Room for Hope by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Overview: In a desperate time, can Neva find forgiveness for a grievous wrong—and make room for hope? 

Neva Shilling has a heavy load of responsibility while her husband travels to neighboring communities and sells items from his wagon. In his absence, she faithfully runs the Shilling Mercantile, working to keep their business strong as the Depression takes its toll, and caring for their twins.

When a wagon pulls up after supper, Neva and her children rush out—and into the presence of the deputy driving a wagon carrying three young children. The deputy shocks her with the news that Warren and his wife have died, insisting it was their last request that the three children go live with “Aunt Neva.”

Neva’s heart is shattered as she realizes that Warren’s month-long travels were excuses for visits with his secret family. She wants nothing more than to forget Warren, but can she abandon these innocent children to an orphanage? Yet if she takes them in, will she ever be able to see them as more than evidence of her husband’s betrayal and love them the way God does?

ISBN-13: 9780307731371 | Publisher: The Crown Publishing Group

Publication date: 02/16/2016
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My Review: I've come to know Kim Vogel Sawyer for her deep, soul reaching stories and her characters that come to life. Their depth of feeling and range of emotions are always phenomenal. Room for Hope was no exception, it just took me a little longer to really get into it. Once I did, though, I couldn't put it down.

I cannot even begin to fathom what Neva Shilling is going through. Can you imagine finding out the husband that you loved and adored, had a secret family?! The weight of grief, anger, and responsibility that is suddenly heaped upon her would literally make me crumble. Her faith and strength of character show a great deal about the woman. I also appreciate the author downplaying the romantic aspect of the story. In real life, a wife doesn't grief and move on in the space of weeks, even when the husband turned out to be a sorry rascal. The promise of a future romance was all that I needed.

As I said at the beginning, it took me longer to really get invested into the story. Once I did, though, I could almost weep at the strength and faith Neva shilling showed. Of course, she wasn't the only one who was learning and growing in her faith. Arthur, the neighboring shop owner and Jesse Caudil, the sheriff, were finding their way back to God, as well.

Overall, I'm glad I chose this book to review. It was an excellent read about strength of faith and character.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling, award-winning author with more than one million copies of her books currently in print. Awards include the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Sawyer lives in central Kansas, where she and her retired military husband, Don, run a bed-and-breakfast inn with the help of their feline companions. She savors time with her daughters and grandchildren.

Connect with Kim: Website | Facebook | Twitter | WaterBrook Publisher

When Grace Sings by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 

About the book: When Grace Sings (WaterBrook Press, March 2015)

When trouble roars into quiet Arborville, Alexa and Anna-Grace find themselves the target for discord and exposed secrets. Can they continue to seek the God of all grace amidst the fog of confusion?

Alexa Zimmerman wonders if the Old Order Mennonite community in Arborville, Kansas will ever fully accept her. Her family roots here aren't what anyone thought when she first arrived, but she is hopeful that her culinary and hospitality skills will win the skeptics over. The bed-and-breakfast she's operating needs to succeed so Alexa agrees to allow Briley Forrester, the hotshot reporter from Chicago, to stay as a long-term boarder not knowing his real motives for being amongst the Plain folk.

But when Alexa agrees to host her cousin Anna-Grace Braun, the presence of extended family brings out Alexa's insecurities and sets Briley on the trail to uncovering a web of hidden truths.

Plans for a secure future and the sweetness of young romance hang in the balance when Alexa and Anna-Grace have to face that their secrets are interconnected, binding the two in ways they could not have imagined. They must trust in a loving, heavenly Father and His plan for their futures.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1FBvcM5

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/ksawyer

Read my review of When Mercy Rains, the first book in the Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy

My Review: This is another excellent book by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I love her ability to take a serious topic, or in this case topics, and turn it into a story of grace, mercy and forgiveness. Heartbreak, betrayal, and secrets abound in this story, just as they did in the first. The author adds sparks of humor and moments of sweetness to keep the story from being too heavy and the plot flowing effortlessly.

The characters were, again, excellently developed and written. I enjoyed meeting up with Alexa again. Her sweet, unassuming personality made me want to befriend her from book one. Briley was such a rogue from the beginning, but I was eager to see how his character would develope and I was not disappointed. I was uncertain how I felt about Anna-Grace in the beginning of the story. I wasn't sure how her past would meld or grow into the current situation, and I guess I'll have to wait and see! However, I did come to love her as much as I loved Alexa. Steven seemed very selfish to me. I struggled to like him because of his choices, but in the end, I hope it works out between Anna-Grace and Steven.

The message of the story is best stated by Alexa: "God's grace is a precious gift. I think grace is the purest form of mercy, offered even when it's undeserved or rejected." Each character in the story either has to offer grace or accept grace as given to them. As Christians, we are supposed to offer grace as grace was offered to us as sinners by Jesus. 

