Seeds of Summer by Deborah Vogts presents an interesting scenario – a young twenty-two year old woman, Natalie Adams, who must try to run her father’s ranch and raise her two younger siblings after her father dies in a farming accident. This young lady has some HUGE, HUGE challenges in her life! Her younger step-sister is in high-school and is trying to experiment with boys and alcohol, and her younger step-brother has more wisdom than all of them put together at times. When a young, single pastor is introduced to the community, (Jared) and subsequently to Natalie and her family, things really get interesting.
The most realistic parts of this story revolved around the personal challenges faced by Natalie and Pastor Jared. These two young people just aren’t afforded the luxury – for one reason or another – to get their bearings in life before they are shoved into roles of responsibility that present roadblocks to their dreams. Natalie does an admirable job under the circumstances, and her friendship with Jared is a true god-send at this particular time in life.
As interesting as the concept of this story is to explore, there were parts of it that seemed a bit forced. The step-mother’s re-introduction to the story was kind of awkward, although it did provide needed tension in the story. The dad’s secret hiding places were a bit too convenient as a way to provide means for the family’s survival, and the women of the church trying to match-make their daughters with the single pastor was a bit cliché. I also thought things tied up a bit too easily and neatly in the end and thus rendered the story a bit unrealistic.
Seeds of Summer was okay as a quick read, but it never really kept me fully involved. I felt sorry for Natalie and was made to feel like the blossoming romance between she and Jared was a bit predictable. But hey, that’s just one opinion. I encourage you to form your own. If romance and family angst is your kind of read, you’ll enjoy this one.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deborah Vogts and her husband have three daughters and make their home in Southeast Kansas where they raise and train American Quarter Horses. As a student at Emporia State University studying English and journalism, Deborah developed a love for the Flint Hills that has never faded. In writing this series, she hopes to share her passion for one of the last tallgrass prairie regions in the world, showing that God’s great beauty rests on the prairie and in the hearts of those who live there.
1 comment:
Thanks for the review, Kim. I appreciate your honest take on the story. Many blessings to you.
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