Book Review: Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Back Cover: A Story of Hope and Love Set Against the Backdrop of World War II

Lydia Eldredge longs to provide sanctuary for her young son, Nicky. But a constant threat comes from Nicky's drug-addicted father, who wants the boy and seems willing to do whatever it takes to get him.

Dr. Micah Hatcher faithfully serves the immigrant population of Queens, New York. But under cover of darkness, he has a secret mission that challenges everything he thought he wanted out of life.

When Lydia and Micah's paths cross, they are suddenly wrapped up in each other's callings. Together, they seek a refuge of safety--for Nicky, for themselves, and for the needy people God puts into their lives. Amid turmoil and discord, can hope and love prevail?

My Review: While this book is set in a different time period than most of Kim Sawyer's works, it still contains the same quality that I have come to expect from the author. I really enjoyed Sweet Sanctuary because of the unique look at the life at home during the second World War. I appreciated how Sawyer handled some difficult subjects in this book, such as spousal abuse, drug addiction, and the Holocaust. My favorite part of the story was the children characters. Little Nicky was absolutely endearing. I know when I pick up a Sawyer book that I'm going to get a sweet story line, engaging characters, and the outpouring of an author's heart bringing glory to God.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to readers who enjoy the era of WWII and fans of Kim Vogel Sawyer.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: A Home in Drayton Valley by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Excerpt: "Mary, I know you're wantin' to leave this city -- you've told me often how you pray more than dirty streets an' a lifetime of living near the docks for your wee ones."

Mary shifted her face to meet Tarsie's gaze. Longing glimmered in her blue eyes, the wordless beseeching creating an ache in the center of Tarsie's chest.

Tarsie pulled the yellowed Handbook of Kansas from her pocket and opened it. "Listen..." She began to read. "'Drayton Valley, it is admitted by everyone, has the best rock-bound landing , and is the best town site on the Missouri River. We say to the emigrant, come to Drayton Valley; believe as we do, that is is the destined to be the great emporium of the upper Missouri.'"

Mary plucked the booklet from Tarsie's hands and squinted at the cover. Her brows crunched low. "Kansas?"

"To be sure." Tarsie's heart pounded, hope swelling. She jabbed her finger at a paragraph farther down the page. "See there? It speaks of a busy steamboat trade. Joss knows dock work, so he'd surely find a job. A town of two thousand, Mary, instead of this crowded, dirty city. Wouldn't it be a fine place for you an' for Emmy an' wee Nathaniel? And maybe... maybe..." She swallowed. How she hated to remind Mary of Joss's shortcomings, but her Bible taught her to always speak truth. "Far from here, maybe Joss'll lose his taste for frequenting the saloons." A Home in Drayton Valley, pg 12.

Back Cover: A dream of a better life...
A tragedy aboard a wagon train...
A tentative agreement...
Will it lead to love for two seeking hearts?

Hoping to escape the poor conditions of 1880 New York, Tarsie Raines and her friends Joss and Mary Brubacher and their two children set off for Kansas aboard an unusual wagon train. But when tragedy strikes on the trip across the prairie, Tarsie is thrown into a partnership with Joss that leaves them both questioning God and their plans for the future.

As their funds dwindle and nothing goes as planned, will they give up and go their separate ways? Or will God use their time in Drayton Valley in a way they never expected?

My Review: Sawyer gives us a lot to think about in A Home in Drayton Valley. She isn't afraid to deal with some hard issues like illness, death, marriage, drunkenness, prohibition, and race. Sawyer's characters grow, change, and deepen within the pages of the book. I appreciate Sawyer's style, giving us a wholesome a love story with many complications and plot twists. I enjoyed her use of the children in this story to round it out, and add depth. I also enjoyed the unlikely friendships found in the pages. Overall, this was an enjoyable read.
My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to readers of historical fiction and fans of Kim Vogel Sawyer.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: When Hope Blossoms by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Excerpt: Bekah gulped, gathering her courage. "You said moving to Weaverly would give us all a fresh start. Right?"

