Helpful Score: 3
This is one of the first contemporary fiction books I've read about an Old Order Mennonite family, and I noticed lots of similarities and also some differences from the Old Order Amish fiction books I've read. Kim's stories are usually fast reads, and I find myself rooting for her characters. The three children in the story, Bekah, Adri, and Parker, all stole my heart for various reasons. Bekah is trying hard to find her place among her people, Parker just wants to be loved despite his disability, and Adri has no internal censor, cute as she is. Amy fights to make a new life for her family, far away from the rumors surrounding the accidental death of her husband, and Tim doesn't want any reminders of his own losses, especially any Old Order Mennonite reminders. I wondered at times how on Earth Amy and Tim would manage to overcome the odds against them, but that's part of what makes a great romance story!
Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for my review copy.
Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for my review copy.
Helpful Score: 1
Mennonite widow Amy Knackstedt and her three children have moved to Weaverly, Kansas to try to get a fresh start after the death of her husband. As they settle into the old farm house they bought, they discover that they have a new neighbor who runs an orchard on the property next to theirs. The children take to Tim Roper immediately and a friendship slowly develops between all of them. Amy is surprised to learn that Tim is a former Mennonite who has left the faith and is dealing with his own loss in the form of his dead wife and son. As these two neighbors interact they begin to find a comfort from each other that they never expected and a wonderful relationship develops.
When I pick up a Kim Vogel Sawyer book I can rest assured that it will be a moving experience. I have never read one of her books that was not good, but I do believe that When Hope Blossoms is the best one yet. I simply loved this book. It is a story of love and family; of mistakes made and forgiveness given; of reconciliations and compassion. This is a story that touches your emotions and stays in your mind long after you have read it. This is definitely a must read!
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
When I pick up a Kim Vogel Sawyer book I can rest assured that it will be a moving experience. I have never read one of her books that was not good, but I do believe that When Hope Blossoms is the best one yet. I simply loved this book. It is a story of love and family; of mistakes made and forgiveness given; of reconciliations and compassion. This is a story that touches your emotions and stays in your mind long after you have read it. This is definitely a must read!
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
A contemporary love story that I wouldnt really call a romance, but a story that takes the heart of two characters and steadily draws them closer together.
I thought the setting, a small Mennonite community and one bitter young man, was an interesting take on the bonnet fiction sect. I enjoyed that each character brought a struggle to the plot that crafted a sweet and surprising ending.
Why dont I call this novel a romance? Mainly because the story kept me in limbo the entire time, wondering if these two people would get together. I actually enjoyed this angle, because I wanted to see each one come together, they both have so much to overcome, primarily forgiving people in their past. You dont have the typical boy meets girl, boy dates girl and boy loses girl equation and I enjoyed the shake up.
Its different than the expected prairie romance and dont let the cover deceive you to think as such, but within the pages Im sure many readers are going to find a cast of characters to jerk the heartstrings and entertain the soul.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
I thought the setting, a small Mennonite community and one bitter young man, was an interesting take on the bonnet fiction sect. I enjoyed that each character brought a struggle to the plot that crafted a sweet and surprising ending.
Why dont I call this novel a romance? Mainly because the story kept me in limbo the entire time, wondering if these two people would get together. I actually enjoyed this angle, because I wanted to see each one come together, they both have so much to overcome, primarily forgiving people in their past. You dont have the typical boy meets girl, boy dates girl and boy loses girl equation and I enjoyed the shake up.
Its different than the expected prairie romance and dont let the cover deceive you to think as such, but within the pages Im sure many readers are going to find a cast of characters to jerk the heartstrings and entertain the soul.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
This was a great book about second chances at love. I thought the characters were well written and the hurt that Tim lived with felt very real. You could not help but be happy with the ending - it was a feel good book for sure.
I really enjoyed this book! Kim Vogel Sawyer has again written a wonderful book about a lovely Mennonite widow and children who move next door to a sad ex-Mennonite. Can Amy and her wonderful children win Mr. Roper's heart? Great story, highly recommended!
