Literature & Fiction
![Kim Vogel Sawyer - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B001H6GWJY.jpg)
The Tapestry of Grace: A Novel
When a group of Kansas women start a Frauenverein, a benevolent society devoted to aiding widows and orphans, life changes for more than just the hurting people they seek to help in this heartwarming romance inspired by historical events-from the bestselling author of Freedom's Song.
With classes paused for the planting season, Alexandertol's schoolteacher Augusta Dyck is glad for some meaningful work to occupy her time. She even knows exactly who their town's benevolence society should help first: quiet, reserved widower Konrad Rempel and his young twin sons.
Konrad Rempel, however, is adamant that he doesn't want help. His boys are mischievous but good-hearted. And though Konrad may be struggling, he doesn't want anyone else sticking their nose in and telling him what his sons need. Or what he needs.
For her part, the charity's founder Martina Krahn is relieved to have a reason to spend time outside her unhappy home. It even occurs to her that she may, through her work, encounter a boy in need of a family and so find a son for her husband since they have no children of their own.
Augusta, Konrad, and Martina each have deep needs and desires, and each imagines how they should be met: by reaching out or by being left alone. But God, indeed, knows best. Will the competing agendas of Alexandertol's residents prevent them from receiving God's help? Or will the members of this small Mennonite community find the answers to their prayers in the very last place they expect-in one another?
With classes paused for the planting season, Alexandertol's schoolteacher Augusta Dyck is glad for some meaningful work to occupy her time. She even knows exactly who their town's benevolence society should help first: quiet, reserved widower Konrad Rempel and his young twin sons.
Konrad Rempel, however, is adamant that he doesn't want help. His boys are mischievous but good-hearted. And though Konrad may be struggling, he doesn't want anyone else sticking their nose in and telling him what his sons need. Or what he needs.
For her part, the charity's founder Martina Krahn is relieved to have a reason to spend time outside her unhappy home. It even occurs to her that she may, through her work, encounter a boy in need of a family and so find a son for her husband since they have no children of their own.
Augusta, Konrad, and Martina each have deep needs and desires, and each imagines how they should be met: by reaching out or by being left alone. But God, indeed, knows best. Will the competing agendas of Alexandertol's residents prevent them from receiving God's help? Or will the members of this small Mennonite community find the answers to their prayers in the very last place they expect-in one another?
Readers Top Reviews
Kris Anderson, The A
The Tapestry of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a heartwarming historical novel. The author takes readers back to 1897 in Alexandertol, Kansas. I thought The 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.” The 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 voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Karen R
An enjoyable read set in a small Mennonite community in 1895, Kansas. The newly formed women's group at the church sets off a ripple of change and unexpected blessings in people's lives. "If at all possible...live peaceably with all men." This author always does a great job writing a story that pulls me in and leaves the feeling of having learned a spiritual truth through the characters' situations. The women disagree, but their love for others and their faith overrides any division. A second chance at love and the importance of family are threads in their "tapestry of grace". I loved the rambunctious little boys and also the tender relationship between Juliana and her mom. The moments of heartfelt prayers and seeking the Lord's will for direction were inspiring. The resolution at the end was definitely worth the wait. Recommend to readers from teens and up who enjoy Christian historical reads with a bit of tender romance. 4.5 stars (An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
