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Heart of the Prairie #2
Where the Heart Leads
After his graduation from college, Thomas Ollenburger is filled with big dreams and many questions. What will he do for a career? Should he marry? Where will he call home? Torn between his Mennonite roots on the Kansas prairie and his love for the big city of Boston, as well as his affection for a girl in each location, Thomas is unsure of his place in the world. He has always sought God's leading in his decision-making, but now it seems as if God is staying silent. Has Thomas's heart led him astray?
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
69 people are currently reading
763 people want to read
About the author
Kim Vogel Sawyer
79 books1,207 followersAward-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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
March 12, 2018
My very favorite thing about this book was the clear Gospel message that was given. Thomas is a hero to root for and one who’s easily recognized as a man of honor, even as he sorts through what sort of man God intends him to be. Definitely recommended!
January 23, 2021
This was a lovely, beautiful story.
But he chose the wrong girl.
The guy who came along for the other gal came way too late for me to care anything about him.
Overall, the story was well crafted, beautifully worded, and a really nice story. The salvation experience was a good one.
But he chose the wrong girl.
The guy who came along for the other gal came way too late for me to care anything about him.
Overall, the story was well crafted, beautifully worded, and a really nice story. The salvation experience was a good one.
October 2, 2022
It took me *way* too long to read the 2nd book in Kim Vogel Sawyer's Heart of the Prairie series. I read the first one years ago. I can't even remember how many! But this one brought it all back and was a lovely 2nd book in the series. Looks like I have 8 more to go! These are gentle period piece romances, with no deep history in them, but they are nice books when you want something light to relax with.
February 16, 2022
This was another great story which was focused on great character growth. I loved catching up to Peter and Summer - Peter was one of my all time favourite male leads and still ranks up there high on my list.
I loved Thomas as a 10 year old boy, and it was good seeing him all grown up and on a journey to find his own feet and carving out his own path. This is now the second novel I've read by this author, where she introduced two possible love interest, and again goes against the one her readers would want.
I loved how faith was such an intricate part of this story.
*I listened to this on Scribd.*
I loved Thomas as a 10 year old boy, and it was good seeing him all grown up and on a journey to find his own feet and carving out his own path. This is now the second novel I've read by this author, where she introduced two possible love interest, and again goes against the one her readers would want.
I loved how faith was such an intricate part of this story.
*I listened to this on Scribd.*
April 14, 2020
I loved this novel!
As much as I loved the first novel, I have to admit that I liked this one better.
It was so lovely to see Thomas all grown up, and he certainly grew into a great man. It was wonderful to see that even through his struggles, he held onto what he had learned as a small child. His faith was evident in his actions, and it was great to see him making the right choices, even when they were hard.
The plot was also interesting, especially with the two girls. Since both of their POVs are shown, the author really kept me guessing on which one he'd end up with. I have to say, she did a great job, and the ending wasn't what I thought it would be. I came to love both the girls, and I am super happy with who he ended up with.
I also loved seeing Peter and Summer again! I was delighted to catch up with them, and their growing family.
The themes of truth, honour and redemption were presented beautifully by the author.
This isn't a fast-paced, exciting novel, but instead it's a novel on the adventures of life, and the journey of a man finding his place in the world.
I would recommend this to all lovers of inspirational romance.
As much as I loved the first novel, I have to admit that I liked this one better.
It was so lovely to see Thomas all grown up, and he certainly grew into a great man. It was wonderful to see that even through his struggles, he held onto what he had learned as a small child. His faith was evident in his actions, and it was great to see him making the right choices, even when they were hard.
The plot was also interesting, especially with the two girls. Since both of their POVs are shown, the author really kept me guessing on which one he'd end up with. I have to say, she did a great job, and the ending wasn't what I thought it would be. I came to love both the girls, and I am super happy with who he ended up with.
I also loved seeing Peter and Summer again! I was delighted to catch up with them, and their growing family.
The themes of truth, honour and redemption were presented beautifully by the author.
This isn't a fast-paced, exciting novel, but instead it's a novel on the adventures of life, and the journey of a man finding his place in the world.
I would recommend this to all lovers of inspirational romance.
