In Every Heartbeat

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Paperback, 2010

Status

Available

Call number

813.6

Publication

Bethany House Publishers (2010), 352 pages

Description

As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a cherished dream. Libby wishes to become a famous journalist, Pete plans to study to become a minister, and Bennett wants to join a fraternity and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well. And when Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?

User reviews

LibraryThing member EdnaT
Libby Conley and her friends Pete and Bennett formed a strong bond growing up together in a small orphanage. September 1914 finds them going to the University of Southern Missouri, sponsored by scholarships.
Libby dreams of becoming a famous journalist, Pete is studying for the ministry, and Bennett
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wants to dive into fraternity life. And although they’re on the same campus, each one carries goals and wounds that threaten to pull their friendship apart.
In Every Heartbeat brings a part of American history to life. It’s was not something that a woman did to have a career as a writer. And abuse behind walls make it almost impossible to prove. The three are bound by a friendship of all being the oldest at the orphanage being all three were eighteen years. Libby's parents were killed when she was young, Pete's parents threw him out at the age of seven and he fell beneath the wheels of a trolley while delivering newspapers and lost part of his leg and a foot. Bennett was just left on the streets to grow up and he never knew his parents as the other two remembered theirs

This is a delightful story of friendship, faith and love, and of learning to know God’s presence “in every heartbeat”. Libby (or Elisabet, as she wants to be known in journalism) is a feisty, unconventional young woman, and Pete is a young man who wants to do what God wants him to do. Bennett is always wanting to get even for not having read parents, he hold God and everybody else to blame for his growing up.

This book was really interesting as it tells how the three young people handle their own problems and they learn to serve God.
Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book for review.
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LibraryThing member dk_phoenix
You know… this isn’t a bad book at all. It’s readable, the characters are decent (albeit a little bit cardboard at times), and the plot—while it’s nothing particularly new or innovative—follows the traditions of ‘strong-headed woman and the man who loves her’ in a way that isn’t
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too cliché or overbearing.

I’ll be honest—I didn’t love it, and I’m not sure I’d even say I liked it. It kinda just ‘was’, for me. But I think fans of inspirational historical fiction will find a place in their hearts for this one. It had a little too much on the ‘Christian’ side of Christian fiction for my liking (I’ve preferred Bethany House’s other offerings lately) but I’m sure that many patrons of church libraries will enjoy it. And I’m not being demeaning when I say that, so don’t take it the wrong way!

And isn’t the cover beautiful?

I know this review isn’t as thorough as my other ones, but I didn’t find anything that sparked anger or that I particularly disliked, and there wasn’t really anything I loved. So… hey, if you like this kind of historical, go for it. If historical fiction with a heavier Christian slant isn’t your thing, this one isn’t for you.

If you have a mother, grandmother, aunt, or sister who likes this kind of historical fiction, this would be a safe choice for a gift in the future.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
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LibraryThing member Elentarien
This one was good - with a satisfactory end. Though the 'third' character, of Bennett was not wrapped up, and left trailing somewhat (possibly for another book?) this story was interesting and covered some interesting topics. Not sure I can say I LOVED the book, but it was definitely worth reading.
LibraryThing member SABC
As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. Libby hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete believes God has called him to become a minister. And Bennett plans to have as much fun as possible. The three are soon
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divided by differing aspirations and opinions as World War I begins.
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LibraryThing member Jjean7
A book you won't want to put down, with true romance & mystery....Strong Christian influence...easy to read....How each of the 3 take their paths in life...

Language

Original language

English

Physical description

8.5 inches

ISBN

0764205102 / 9780764205101

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