Mom's lips pinched briefly, but she nodded.

"So why can't that mean a fresh start in more than just where we live? Why can't we do something else new, like wear shorts when it's hot outside? Or buy a swimsuit - it doesn't have to be a two-piece - and go swimming in the public pool like other kids? Or maybe even cut our hair instead of piling it under these scratchy caps?"

As Bekah spoke, her voice rose in both volume and speed. Bottled up questions poured out fast before Mom could interrupt and tell her to stop fussing. "We moved away from Arborville and all the people of our fellowship. We're in a brand new place where nobody knows us. Not even the Mennonites who came from Ohio really know us - just a little bit from helping carry our stuff into the house. Do we have to dress this way and . . . live in an old house to make God happy?"

Bekah ran out of words. She plunked into the nearest chair exhausted. She peered up at her mother, who stood silent and unsmiling before her. Another thought filled her mind, and she spit it out before she lost her nerve to share it. "Why is it so important that we be Mennonites? Mr. Roper isn't Mennonite anymore, and he seems okay. Wouldn't we be okay if we decided not to be Mennonites, too?" When Hope Blossoms, pg 74-75.

Back Cover: Amy Knackstedt hopes a new start in Weaverly, Kansas, will help heal the pain of losing her husband and provide a better future for her three children. But her new neighbor, Tim Roper, is not pleased to have an Old Order Mennonite family living next to his apple orchard. Tim left the Mennonite faith years ago and doesn't want any reminders of his former life.

Yet when circumstances throw Amy and Tim together, they form a friendship that surprises them both. Will past hurts always be a barrier between them, or will this tentative relationship blossom into something more?

My Review: Amy Knackstedt wants a fresh start for her family, but is she making the right choice reaching out to her neighbor, a former Mennonite? Will it help her children or hurt them? I enjoyed Sawyer's book. Kim's characters share frustrations and fears, pain and promise that are common to all of us. I really liked the way that Sawyer's characters came to understand that belief isn't just a list of dos and don'ts but an attitude of serving and honoring God from the heart, whether you are Mennonite or not.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to readers of Mennonite fiction, and fans of Kim Vogel Sawyer.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Excerpt: God, I want Your will most of all, so if they say no, let me accept it. But even as the plea silently rose, she realized the depth of her longing to travel to Kansas. To take the jog. And fulfill the dream that resided within her heart.

She opened the door and stepped it. Twining her fingers together, she searched her parent's faces. Their burden-weary expressions offered no hint of what they had decided. Mama pointed silently to the foot of the bed, and Sadie quickly sat.

"Sadie-girl..."

Tears immediately sprang to Sadie's eyes at the sound of Papa's weak, raspy voice so different from the boisterous, booming voice he'd had before the tunnel collapse that had nearly killed him.

"The idea of lettin' you go so far away is a mighty tough thing." Papa heaved a huge sigh. Mama dabbed at her eyes, and Papa took her hand before continuing. "But after reading the letter an' praying together, we think--"

Sadie held her breath.

"--this job is a true answer to prayer." Song of My Heart, pg 12.

Back Cover: Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job.

Thad McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit. After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.

Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive?

My Review: I really enjoy Kim Vogel Sawyer's novels and Song of My Heart does not disappoint. Sawyer creates characters with depth, and conviction. I love the struggles and difficult situations that she forces on them. I really enjoyed the way that this story unfolded, the drama, challenges, and danger were very real and well done. Song of My Heart is light and enjoyable read that I'm glad I didn't miss.
My Rating:

My Recommendaton: I highly recommend this book to readers of historical fiction and fans of Kim Vogel Sawyer.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: A Whisper of Peace by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Excerpt: "I heard what you said. And I understand your concerns. But how can we not return to Lizzie after I've told her I'll help her? She's already been rejected by the tribe. We can't reject her, too." Her voice wavered with emotion.

