A Seeking Heart

Mountain Lakes #1

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

The life of Samantha O'Brien, a young woman running from an abusive past, intersects with that of the Klassen family of Mountain Lake, Minnesota. The loving acceptance extended to her turns her world upside-down as she learns, that God doesn't care where she's been; He loves her exactly where she is now.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian

265 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Award-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher that someday people would check out her book in the library. The little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer's Return. Kim's titles now exceed 1.5 million copies and are available in six different languages. A former elementary school teacher, she now enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Kim's passion lies in writing stories that point the reader to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. When Kim isn't writing, you'll find her traveling with her retired military hubby, spoiling her granddarlings, petting the cats, quilting, or--as time allows--participating in community theater. You can learn more about Kim's writing and speaking ministries at her website, KimVogelSawyer.com.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

About this book:

“A rich, heartwarming story about discovering God's love, acceptance, and healing--for even the most damaged hearts. It's 1917, and Samantha O'Brien, seventeen years old, runs away from Wisconsin to Minnesota to escape a drunkard father and broken home. She is accepted with open arms into the Klaassen family, German-Mennonites who show both love and patience to this lonely and defensive girl. Samantha's fractured childhood and its devastating losses make it very difficult for her to accept the Klaassen's genuine care and concern, because she's sure nobody can love the likes of her. But with prayer, time and love, the family--including the young and handsome Adam Klaassen--begins to break through Samantha's walls.”


Series: Book #1 in the “Mountain Lake Minnesota Trilogy”.


Spiritual Content- Scriptures are quoted, mentioned, read, & talked about; Bible reading; Many Prayers; Church going & sermons; Witnessing & Being witnessed to; Many Talks about God, Jesus, His love, & prayers; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Mentions of God & wanting to witness to someone; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, & Scriptures; Mentions of those & events in the Bible; Mentions of churches, church going, ministers, services, sermons, & hymns; Mentions of (Christians) Mennonites & their beliefs; A few mentions of blessings & being blessed; A couple mentions of sins;
*Note: A mention of an evil grin.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘what in tarnation’, four forms of ‘darn’, seven forms of ‘dumb’; Mentions of curses (said, not written); A bit of eye rolling; Seeing a dead body (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Hitting, being hit, & fighting; (up to semi-detailed); Being hit/beaten, pain, & tasting blood (up to semi-detailed); Samantha ran away from home; Samantha attempts to steal some food (but it doesn’t work); Many mentions of Samantha’s drunk father & his rages (it’s said that he would beat/whip her and her brother); Mentions of a possible coming war, fighting, & a death (which is all viewed very negatively as Mennonites are pacifists); Mentions of thieves, stealing, crimes, & jail; Mentions of kicking someone & assault; Mentions of bruises, injuries, & blood; Mentions of threats; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, drunks, & taverns; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A few mentions of gossip; A few mentions of tobacco; A few mentions of raising & butchering animals for food; A couple mentions of con artists & robberies; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of hunting trips; A mention of manure.


Sexual Content- two fingers-to-lips touches, a hand kiss, a nose kiss, a head kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, and three semi-detailed kisses; Touches, Embraces, Hand Holding, Nearness, & Blushes (barely-above-not-detailed to semi-detailed); Noticing; Mentions of flirting & flirts; Mentions of married couples kissing; A few mentions of a kiss & embrace; A few mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of blushes; A couple mentions of an implication of a girl “entertaining” a man; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of labor, pain, & screams (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a mother who died giving birth & the father wanting to drown the baby (it didn’t happen); A mention of a rooster wearing out the hinge to a chicken coop.

-Samantha O’Brien, age 16-17(?)
-Adam Klaassen, age 19-20(?)
P.O.V. switches between them & a few others
Set in 1917-1918
275 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
The first time I read this book and now this second time, the plot of this story plays out like a movie in my head; more than the majority of books, that is.
I remember enjoying this novel back when I read it in 2014 (which sounds like so long ago) and quickly got a copy of the second book to read. (Which I never did. That will change now. 😉)
I honestly didn’t remember much about “A Seeking Heart”, so it really was like reading it for the first time.
For my thoughts on it: I loved all the Spiritual Content. Samantha is a dear and I love seeing her faith blossom in this novel. Adam and his large family is so sweet and kind to her. The family tree at the beginning was helpful, though a bit inaccurate at times while I was reading. I’m pretty sure this book is classified as an adult historical, though, with the main two characters being young adults, I personally lean towards calling this a YA Historical. If we classify this book as that, however, it is a bit kissy for that genre. Still very clean, but a bit kissy.
Overall, it was a sweet read and I’ll definitely be picking up the other two books soon.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Noella Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story! I was lost and now I am found.

