Living in am Amish town, I read a lot of Amish fiction. I like reading of a seemingly simpler life. Last week, I read one of my first pieces of Mennonite fiction in the new book When Hope Blossoms by Kim Vogel Sawyer.
When Hope Blossoms is the story of Mennonite widow Amy Knackstedt and her three children.
Grieving from the death of her husband, she moves to Weaverly, Kansas, hoping to create a fresh start for her family. The move proves a good one – except in the eyes of her nearest neighbor, Tim Roper.
Tim is a former Mennonite and is not pleased to have reminders of his former life greeting him daily. Amy’s children are determined to make friends with their neighbor and help him in his apple orchard. Tim isn’t eager for their help, either, but they are persistent as children generally are.
Tim and Amy slowly (and cautiously) become acquainted, learning that they share many similarities in both their current and former lives. They are both grieving, and share a faith that guides them.
Kim has written a beautiful story in this When Hope Blossoms. As Mennonites live a similar (yet slightly more modern) life to the Amish, I found this book an interesting and revealing read. I appreciated the realistic element that no matter what your circumstances, life is rarely easy. Yet, with faith, God makes all things possible.
Please note that I did receive a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
