My family roots on my mother's side had many Mennonites so I picked this book out at a used bookstore. I didn't know that there was book before and that it was in a series. I agree with a lot in the book but was not a fan of the story line in two areas. One of them was. The ending really surprised me, I was not prepared for the strands of the story being tied up in ways that I thought were not believeable.

It was interesting reading, I took the night off and read more than half the book last but I didn't believe that the characters would do what they did, I was not prepared for the turn of events.

The historical aspects were educational about the presidental election and the candiates after 1904, the settings of Boston and in the Mennonite community in Kansas were a great contrast in social life and income levels.

I really liked the step mother of the main character, Thomas Ollenburger. Summer was a very gentle and loving character. Her charcter was consistenly good hearted and loving. I might be tempted to read the book that preceded this one because I understand her character more than the others.

The author slips in German words, a few times, she goes over the meanings but I felt left out often. The author could have provided note of translations of the phrases in the back of the book. ( )

I noted this as #2 in the Heart of the Prairie series. Good story of settling the west, black & white. ( )

I did not read the first book in this series. Perhaps if I had, I would have found this novel more enjoyable. Regardless, I thought the story was shallow and the plot lacking. The outcome was predictable and the characters, stereotypical. The narrator in this audio version was just plain annoying, especially with her imitation of children's voices. Not much to commend in this novel. ( )

Sawyer reminds the reader of the pain of others. Sometimes knowing the background and family of another can help understand their reactions. Family has a strong tie that calls these characters to do what they do. But some with love-less families choose to move beyond what they know to find why others are different. Her characters move through this process and grow to love and accept love.
Expectations are not what they seem and dreams are not always what they want.

Enjoyed the twists and turns of the book, that went beyond what was expected. ( )

Although this story revolves around the Mennonites in early America, the story line could well be adapted into any country regardless of religious beliefs, in my opinion. Family sends eldest son to College//University in a big city where he is exposed to a whole new way of life. With romantic ties in both his hometown and the big smoke we are left wondering the outcome until the the last page or so. My second Kim Vogel Sawyer book of this genre and I will go back for more. ( )