The Tapestry of Grace - by Kim Vogel Sawyer (Paperback)

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 The 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 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.

I very much enjoyed this book. I love the characters and the issues they needed to overcome was relatable. The sweet romance that exists made me smile. A story that shows second chances is one I like to read. Definitely recommend this book if you like Historical Romance. Disclaimer: I received a digital copy from the publisher through NetGalley with no expectation in return. I voluntarily chose to leave my honest opinion about the book.

Set in 1897, The Tapestry of Grace is a multi-themed story following the lives of three Mennonite Church families. Augusta Dyck, is a widow with an eleven-year old daughter. She works as a teacher for the youngest grades in Alexandertol's school. Konrad Rempel is a widower with eight-year-old twin boys. Looking after them during the school harvest-time break while working in his blacksmith shop poses quite a challenge. Martina and Gerhard Krahn's marriage is in trouble, at least until Martina comes up with a plan that will impact the lives of each of these families. Their stories demonstrate the great importance of clear, honest communication, the importance of living in community, and that God can and often does use situations we may view as negative to bring good into someone's life. Kim Vogel Sawyer has developed characters in whom readers quickly become invested. She places them in realistic situations that bring about moral dilemmas. Readers will feel the tension created as characters wrestle with decisions which will be far reaching. I highly recommend The Tapestry of Grace, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from WaterBrook via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This story was set in the 1890s in a small community in Kansas made up mostly of Russian immigrants. These Mennonite people wanted to set up a benevolent society to aid the widows and orphans. Three different view points were displayed in the book but were easy to follow since each chapter heading clued me in to the “speaker”. There were strong emotions shown, some good, some not so good. But I like to take into account the circumstances the person or persons were going through, just like I do in real life. I appreciated the research the author put into the historical information. She always writes a great story and I highly recommend this book. Find a comfy chair grab a cup of coffee and immerse yourself in the 1890s of Kansas. I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

A solid five star rating. I’ve long been a fan of this author and she never fails to deliver a solid read with strong faith lines that truly blesses my heart. I loved the originality of the Mennonite characters that had immigrated from Russia for religious freedom. It was interesting to see how different characters dealt with loss in their lives and how God intertwined their stories to bring restoration. I found it interesting that in 1897 these woman created a benevolence society to help others, but is one doing it for selfish reasons? You will have to read to find out. I loved the beautiful cover and the representation of the storyline. The twins captured my heart from the beginning and left me smiling at times. The characters are well developed and the storyline gently flows like a meandering stream that is fully satisfying. This will be on my keeper shelf alongside my other books by Ms Sawyer. I strongly recommend grabbing a copy and settling in for an enjoyable read. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. The honest review and opinions expressed are my own and were not required.

Could the Frauenverein find him a wife? This lovely story is set in Alexandertol, KS in 1897. Our three Mennonite families were originally from Russia, leaving all they knew to build a new life in America. Varying reasons had brought them this far, but the Lord was blessing them where they were. Augusta is a widow, a teacher, mother and all around helpful person. Martina is unhappy, her marriage is childless and her husband depressed and drinking. Konrad is a widower with twin boys that need a mother. Enter the matchmaking story of Alexandertol. It was a real treat to read how things could change with love, forgiveness, friendship and more. Family is not only blood relatives - something we can all remember. An early copy was received through WaterBrook, Penguin Random House and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.