Review: Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: February 1st, 2012
Number of Pages: 348
How I Got This Book: sent by publisher for review
My Rating: 4.5/5

Goodreads Summary:

"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 at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit. After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.
Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive?"

Review:

 First, a big thank you to Bethany House for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

To be honest, I have been out of the historical fiction (especially of the western type) loop for a loooooong time, and I had a difficult time getting back into it. But, once I got back into the groove with this book, I really enjoyed it! Sawyer is a very talented writer, and I felt a quick connection with the main characters, Sadie and Thad. I very much admired Sadie's devotion to her family - even if she was a bit naive. I mean, it seemed a bit obvious to me what was "unusual" about Asa's opera house, and what exactly he wanted from her...but I realize that she put up a mental block because she felt such a strong need to provide money for her family, especially after her father died.

I loved Thad and the fact that he was such a good Christian man. I kept thinking, "Why can't ALL men be like that?" And when Sadie kept pushing him away because Asa wanted her to put her job first (and to keep the sheriff away from his business) I wanted to scream "NO! Run away with Thad, Sadie!!!!" He was definitely swoon-worthy.

And then there was Sid, Sadie's cousin (but not by blood, only by marriage), who was head over heels in love with her. I really felt for the guy. He was a sweet guy who meant well, but, well...the whole cousin thing (even if it WAS by marriage and not blood) would have creeped me out too. Plus, who could live up to Thad? I just hope that Sid finds someone special too. :)

I really enjoyed this book - it was exciting, heartwarming, and romantic! Take a visit to Goldtree, Kansas and check it out for yourself!