"Unveiling the Past" by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that explores themes of family, forgiveness, and the enduring love of a heavenly Father. Set against the backdrop of cold-case investigations, this story weaves together the lives of newlyweds Sean Eagle and Meghan DeFord, who are both intimately familiar with the pain of loss as cold-case detectives.

The book delves into the complex dynamics of family secrets and unresolved mysteries. When Sheila Menke's father disappears after allegedly embezzling money, leaving behind a cloud of suspicion, Meghan reluctantly takes on the case. This decision dredges up Meghan's own unresolved issues with her biological father, adding depth to her character and the narrative.

Sean's investigation into the mysterious deaths of two young brothers adds another layer of intrigue to the story. As he longs to start a family with Meghan, their personal struggles and doubts create a palpable tension that resonates with readers.

What sets this novel apart is its exploration of forgiveness and healing. As Meghan and Sheila delve into their respective cases, they are faced with the choice of harboring bitterness and resentment or embarking on the difficult journey of forgiveness. This central theme adds a profound and touching dimension to the story.

Kim Vogel Sawyer's writing is poignant and heartfelt, capturing the nuances of human emotions and relationships with sensitivity. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs.

In conclusion, "Unveiling the Past" is a beautifully crafted novel that delves into the complexities of family, forgiveness, and the search for closure. Kim Vogel Sawyer's storytelling prowess shines in this emotionally resonant narrative, making it a must-read for fans of heartfelt fiction that touches the soul.

"Bringing Maggie Home", the prequel, was amazing with characters I felt could be family. When I finished reading it, I hoped for a sequel. Just when I didn't think Kim Vogel Sawyer could write anything that topped "Bringing Maggie Home", she totally delivered in "Unveiling the Past".
So many aspects of "Unveiling the Past" could be identifiable in many families, mine included. Without giving away any spoilers, there was so much forgiveness that needed to occur, within each character and for others in the novel. Praying for God to work His Will in the lives of those who have wronged us, we also must pray for God to work forgiveness in our hearts. Hazel, the matriarch, drove this point home multiple times.
From solving a cold case to forgiveness and redemption, Sawyer wrote a riveting novel which made me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. Please let there be another in this series.
I received and advance e-copy of "Unveiling the Past" but was not required to post a review.

Love the cast of characters here! Kim Vogel Sawyer shines in all of her writing, both contemporary and historical. I also adore the cover.

Intriguing storyline, although at times it was a bit slow for me. I wasn’t sure if I would finish the book, but. I’m glad I did because I found the characters to be interesting and the writing was excellent. I guess at first, it just took me longer to get involved in this novel.
I received a copy through Netgalley from the publisher. Opinions are my own.

A beautiful tale that brings light to the dark places. Forgiveness and redemption abounds and those who loved Bringing Maggie Home will be thrilled with this continuation of the series. Kim Vogel Sawyer brings a deep faith message in this tale of cold cases that warm the heart and set the mind racing. It would be better as a reader if you read Bringing Maggie Home before beginning this title as they do flow into one another.

This is a really good read. I enjoyed the dual mysteries Meghan and Sean are investing as well as the side story about Meghan's father. The book moves well and goes quick and I really liked the ending. Overall a good read, and a good series. I actually would love another story with these characters and see how their lives turn out after this book.

I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

The story revolves around three generations of women; Hazel, Diane, and Meghan. Meghan is grown and married. She has an emotional wound that is a result of growing up without a father. Diane is finally ready to help find him. The author created strong, realistic characters. At times, it was very hard to put the book down. I read an electronic version as part of a launch group.

So taking a sharp turn from my last review, let's talk about a fiction book. And yet, I can find some similarities in this book. This book is about several hurting women. It is a sequel to "Bringing Maggie Home" and I highly recommend you read that one first. I did and while I think this would have still been a good book on its own, it would have raised so many questions that were answered in the first book.

