"when grace sings" by kim vogel sawyer

Continuing the story of the Zimmerman family, When Grace Sings exposes long-buried secrets and beautifully illustrates the grace and love of God.

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When trouble roars into quiet Arborville, Alexa and Anna-Grace find themselves the target for discord and exposed secrets. Can they continue to seek the God of all grace amidst the fog of confusion?

Alexa Zimmerman wonders if the Old Order Mennonite community in Arborville, Kansas, will ever fully accept her. Her family roots here aren't what anyone thought when she first arrived, but she is hopeful that her culinary and hospitality skills will win the skeptics over. The bed-and-breakfast she's operating needs to succeed so Alexa agrees to allow Briley Forrester, the hotshot reporter from Chicago, to stay as a long-term boarder not knowing his real motives for being amongst the Plain folk.

But when Alexa agrees to host her cousin Anna-Grace Braun, the presence of extended family brings out Alexa's insecurities and sets Briley on the trail to uncovering a web of hidden truths.

Plans for a secure future and the sweetness of young romance hang in the balance when Alexa and Anna-Grace have to face that their secrets are interconnected, binding the two in ways they could not have imagined. They must trust in a loving, heavenly Father and His plan for their futures.

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When Grace Sings is a wonderfully fascinating book. I almost passed on it because I'm tired of the Amish/Mennonite genre, but I've enjoyed Kim Vogel Sawyer's books in the past, so I took a chance. I'm glad I did!

Though When Grace Sings is the second book in the Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy, I was able to jump right in without having first read book one. (I'm sure I missed some things, but I never felt "behind" while I read.) The story is told from four perspectives: innkeeper Alexa's, reporter Briley's, bride-to-be Anna-Grace's, and Anna-Grace's fiance Steven's. This constantly shifting point of view could get old, but in this case, it works very well.

Out of all of the intertwining stories, I enjoyed Steven's the most. Steven's future is seemingly set when he is given his grandfather's farm in Arborville, yet what he really longs to do is teach. As he struggled with the pull between duty and dreams, I felt for him—and I found myself incredibly thankful to have grown up in a family where I had the freedom to make my own path.

As this is the second book in a trilogy, many threads are left unresolved at the end of the novel, and I look forward to reading the final book to see just how things turn out! (Anna-Grace in particular has a lot of story left, and I'm anxious for her to find out who she really is!) 4-1/2 stars.

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Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Sawyer's Sweet Sanctuary (4-1/2 stars), Song of My Heart (4 stars).

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About the author: Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of twenty-nine novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and nine grandchildren.

Find Kim online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"unbreakable" by nancy mehl

About the book (from Litfuse): Gentle and unassuming, Hope Kauffman has never been one to question the traditions of her Mennonite upbringing. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal he arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.

Despite the attempts of Hope and other Kingdom residents to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, while Ebbie insists Kingdom must remain true to its foundation. When Hope's safety is threatened by a mysterious outsider, she can't help but question what she's always been taught about the Mennonite tradition of nonviolence.

As it swiftly becomes apparent the threat Hope faced is only the beginning, the town that's always stood so strong finds itself divided. With tensions high and their lives endangered by an unknown enemy, will Hope and the people of Kingdom allow fear and division to break them or will they draw on the strength of the God they serve?

My take: Unbreakable is an intriguing look into a Mennonite community and the traditional Mennonite tenet of nonviolence. I found myself incredibly frustrated with some characters as they would refuse to carry even unloaded rifles in an effort to protect themselves and their loved ones—but at the same time, I could understand their rationale. I don't agree, but I could understand. In fact, I found myself thinking deeply as I read—something that doesn't happen too often when I read!

I enjoyed the love triangle, and I changed my mind repeatedly as to which guy I wanted Hope to end up with. Also, I liked checking in on Lizzie and Charity, the main characters from Inescapable, Mehl's first Road to Kingdom book. For some reason, however, I had trouble really connecting with this story. I guess I just didn't care enough about Hope, and I didn't think the suspense was, for lack of a better word, suspenseful enough.

