Review: Room for Hope

Room for Hope by Kim Vogel Sawyer was a very unique book. I was hesitant to read it at first because it sounded so different, but, since the author was one of my favorites, I decided to be brave and try it. As soon as I hesitantly opened the book and started reading, I was pulled in. Don't let the unusual plot turn you away. It was a wonderful book filled with forgiveness, hope, and love. Trust me, you won't want to miss it.

Neva Shilling is in charge of the mercantile whenever her husband travels the country selling items from his wagon. Her twin fourteen year olds help a lot, but nothing compares to when her husband is home. Things are always better when he is there taking care of them all.

Neva and her kids are anxious for his return so when a wagon comes to the mercantile, they rush out to meet him. But it isn't him. It's a deputy. Neva tells her kids to go inside, and the deputy tells Neva that Mr. Shilling and his wife are dead leaving their kids and belongings to their Aunt Neva. Shocked and bewildered, Neva has no idea what to do or say.

Kim Vogel Sawyer's books always challenge me to delve deeper. Lately, her unique plots have been wonderful since they have encouraged me to look beyond the typical and see how God can guide us in all kinds of different scenarios. Filled with God's redemptive power amid man's sinful problems, it's a book to savor and treasure in its ability to challenge you to a deeper, more meaningful walk with God. Please check this book out. Not only is it a book you can't put down, but it's also beautifully written, incredibly insightful, and a must read for any book lover.

I was given this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: When Love Returns

When Love Returns is the third and final book in the Zimmerman Restoration trilogy by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I was so excited to read the last book in the series! But it didn't feel like it was finished because of the daughter. Her story didn't seem to be completely told. Maybe there's going to be a spin-off of this trilogy?

Suzanne Zimmerman has moved back home, and right away is faced with the struggle of being around her birth daughter without being able to acknowledge her as her own. As she learns to cope, her daughter, Alexa, jolts her with her idea of going to look for her birth mother in Indianapolis. Reeling from shock as well as fear, Suzanne still realizes she has to let Alexa go. While Alexa is gone, Suzanne becomes closer to her old boyfriend, Paul. Will they finally be able to reconcile?

I really liked the closeness between mother and daughter even while the daughter was searching for her birth mother. They truly cared and respected each other. It was very refreshing to read! Plus, it was a great idea to have Alexa go looking for her birth mother and get some closure from that while Suzanne and her birth daughter find each other, too.

I really enjoyed this book, but I really wanted to hear more about Alexa and that guy from the second book. It seemed forgotten in the third book. She did see him for a little bit, but it was so quick and rushed. I keep hoping there's going to be another book about Alexa.... :-)

I was given this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: When Grace Sings

When Grace Sings is the second book in The Zimmerman Restoration trilogy by Kim Vogel Sawyer. This is not a stand alone novel. You need to read them in order because it's essentially one story. This book wasn't as good as the first, but it was still pretty good. I think the third and final book will be very interesting, and I want to see how she will tie everything up.

Alexa Zimmerman has done it. She has opened up Grace Notes B & B, and has her first guests staying. One of the guests, a Mr. Forrester, is long term so she has to put him in her little cottage. Sad to lose her own little place but happy to see her business starting, she knows its the right thing to do. A single man can't stay in the house with just her and grandmother. Especially such a young and attractive one....

Briley Forrester comes to Arborville to find some dirt on the so called perfect Mennonite community, but when he comes to the B & B he starts to see why everyone he is so enthralled with them. Determined to not be swayed by their kindness, he immediately sets to work.

Anna-Grace comes to Grace Notes to stay as a guest, and Alexa almost instantly regrets her decision to host her. Briley senses all the tension and begins to put things together. If he can get them to talk, he would have his story.

I enjoyed this book. It wasn't as intense as the first book, but it was still a great story filled with wonderful characters. I love how God is weaved in these stories as effortlessly as breathing. Other "Christian" books feel so forced sometimes like they have to say something about God but aren't sure what. But this author always makes God a focus. This story wasn't about forgiveness, but instead focused on who you are and what your Father in heaven thinks of you. As His child! I especially loved the end of the book. It was so good, but left me hanging! I was like no, what it's over?! I need to read more! ;-)

I was given this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: When Mercy Rains

When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer is the first book in the Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy. In some of the author's latest books, I couldn't figure out why they weren't as good as some of her first books, but now I see why - this genre is where she shines! I fell in love with this author's work once again. It has suspense, sadness, bitterness, and joy with realistic characters that you root for every step of the way. I wasn't ready to the let story go, and my only consolation is that there are two more books coming. And the sequel is already out! Whoo hoo!!!

Suzanne Zimmerman left home in disgrace when she was seventeen. Her mother told her to give up the baby to her cousins and then return home, but Suzanne never came back home. Instead she made a life for herself in Indiana, became a nurse, and worked at a Mennonite hospital. She hasn't been home in twenty years and has no plans of returning until she receives a letter from her brother, Clete, asking her to come and take care of their paralyzed mother. Shocked, Suzanne can't even think of going, but her daughter, Alexa, convinces her it's the right thing to do. So they head to Kansas for two months.

No one knows about Alexa, and Suzanne isn't going to explain herself to anyone especially Paul Aldrich, the boy she loved so long ago. Can she make it two months without spilling all her long held secrets?

What follows is a captivating story of betrayal and forgiveness, truth being set free of the lies, joy amidst pain, and finally some peace. The story was a good reminder to not let bitterness take root in your heart especially since it damages everyone around you. Forgiveness was a big component here, and I can't wait to read more about this family. There is still some growing that needs to be done with all the characters.  If you enjoy stories with depth, you will love this book. I highly recommend this book!