Clay examined his stepsister with narrowed eyes. "You feel strongly about this."

She nodded, strands of red-gold hair flying around her face. But she didn't offer any further reason for her adamancy.

He gave her had a pat and then leaned his elbows on his knees. "But we have to consider the consequences of going against the leaders' wishes - being branded traitors could result in our removal from the village. After all our work on the mission building, I don't want to start over somewhere else, do you?"

"Clay, you're making excuses." Vivian's tone, though gentle, cut him to the core. "You know the right thing to do." A Whisper of Peace, pg 72.

Back Cover: Ostracized by her tribe because of her white father, Lizzie Dawson lives alone in the mountains of Alaska, practicing the ways of her people even as she resides in a small cabin her father built for her mother. She dreams of reconciling with her grandparents to fulfill her mother's dying request, but she has not yet found a way to bridge the gap that separates her from her tribe.

Clay Shelby has always wanted to be like his father, a missionary who holds a great love for the native people and has brought many to God. Clay arrives in Alaska to set up a church and school among the Athabascans. He is totally focused on this goal...until he meets a young, independent Indian woman with the most striking blue eyes he's ever seen.

But Lizzie is clearly not part of the tribe. And befriending her might have dire consequences for his mission. Will Clay be forced to choose between his desire to minister to the natives and the quiet nudging of his heart?

My Review: A Whisper of Peace takes the reader on a journey through the rugged beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. It also explores the paths of forgiveness in the hearts of people weighed down by the past, and longing for a freer future. The story line is expertly crafted, and wonderful to read. Kim's characters are realistically flawed, and grow as the story progresses. Each character has strong drives, and it is easy to see why they respond the way that they do. I really enjoyed this story.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to fans of Kim Vogel Sawyer and lovers of historical fiction.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)

Book Review: Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Excerpt: Edythe knew where he was leading. "I'm simply requesting your support. If William sees that you view education as important, then his attitude toward school - and his behavior - should change."

Mr. Sholes removed his hat, wiped his forehead with his wrist, and then plunked the hat back into place. "Look, you got a job to do. You want me to respect that. All right, I respect it. But I have a job to do, too, an' if I have to run to the school every time my boy gets a little ornery, I won't get my job done. So I'll say it again: I'll take care of William when he's home, an' you take care of him when he's at school. Do your job, Teacher."

Edythe's face flamed at his insolent tone. Harsh words quivered on the tip of her tongue, but she held them back. It would be pointless to argue with this muleheaded man and his mouse-like wife. "Very well." She whirled toward the wide opening at the opposite side of the barn. As she charged into the sunlight, she heard a snicker. Looking up, she spotted William in the loft window.

He grinned, the curl of his lip impudent. "See you on Monday, Miss Amsel." Courting Miss Amsel, pg 41.

Back Cover: Edythe Amsel is delighted with her first teaching assignment: a one-room schoolhouse in Walnut Hill, Nebraska. Independent, headstrong, and a firm believer in a well-rounded education, Edythe is ready to open the world to the students in this tiny community. But is Walnut Hill ready for her?

Having raised his nephews since their parents' untimely deaths, Joel Townsend is thrilled to learn the town council has hired a female teacher. His sons could use a woman's influence. But he sure didn't bargain on a woman like Miss Amsel. Within the first week, she has the entire town up in arms over her outlandish teaching methods. Of course, Joel can't help but notice that she's also mighty pretty - and just might make a good mother for his boys.

When Edythe decides to take her pupils to hear Miss Susan Anthony speak on the woman's suffrage amendment, the town's outcry reaches new heights. Even Joel isn't sure he can support her newfangled ideas any longer. And if he can't trust her to teach the boys, how can he trust her with his heart?