Still, Unbreakable is a good book—it's written well and has an interesting plot. It just, for whatever reason, wasn't my favorite. 3-1/2 out of 5 stars.

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Buy the book.
Read my review of Inescapable, book one in the series.

About the author: Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband Norman and her very active puggle, Watson. She's authored fourteen books and is currently at work on a new series for Bethany House Publishing. All of Nancy's novels have an added touch - something for your spirit as well as your soul. "I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing," Nancy says. "God is number one in my life. I wouldn't be writing at all if I didn't believe that this is what He's called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan for your life, and there is nothing you can't overcome with His help." Readers can learn more about Nancy through her Web site: www.nancymehl.com. She is also active on Facebook.

About the giveaway:
Celebrate the release of Unbreakable with Nancy Mehl by entering her Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to the March 5th Author Chat Party on Facebook!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Books one & two in Nancy's Road to Kingdom series (Inescapable and Unbreakable)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 4th. Winner will be announced at the "Unbreakable" Author Chat Party on March 5th. Connect with Nancy, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books, and fun Mennonite-themed giveaways.

Grab your copy of Unbreakable and join Nancy on the evening of the March 5th for a chance to connect with Nancy and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"inescapable" by nancy mehl

About the book (provided by Litfuse): Lizzie Engel is used to running away. At eighteen, she left her Mennonite hometown, Kingdom, Kansas, with plans never to return.

But five years later, the new life she built is falling apart. Lizzie knows she's being followed, and she's certain the same mysterious stranger is behind the threatening letters she's received. Realizing she'll have to run again, the only escape Lizzie can manage is a return to the last place she wants to go.

Once she arrives in Kingdom, Lizzie is confident she'll be safe until she comes up with a new plan. In reacquainting herself with the town and its people—especially her old friend, Noah Housler—she wonders if she judged her hometown and her Mennonite faith too harshly. However, just as she begins to come to terms with her roots, Lizzie is horrified to discover the danger she ran from is closer than ever.

No longer sure who to trust and fearful for her life and the lives of those around her, Lizzie finds she has only one place left to run—to the Father whose love is inescapable.

My take: Maybe it's the fact that, prior to this book, I'd never read any Mennonite fiction. Maybe it's the fact that I have Mennonite roots. Or maybe it's the fact that I'm originally from Kansas. Whatever it is, I found great enjoyment in reading this book!

I found myself swept into Lizzie's journey from the first page, and I was especially invested in her relationships with Clay (the father of her daughter Charity) and Noah. Mehl did a great job of making each man seem appealing—though I knew who I wanted Lizzie to be with, I wasn't entirely sure where Mehl was going with the love triangle. One of my favorite characters was Charity—she was completely adorable, and I totally understood her obsession with "nice" potties. I also loved seeing the changes in the Mennonite community as the book progressed.

The only thing I didn't love about the book came near the end. Mehl uses first person (from Lizzie's perspective) to tell the story, which works very well most of the time. But at a pivotal moment, Lizzie doesn't witness what happens. I wish I could have "seen" the action as it was happening, rather than read about it later. However, that's really a minor issue when you look at the entire book. I loved it, and I'll definitely be reading book two when it's released next spring! 4-1/2 out of 5 stars.

You can buy the book here and see what other bloggers are saying here.

About the author: Nancy Mehl, the author of 12 books, received an ACFW Carol Award in 2009 for her novel For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Wichita, Kansas, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson. Visit her website at www.nancymehl.com. 

About the giveaway:
Celebrate with Nancy by entering her "Inescapable" Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 7/26!

Find out what readers are saying here.

One winner will receive: A Handmade Mennonite Quilt A copy of Inescapable by Nancy Mehl Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 25th. Winner will be announced at the "Inescapable" Author Chat Facebook Party on 7/26. Nancy will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills (how much do you know about the Mennonites?) and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of Inescapable and join Nancy on the evening of the July 26th for a chance to connect with Nancy and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 26th!

Book trailer:

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."