Cover Image: The Tapestry of Grace

The Tapestry of Grace

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Member Reviews

Set in the late 1800s, in the midst of a small Russian Mennonite society, this novels weaves a tale of hope and restoration in three broken families. They’ve all had a taste of joy in their youth, but accidents, trials, and life have left spouses widowed, parents childless, and all bereft. Can God be trusted to lift their lives out of a never-ending valley?

It’s no secret I enjoy Sawyer’s books, but this one was definitely a surprise to me. I’m used to reading books where the main characters are young—namely, they don’t have much baggage trailing behind them, or responsibilities set squarely on their shoulders. If they do, it usually gets resolved by the end. Instead of taking us through the budding spring years of these families, we’re left looking at the aftermath of difficult trials and wondering, “What good can come now?”

I really enjoyed this novel. It’s not larger than life, but relatable and encouraging. Somewhat predictable, hence the 3.5 with Story, but the message is spot on. Overall 4.25, and a solid recommend. 😊

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The Tapestry of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer is her latest historical fiction story. it is a beautifully written story about grace and caring for those around you, even when it is hard. Augusta is a widowed school teacher facing an empty summer. Konrad is a single father of twins trying to work with his boys underfoot. Marina is a lonely woman who desperately wants a child of her own. The three will be drawn into each other's lives and will find more than friendship there. I always love her stories and I did this one as well. I enjoy the Biblical messages and getting to know the characters. I hate when they end!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. I am grateful for the chance to read this story!

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What a beautifully written story about love, loss, community, forgiveness, and redemption! Ms. Sawyer has written a wonderful story with amazing characters in a setting that just leaps off the page.

I highly recommend this story for lovers of Christian fiction and a HEA!

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

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I love that this author is described as one who writes "gentle stories of hope." I couldn't agree more.

I've read a couple of the author's books in the past and have really enjoyed them. There's something about reading a "gentle" story that just speaks peace to my heart. The Tapestry of Grace was just as sweet. Well, maybe a little bittersweet for some of the characters.

This was an ensemble cast of characters, with the main ones being Augusta and Konrad. They're both widowed with young children. She's not looking for a husband, and Konrad isn't looking for a wife... at least not initially. lol Martina plays a huge role in all of this, and with some manipulation that comes across as kindness, she gets the ball rolling so that Augusta starts searching for a wife for Konrad and Martina hopes to gain a child.

Watching Martina's schemes unfold is rather shocking! Her delusional thoughts took me aback, but as we got to know her more, while not ok, we began to understand her desperation. There's a lot to unpack with her storyline such as miscarriages, guilt, and shame, but also forgiveness, healing, and redemption.

I like that the author gave a balance of the children. With Konrad's twins and their struggles without having a mom around and then Augusta with her sweet daughter, we see how children deal with loss differently. I felt like the author handled the topic with great care and grace.

One of the most impactful parts of this story was the faith. It was so beautiful how Augusta truly approached everything in her life with Scripture in mind. It was NOT overdone nor did it feel just thrown in willy nilly. It's an example to every reader of how and why we approach life with a Christ-centered mind. Honestly, there was a good amount of conviction in my spirit as I read the story. You can't beat a story when the Holy Spirit uses it to prick your heart towards godliness.

Of course, what's a story without the gossipy ladies, misunderstandings, and miscommunication? hahaha

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The Tapestry of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a Christian novel. Ms. Sawyer’s novels are always written about romance.

The story begins with Auguata Dyck needing some meaningful work since teaching is paused because of the planting season in Kansas. She and a group of women form a benevolent society which means to help those in need.

Konrad is a widower with mischievous twin boys, but good boys. He doesn’t want any help, especially from the Frauenverein, the women’s group. He considers them nosy and bossy. However, he is having problems finishing his woodworking and also trying to keep the boys out of mischief.

One of the women in the group has ulterior motives. She and her husband long for a child, but it was not to be. She feels that if she and her husband can take one of the boys as an apprentice to her husband, eventually that boy can live with them.

The group also intends to find a wife for Konrad, even though he is not in the market for another wife. You can imagine how this story plays out. It is at times sad, but also humorous. I enjoyed this novel and I do all of Ms. Sawyer’s novels.

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Great story - I couldnt stop reading. It took Augusta and Konrad a long time to see each other in a romantic way. I kept wanting to take them aside and tell them what they were missing right before their eyes. But in the meantime Martina changes direction in the story from the one you love to hate, to the one you love to love. I liked her story almost as much as Augusta's. The children Juliana, Folker and Walden added some wonderful characters to this story. They were fun, mischievous and heartwarming all at once.
Incorporating the story with the orphan train, the customs such as the Frauerverein and the old occupations of blacksmith and wainwright all gave interesting aspects to the story. I was especially enthralled by the methods Augusta used to find a wife for Konrad. Who knew there was such a thing as professional matchmakers? Sounds like a great job to me! The story had its solemn sides too dealing with loss of a parent, barrenness and abuse of alcohol, all handled very realistically.
Thanks to Kim Sawyer for yet another sweet romance that was a real page-turner for me.

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I enjoy Kim Vogel Sawyer's books and stories. Since I currently live in Kansas, I'm in favor of reading local authors' works. Mennonite communities are plentiful in the area, and I look forward to learning more about them.