Overall, I loved this book and look forward to more from the Zimmerman Family.

**I received this book for free from the publisher through the Litfuse blogging program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.**

About the Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of twenty-nine novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and nine grandchildren.

Find Kim online: website, Facebook, Twitter

When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Overview: She left, heavily weighted with secrets. But God reveals all things, in His timing. And He redeems them.

Suzanne Zimmerman was only seventeen and pregnant when her shamed mother quietly sent her away from their Old Order Mennonite community in Kansas. With her old home, family, and first love firmly behind her, Suzanne moved to Indiana, became a nurse, and raised a daughter, Alexa, on her own.

Now, nearly twenty years later, an unexpected letter arrives from Kansas. Her brother asks her to bring her nursing abilities home and care for their ailing mother. His request requires that Suzanne face a family that may not have forgiven her and a strict faith community. It also means seeing Paul Aldrich, her first love.

Paul, widowed with an eight-year-old son, is relieved to see Suzanne again, giving him the chance to beg her forgiveness for his past indiscretion. But when he meets Alexa, his guilt flickers in the glare of Suzanne’s prolonged secret—one that changes everything.

Suzanne had let go of any expectation for forgiveness long ago. Does she dare hope in mercy–and how will her uncovered past affect the people she loves the most?

ISBN-13: 9780307731319
Publisher: The Doubleday Religious Publishing Group
Publication date: 10/7/2014
Series: Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy Series
Pages: 352
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My Review: Wow! Kim Vogel Sawyer knows how to write. This book was fantastic. The plot is engaging, serious, and well thought out. While the focus of the plot was on the lies, betrayal and anger, it wasn't heavy or hard to read. There were moments of dialogue that provided comic relief to keep the story flowing effortlessly.

The characters were phenomenal. I loved Suzanne and Alexa.Suzanne's character was weighed down by guilt and shame. Her attitude through it all, though, was what really amazed me. She was strong, courageous, and kind-hearted despite her past angst. Alexa was a sweet, innocent girl that provided much needed relief to the story. Paul's character was also well-written. He was a great father and worked hard to emulate Jesus in his every day life. Abigail changed the most, in my opinion. At the beginning of the story, she was spiteful, bitter, and angry. I cringed every time she talked! By the end, though, I wept and laughed right along with her!

The message of the story is aptly summed up in the title of the book. Mercy certainly did rain down on this family. As Alexa says, "...when mercy rains, lives become fresh and new." When we allow our past mistakes to bog down our lives, we generally react in one of two ways: like Suzanna, who tried to cover her lies and past with secrets; or like Abigail with bitterness and anger. God doesn't want that for us. As far has He's concerned, when we ask for forgiveness, we are washed clean; like it never happened. That's how we should live our lives! That's what God wants!

Overall, this was a sweet story of God's mercy and grace.

**I received this book for free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.**

About the Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling, award-winning author with more than one million copies of her books currently in print. Awards include the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Sawyer lives in central Kansas, where she and her retired military husband, Don, run a bed-and-breakfast inn with the help of their feline companions. She savors time with her daughters and grandchildren.
Author Hometown: Kansas

Connect with Kim: Email Kim  | Facebook | Twitter | Website

Through The Deep Waters - Giveaway!

Good afternoon, faithful followers! Do you like Kim Vogel Sawyer? Have you read Through The Deep Waters yet? Well, how would you like to win a copy?! 

Waterbrook Multnomah is giving away a copy of Kim's book to one lucky winner! 

Check you my review of Through The Deep Waters here. 

Read an excerpt here.

Learn more about Kim Vogel Sawyer here.

Enter to win:

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.



If you have problems viewing the above form, please enter here.

Through The Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Overview: A past filled with shame can be washed away with a love that conquers all

Born to an unloving prostitute in a popular Chicago brothel, timid seventeen-year-old Dinah Hubley was raised amidst the secrets held in every dark, grimy room of her home. Anxious to escape, Dinah pursues her dream of becoming a Harvey Girl, waiting tables along the railroad in an upscale hotel. But when she finds out she isn’t old enough, her only option is to accept a job as a chambermaid at the Clifton Hotel in Florence, Kansas. Eager to put everything behind her, Dinah feels more worthless than ever, based on a single horrible decision she made to survive.

The Clifton offers a life Dinah has never known, but blinded to the love around her, Dinah remains buried in the shame of her past. When a handsome chicken farmer named Amos Ackerman starts to show interest, Dinah withdraws further, convinced no one could want a sullied woman like her.  Despite his self-consciousness about his handicapped leg and her strange behavior, Amos resolves to show Dinah Christ’s love. But can she ever accept a gift she so desperately needs?

