The Tapestry Of Grace By Kim Vogel Sawyer

the Tapestry of Grace

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Publisher: Waterbrook

ISBN: 9780593194386

Having read the author's books in the past, when I saw this one come up as an option to review, I was excited to sign up. I received the ebook to help facilitate my review.

Summary:

When a group of Kansas women start a Frauenverein, a benevolent society devoted to aiding widows and orphans, life changes for more than just the hurting people they seek to help in this heartwarming romance inspired by historical events—from the bestselling author of Freedom’s Song.

With classes paused for the planting season, Alexandertol’s schoolteacher Augusta Dyck is glad for some meaningful work to occupy her time. She even knows exactly who their town’s benevolence society should help first: quiet, reserved widower Konrad Rempel and his young twin sons.

Konrad Rempel, however, is adamant that he doesn’t want help. His boys are mischievous but good-hearted. And though Konrad may be struggling, he doesn’t want anyone else sticking their nose in and telling him what his sons need. Or what he needs.

For her part, the charity’s founder Martina Krahn is relieved to have a reason to spend time outside her unhappy home. It even occurs to her that she may, through her work, encounter a boy in need of a family and so find a son for her husband since they have no children of their own.

Augusta, Konrad, and Martina each have deep needs and desires, and each imagines how they should be met: by reaching out or by being left alone. But God, indeed, knows best. Will the competing agendas of Alexandertol’s residents prevent them from receiving God’s help? Or will the members of this small Mennonite community find the answers to their prayers in the very last place they expect—in one another?

My Review:

I love that this author is described as one who writes "gentle stories of hope." I couldn't agree more.

I've read a couple of the author's books in the past and have really enjoyed them. There's something about reading a "gentle" story that just speaks peace to my heart. The Tapestry of Grace was just as sweet. Well, maybe a little bittersweet for some of the characters.

This was an ensemble cast of characters, with the main ones being Augusta and Konrad. They're both widowed with young children. She's not looking for a husband, and Konrad isn't looking for a wife... at least not initially. lol Martina plays a huge role in all of this, and with some manipulation that comes across as kindness, she gets the ball rolling so that Augusta starts searching for a wife for Konrad and Martina hopes to gain a child.

Watching Martina's schemes unfold is rather shocking! Her delusional thoughts took me aback, but as we got to know her more, while not ok, we began to understand her desperation. There's a lot to unpack with her storyline such as miscarriages, guilt, and shame, but also forgiveness, healing, and redemption.

I like that the author gave a balance of the children. With Konrad's twins and their struggles without having a mom around and then Augusta with her sweet daughter, we see how children deal with loss differently. I felt like the author handled the topic with great care and grace.

One of the most impactful parts of this story was the faith. It was so beautiful how Augusta truly approached everything in her life with Scripture in mind. It was NOT overdone nor did it feel just thrown in willy nilly. It's an example to every reader of how and why we approach life with a Christ-centered mind. Honestly, there was a good amount of conviction in my spirit as I read the story. You can't beat a story when the Holy Spirit uses it to prick your heart towards godliness.

Of course, what's a story without the gossipy ladies, misunderstandings, and miscommunication? hahaha

About the Author:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a highly acclaimed, bestselling author with more than 1.5 million books in print in seven different languages. Her titles have earned numerous accolades including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband, Don, where she continues to write gentle stories of hope. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and grandchildren.

Potiphar's Wife By Mesu Andrews

Potiphar's Wife

by Mesu Andrews

Publisher: Waterbrook Multnomah

Series: The Egyptian Chronicles

ISBN: 978-0593193761

I have enjoyed a couple of Mesu's books in the past so when I was given the opportunity to read her newest release, I was looking forward to reading it. I had no idea I would be so consumed by the story!

Summary:

Before she is Potiphar’s wife, Zuleika is the daughter of a king and the wife of a prince. She rules the isle of Crete alongside her mother in the absence of their seafaring husbands. But when tragedy nearly destroys Crete, Zuleika must sacrifice her future to save the Minoan people she loves. 

Zuleika’s father believes his robust trade with Egypt will ensure Pharaoh’s obligation to marry his daughter, including a bride price hefty enough to save Crete. But Pharaoh refuses and gives her instead to Potiphar, the captain of his bodyguards: a crusty bachelor twice her age, who would rather have a new horse than a Minoan wife.  

Abandoned by her father, rejected by Pharaoh, and humiliated by Potiphar’s indifference, Zuleika yearns for the homeland she adores. In the political hotbed of Egypt’s foreign dynasty, her obsession to return to Crete spirals into deception. When she betrays Joseph—her Hebrew servant with the face and body of the gods—she discovers only one love is worth risking everything.