June 30, 2010
I was looking forward to reading this sequel to "Waiting for Summer's Return" to find out what happens to young Thomas Ollenburger as he becomes a man. He turned out to be the man I hoped he would become and was faithful to his father's teachings and Godly heritage. I prefer a book with a little more spark to the romance so I was a bit disappointed in that area. You don't even know who Thomas is really interested in for most of the book. The ending was skimmed over with what felt like quick resolutions to finish up the story. I enjoyed the book but probably won't read it again.
July 30, 2013
My one disappointment was that I feel there should have been a book between the first one in these series and this book. The story started about 6-7 years from the first book where some very significant events occurred so I felt disconnected from the story from the beginning.
February 14, 2022
Titlu: Unde te poarta inima
Autor: Kim Vogel Sawyer
Editura: Life Publishers
An aparitie: 2011
Limba: romana
Numar de pagini: 307
Seria: Heart of the Prairie #2
Aceasta a doua carte ni-l adduce in prim plan pe fiul lui Peter Ollenburger, Thomas. Acesta a crescut, are 20 ani si tocmai a absolvit facultatea la Boston, unde a locuit cu Nadine, prima soacra a mamei lui vitrege (pe care, de alftel, o considera ca pe o bunica). A fost atât de încântător să-l văd pe Thomas crescut și, cu siguranță, a devenit un om grozav. A fost minunat să vezi că, chiar și prin luptele sale interioare, el s-a ținut de ceea ce a învățat când era mic. Credința lui era evidentă în acțiunile sale și a fost grozav să-l vezi făcând alegerile corecte, chiar și atunci când erau dificile.
Intriga a fost și ea interesantă, mai ales cu cele două fete. Deoarece ambele sunt bine conturate, autoarea m-a făcut să ghicesc cu care va ajunge, doar spre final. Trebuie să spun că a făcut o treabă grozavă, iar finalul nu a fost ceea ce credeam că va fi. Am ajuns să le iubesc pe ambele fete și sunt incantata de alegerea lui.
De asemenea, mi-a plăcut să-i revăd pe Peter și Summer. A fost frumos să le reiau povestea și sa le cunosc familia în creștere.
Autoarea prezinta teme ca adevar, cinste și mântuire. Acesta nu este un roman trepidant și captivant, ci este un roman despre aventurile vieții și alegerile unui bărbat care își găsește locul în lume.
Autor: Kim Vogel Sawyer
Editura: Life Publishers
An aparitie: 2011
Limba: romana
Numar de pagini: 307
Seria: Heart of the Prairie #2
Aceasta a doua carte ni-l adduce in prim plan pe fiul lui Peter Ollenburger, Thomas. Acesta a crescut, are 20 ani si tocmai a absolvit facultatea la Boston, unde a locuit cu Nadine, prima soacra a mamei lui vitrege (pe care, de alftel, o considera ca pe o bunica). A fost atât de încântător să-l văd pe Thomas crescut și, cu siguranță, a devenit un om grozav. A fost minunat să vezi că, chiar și prin luptele sale interioare, el s-a ținut de ceea ce a învățat când era mic. Credința lui era evidentă în acțiunile sale și a fost grozav să-l vezi făcând alegerile corecte, chiar și atunci când erau dificile.
Intriga a fost și ea interesantă, mai ales cu cele două fete. Deoarece ambele sunt bine conturate, autoarea m-a făcut să ghicesc cu care va ajunge, doar spre final. Trebuie să spun că a făcut o treabă grozavă, iar finalul nu a fost ceea ce credeam că va fi. Am ajuns să le iubesc pe ambele fete și sunt incantata de alegerea lui.
De asemenea, mi-a plăcut să-i revăd pe Peter și Summer. A fost frumos să le reiau povestea și sa le cunosc familia în creștere.
Autoarea prezinta teme ca adevar, cinste și mântuire. Acesta nu este un roman trepidant și captivant, ci este un roman despre aventurile vieții și alegerile unui bărbat care își găsește locul în lume.
July 26, 2013
This is the 2nd book in the Heart of the Prairie series; it picks up 10 years after the first book, Waiting for Summer's Return. Thomas Ollenburger is now 20 years old, and has just graduated from college in Boston, where he has been living with his step grandmother Nadine.
