From the first page of this delightful book, I was swept back to 1894 and the windswept plains of Kansas. Sawyer does a fantastic job making the era and characters spring to life. I was engrossed in the stuggles of the characters and delighted in their triumphs. With each sentence she paints a vivid picture of this unique German setting and places you deep inside the minds of the main characters. It is easy to fall in love with the gentle giant Peter Ollenburger. And I grew with Summer through each test and victory.If you thought there wasn't a fresh twist on the prairie romance, think again. And if you love Janette Oke's books, you will be delighted with Waiting for Summer's Return.