Ours For A Season Review

 

 About the Book 

An Old Order Mennonite couple's vows and beliefs are challenged in this stirring contemporary novel for fans of Cindy Woodsmall or Shelley Shepherd Gray.

Anthony and Marty Hirschler are part of an Old Order Mennonite community in Pine Hill, Indiana. The couple has grown apart since a doctor confirmed they would never have children. Marty longs to escape the tight-knit area where large families are valued, and the opportunity to do so arises when her childhood friend, Brooke Spalding, resurfaces with the wild idea of rebuilding a ghost town into a resort community. Brooke hires Anthony to help with the construction, drawing the Hirschlers away from Indiana and into her plan, and then finds herself diagnosed with cancer. Moral complications with Brooke's vision for a casino as part of the resort and the discovery of a runaway teenager hiding on the property open up a world neither the Hirschlers nor Brooke had considered before. Will they be able to overcome their challenges and differences to help the ones among them hurting the most? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I have mixed feelings after reading this book. I never know where Sawyer is going to go in her stories and this book had good and not great. I really enjoyed Brooke's story and her character. I thought that part of the book was well written. When it comes to Marty I simply had a difficult time. I truly didn't like her character. I thought perhaps I would at the end, as that often happens in books, but I just never could get to enjoy her at all. I thought there was good character development but Marty really made this book difficult to love. Also, while I like how the latter part of the book took a different turn, it didn't seem to flow with everything else. It just seemed rushed. Anywho all that to say Sawyer really is a gifted author this book simply wasn't my favorite. 

Three Stars.

"I received this book from the publisher for free. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own."

Bringing Maggie Home Review: Sawyer's Best Yet!

About the Book

Decades of Loss, an Unsolved Mystery,
and a Rift Spanning Three Generations

Hazel DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.

Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who can’t understand her mother’s overprotectiveness and near paranoia. While Diane resents her mother’s inexplicable eccentricities, her daughter Meghan—a cold case agent—cherishes her grandmother’s lavish attention and affection.

When a traffic accident forces Meghan to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel’s painful secret, will Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family mystery and help both women recover all that’s been lost? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I decided to read this book because of the mystery surrounding a sister losing her sister. This is most definitely Sawyer's best book to date. Her writing in this novel was fresh and unique from her other books. This book will hook you in from page one as we flip back and forth past and present time. Sawyer also did a splendid job in writing from three perspectives AND adding the past and present chapters. The thing I loved about this book, aside from the mystery is the relationship between grandmother, mother, and daughter. This book portrays so much about real life relationships between a family and their past and how so many hurts have shaped who they are today, good and bad. The only thing that I felt perhaps could have been a little stronger was the reveal at the end on the mystery part of the story. I felt it was perhaps a little too easy but otherwise well written! This is a wonderful book and one I encourage grandmothers, mothers, and daughters to read!


Five stars.


Releases September 5th!


"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free. All opinions are my own."

Grace and the Preacher Review

 

 About the Book

The Kansas community of Fairland anticipates the arrival of their new minister and in recent months, late in 1882, postmistress Grace Cristler has communicated with Reverend Dille via letters, answering his questions about the little town, and developing affection for the man who pens thoughtful missives.

Theophil Garrison grew up under the loving influence of his saintly grandmother, but was roped into his cousins’ train-robbing plan. When they fail and are apprehended, Theo fled the scene, evading jail time. Now an angry cousin is out to avenge Theo's duplicity, and he’s on the run. He encounters a fatally ill traveler--a minister. Seeing a way to keep hidden, Theo trades identities with the man, dons his fine black suit, carries a Bible, and prays that he'll be accepted as Rufus Dille.

Once in Fairland, if Theo's true identity is uncovered, what will be left of the world he has built for himself, Grace, and those in the town who have come to love and accept him? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I really like the idea that goes with this story because it is all about grace. I liked the setting and the normal troubles that Grace seems to have. I enjoyed her character. At times the story felt a little slow and all too predictable. But that being said it is a sweet story that proves how lives can change. 

If you have enjoyed Sawyer's books you will enjoy this new story!

Four stars. 

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free. All opinions are my own"

Room for Hope Review

About the Book

 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?


My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book! The setting is simple and a realistic small town. The drama is evident in the first chapter as Neva discovers her entire relationship with her husband has been a lie. Not only does he have a secret family, but the kids he fathered with another woman are to be in Neva’s care. This would be really difficult for any woman to discover. I think Sawyer did a great job depicting the difficulty of this situation. The children weren’t instant friends, there were problems with the family business, new relationships, and small town drama. There is a good amount of mercy and forgiveness and the ending took me by surprise.
For a small town fictional tale set in 1936 this is a delightful read. 

