Deborah Vogts brings the Flint Hills of Kansas to life once again in her latest book, SEEDS OF SUMMER. I felt for former rodeo queen, Natalie, as she struggled to hold her family together following her father's death. She's tough and determined, but she's taken on more than one woman can handle. Enter caring pastor Jared, a man who wants to help but is questioning his own decisions. Vogts' characters are likable, their challenges realistic, and their resolution satisfying. I had a real soft spot for Jared, a man who has a good heart and isn't afraid to open it to others, admired Natalie's strength and love for her family, and was happy to see how they allowed the Lord to work in their lives.

Seeds of Summer is the first book I have read by Deborah Vogts, but it won't be the last. In fact, I am sure I will backtrack and read book one in this series, Snow Melts in Spring. The prairies of Kansas come to life with horses, romance, mystery, family obligations, hidden treasures and dreams. Natalie Adams has given up her dreams as rodeo queen to care for her orphaned half brother and sister. Determined to do things on her own, she almost misses the real treasure, Jared Logan. Jared, the new pastor in town dreams of running a farm, but can't quite figure how that fits with life as a small town pastor. Natalie and Jared each find their faith challenged in ways never expected. This book is a great read, not just for summer, but for anytime. I recommend it.

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. 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.

It seems that none of Natalie Adamss hopes and dreams are working out for her these days. Just when she seems to have adjusted to her disappointment and sets new goals with a return to college, her father dies unexpectedly. Not only is she devastated, she has the sole responsibility of raising her half-brother and half-sister. Shes had to abandon yet another dream to make a go of her fathers ranch. Just when she thinks the burden of running a ranch cant get any heavier, her step-mother, long believed to be dead, shows up suddenly wanting a relationship with her brother and sister. Is her step-mother sincere? Will Natalie be able to handle this burden on top of everything else with the ranch? She is a strong-willed and independent young woman and finds it difficult to lean on anyone else for help, including God. When the new pastor in town seems to have made her family his latest mission project, will she be able to accept the help from a man of God the very same God that, in her eyes, abandoned her years ago? Pastor Jared Logan, the newly ordained minister with a heart for God and serving others, comes to town and finds himself wanting to help Natalie and her family. While he struggles with his congregations resistance to change, he finds himself entrenched in the Adams familys struggles. Despite being a city boy, he pitches in valiantly as he draws on the memories and skills taught him by his grandfather during summers spent with him on his farm. Jared has struggles of his own as he finds himself having feelings for Natalie. Can he protect his heart from a woman who has no room in her life for God? He has decisions to make. Has God really called him to the ministry? This poignant story portrays the lives of those who grieve, struggle, and question the circumstances of their lives. Deborah has shared with us a wonderful story of love, forgiveness, redemption, and faith. I enjoyed this book and found myself not wanting it to end.