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 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Heart Knows the Way Home by Christy Distler

 The Heart Knows the Way Home

Book Summary

The Heart Knows the Way Home by Christy Distler has Janna Carpenter returning to Lancaster County with her daughter after having left fourteen years ago with her mother.  She pulls up in front of her new rental to find a tree has fallen onto the roof causing damage.  Until work is completed, Janna and Kayla are unable to move into their new home.  Needing time to think, Janna drives around until her car runs out of gas.  They are fortunate to be rescued by twin sisters whom Janna know quite well.  She grew up near the Martin family and spent more time at their home than her own.  Luke Martin was her friend, and his grandmother was the mother figure in her life.  The Martins offer her the use of the daadi haus until their new home is ready.  It seems like the perfect arrangement.  There are times, though, when Janna and Luke butt heads.  Janna is used to being independent while Luke, the head of the Martin family, is used to taking care of the women in the family.  As Janna and Luke renew their friendship, they begin to feel something more for each other.  Their differences, though, could keep them apart.  What does God have in store for them?

My Thoughts

The Heart Knows the Way Home by Christy Distler is a sweet Plain story.  I thought it was well-written with developed characters.  Janna Carpenter and Luke Martin are both strong characters.  I liked seeing them work through their issues and grow as individuals.  Kayla and Joah were sweeties.  I like how their friendship mirrored that of Janna and Luke as children.  I enjoyed the setting of the Martin farm.  It sounded beautiful and peaceful.  It was interesting learning about the differences between Amish and Mennonite.  I was not aware of the different levels of Mennonite (Old Order, Progressive, Wenger are the ones mentioned in the book).  There is much discussion regarding head coverings for women.  I like the scripture that was quoted and how it is the woman’s personal choice after much thought and prayer.  I like how the romance developed between Janna and Luke.  It was not something that was rushed into. There are obstacles that must be overcome before they can think about a romantic relationship. It was interesting to learn about the diseases that affect the Amish and Mennonite people.  The author incorporated the Clinic for Special Children (CSC) into the book.  This is a wonderful nonprofit medical facility in Strasburg, Pennsylvania.    I enjoyed reading this charming story.  I hope Christy Distler continues to write Plain fiction.  My favorite phrase from The Heart Knows the Way Home is, “The wings do the flying, but the heart knows the way home.”  The Heart Knows the Way Home is a special Plain tale about friends, family, and faith.

The Heart Knows the Way Home can be obtained from Amazon*.  It can be borrowed if you are a Kindle Unlimited member.  Thank you for reading my review today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on From Rome with Love by Kate Lloyd.  I hope all of you have an inspirational day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.