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. 



 

Review: A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer

This story opens with Lauren Millard receiving a visit from her five older siblings, during which they declare that it is her duty to give up marriage in order to care for their mother. Lauren, the youngest, was only three when her crying chased off their mother’s suitor so they blame her for their mother being alone.

Meanwhile, Langdon Rochester is lounging in his family’s library when his father comes in. Though he has graduated from the university, he has done nothing with his life. His father gives him an ultimatum: become his apprentice and marry by September first or be disinherited.

Willie Sharp has been working at the Rochester’s factory and caring for his father, who also worked for the Rochester’s until he was disabled by an attack of apoplexy. His father needs rehabilitation in the convalescent hospital, but they cannot afford that.

Quincy Tate is Willie’s friend, and is struggling to find his place and a sense of equality as a young black man in the South.

For all four of these young people think that Atlanta Cotton Exposition of 1895 seems to offer an answer to their problems.  Langdon believes it will be a good place to find a young woman who will suit his needs. Lauren, who has been weaving at her mother’s loom, believes she might meet a young man who would be willing to take on her and her mother, Willie can earn enough money for his father’s care, and Quincy would be able to help his family financially.

Their lives all come together at the Exposition, where issues of race and class surface. Laurel begins to see that though the North and South are united, black and white are still divided.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were unique, and Lauren was perfectly loveable. I found myself genuinely caring about what happens to her. The story unfolds at the perfect pace, with a thread of mystery weaving throughout. As these characters interact, each learns valuable lessons about life that are applicable to all of us.

This book is also rich in symbolism if you take the time to look for it. From Lauren's single shelf of well-loved books to the floor-to-ceiling shelves in Langdon's library, even the descriptive details in the story have meaning.

Often Christian fiction is just “clean” fiction. This book, however, is true Christian fiction with a strong message of faith and the value of the family of God. Willie’s church rallies around him and his father and blesses them richly.

 “Everybody who’s born got two choices – be owned by God or be owned by sin.”
-Mam (Quincy’s mother)

Lines like these are ones that we can all take to heart.

That brings me to one last thing – each character has their own unique voice, which makes the dialogue colorful and real.

This is an excellent and inspiring piece of Christian fiction.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah.

Review: Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Description:Abigail Brantley grew up in affluence and knows exactly how to behave in high society. But when she is cast from the social registers due to her father's illegal dealings, she finds herself forced into a role she never imagined: tutoring rough Kansas ranchers in the subjects of manners and morals so they can "marry up" with their mail-order brides. Mack Cleveland, whose father was swindled by a mail-order bride, wants no part of the scheme to bring Eastern women to Spiveyville, Kansas, and he's put off by the snooty airs and fastidious behavior of the "little city gal" in their midst. But as time goes by, his heart goes out to the teacher who tries so diligently to smooth the rough edges from the down-to-earth men. How can he teach her that perfection won't bring happiness?


My Review:This is a beautiful with rich and unique characters. I loved how the individual personalities developed through the story, how hearts and minds were changed, and how the men responded to feminine gentleness, and how the men set equally changed and broadened the women.

The characters are what really set this story apart from others. Each character is unique, and each has their own voice. They are so distinct that I can "hear" them in my mind. Mack, Buster, Helena, Otto, and the many others all won a special part in my heart.

While the story is mostly light and entertaining threads of mystery, suspense, and danger are woven throughout. It's a story that will have you laughing out loud one moment, and laughing at yourself for praying for fictional characters the next.

The contrast between the stuffy and formal East Coast women and the rough men of the west makes for some great moments, and the story that unfolds as both learn and grow from one another is inspirational.

I really enjoyed this story.




More Information:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549342/beneath-a-prairie-moon-by-kim-vogel-sawyer/


Available March 20, 2018





I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Room for Hope Review and Giveaway

Rarely does a book come my way that lingers with me long after the last page has been read. Those books are a rare gift. This is one of those books.

Neva Shilling faithfully tends to the family store and cares for the twins Bud and Belle as her husband takes month-long trips to sell products in other communities. Though disappointed that she had not provided her husband with the large family they had both desired, Neva is a faithful wife and mother who is warm and caring to all.

With the sound of a wagon pulling up to the shop, her life forever changes. Neva receives word that her husband and his other wife  have died. And, he has sent his three  other children to live with "Aunt Neva." Shocked and heartbroken over the revelation of double life that her beloved has lived, Neva is faced with life-changing decisions. Will she keep the mercantile or sell to Arthur, the owner of the Emporium who has long coveted the shop? Will she keep the children or send them to an orphanage? What will she tell the town?

This book was brilliantly written with an engaging plot, a thread of mystery that runs throughout, and a depth of character that is rare to find in a book today.

There is a strong theme of faith, forgiveness, and the return of prodigals in this book. It is a blessing to see how Neva's faith is strengthened through her trials and how her compassionate heart and depth of love only grows deeper through adversity.

This book gripped my heart from the very first page, and is a story that I am not likely to forget.

Interested in reading this? You can download the first chapter here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Room-for-HopeSP.pdf

I also have two copies of this book to giveaway, courtesy of Waterbrook Multnomah. Just leave a comment below to enter. Winners will be announced March 1, 2015.

*Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah, who provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Giveaway winners (both from Facebook entries) are Janelle and Kristine!
Thank you to all who entered.

Review: When Grace Sings by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Book Description:

When trouble roars into quiet Arborville, Alexa and Anna-Grace find themselves the target for discord and exposed secrets. Can they continue to seek the God of all grace amidst the fog of confusion?  

Alexa Zimmerman wonders if the Old Order Mennonite community in Arborville, Kansas will ever fully accept her. Her family roots here aren’t what anyone thought when she first arrived, but she is hopeful that her culinary and hospitality skills will win the skeptics over. The bed-and-breakfast she’s operating needs to succeed so Alexa agrees to allow Briley Forrester, the hotshot reporter from Chicago, to stay as a long-term boarder not knowing his real motives for being amongst the Plain folk.

But when Alexa agrees to host her cousin Anna-Grace Braun, the presence of extended family brings out Alexa’s insecurities and sets Briley on the trail to uncovering a web of hidden truths.

Plans for a secure future and the sweetness of young romance hang in the balance when Alexa and Anna-Grace have to face that their secrets are interconnected, binding the two in ways they could not have imagined. They must trust in a loving, heavenly Father and His plan for their futures.

My Review:

This book was a big dose of grace right from the beginning. It was very refreshing to read.

The characters are what really make this book enjoyable

Alexa really is full of grace. Her gentle and God-honoring character is a blessing to read about, and she pulls this story together. Put in a very uncomfortable situation while trying to settle in with her new family and new life, her faith and trust are inspiring.

Briley - starts out as typical hotshot reporter. As the plot unfolds, this character show that there is a lot more to him. His colorful character brings a touch of humor. While he's very easy to dislike at first, there is hope for him :)

Anna-Grace is the sweetest character. She is so easy to love.

The story moves along at a very nice pace and keeps the reader interested throughout. I couldn't help but love this family.

I hadn't read the first book in the series, yet it read just fine as a stand-alone. The author does a great job of including enough of the previous story for the reader to understand the characters and the plot. I do plan to go back and read it now.

 

*I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Blogging for Books.

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