5 comments about Waiting for Summer's Return (Waiting for Summer's Return Series #1).

1. i found this book at the library i work for and had to thank the librarian that purchase it! i was so very moved by the spirit of this book. i am now going to force everyone i know to get to know this great new writer. i certainly hope that a sequel might be happening since the story could continue on.i want to praise ms.vogel-sawyer for sharing her hertiage and experience with god.



2. I have to admit that I've read this "story" before. We all have. The grief-stricken widow finds new hope through a widower and his son. HOWEVER, Kim Sawyer has brushed freshness over the plot and inserted twists that erase predictability. Also her writing style is perfection. Waiting for Summer's Return is high on my recommended list.



3. I enjoyed this book very much. Good book. Look forward to more books by this author.



4. Kim Vogel Sawyer created a believable story of a mother and wife suffering the pangs of grief after the loss of her four children and husband.
   
   Summer Steadman finds herself alone in a small Mennonite community in Gaeddart, Kansas during the fall of 1894. So deep in mourning that she finds food repugnant, she has allowed her body to become weakened. Her soul has become as emaciated as her body. No longer sure that God loves her or anyone else, Summer's only real wish is to join her family in death. It seems God has other plans for her, though.
   
   Peter Ollenburger, a local gristmill owner, is in need of a teacher for his son, Thomas. Since the young boy is housebound after an accident resulting in broken ribs and can't ride his horse to school, he is falling behind in his studies. Peter's wife, Elsa, would be the logical choice to be his teacher, but she died six years earlier. Peter needs someone to live on his property and give the boy his lessons until he is fully recovered. After learning that Summer Steadman has lost her family to illness and has need of a position, he proposes that she come live in his home as Thomas's teacher. When objections to the impropriety of the situation are brought to his attention, Peter agrees that Summer could live in his shariah rather than in the house with the family. Wanting only to be close to the graves of her family, Summer accepts Peter's proposition and moves to his property.
   
   What awaits the reader of Waiting for Summer's Return is a journey of relationship renewals. Summer and Peter both travel the path toward new knowledge of people and God. The trip is filled with bumps and ruts much like the road to the town of Gaeddart. As Thomas grows to know his temporary teacher, his affection for her grows to become the love of a child for a mother. Neither Summer nor Peter had planned on this complication. What are they to do? How will God orchestrate the symphony of their lives?
   
   Kim Vogel Sawyer's writing is a joy to read. Her characters catch the reader's heart. It is hard to put the book down in order to carry on with life. Waiting for Summer's Return is one of those books you will want to keep reading to the point where the dishes will stack up in the sink and the laundry will go unwashed because you have to read just one more chapter. And that chapter leads to another and then another. Go ahead read those chapters. The dishes and the laundry will be there when you finish the book.



5. Set on the early 1900's mid-western prairie, "Waiting for Summer's Return" is masterfully written. A glimpse into the old Mennonite way of life, a sprinkling of German, a handful of elegantly crafted characters, and Sawyer's attention to detail makes for delightful historical fiction.
   With delicate skill, Sawyer lays out the clear plan of salvation and a God-ordained prescription for coping with and overcoming withering grief. However, do not be deceived by the book's weighty topics. "Waiting for Summer's Return" is well-rounded with an enchanting plot complete with touches of gentle humor that break the tension at just the right moments.
   This is one of the better books, I have read recently. Recommended.

4 comments about Amish Friends Cookbook.

1. Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (5/07)
   
   Favorite author, Wanda E. Brunstetter, who has skillfully written many fictional stories about the Amish and Mennonite communities, is back, this time offering a wonderful collection of 200 hearty and appetite satisfying recipes right from the recipe boxes of the individuals themselves. Everything you expect from a cookbook is offered here, and more.
   
   In addition to the standard categories of recipes one would expect, Brunstetter offers tidbits of information about the Amish and their way of life including their history, church, schools, weddings, quilts, homes, transportation, communication, occupations and clothing. If you desire to learn a bit more about the Amish and you enjoy cooking, this book would be a great addition to any recipe shelf. Included throughout are also short words of wisdom to make reading through the interesting recipes even more enjoyable. For example, "A smile adds a great deal to face value," is a statement worth remembering. And, "Don't ask God for what you think is good; ask Him for what He thinks is good for you," is another fun but true item to contemplate!
   
   I highly recommend this cookbook by an author I have come to enjoy. Her interest in and knowledge of the Amish fascinates me, and it emanates throughout the pages of her current book.
   
