Snow Melts in Spring

Seasons of the Tallgrass #1

by Deborah Vogts

She loves the land. Mattie Evans grew up in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Although her family has lost their ranch, she still calls this land home. A skilled young veterinarian, she struggles to gain the confidence of the local ranchers. Fortunately, her best friend and staunchest supporter is John McCray, owner of the Lightning M Ranch. They both love the ranch, and can’t imagine living anywhere but in the Flint Hills. He’s haunted by it. Gil McCray, John’s estranged son, is a pro football player living in California. The ranch is where his mother died and where every aspect of the tallgrass prairie stirs unwanted memories of his older brother’s fatal accident. Gil decides leaving the ranch is the best solution for his ailing father and his own ailing heart. But he doesn’t count on falling in love. Falling in love isn’t an option. Or is it? When Mattie is called in to save a horse injured in a terrible accident, she finds herself unwillingly tossed into the middle of a family conflict. Secret pain, secret passions, and secret agendas play out against the beautiful landscapes as love leads to some unexpected conclusions about forgiveness and renewal.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Religion, Christian Romance

304 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2009

About the author

Deborah Vogts is an author for Zondervan and writes contemporary inspirational fiction. Seeds of Summer, her second book in the Seasons of the Tallgrass series is set to release May 2010. The first book, Snow Melts in Spring is available in stores now.

In writing the Seasons of the Tallgrass series, she hopes to share her passion for one of the last tallgrass prairie regions in the world, showing that God's great beauty rests on the Flint Hills prairie and in the hearts of those who live there.

Deborah and her husband have three daughters and live in SE Kansas.

Reviews

[Val · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading Challenge - A book that has been "sitting" on the shelf. This book has been on my Kindle "shelf" since I downloaded it in 2010.

[Amydeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah Vogts debut novel Snow Melts in Spring , the first in the Seasons of the Tallgrass series, is full of romance, and untamed emotions that only God can teach us to conquer.

I love Deborah’s characters. She made them believable and easy to get along with. I was right away drawn to the heroine of the story Mattie and her love for the land and her heart for service. I liked her drive and personality, but I loved that she had issues as well and that she needed to work them out.

Gil – the leading man was interesting. You love him, you get mad at him; and yet you see that he’s just fighting his own nightmares. I like the pull that Deborah gives in him; strong-willed and yet caught like a deer in headlights at some points… it made him seem real.

I loved John, Gil’s dad! He was hilarious with his crotchety nature. It reminded me a lot of my grandfather and put a big smile on my face because the love he had given Mattie was something special that every girl needs.

It was a quick read. I read it in about 4 hours (straight.. couldn’t put it down!!)

If you’re looking for some good romance and heart bouncing, this is a great book for your summer reads. There is wisdom in these pages, and ironically hit me right where I was this week with my struggles, so it really has hit a soft spot with me as I can relate to it a lot! I’ll even admit it had me teary-eyed in a few spots! The horses, the open fields, the family land issues… yeah I like! It took me away for a few hours!

You can bet your booties I’ll be looking for the next book in Deborah’s “Seasons of the Tallgrass” series.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published by Zondervan, a Christian publishing company, so such things as prayer and church-going are a part of the characters' lives, and the characters' faith plays a part in their decision-making, but the religion aspect of the book is not constantly at the forefront. (Actually, I have to say that religion was pretty well done in this book. The point is made that characters are Christian, it's a part of their daily lives, but the novel isn't preachy - its aim isn't to convert, but to entertain. At the same time, it's a seamlessly intertwined part of the story; it wasn't blatantly wedged in to appeal to the church-going reader.)

Like with a lot of romance novels, I found myself frustrated by the characters' lack of communication with each other. But then, I guess if they were always up front with each other about their feelings and their Dark Secrets about their Hidden Past, the book would be over in about 50 pages. I also found myself annoyed by Gil, the main male character, who naturally (?) assumes Mattie (the female lead) will willingly drop everything to move to California with him. Even toward the end of the book, after he's realized he loves her, he minimizes her love for their small Kansas town and her fear of big-city San Francisco. "You'll get used to it!", he assures her. But why does she have to get used to the city? Why is her love of the small town less valid than his love of the city?

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first saw this book in the CBD catalog, I thought it was going to be a romance. It does have some romance, but it's also a very emotional story about forgiveness ~ whether it's forgiving others, yourself, or trusting that God has truly forgiven you when you accepted him into your heart.