My Review: Someone sign me up for the Kim Vogel Sawyer fan club! Every book I've read of this author has been enjoyable, and Courting Miss Amsel is no exception. Sawyer's characters come alive on the page in a delightfully believable way. They have strengths and weakness, just like the rest of us, and thus make them easy to identify with. Of course, identifying with Edythe Amsel was easy, due to my own teaching experience. The conflicts within the story line pulled me from on cover to the other in a matter of hours. I am so thrilled to add this book to my collection!

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction and fans of Kim Vogel Sawyer.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)

Book Review: In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Excerpt: "Girls! Why must they be so . . . girlish?"

Bennett threw back his head and guffawed. Irritation puckered Libby's lips. She wished she could clop him over the head with her leather case. But his hard head would probably damage the satchel. "Stop that! It isn't funny."

He sobered, although his gray-blue eyes twinkled with suppressed laughter. "Sorry, Lib. But sometimes I think you forget you are a girl."

"How can I forget?" Being a girl had been a problem for years. Her uncle had turned her over to an orphanage after her parents' deaths, unwilling to raise a girl on his own; perspective adoptive parents passed her by because they wanted sturdy boys to help with chores." In Every Heartbeat, pg 44.

Back Cover: As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. Libby Conley hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete Leidig believes God has called him to study to become a minister. And Bennett Martin plans to pledge a fraternity, find a place to belong, and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well.

When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?

My Review: I loved this story! Kim does an amazing job in this wonderful tale. Each of the three friends are so different, but yet they are bound together, almost like family. The journey that each of the three takes leads them in separate directions. They each make mistakes, trying to live life the way that they think it should be lived, rather than relying on God and His plan for their lives.

I've always loved stories about orphans, and this story tugged at my heart. This is the story of three children who never were adopted, and they are all hurting inside because of the seeming lack of acceptance. The powerful message of this novel will linger with me for a long time.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction. Kim Vogel Sawyer does a masterful job relaying the story of these three friends and their struggle to find peace and acceptance.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: A Hopeful Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

"So he hadn't headed to the depot to lay claim to a potential wife; he'd just wanted to see how Aunt Hattie's plan had worked out. He held a fondness for the older widow, as did most everybody in town. And sure enough - just as Aunt Hattie had promised, a passel of young ladies arrived on the iron horse. At first glance, it seemed she'd been able to meet some of the men's requests. The ladies all looked to be in the early twenties - old enough to have some maturity but young enough to birth babies. None had appeared sickly or ill-tempered. his friends had elbowed each other, grinning and whispering in approval, right until the last one stepped onto the platform. Then the appreciative whispers changed to ridicule.

Looking more like a lost waif than a woman, that last one hadn't fit Aunt Hattie's description of a 'hardy farm wife.' Small and spindly, he couldn't imagine her hoisting her own bag, let alone wrestling an ornery calf to the ground. But his pity had been stirred when her hat went flying... then she went flying." A Hopeful Heart, pg. 12.

Tressa Neill knows that the Wyatt Herdsman School is her second-best chance at getting a husband. Orphaned, and alone with a penny to her name, Tressa joins up with five other girls and travels to Kansas to learn what it means to be a farmer's wife. However, the privaledged Tressa has lived the life of a lady, and doesn't know the first thing about cooking, cleaning, let alone how to milk a cow or wrangle a calf. Facing ridicule at every turn, the young woman strives to raise above everyone low expectations.

Meanwhile, Able Samms has trouble of his own. His herds are being picked off by rustlers, and if he doesn't figure out how to put a stop to it, he's going to have to sell the ranch. Able wants nothing to do with the girls that his neighbor, Aunt Hattie, brought from out east. He wasn't about to open his heart to another lady... not after the way that Amanda had treated him. But there's something about Tressa that makes him take notice.

Sawyer brings history to life in this wonderful story of second chances, forgivness, hope, and redemption. I especially enjoyed the wonderful way that Kim incorporated her dearly departed cat, Isabelle into the story. I look forward to reading many more wonderful tales by Kim Vogel Sawyer.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.