My Review:

I don't even know where to start with this amazing story! While I thought Potiphar's Wife would center more around Potiphar's wife lying about asking Joseph to sleep with her, it was more about what "brought" her to that point. Obviously it's fictional, but Mesu Andrews created a story that brought the time of Potiphar's time to life!

The story is told through the eyes of four people who we come to love on differing levels: Zuleika (Potiphar's wife), Potiphar, Joseph, and Ahira.

Zully goes through a lot of emotional upheaval throughout this entire story. I do want to make note that she has a traumatic assault that I want you to be aware of. My heart went out to her, but unlike the characters she comes into contact with, my heart for her only went so far. THAT'S what I loved about the characters who were impacted by her because they were exceptional examples of mercy and forgiveness.

I thought Potiphar was a complex character as Pharaoh's closest friend and protector, then as Zully's husband. I went back and forth on how I felt about him. His world is upended and how he adjusts has a trickle down effect on the other characters. I ended up really liking him and understood the complexities of who he was and his position in Pharaoh's court.

Joseph... it was such an interesting time in his life getting to "know" him in a fictional way. I have to say, when authors bring Biblical characters to life for me, I end up really having a soft spot in my heart for their place in the Bible. This makes the Old Testament more alive for me when I read it.

Ahira, who also has a traumatic experience plays such a pivotal role for all of the characters in this book. Her transformation in her faith is beautiful and she is one of my favorite characters in the story. 

An element I love in stories is when an author gives us a side character who loves authentically and makes me want to be a better person. That would be Pushpa. She's the Ommi (adopted mother) of Potiphar and Pharaoh. 

Of course, it goes without say, that there is a Gospel message woven throughout the entire story that is absolutely beautiful. I love that God is shown as El Roi, the God who sees. It's so powerful, especially in how it truly applies to our lives as well.

I truly can't say enough about how incredible this story was! If you love Biblical fiction, you are going to want to read this asap!

About the Author:

MESU ANDREWS is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter and numerous other novels, including The Pharaoh's Daughter, Miriam, Of Fire and Lions and Love Amid the Ashes. Her deep understanding of and love for God's Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. Mesu lives in North Carolina with her husband, Roy, and enjoys spending time with her growing tribe of grandchildren.

The Librarian Of Boone's Hollow By Kim Vogel Sawyer

The Librarian Of Boone's Hollow
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Publisher: WaterBrook
ISBN: 9780525653721

Having recently finished another book by Kim Vogel Sawyer, when I saw The Librarian of Boone's Hollow come up for review, I couldn't pass it up! Thanks to WaterBrook for sending me an ebook version for me to read.

Summary:

A traveling librarian ventures into the mining towns of Kentucky on horseback—and learns to trust the One who truly pens her story—in this powerful novel from the best-selling author of A Silken Thread.

During the Great Depression, city-dweller Addie Cowherd dreams of becoming a novelist and offering readers the escape that books had given her during her tragic childhood. When her father loses his job, she is forced to take the only employment she can find—delivering books on horseback to poor coal-mining families in the hills of Kentucky.

But turning a new page will be nearly impossible in Boone's Hollow, where residents are steeped in superstitions and deeply suspicious of outsiders. Even local Emmett Tharp feels the sting of rejection after returning to the tiny mountain hamlet as the first in his family to graduate college. And as the crippled economy leaves many men jobless, he fears his degree won’t be worth much in a place where most men either work the coal mine or run moonshine.

As Addie also struggles to find her place, she’ll unearth the truth about a decades-old rivalry. But when someone sets out to sabotage the town’s library program, will the culprit chase Addie away or straight into the arms of the only person who can help her put a broken community back together?

My Review:

Ok, I have to admit, this book really surprised me! I don't know what I expected from The Librarian of Boone's Hollow, but what I got was much more!

I haven't read many Depression era books, but the ones I have I've enjoyed and they've pulled on my heart strings. This one was no different.

My heart immediately went out to Addie as the story started. She gets quite a surprise and her world is turned upside down. Thankfully she works with ladies at the library who are kind a supportive. I enjoyed getting to know her co-worker, Griselda Ann. She was definitely quirky, but also very kind and giving.

At the same time, Addie has a quick run-in with Emmett Thorp. Actually, twice. The first time she's rather perturbed by him. Actually a pretty funny scene. And poor Emmett. He's the first in his little town to goto college and because of the Depression, he can't find a job so he tucks his tail between his legs and heads home hoping he can find something in the neighboring town.