I was given this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

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Giveaway!

It's my blogs first ever giveaway courtesy of Blogging for Books! I am so excited!! I wrote a review for Through the Deep Waters a couple months ago. You can read about it here. I love Kim Vogel Sawyer's novels, and this one is no exception. I wasn't sure if I would like this story because of the first couple chapters, but once I passed/skimmed those, I found it a captivating and convicting story.

The contest starts on July 31, 2014 at 6:00am EST and ends on August 20th, 2014 at 11:59pm. One winner will be chosen at random on August 21st, 2014 and will be alerted by email. For a complete listing of the rules, please see below.

Review: Through the Deep Waters

Through the Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a story of extreme sadness but also of extreme joy.  It even has a magical Cinderella quality in some parts of the book. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I would like this novel when I realized it was based on a girl who grew up in a brothel because I wasn't sure how much they would say about it. But when I started to read it I found it to be a powerful story of redemption filled with needed reminders to Christians on how we should react to ugly situations in life.

Dinah has hated her life for as long as she could remember. Growing up in a brothel has brought her nothing but grief so when an opportunity arises for her to leave she grabs it. Leaving her ugly past behind, she travels from Chicago for a job as a chambermaid at the Clifton Hotel in Florence, Kansas. Her goal is to become a Harvey girl when she turns eighteen because she wants the prestige and respect that comes with it. Even though she has moved far from home and past, she is still beset with fear. It governs her life so much that she can't see or accept any good in her life.

Amos Ackerman walks with a limp from a wagon accident when he was a child. Because his leg didn't heal right, he is limited in what he can do. He started a chicken farm so he can support himself and has been doing quite well with it. During one of his trips to town, he meets Dinah. Immediately drawn to her, he thinks he may have met his future wife. When he sees her at church, he is almost positive she is the one. But their journey together isn't as easy as he thought it would be. Why is Dinah so timid and fearful?

Even though this isn't what I would typically read, I found it to be one of the best books the author has written. I really liked Amos. He has a lot of perseverance, and I loved how realistic the author wrote him with his physical and spiritual struggles. One of my favorite parts of the story was when Dinah got saved. Finally free of fear and shame, she blossoms into a confident lady. What a wonderful story of hope and the redeeming power of God.

I was given this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

Check out these sites for more information. :- )


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Review: Echoes of Mercy

Echoes of Mercy by Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of the best stories I've read from this author. It's set in 1904 Kansas and highlights the injustices of children working in factories, missing their childhoods, and having no education leaving them with few options as adults. Anybody who knows me, knows I absolutely love historical fiction. I love learning about life long ago and hearing little known facts of their lives so this book was a big hit with me. :-)

Twenty-seven year old Caroline Lang's painful past has formed how she thinks so working for the Labor Commission was a natural fit. Her job has helped her change the lives of children with similar childhoods, and her goal to get children in school and out of work is her main priority. With that in mind, she accepts the new job her boss, Noble, wants her to investigate. As soon as Carrie arrives in Sinclair, Kansas, she immediately goes to the Dinsmore Chocolate Factory to get hired on so she can find out more information about her coworker's death.

Ollie Moore is the day time janitor at the chocolate factory where he is doing his own investigation into the workings of the factory. His goal is different, though. He wants to know how to more efficiently help the workers do their jobs. When he meets Carrie, he is immediately drawn to her. She is so different from all the other workers. Her spirit, her confidence, her independent spirit intrigue him. But something is off with her. Why is she always asking questions, and why is her speech so refined? He knows she isn't who she claims to be, but who is she really?

This was a well written story with lots of great characters. The plot was good, and I liked how different characters would take over telling the story for a bit. It made for a well-rounded book and in the process helped me know and understand all the characters. If you enjoy historical fiction with some detective work thrown in, you will love this novel!

I was given this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

Review: What Once Was Lost

 

What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a historical novel set in 1890s Kansas. This is the type of story the author excels at writing, and I was thrilled to be able to get an advanced copy! It reeled  me in right from the beginning and kept me glued to the page to see the resolution and the growth of the main characters. It was realistic, at times heartbreaking, and filled with truths we all need to be reminded of.

Christina Willems has been the director of the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor ever since her father died a year ago. But then a fire burns down the kitchen leaving everyone homeless. Christina manages to find temporary lodging for everyone but Tommy Kilgore, a young blind boy. She has only one option left. The recalcitrant mill owner.

Levi Johnson is taken off guard when Christina arrives at his door with a boy in tow. When she asks him to keep Tommy until the poor farm is fixed, Levi reluctantly takes charge of the child. The boy brings up many unpleasant memories from his own childhood, and Levi is determined to help Tommy while he has him in his care.

Christina is desperately trying to keep everyone together amid the upheaval. Her faith is in tatters, her reputation has suffered, and she has no idea how she can convince the mission board to repair the house and keep her on as the director. Plus, there is the disconcerting fact of Levi. How can he be both wonderful and irritating at the same time?

I highly recommend this book! I love how well she wrote for Tommy. I felt like I could understand a little what it is like to be blind. Plus, all the characters were well developed, and you could feel with them because of how she fleshed them out so well. Plus, the message at the end was pretty powerful and something I think we all can recognize in ourselves.

Here are some additional links you can check out about the novel. And don't forget - it comes out September 17th! :-)

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*I was given this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.*