Five stars.

"I received this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review."

Through the Deep Waters Paperback Book Giveaway!

The folks at Blogging for Books have offered for one of my readers to win a copy of Through the Deep Waters. I reviewed this book awhile back and enjoyed its story. 

 

About the Book

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. (Goodreads)

Giveaway!

Please fill out this form in order to enter!  

Blogging for Books is trying something new so they are completely in charge of the giveaway and will notify the winner. 

Thanks for stopping by!


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. 












 

Through the Deep Waters Book Review

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About the Book

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. (Goodreads)

My Review

I picked this book because I like to read about characters who struggle and find hope because it is reality. Books take me out of my own reality but I do enjoy books that speak truth and this book is set in the truth of prostitution and the hard life for a young woman in 1883. I enjoyed Dinah's character and her growth throughout the book. The pages skip between three different people but I liked reading from Dinah's perspective the most. The middle of the book got a bit slow for me but I loved the history about the Harvey Girls and working at the Clifton Hotel. The end of the book is really very good and Amos' character shines through. 

For those who like redeeming story lines with God's love throughout you will like this book. 

Find out more about Kim. 

• Facebook
• More Info
• Read Chapter One
• Author Bio

Look for this book May 6, 2014!

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."

Echoes of Mercy Book Review

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About the Book

When a suspicious accident occurs at the Dinsmore Chocolate Factory in Sinclair, Kansas, in 1904, Caroline Lang goes undercover as a factory worker to investigate. 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. (Goodreads)

My Review

What a fun read! I really have seen a huge jump in Kim Sawyer's writing and I like it. Her characters and setting and story lines seem to be a lot more developed than those of her first novels. This book has a great setting, Kansas, which happens to be in the same state where I live. I don't read many books set in Kansas so I enjoy reading those small Kansas town settings. I learned a lot about the workings of a chocolate factory and how young children were used endlessly for labor during the early 1900s. I love Caroline's character as an undercover agent who is looking into a recent death at the chocolate factory all while she tries to care and help the children workers. The romance is sweet hidden in mystery, it's predictable, while there is a slight twist to the ending I was not expecting. 

For those who enjoy a bit of romance and strong witted historical characters you will enjoy this read. 

Stop by Kim's Facebook page. 

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."

Sweet Sanctuary Book Review

Picture Credit

Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a sweet story set in 1944.

A Story of Hope and Love from Bestselling Author Kim Vogel Sawyer
Lydia Eldredge longs to provide a sanctuary for her 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 serves the immigrant population in Queens, but under cover of darkness he provides another service that must not be discovered lest his and his brother's lives be in danger.
When Lydia and Micah's paths cross, they are suddenly wrapped up in each other's callings. Through unforeseen twists and turns, they seek a refuge of safety--for Nicky, for themselves, and for the needy people God unexpectedly puts in their lives. (Goodreads)

 Sweet Sanctuary is about a young boy, Nicky, who's father wants to sell him in order to continue his addiction to morphine. Only problem, the father doesn't know where Nicky is because he is safely in the arms of Lydia, the woman who has taken care of him since birth. Lydia's father has a plan and in steps Micah, the hero of the story. A sweet, yet typical love story develops, as does the plan on how to keep Nicky as Lydia's son.

 I enjoyed the historical aspect to this book as it talks about the second world war. Lydia makes a comment that she can't believe the man Hitler would kill his own countrymen. It's crazy to think about what it must have been like then and not really knowing what was really going on. 

This story also delves into the struggles of addiction, as Nicky's father is addicted to morphine. 

Overall, this is not my favorite book, it was hard for me to get into. That is just my opinion though, I know others really will love it!

Stop by Kim's website to learn more about her books. 

"I received this book for free from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review".

To celebrate the release of  Sweet Sanctuary Kim Vogel Sawyer is giving away a Cupcake Club membership (monthly cupcake delivery!) from the amazing Magnolia Bakery in New York and hosting a Facebook Author Chat party {4/30}!

One "sweet" winner will receive:

• Cupcakes from NYC’s Magnolia Bakery delivered to your door every month. (Eat them all yourself or share!)
• Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer for you and four of your friends. (Start a book group — cupcakes and a "sweet" read!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 29th. Winner will be announced at the "Sweet Sanctuary" Author Chat Party on 4/30. Connect with Kim, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be fun giveaways - gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Sweet Sanctuary and join Kim on the evening of April 30th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!