Kim Vogel Sawyer's books are a joy to read. Her characters reach out and grab the readers' hearts. Song of My Heart is no different. Sadie Wagner and Thad McKane are the center of this story that is a page-turner. Putting the book down in order to sleep was difficult. It was so tempting to stay up all night to complete it, but that would have created problems at work. I recommend that you read Song of My Heart and find out for yourself whether Sadie and Thad can listen to the songs in their hearts and follow God's plans for them.

Sadie Wagner excitedly rushed into the house to share the letter she'd received from her cousin Sid, who'd moved from Indiana to Goldtree, Kansas. Sid had found her a job working in a mercantile owned by sisters Melva and Shelva Baxter and she would also be able to fulfill her dream of singing in an Opera House that their brother Asa, Sid's boss, was opening. She didn't know that Sid had ulterior motives in having her come to Goldtree. Sadie really needed a job because her step-father, the only papa she really knew since her father had died when she was very young, got hurt in the mines and was unable to work until his leg healed and there were no jobs in her hometown.

Thad McKane was hired by Goldtree's town council as sheriff when they started hearing that someone in the area had a bootlegging operation. Thad took the job even though he felt his true calling was to preach, as soon as he found the bootlegger he planned on moving on to preaching.

Thad was drawn to Sadie from the time he met her and took her for her first walk through town, when she asked about the opera house, he told her there wasn't one in town, this confused her since Sid had told her there was one opening soon. When she asked Sid about it he showed her where it was, it was a beautiful soundproof room under the mercantile where she was working. Sadie and Thad got closer and were falling in love and Sadie agreed to court him. Sid was not happy with the time they spent together and tried to come between them whenever he could.

Within a couple of weeks she was singing hymns and ballads on Friday and Saturday nights to a full house. Not long after that Asa asked if she would sing for private parties on Tuesday nights and the pay would be $5.00, $2.00 more than she was getting paid per night for Friday and Saturday. It would be three hours and it was by private invitation only and she was to tell no one about the Tuesday nights. When she saw the sheet music for the songs Asa wanted her to sing and the dress he wanted her to wear, she told him that she'd changed her mind. Asa threatened her with firing her completely and firing Sid also. He also told her that she couldn't spend anymore time with Thad, since he was the sheriff Asa was afraid Sadie would slip up and mention the Tuesday night singing. She needed the money to send home even more by this time as her step-father had died and her mother, sister and three brothers had no other income. She sang one night and couldn't do it again.

When Sid returned to town from a delivery he'd been on, she told him about the Tuesday nights. Sid confronted Asa and he threatened him and told Sid that if he went down, Sid and Sadie would go down with him because he would tell the sheriff they were in on the bootlegging operation. Sadie agreed to ride with Sid on a short delivery so they could talk. Thad came upon them and was going to arrest them but Sid asked to talk to him so they went behind a bush and the next thing Sadie heard was a gunshot and Sid was running back to the wagon and taking off. She kept turning around but never saw Thad come out of the bush. Now what was she going to do, her cousin killed the man she loved but had broken up with, she'd sung to men that were drinking and she felt she'd disappointed her papa all because she wanted to help her family and Asa threatened her. Where could she turn now?

Kim had me hooked from the first sentence when Sadie squealed with delight and went bursting through the door yelling because she'd gotten a letter from her cousin, and she kept me hooked throughout the entire book. This story was a wonderful read and I found it hard to put down. You really do need to go get this book and read it, you won't be disappointed.

Song of My Heart

By Kim Vogel Sawyer

Sadie Wagner is forced to leave her family behind to find work to support them. Her cousin invites her to come to his small Kansas town to work in the mercantile and pursue her singing dream in the town's "opera-house." But, when the opera house owner adds a "Gentlemen only" show to Sadie's work load, can she trust God to provide for her family if she refuses to sing the bawdy songs?

Sid Wagner has invited Sadie to Kansas in hopes of winning her heart, but will the new town sheriff ruin all his hopes and dreams by capturing Sadie's love first?

This charming tale of love, family devotion, and faith in God is a great read. The author has a very clear and easy writing style. You'll enjoy all the twists and turns as each of the characters struggle between their way and God's way in a confusing world. I think each of the characters was well developed and the story line was great. And there's a sweet surprise at the end of the book. This is the perfect book for your vacation or a rainy day. I give this book an A —good read.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Song of My Heart

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Sadie Wagner has dreamed of using her gift to honor God. When her cousin Sid writes that there is a position in Goldtree, Kansas as a mercantile clerk and a possible singing position in the town's new opera house it seems to be an answer to prayer. With her step-father injured from a mining accident the family needs the money. With her parents blessing Sadie travels the long distance from Indiana to Kansas.

But Goldtree, Kansas has a hidden side that no one seems to be aware of. Thad McKane has just been hired as Goldtree's first sheriff. Rumors have reached Goldtree's mayor and bank president that an illegal liquor operation is in Goldtree! Secrecy is vital so that Goldtree's reputation is not ruined.

Sid and Sadie were best friends throughout their childhood. But unknown to Sadie, Sid has been secretly in love with her since her was 9 years old. Sid is determined to marry Sadie and with her working in Goldtree Sid expects his dreams to soon come true.

Sadie finds satisfaction in her duties as clerk for the Baxter sisters. When Asa Baxter offers Sadie the singing job it seems this is truly God's plan for Sadie. Sadie's music instantly endears her to the entire town. With two performances every week in the opera house, nightly practices, and singing in the church choir Sadie's life is very full.

But when Asa Baxter demands that Sadie make compromises with her singing Sadie refuses. But when he threatens to take away Sadie's singing job and Sid's delivery job Sadie is left with little choice but to comply — after all her family needs the money her job is bringing in. But when Thad starts courting Sadie, Asa demands that Sadie break it off immediately.

Is there a future for Sadie and Thad? Or will Sadie's compromises destroy their chance at a life together before it ever begins? What is the song of Sadie's heart? Can Sid, Sadie, and Thad trust God enough to listen to His leading?

I found Song of My Heart to be an enjoyable book. Perfect for a nice relaxing weekend read.

I received a free copy of this title from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of this review. A positive review was not required.

Kim Vogel Sawyer's book is a story about a girl who has a dream of singing and a desire to help her struggling family. Sadie Wagner wants to help her family, but doesn't know what she can do. Then a letter comes from her cousin, Sid. There is a job opening for a clerk at the local mercantile and the possibility of singing in the local opera house. She packs and heads to Goldtree, Kansas. There she meets sisters Melva and Shelva Baxter, the owners of the mercantile. Welcomed with open arms, Sadie finds she is loved and cared for in her new home. But the opera house is not what she expected. Asa Baxter has built a concrete, well insulated opera room underground and off the basement room of the mercantile. Why there? The answer is revealed as the reader finds that all is not as Asa would like everyone to believe. Sadie and Sid find they are involved in the bootleg business of drink and gambling. She as the entertainment for a secret evening gathering of men interested in the liquor and gambling and Sid as the freight driver who has been transporting the alcohol labeled as molasses and vinegar. Are they destined for prison?

Taking place in 1865, this story could have just as easily taken place during the Prohibition period of our history. Lest I forget, there is a love story involved here. Sadie finds that Sid, a cousin by marriage, and the new sheriff both want to court her. It took me only about 5 evenings to read this book. Difficult to put down, I wanted to know the outcome.

I received this book to review for free from Bethany House.