By Kim Vogel Sawyer
Martina Krahn has decided to do something, anything, to get out of her home and, hopefully, find something to help her husband. She knows his melancholy behavior is her fault, if only they had a child for him to raise. And Martina has just the thing to help her in her endeavor, Alexandertol needs a Frauenverein. What better way to possibly find an orphan boy who needs a home?
But Martina didn't expect Augusta Dyck to have an opinion on who this benevolent society should first aid. Nope, she never wanted to extend a helping hand to a widower, and especially not to Konrad Rempel.
Konrad doesn't need anyone telling him how his young twins need to be minded. When school is in session, there's no problem, but with the break, his business is hampered by his sons' antics.
The Tapestry of Grace is a story of caring and reaching out to those in need. But sometimes, the hardest need to be met is our own. Admitting to a need is to expose a vulnerability, and that is one thing most people don't want to do. And the residents of Alexandertol are no different. But often, the very thing we fear admitting is the only way to move forward, to heal.
The Tapestry of Grace is a feel-good book. It takes time to get from here to there, and it doesn't exactly take the path that those involved expect it to take. At the root of it all are family, friends, community, and faith. Kim Vogel Sawyer has created a story that you'll be drawn into. You will care as these characters fight to change their lives and form new friendships along the way.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
About the Book:
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?
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