Mattie Evans has always loved the Flint Hills of Kansas, and she can't understand why anyone would ever want to leave. Even though her family has decided to move away, Mattie has chosen to stay and is now the local veterinarian. As she encounters one tragedy after another, she learns to trust God as well as her own heart. After one such tragedy, she is called on to personally nurse a friend's estranged son's horse back to health.

Gil McCray left town straight out of high school to pursue a career as a professional football player. Memories of the horrible tragedy that made him decide to leave town have haunted him every step of the way. No matter how hard, or fast, he runs he can't outrun his memories. When another tragic event brings him back home, he's determined to face his past, with God's help, as well as Mattie's.

I was so excited to finally get the opportunity to read Ms. Vogts debut novel, Snow Melts in Spring. I must say that it was worth the wait! I'm anxious to see what happens next in, Seeds of Summer, due for release in May 2010.

[Parkland Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Completed: Mar. 08/25

Series: Seasons of the Tallgrass
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: TBB's "set in spring"

Book #28 of 2025: In my search to find a book that fit this reading prompt, I was happy to find one that had been buried on my Kindle since 2012. This was a new-to-me author as well.

The setting of the ranch in Kansas is serene and inviting. Mattie's love for the area shines through with her desire to practice veterinary medicine there. Some losses have her doubting herself a little and then her clinic/home burns down. Her elderly friend offers her his guest home on his ranch and to set up shop there until she can rebuild. Though she's grateful for the offer, she is concerned how his son Gil will react. They had not hit it off very well shortly before the fire.

Due to the aging man's health, Gill retires from pro football to help get the place in shape. A friendship blossoms between Gil and Mattie. Romantic feelings grow. Due to some deep past hurts getting in the way, they can't seem to solidify their commitment to one another.

There are very touching moments in this book, good use of Scripture, and there is a lot of vulnerability shown with struggles and hurts.

I do feel the 'blurb' for the book is confusing in the latter half. I also feel that Mattie's run of bad luck with animals dying and the fire meant there is a mystery within the story as well, but no. It feels unfinished and just dropped, unless I somehow missed something? It was a missed opportunity to add some zing to the story.

I learned some interesting things about ranch life. So much hard work goes into all of it. I loved the healing that took place amongst some of the characters and within some of them as well.

There is a book 2 that I may read.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading a book set in the Flint Hills of Kansas. It’s truly such a beautiful place and I wish more stories were placed there! However, it was hard for me to connect to the story. It was easier to skim than actually read.

The main reason for the 2 stars? I did not like Gil, the main male character and love interest. He acted very spoiled and selfish the entire plot (until the last few pages) and didn’t treat the FMC very well at all. He wouldn’t take no for an answer, would wheedle and plead and beg and pout when he made a mistake or she told him “no.” In fact, I think that was the most repeated line in the story “Gil didn’t take no for an answer,” which I suppose is supposed to make way for his character development, except that part didn’t actually change at the end.

I cannot with men like that, fictional or otherwise.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings about this book. The story itself was okay, predictable, but not in a bad way. The ending seemed a bit too sudden and tidy. I think my main problem was the characters just didn't seem to have the depth and complexity I was hoping for. Maggie's realization that her heart for the land wasn't as strong as her love for Gil at the same time that Gil realized his love for the land had simply been overshadowed by his feelings of guilt seem a bit too quick and easy. This is the first in a series, but I'm not really sure I have any interest in reading more about these people.

[Collette Erickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ordered this book for a student who loves horses. When I saw it was from the Seasons of Tallgrass series and set in the Flint Hills, I wanted to read it. Christian genre. Romance novel. AND... if it gets the girl reading, it is totally worth the money I spent.

[Debbie Waltz · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is about a prodigal son who comes home after his football career is over. In the midst of tragedy, love finds a way. But can gel forgive himself for past mistakes and make things right with his father?will love conquer all?

[L · Rating 2 out of 5]

Still trying to figure out how the two main characters actually “fell in love” with one another and wanted to get married. Most of the book was them disagreeing, criticizing, unhappy, and being selfish…

I kinda think she loved his dad (as a father figure/friend) and their homestead more than him.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book that I could put down and fall asleep easily afterwards! It’s a lot of country and horses and peoples stories, romance and friendships and history. I loved the threads of healing and forgiveness that ran through the book.

[Catherine Petitti · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is a nice, relaxing read. Nice story line, pure fiction, a bit of romance, a bit of life lessons,
a litle about the Flint Hills of Kansas and the history of the area. nothing to not like about this book.

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, was kinda slow at times but loved the ending.

[Jennifer Horne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this book. It wrapped up a little too quickly at the end, but it was sweet, with a good message as well.

[Larissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked certain aspects of this but...I wasn't too fond with how both of them were so sure but neither wanted to look at the other side.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Good love story with tough decisions that had to be made. Even I was torn as to what Maddie should do.

[Angelyn Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one quickly! A sweet story and I truly enjoyed the main characters.

[Charlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend! This is the second time I’ve read it, it’s that good!

[Bobbi Rookstool · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a good premise. Reads like a hallmark movie in a book. Not my favorite but can see why it’s liked.

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just another Hallmark movie.

[Britni · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was given the chance to review Snow Melts in Spring, I jumped at the chance. The book description- Mattie Evans is a female vet living on a ranch in Kansas - reminded me of my mom, so I figured I would enjoy the book. And I did. Mattie Evans is a vet with a stroke of bad luck. First, her parents get bought out of their land and have to move to the city, then a number of her animals die, her clinic burns down, and to make matters worse, she meets a former professional football player name Gil McCray. Mattie loves the prarie and hills she's grown up on and can't stand the fact that Gil gave it all up to play in the NFL. And can't understand why not that he's retired, he won't move back and make ammends with his father and their land.

Not surprisingly, the book is about Mattie and Gil and how they work through their differences by horseback riding, talking, and their faith in God. Both are extremely stubborn and stuck on their own ways, and the only way to come together is through compromise, which neither seems to like a whole lot. After some good sound fatherly advice, the book ends with a touching but happy ending. This book was well written, well thought out, and very enjoyable. The characters are relatable and well developed, and I was rooting for both of them to win by the end. I actually tried to take a nap with about fifty pages left and just kept thinking about what was going to happen. I didn't get that nap in. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a wholesome love story, animals, horses, or a struggle to compromise. Or anyone really, I'll be giving it to my mom to read next. 4 stars.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seasons of the Tallgrass
Snow Melts in Spring Book One
Deborah Vogts
2009
Zondervan
Christian Fiction

Reviewed by Cindy Loven

Dr. Mattie Evans is in love, with the Flint Hills of Kansas, she loves the land, she loves the people and she loves the animals. Veterinarian Mattie Evans is building a practice, slowly but surely in the area she loves, when troubles beset her, animals she is treating dies, a horrible accident leaves the horse of a famous home town hero injured so badly she suggests putting it down, and then a fire destroys her clinic and home.

Deborah Vogts brings us a story of overcoming odds, of love, of compassion and romance too. Gil McCray, hometown hero, is retiring, football has been good to him but age is catching up, it is time to retire, and settle down, marry perhaps and train horses. But first Gil has to rest the demons that have tormented him over the years concerning his brother's death.

Follow along and read in anticipation of the story to come and Gil and Mattie's paths cross, you will be delighted and never bored with this book. Toss in a sister who is much older than Mattie, and who seems to cause trouble and strife where ever she goes and you have a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. Deborah Vogts has brought us a wonderful book, and we will all wait in anticipation for more Tall Grass books to come. 302 pages $10.99 US

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snow Melts in Spring is a good romance packed with tender moments between the main characters and yummy kisses that'd make any romance lover sigh. While a bit repetitious in some areas -like the reasons for the characters not being a good match, I still enjoyed the story and read it fairly quickly. I liked the heroine's vet job and some of the conflict she had resulting from a sense of failure even though she'd done the best she could. I also loved the guilt issue from a past action that plagued the hero and how the hero (for good reason) didn't want to share this information with anyone.

As I read about their budding relationship I was reminded about how important it is to really like the person for who they are before allowing your heart to get sucked into a relationship because of feelings that happen when you are are attracted to someone. I also enjoyed how the author showed that wholesomeness was truly more attractive to a man who desires real love than seduction or the offer of a fling, which doesn't last and often creates disrespect for the person doing the seducing. The faith element in the story was also strong, as was the forgiveness theme and the message regarding the importance of family and heritage. This was a good story with a solid message and I definitely recommend it. The hero was pretty hot, too. :)

[Valerie Comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young veterinarian Mattie Evans calls the Flint Hills of Kansas home, even though her parents lost their ranch here in an unscrupulous business deal years before. The locals aren’t sure she can manage a vet practice, and Mattie struggles to prove her competence. When an aging horse escapes his pasture and is hit by a drunk driver, Mattie’s instincts tell her not even to fight. No use. The horse is a goner. But the old man who owns the horse is one of the few that have stood by her so, for his sake, she gets to work.