He returns for the summer to Kansas, not far from the Mennonite community where he grew up, where his father Peter and his family are now living. He has big dreams, and he is torn between staying in Kansas and starting his own business, which is what Peter hopes he will do, or returning to Boston where there are more job opportunities using his education.
Complicating matters, he also has a girl that he cares about in each location, two girls who are very different from each other in personality and beliefs. He has also promised to return to Boston long enough to help his friend Harry get a presidential candidate elected who is running against Theodore Roosevelt, but he learns some things about that candidate that makes him question where his loyalties should lie. With everything happening in his life, and feeling torn between Boston and Kansas, Thomas struggles to find where he belongs, and what he should be doing with his life.
I chose this book because I loved the first one so much, and I wanted to know what happened in the lives of Peter and Summer; I am glad that they were a part of the story all through this book. While this novel works as a stand alone story, I highly recommend reading Waiting for Summer's Return first, it is such a beautiful story, and it also gives the reader a deeper understanding for Thomas's wanting to return to his old life.
I liked the twists in this book towards the end, it made for an ending that was not predictable from the start of the book.
I enjoyed this book also, almost as much! I say "almost" because book 1 was so well done, it would be hard to top it. I am disappointed though, that the rest of the books in this series take place in entirely different locations and with all new characters than the first two books. I would have enjoyed at least one more book about the Ollenburger family, to see what happens next with Thomas and the woman he finally chooses marry.
He returns for the summer to Kansas, not far from the Mennonite community where he grew up, where his father Peter and his family are now living. He has big dreams, and he is torn between staying in Kansas and starting his own business, which is what Peter hopes he will do, or returning to Boston where there are more job opportunities using his education.
Complicating matters, he also has a girl that he cares about in each location, two girls who are very different from each other in personality and beliefs. He has also promised to return to Boston long enough to help his friend Harry get a presidential candidate elected who is running against Theodore Roosevelt, but he learns some things about that candidate that makes him question where his loyalties should lie. With everything happening in his life, and feeling torn between Boston and Kansas, Thomas struggles to find where he belongs, and what he should be doing with his life.
I chose this book because I loved the first one so much, and I wanted to know what happened in the lives of Peter and Summer; I am glad that they were a part of the story all through this book. While this novel works as a stand alone story, I highly recommend reading Waiting for Summer's Return first, it is such a beautiful story, and it also gives the reader a deeper understanding for Thomas's wanting to return to his old life.
I liked the twists in this book towards the end, it made for an ending that was not predictable from the start of the book.
I enjoyed this book also, almost as much! I say "almost" because book 1 was so well done, it would be hard to top it. I am disappointed though, that the rest of the books in this series take place in entirely different locations and with all new characters than the first two books. I would have enjoyed at least one more book about the Ollenburger family, to see what happens next with Thomas and the woman he finally chooses marry.
June 13, 2019
Where the Heart Leads is an inspirational story of following God and seeing how He can give you the desires of your heart. After the first few pages the tale seems rather predictable. The naïve farm boy, the worldly temptress, the morally upstanding small town girl, and the new job in a big city make it seem like a story that's been spun before. However, as you read farther along, you come to realize that the transformations taking place within these characters are much larger than a simple plot has told you before. These characters are tested, deepen their faith, and come to end up where their heart was leading them all along. It was great to see how Thomas put God first and by doing this ended up with what he really wanted. I love how the story ended with the potential to change the hearts of so many who desperately need it. Overall, it kept me entertained and interested throughout.
June 15, 2021
I liked this book but not as much as the first one. I wanted to know more about what happened between the time the first book ended and this one started. There are a lot of years that are not accounted for. But I did like that we got to visit with some of the characters from the first book again. I really liked how their son turned out. I would love to know more about everyone but I am not sure that the rest of the books in the series will (I read some of the descriptions...they seem to be standalones rather than a continuation of the story). I would recommend it to others who enjoy this genre.
June 8, 2015
I really enjoyed Thomas' story. I loved him in "Waiting for Summer's Return" when he was a young lad of 10, but felt I really got to know him in this story. I enjoyed reading Daphne and Belinda's points of view as well, and was very conflicted about who Thomas should end up with. The storyline moved along very well, and it made for a very satisfying read!
September 27, 2013
Didn't like the ending!!!
