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About this item
Highlights
- "A sweetly satisfying novel with layers of heartbreak and healing, forgiveness and family, homey wisdom . . . and recipes!
- About the Author: Sara Brunsvold is the Christy Award-winning author of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip and The Divine Proverb of Streusel.
- 336 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Christian
Description
About the Book
Shaken by her parents' divorce, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle's farm, leaving her life and relationships behind. She discovers her great-grandmother's notebook full of German recipes and wise sayings. With each recipe she makes, Nikki not only discovers her heritage but also learns to reconnect with what has been scattered.Book Synopsis
"A sweetly satisfying novel with layers of heartbreak and healing, forgiveness and family, homey wisdom . . . and recipes! You'll want to slow down and savor this one."--Julie Klassen, bestselling author of The Sisters of Sea ViewShaken by her parents' divorce and discouraged by the growing chasm between herself and her serious boyfriend, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle's farm in a small Missouri hamlet. She'll spend the summer there, picking up the pieces of her shattered present so she can plan a better future. But what awaits her at the ancestral farm is the past--one she barely knows.
Among her late grandmother's belongings, Nikki finds an old notebook filled with handwritten German recipes and wise sayings pulled from the book of Proverbs. With each recipe she makes, she invites locals to the family table to hear their stories about the town's history, her ancestors, and her estranged father.
What started as a cathartic way to connect to her heritage soon becomes the means through which she learns how the women before her endured--with the help of their cooking prowess and a healthy dollop of faith.
From the Back Cover
"A sweetly satisfying novel with layers of heartbreak and healing, forgiveness and family, homey wisdom . . . and recipes! You'll want to slow down and savor this one."--Julie Klassen, bestselling author of The Sisters of Sea ViewShaken by her parents' divorce and discouraged by the growing chasm between herself and her serious boyfriend, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle's farm in a small Missouri hamlet. She'll spend the summer there, picking up the pieces of her shattered present so she can plan a better future. But what awaits her at the ancestral farm is the past--one she barely knows.
Among her late grandmother's belongings, Nikki finds an old notebook filled with handwritten German recipes and wise sayings pulled from the book of Proverbs. With each recipe she makes, she invites locals to the family table to hear their stories about the town's history, her ancestors, and her estranged father.
What started as a cathartic way to connect to her heritage soon becomes the means through which she learns how the women before her endured--with the help of their cooking prowess and a healthy dollop of faith.
"A lovely novel filled with faith, love, and honesty."--Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Her Heart's Desire
"A tale richly flavored that will leave you hungry for simple times and simple truths."--Amanda Cox, Christy Award-winning author of The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery and He Should Have Told the Bees
About the Author
Sara Brunsvold is the Christy Award-winning author of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip and The Divine Proverb of Streusel. She creates stories that boldly engage contemporary issues through the lens of hope and unshakable faith. Her passion is to connect with readers first through books, then through meaningful conversation. She lives with her family in Kansas. Learn more at SaraBrunsvold.com.Dimensions (Overall): 8.1 Inches (H) x 5.6 Inches (W) x 1.4 Inches (D)
Weight: .75 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 336
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Christian
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
Theme: Contemporary
Format: Paperback
Author: Sara Brunsvold
Language: English
Street Date: January 16, 2024
TCIN: 89591319
UPC: 9780800742997
Item Number (DPCI): 247-34-1709
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 1.4 inches length x 5.6 inches width x 8.1 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.75 pounds
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4.4 out of 5 stars with 10 reviews
90% would recommend
10 recommendations
Wisdom, Healing, and Butter
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
BlessednBookish - 1 year ago
The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold is going to be one of my favorite books of 2024. I know we aren’t that far into the year, but when you read a book that touches you this deeply, you know the story isn’t going to leave your mind or your heart any time soon. Things I love about Sara’s writing and this story in particular: She reveals the best and worst in her characters through godly wisdom and the trials of life, being honest about pain as well as healing. Her characters are incredibly genuine and vivid. They could be people in your hometown, or they could resonate most with you. But they always hold an element of familiarity, like you’re visiting long-time friends. A deep faith is woven through her stories. It doesn’t sit in the background or the foreground, it ebbs and flows along with the characters' growth. I absolutely love a Christian fiction novel that challenges my faith and makes me ask questions of my own heart. And Sara does this beautifully. The recipes combined with the proverbs. This is a mouthwatering read, folks! But it’s sprinkled with wisdom and love. Be prepared to start buying multiple packs of butter, and enjoy learning about Nikki’s German heritage. Joyce. What a mature heart for God. What a woman of grace, and I’m not just speaking of her poise. Her self-sacrificing love for others, and the way she didn’t just speak goodness but consistently did good for those around her was truly inspiring. The location! I’m from a little town in NW MO, and I felt the peace of the farmhouse to my core. There are so many things I could say about this book, but the easiest to express is this: buy it and read it!! You’ll want to get copies for your friends, too. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Enlightening, Inspiring and Engrossing Story
