Song of a Determined Heart

by Sara Blackard

In the rugged heart of the untamed Rocky Mountains, a tale of love, survival, and second chances unfolds.

Otto Lee, burdened by memories of a haunted past, finds purpose as a sheep rancher near the budding town of Fryingpan Town. His quiet life takes a turn when he stumbles upon Klara Sorg—a spirited young woman muted by her own devastating tragedies. By rescuing Klara, Otto unwittingly begins a journey toward his own redemption.

United by unexpected circumstances and keeping close their own secrets, Otto and Klara must traverse the treacherous wilderness, ever vigilant against the lurking dangers and the whispers that threaten their fragile bond. As winter's chill approaches and shadows grow, their love faces its most profound challenge.

Set against the vast backdrop of the wild west, this inspirational historical western romance will sweep you into an era of raw devotion and unwavering hope. Engage your heart in a compelling story of resilience and redemption that promises to enthrall until the very last word.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2023

About the author

Sara Blackard writes stories that thrill the imagination and strum heartstrings. When she’s not crafting wild adventures and sweet romances that curl your toes, she’s homeschooling her five children, keeping their off-grid house running, or enjoying the Alaskan lifestyle she and her husband love. Visit her website at www.sarablackard.com.

Reviews

[Esther Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one in a single sitting, and I have no regrets. I loved the sweet romance between mute Klara and self-deprecating Otto, and I laughed out loud when I realized this was the second marriage Trapper Dan had arranged on the spot within a few days (Flight of a Wild Heart takes place concurrently with this story, and the side characters overlap but each book a standalone).

As someone who has greedily consumed all of Sara Blackard’s books the moment I can get my hands on them, her characters feel like family and I love when they make appearances in multiple books across different series and even genres. This interconnected world she creates has enticed me to read outside of my comfort zone in the past and I discovered a new interest in genres I previously wouldn’t have given the time of day. No matter the genre Blackard’s writing holds a consistent voice that adapts well to the circumstances. If you’re trying to expand your appetite for the different romance subgenres, I absolutely recommend this author as your gateway to new horizons!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an early release book. I absolutely loved this book

[Tina Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Song of a Determined Heart, penned by Sara Blackard, portrayed a time in young America where tragedy may have happened, however, there were lands to be conquered where hope was alive. In search of such a place, Klara Sorg’s family embarked on a journey out to the western frontier. Due to tracheotomy surgery, young Klara was rendered mute, but she was otherwise mentally intact, and her family searched for new opportunities for her. As hope for that future collapsed in the East, the Sorg’s headed West for a brighter future.
As Klara found out early in her young life, the world could be a cruel place. During the journey West, Klara’s parents died, leaving her into the clutches of a selfish couple who sought any rewards of others, for their own gain. After Klara was malnourished and beaten, Otto Lee rescued her from her fears and possible death. To protect Klara’s virtue and to keep her physically safe, Otto married her in a street ceremony. He hoped to allow her time to figure out her future and what she wanted it to look like.
All throughout the pages in Song of a Determined Heart, my own heart soared high above the clouds as each scene played out and hope began to take root in this young couple’s hearts and minds. With each twist of danger and the high-level of emotions, I found the amazing hope that Blackard placed just in their reach and realized they held onto it. As the scenes unfolded, it was heartwarming to see an innumerable number of strangers help Klara’s faith take flight.
When Klara opened her heart and allowed people to understand her plight, she seized hold of the opportunity to learn, love and grow. With each new learned thing, she taught those closest to her ways to communicate and she blossomed under God’s blessings and grace. The Song of a Determined Heart allowed me, as a reader, to find the hope, faith, and courage that these early Americans had. This story reminded me that when times are at their toughest, our faith in God makes us tougher!
I was given this book by the author for my honest opinion, and I rate it a 5 out of 5 stars. This book has taken my absolute love of history, wrapped it in fiction, and allowed my senses to soar! This lightly suspense-filled tale blended with pieces of America’s hardships as they journeyed West was amazing. All throughout this book, my heart was repeating the popular phrase, “Go West young man” …

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Song of a Determined Heart by Sara Blackard is a delightful book. It starts just days after the beginning of Flight of a Wild Heart. I was honored to receive an advance copy from the author.

It is a gritty but heartwarming story of two lonely young people who think of themselves as social misfits. Incidents in their pasts have nurtured in each a very low opinion of their own self-worth. Klara is mute due to a surgical mishap when she was nine. Her family despairs of her ever getting married. When her parents die, she is forced into servitude and severely abused by the couple who were hired to escort the family to Fryingpan Town. Otto is dyslexic, although there is no real knowledge of dyslexia in those days, and feels that his difficulty reading makes him stupid. He carries guilt about the deaths of his sister, mother and father.

