Seeds of Summer: Seasons of the Tallgrass Series, Book 2 [Kindle Edition]

I think the author outdone all her previous books with this one. It isn't a book you can put down.
Natalie at the start is disappointed she never made rodeo queen - only runner-up. On top of that she has lost her Dad and is taking care of her brother and sister. In the midst of this Jared, the new minister, who moved to town is fishing when her brother, Dillion, comes upon him. While Natalie is looking for her brother she comes upon Jared. Reminds me of the first time I met my husband. I was mad too. Yet something caused a spark in Jared and he wanted to get to know this family better. He thinks he is just making them his Mission project and isn't counting on falling in love with Natalie.
I had to laugh about her Dad hiding money all over the house as growing up I knew a Pastor and his wife and the wife hid enough money all over the house, to keep her husband for 4 years after she passed away.
One thing I could definitely relate to was a teenagers rebellion. I remember well when my oldest rebelled for 3 years. At least Chelsey returned home sooner than 3 years. But they always call the one they know who loves them when they need someone.
I liked how God worked it out for Natalie to have the desire of her heart but only after she learned to turn to him. She finally got to reign as the Rodeo Queen because the Queen came down ill. The support of the family is something that is unique in spite of problems.
This book truly shows God's plans are not always what we think they are and we face disappointments in life. But he can make them a learning process.

Deborah Vogts first captured my attention with her debut release of "Snow Melts in Spring", book one in her Seasons of the Tallgrass Series. Just a few pages into it I knew that this was going to be a ride to remember and an author whose work I'll be keeping an eye out for! I'm not a big fan of contemporaries, but for Deborah, I'll make an exception!

Her second book in this series, "Seeds of Summer," does not disappoint! I love her writing style- the emotions are real and natural and acutely felt by the reader; the scenery is ruggedly breathtaking, immersing you in the sights, smells and sounds of the Kansas Flint Hills; and faith is portrayed in a very genuine and powerful way, showing its struggle to grow and persevere in the midst of pain and hardships. Her characters are authentic and believable, revealing the depths and layers of the human soul.

Natalie Adams, who we're briefly introduced to in SMIS, is a young, beautiful former rodeo queen, with a broken heart in more ways than one. Her dreams come to a screeching halt, when reality hits like a physical blow and responsibilities heavy weight is thrust upon her unprepared shoulders. She's strong though, but for a good portion of the story she relies on her own strength, which only gets her so far. She's hurt, confused and feels abandoned by those she has loved and trusted, including God. But throughout the story, we see the gradual change that takes place in her life, as the seeds of faith and trust and hope are planted within her heart and allowed to grow. And what (or who) helped to bring about this change and diligently worked to break up the fallow ground of Natalie's heart, so seeds such as these could take root?

Jared Logan, is a young, handsome, pastor, fresh out of the city. He has a good heart and a selfless nature, but he is not without spot or blemish. This city boy turned cowboy has lessons of his own to learn and tightly held past disappointments that need to be laid down. However unintended, he has taken on Natalie and her family as a mission project, reaching out to them, yet, not expecting to become so deeply intertwined in their lives. Jared keeps pointing her to Lord, gentle and persistent in his witness, but ends up losing his heart in the process. Natalie sees something in him that gives her a glimmer of hope that there are good people out there, even good men, and the wall she has built around her heart begins to crack allowing the love of not only Jared, but God to shine through. But is it the Lord's will for this love to bloom? Can hearts be healed and dreams reformed? Or will the past, and the present, stand in their way? I promise the answers are well worth the read!

Cover to cover, this book is fantastic! The supporting characters are wonderful and their diverse personalities add so much. I was also pleasantly surprised that Deborah added quotes by some beloved poets throughout the story, as well, truly lending this romance a poetic beauty. I encourage you to take your time and savor this book, for as a seed should not be rushed to bear its fruit, "Seeds of Summer" should not be rushed in its reading.

Deborah Vogts has another wonderful Christian romance novel out set in the Flint Hills of Kansas.

Seeds of Summer features Natalie Adams, a former Rodeo Queen, who has to give up college plans to care for her family and property after her father dies. Her two half siblings - a teenage girl and young boy - help her with the large ranch, but also give her trouble. She struggles to maintain the business, mother her siblings and find peace with herself and the memory of her father.

Jared Logan is a newly ordained minister who has moved to her country town longing to relive his fond childhood memories on his grandfather's farm while following God's word.

When the two meet, misconceptions abound causing conflicts. In the end, they help each other find their destinies.

Deborah writes realistic fiction from the endearing characters to the colorful setting. And I love how she weaves in all the animals so that you can easily picture the ranch.

My favorite plot twist has to do with Natalie's father and his secret - I won't spoil the surprise!

This is the second book of the Seasons of the Tallgrass series.

To learn more about the author and her books, visit [...]