Read Chapter One | More Information | B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: Oh my, what a sweet, sweet story! Kim Vogel Sawyer chooses tough topics and turns them into grace filled masterpieces. Dinah's story is no exception. From the first pages of the story to the end, I was captured in the emotions. The story flowed smoothly over the pages. It's been a while since a book has moved me to tears, but this story did that and more.

The characters, especially Dinah, were flawlessly written. I've read several stories about girls with Dinah's background, but I can't remember one that has faced the same turmoil and degradation as Dinah. Watching her struggle through life afterwards was heartbreaking and at times I wanted to shake her! That, to me, made the story more realistic. Amos Ackerman was also a refreshing character. He wasn't the "perfect" male character that a lot of romance novels contain. He had a physical imperfection, and was also starkly human. He had his flaws. Ruthie was a breath of fresh air at some points, and also a great supporting character for Dinah. Even though she was written very human, she exemplified the Christian faith and how a Christian should act.

All of the characters, Dinah, Amos, and Ruthie, had to struggle to accept the message God had for them. Dinah struggles to accept the fact that she is not worthless in God's eyes. Amos struggles to come to grips with the fact that God knows what's best for him and keeping his eyes on God's will for his life. Ruthie struggles to understand God's will for her life might not be her own and she needs to pray and listen for her answer.

Overall, the story was sweet and refreshing. It provides an overwhelming sense of God's grace and love for all of us. I thoroughly enjoyed the story.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace: whose mind is stayed on thee..." Isaiah 26:3


**I received this book for free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.**

About the Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling, award-winning author with more than one million copies of her books currently in print. Awards include the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Sawyer lives in central Kansas, where she and her retired military husband, Don, run a bed-and-breakfast inn with the help of their feline companions. She savors time with her daughters and grandchildren.
Author Hometown: Kansas

Connect with Kim: Email Kim  | Facebook | Twitter | Website

Echoes of Mercy by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Overview: Sometimes a secret must be kept for the truth to be revealed.

When a suspicious accident occurs at the famous Dinsmore Chocolate Factory in Sinclair, Kansas, Caroline Lang goes undercover as a factory worker to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event and how the factory treats its youngest employees—the child workers. Caroline’s fervent faith, her difficult childhood, and compassionate heart drove her to her job as an investigator for the Labor Commission and she is compelled to see children freed from such heavy adult responsibilities, to allow them to pursue an education.

Oliver Dinsmore, heir to the Dinsmore candy dynasty, has his own investigation to conduct. Posing as a common worker known as “Ollie Moore,” he aims to find out all he can about the family business before he takes over for his father. Caroline and Oliver become fast friends, but tension mounts when the two find themselves at odds about the roles of child workers. Hiding their identities becomes even more difficult when fate brings them together over three children in desperate need. When all is revealed, will the truth destroy the love starting to grow between them?

My Review: This book was fantastic. I was hooked from the very first page. Kim Vogel Sawyer is an excellent writer. The plot was fast-paced and exciting. I loved that both Caroline and Oliver were under cover, trying to uncover things at the chocolate factory. I loved that the setting was in chocolate factory, as well. I am a HUGE fan of chocolate, so this book made me crave some! The romance between "Ollie" and "Carrie" was sweet (no pun intended, hehe). It wasn't the main focus of the book, and that was fine. The insights on child labor back in that time period was also interesting.

The author does a wonderful job of creating depth in each character and explaining what has made them the way they are. Caroline Lang (aka Carrie) has gone through a lot in her life. She detests child labor, and for a good reason. Throughout the book, we see her struggling to overcome the emotional turmoil her past wrought on her and we can rejoice with her when she finally does! Oliver Dinsmore (aka Ollie) is the heir to the Dinsmore Chocolate factory. He's lived a live of priviledge and wealth. I love that he was humble enough to go undercover as a janitor to do research that would allow him to be a better owner when he took the reins. Throughout the story, we see his compassion and rejoice with him when he comes to know the Lord on a more personal level.

Here, we come to my favorite part of the story: the message. From overcoming our past and learning to trust in God completely, to the gift of mercy, grace, and salvation, this story has it all. It took me over half of the book to realize the significance of the title Echoes of Mercy. Mercy, by definition, is an act of kindness, compassion, or favor. Throughout the story, we see "echoes" of mercy shown especially to Caroline. Once I realized the significance of the title, I loved it even more!

*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group through the Blogging for Books program for this review.*

• Learn more about Kim Vogel Sawyer 
• Connect with Kim: Facebook | Twitter 
• Buy Echoes of Mercy: B&N | Amazon | CBD

What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Hello everyone! Welcome to a new week! It's Monday! I am so excited to bring this review to you because I absolutely loved the story. Unfortunately, it took me longer than I would have liked to finish it. I just have so much going on right now, I didn't have time to read! Trust me, it's not because the story was boring or because I didn't want to.. I just plain didn't have time. :( So without further adieu.. here's me review!