It was lovely to watch as their marriage of convenience becomes a marriage that makes them whole again. Their care and concern for one another, and their willingness to trust God, allows love to bloom and self-esteem to be redeemed.

The other characters that touch their lives range between wonderful and caring to gullible and mean and to the downright evil. And everyone’s end is as it should be. I highly recommend this book and you do not have had to read the previous book to enjoy this one.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Blackard has given us another awesome story! Otto and Klara have such pain in their backgrounds that they live with such a heaviness that it is a wonder they have the strength to move forward. When Otto heads into Fryingpan town to get supplies, he comes home with a lot more than he bargained for. After the death of her parents on the western trail to a whole new life, Klara is left in a very dangerous situation. I felt such a love for these 2 hurting people that I had to keep reading to see what the author had in store for them. I enjoyed that Trapper Dan was once again in Fryingpan Town to come to the rescue of the hurting people that reside there. Along with such down on their luck and dangerous residents. I enjoyed meeting new members of the small community, and I can't help but wonder where they came up with the name for their residents of basically tent dwellers. Otto is trying out a new means of making a living along with his 2 dogs that are really this man's best friend. There is so much going on in this book, I found it very difficult to put it down. This is the 2nd book in this series and it was every bit as exciting as the first one. I really look forward to the next one! Thank you so much to the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy. This review is my own honest opinion.

[Barbara DeNamur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartfelt story of determination and dedication to finding the truth in a wild mining town. This is an adventurous tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Sara Blackard puts the reader into every scene of this thrilling story. Klara’s parents decide to move west, but along the way, they die of illness. Klara is mute and needs protection, so she goes with a couple. They are wicked people who physically and mentally mistreat Klara, who lives in fear and sleeps in the barn. Otto is an inexperienced sheepherder who was given a herd of sheep as an experiment and needs to make a profit to pay off his debt. He was on his way to town for flour and bacon and witnessed Klara being beaten. He steps in and rescues her, then with the suggestion of Trapper Dan, ends up with a wife so he can protect her from the wild men of the town. Challenging events and the trials of two people, who seem to be opposites, learning to live together kept me turning the pages. Sara Blackard’s storytelling does not disappoint!

[Jodi Enns · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight it was to read “Song of a Determined Heart”. I love it when authors pick up an unfinished or briefly introduced story from previously enjoyed books and share their continued journey. (This book can easily be read as a stand alone novel; however, you would miss out on background details from other books.) Otto was given a second chance and a new livelihood through the generosity of Orlando Thomas. Saving mute Klara from the cruelty she experienced came automatically to Otto as he charged in to rescue her. They continue to save each other as their story unfolds in unexpected twists and turns. Their journey contains mystery, heartbreak, murder and loss but also the beautiful hope of love, faith, friendship and new beginnings. I absolutely loved Otto and Klara’s story and didn’t want to see it end! If you haven't read Sara Blackard's books before, you are missing out!!

[Pat Fugate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otto lost part of his family to an influenza outbreak and his father to thieves who stole the gold he and his father had found. Klara's parents died traveling near Frying Pan, Colorado, to find their fortune. Klara, a mute who wasn't considered "suitable" for marriage, became the abused servant to the German couple who were suppose to help them along the trail. Otto, while tending to his sheep, rescues Klara from the wife who was physically attacking her. She chose to leave with him because a woman traveling alone would be very dangerous. Trapper Dan persuades Otto to offer her his protection by marrying her. The following story is one of learning to trust the Lord, protecting what is important, and finding hope and love. Also this story brings closure to the past so both Otto and Klara can find peace. A very good book.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Klara suffered an injury when she was 9 that left her unable to speak. Her father was an attorney in OH. He felt that a move to CO would be a change for her. He hired a couple to help with the move. The couple poisoned mom and dad, stole all their furniture and kept Klara as their servant.

Otto is a sheep farmer who has lost all his family. He happens by one day when Klara is getting beaten. He saves her and takes her to the doctor. Trapper Dan shows up and convinces him that the only way to keep her save is to marry her.

Klara works hard to prove her "worth" to Otto and everyone in the town. Her father had learned sign language, but her mother never did. She is shocked when Otto wants to learn so that he can communicate with her.

Such a sweet sweet story!!! If Sara Blackard is not on your favorite author list, she should be. Excellent story!