A single mom who raised her daughter on her own, a daughter who has always wondered what it would be like to have a dad, and a grandma who was plagued by a secret she held for 70+ years. That's the premise of "Bringing Maggie Home" and while some of those questions are answered in that book, a lot remained for this book, "Unveiling the Past." And one thing that was impressed in this book is you can always have access to a Father, your heavenly Father, if you are willing to avail yourself of his help.

This book focuses about evenly on Meghan and her mom, Diane and talks about their journeys to finding forgiveness and hope and restored relationships. The book is well-written and flips back and forth to tell two stories from about four points of view. It does tie up pretty neatly in the end, but I could easily read another book about these ladies.

One phrase that really stuck out to me in this book was this: "Don't let bitterness erase the memories." How true that is. We can get stuck in the hurts of the past and forget all the good times that we did enjoy. It's a good challenge for me to remember.

A little bit more about the book/books. Meghan is a cold-case detective and in this story she and her partner, help a young girl and her brothers find closure as to what actually happened to their dad. It was fun to see how the case worked out, but also touching to watch Meghan, who struggled with the idea of being a mom, show motherly care and concern on this young girl who was determined to tag along on the investigation.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Kim. I received this book from Waterbrook/Multnomah via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I very much enjoyed this sequel to Bringing Maggie Home. Kim Vogel Sawyer does a great job of writing an exciting mystery, while delving into relevant topics like forgiveness, grace and brokenness. Meghan DeFord is a cold-case detective assigned to get to the bottom of the mysterious disappearance of a banker who left for work and was never seen again. The case stirs up wounds from her own past by her own absent father. Meghan must choose between bitterness and resentment or healing and restoration.

Some favorite characters from the first book return in this one: Meghan's mother, Diane, and her grandmother, Hazel. Both are women with difficult pasts who have found healing and hope in their faith and relationship with Christ. Both are wonderfully warm and funny and add much to the story.

Another relevant topic that Unveiling the Past addresses is marriage. Meghan's husband, Sean, longs to start a family, but Meghan is reluctant and fearful. They both struggle to express their feelings and must learn how to communicate and understand each other.

If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction and like a good mystery, you will definitely enjoy Unveiling the Past. Although it is a sequel, it does stand alone if you haven't read the first book, Bringing Maggie Home.

Interesting book. I liked the suspense but I wasn’t aware of the religious overtones. Good book and solid read.

I found Unveiling the Past by Kim Vogel Sawyer to be a favorable read. The author let’s us into the characters lives as we watch how they work together on investigation cases and come into new ones. Sometimes, based on their life experiences, there can be tension with this. There’s also a story line of wanting to extend their family. They have quite a few things to work through. That sure kept me reading through this one.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


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In Unveiling the Past, Kim Vogel Sawyer takes her readers on an emotional roller coaster as we navigate the plot line. The plot line itself is great, but it is not dull at all! Character development is great throughout as the readers really come to love the characters.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Strong characters in both Sean and Meghan as they work together in as cold case detectives and as husband and wife. They both work hard to balance their personal and professional lives in what at times was a hostile environment.

The story was unique and thought provoking as you look at the lives of three women. The intertwined relationships between mother and daughter and daughter to father. I think the thing that impacted me the most was the power of faithfulness and forgiveness.

If you are a Kim Vogel Sawyer fan you'll love this book. If you've never read her books this is a great one to start with. She gives readers characters with passion and depth and a storyline that is meaningful and very touching.

Disclaimer: I did receive this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to provide a review.

Having previously read & enjoyed this author’s work, I was disappointed with Unveiling the Past. I didn’t particularly warm to any of the characters – except maybe Sean - & the storylines seemed rather too glib. The title is apt, however, fitting each of the several stories being told. If the themes of the book were analyzed they would probably look good on paper, it just somehow didn’t work for me as a whole. It was a book I had to keep forcing myself to return to, (in order to be able to write this review.) I did also feel there was some unnecessary content which made me feel uncomfortable, unexpected from a Christian author. I would rate it 2 1/2 stars if that were possible...

