IN EVERY HEARTBEAT by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Bethany House Pubishers
Historical Fiction 346 pages
http://www.bethanyhouse.com/

3 friends, all raised in an orphanage, go off to college in Missouri.
Libby Conley, who was left orphaned when her parents were killed in an accident,wants to be a famous journalist, and make a name for herself.
Bennett Martin, who was left on the doorstep of the orphanage, as a baby, was there to have fun, meet girls and find a place where he can belong.
Pete Leidig wants to become a minister, but he has yet to forgive his parents for putting him out at a young age, and while trying to survive on his on, the loss of his leg.
Libby starts submitting romantic stories to a magazine, and soon she gets a small check and a letter that they will print her story, she is ecstatic, until Pete tells her he is trying to get those titillating romantic stories removed as they were not 'fit reading' for young women.  He has no idea she has written one of those stories, so Pete doesn't understand the reason she is upset.
On a trip home to the orphanage for a wedding, Libby finds that the woman she always wanted as a mother, has adopted twin girls, and she feels abandoned,.  She also discovers that she is in love with Pete, and that he is in love with her.  Shortly afterward, she goes home with a roommate, so that she can meet a published author.  She sees a notice in the local paper about a 16 year old who ws convicted of murder, while robbing a store, and is to be hanged.  The picture of the young man looks a lot like Pete, so she goes to see the young man, and then starts waging a campaign to save him.

This is a very compelling story, with several twists and turns.  It is the first I've read from this particular author, but I will be interested in reading more.

I recieved a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers to read and review.  I received no other compensation for my review, and I am not required to post a positive review.