July 20, 2021
Ended up skimming it after listening to over half.... author seemed to write Thomas inconsistently-at least at the beginning. I didn't get that he was struggling with temptation but just seemed to be naive and headed into "traps". For a fellow who had been living in Boston for 8 years, at age 20 Thomas acts/thinks like he only just got off the train and not familiar with the world or a city. Further, he is aware of Daphne trying to manipulate him yet he continues to think that God may have the two get together. I didn't see enough of a reason for him to set aside his reservations (if he had more than a few fleeting moments of them) to pursue a relationship with her. Like so many other readers, I wanted to read more about Summer and Peter and the little girls and life in Kansas. Do they have another son finally? So many potential stories ... what about when the sisters grow up? How did the locals handle the paper? After reading of the transformation of Daphne, we just start to see that it is real and all is over - would have liked something more....maybe an epilogue. She knows nothing of being a homemaker. That would have been quite interesting to read - and if the the old village gained back some of its citizens, etc. I was disappointed to read none of the other Heart of the Prairie series follow any of the characters. Meh. I actually really liked the first book (and it was the first book by the author I'd read) and was SOOO looking forward to book 2. I guess this book was worth a skim. It just wasn't enough of what I was looking for/ not particularly satisfying with a very rushed ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2023
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.
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.
August 8, 2020
I have a few thoughts on this book but I’m not always the greatest at putting thoughts they might not all come out in this review.
Where the Heart Leads by Kim Vogel Sawyer is the second book in the Ollenberger series. This book focuses on Thomas. Peter and Summer’s son/step-son. It takes place not long after Thomas finished college. We are introduced to many new characters including Thomas’s little sisters and Daphne, a friend of Thomas’s, who’s character development throughout this story was excellent. All though I would’ve kinda preferred a slightly different ending, I’m not really all that disappointed in it. The characters in this didn’t not seem as Mennonite as they were in the first book. But that could have just been because this was focused more on Thomas and his time in Boston. I loved that God was part of Daphne’s character development. This was well written and I wish there was at least one more story in this series. Mrs. Sawyer knows what she’s doing when it comes to writing.
Definitely recommend this if you’re a fan of Mrs. Sawyer or just a Christian fiction fan in general. Please note though that this is book two and it is recommended that you start with book one.
Where the Heart Leads by Kim Vogel Sawyer is the second book in the Ollenberger series. This book focuses on Thomas. Peter and Summer’s son/step-son. It takes place not long after Thomas finished college. We are introduced to many new characters including Thomas’s little sisters and Daphne, a friend of Thomas’s, who’s character development throughout this story was excellent. All though I would’ve kinda preferred a slightly different ending, I’m not really all that disappointed in it. The characters in this didn’t not seem as Mennonite as they were in the first book. But that could have just been because this was focused more on Thomas and his time in Boston. I loved that God was part of Daphne’s character development. This was well written and I wish there was at least one more story in this series. Mrs. Sawyer knows what she’s doing when it comes to writing.
Definitely recommend this if you’re a fan of Mrs. Sawyer or just a Christian fiction fan in general. Please note though that this is book two and it is recommended that you start with book one.
July 7, 2025
I had looked forward to Thomas' story but it was a letdown overall. I don't remember Belinda from the book before this and she is a main character in this story. I did not care for the love triangle of Thomas, Daphne, and Belinda which was implied for at least 75% of the story then conveniently resolved. The quickly found faith of Daphne was not believable for me and too convenient for Thomas to have what he wanted. Belinda and her sister (whose name is way too similar) was a depressing addition to the story which was supposed to show faith and long suffering maybe but there wasn't a lot of joy or light in this story for me.
"How could dirt-just plain old ugly dirt-take on the appearance of diamonds when drifting through a beam of light?" pg 165
"...his father's voice rang through Thomas's head, advice from long ago: "Son, if you put God first, your family second, and yourself third, you will be blessed." pg 172
"Wrongs need to be fixed, and it's a sorry man who refuses to fight for right." pg 210
"How could dirt-just plain old ugly dirt-take on the appearance of diamonds when drifting through a beam of light?" pg 165
"...his father's voice rang through Thomas's head, advice from long ago: "Son, if you put God first, your family second, and yourself third, you will be blessed." pg 172
"Wrongs need to be fixed, and it's a sorry man who refuses to fight for right." pg 210
November 17, 2025
While the Heart of the Prairie books are considered stand-alones, this is a companion to Waiting for Summer’s Return. Thomas, the main character of this book, is “Tommy” from Waiting For Summer’s Return all grown up. Tommy was such a sweet little boy and I wanted to see him get his happy ending so I was really looking forward to this one.
