Book Review - A Whisper of Peace

A Whisper of Peace       

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Bethany House

Lizzie Dawson is determined to fulfill her mother's dying wish - that Lizzie reconcile with her grandparents. Once peace is made, Lizzie plans to go to California to live with her father. The mountains of Alaska have always been her home, though. She is concerned about fitting into 1898 society in San Francisco. Surely it will differ from the wilds of the Yukon, won't it? No matter, she must join her father.

Clay Selby and his stepsister Vivian are headed to minister to a native tribe near Fort Yukon. Visions of converting the masses swirl though Clay's mind; he'll start by starting a mission school and church. Vivian makes the trip to assist him, hoping to redeem herself for past sins.

In any other world, Lizzie, Clay, and Vivian might not be friends, but they forge an interesting bond out of need and loneliness. The natives tolerate the Selbys, curious about their ways. When the head of the tribe learns of their alliance with Lizzie, he orders them to break ties with her. Lizzie has long been ostracized from the tribe because of her mother's so called transgressions. Faced with the ultimatum, Clay and Vivian must make a hard choice.

Does this book contain action and adventure? Yes. A bit of romance? Yes. Surprises? Oh, yes! Sawyer weaves yet another wonderful story that will engage most historical fiction fans from beginning to end. Vivid detail, unexpected twists and turns, and fabulous characters all add up to a heartwarming and entertaining tale.

I always look forward to new books by Ms. Sawyer, and this one did not disappoint. I finished it in record time; it was a great read.

Are you a fan of historical fiction?

Happy weekend,

Karen

I obtained this copy from Bethany House for review purposes, no compensation was received.

Book Review - In Every Heartbeat

In Every Heartbeat

by Kim Vogel Sawyer                                                   
Bethany House

Friends Libby Conley, Pete Leidig, and Bennett Martin grew up together in an orphanage in Shays Ford, Missouri, so it's fitting that they attend college together too. September 1914 ushers in a new and exciting chapter in their lives. Libby will major in journalism, Pete plans to study to become a minister, and Bennett plans on joining a fraternity.

An introduction to the campus sports star provides a rocky start, but they soon settle into the campus routine. Interesting adventures follow the trio, who spent their days at the orphanage climbing trees and getting into scrapes.

The transition from childhood buddies to adult friends proves challenging; redefining such lines can be difficult. As orphans, each one struggles with a sense of belonging. Their past lives  intersect with their future plans, particularly when Libby learns something about Pete's past. To further complicate things, Libby realizes that she loves Pete. But does he love her? And if so, where does Bennett fit into these changes?

It was interesting to see the story unfold as they dealt with memories and events. I looked forward to reading this; Sawyer always tells a great story. She keeps you on your toes from beginning to end. I was left wondering just a bit about one character at the end - no cliffhanger or anything like that. Just some room perhaps, for a future story. Otherwise it was a wonderful tale sure to please her fans and those who enjoy historical fiction.


What's on your "to be read" pile these days?

Blessings,
Karen


Many thanks to Bethany House for supplying this review copy. No compensation was received.

And the Winner Is...

Congratulations to Susanne Dietze, who is the winner of this wonderful book by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I'll contact you, Susanne, to work out the details. Thanks to all who participated!

Happy Reading:)

Book Giveaway

Cooler temperatures and gorgeous fall colors have inspired me in many ways, including offering a new book giveaway. Simply comment* to this post, and include your email address, and you will be entered to win a copy of Kim Vogel Sawyer's newest, Fields of Grace. To read my recent review of this gem, click here.

This giveaway runs through midnight Thursday, October 22, 2009. My lovely daughter will do the honors and draw the winning name. The winner will be posted on Friday, October 23. Blessings to you, and happy writing!

(*My apologies; open to residents of the continental United States only.)

Book Review: Fields of Grace

Fields of Grace
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Bethany House
www.bethanyhouse.com

I love Kim Vogel Sawyer's books, so I was excited to get to read and review her newest, Fields of Grace. We meet Lillian and Reinhardt Vogt in the spring of 1872, right before they immigrate to America. Their plan is to escape their homeland of Russia before their oldest son, Henrik, is drafted into the military. Devout Mennonites, they cannot bear the thought of Henrik and his younger brothers being pressed into service. Reinhardt's adopted brother, Eli, decides to make the journey with them.

Their U.S. destination is Kansas, where others from their Russian village plan to make their home, too. But tragedy strikes while crossing the Atlantic, leaving Lillian and Eli with some unexpected choices. Do they continue on to Kansas and fulfill Reinhardt's dream, or do they return to Russia? How will their decisions affect Lillian's sons? And how will Lillian's heart fare through these trials?

Sawyer is one of my favorite storytellers, and there are no disappointments here. I liked Lillian immediately, and empathized with her trials - leaving her homeland, protecting her children, suffering hardship. The story, full of adventure and bittersweet moments, was a pleasure to read. I found a few surprises within these pages, but that's what made it so much fun to read. These surprises were all part of the plan for the heartwarming and satisfying conclusion Sawyer offers her readers. If you are a Sawyer fan, I think you'll like Fields of Grace. And if you've never read her books, I recommend that you give them a try!

Happy reading:)