   The dessert section of "Amish Friends Cookbook" is particularly extensive with several old-fashioned pie and cake recipes. I was particularly intrigued with Pilgrim Pie, Frozen Fudge, and Baked Doughnuts. And if you like cooking with rhubarb, you should be especially thrilled, for there are numerous recipes using this tasty plant, including Rhubarb Punch. Apples and oatmeal are two more ingredients that appear often throughout the pages of this delightful cookbook. From Quick Root Beer, German Pizza, Cheeseburger Soup, and Dutch Slaw, there is sure to be something to entice almost everyone. There is even a recipe for Kidney Stone Remedy!
   
   "Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Cookbook" features a spiral binding, perfect for keeping a page lying flat while using a recipe. Each page also contains multiple colors, and there are full color photographs of Amish families also. Overall, this is a very attractive cookbook, and it is educational too. "Amish Friends Cookbook" is sure to delight any cook who likes to create special recipes from scratch. I definitely plan to add this book to my cookbook collection of frequently used recipes. I recommend it completely.



2. We have Amish friends in Indiana and Pennsylvania and have enjoyed
   many of the dishes that are in the Amish Friends Cookbook. I love
   this book and would recommend it to anyone that loves good cooking.



3. This cookbook is the best one I have ever read or cooked out of. When you open the book and see the Amish pictures you can almost smell the aroma of it all cooking in an Amish kitchen. This is a must have!



4. I collect Penna. Dutch style cookbooks. This one has not disappointed me at all. I grew up outside of Lancaster County and still enjoy Dutch style food. A lot of the recipes in this book I remember my Grandmother making. They are all very tasty and easy to adapt to your own tastes. I highly recommend it if you want to sample some good comfort food that is easy to make with many ingredients you already have.

4 comments about Caring Enough to Confront:How to Understand and Express Your Deepest Feelings Toward Others.

1. David Augsburger, professor of pastoral care in a Christian seminary, helps Christian people to explore the nature of anger and a range of ways to work with this powerful emotion. He has created a very helpful chart that offers five different ways of moving toward resolution (when the time comes) each offering a range of caring and confronting. They include choosing my way, your way, no way, compromise, or creative effforts to discover our way. Augsburger explores how the Bible encourages both assertiveness and caring and helps the reader to find their own path, blending the two.



2. Confronting can be difficult and awkward. Augsburger uses practical tips to understand how confronting can be the most caring approach. Also offers details on how to communicate more effectively -- and expect others to do so with us.



3. Execllent book! Growing up, I was under the impression that confrontation was a negative thing - that if I confronted a person about an issue then that meant I was a bad person for having poor or hurt feelings. After I read "Caring Enough to Confront" I understood that confrontation could acutally be a positive response to negative behavior. I highly reccommend this book for anyone suffering from the confrontation jitters.



4. quoted from the 1st chapter to give you an idea what this book is about ~I Love You. If I love you I must tell you the truth. I want your love. I want your truth. Love me enough to tell me the truth.

   This book really helps those of us at times that have had to confront and have felt guilty for doing so.

   Caring and confronting together provide the balance of Love and Power which lead to effective human relationships.

   Like anything else there is a time for caring and a time for confronting. Each in it's own time. Care when caring is called for and confront when confrontation is required.

   Excellent Book for help in knowing how and when to care-front :)

5 comments about Sarah.

1. I read everything about the Amish. This book is excellent. I read all of Brunstetter & Lewis & Harper & Borntrager. NOW, I will be reading all that Eicher writes about the Amish. This is a complete novel, not one that leaves you hanging for a year till the next book is written. A very nice job of writing, keep up the good work, GOD BLESS.



2. I do not feel this book was anywhere close to being on a par with the writings of either Beverly Lewis or Wanda Brunstetter. Many of the sentences were poorly constructed and choppy. The characters were undeveloped and unbelievable as Amish. The author added quite a few unrealistic story plots and made the Amish behave in ways totally uncharacteristic of acutal Amish. How many Amish go around calling each other "little creeps" or refer to other members of their church in that fashion? How many Amish women go around tainting jars of Ponds Cold Cream hoping an Amish girl will burn her skin with it?? How many Amish feel that being rich is a very desirable trait in a husband for their daughter? I could list inconsistency after inconsistency, but will stop with this: just how many Amish girls choose a light cream-colored cloth for their wedding dress???!!!



3. surprised by such a difference in a male writer and a female one on amish discription of this beautiful awesome amish girl. just breath taking and almost over done with all the discription of her. otherwise a good story, that was the only thing that sort of went against the grain



4. I truly enjoyed "SARAH". The in general writing is a "see Spot run" experience, but more important was the realness with which Mr. Eicher expressed the Amish way. I could feel his ownership of these happenings and their impact on an Amish life.
   
