themselves worthy of the scholarships they have been granted, the three friends venture out to pursue their dreams.

Libby dreams of being a famous journalist. Her obstacles? Getting ahead of the men in her field. Proving herself as a college student to the local newspapers. Opening herself to what God has in store for her.

Petey has a calling to be a pastor. He knows that falling his calling may cost him the only other thing his heart desires.

Bennett simply wants to belong. He's always wanted to belong. Fraternity, military, family...somewhere there has to be a place for him.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Good Hot Chocolate Reading

It is difficult to find fun fiction to read that I feel good about reading. But, I picked two books up recently and enjoyed them both. They were light hearted. I got to escape--in a good way--for a little while and simply enjoy the good stories. The first is In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer. Storyline: The storyline is about three young adults heading off to college from an orphanage where they've grown up together in 1914. They all have different stories and hurts. As the book progresses, the story centers around the family of one of the three and what happens when finds them. Writing: The writing is good and easy to read. It isn't very distinct, but it is enjoyable. Plot: The plot works. There are twists and turns that make the story interesting and fun to read. Honestly, this book is what I expect of historical fiction. What I liked best about it was that the romance didn't overtake the story. Because of there is romance involved in the story. It was a part of the characters' lives, but it was woven in gently. If you're looking for a fun historical Christian fiction read, I'd definitely recommend it! Please note that I was given a complimentary copy of this book for review by Bethany House Publishers.

In Every Heartbeat

As a blogger for Bethany House publishers I had the opportunity to read Kim Vogel Sawyer's historical fiction novel, In Every Heartbeat. Set in the historical period of WWI, this book tells the story of three young adults, who are friends- and their individual paths in life. While the story is well written, with authentic historical details, it would most likely appeal to those readers who enjoy love stories and romance novels rather than history fans. One all too common underlying assumption, of many romance novels and fairy tales, as well, is also perpetuated in this book: this story encourages the common antiquated, yet strongly held theme in society that a woman's self worth and value is based on a man rather than her own self worth. A woman's happiness is usually linked to a man and if she happens to be single, it is always her choice, (at least temporarily- until she comes to her "senses"). There is always a suitor around the corner as a fall-back option to provide the heroine with a life of security, whose own life is on hold, as he patiently waits for her approval and acceptance in marriage. The entire story line is wrapped up in the tension or interaction between the heroine, and her future husband. The last lines sum up the basic theme of the story: a woman's dependancy on a man for happiness and fullfillment: "Libbey closed her eyes and allowed her other senses to soak up....the warmth of Petey's embrace....It was enough to rest blissfully in Petey's arms." (page 346) Obviously this final line speaks for itself. For those who appreciate historical love stories, the authentic details of culture and society will be enjoyable setting for this story. This book would be a good choice for any reader who enjoys idealistic, happy romance stories. I recieved a free copy of this book from Bethany House publishers and the opinions expressed are my own.

Historical romance about three best friends is poignant story

In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer is the sequel to My Heart Remembers. Pete, Libby, and Bennett grew up as friends in an orphanage run by Isabelle Rowley. Pete was abandoned by his parents to care for himself on the streets when he was just seven, and shortly after that he lost his leg in a trolley accident. His survival of that miracle set his heart on serving the Lord as a minister at a young age. Libby was orphaned when her parents died before she could remember them, and she took Isabelle's sister, Maelle, as a surrogate mother. Libby is determined to be a writer and make her name in the world. Bennett was dropped off at an orphanage as an infant and left that one as a young child when he didn't feel loved, then Isabelle's husband discovered him and brought him home to be loved as part of their children's home. The three are heading off for college with very different goals in mind, and for the first time, they find themselves pulled apart. Sawyer excels at creating sympathetic characters who readers quickly grow to love, and this trio is no exception. Libby and Pete are fighting their mutual attraction, and Bennett still struggles at feeling that he's never found a place to fit in. Readers don't need to have read the previous novel to enjoy these characters and be moved by this touching story.

A really interesting historical novel

When this book arrived on my doorstep, I picked it up just to scan the first chapter and barely put it down again for the next day and a half.

Kim Vogel Sawyer is not an author that I was familiar with before receiving this book, but I will be definitely reading more of her novels in the future (and that's a sure sign that I really like a book!). I enjoyed following the adventures of the three main characters as they adjusted to life in university and tried to find their place in the world and in each others' lives.

This book is very well-written with interesting characters and a plot that's full of twists and turns. I hope that these characters feature in future novels from this author, because I'd like to see what happens next in their lives! Throughout it all, there is a strong message of faith and God which is realistically woven in to the characters' words and actions. If you're a fan of Christian historical fiction, definitely take a look at this book!


Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers to review for myself. I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions posted here are mine and mine alone.

Her Best Yet

If, like me, you fell in love with Kim Vogel Sawyer's highly acclaimed My Heart Remembers, don't miss In Every Heartbeat. It's even better. Though billed as the follow-up to My Heart Remembers, it can be enjoyed without having read the first book. (You won't want to miss that one, though.) Beginning years after Remembers ends, In Every Heartbeat is the story of three childhood friends' first months at college. If that sounds ordinary, it is far from that. Filled with fascinating details of college life in 1914 and heart wrenching dilemmas, the book is a beautifully told and deeply emotional story of friendship, faith and family. It comes with my highest recommendation.