While this book was not my favorite of hers, it was well-written and handles many difficult issues well. I like how she interweaves the spiritual aspects of the story into the lives of the characters, even the most difficult ones (issues and characters). The ending, while not a surprise, is certainly satisfying.

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Author Kim Vogel Sawyer writes a book that shows the needs to care for each other, the need for community. Yet often those in need struggle to admit and reach out for that help. Because surely we can do things on our own. But can we? Or do we need each other and God?

Strong, well developed characters brought this story to life. I especially enjoyed learning about a different culture in a different time. We see many of the things the people of Alexandertol brought with them from “the old country” and it made the story richer.

With many good characters, and more than one storyline to follow, I found The Tapestry of Grace a compelling work of historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

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I loved the characters in this fantastic story. I loved that Augusta and Martina wanted to help Konrad each in a different way and for different reasons. I loved the inspiration in the story. I loved how I laughed and cry over this story. I received a copy of this story from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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This was a story of manipulation, deceit, faith, hope, love and forgiveness.

Kim Vogel Sawyer once again has created a story to touch your heart. I found myself getting almost angry at some characters then later finding my heart breaking for them. There was laughs at the antics of twin boys and tears of joy at lives that were redeemed. This is one of those stories that touches almost every emotion.

This was just one of those feel good stories that was enjoyable to read. The setting of Mennonite country in Kansas in the 1800s where life was challenging in so many ways. It would be fun to read what happens to these families.

Disclaimer: I received this copy from the publisher, but was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

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At the start of this story, Martina was a difficult character to connect to and her attitude and objective made me concerned on where the story might lead. These concerns had me considering not continuing reading or skipping to the end. I did not and am glad that I trusted the author based on her prior works and continued reading.

All these characters were a little lost and broken but had so much to give and growth to experience. I loved every single journey and Martina with her loss, secrets and fear ended up being a favourite character.

I adored the children in this story. They provided for a few smiling moments.

Kim Vogel Sawyer delivered another emotional and deep story with characters to love and happy endings wished for every one of them.

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This was such a sweet book. I really loved the story and the characters. The kids in this book were so well written and sweet. It lined up perfectly with other sweet amish romances I've read, and if you love those books, you'll love this one!

I do wish there had been a bit more about their everyday "happily ever after" at the end of this story. I felt like the story ended very abruptly.

Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for an advanced copy to review!

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I laughed out loud. I cried happy tears. I put my fist in the air and cheered. My chest actually hurt from my heart swelling.

It has been a long while since a Christian romance has affected me this way and I am not disappointed about that.

This book follows 3 points of view: Konrad, a widower with twin sons. Augusta, a widow with a daughter. Martina, a middle-aged married woman with no children. Their stories are set in a recently settled Mennonite community and weave in and out of each other in the most beautiful ways.

Konrad is not perfect but he is so lovable. His point of view was my least favorite, but also necessary for the story. His were the parts I cheered for. Augusta is solid and faithful but sometimes misses the nuances of life. But she often made me laugh and always had me smiling. Martina's story was my favorite. Her story, which includes her husband Gerhard, is one of growth, restoration, finding contentment, and the beauty of grace. It was in her parts that my heart about burst and I cried happy tears.

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/d45e8f14-585c-41bc-ba7d-2b524467bb40

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5478274648

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The Tapestry of Grace is the perfect name for this inspiring faith-based story by Kim Vogel Sawyer. This late 1800’s story is one of God’s grace and guidance in life. The times were difficult for many in this German-Russian Mennonite community. The struggles that the characters had are the same as we have today. Their flaws are the same ones too. Yet God mended lives, hearts, families. What a wonderful reminder the same God, with the same power can work in our lives today.

I highly recommend this historical novel for the history, for the story with a marvelous twist, for the characters that you will love, and for the inspiration.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

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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.

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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.

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Thank you WaterBrook & Multnomah for allowing me to read Kim Vogel Sawyer’s new book, Tapestry of Grace. This is a heartwarming story woven in the small Mennonite community in Alexandertol, Kansas in 1897.

Kim offers twist and turns through out the story that keeps the reader interested.

I like the Characters. Augusta Dyck, the school teacher, and her daughter, Konrad Rempel and his mischievous twin boys as well as Martina Krahn, who sets her own Agenda. These characters contribute to a very enjoyable plot.

This is a 4.5 star read that should be added to your TBR pile.

I was given an ARC by the publisher and was not required to give a positive review.

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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.

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My thoughts: THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE started a bit slow but by the midway of the book my interest was snagged as secrets started coming out and I grew to care about the characters. I wondered how each character got their problems solved, and Ms. Sawyer solved it in the most delightful of ways. I greatly loved this story of the early settlers in Kansas and am anxious to read more. If you like historical Mennonite fiction you will love THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE. Grab your copy today. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

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I read this novel as an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher. I have been a fan of this author for a while now and this story is no different in how great she creates stories! I absolutely loved the beauty of this story and the tale Kim weaves together surrounding the German-Russian Mennonite family. Such great character development, Christian values and beliefs and the simple way of life are encompassed beautifully. Definitely a 4.5-5 star read!

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