Overview: A woman meant to serve, a child in the dark, a man standing apart—can these three souls embrace a God with new plans for them?

On a small Kansas farm, Christina Willems lovingly shepherds a group of poor and displaced individuals who count on her leadership and have come to see the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor as their home. But when a fire breaks out in the kitchen leaving the house uninhabitable, she must scramble to find shelter for all in her care, scattering her dear “family.”

With no other options, Christina is forced to approach Levi Jonnson, a reclusive mill owner, to take in a young blind boy named Tommy Kilgore. Levi agrees with reluctance but finds himself surprised by the bond that quickly grows between him and Tommy. As obstacles to repairing the farm pile up against Christina, she begins to question her leadership ability and wonders if she can fulfill the mission to which she's dedicated her life. And when an old adversary challenges Christina, will she find an unlikely ally—or more—in the aloof Levi? Can Levi reconcile with the rejection that led to his hermit-like existence and open his heart and life to something more, especially a relationship with a loving God?

"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps." - Proverbs 16:9

My Review: Wow! What a sweet, sweet story! Kim Vogel Sawyer has such a way with words. All of her books leave me feeling happy and more secure in my faith. Christina Willems has been a servant of the Lord her whole life. All she knows is giving of herself to others. And she loves it. She is fiercely protective of her residents at the poor farm and is absolutely devastated when the fire causes them to be dispersed amongst the town. Can her faith help her through this rough time? Levi Jonnson doesn't want anything to do with anyone. He thinks he is saving himself from more hurt and heartache by hiding away himself. So why does he allow Christina to talk him into taking on the care of Tommy? And how did he let Tommy - and Christina - slip past the wall he had built around his heart?

The story line was fantastic! As always, Kim Vogel Sawyer makes the characters emotions jump from the page. After several things go wrong, Christina begins to doubt her life's work and dedication. She also begins to question her faith in God.  As the story progresses, we see Christina's struggle to maintain her faith in herself, as well. Her father gives her some good advice, that she doesn't take to heart immediately: "When in doubt, Christina, go to the Father. He alone has the answers to life's ponderings." "Worry is telling God you don't trust him." Levi's struggle is more internal, but no less real. The romance is very subtly done, and super sweet! The side stories of Cora and Tommy add an amazing depth to story as a whole. When Cora comes to know the Lord as her saviour, you rejoice right along with Ma Creeger. 

The main message of the story, simply stated in the book, is this: "Whatsoever ye do, do it to the glory of God." Sometimes it's hard to remember, especially when praise for your good works is coming in, to give thanks and praise to the One who gives you the ability to do those works. And the testing of your faith only makes you stronger. God didn't promise the road would be easy, but He did promise that "no matter how dark the night, God's mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness." 

**I received a free copy of this book as part of the WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.**

More fun! with links:

• Read more about What Once Was Lost
• Visit Kim Vogel Sawyer 
• Connect with Kim: Facebook * Twitter
• Purchase What Once Was Lost:  B&N*Amazon*Christianbook.com

A Home In Drayton Valley

"For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." Romans 8:24

Joss and Mary Brubacher, their two children, and Mary's friend Tarsie Raines are determined to leave the destitution and oppression of 1880 New York behind and head for the "promised land" of Drayton Valley, Kansas.  When tragedy strikes their little group, Tarsie makes a promise to care for Joss and the children and Joss sets up a "marriage" as Mary wished.  Can Tarsie show Joss the love that Mary so wished for him to know? Can she love him the way God loves all of His children? Can Joss put aside his past and accept the love that Tarsie, his children, and ultimately God want for him to share?

A Home in Drayton Valley by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a story that touches my heart deeply.  I can relate to it in a extremely personal way.  The characters are well-developed and you can relate to them.  Tarsie, from the beginning of the book, is a spit fire who stands up for what she believes in no matter the cost.  Joss is hard-hearted, yet tender enough that you don't hate him, and his struggles are very human.  The story is a message of learning to trust God and believe in his promises.  It's a story about how God allows things to happen in our lives that we don't understand, but we have to learn to trust that God knows what he's doing.  Tarsie, already being a Christian, understands this concept and we see her struggle to maintain her faith in the face of adversity.  Joss, not yet accepting Christ and his love, doesn't fully understand this concept, and we see him struggle to overcome his past prejudices and finally accept what God has been trying to tell him all along through the witness of several characters in the book.

Overall, this is not an action packed, comedic story.  It is a soft story of God's love and acceptance that will leave your heart full and your spirit light. I would definitely recommend it.

**I received this copy free from Bethany House Publishers.**
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-home-in-drayton-valley-kim-vogel-sawyer/1108818704?ean=9780764207884