Meghan DeFord and Sean Eagle are married cold case detectives who usually work together, but are now working separate cases in different cities. Meghan is teamed up with another detective, trying to help a woman find her father, who vanished without a trace. Sean is continuing to work a case of two missing boys and is teamed with a detective who is troubled and lashing out. At the same time, Meghan has decided to try and make contact with her father, who has never been in her life. She consults her mother, Diane, about the best way to approach him.

This is an interesting Christian mystery with a solid message of God's love and forgiveness. I really enjoyed the interactions between Meghan's mother and grandmother (and their three dachshunds). However, there are times when it seems that things are tied up too neatly and quickly. I have seen God work this way, but it usually takes time. There is also a little conflict in my opinion between the way Meghan describes her mother and the way Diane is actually portrayed. Meghan describes her as unmotherly early in the book, and she is one of the reasons that Meghan doesn't want to become a Mom. However, in the book, Diane is portrayed as a delightful person who is very dedicated to her daughter. She is shown briefly as a stressed single Mom early in the book. Since the DeFord women were first introduced in the novel Bringing Maggie Home in 2017, that conflict may have been resolved in that book.

The two mysteries are interesting and engaging, and the personalties of all the detectives are explored.

If you enjoy Christian mysteries, you will enjoy this book. I suggest reading Bringing Maggie Home first.

Three and a half stars, rounded up to four.

Kim Vogel Sawyer has been a favorite author of mine for years. She is the queen of historical romance in my opinion but I just developed a new fascination with her. This book is set in the modern day and is about two detectives with the cold case unit. This is my 2nd favorite type of fiction / stories. It's like finding a new author. I find myself daydreaming about this book having a sequel or two. I fell in love with these characters and want to know more about them. What happened after this?

This is the story of Meghan and her husband, Seth, who are Cold Case detectives. Meghan was raised by a single mother and never knew her father. But then we learn the story of Meghan's mother Diane and Kevin, Meghan's birthfather. And thrown in there is the story of Seth's childhood and Kevin's childhood and Diane's mother, Hazel and her sister, and Kevin's life thus far including his adopted son. In addition, we have the history behind the two cold cases the detectives are working on and even the lives of the other detectives and their chief. It sound like a lot but it is all part of a wonderous story! I want to give it more than 5 stars. I want to give it five stars and five exclamation points. I might even reread it, which is something I rarely do because there are so many new books to read. Kudos, Kim Vogel Sawyer. You hit this one out of the ballpark. Please write a few more of this genre.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This was a pretty good book. The story was well paced. The main characters were really exciting to follow on their journey. I hadn’t read this author before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was not disappointed!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

A great cozy read, with detective work, and fun relatable characters. I particularly liked the grandmother character best with all her wits. It did seem a bit preachy at times but it had a great message about our heavenly Father and second chances. People who like women's fiction would probably enjoy it most :).

“Unveiling the Past” by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a great story about a woman who finds her birth father, a man who abandoned her mother when she told him that she was pregnant. The story is told from 4 different points of view that alternate throughout the book, and it was great to read their different perspectives. Sawyer is a great writer and I look forward to reading more of her books! Speaking of more books, “Unveiling the Past” is the second book in a series. I have not read the first book, but I will certainly do so now!

Unveiling the Past by Kim Vogel Sawyer is like reading two books. Not because of the various storylines but because of the religious monologues throughout the book. First, the story is truly interesting. Somehow Sawyer manages to weave the same theme in each character's crisis. A father is missing, what happened is a mystery and what effect will solving the mystery bring. The characters are real and the descriptions are vivid from the way they look and smell to attitudes and behaviors. Any one person in the story could be developed into their own book.
I did find the "preaching" a bit much. Apparently, the answer to everyone's happiness is to be saved. I am a Christian and claim Jesus Christ as my savior so why am I being critical? Because it was a hard sell in the book to the point of being distracting. The story is truly interesting and the drawn-out efforts to convince someone to accept Christ was overdone.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Netgalley.