[Barbara Labbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story! I fell in love with Klara from the start and I was so angry how she was treated b y the Mullers! Otto is a sheep rancher who rescues Klara from the abusive Mullers, but Klara is mute and the people thought if you were mute, you must also be dumb. But Klara is smart and knows what is going on around her. Trapper Dan is visiting the tent town and hears about Klara. Dan encourages Otto to take care of Klara since her family died on trail to Colorado. Otto agrees and before he knows what's happening, Trapper Dan are marrying Otto and Klara to keep Klara safe. Otto and Klara work together to make it through the Colorado winter. They fall in love while being warding off attacks from Otto's enemies and the Mullers. I received a free ARC copy for my honest and voluntary review.

[Tracey Wert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara has done it again! Song of a Determined Heart is a great follow-up the Flight of a Wild Heart.

Klara has every reason not to trust after the terrible hand she’s been dealt. But when she’s rescued from a near-death experience by someone who seems to be kind and caring, she’s certainly curious. Otto just happens past a young woman in a terrible situation, and knows that he has to do something to help.

Otto and Klara are brought together under less than stellar circumstances, but their story develops in a most beautiful way. Klara learns to exhibit her strength and Otto supports her as their relationship blossoms.

There are some tense moments of danger mixed in which only adds to the storyline. Hard to put this one down!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otto and Klara are both in need of redemption. This is their story, and it is so wonderful. Sara Blackards' characters always come to life on the pages of her books. Otto rescues Klara from a horrible situation. He tries to find a place to leave her, but there is no where that she will be safe. Enter Trapper Dan, traveling preacher, and a marriage of convenience. These two are so delightful as they learn about each other. They face new dangers from two different directions, along with distain and prejudice from people willing to believe in the lies being spread about Klara. I really enjoyed this book, as I do all of Sara Blackards' books. If you enjoy a sweet love story, along with edge of your seat suspense, you will really enjoy this book.

[Ronnie Fody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several novels by this author and she never disappoints. Her use of word imagery draws a realistic picture of the Colorado country side, town, and the people. This is a realistic love story filled with adventure, heartache, and God’s grace. Otto goes to “town one morning for flour and bacon and came home with a wife.” Interesting start to a moving and inspirational story. Klara, an orphan, and at the mercy of the Muller's is destitute and forced to work for them. A sequence of events leads Otto to rescue her from them and in the process marries her. As the story unfolds you witness their growing trust, and love for one another as well as the blessings of the people that come along side of them to give them a helping hand.
R. Fody
Nov 6, 2023

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is inspiring and hopeful. Klara and Otto are both broken people when they meet and what a meeting it is! Otto comes upon a woman beating another woman while a man stands and watches. He goes to the rescue. Klara is left mute after a childhood incident. She is a grown woman on her own after her parents death while crossing the plains.
Otto is also alone after witnessing his mother and sister pass away from illness and his father murdered in cold blood.
Watching them turn to each other and God to heal their hearts is a beautiful thing. There are twists and turns and lots of adventure along with the sweet blooming of love. I would highly recommend this book.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows right after Flight of a Wild Heart begins. Another marriage of convenience occurs, this time between Otto and Klara. Their story is full of kindness and love, learning of what really happened with the deaths of Klara’s parents and how her father had still provided for her. Their back stories weigh heavily on them, yet they are able to overcome and learn new things together. The 3-legged dog has such personality and I enjoyed how Klara’s emotions could be displayed through her piano playing. It is definitely a page-turner and may keep you up reading late at night, but I would highly recommend this book and author.

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh such an inspiration story Klara became mute during a surgery that went wrong. She had really struggled so her parents decided to head west but unfortunately her parents died during the trip. Otto had lots of issues go on in his life as well, his mother and sister had died from influenza and his father had been killed.

But lo and behold Trapper Dan becomes involved and will he be able to let them see that they are actually good for each other. Sara Blackard’s books just keep getting better and better!

I received this ARC from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carole Griffitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people alone in the world. Klara Sorg, a mute 19-year-old, set out from Ohio to travel to Colorado with her parents who died along the way. The couple her parents trusted to care for her stole her inheritance and treated her cruelly. After his mother died, Otto Lee and his father went to the Colorado gold fields where Otto was robbed, and his father murdered. After Otto proved himself a hard worker, Orlando Thomas gave him 500 sheep to care for, for which he would pay later. Be prepared for surprises as you read their story. Along the way, meet people from Sara’s previous stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Klara is unable to speak due to a childhood injury. Most people consider her dumb. Otto can see beyond her inability to speak and sees the beautiful woman she is. Otto is a shepherd who considers himself a coward because of events in his youth and unworthy to have a wife. They enter into a marriage of convenience in order to rescue Klara from an abusive situation.

