The Tapestry of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 The Tapestry of Grace

Book Summary

When a group of Kansas women start a Frauenverein, a benevolent society devoted to aiding widows and orphans, life changes for more than just the hurting people they seek to help in this heartwarming romance inspired by historical events—from the bestselling author of Freedom’s Song.

With classes paused for the planting season, Alexandertol’s schoolteacher Augusta Dyck is glad for some meaningful work to occupy her time. She even knows exactly who their town’s benevolence society should help first: quiet, reserved widower Konrad Rempel and his young twin sons.

Konrad Rempel, however, is adamant that he doesn’t want help. His boys are mischievous but good-hearted. And though Konrad may be struggling, he doesn’t want anyone else sticking their nose in and telling him what his sons need. Or what he needs.

Mennonite Heritage Village

For her part, the charity’s founder Martina Krahn is relieved to have a reason to spend time outside her unhappy home. It even occurs to her that she may, through her work, encounter a boy in need of a family and so find a son for her husband since they have no children of their own.

Augusta, Konrad, and Martina each have deep needs and desires, and each imagines how they should be met: by reaching out or by being left alone. But God, indeed, knows best. Will the competing agendas of Alexandertol’s residents prevent them from receiving God’s help? Or will the members of this small Mennonite community find the answers to their prayers in the very last place they expect—in one another?

My Thoughts

The Tapestry of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a heartwarming historical novel.  The author takes readers back to 1897 in Alexandertol, Kansas.  I thought Tapestry of Grace was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  I like that the characters were realistic with flaws.  I enjoyed getting to know Augusta Dyck and her daughter as well as Konrad Rempel and his mischievous twin boys.  Martina Krahn is a character that grows on you.  I like that we get to see how friends and children make a difference in Martina and Gerhard’s life.  The story is told from three points-of-view (Martina, Augusta, and Konrad).  The chapter headings with the character’s name were helpful. The alternating point-of-view allowed me to get to know the characters and understand them.  I like how the character’s stories were woven together.   I enjoyed learning about this group of people and their community.  We get to learn about their heritage and the reason the townspeople immigrated to the United States.  I can tell that the author did her research for this book.  Faith is at the center of the character’s lives.  I like that they pray before making a big life decision. There are German words scattered throughout the story.  It would have been helpful if there was a list at the end of the book with the translations.  Faith, friendship, forgiveness, and family are the main themes in this touching story.  My favorite line from The Tapestry of Grace is, “Because together, bonded through God’s amazing grace, we are going to weave a life tapestry of joy and commitment.”  The Tapestry of Grace is an inspirational tale with a widowed educator, busy brothers, a bushed blacksmith, a scheme gone askew, beloved books, and a caring community. 

The Tapestry of Grace is available from Amazon* along with other major retailers.  You can find Kim Vogel Sawyer's other novels here.  The photos featured today are from the Mennonite Heritage Village.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on Dread and Buried by Angie Fox.  It is the twelfth book in A Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries.  Verity has her patience tested in this amusing paranormal mystery.  I am off to work on my closet.  It is a mess.  I can barely step inside to get my clothes.  I am not sure how it went from organized to chaos.  Spring is a good time for cleaning and organizing.  I hope that you have a heavenly day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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