   I look forward to "SARAH'S SON". Thankyou Mr. Eicher
   
   Greatfylly, Peggy



5. I agree with the other comment about it now being on par with Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis novels. I doubt I will read other books by this author.

5 comments about More-With-Less Cookbook.

1. I love all of the text and tips in this book. The recipes are simple and nutritious as well as thrifty. I also like the fact that many of the recipes are from or influenced by other cultures, but don't have a mulitude of expensive ingredients. The only downside is that the recipes don't focus on whole grains, but I substitute whole wheat flour for 1/2 of the white flour in some of the recipes. I just made the Dutch Apple Bread yesterday for a snack for the kids and it disappeared!



2. I have been very pleased with this cookbook. It is one of my favorites. The recipes are simple and it teaches a lot about cooking basic foods that are great. This book has great recipes but is also an excellent tool for teaching you how to cook for your family.



3. I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS RECIPES AND LOOK FOR NEW EACH WEEK. I LIKE TO SHARE WITH MY GROWN CHILDREN WHO DID NOT KNOW THEY EVEN LIKED SOME OF THE INGREDIENTS.



4. A friend at work suggested this to me and said that it was her favorite and most used cookbook. Now I know why. Interesting reading material in addition to great recipes.



5. This book was given to me by a friend , i haven't gone day without using the recipes! they are so easy to make ! usually 5 ingredients or less.

5 comments about Bygones: Sommerfeld Trilogy #1 (Truly Yours Romance Club #10).

1. Can I admit that this book sat on my shelf for six months. I wanted to read it, but I was afraid I would be unable to get into a story about the collision of old and new with the Mennonite thread. Yet from the moment I picked up this book till I finished it the next day, I could not get away from this story. The characters and plot were amazingly gripping.
   
   This book is real with characters that I could relate to. From Henry who has loved Marie for years, to her father whose stubbornness may undo him, to Beth who can't wait to get out of town. And the clash of Mennonite expectations with the 21st Century made me long for that simplicity - though I do like my electricity, thank you very much.
   
   This is a book that will touch you long after you've stopped reading it, whether you're the prodigal longing to come home or on the other side waiting to see if the prodigal is truly changed.



2. I liked this book.I think she is a very good writer and will enjoy reading more of her books.Nadia Rehmani author of Sharper Than A Two Edged Sword.-my true story



3. It's been over two decades since Marie Koeppler married Jep Quinn. Jep's world offered the young Mennonite girl an exciting new life - until his death left her a very young widow and a single mother.
   
   Shunned by her Old Order Mennonite family and friends, Marie makes a life for herself and her daughter in the "outside" world. In the twenty-three years since she left Sommerfeld, Kansas, she has all but forgotten her roots. But then her old Mennonite beau shows up with shocking news: A beloved aunt has died, leaving her house and café to Marie's daughter, Beth. The stipulation: Beth must live three months in Sommerfeld in order to claim the inheritance.
   
   When Marie reluctantly accompanies her daughter back to her childhood home, she's unprepared for the onslaught of emotions and memories that await her there. Before long, she's yearning for and finding the faith she lost so long ago, and - much to her daughter's dismay - reclaiming old habits, lifestyles, and maybe even an old love.
   
   But then someone starts stealing from the Mennonites, and suspicion falls at the outsiders' door. Even Henry, who never quite healed from Marie's abandonment of their budding relationship so long ago, turns an accusing eye on her and Beth.
   
   Sommerfeld is a community built on strict biblical principles and rigid tenets. It's populated by good people with preconceived and often misplaced suspicions of outsiders. Marie despairs of proving her innocence, and her sincerity in returning to the Mennonite faith. Can she and Henry overcome the obstacles and rekindle the embers of love? Can they all find a way to let bygones be bygones?
   
   Kim Vogel Sawyer's Bygones is a fascinating look into the Mennonite world, seamlessly woven into a fascinating, completely believable storyline. It's a well-written tale of faith and hope, of forgiveness and love, and of human frailty and strength, all portrayed in characters so real they move and breathe. Definitely a winner!



4. This is a great read from a proven excellent writer. I end each book with a desire for the next book to be ready to read. I did have the pleasure of being able to purchase both Bygones and Beginnings from Amazon at the same time. Then Amazon had a prepurchase deal on the final series, Blessings. I have yet to finish it, but know it will be just as great as the other two. I highly recommend all three books, and all others Kim Vogel Sawyer has written. Thank You



5. Marie is a former Mennonite girl who fell in love with a truck driver and left. In the interim, he died shortly, and she gave birth to his little daughter. Excited, Marie took her two week old back home where she was promptly rejected by her father and told to get out of his life, forever.
   She did, keeping in touch with only one friend, her dear Aunt.
   
