Veterinarian Mattie Evans enjoys her work in Flint Hills, Kansas, almost as much as she loves gruff old rancher and father figure, John McCray. When John's estranged son, Gil, proposes selling the land and moving his father to California, she's drawn into a bitter family conflict that exposes deep-seated secrets. Can she make Gil see reason? 304 pages, softcover from Zondervan.
Mattie Evans, a young veterinarian in rural Kansas, saves a horse injured in a terrible accident. But she also finds herself tending the wounded relationship between a prodigal son and his ailing father. Love, conflict, forgiveness, and renewal drive the first book of the Seasons of the Tallgrass series.
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
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4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Michelle Sutton (Arizona), October 25, 2009
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. :)
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Neoma Foreman (Walker, Missouri), October 09, 2009
Deborah Vogts debut novel, "Snow Melts in Spring" was a delightful read. At first I thought Mattie was wonderful and much too good for Gil, but after his attitude change, I changed my mind. I really like John McCray in spite of his crustiness. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series and hope she writes many more books.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Merrie H (Nebraska), October 07, 2009
“Snow Melts in Spring” made me fall in love with horses again like “Black Beauty” did when I was a child. It swept me to the heart of the Flint Hills. And, it made me question the willingness of my heart to follow wherever God leads me. At just the right time, my copy of “Snow Melts in Spring” by Deborah Vogts arrived in my mailbox. I was excited to read this book because it is set in the uniquely beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas, and authored by a woman who loves of those hills. Her words took me straight to the heart of the matter - the love of horses, those rolling hills, and the struggle to have them both. I especially related to Mattie, the heroine of the story, a young independent woman with plans for the future. As a young veterinarian, she knows she will have to prove herself by challenging the stereotype of the “old horse doctor.” However, that battle dims in comparison to confronting of her own willingness to give up her beloved Flint Hills when God squeezes an unexpected love named Gil into her heart offering a new future far from Kansas. I thoroughly enjoyed “Snow Melts in the Spring” and am looking forward to the next book in the Seasons of the Tallgrass series.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by blanche mead (southbend,in), October 07, 2009
This was a beautiful love story. The pain and care that was given the injured horse seemed so real. One could almost see the scenery as it was discribed. I enjoyed the way the story ended and am waiting for the author's next book.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by amydeanne (Canada), September 11, 2009
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.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Carman Boley (Coweta, OK), September 05, 2009
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Martha Bross (Independence, KS), August 27, 2009
As a former resident of "Charris County," I must say that Ms. Vogts has described the setting - scenery, climate, buildings - to perfection. The characters, primary and secondary, are completely true-to-the-area. And, the story line keeps the pages turning. Conflict, sexual tension, romance, suspense, with overall Christian values - all there in Snow Melts in Spring.
This is a wonderful debut novel.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Donna Sullivan (Dushore, PA), August 24, 2009
I thought this book was a very good book this held my interest..I enjoyed this book from cover to cover..thanks
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