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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