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
VickleaW - 1 year ago
This book is like a primer on establishing relationships with the past and improving current ones. Nikki Werner flees to her Uncle Wes’s property in rural Missouri when her father’s leaving her mom breaks her heart, followed by a her boyfriend not being someone she can count on right now. At Uncle Wes’s farm, Nikki finds an old notebook that belonged to her grandmother and that contains handwritten recipes along with proverbs. As Nikki lovingly prepares the old recipes, she learns to put heart into her cooking as she thinks about all of the challenges in life that she is now facing. She meets new people, makes new friends and gets insight into what she is facing and how to face it. During the reading of this book, I was challenged to think about my own past and its effect on my present and apply God’s truth to what has happened and is happening. This is a book that teaches lessons about redemption, forgiveness, looking for the path God wants for you and not accepting less than God’s peace and His best in your life. I loved all of the characters, especially Aunt Emma who dispensed wisdom as well as unconditional love. The plot was well-paced and totally engrossing as Nikki invites one person after another and learns a lot about her past from each of them, all while pondering in her mind about what to do about her father and her boyfriend. The recipes are fascinating, too, making me want to try a few of them like the pancakes and the streusel. I am impressed with the author’s story within a story and the depth of her research. All in all, this is a wonderful book with a story clamoring to be read again and again and enjoyed by book clubs as they discuss the recipes, the importance of connection to the past and forgiving even when it’s hard. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell, the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertisng.”
A Book for the Keeper Shelf!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
PhyllisR - 1 year ago
Wedged between wise words from a legacy of Christian heritage to scripture from Proverbs, the journey described within this emotional story is thought provoking. It begs its reader to take heed to its words, self-reflect, stop to ponder in order to gain an introspective view of our own relationships. Some of my favorite quotes- “Love alone would not fix what was broken.” “In every great romance ever written, love always had a way of returning itself to the giver. Eventually.” “Do the next thing. When in doubt, when in fear, when in far too deep, it was the only thing she could do.” “You can either look at what you don’t have and yearn, or you can look at what you do have and give thanks.” “No joy could be brighter than that of forgiveness received—and given.” Brunsvold’s story is about discovering family and cultural background through visiting its past and meshing it with the present. She flawlessly employs written, electronic and face-to-face communications to develop relationships throughout the storyline. And if that isn’t enough, she adds the magic of old recipes, baking, a kitchen and a community. This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also purchased my own print copy of this book.
Hard and Beautiful
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Cindy D - 1 year ago
After reading The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold, I could not wait to read The Divine Proverb of Streusel. The stories could not be more different. Having said that, they are both incredibly well-written stories. Brunsvold has a way of drawing you into the story and keeping you there. I was not sure I wanted to keep reading when I started the book. The beginning of this story could be my story; only I was twelve, not the adult that Nikki is. I don't understand her flight response to the situation. And, honestly, who wants to read the story of their lives? Not me. There is also not enough backstory between Nikki and Chris to understand what happened between them. It's hard to know if you are supposed to root for them. I enjoyed Nikki's interactions with her Uncle Wes and her desire to know more about her roots. I found that part of the story to be so incredibly sweet and heartwarming. I struggled throughout the book with Nikki's interactions with her dad, and because it is fiction, there could be some kind of resolution or hope for their future going forward. The same goes for Nikki's relationship with Isaac. I felt like that part was rushed. There were not enough interactions between them for their story to be plausible or for me to be invested in it. The story as a whole is emotional, heartbreaking, frustrating at times, and heartwarming. Faith is woven seamlessly throughout the story. Depending on the experiences you have had this story might hit you differently. Regardless of the experiences you've had, this is a beautiful story. Thank you to Revell for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Mixed feelings about this one!
