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Song of My Heart
Song of My Heart
Song of My Heart
Audiobook11 hours

Song of My Heart

Written by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Narrated by Laurie Birmingham

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

About this audiobook

The best-selling author of more than 20 novels, Kim Vogel Sawyer crafts works that stir the spirit. Set in the late 19th century, Song of My Heart features Sadie Wagner, a caring young woman who leaves home to work in Goldtree, Kansas, after her stepfather falls ill. Sadie hopes to exercise her God-given singing talent at Goldtree's opera house. But at the venue she's expected to belt out songs that are decidedly bawdy, leading forthright sheriff Thad McKane to question the purity of her nature. Still, a love blossoms between them far larger than any misunderstanding.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateMar 9, 2012
ISBN9781464038570
Author

Kim Vogel Sawyer

Bestselling, award-winning author Kim Vogel Sawyer wears many hats besides “writer.” As a wife, mother, grandmother, and active participant in her church, her life is happily full. But Kim’s passion lies in writing stories of hope that encourage her readers to place their lives in God’s capable hands. An active speaking ministry assists her with her desire. Kim and her husband make their home on the beautiful plains of Kansas, the setting for many of Kim’s novels.

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Reviews for Song of My Heart

Rating: 3.875 out of 5 stars
4/5

8 ratings6 reviews

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    In Song of My Heart, Kim Vogel Sawyer has written a sweet romance ... but it's much more than that! At first, I had difficulty getting into the novel, but once Sadie got established in Goldtree, the pages flew by. I also really appreciated the author's writing style—she wrote from the perspectives of all four main characters (Sadie, Thad, Asa, and Sadie's cousin Sid) at various times, and I felt that enabled me to "get inside" the characters more than I would have otherwise. Additionally, as someone who has roots in Kansas, I liked reading about towns I know!As I read the book, I struggled with Sadie's "stupidity." I couldn't understand why she wouldn't just tell Thad about Asa's illegal operation. But the more I thought about it, the more I saw myself reflected in Sadie. See, the heart of her problem was thinking she had to rely on herself to take care of her family, instead of trusting God to provide. She rationalized and justified her actions because she believed it was up to her to provide for her mother and siblings, and when her livelihood was threatened, she decided to do whatever it took to make sure they were taken care of ... even if her actions were wrong. How often do I do the same thing? True, I may not do anything illegal, but I am just as guilty as Sadie of relying on myself instead of trusting in God. Why is that such a hard lesson to learn?I really enjoyed this book, and I'm grateful for the introspection it spurred, as well.I received this book free for review from Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to give a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Sometimes life circumstances make it hard to make the right choice. Sadie moved to Goldtree, Kansas to take a job as merchantile clerk and opera house singer on the weekends in order to support her family while her step-father heals from an injury. Unfortunately, her cousin, Sid, begins to act strange and the opera house owner, Asa Baxter, demands that Sadie perform a repertoire she is not comfortable with or lose her job. Included in the turmoil are her feelings for the town's new sheriff, Thad McKane, and the ever-present knowledge that she must provide for her family. When Thad begins to suspect Sadie's involvement in the crimes he is investigating, their new relationship fades. Will Sadie be able to support her family? How can she make the right choice in her situation? Can faith, love, and hope bring the peace she seeks? Read more in Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer.Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer was an enjoyable read to me. Honestly, it's what I consider a middle-of-the-road book. It has some good themes and there is nothing particularily wrong with the book, but I probably will not remember it six months from now. The storyline was entertaining, but perhaps a bit predictable. Sid's character was strange. Throughout most of the book, he seemed a bit mentally unstable, but became normal at the end without much explanation of the change. I loved Sadie's character though. Her struggles with circumstances of life were authentic and helped keep my attention. I also enjoyed the comic relief that Thad and the Baxter sisters added to the book. I recommend this book to fans of Christian historical romances. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Story was ok. It was something to listen to while I knitted but very unrealistic
