This is such a sweet and well-crafted romance set in a small Mennonite community. The main characters are Augusta, Konrad and Martina and all are lovable if not likable with all of their choices. Augusta is a widow with a tween daughter while Konrad is a widower with twin sons. Martina is married and childless so she makes a plan to help herself get children into her household. The plot is so entertaining that it was hard to put the book down. Some of the women of the town start a benevolence society to help needy families and in so doing get involved in each other’s lives. The sense of community and genuine caring pours from the pages of this novel and made me wish that all people could care in like manner. The romance that developed was predictable but it was such a delight to read how things worked out in the end. With authentic details and a heartfelt storyline, this was a story with depth and spiritual truth infused within its pages. It was thought-provoking at times but not too complex, with a remarkably insightful look at the challenges of being widowed as well as those of being barren. The characters were realistically flawed and dynamic, growing and learning to change as needed. In short, this book was a marvel to read and its timeless tale of selflessness and hope for a better future is memorable and compelling.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Besides the lighthearted and heartfelt quick read about family, community togetherness, even of surprize romance, this story set back in the 1800's when Russian Mennonites had immigrated to the USA. Additionally, there're touches on more serious issues. Issues of child loss, alcohol abuse, and adoption to name some have been woven into the story's fabric. To top it off, I really appreciated Scripture verses alluded to and by which some of the characters lived by. The element of faith in God is precious and I was happy to encounter it within the book's pages.

A satisfying read and I award a 5 Star rating to this book.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

April 2023

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

What a treat!!! I love anything historical and The Tapestry of Grace fits the bill. The setting of a small Mennonite community, the real life problems of parents trying to raise children and the accepting of help from well-meaning people is a general description of the plot. But the story line delves into much deeper issues. When is helping actually interfering? Do some people have ulterior motives? Does anyone actually know what goes on behind closed doors? Kim Vogel Sawyer has written another enjoyable story that kept me reading late into the night.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

This charming historical fiction opens with a group of German Mennonite women forming a "Frauenverein" - a women's group to meet the needs of widows and orphans per James 1:27. It is here that we meet an interesting cast of characters.

Konrad is a widower with young twin boys. He finds himself facing two women who both have competing plans to help him over the summer break.

Augusta is a widow, teacher, and mother to Juliana. She is kind and gentle, and seeking to meet the needs of others though she herself is a widow. She genuinely enjoys the twins, who she teaches during the school year, and wants to give them a loving and safe place to spend the days during the summer.

Martina leads the Frauenverein, and she at first appears to be a stern leader with selfish ambitions. As the story unfolds, we see another side of her, a gentle and hurting side. Childless and concerned about her husband's drinking, she hopes that bringing one of the twin boys into an apprenticeship with her husband will heal their relationship.

An interesting and delightful story unfolds as these women discover that sometimes blessing others bring blessing on oneself.

One of the things that I most appreciate about Kim Vogel Sawyer's books is the godly wisdom sprinkled throughout. There are always a few quotes for my commonplace book. Here is one from this book:

"We must chop sin from our lives the way we chop weeds from the garden rows. Sin keeps us from growing strong in the faith. and producing fruit for God's kingdom. One weed left to flourish can take over the entire garden. One sin can grow into many that overtake the soul." -Mutter

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Disclaimer: I received an complimentary ebook for review purposes.

Another fantastic read by Kim Vogel Sawyer. "The Tapestry of Grace" was a bit of a slow start for me but when it picked up speed, wow, I couldn't put it down. Full of humor, answered prayers (just not in the expected way), grace, and forgiveness. Secondary characters even played a big role and were disliked, then loved. I cannot wait for a sequel.

I was provided a copy by NetGalley.

I really like this book. The characters were very well developed. The multiple stories definitely kept my interest. The growth in each of the characters was so good! I would recommend this book to anyone.

Could the Frauenverein find him a wife?

This lovely story is set in Alexandertol, KS in 1897. Our three Mennonite families were originally from Russia, leaving all they knew to build a new life in America. Varying reasons had brought them this far, but the Lord was blessing them where they were. Augusta is a widow, a teacher, mother and all around helpful person. Martina is unhappy, her marriage is childless and her husband depressed and drinking. Konrad is a widower with twin boys that need a mother.