3 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
- 1 year ago
The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold has Nikki Werner looking for a connection to her family’s past. I like the premise of the story. It would be intriguing to find an old notebook belonging to my grandmother filled with recipes and proverbs. I was not, though, a fan of Nikki. I found her immature. She is a woman in her twenties who is a schoolteacher, but she acted like a teenager. Her boyfriend acted juvenile as well. I loved Aunt Emma. She is a lively, spunky woman. Wes was also a good character. I liked seeing his growth and enjoyed his interactions with Aunt Emma. The story moves at a slow pace with it being particularly sluggish in the middle. I like how faith is woven throughout the story (it is never preachy). The development of the characters was good. The plot is predictable (it was easy to envisage how the story would end). The romance between two of the middle-aged characters was sweet (preferred it to the younger characters romance). There are descriptions of various German dishes (brought back memories of my childhood growing up in German Village). I like the fact that Nikki invited people to the farmhouse for them to try out the dishes and it enabled her to learn more about her family’s history. There are aspects of the story I enjoyed and others that I did not. So, The Divine Proverb of Streusel is a mixed bag for me.
Heartwarming novel of family and forgiveness
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
PhyllisE - 1 year ago
Thanks to NetGalley and Revell for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own. I couldn’t resist this title – and the book pretty much matched my expectations. I was intrigued by the premise of Nikki Werner learning about her family heritage through the old recipes she discovers in her grandmother’s book. Among the handwritten German recipes are words of wisdom and encouragement from Grandma Ann for women like herself, living during and right after World War I. Cooking these recipes gives Nikki a first-ever real connection to the women who had labored in that small galley kitchen before her. Nikki is spending her summer vacation on her uncle’s family farm in rural Missouri to adjust to the disturbing fact of her parents’ recent divorce, and to deal with her feelings of abandonment by her father. She’s also trying to decide how she feels about her significant boyfriend, Isaac. During this summer, family members as well as people in the community share family stories with Nikki. She discovers her heritage, and the stories provide a healing salve. The author explains how “stories are the universal heart language. They bring together what is scattered.” The stories, as well as cooking her grandmother’s recipes, help Nikki to learn her family history, and this education has a way of putting her life into perspective. “Cooking has a magic to it. The taking of opposing raw things and step by step shaping them into something new and unified. Discordance is chopped, sautéed, and stirred away, until a melodious creation simmers in the pan.” The book contains themes of family, faith, forgiveness, and redemption. Many of the characters have a sense of faith, which gives the novel an added dimension. The one thing that bothered me was that while Nikki was a high school teacher, so is at least in her mid-twenties, her character seemed to think and act more like a teenager. And the other characters treated her like one, too. (Her uncle, parents, sister, aunt, church members, even her boyfriend – pretty much everyone). As I was reading, I had to keep reminding myself she was an adult. Despite this aspect, overall I enjoyed this heartwarming novel of family and forgiveness. If you’re looking for a small-town redemptive story that has a cooking theme combining faith and a bit of romance, this is the book for you.