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Song of My HeartKim Vogel SawyerSummary: Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job. Thad McKane comes to Goldtree to investigate reports of a bootlegging operation. Once he earns enough money from the sheriff work, he plans to use it to pay for his training to become a minister. Thad is immediately drawn to the lovely young singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house. But when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he wonders if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes Thad has come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive?I had a real difficult time getting into this book. I found Sadie at the beginning of this story to be unbelievable. I can see being self-sacrificing but not to the extent she was. I did not care much for Sid either. He was the kind of person to avoid. Self-serving and selfish therefore I could not understand the two ever being close. The characters grew quite a bit throughout the story and that mad continuing to read it worthwhile. I also found the swing in Sadie to be unlikely. To tolerate things that she knew to be wrong and would constantly repeat the things her father told her seemed to lend credence to the unlikeliness of these actions. Thad was the only main character I liked. He was driven to do right and never wavered from that. The Baxter sisters were great and provided the comic relief without being ogres as bosses. The ending was a little too convenient although finished the book nicely. I would like to thank Bethany House Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Kim has created another winner! Song of My Heart is about love - love for family, love for others and fear - fear of doing the wrong thing and not knowing how to fix it.With characters like Shelva & Melva (that takes imagination!) who add some comedy, Sadie who is innocent and naive, Thad the Sheriff with dreams of becoming a minister (he's a little "strait-laced" & was hired to investigate signs of bootlegging) and Sid. Sid is the "bad-boy" - the one who helps Sadie find a job and then starts acting strangely. I usually have problems reading books like this, particularly Christian fiction because they end up "sappy" or too sweet and naive. But I didn't find Song of My Heart to be like this at all. I enjoyed reading a book that I almost felt a part of - I got to know the characters and it felt like the story was unfolding right in front of me. The story flows from one scene to the next seamlessly and kept me "hooked" from start to finish. I recommend this book for families. It's a great book for mother/daughter reading and book clubs too. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deut 31:8 (NIV)Kim has this verse at the bottom of her website and when I read it I thought that this could of been the theme verse for the book. One that the lead character, Sadie, could have used to lead and guide her instead of not trusting God to help her with decisions and going down the wrong path as she does. Things would of been a lot less stressful for her in the long run. It would for all of us "characters" - real and fictional.Thanks Kim for a very enjoyable story!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Richly written, "Song of My Heart", by Kim Vogel Sawyer, offers a vivid portrait of Kansas in the late 1800s. The author perfectly captures the rough and tumble times of an era in which so much occurred during a relatively short period of time. Changes to technology, transportation, communications, social mores, religion, fashion, science and medicine, literature, art and entertainment. The long-lasting aftereffects of the War Between the States. The glory and grit of the American Old West. A very rich and revolutionary period in history. The two most important things in Sadie Wagner's life are her faith and her family. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Sadie longs to make the most of her God-given talent by having a successful career as an opera singer. When her stepfather is seriously injured, and unable to work and support Sadie's family, she decides to accept an offer of work away from her home in Indiana. Through her cousin, Sid, she is able to procure work as a mercantile clerk in Goldtree, Kansas. She will also have the opportunity to sing in the local opera house. Sadie never expected that her new boss would be manipulative and unscrupulous, the "opera house" would be more like a bawdy house, and that she would land smack-dab in the middle of a bootlegging operation. Unsure of what to do, she continues to work for Asa Baxter in order to help with her family's finances. The town of Goldtree hires a new sheriff, Thad McKane, to investigate the illegal liquor business. Thad's true desire is to become a minister, and his plan is to earn enough money as sheriff to pay for his ministerial studies. He is immediately captivated by lovely young Sadie, but he is confused and concerned by her performances at the opera house. How can someone as sweet and spiritual as Sadie appears work as a saloon singer, and just how involved is she in the criminal activity? Both Sadie and Thad grow as characters as they grow to love each other. The supporting cast is lively and entertaining, particularly Asa Baxter's twin sisters. I truly savor well-written historical western romance, and I will long hear the words of "Song of My Heart" in my mind. Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books