Enter the matchmaking story of Alexandertol. It was a real treat to read how things could change with love, forgiveness, friendship and more. Family is not only blood relatives - something we can all remember.

An early copy was received through WaterBrook, Penguin Random House and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

This is a beautifully written heartwarming story of second chances. It's full of emotions and has a strong faith thread woven throughout the story. If you are a fan of Historical Christian fiction you will love this book!
I received a complimentary copy from WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A beautiful story of second chances and surrendering to God’s will. The author wove together the stories of Konrad, Augusta, and Martina to a satisfying conclusion. How often is it that we think we know the best solution for our problems, only to discover that God can weave an even better ending in our life’s tapestry. You won’t be sorry you read this one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Tapestry of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a heartwarming historical novel. The author takes readers back to 1897 in Alexandertol, Kansas. I thought Tapestry of Grace was well-written with realistic, developed characters. I like that the characters were realistic with flaws. I enjoyed getting to know Augusta Dyck and her daughter as well as Konrad Rempel and his mischievous twin boys. Martina Krahn is a character that grows on you. I like that we get to see how friends and children make a difference in Martina and Gerhard’s life. The story is told from three points-of-view (Martina, Augusta, and Konrad). The chapter headings with the character’s name were helpful. The alternating point-of-view allowed me to get to know the characters and understand them. I like how the character’s stories were woven together. I enjoyed learning about this group of people and their community. We get to learn about their heritage and the reason the townspeople immigrated to the United States. I can tell that the author did her research for this book. Faith is at the center of the character’s lives. I like that they pray before making a big life decision. There are German words scattered throughout the story. It would have been helpful if there was a list at the end of the book with the translations. Faith, friendship, forgiveness, and family are the main themes in this touching story. My favorite line from Tapestry of Grace is, “Because together, bonded through God’s amazing grace, we are going to weave a life tapestry of joy and commitment.” Tapestry of Grace is an inspirational tale with a widowed educator, busy brothers, a bushed blacksmith, a scheme gone askew, beloved books, and a caring community.

I have enjoyed many reads by this author, and this one did not disappoint.

We are at a German Russian Mennonite Community in Kansas during the 1890's, and we are dealing with loss. Loss of a spouse and loss of unborn children, and with so much concern and giving, one with not good desires, a new group is started to help widows and children in need. Well, soon they want to add widowers, and then the plan goes into effect. We are there to see how this all works out.

In a way I found myself figuring out the ending of this read, and was I right, yes, but the journey to the end was very enjoyable, and kept me page turning!

I loved how faith plays a big part in this community, and how God works out everything! Now I'll be looking for the next book by this talented author!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Waterbrook, and was not required to give a positive review.

Alexandertol, Kansas - 1895

Alexandertol is a community of Mennonites from Russia and Germany. August Dyck is a widowed school teacher with a daughter. Konrad Rempel is a widowed blacksmith with twin sons. When one of the Mennonite ladies starts a benevolent society to help out widows and orphans. What will happen when Konrad asks for help in finding a wife? Who will agree to play matchmaker and what will be the results?

This was a warmhearted story that focused on needs, understanding, and learning about oneself and remembering the tapestry of grace. I loved the role the 3 children played in the story line. I find so many stories of the "plain people" to be very formulaic, but Sawyer added enough twists to make her newest release interesting.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Alexandertol, Kansas 1897

Heartwarming! Three broken families find the tapestry of grace in unexpected ways.

Widow Augusta is teaches the lower grades at her community school. Her pre-teen daughter is a huge help for her at home.

Widower Konrad is a local blacksmith with two young twin sons. Although he doesn't feel ready, believes he needs to marry to provide a mother for his sons.

Martina starts a Frauenverein for selfish reasons, but will this group of women bring about good in their community anyway?

On the Kansas prairie, it was a fresh start for many in this Mennonite community. Many of them immigrants.

The Tapestry of Grace, by Kim Vogel Sawyer, is a wonderful Christian historical story. It is a well written and easy to imagine story that grabbed my attention right away and kept it to the end. I enjoyed the characters and the struggles they endured for their families.

