In Every Heartbeat

August 1, 2010
Its 1914, on the brink of the Great War, when three longtime friends who grew up together in an orphanage are awarded scholarships to the University of Southern Missouri. But Petey, destined for the ministry, harbors revenge in his heart against the parents who cast him away when he was only seven years old, resulting in the loss of one foot and part of his leg. Libbys impetuousness repeatedly lands her in trouble and hinders her ambition to become a top-notch reporter, and Bennett substitutes food and fighting for the respect, admiration, and sense of belonging he desperately craves. As the school year progresses and their beliefs are tested, their ambitions take them in different directions until they are brought together again by an impending execution. Sawyers stand-alone Christian historical is more judgmental than her usual fare, but there is still plenty of action, emotion, and background color to carry the story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)