Echoes of Mercy by Kim Vogel Sawyer ~ An Historical Romance Review

Echoes of Mercy

Kim Vogel Sawyer

Historical Romance

Back of the book:

Sometimes a secret must be kept 

for the truth to be revealed.

When a suspicious accident occurs at the Dinsmore's World-Famous Chocolates Factory in Sinclair, Kansas, Caroline Lang goes undercover as a factory worker to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event and how the factory treats its youngest employees--the child workers. Caroline's fervent faith, difficult childhood, and compassionate heart drove her to become an investigator for the Labor Commission, and she feels compelled to see children freed from heavy adult responsibilities and allowed to pursue an education.

Oliver Dinsmore, heir to the Dinsmore candy dynasty, has his own investigation to conduct. Posing as a common worker known as "Ollie Moore," he aims to find out all he can about the family business before he takes over for his father. Caroline and Oliver become fast friends, but tension mounts when the two find themselves at odds about the roles of child workers. Hiding their identities becomes even more difficult when fate brings them together over three children in desperate need. When all is revealed, will the truth destroy the love starting to grow between them?

READ CHAPTER ONE!

My thoughts:

When I'm in the mood for a compelling historical romance I know I can always count on one of Kim Vogel Sawyer's books. Echoes of Mercy continues her streak of great fiction. She once again brings us a story about a strong female in a non-typical role.

Caroline Lang is an investigator for the Labor Commission. Her heart is for seeing children get an education rather than being forced into labor while they are young. Her mentor and father figure, Noble, has asked her to go investigate the suspicious death of a colleague while undercover at the Chocolate Factory in Sinclair, Kansas. Even though she'd rather take some well deserved time off she says yes.

Once she is in Sinclair she interviews for a job at the factory with the sleazy Gordon Hightower. She gets the job as a toter and soon meets the dashingly handsome Ollie Moore. Unbeknownst to anyone at the factory Ollie is really Oliver Dinsmore, son and heir, to the factory. Ollie is there to find out about how the factory works from the inside.

The story proceeds with several unexpected twists and turns that leave Caroline and Ollie seeing to the care of three orphans. The caring of the children draw the two together, but the situation at the factory puts barriers up that seem insurmountable. 

One of the things I like about Kim's novels is her clear message of faith. I always come away from one of her books feeling not only entertained but inspired and uplifted. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a clear gospel message interspersed within an intriguing plot.

Connect with the author:

www.KimVogelSawyer.com

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What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer ~ An Historical Fiction Book Review

What Once Was Lost

Kim Vogel Sawyer

Historical Fiction

Back of the book:

A woman meant to serve, a child in the dark, a man standing apart--can these three souls embrace a God with new plans for them?

On a small Kansas farm, Christina Willems lovingly shepherds a group of poor and displaced individuals who count on her leadership and have come to see the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor as their home. But when a fire breaks out leaving the house uninhabitable, she must scramble to find shelter for all in her care, scattering her dear "family."

With no other options, Christina is forced to approach Levi Jonnson, a reclusive mill owner, to take in a young blind boy named Tommy Kilgore. Levi agrees, with reluctance, but finds himself surprised by the bond that quickly grows between him and Tommy. As obstacles to repairing the farm pile up, Christina begins to wonder if she can fulfill the mission to which she's dedicated her life. And when an old adversary challenges Christina, will she find an unlikely ally--or more--in the aloof Levi? Can Levi reconcile with the rejection that led to his hermit-like existence and open his heart to something more, especially a relationship with a loving God?

Read The First Chapter!

My thoughts:

Sometimes in our well-meaning good deeds we actually wind up hindering the very ones we are trying to help. Without meaning to we become focused on how a situation affects us instead of others. This is the main lesson that Christina Willems comes to learn in What Once Was Lost.

Christina has been left in charge of the home that her beloved father ran for the housing of the poor. When one tragedy leads to another she begins to cling to what once was in the hopes of recapturing it. Meanwhile wonderful things are happening to those that have been entrusted to her care. Unfortunately Christina can't seem to let go and move on.

I think almost everyone can relate to being unable to move on from something that is familiar. The unknown can be so scary. The idea of trusting the plans that God has for you is wonderful, but it is often hard to put into practice.

If you enjoy historical fiction I think you are going to like What Once Was Lost. The characters are easy to identify with and the situation is a common plight for all of us. Of course I have to add that it is set on the prairies of my beloved Kansas so that just pushes it over the top! Grab a copy for yourself and contemplate what you are holding onto that you should be letting go of.

Extras:

Kim has put together two short stories that add to What Once Was Lost.

The Grace That Leads Us Home: A Short Story Prequel to What Once Was Lost

Just As I Am: A Short Story Extra for What Once Was Lost

Connect with the author:

www.KimVogelSawyer.com

Facebook

Twitter ~ @KimVogelSawyer

Blog Tour and Facebook Party for Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Kim Vogel Sawyer

Historical Fiction

Buy it on AMAZON!

 

Back of the book:

Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can’t work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent—though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job.

Thad McKane comes to Goldtree to investigate reports of a boot-legging operation. Once he earns enough money from the sheriff work, he plans to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.

Thad is immediately drawn to the lovely young singer who performs in Asa Baxter’s unusual opera house. But when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he wonders if she’s far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes Thad has come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive?

My thoughts:

In my opinion, an historical fiction tale set in my beloved Kansas has a pretty good chance of being a winner. Add in some interesting characters and I’m on board! Ms. Sawyer has combined all of these elements and created a wonderful story full of lessons that will leave you pondering your own life choices.

Sadie is a character that most of us can relate to. She wants to do the right thing, but she also has hopes and dreams that she wishes to aspire to. When she is put in a position that she knows is wrong she puts her trust in her own abilities to fix the situation. We are reminded through this that God is the one that we must always turn to for provision. His ways never lead us into situations that will compromise our integrity.

 

Thad is the type of man that every woman dreams of finding. We get to watch love blossom between Sadie and Thad only to take a drastic turn when neither of them confides in the other. We are reminded through their relationship that true love tells the truth.

I absolutely loved the Baxter sisters, Shelva and Melva. The identical twin spinsters that were also a bit loud and overbearing made for some humorous situations. Their brother Asa was not so high on my list of favorites; he was just rotten to the core. Cousin Sid wasn’t my idea of a devoted family member, let alone a prospective beau. The ensemble made for a fast paced story with a lot of layers to be explored.

 

Meet the Author:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of nineteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren.

She invites you to visit her Web site at KimVogelSawyer.com for more information.

 

Follow the Blog Tour:

Celebrate with Kim by entering to win a Nook Tablet and connecting with her at the Book Chat Party on 3/29!

One "songbird" winner will receive:

• A Nook Tablet
• Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/28/12. Winner will be announced at Kim's Book Chat Facebook Party on 3/29. Kim will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!

So grab your copy of Song of My Heart and join Kim and friends on the evening of March 29th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”