Delightful, Faith-filled Historical Fiction - True Christian Fiction

 

David Carbury is a physician who is one of the early doctors using chloroform, as he is convinced it is safe and effective. 

Grace Stratton is happy to received a position as a companion to an older, wealthy woman.

Dr Carbury is forced to flee London after one of his patients dies, though he is convinced it was from cholera, not chloroform. He goes to stay with his wealthy aunt, pretending to be his cousin to keep his secret and have some peace while he faces charges in London. There he meets Grace, who suspects that something is wrong, yet still finds herself drawn to "John."

I loved the fast pace of this book, and the delightful and unexpected plot twist that spring up. But what I most loved about this book, along with most of Edwina Kiernan's books, is the strong gospel message. Readers will find the message of sin, repentance, and redemption through our precious Savior. So often Christian fiction just has hints of faith, or simply doesn't contain impure content, but her truly preaches Christ. It *is* Christian fiction.

Review: The Tapestry of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 

This charming historical fiction opens with a group of German Mennonite women forming a "Frauenverein" - a women's group to meet the needs of widows and orphans per James 1:27. It is here that we meet an interesting cast of characters.

Konrad is a widower with young twin boys. He finds himself facing two women who both have competing plans to help him over the summer break.

Augusta is a widow, teacher, and mother to Juliana. She is kind and gentle, and seeking to meet the needs of others though she herself is a widow. She genuinely enjoys the twins, who she teaches during the school year, and wants to give them a loving and safe place to spend the days during the summer.

Martina leads the Frauenverein, and she at first appears to be a stern leader with selfish ambitions. As the story unfolds we see another side of her, a gentle and hurting side. Childless and concerned about her husband's drinking, she hopes that bringing one of the twin boys into an apprenticeship with her husband will heal their relationship.

An interesting and delightful story unfolds as these women discover that sometimes blessing others bring blessing on oneself.

One of the things that I most appreciate about Kim Vogel Sawyer's books is the godly wisdom sprinkled throughout. There are always a few quotes for my commonplace book. Here is one from this book:

"We must chop sin from our lives the way we chop weeds from the garden rows. Sin keeps us from growing strong in the faith. and producing fruit for God's kingdom. One weed left to flourish can take over the entire garden. One sin can grow into many that overtake the soul." -Mutter

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

You can purchase your copy beginning April 18, 2023.

Disclaimer: I received an advance ebook for review purposes.