In Every Heartbeat By Kim Vogel Sawyer

In Every Heartbeat
By Kim Vogel Sawyer
Published by Bethany House

Set in Chambers, Missouri in 1914, three young friends head to college and a world of possibilities. Libby Conley, Pete Leidig and Bennett Martin have very different aspirations; aspirations that just might tear them all apart.

Libby Conley, a headstrong tomboy, aspires to become a serious journalist. When she is refused employment by all four newspapers in town she begins to write romance stories for a popular woman’s magazine hoping to develop a portfolio that will lead to more serious work. Yet as the term progresses, Libby encounters unexpected challenges and emotional developments that cause her to question her goals for the future.

Pete Leidig, kind, patient and sure, believes with all his heart that God has called him into ministry. A calling so strong, he is even willing to give up his one true love, Libby Conley. Before Pete can face his future however, he must face his tragic past. Pete is convinced he will never be able to let go of the anger and resentment in his heart until he tells his parents what their abandonment cost him; not the least of which was his leg.

Bennett Martin, mischievous rogue, desires to be the top man on campus, join the most popular fraternity and finally come out of the shadow of his best friend Pete Leidig. Cast off by his parents as a young child, Bennett has always felt unwanted and less than good enough for anything or anybody. As trials arise, Bennett must choose a path for his life and determine the kind of man he wants to be.

In Every Heartbeat is a captivating novel filled with identifiable emotions, reactions and desires. Sawyer’s character development is exceptional, drawing the reader into an intimate relationship with each. Even at the story’s end, I longed to read more about our three young characters.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.