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?
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.
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