A Heart Surrenders

Mountain Lakes #2

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

"His sister has found the love of her life, but is it all too far out of reach for him? "

All David has ever wanted was love and security. He believes he can attain his desire by winning the heart of Josie Klassen. But Josie's love for someone else casts a shadow on David's dream, making him question if love is possible for someone like him. Can David set aside his own ideas and fears and open his heart to the one God has planned for him?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Historical

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

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)]

DNF @ page 168.
While I enjoyed the first book of this series, unfortunately, I didn't feel the same way while reading this sequel. I don't feel like I should give this book a rating, but I will give my thoughts about what I read:

* Major double love triangle. What's a double love triangle you ask? Well, GuyA likes GirlC, but GirlC loves GuyB who also kinda likes her back, but GuyB's little sister GirlD likes GuyA.

* Both of the main guys (David and Stephen) were insanely immature in their thoughts and actions. Both boys want the same girl and one even thinks that she's the key to happiness and love. Honey, no.

* Those Koehn brothers make me want to smack my head on a wall. At least Stephen has a very slight feeling that the way his father and brothers all treat their wives is uncomfortable. Then he goes right back to wanting his future wife wanting to put him first.

* The final straw for me was when a girl (who nobody really likes in this story) is attacked and nearly raped. The attacker kisses her and says "she was asking for it" (boy, let me introduce you to my hand that's itching to slap you) on the pages before her crush rescues her. That crush tells her to shape up her attitude, which, frankly, we all agree, but I strongly dislike seeing her attacked.

I've enjoyed other books by this author, and I'll probably read others by her later on, but this one I'll have to mark as Did Not Finished.

[Libby · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really disappointing internalized misogyny in this book. A character is sexually assaulted, she is blamed for it by both her attacker and her “knight in shining armor”. This guy shaking her, yelling at her that she'd better shape up or he's got half a mind to let her attacker rape her next time, and a threat to “take her into the woodshed” for a beating like her father should have done is what sparks her come to Jesus transformation when she becomes contrite and ashamed of herself for having behaved in such a way as essentially having asked for her assault. We're supposed to root for this transformation because she's getting her, and I quote, “comeuppance” for being flirty, spoiled, (and extremely thinly written). Um, score 1 for Jesus I guess?

Gross.

[Darlene Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

David - Samantha's brother - from previous book -The Seeking Heart - impressed by his sister's love and marriage - wishes for a love of his own. When Josie chooses a mate - David deals with her choice - and is grateful for opening his heart to God - and a love who does the same.

[Chere Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

a good read. sorrow, a little romance and at times u want to bop some heads together but things turn out ok in the end.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book

[April Suter · Rating 3 out of 5]

David still feels alone even though he has more family than he has ever had. His sister, Samantha, is happily married to Adam and his family more or less adopted David into the family. They even gave him a job at the store. Adam's sister, Josie, is a good friend (could it be more?)and Priscilla keeps irratating him. The family keeps praying that David will join God's family.

272 pages

[Arnetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of her books. Characters you love, or love to hate.... but you definitely feel like you know them. Lots of twists and turns and sadness along the way; but always family and friends are there to help you get through. Always an encouraging, uplifting story.

[Margaret Makewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as part one. Well worth the read.

[Michelle Redmond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as good as the first book in the series, but still worth the read.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story quick read