As timing would have it, Addie ends up heading to Boone's Hollow where Emmett is from to become one of the WPA girls who delivers books to the residents of the town. Enter, Bettina. Oh my goodness, that girl is a firecracker. Super easy to dislike because she's downright sneaky. And Emmett has no idea what's coming when he gets home and she's there to greet him!

One of the facets I loved about this story is how we see people, but how God would have us see them. That's where the librarian, Lydia West, has such an impact on Addie and on me! Because she is also an outsider, she's able to guide Addie on what life is like there for the people and for the outsiders. They both experience first hand how people behave when they believe in superstitions.

Thankfully, both ladies know that Jesus would have them loving those around them, even when it's difficult. And difficult it is! Addie decides to live with Nanny Fay who everyone avoids because she'd been married to a Cherokee and was from Tuckett's Pass. The town folk also see Nanny Fay as a witch. Nanny Fay just gives grace upon grace to those around her.

There's a lot that happens in the story. Emmett trying to tighten his relationship with his father, a miner. He continues trying to find a job while keeping Bettina in check. Whew, that girl has a story! Addie gives being a packhorse librarian a good go and does everything she can to reach out and befriend the people in her town.

All throughout the story, you see or hear about God's hand moving. So many great truths about grace and mercy abound through the story and through the lives of the people.

About the Author:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a highly acclaimed bestselling author with more than one million books in print in seven different languages. Her titles have earned numerous accolades including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband, Don, where she continues to write gentle stories of hope. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and her grandchildren.

Unveiling The Past By Kim Vogel Sawyer

Unveiling the Past
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Publisher: WaterBrook
ISBN: 9780525653660

I haven't read one of Kim's books for a while so when I saw it come through from WaterBrook Multnomah for review, it sounded like a book right up my alley!

Summary:

Mysteries, family secrets, and the love of a true Father are found at the heart of this gripping novel from the bestselling author of Bringing Maggie Home

Newlyweds Sean Eagle and Meghan DeFord are no strangers to pain and loss. As cold-case detectives, they know intimately the anguish family members endure after the murder or disappearance of a loved one. But when a new case hits too close to home, it threatens to pull loose the fragile cords of their young marriage. 
  
Sheila Menke was just a girl when her father left for work and never returned. An investigation revealed he had embezzled enough to start a new life elsewhere, but Sheila could never accept the court’s criminalization of her father. Meghan reluctantly takes the case, secretly fearing it will stir up buried feelings about her own biological father. And while Sean investigates the mysterious death of two young brothers, he longs to start a family. But Meghan worries that with a negligent mother and an absentee father as her parenting examples, she might never be fit for motherhood. 
  
As they delve deeper into the past, both Meghan and Sheila must choose to either stumble along the road of bitterness and resentment or walk the difficult path toward forgiveness and healing. When the cases begin to break wide open, these young women are poised to discover that while earthly fathers may fail, there is one in heaven who is a father to the fatherless.

My Review:

This was a fantastic story! I had actually thought I'd read all of Unveiling the Past, but must've gotten distracted and never did. So, I picked the ebook back up to dive back in and the chapters I'd already read came flooding back. I really liked having so many viewpoints. I know it could've been confusing, but the author's writing makes it easy to keep track of whose POV we're reading from.

The mother/daughter relationships really play such a vital role across the entire storyline. Just for my own wishes, it would've been great to have known Diane's relationship with her mom as she grew up. Her relationship with her as an adult seemed to be one of caring. It was a great testament to the power of prayer and the fact that people can change.

Actually that seemed to be the overall theme of the story.

I liked the mystery surrounding Sheila's father which gave us readers something to propel the story forward and keep us on our toes. I also appreciated that it helped Meghan see that she could care for others and that someone other than her husband could care for her in a reliable way.

One of the "negatives" I had with the story is the work relationship between Sean and Meghan. They seem to be these intense cold case detectives, but also very codependent. I can completely understand loving working with a specific person, especially your spouse, but it seemed on the unhealthy side in that they could barely stand the thought of doing a single, possibly short cold case with someone else. Even not having their desks touching seemed to make it so they weren't sure how to even function. In that respect I was incredibly glad they were forced to work with someone else. lol

Kevin's storyline was probably my favorite aspect of the whole story. His relationship with his father dictating how he responded to Diane's pregnancy, to his numerous wives, to his brokenness, all came together in a way that made him out to be a guy who was relying on everything BUT God for his life. I thoroughly enjoyed the roles Diane and Hazel played to help soften his rough edges and see past himself.

About the Author:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a highly acclaimed bestselling author with more than one million books in print in seven different languages. Her titles have earned numerous accolades including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband, Don, where she continues to write gentle stories of hope. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and her grandchildren.