[Viola Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super sweet and a good clean romance if you're in the mood for something that just makes you feel good without a lot of angst. There seemed to be some inconsistencies, like I'm pretty sure the same man declared love for the "first time" at two different times. But the writing and plot were easy to read and the love story was sweet.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book

[Lynne Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This title was originally released in 2002 but I had never read it or any of the books in the series. I loved this book from the first page. It grabbed my attention and held it all the way through the book.

16 year old Samantha O'Brien, in an effort to escape an abusive home life, finds herself in Mountain Lake, Minnesota using the name Frances Welch and reluctantly becoming part of a family that not only shows love but gives love. Can Samantha learn to love from these people? Can she learn to trust and forgive?

Ms. Sawyer has never disappointed in writing an engaging, emotional, page turning, faith filled book. This book has all the elements - a young girl in trouble, a loving family, lots of emotional conflict, grace, forgiveness and faith.

I cannot wait to read the other two books in the Mountain Lake, Minnesota Trilogy. This book, while complete and stand alone, left me wanting to know more about the people of Mountain Lake, Minnesota. They are funny, compassionate, loving, faith filled (well most of them) and interesting people.

You will not be disappointed in this book! I highly recommend it!

[Krista Hart · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a bad book but the first 3/4 is very slow in my opinion. It took me a very long time to become interested in the story. The idea behind the plot was very heartwarming and was fun to read. However I felt that some of the characters were a little cheesy and I also didn’t like how Samantha was portrayed as a child for the 3/4 of the book but then when they started talking about her getting married they switched to her being viewed as an adult even though it had only been a couple months. Overall not bad a super cute story just a little slow to get through.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book!! I absolutely loved it!!!

[Jean Haberman · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting reading a book that takes place in the town I grew up and still live in. All the names are familiar.

Samantha was a 15-yr-0ld running away from her abusive father. She ended up being befriended by the Klaassen family, who took her in and showed her a loving family. Of course, it is a religious fiction book, so Samantha learned to accept the Lord and came to know His love for everyone, no matter what.

I normally don't read Christian fiction, but I enjoyed this book.

[Becky Fenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of this book grabbed my attention but than the pace got slow in my opinion. This happened many times during this book. I'm glad I read it but I probably won't be on my re read list. I loved the characters in this book. Adam & Samantha were both like able characters. I just wish they had more scenes together. I guess I wanted more romance.

[Darlene Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Samantha O'Brien - 17 - escaped a terrible home situation - hitched rides to Mountain Lake, Minnesota - disguised as a boy. She finds herself with the Klaassen family - whose concern for her is genuine and lasting. Can anyone really love her - break down the walls she's built around herself?

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story about a young girl in the 1890's to 1920's who runs away. She steals food, gets caught and spends time with a family who love God and each other very much. Eventually she finds her brother and Adam...the man she loves.

[Laura Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the story of Samantha. I found her relateable and I loved how the Klassen family shows her the love God has for all who seek Him. I can't wait to read the second book in the series.

[Chere Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good read. Sad but ends up joyful and uplifting.

[Jola · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet little read!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part was when samantha first really heard the gospel. There was lots of suspense in this love story. Very well done!

[Brenda McGlothlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good Christian romance. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Kayla James · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a simple story, but it captured me in a gentle hold. I loved this large family very much. I can’t wait to read book two.

[April Suter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Samantha is running away north from her abusive father in the early 1900's. She ends up in Mountain Lake, Minnnesota pretending to be a boy until she tries to snatch some food from Uncle Hiram's store and is tackled by Adam. He takes her home to his family and she learns how a family can be loving and kind but does she really deserve it? So does she stay and help the family or does she move on?

274 pages

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My read of Kim Vogel Sawyer’s backlist continues! This was an older release of hers and it was so sweet! I loved the Klaassen family and how sweet they were to Samantha. I also liked seeing Samantha grow as a character and become more confident. The discussions of faith were well done as well. This author is one of my favorites when it comes to Christian historical fiction. I can’t wait to read more by her.

[Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not an indictment of the writer; I have enjoyed other books by this author. Though I certainly uphold Christian values and a simplistic lifestyle in any people cannot relate to the way of life depicted here.

[Margaret Makewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book by Kim Vogel Sawyer who as usual writes a good tale that you don't want to put down.

[Margaret Makewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and couldn't wait to get to part 2. A page turner.

[Arnetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. It's a great story of how a person's life can be transformed by meeting new people who are willing to accept, love and forgive.

[Christal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story about a runaway girl meeting a Mennonite family in Minnesota, really enjoyed the familiar cultural references.

[Debbie Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful story!

[Partridge Public]

Sawyer, Kim Vogel PB

[Marg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book