Wonderful story that highlights God’s mercy, justice, and love. This story has well-developed characters, a sense of history, romance, drama, and Christian principles.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this next installment in this historical romance series. Here we have a mute heroine who has suffered and a marriage of convenience which comes to her rescue. I liked the growing both characters did and how they each helped each other. I appreciated the emphasis on putting aside your pride for the good of someone else. I definitely loved the threads of suspense woven through. It was a great read and I can’t wait for more.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Song of A Determined Heart Is a great addition to this heartwarming series by Sara Blackard.
Klara is a mute whose parents died on the way to Colorado and was forced to live with a family that abuses her.
Otto is a shepherd who feels responsible for his father’s death. He rescues Klara from the abusive family and they end up married. He promises it will be a marriage of convenience for her protection.
Both are broken souls that feel unworthy but can they be healed together?
*I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I enjoyed the fact that Sara doesn't shy away from having her characters having difficulties that most authors avoid. She does it in such a way that honors people who truly have that struggle in real life.
I loved Klara and Otto's story; Otto's redemption, Klara coming to terms with all of the struggles from her life. Sara has crafted a beautiful story of love, God's and man's, forgiveness- of self and others.
I recommend this book for all those who enjoy romantic suspense stories.

[Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another winner by Sara Blackard. The story and writing are so well done that I felt as if I were there, and I want to go back. I fell in love with Otto and Klara, Betty, the sheriff, and the trapper. The characters and their internal battles are well and tastefully done. The story pulled on so many emotions; at times it had me chuckling, at others feeling anxious, and at others tearful. The town of Frying Pan is growing, and I'm looking forward to returning.
I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.

[Beverly Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my! This was seriously the best historical book that I have read in a while! I truly loved Otto and Klara. Times were hard for this couple, but I really enjoyed how they came to be together and to fall in love. I liked Trapper Dan’s character, even though he was just in the book for a short while, and I hope we will see more of him in the future. The author developed the story in such a way that it kept me eager to get to the next page to see what was going to happen. And Klara was quite the feisty person when she wanted to do something that Otto wasn't keen on. Truly enjoyable!

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mute Klara is left alone after the deaths of her parents. Otto is able to rescue her from a dangerous situation, and they marry to keep her reputation intact. The nearby town of Frying Pan gives them help and grief. I enjoyed the presence of two very faithful sheep dogs, who add to the story. This was a good story of working through your past issues, and relying on God for daily support. These books can be read alone. I received a free copy of this book, and look forward to the next in the series.

[Aud · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Song of a Determined Heart” by Sara Blackard
Second Chances !
This is a good story. I will admit I had to take a break at about the ¾ point, the tension just had me worn to a frazzle. A story of just how horrid/evil some people can be while others are just not pleasant. And, thankfully there are the folks that are just pure good, the kind hopefully, that most of us hope to be ourselves. Happy Reading ! !

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've not read a story dealing with a mute person. Because of that disability, many townsfolk treated Klara like she was mentally deficient and tried to take advantage of her. Klara is in fact very intelligent, however. Along comes Otto to save the day. The relationship that develops is truly encouraging and heartwarming. I very much enjoyed this story. I was gifted a copy. This is my voluntary opinion.

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read this year! I couldn't put it down. There were so many angles, so much going on. It was neat how it was the same timeline as the first one, Trapper Dan is one mastermind!! I loved Otto's protectiveness of Klara and how he protected her, even from himself. Such a swoon-worthy character!! Loved this book. Clean, romantic, a great read!!

Thank you for an ARC for in exchange for a fair review. These opinions are my own.

[Sarah Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Otto and Klara's story! It is one of struggle, hope, love, and grace! I stayed up WAY WAY WAY too late finishing it all in one sitting. I was amazed at how the author took a mute character and still brought so much emotion, development, and "conversation" between the characters! I just could not put it down! I highly recommend reading this book, but be sure to start it early so you don't stay up too late!

[Demi · Rating 4 out of 5]

When trapper Dan suggests Otto marry Klara to help her predicament, he was wary. when he saw how hurt and in need she was he agreed. Only to have the smallest of kindness make her smile. Otto quickly earned a place in Kara’s heart. It doesn’t take long for her to take root in his heart as well! It doesn’t take long for them to become a team and make a beautiful life together!

[Theresa S Ingles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapper Dan strikes again, joining two strangers in marriage within hours of meeting each other. (The first occurs in Flight of a Wild Heart.) Sara Blackard weaves together the lives of several characters. This results in a wonderful romance for two and, well, I won’t spoil the plot for you by revealing the others’ fates! This was a great read.