interesting
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
grammy - 1 year ago
I truly enjoyed this book. It hit home in several ways. I have experienced a lot of what Nikki has experienced but at a totally different age and circumstances. I thought the idea of the cookbook was very inspiring and unique. It was interesting in both the recipes themselves and the thoughts before the recipes. It was nice to reconnect Nikki with her past. The book is Christian fiction and I was pleased with the way God was seen in the lives of many. The editing was well done. I don't remember any errors in the book and the story flowed well. I requested this book to read and review through Revell Reads. I am not required to leave a positive review. I give this book a solid 4 out of 5-star
Top Read of 2024
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Lehrerin - 1 year ago
Sara Brunsvold flooded her next novel The Divine Proverb of Streusel with wisdom and heart. It’s the kind of feel-good story that will both convict you and have you smile-crying over each character in turn. After reading The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip, I knew I’d give anything by Brunsvold a try; I love the way that she created characters who lived and shared deep, eternal wisdom in entertaining ways. She does that in this next book, too, though with a wider cast of wise characters and with more faults that provide a bit of levity when the heart gets heavy. It’s a tough call, but The Divine Proverb of Streusel tops this short list for me. The main character in Streusel is an adult, but a young one; not long out of college and still being mentored as a new teacher, and while she’s struggling with really big issues, those are issues that people of all ages can relate. I love the way that this gets explored, and the way that the story keeps getting deeper with time. On the surface, it sounds like it’s about how to deal with a runaway father, and it is. At it’s heart, though, it’s more about how to forgive, how to deal with difficult relationships, how to trust after being hurt, how to give and receive grace, how to be open and hospitable and show love, however much or little you might receive in return. The recipes that Nikki uses to cook her way through her story are included in the book and are actually family recipes of Brunsvold, and I can’t wait to try a few. So whether you love stories about families, stories about mysteries, stories that will make you cry or those that will have you frantically highlighting all the memorable lines, you need to read The Divine Proverb of Streusel. It’s, well … divine. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
BUTTERING AWAY BITTERNESS
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Connywithay - 1 year ago
“Each crumble fell into place accompanied by prayer, as the divine proverb of streusel had enjoined,” Nikki acknowledges in Sara Brunsvold’s novel, The Divine Proverb of Streusel. ~ What ~ This three-hundred-and-thirty-six-page paperback targets those who like fiction that focuses on dealing with overcoming bitterness and disappointment, especially as it relates to family. With no profanity but the topic of death, it may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes the author’s note, a sneak peek at a prior book of the writer, acknowledgments, biography, and advertisements. Several German recipes are provided within the chapters. In this current-day story based mainly in rural Missouri, twenty-six-year-old Nikki Werner is unable to move forward in her life, mainly because she is mad at her father and wavering about her love life. Fleeing to the family farm, she agrees to help her uncle update an old farmhouse. When she finds 4 old books, including one with handwritten German recipes and Proverbial sayings that have been handed down over generations, she takes it to task to make the concoctions as she slowly heals from her past wounds. ~ Why ~ This is a tender story that blends making German foods with learning to do the next thing of forgiving and loving one another. I enjoyed the recipes and how they mixed the act of cooking with dealing with life and its shortcomings. The correlation of butter with forgiveness seasoned the tasty tale. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not have a personal relationship with Christ may not care for the prayers, Bible verses, and Christian overtones. Others may find the protagonist self-centered, thinking of herself only and rarely considering others, yet that is part of the story. The lack of commitment was not always believable in one of the characters. ~ Wish ~ Since it is a Christian read, I wish the plan of eternal salvation were given. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence. ~ Want ~ If you love a generational tale that stirs the heart while offering forgiveness, this one butters away bitterness and loneliness. Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review. Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Family
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Maureen - 1 year ago
A read that quickly became a page turner and made me really think. Anger at there father, two sisters, and the feeling of helplessness, they want to be there for their mother, and she does move in with Heather, but Nikki is really struggling, and wow, I was surprised how far she went. In the end she really went home, not to own but to her father's ancestors, and ended up staying with his brother, Uncle Wes. All at once she dives deep into her heritage, so rich, and the local community. There are pictures, of her grandparents, and her Dad and Uncle, but there is so much more. People whom share there memories, and culture with her. Then there is the Lutheran Church, part of the family forever. She also stumbles on a book that is filled with recipes. We soon learn why the current family never tried these recipes, and could very well understand. This is a story of determination, finding oneself, and the biggie forgiveness, and a strong love of family. I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.