Konrad and Augusta both have lost their spouses. Konrad is determined to raise his boys without help from others. Augusta wants to give her only daughter what she wants without spoiling her. It’s enjoyable to see how their children get along.

I also enjoyed the character of Martina. The struggles she and her husband goes through are so realistic. It’s enjoyable to see the outcome when they actually communicate.

This is a very enjoyable story to read. It brings out the fact that God is in control and He answers prayer.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and Waterbrook Publishing. This is my honest review.

This book was a quiet and lovely story of God’s grace and provision. It is a sort of western historical fiction about a small town and the people who live there and whose lives coincide. We meet a widower with twin boys who is searching for a wife, a widowed school teacher with a daughter and a desire to help those around her, and an older couple who long for a child. Kim Vogel Sawyer does a great job at portraying relatable characters in painful situations without making the reader feel overwhelmed.
3.5 stars

“The Tapestry of Grace” A Novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Yesterday’s loss, Tomorrow’s Blessing
A moving story of loved ones lost, and the changes in the characters as they heal and progress towards their renewed and new loves. Change can be so very difficult. It did take me a bit of time to become fully immersed in this story. I am ever so glad I persevered. Yes, I found light moments and shed a few tears, even tears of joy. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: This review expresses my honest opinion
I downloaded a copy of this book via NetGalley.

Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of my absolute favorite Authors and let me tell you she did not disappoint! The Tapestry of Grace is a wonderfully written heartwarming historical romance. Full of faith, family and community.
The book is from the view of 3 different widowed characters, but it is well put together and there is no confusion as to each person’s story and how they intertwine.
The Tapestry of Grace is an easy read, well-paced, thoughtfully written and one that you won’t want to put down. Pick this one up on release day, you won’t be disappointed.
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: April 18, 2023
I received complimentary ARC copy of this story from its publisher and author (Thank you!! I loved being a part of this book) via NetGalley . This review is my honest opinion, I was in no way required to give a positive review.

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

This book is set late 1800's with a Town Community in Kansas of most people who have immigrated from Russia. They are a Mennonite community. The book features 3 main characters, School Teacher Augusta, Widower with twin boys Konrad, and Martina who would dearly love a child.

The book starts with Marina's dream to start a community's Frauenverein (Benevolent society) to help widows and orphans. Her hope is to find an orphan who needs a home. Augusta can see that Konrad needs some help but do the others agree? Konrad also has his own problems he is praying about.

Martina is the character that can be quite harsh and can come across as brash and controlling but there is a reason for her thinking. The more we read the more we learn why she is how she is. I found I felt for her in so many ways.

Konrad is still grieving his wife who died in childbirth leaving him 3-year-old twins who are now 8. They are busy boys who do what boys do. He can see he needs help and comes up with a solution he hopes will be the answer to prayer

Augusta is a widow with an 11-year-old daughter and a school teacher. She has a heart for children and can see the twins need extra help.

Reading the 3 different points of view was interesting, it was clear who was who and it was good seeing what they were thinking. It really helped to understand the characters and what makes them tick. On the surface we see a person and may judge them as being brash or rude but we often don't stop to think is there a reason. Sometimes its just who they are but other times there are reasons. Seeing the reasons really helped understand the characters.

It was easy to read, and I just wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next. I would love to read more about this community and to see what happens next although the ending was good. This book up in the top books I have read this year.

Historical fiction about a widowed school teacher who becomes involved in an effort to find a widower a mother for his young twin sons. I really liked that the potential "villains" in the story weren't villains, they were just a couple that was struggling with their own losses, and regained their faith and happiness at the end.

The Tapestry of Grace is an inspiring, thought-provoking story of family, community, and faith. The characters are engaging and relatable. The three major characters Augusta, Martina, and Konrad each have their own story. These stories intertwine seamlessly and beautifully leading to a satisfying ending. Set in a small Kansas Mennonite community in 1895 the rather unique plot flows smoothly and keeps you invested from start to finish. As in all of Ms. Sawyer’s works that I have read, the faith thread is strong. This one illustrates how God works in everyday life to bring all things together for good for those who love and trust him. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it especially for fans of inspirational historical romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.