The old man’s son, Gil McCray, left the ranch years before after his brother’s fatal drunk driving accident, not even returning when his mother died. But now, with his career as a pro football player over and his old horse in jeopardy, Gil returns to try and set things right with his dad, but the two are cut from the same stubborn cloth.

It takes the wild young veterinarian to force the two McCray men to give each other another shot, but there isn’t anyone who can help her make her own decision–whether to trust Gil and leave the Flint Hills behind, or stick to her game plan and lose him–and her best friend, his father–forever.

As debut novels go, Snow Melts in Spring is strong. I found myself wearing down my iPhone battery several times over the course of a traveling weekend as I immersed in this ranch-based contemporary romance story.

[Christy Trever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snow Melts in Spring by Deborah Vogts is the first book in the Seasons of Tallgrass series. Mattie Evans has happily devoted her life to the Flint Hills of Kansas, working as a veterinarian and trying to find a way to buy her own ranch so she can ride its beloved hills. Gil McCray left those hills at the first chance he got and because successful as pro football player, but after his retirement from the game, he returns home to help his ailing father repair the family ranch and to check on his injured horse, Dusty. Mattie and Gil instantly clash as he assumes she's incompetent and after his father's money. She thinks he's an arrogant and selfish man trying to abandon his legacy as a rancher, but the more time they spend together, the more they learn about each other. Vogts has created an incredibly charming character in Mattie, I could read a whole series of books about this feisty, bright, and loyal woman. Gil is an unexpected pleasure to read about as well, not at all fitting the stereotype of the arrogant, famous prodigal son. They both have a lot to learn about forgiveness and sacrifice. It's a terrific romance, and I look forward to more in the series.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mattie Evans, a Vet, is called to a drunk driving accident to tend to a horse. I know - that first part caught my attention and I wondered what that had to do with story. I like how Deborah brought circumstances and rough events to life like actually happen to people in their lives. Faith, forgiveness, and healing of wounds both physical and emotional are brought to life.
I liked how the relationship between Matti and Gil had it's rough areas to work through as all relationships do. A Dad and a son divided by a bitter feeling for years are brought back together. Gil leaves home and becomes a pro football player. Both Dad and the son are at odds and don't realize how much each needed each other. It took a horse to bring them back together and to bring Mattie and Gil together. Also the teen who hit the horse experiences healing.
I won't give you the end of the story because you would have to read it and weep with joy.

[Gabby (What's Beyond Forks?) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?

The punches just kept coming for Mattie in this book. Between animal deaths and fires, she was tempted to give up, but she loved the land, people, and animals of the area so much. She was easy to relate to in that way, because sometimes it does feel like nothing can go right.

Gil is a retired football player that's moved back to the area, and though sparks are flying, he has some skeletons he'd like to keep hidden in his closet and away from Mattie. He kept putting off his confessions, and you just knew that would make things worse, but ya know.... he's a guy *wink*

Anyways, the story was entertaining. Both characters had their own issues to work through, and together they made a pretty cute pair. The Snow Melts in Spring is an entertaining story about reconciliation, forgiveness, and romance

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mattie Evans, a veterinarian who grew up in the famous Flint Hills of Kansas, is having a tough time gaining the confidence of the local ranchers. Her biggest supporter is an old rancher named John McCray, who also loves the Flint Hills and ranching. When an injured horse brings Mattie into contact with John's son, Gil, who has been out of touch with his dad while playing pro football, conflict strikes.

This is a gorgeous book and Vogt's love of horses and the famous last tall native prairie grasses in the world gives a wonderful flavor to a story with plenty of conflict. Contemporary issues and real life troubles bring it all home. This is one of my favorite books this year so far.

[William Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding debut novel... I am really looking forward to Seeds of Summer next spring. All of the elements of a Romance Novel are covered with the skill of an experienced writer. The Kansas Flint Hills characters are very real; expertly portrayed. I did oral histories with a number of folks just like John McCray a few years ago.... This portrayal is "right on." The emotions are correct, the physical attributes are described accurately. Using the character Jake to talk to Gil to get at the final twist was an astute move by the author. The Christian elements were nicely integrated at just the right times, throughout the book. Congratulations to a fine first novelist! ;-)

[Carman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming tale about letting go of guilt, and following your true dreams. I loved how Deborah matched Dusty’s stages of healing with that of his owner’s, and how she used Mattie to get Gil to face up to his past. This book really shows that the dreams we sometimes want, aren’t really the ones that will make us happy, and that we should give everything to God. Because when we give it to Him, He can give us something so much better in return. I was on the edge of my seat there at the end, but everything turns out wonderfully.