It definitely went in a direction I wasn’t expecting as far as the love triangle goes, and while I initially wasn’t happy about it, the character growth made it make sense to me. Kim Vogel Sawyer always does a great job with developing her characters and helping their faith to grow and it was really well done in this book.
I liked seeing characters from the first book again as well. This was another lovely little read from Kim Vogel Sawyer. I’ve really been enjoying getting caught up with her backlist.
It definitely went in a direction I wasn’t expecting as far as the love triangle goes, and while I initially wasn’t happy about it, the character growth made it make sense to me. Kim Vogel Sawyer always does a great job with developing her characters and helping their faith to grow and it was really well done in this book.
I liked seeing characters from the first book again as well. This was another lovely little read from Kim Vogel Sawyer. I’ve really been enjoying getting caught up with her backlist.
September 27, 2018
Words of wisdom
I so enjoy Kim 's books. She is a wonderful witter. The stories pull you in from the very first page. Her love of God shows in her stories and is so wonderful and fulfilling. I have read SEVEN of her books at least and am ready for my Eighth. I would highly recommend her books to anyone with a love of God. They may even help someone else . The Amish and Mennonite people have such a living culture.
I so enjoy Kim 's books. She is a wonderful witter. The stories pull you in from the very first page. Her love of God shows in her stories and is so wonderful and fulfilling. I have read SEVEN of her books at least and am ready for my Eighth. I would highly recommend her books to anyone with a love of God. They may even help someone else . The Amish and Mennonite people have such a living culture.
September 9, 2024
Thomas is living in Boston and working to help a candidate's campaign. He returns home for a short while to help get things right within himself. His "girlfriend" writes to tell him her father has a job waiting for him. He returns to Boston and realizes he hasn't been living right and things must change. Now will he stay in Boston, what about his "girlfriend", and if he returns what will he become.
July 3, 2017
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.
June 4, 2019
Wonderful Good Read
Loved this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Thomas goes to Boston and gets an education, then works for a newspaper man, Daphne's father. He is torn between living in Boston and his Native Kansas. You will have to read the rest of the book to find out what happens. Highly recommend.
Loved this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Thomas goes to Boston and gets an education, then works for a newspaper man, Daphne's father. He is torn between living in Boston and his Native Kansas. You will have to read the rest of the book to find out what happens. Highly recommend.
June 18, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up. He chose the wrong girl! The ending was all wrong…. About 3/4 through the book it took a turn that was way too late in the story and made everything unbelievable. The characters- all three main characters- changed drastically which made me stop caring about the characters or the ending. It could have been so much better.
October 22, 2022
Really enjoyed the audio version of this. The reader does a great job. The ending could’ve gone so many different ways. Thomas could’ve chose either girl and I am a little sad with his choice but overall great story.
October 9, 2023
Inspiring
I loved this series. I love the theme of placing Christ in the center of our lives. By following His will things in our lives fall in place. God can do miraculous things. Trust Him with everything.
I loved this series. I love the theme of placing Christ in the center of our lives. By following His will things in our lives fall in place. God can do miraculous things. Trust Him with everything.
July 13, 2018
The characters in the story learn to follow God’s will through misfortune and undesired consequences. A story of love and forgiveness superbly modeled.
February 19, 2019
I truly enjoyed Thomas and Daphne’s spiritual journey. I wasn’t sure they were going to be together until the end, but I loved how it all came together. Happy reading/listening!
August 8, 2019
Characters of Love
This book is of excellence reading both in keeping you going and likable story line. A good book for all ages. A good Christian reading
This book is of excellence reading both in keeping you going and likable story line. A good book for all ages. A good Christian reading
March 23, 2020
Very good
I could not put it down. The subject was interesting. A big surprise when you think of one love when it changes.
I could not put it down. The subject was interesting. A big surprise when you think of one love when it changes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews