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Heart of the Prairie #5
A Hopeful Heart
Dowryless and desperate, Tressa Neill applies to the inaugural class of Wyatt Herdsman School in Barnett, Kansas, in 1888. The school's one-of-a-kind program teaches young women from the East the skills needed to become a rancher--or the wife of one. Shy and small for her twenty-two years, Tressa is convinced she'll never have what it takes to survive Hattie Wyatt's hands-on instruction in skills such as milking a cow, branding a calf, riding a horse, and cooking up a mess of grub for hungry ranch hands. But what other options does she have?
Abel Samms wants nothing to do with the group of potential brides his neighbor brought to town. He was smitten with an eastern girl once--and he got his heart broken. But there's something about quiet Tressa and her bumbling ways that makes him take notice. When Tressa's life is endangered, will Abel risk his own life--and his heart--to help this eastern girl?
Abel Samms wants nothing to do with the group of potential brides his neighbor brought to town. He was smitten with an eastern girl once--and he got his heart broken. But there's something about quiet Tressa and her bumbling ways that makes him take notice. When Tressa's life is endangered, will Abel risk his own life--and his heart--to help this eastern girl?
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
75 people are currently reading
816 people want to read
About the author
Kim Vogel Sawyer
79 books1,208 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 144 reviews
March 6, 2022
I'm a sucker for Christian fiction so I tend to grade on a curve. This one had a full cast of diverse characters and the setting was wonderful. Also, I love that I didn't see the ending coming like that. I'm usually pretty good at figuring out "who done it" and this one threw me for a loop. Good read!
September 16, 2020
A Hopeful Heart was such a cute read.
September 11, 2013
I should start by saying- this was NOTHING like I was expecting! I was expecting exactly what the synopsis on the back of the book explained. A simple story about a clumsy city girl learning the ways of the prairie and a hardhearted rancher turned soft. They lived happily ever after. The end...
Not so. :)
"A Hopeful Heart" was a touching story of trusting in God and forgiving those who have wronged you (seventy times seven).
The plot was really intricate and well written. Several times I was genuinely surprised, and at other parts I had to put the book down and think really hard about all the information I'd taken in and try and work it out, 'cause none of it was fitting together in my brain! So I couldn't really stop reading without finding out what happened, right? ...needless to say, I got through this one pretty quickly. ;)
Tressie was such a great heroine!!! She made mistakes (like we all do) and had her characteristic issues (a bit clumsy when it came to farm chores, and very self conscience) but she didn't get bogged down by her problems and mope around until hope dawned miraculously! She recognized her faults and worked through them diligently (with the help of Aunt Hattie's Biblical advice), making her stronger and even sweeter. :)
Abel, Ethan, and Cole made a great trio and I loved reading about them! Abel was a great hero and I found it humorous reading about how he "loathed" the idea of getting married while trying to keep his ranch from falling apart, knowing all along how things would end up. ;)
Aunt Hattie was so amazing!!! I loved her! She seemed able to exercise all the fruits of the Spirit to those around her, without having a "holier-than-thou" air, or coming across as "too good". I was encouraged reading about her.
The salvation and reconciliation scenes were very well written and came across as sincere, realistic, and encouraging.
This book was really fun, entertaining, encouraging, and clean. (Lovely cover, too. ;))
Not so. :)
"A Hopeful Heart" was a touching story of trusting in God and forgiving those who have wronged you (seventy times seven).
The plot was really intricate and well written. Several times I was genuinely surprised, and at other parts I had to put the book down and think really hard about all the information I'd taken in and try and work it out, 'cause none of it was fitting together in my brain! So I couldn't really stop reading without finding out what happened, right? ...needless to say, I got through this one pretty quickly. ;)
Tressie was such a great heroine!!! She made mistakes (like we all do) and had her characteristic issues (a bit clumsy when it came to farm chores, and very self conscience) but she didn't get bogged down by her problems and mope around until hope dawned miraculously! She recognized her faults and worked through them diligently (with the help of Aunt Hattie's Biblical advice), making her stronger and even sweeter. :)
Abel, Ethan, and Cole made a great trio and I loved reading about them! Abel was a great hero and I found it humorous reading about how he "loathed" the idea of getting married while trying to keep his ranch from falling apart, knowing all along how things would end up. ;)
Aunt Hattie was so amazing!!! I loved her! She seemed able to exercise all the fruits of the Spirit to those around her, without having a "holier-than-thou" air, or coming across as "too good". I was encouraged reading about her.
The salvation and reconciliation scenes were very well written and came across as sincere, realistic, and encouraging.
This book was really fun, entertaining, encouraging, and clean. (Lovely cover, too. ;))
June 12, 2023
I enjoyed the unique story idea…like a spin off of mail ordered brides called a herdsman school? Intriguing! I loved Aunt Hattie right off. She was such a sweetheart.
I did have one Big issue that dropped me from a 4⭐️ to a 3⭐️…SPOILER WARNING: A man forces a girl in a corner and kisses her against her will and she’s rescued before he can do worse. Then her older advisor who according to the plan is to decide if she (or any of the girls) can or can’t court someone does NOT decline his advances and pushiness about courting—she doesn’t guide her. It was totally out of character. I felt that was both unrealistic and honesty completely foolish, ridiculous, and a silly part of the story…yes I’m opinionated on this one 😬END SPOILER.
Overall, (outside of the complaint above) I did like the characters and the story line. The leading lady and man’s faith journeys were beautiful. The romance was a part, but there was a lot more to the story. There were a few parts that seemed to wrap up a bit more perfectly than real life does. The end I liked though.
Content: (recommend for 18+) longer scene with a man forces kisses on a girl who is unwilling (but she’s rescued and nothing more happens), suggestions of one girl being sexually immoral, hints that another girl was sexually abused
I did have one Big issue that dropped me from a 4⭐️ to a 3⭐️…SPOILER WARNING: A man forces a girl in a corner and kisses her against her will and she’s rescued before he can do worse. Then her older advisor who according to the plan is to decide if she (or any of the girls) can or can’t court someone does NOT decline his advances and pushiness about courting—she doesn’t guide her. It was totally out of character. I felt that was both unrealistic and honesty completely foolish, ridiculous, and a silly part of the story…yes I’m opinionated on this one 😬END SPOILER.
Overall, (outside of the complaint above) I did like the characters and the story line. The leading lady and man’s faith journeys were beautiful. The romance was a part, but there was a lot more to the story. There were a few parts that seemed to wrap up a bit more perfectly than real life does. The end I liked though.
Content: (recommend for 18+) longer scene with a man forces kisses on a girl who is unwilling (but she’s rescued and nothing more happens), suggestions of one girl being sexually immoral, hints that another girl was sexually abused
June 2, 2010
I have yet to experience a single moment of disappointment with one of Kim Vogel Sawyer’s books, and I doubt I ever will. But there was something extra special about A Hopeful Heart that makes this book stand out. Perhaps it is in the innocence of Tressa as she appreciates the beauty all around her – a night sky filled with stars or the beauty of the wildflowers growing on the Kansas prairie. Maybe it is the small details of this story – the cat that becomes a treasured friend to Tressa or the feeling of community and fellowship. Perhaps it’s the special woman and spiritual support Aunt Hattie is to Tressa and those moments during their heartfelt talks. I think it is all of those things and more.
A Hopeful Heart left me with a very warm and happy feeling. There was a perfect mix of romance, suspense, adventure, laughter, and grace in this book. Tressa was such a wonderful character. Even though she was hurting and Kansas was the last place she wanted to be, she made the best of it and I really admired her for that. I learned a lot about forgiveness and trusting God during life’s difficult moments right along with Tressa. Her character was written so well and it was so easy to like her right from the start.
I just cannot find enough words to describe how much I loved A Hopeful Heart. Everything about it made me smile and just made me feel good and happy and any other positive word I can think of. This book is one for my all-time favorites list and I can hardly wait to see what Ms. Sawyer creates next.
A Hopeful Heart left me with a very warm and happy feeling. There was a perfect mix of romance, suspense, adventure, laughter, and grace in this book. Tressa was such a wonderful character. Even though she was hurting and Kansas was the last place she wanted to be, she made the best of it and I really admired her for that. I learned a lot about forgiveness and trusting God during life’s difficult moments right along with Tressa. Her character was written so well and it was so easy to like her right from the start.
I just cannot find enough words to describe how much I loved A Hopeful Heart. Everything about it made me smile and just made me feel good and happy and any other positive word I can think of. This book is one for my all-time favorites list and I can hardly wait to see what Ms. Sawyer creates next.
May 6, 2012
Ne zamandır kitaplıkta duruyordu bir türlü okuyamadım ama iyi ki okumuşum nihayet. Hikayesini çok beğendim, konusunda yazdığı gibi 6 kız kovboy okuluna geliyorlar ve kovboy eşleri olmak için eğitim alıyorlar Hattie teyzeden. Abel ise erkek karakterimiz, başka bir kızla ilgili kötü bir anısı olduğu için asıl kızımız Tressa'dan etkilenmemeye çalışıyor ama nafile. Aynı zamanda Abel'in sürüsündeki hayvanlar azalmaya başlıyor ve bir süre sonra çalındığından şüpheleniyor. Onları çalan adamın başka planları var elbet. Kitap akıyor, siz bu sırada aksiyon da yaşıyorsunuz, merak unsuru da var - ki tahmin edilmesi zor değil hayvanları çalanın -, sonlara doğru ise tamamen kalbinizi ısıtacak romantizme dalıyorsunuz. Ben çok beğendim, elime aldığımdan beri de bırakamadım ve bitirmeden rahat edemeyeceğimi anladım. Güzel bir romantik hikaye okumak istiyorsanız bu kitap tam sizlik.
May 14, 2012
Title: A Hopeful Heart
Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer
Stars: 4.5
Take a look at the books I've read - it's easy to tell I love historical fiction. I don't know why, but that's one genre I never get tired of. I've read a ton of them. Needless to say, I've come across about every western romance plot out there. With that said, I was pleasantly surprised to find out I've never read anything similar to "A Hopeful Heart". Women moving west to attend a school with the sole purpose of training them to be rancher's wives was something I'd never heard of. (Surprising fact; these schools did exist, and are still in existence today!)
I loved the book; read it in a day. I really enjoyed the plot line, and the side stories that involved the other characters. All of them, however, came together in the end - creating a lovely mesh of characters and plots. I enjoyed how Sawyer wrote the book in third person and made sure to incorporate the feelings and personalities of almost all the characters mentioned (with the exception of a few). I felt like I'd met and had a conversation with each character, and had a much better understanding of their personality, hopes, dreams, past and struggles.
The pacing was impeccable, keeping you on the edge of your seat at all times. However, there were moments when something exciting would start to happen, but Sawyer would cut in a few pages about someone else entirely, doing something half way across the town. I was tempted to skip past a couple pages, read what happened to Abel/Tressa and then skip back! I resisted though, and it did all come together, even if it felt choppy at first. It was very well written, much better, in my opinion, than the other novel I've read of hers (A Promise for Spring). The whole book was in depth, not dealing with surface issues, but soul issues. You really connected with the people and the town. It actually got me thinking about my own life a few times.
The romance wasn't the best I've ever read, but it was still great. You get to witness the transformation of Abel and Tressa, and see their hearts thaw out and connect with each other. Though, I must say, I wish there was more interaction between the two. Not to say there isn't a good chunk of it... It just seems like all of a sudden they're in love, and you aren't quite sure when it happened. Seems to me like falling love requires a good amount of spending time with each other and communicating. But, hey, I've never been there, so what do I know?
For those of you that enjoy an in-depth historical fiction/romance, this is most definitely for you!
Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer
Stars: 4.5
Take a look at the books I've read - it's easy to tell I love historical fiction. I don't know why, but that's one genre I never get tired of. I've read a ton of them. Needless to say, I've come across about every western romance plot out there. With that said, I was pleasantly surprised to find out I've never read anything similar to "A Hopeful Heart". Women moving west to attend a school with the sole purpose of training them to be rancher's wives was something I'd never heard of. (Surprising fact; these schools did exist, and are still in existence today!)
I loved the book; read it in a day. I really enjoyed the plot line, and the side stories that involved the other characters. All of them, however, came together in the end - creating a lovely mesh of characters and plots. I enjoyed how Sawyer wrote the book in third person and made sure to incorporate the feelings and personalities of almost all the characters mentioned (with the exception of a few). I felt like I'd met and had a conversation with each character, and had a much better understanding of their personality, hopes, dreams, past and struggles.
The pacing was impeccable, keeping you on the edge of your seat at all times. However, there were moments when something exciting would start to happen, but Sawyer would cut in a few pages about someone else entirely, doing something half way across the town. I was tempted to skip past a couple pages, read what happened to Abel/Tressa and then skip back! I resisted though, and it did all come together, even if it felt choppy at first. It was very well written, much better, in my opinion, than the other novel I've read of hers (A Promise for Spring). The whole book was in depth, not dealing with surface issues, but soul issues. You really connected with the people and the town. It actually got me thinking about my own life a few times.
The romance wasn't the best I've ever read, but it was still great. You get to witness the transformation of Abel and Tressa, and see their hearts thaw out and connect with each other. Though, I must say, I wish there was more interaction between the two. Not to say there isn't a good chunk of it... It just seems like all of a sudden they're in love, and you aren't quite sure when it happened. Seems to me like falling love requires a good amount of spending time with each other and communicating. But, hey, I've never been there, so what do I know?
For those of you that enjoy an in-depth historical fiction/romance, this is most definitely for you!
May 25, 2010
I have always loved a good prairie romance. A HOPEFUL HEART goes beyond good and into great!
A group of eastern girls being taught on the open prairie how to be good prairie wives-- that alone snagged my attention, but once getting into the book you are opened to a world beyond the setting. The characters are real and alive, worming their way into my heart. Tressa, the heroine is a young woman searching for her place in the world and through each circumstance she must learn to stand strong in God. I loved her journey on all counts.
I can think of nothing I did not like about this book. I truly believe it is the best book by this author to date. The setting was vividly described, bringing me right there. The characters danced upon the screen of my imagination with a real life persona and the love story was sweet and complete with a lovely sigh from this reader when the book was closed.
Even the secondary characters were vivid in their portrayal and I hope to someday rejoin a few of them in another book. Please?
A HOPEFUL HEART will definitely be going on my best books list for a long time to come and is highly recommended!!
Thanks the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.
A group of eastern girls being taught on the open prairie how to be good prairie wives-- that alone snagged my attention, but once getting into the book you are opened to a world beyond the setting. The characters are real and alive, worming their way into my heart. Tressa, the heroine is a young woman searching for her place in the world and through each circumstance she must learn to stand strong in God. I loved her journey on all counts.
I can think of nothing I did not like about this book. I truly believe it is the best book by this author to date. The setting was vividly described, bringing me right there. The characters danced upon the screen of my imagination with a real life persona and the love story was sweet and complete with a lovely sigh from this reader when the book was closed.
Even the secondary characters were vivid in their portrayal and I hope to someday rejoin a few of them in another book. Please?
A HOPEFUL HEART will definitely be going on my best books list for a long time to come and is highly recommended!!
Thanks the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.
May 6, 2019
I really, REALLY liked this book. I thought there was quite a bit more 'action' in the story than in the other books in the series (honestly, parts of it put me in mind of Mary Connealy's work (which is not a bad thing at all!)), and I found myself flying through chapters especially towards the end because I needed to know what happened next!
But, for me, where this book really shone was in the way the characters (especially Aunt Hattie!) lived out their faith. Hattie was so patient and kind, yet pointed Tressa back to God time and time again. The scene where Tressa finally understood what it meant to be God's child had me smiling through almost-tears. Then, Tressa herself, in her new faith, wasn't afraid to do the same that Hattie had done for her . . . point those around her back to God.
I definitely preferred this book to books 3 & 4 of the series. 4.5 stars
But, for me, where this book really shone was in the way the characters (especially Aunt Hattie!) lived out their faith. Hattie was so patient and kind, yet pointed Tressa back to God time and time again. The scene where Tressa finally understood what it meant to be God's child had me smiling through almost-tears. Then, Tressa herself, in her new faith, wasn't afraid to do the same that Hattie had done for her . . . point those around her back to God.
I definitely preferred this book to books 3 & 4 of the series. 4.5 stars
May 26, 2010
What a wonderful book! Take six Eastern women, transport them to Kansas and put them in a herdsman’s school. (What’s a herdsman’s school? A place where women learn the skills needed to be true helpmeets to ranchers.) Add in more than six prospective grooms, along with a man who’s convinced that he’s not ready to marry. And then, as if that weren’t enough to guarantee a delightful story, toss in a bit of trouble … or more than a bit of it. It all adds up to one of Kim’s best books yet, one that will keep you up late, because you have to read ‘just one more chapter.’ I highly recommend A Hopeful Heart to anyone who enjoys stories of love and faith and real people facing real problems. It’s a winner.
January 31, 2019
Another great book by Kim Vogel Sawyer that I didn't want to put down! :)
July 22, 2011
Put your bonnet on, climb up into the buckboard and take a trip to the Wyatt Herdsman School in Barnett, Kansas. Tressa Neill travels west at her Aunt Gretchen’s demands for a second chance at gaining a husband and family. The west is long on men and short on women. The small town of Barnett is all stirred up because Hattie Wyatt had concocted a plan to train women brought from the east everything they need to know about being a rancher’s wife. The fun part will be matching them up with unmarried ranchers when they’ve graduated.
We wander amongst these young women as they brand calves, make butter, learn to keep a ranch house clean all the while anticipate being sparked by the ranchers. Tressa, flawed by the inability to forgive, eventually undercovers a secret, which gives her an opportunity to grow. Adam, soured on God for all the losses in his life and preoccupied with a ranch that barely sustains itself, resists marriage. Will his heart forever be held prisoner?
Especially endearing is prayerful “Aunt” Hattie, who, not blessed with children of her own, is full of hope about her house of young students. She is determined to teach them riding, roping, milking, gardening, canning and any other rancher’s wife duty she can come up with, all in preparation for preparing them for their duties as ranch wives. Hattie, too, eventually finds love.
A Hopeful Heart will immediately plunk you into its characters’ lives and make you feel a part of the wide-open prairie. Using Abel’s ranch as a place to teach her girls about birthing calves is a snappy plot twist. The dialogue reflects the time and culture perfectly. This book is a fascinating take on an experimental program to help populate the west. The story is original and the writing smooth and easy on the eyes. We learn that holding onto grudges helps no one. Forgive as God has forgiven us is hard for some, but not impossible. Highly recommended to those who love a subtle romance set the west when our country was young.
Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont
http://www.hollyweiss.com
We wander amongst these young women as they brand calves, make butter, learn to keep a ranch house clean all the while anticipate being sparked by the ranchers. Tressa, flawed by the inability to forgive, eventually undercovers a secret, which gives her an opportunity to grow. Adam, soured on God for all the losses in his life and preoccupied with a ranch that barely sustains itself, resists marriage. Will his heart forever be held prisoner?
Especially endearing is prayerful “Aunt” Hattie, who, not blessed with children of her own, is full of hope about her house of young students. She is determined to teach them riding, roping, milking, gardening, canning and any other rancher’s wife duty she can come up with, all in preparation for preparing them for their duties as ranch wives. Hattie, too, eventually finds love.
A Hopeful Heart will immediately plunk you into its characters’ lives and make you feel a part of the wide-open prairie. Using Abel’s ranch as a place to teach her girls about birthing calves is a snappy plot twist. The dialogue reflects the time and culture perfectly. This book is a fascinating take on an experimental program to help populate the west. The story is original and the writing smooth and easy on the eyes. We learn that holding onto grudges helps no one. Forgive as God has forgiven us is hard for some, but not impossible. Highly recommended to those who love a subtle romance set the west when our country was young.
Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont
http://www.hollyweiss.com
October 27, 2011
This was a bit slow to start with but otherwise I loved this twist on the typical mail-order bride storyline. Tressa and five other Eastern girls travel to Kansas to attend a Herdsman School run by "Aunt" Hattie in order to learn how to be wives to ranchers. Tressa carries a lot of baggage and hurt, but so does Abel, who finds himself continually running into Tressa no matter how much he tries to convince himself that he doesn't want a wife. There's also a mystery surrounding cattle going missing from Abel's herd, and a romance with Aunt Hattie, not to mention Luelle and Sallie's romantic crises. I'm not sure if I just wasn't in the right frame of mind when I started this book, but it took a while to capture my attention. Once Tressa and Abel started to spend some time together, though, I was thoroughly immersed in the story. I liked the little touches Kim added in creating realistic secondary characters like Sallie and Luella, and the mystery added a nice edge to the story. I'd sort of figured out who was behind the cattle rustlings, although I had been wondering if the hints directed at the man in question were red herrings! This was my first historical novel from Kim Vogel Sawyer (I've previously read one of her YA Mennonite novels) but it definitely won't be the last. A very enjoyable read, perfect for fans of western and prairie romances. 8/10
May 28, 2013
I wish I could give this book 6 or 7 stars for "it was truly and thoroughly amazing"! I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy it or not because of another book I'd read by this author that I thought was pretty slow, but I was pleasantly surprised!
I loved the whole idea of the Wyatt Herdsman School, and I so enjoyed watching Tressa's character grow. She had to learn some lessons about faith that I'm learning now. I was so happy that the hero was an honorable man who kept ending up the answer to Tressa's prayers for rescue. The romance was not overdone (by far) and yet I closed the book feeling like I'd just read the sweetest love story. I also really liked that there was an intriguing (and surprising) plot - there was excitement, comedy, mystery, love, frustration, resolution, and of course a few Hopeful Hearts ;)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE clean Christian Westerns, and this book was right up my alley!
I loved the whole idea of the Wyatt Herdsman School, and I so enjoyed watching Tressa's character grow. She had to learn some lessons about faith that I'm learning now. I was so happy that the hero was an honorable man who kept ending up the answer to Tressa's prayers for rescue. The romance was not overdone (by far) and yet I closed the book feeling like I'd just read the sweetest love story. I also really liked that there was an intriguing (and surprising) plot - there was excitement, comedy, mystery, love, frustration, resolution, and of course a few Hopeful Hearts ;)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE clean Christian Westerns, and this book was right up my alley!
September 26, 2024
Before I get into the review I have to ask - is it just me or does that girl on the cover totally look like Keira Knightley???
Anyway, what a sweet story! I really enjoyed this one. It was an unusual twist on the mail order bride trope with the women coming out west to Kansas and staying with a woman Miss Hattie who teaches them all the tasks they will have to learn.
I loved Miss Hattie. She was such a sweet character and truly cared about each one of her charges. I did enjoy the main couple together, but they weren’t my favorite by this author. Abel was quite standoffish (which I get why he was that way but it didn’t endear him to me) and Tressa (great name!) was quite timid.
There’s also a slight mystery element, and it was resolved pretty anti-climatically. I did enjoy the pieces of the mystery as they appeared.
Overall this was a very sweet read. I really love this author.
Anyway, what a sweet story! I really enjoyed this one. It was an unusual twist on the mail order bride trope with the women coming out west to Kansas and staying with a woman Miss Hattie who teaches them all the tasks they will have to learn.
I loved Miss Hattie. She was such a sweet character and truly cared about each one of her charges. I did enjoy the main couple together, but they weren’t my favorite by this author. Abel was quite standoffish (which I get why he was that way but it didn’t endear him to me) and Tressa (great name!) was quite timid.
There’s also a slight mystery element, and it was resolved pretty anti-climatically. I did enjoy the pieces of the mystery as they appeared.
Overall this was a very sweet read. I really love this author.
June 6, 2010
A Read Filled with Hope, June 6, 2010
By Marta Perry
This review is from: Hopeful Heart, A (Paperback)
Kim Vogel Sawyer hits all the right notes in her latest historical romance, A HOPEFUL HEART, Bethany House. With her trademark heartwarming style, Sawyer treats readers to the story of Tressa Neill, a dowryless Easterner sent to the Wyatt Herdsman School in Barnett, Kansas, with the hope of finding a husband, a family, and a life of her own. Tressa's mistakes and misadventures and her valiant efforts to fit in to her new Western community will touch readers' hearts. Sawyer has a gift for transporting readers to another time and place, and they are sure to enjoy this trip to 1880s Kansas in her skillful hands.
By Marta Perry
This review is from: Hopeful Heart, A (Paperback)
Kim Vogel Sawyer hits all the right notes in her latest historical romance, A HOPEFUL HEART, Bethany House. With her trademark heartwarming style, Sawyer treats readers to the story of Tressa Neill, a dowryless Easterner sent to the Wyatt Herdsman School in Barnett, Kansas, with the hope of finding a husband, a family, and a life of her own. Tressa's mistakes and misadventures and her valiant efforts to fit in to her new Western community will touch readers' hearts. Sawyer has a gift for transporting readers to another time and place, and they are sure to enjoy this trip to 1880s Kansas in her skillful hands.
October 21, 2014
Wow! I don't even know *where* to start with this book. I had originally found an audio CD copy to listen to on my way to work. I ended up listening to it every chance that I could. It kept me on my toes! "A Hopeful Heart" wheels theft, attempted murder, arson, deceit, and so many other heartbreaking issues. Read my full review here.
August 21, 2015
A lovely story of forgiving instead of letting bitterness control you and finding love. I wish there was more interaction between Tressa and Abel. They lived totally separate lives, met a few times, and fell in love. I also don't know why Evelyn was even in the story. She lasted about 9 chapters. Still a good read to curl up with on a rainy day.
June 16, 2010
Kim Vogel Sawyer's classic mail order bride story takes wing and flies on its own! A delightful heroine and a mystery thrown in. A good summer afternoon by the pool read.
August 3, 2011
I enjoyed this book.
April 7, 2018
I liked this book I have read better though.
February 11, 2019
I really like the story and the setting, however Tressa’s character fell a little flat.
July 20, 2025
Listened on Audible (Included). DNF @ 35%.
Now this book should’ve been more interesting to me since the setting was focused on cattle ranching, which is my family business. Concerning the ranching aspect: Well, cattle rustling, for the rancher, is not something that one takes lightly. That’s why, in this historic setting, it was a hanging offense—not simply a vigilante response. Even a quiet mannered rancher such as the male MC would’ve been much more active about finding either his cows or the rustler. The economic impact of the crime was way more important than finding a wife.
The cow birthing scene: Although the birth itself was described with accuracy, it’s unlikely a beef cattle rancher would enclose a cow inside a barn stall for the birth. If it was a dairy cow, then I could see that. There’s a good reason for this. Dairy cows have been gentled down by the routine of daily milking, usually in a stall. A beef cattle rancher might keep the bred (2yr old) heifers he thinks will calve soon in a small pasture, trap, or the smallest pen available. He usually inspects these heifers frequently (day and night) during calving season. Since a heifer is giving birth the first time, they’re more likely to have issues than a cow. (This is dependent on the breed—some breeds, like Longhorns, give birth easily). Cows have birthed a calf before and if she had trouble at birth, the rancher notes that and might not keep the cow after calving season, depending on the trouble. There are other factors why a rancher wouldn’t put a beef cow (or even a bred heifer) inside a barn stall—like horns, they’ll use them to protect the calf. Beef cattle are range animals, they’re wilder by nature and putting them inside a indoor barn stall would be difficult and maybe even dangerous.
Also, in this story, sending a rider from one ranch to another to announce a cow is giving birth seems unlikely. The distance between one ranch headquarter and a neighboring ranch HQ was probably around two to five miles, or more. Even a ride that distance takes time on horseback. Not to mention Aunt Hattie having to hitch up her wagon and travel that distance with a wagon full of women to witness the birthing. Too much time involved—the calf would already be born or it would be in distress.
The author has an excellent way with words. I truly enjoy her descriptions of scenery. But none of these characters were interesting enough to me to continue investing more time in listening. Even Aunt Hattie (a mildly interesting secondary character) couldn’t persuade me to go on. Her goal was to teach women how to be good ranch wives. The author’s premise was lost on me because I actually know what that involves. There’s more to it than just tending to the household chores while the man does the heavy labor. There’s a reason why farmers and ranchers are the backbone of America. A husband and wife in agriculture are partners in everything. It truly takes the whole family.
I’m disappointed about not enjoying this book, since I’ve enjoyed the series so far.
Now this book should’ve been more interesting to me since the setting was focused on cattle ranching, which is my family business. Concerning the ranching aspect: Well, cattle rustling, for the rancher, is not something that one takes lightly. That’s why, in this historic setting, it was a hanging offense—not simply a vigilante response. Even a quiet mannered rancher such as the male MC would’ve been much more active about finding either his cows or the rustler. The economic impact of the crime was way more important than finding a wife.
The cow birthing scene: Although the birth itself was described with accuracy, it’s unlikely a beef cattle rancher would enclose a cow inside a barn stall for the birth. If it was a dairy cow, then I could see that. There’s a good reason for this. Dairy cows have been gentled down by the routine of daily milking, usually in a stall. A beef cattle rancher might keep the bred (2yr old) heifers he thinks will calve soon in a small pasture, trap, or the smallest pen available. He usually inspects these heifers frequently (day and night) during calving season. Since a heifer is giving birth the first time, they’re more likely to have issues than a cow. (This is dependent on the breed—some breeds, like Longhorns, give birth easily). Cows have birthed a calf before and if she had trouble at birth, the rancher notes that and might not keep the cow after calving season, depending on the trouble. There are other factors why a rancher wouldn’t put a beef cow (or even a bred heifer) inside a barn stall—like horns, they’ll use them to protect the calf. Beef cattle are range animals, they’re wilder by nature and putting them inside a indoor barn stall would be difficult and maybe even dangerous.
Also, in this story, sending a rider from one ranch to another to announce a cow is giving birth seems unlikely. The distance between one ranch headquarter and a neighboring ranch HQ was probably around two to five miles, or more. Even a ride that distance takes time on horseback. Not to mention Aunt Hattie having to hitch up her wagon and travel that distance with a wagon full of women to witness the birthing. Too much time involved—the calf would already be born or it would be in distress.
The author has an excellent way with words. I truly enjoy her descriptions of scenery. But none of these characters were interesting enough to me to continue investing more time in listening. Even Aunt Hattie (a mildly interesting secondary character) couldn’t persuade me to go on. Her goal was to teach women how to be good ranch wives. The author’s premise was lost on me because I actually know what that involves. There’s more to it than just tending to the household chores while the man does the heavy labor. There’s a reason why farmers and ranchers are the backbone of America. A husband and wife in agriculture are partners in everything. It truly takes the whole family.
I’m disappointed about not enjoying this book, since I’ve enjoyed the series so far.
March 14, 2018
What a fun idea for a book. Setting is 1888 and Aunt Hattie brings 6 city girls to the ranch to learn ranch life. These girls are green - they are taught everything from getting eggs from the chickens, cooking for themselves and the ranch hands, branding cattle, riding horses, driving wagons, gardening, housecleaning...Then there is all the single cowboys in the area that want a chance to court the girls. At the end of the teaching period (which was 6 months I think), then each girl was hooked up with a cowboy. Only cowboys that qualified were those that could provide a home for the girls. So Cole, a ranch hand, loved Sallie and they snuck off to find a justice of the peace to marry them. Tressa came from back east and from high society. Abel didn't want anything to do with another eastern girl - his Amanda had already come and left and broke his heart. So he was trying to guard his heart. But every time something happened, it was Tressa and Abel that were thrown together. Abel is dealing with cattle rustlers and thinks he might lose the ranch and so he keeps telling himself that he isn't in a position to take on a wife. Vince - his ranch hand - is the one stealing from him and when his secret is revealed, he gets drunk and starts the house on fire and dies in the fire. Cage Hammond - from the next ranch over - was helping Vince but he turned himself in and was sentenced to 2 years in jail. The town rallies around Abel and is going to have a house built. Abel gives into his feelings for Tressa and asks her to marry him and start from scratch, just like his parents did. They would build the ranch together. Tressa loves Abel so there is an all ends happily ever after ending. Just a fun read.
August 30, 2019
Türünün tek örneği olan Barnett, Kansas Wyatt Kovboy
Okulu’nun amacı, Doğulu genç kadınların bir çiftlik
sahibinin eşi olabilmeleri için gereksinim duydukları
tüm becerileri öğretmekti.
Çeyizi ve umudu olmayan Tressa, teyzesinin ve dayısının
zoruyla bu okula başvurduğunda kendini kaybolmuş
ve yalnız hissediyordu. Zorlu yaşam şartlarına göğüs
gererken Abel Samms adındaki çiftlik sahibinden
uzak durması da kolay değildi...
Abel Samms’in tutunduğu tek şey çiftliğiydi ancak
her geçen gün iflasa bir adım daha yaklaşıyordu. Bunca
problemin arasında bir de komşusunun kasabaya
getirdiği müstakbel gelin topluluğuyla uğraşamazdı.
Hem daha önce Doğulu bir kıza abayı yakmış ve kalbi
kırılmıştı. Fakat ne kadar karşı koysa da Tressa’nın
suskun ve beceriksiz hâlleri içindeki duvarları bir bir
yıkmaktaydı...
Okulu’nun amacı, Doğulu genç kadınların bir çiftlik
sahibinin eşi olabilmeleri için gereksinim duydukları
tüm becerileri öğretmekti.
Çeyizi ve umudu olmayan Tressa, teyzesinin ve dayısının
zoruyla bu okula başvurduğunda kendini kaybolmuş
ve yalnız hissediyordu. Zorlu yaşam şartlarına göğüs
gererken Abel Samms adındaki çiftlik sahibinden
uzak durması da kolay değildi...
Abel Samms’in tutunduğu tek şey çiftliğiydi ancak
her geçen gün iflasa bir adım daha yaklaşıyordu. Bunca
problemin arasında bir de komşusunun kasabaya
getirdiği müstakbel gelin topluluğuyla uğraşamazdı.
Hem daha önce Doğulu bir kıza abayı yakmış ve kalbi
kırılmıştı. Fakat ne kadar karşı koysa da Tressa’nın
suskun ve beceriksiz hâlleri içindeki duvarları bir bir
yıkmaktaydı...
June 4, 2025
This was fun!
Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author I go to when I want something fun and light, but not necessarily great or deep. That's not a knock on her or her books! Sometimes I'm in the mood for something like that, and she gives me exactly what I want.
I talk about this every time with Sawyer's books, so I'll briefly mention it. She gave what she thought was a gospel proclamation, but it was nothing more than, "You need God as your Father. Accept Him as your Father." I love Aunt Hattie, but there was no real gospel.
I enjoyed the concept of a Herdsman school and the mail-order bride element! That was very interesting.
I suspected the villain after a little while, and I'm very sad.
Overall, good, just not great.
Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author I go to when I want something fun and light, but not necessarily great or deep. That's not a knock on her or her books! Sometimes I'm in the mood for something like that, and she gives me exactly what I want.
I talk about this every time with Sawyer's books, so I'll briefly mention it. She gave what she thought was a gospel proclamation, but it was nothing more than, "You need God as your Father. Accept Him as your Father." I love Aunt Hattie, but there was no real gospel.
I enjoyed the concept of a Herdsman school and the mail-order bride element! That was very interesting.
I suspected the villain after a little while, and I'm very sad.
Overall, good, just not great.
July 5, 2024
A Hopeful Heart is a nice read with Eastern girls coming to a herdsman school before they married a rancher in Kansas. The diversity of personalities and attitudes about work and dress were intriguing and brought laughter at times. The tale is filled with hopeful ranchers and their ranch hands to gain a bride after the schooling. But watch out there are unexpected twists and turns with a mystery of what was happening in the small town of Barnett. Aunt Hattie deserve applause for her desire to teach perspective brides the hard work required to be a rancher’s wife.
This book was purchased at our library used book sale, thus a review was not required. I have expressed my own opinion.
This book was purchased at our library used book sale, thus a review was not required. I have expressed my own opinion.
September 24, 2024
I am in a book club, and this was the choice for this month. I sure am glad because I read the entire book in one day. It is about Aunt Hattie who lives in Kansas who decides to open the Wyatt Herdsman School for marriageable girls. Her plan is to bring 6 girls from the East and teach them what it takes to be a rancher's wife. This includes milking a cow, branding a calf, cooking for a bunch of hungry ranch hands, keeping a garden, and much more. They are not allowed to be around men for their time there until she says so and then it is her decision and the girls who they can marry. Of course there are love stories involved also.
March 26, 2020
A good story with mysterious cattle rustlers, a faithful, caring Aunt Hattie, some hearts to be won & love of God & forgiveness to be realized. Some difference of opinion about what it means to be a Child of God but love that the characters learned to rely on prayer, faith & following the Spirit's promptings. Glad that truth came out, responsibility taken & hope for the future made. But what ever happened to Luella??
February 20, 2025
Tessa is sent away by her unloving aunt and uncle after the death of her parents. She is sent to Aunt Hattie’s Ranching school so she can learn how to be a rancher’s wife in Kansas. Trying to hide her affluent past and trying to fit in and make a new home has its challenges for Tessa but she quickly learns to put her faith in God. That faith saves her life many times and even brings her to forgiveness and family.
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