The Englisch Daughter By Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall

The Englisch Daughter
by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall
Publisher: WaterbrookMultnomah
ISBN: 9780735291027



Summary:

Old Order Amish wife and mother Jemima has put her marriage and family ahead of herself for years. She's set herself aside. Raising four children, she's followed all the rules and has been patient in looking forward to her time to chase a dream of her own. 

But when she finds out that her life savings for pursuing that dream is gone--and her husband, Roy, has been hiding a child with another woman--her entire world is shattered. Will she be able to listen to God and love Roy's child? With so much at stake, how can she and Roy fix their relationship before their lives come crashing down?

My Review:

I enjoy adding Amish stories to my line up of books every once in a while. The Englisch Daughter sounded like a storyline that would draw me in, and boy did it! I'm not used to being so drawn in immediately to an Amish novel. There were twists and turns that we're unexpected. I appreciated the grace that was given to the characters when oftentimes it seems the parents or Bishop are harsh and uncaring. While they had grace, they were firm in their stance.

Jemima and Roy seem to be in a difficult place. Turns out, there's more going on in their lives than Jemima realizes. From the start of the story their relationship is strained. It could be lingering effects from the accident Roy and his daughter had, but is that the case?

Then we meet Abigail, Roy's sister and the new farmhand, Chris, who has come from another district. Unfortunately, Chris is torn between making a full commitment to the Amish ways and the life he's taken on outside of the Order. I actually liked this storyline the most! Probably because it wasn't as intense as Roy and Jem's.

I found the story of roy to be a rather fascinating one. Had it been just a contemporary novel without ht Amish thread, it would've been just any other book. If it had been only about Chris and Abi, again, it probably wold've been just another Amish novel. Bringing both of them together hit the nail on the head.

The flow of the story was a fast one! I couldn't put it down once I got into it, which only took a few pages! This was a book full of meat and it pulled emotions from me I hadn't expected! It's a beautiful story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

About the Authors:

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA bestselling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family.

Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade.

Dear Grandchild, This Is Me

Dear Grandchild, This Is Me
Publisher: WaterBrook
ISBN: 9780525652830

I was so excited to see Dear Grandchild, This Is Me available for review thanks to WaterBrook. My step-daughter made me a grandma for the first time 15 yrs ago and again 9 yrs ago. So I'm a grandma twice over and I'm waiting somewhat impatiently for my oldest daughter to tell me one day that she and her husband are going to have a baby!

Summary:

Preserving a family legacy can feel like a daunting task, but this new keepsake journal makes it easy for grandparents to capture memories, wisdom, and stories in one beautiful package.

Being a grandparent is an incredibly rewarding experience. Dear Grandchild, This Is Me--designed for any grandmother or grandfather to complete--will allow grandparents to collect these priceless memories in one heartfelt keepsake. 

Special Features:
  *  Built-in envelopes to stash special, private letters for specific occasions in your grandchild's future.
  *  A sheet of adhesive photo corners to adhere photographs and special memories throughout. 
  *  Off-the-record questions to prompt fun stories.
  *  A family tree to track your ancestry.
  *  Space to share your favorite recipes, or those passed through the generations. 
  *  A world map to showcase your travels.

Within these pages you'll find a place to answer questions that speak to a grandchild of any age from the simple questions about favorite things to deeper questions about childhood memories, identity, and faith. This book will be a tangible way to keep a loved one close at all times.



My Review:

What an absolutely delightful book! I've always had a fascination with family history and passing on what we can to our children and grandchildren. We won't be here forever so leaving them a piece of ourselves (other than what we pour into them through relationships) through a book like this is a wonderful gift!

Since I'm early on with grand parenting, I don't know how many grandkids I'll have so having enough to give to each grandchild will be an important aspect of having Dear Grandchild, This Is Me. We don't want any grandchild to be left out. hahahaha

I really love the prompts throughout the book. There are questions that I never would've thought of so clearly someone took the time to put thought into what to ask for us to share. I mean, I never would've thought about sharing how I felt about major events in history - some I experienced and some I didn't. Actually, this would be a great book for my parents to fill out for their great-grandchildren they'll one day have.

There's also a page in each section where you can write a letter to your grandchild. Times where they're entering a new stage of life or buying their first home. What a sweet legacy to leave each of them!

I also like how the colors throughout the book follow the colors of the leaves changing on a tree. The sections go from green to brown like the path of our lives. I'll have to put some thought into the pictures I want to share with each of my grandkids. I think they'll be different in each book so that there is a menagerie for them to see in each one.

Dear Grandchild, This Is Me would make a perfect gift either for someone who is becoming a new grandparent or for Grandparents Day in September.