   The aunt passed, leaving her little home and cafe to Marie's daughter with provisions they live there three months. Almost an impossibility, Marie accompanies her 20 yr old daughter Beth back to the Mennonite communtiy where they stand out in a negative way and make no friends.
   
   Henry, who has remained single for 20 years, torn over his lost love, welcomes them to the community and makes things as easy as possible. One sister accepts them, but Marie's mother and father and several siblings do not.
   
   Beth has a hard time living for three months without television, electricity, or modern conveniences, but Marie feels the pull of familiar days and she is happy. She actually turns back to the faith and culture of her youth. It is only when a mystery crime spree spoils her stay that she knows she must return to Wyoming.
   
   The most painful paragraph is when sweet, loyal Henry believes that Marie is the culprit of the crimes. I am ready for book 2

5 comments about Beginnings: Sommerfeld Trilogy #2 (Truly Yours Romance Club #15).

1. Beth Quinn doesn't regret leaving the city, but she doesn't really fit in with the Old Order Mennonite community of Sommerfeld. However, her mother is here and Beth has opened a stained glass studio. She's starting to make a name for herself, and eventually she catches the attention of Sean McCauley, who orders a stained glass window for his father's business, a construction company specializing in erecting church buildings. Beth is under a lot of stress, trying to finish the window on time and keep up with other orders. To make matters more complicated, her employee Andrew Braun seems to be attracted to her. She is also drawn to Sean McCauley. Soon Beth must make a very serious decision. Beginnings is the story of a young woman who is a new Christian, and isn't sure where she belongs. Books about the Mennonites and Amish are popular now and Kim Vogel Sawyer's stories are among the best. Enticing romance with a strong faith message.



2. This was a good book.I always enjoy these types of books.For Some reason I can realy feel what they feel.Nadia Rehmani



3. Beth Quinn feels like the misfit of Sommerfield, Kansas. She moved there with her mother to claim her inheritance. In the process, she found faith and an unknown talent in stained glass making. Her mother embraced the life of the Old Order Mennonite, married her childhood sweat heart and is pregnant with twins. Beth feels loved but left out. The only place she belongs is in her stained glass studio.
   She dreams of using newfound Christian faith by using the talents God has given her to operate a successful stained glass studio. Enter Andrea Braun, member of the Sommerfield fellowship and Sean McCauley, of McCauley Church Construction. Andrea works beside her in the studio and longs for her success to give him the opportunity to stop farming and follow his love of art. Sean contracts her to do stained glass windows for the churches they build.
   Can Beth forget her painful past and trust these men for who they are and not what she fears they want from her? Or will she be swept away like the tiny glass dust on her studio floor?
   This book will draw you in and keep you reading as you root for all of the characters. And when you close the book you will be eager to read the next one.



4. Wonderful book...the whole series is good. Purchased for a gift and my giftee absolutely loves them. Can't wait for the next one.



5. Book two of Sommerfield Trilogy is the story of Beth. She has opened up a stained glass business in the little Mennonite town, although she, herself has not changed her lifestyle. She has found true peace with God, and attends church, but does not intend to join the church or the culture into which her mother, Marie has returned. Beth tolerates in, but does not embrace it.
   
   Marie is now middle aged, and pregnant with twins, Henry's first children, which will be 20 years younger than Beth, but she is very, very happy with her Mennonite husband and life. Henry dotes over here, and they are both supportive of Beth.
   
   Beth has one employee, Andrew, who really has his hat set for her, but he is Mennonite, and she is not. End of that possibility. He plans to be an artist much to his father's displeasure. Farming has been their way for decades, and Andrew has no interest in farming, but he does respect his father.
   
   As Beth's talents are becoming known, a large construction company contacts her to do a large, expensive sample church window for them, on a very, very strict schedule...if they are satisfied, they will sign a large contract for 17 more windows. If she does not finish in time or they are not satisfied, the deal is off. The young business representative, Sean, also has his eye on Beth, and he is not Mennonite. Beth seems to be pretty blind to the feelings of either man, although occasionally she does get a "twinge" of something for both men...nothing serious.
   
   Her mother Marie, has a difficult pregnancy and delivery, and the story of Beth takes a huge turn. Not to spoil the story, I will leave it at that. The important part is that Beth finally finds her own way, and who she really is, and who and what are really important.
   
   Even though this book dragged a bit in places, I already have book three, and expect great things from the final book in the series. Thank you Kim, for another wholesome and believable Christian Fiction novel.

5 comments about When the Morning Comes (Sisters of the Quilt #2).

1. I love this book and this new writer! I happened upon the first book by chance and couldn't wait to buy the 2nd one....now frustrated that I have to wait for the 3rd. Best new author I've read in a long time!



2. Hannah is a victim of rape and pregnancy in a tight Amish village. The officials have turned against her and her family sided with them. Heartbroken and distraught, Hannah decides to leave her finance Paul who also doubts her story, and begin life anew with a shunned aunt several hours away whom she has never met.
   
   As difficult as her new life is, her Aunt is very ill and loves her unconditionally, taking her in and assisting with her change of name, education, driving and integration.
   
   Enter Martin. A handsome, older Englisher man who was raised by the shunned aunt drops into Hannah's life and is quite unwelcome and unliked by her. She is determined to stay focused on her nursing education and caring for her dearly loved aunt.
   
   Meanwhile, Paul is getting on with life, both of them assuming way too much, leading to misunderstanding and pain. Her Amish mother and sister long for her greatly and there is a split in that humble household. As the book ends, both Hannah and Paul are making new lives for themselves in two very different worlds... but have they stopped loving each other?
   
   A work of art from this author. BOOK THREE PLEASE....



3. I loved this book every bit as much as the first one in the series. I bought it as soon as it came out and it's a real page-turner. You can't help but think about Hannah and the people left behind in Owl's Perch even when you're finished with it! Love love love this series and am waiting for Ms. Woodsmall's next volume!!!!



4. While I am by no means a professional writer, I know what I like, and I am just blown away by Cindy Woodsmall's books. When The Morning Comes is the 2nd book in her Sisters of the Quilt series, and I snatched it up the day it hit the shelves.
   Ms. Woodsmall's writing grabbed me by the heart, and I cannot seem to put her books down until I am finished with them. She tells a very powerful story, and I for one am waiting impatiently for the last of this series!



5. How very refreshing to come across a writer like Cindy Woodsmall, who is able to create characters and storylines that are totally absorbing to the reader without the addition of smut and profanity. I read her first book in this series, went right out and got the second, and can't wait till the third! In my opinion, her books are right up there with the works of Beverly Lewis. I am now a fan!

5 comments about Blessings: Sommerfeld Trilogy #3 (Truly Yours Romance Club #19).

1. I have not had time to read it yet. I am looking forward to reading it. It came quickly and in really good condition.



2. Sawyer is a terrific writer and has a way of drawing you into the story so that you feel as if you know the characters. The book has a strong spiritual message regarding the importance of prayer.
   I've enjoyed this series and hope this book wasn't the end. I want to know what happens later, so I am hoping there is another book.
   
   Blessings was a pleasure to read.



3. This trilogy was a delightful read. I read all three books in a couple of days. I didn't want to put them down as Ms. Sawyer writes beautifully and holds the readers interest 'in captivity'. I recommend this trilogy to anyone who enjoys reading about the Mennonites or the Amish. Their culture is fascinating. Kim Vogel Sawyer is a very talented author.



4. This was book 3 in the Sommerfeld Trilogy. It was very good, the whole series.



5. Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (4/08)
   
   Sometimes blessings come in the most unexpected places. We never know just how and when God will decide to bless us. Trina Muller can't understand why she feels compelled to be a veterinarian. She has always loved animals; surely God could use her love of animals and talents to God's glory. If she was just an ordinary girl, her dreams of college and a career wouldn't be such a big deal. However, she belongs to an Old Order Mennonite group. Women are not to have any education beyond grade school, much less a career. She is supposed to be content in just being a wife and mother.
   
   She has a strong Christian Mennonite man who wants nothing more than to be her husband. Graham and Trina have known each other for years and courting for quite some time now. Surely an engagement and traditional wedding ceremony is right around the corner. Graham sees Trina's tender heart and encourages her to follow her dream even if the other members of the fellowship don't understand why she isn't content to live the life she has to. The only one in Sommerfeld who truly wants to help Trina achieve her goals is the young newly-married, stained-glass artist. She has an internet connection and wants to help in any way possible.
   
   Just as things look like they might be able to do both, their marriage and her impending career, disaster strikes and it looks like God isn't blessing them in any way, but isn't He?
   
   "Blessings" is the third book in the "Sommerfeld Trilogy." Kim Vogel Sawyer doesn't disappoint in this final book as we leave Sommerfeld. There are moments where you will laugh, cry and find yourself cheering on the young couple every step of the way. I was sorry to see the book end and am anxious to read more books by Kim Vogel Sawyer. Take a trip to Sommerfeld today; you will certainly fall in love with the characters and simplified way of life.

No comments about When the Soul Mends (Sisters of the Quilt, Book 3).