Friday, February 26, 2016

Review + DOUBLE GIVEAWAY: Room for Hope


Room for Hope
By Kim Vogel Sawyer
WaterBrook, 2016


Summary

In a desperate time, can Neva find forgiveness for a grievous wrong—and make room for hope?

Neva Shilling has a heavy load of responsibility while her husband travels to neighboring communities and sells items from his wagon. In his absence, she faithfully runs the Shilling Mercantile, working to keep their business strong as the Depression takes its toll, and caring for their twins.

When a wagon pulls up after supper, Neva and her children rush out—and into the presence of the deputy driving a wagon carrying three young children. The deputy shocks her with the news that Warren and his wife have died, insisting it was their last request that the three children go live with “Aunt Neva.”

Neva’s heart is shattered as she realizes that Warren’s month-long travels were excuses for visits with his secret family. She wants nothing more than to forget Warren, but can she abandon these innocent children to an orphanage? Yet if she takes them in, will she ever be able to see them as more than evidence of her husband’s betrayal and love them the way God does?


My thoughts

It’s hard to put my finger on what sets Kim’s stories apart, but they have an unusual quality that I thoroughly enjoy, and Room for Hope is another story that hooked me emotionally from the first page. All the things I enjoy most work together to create an unforgettable read - a combination of interesting historical era and setting, well-drawn characters, spiritual depth, and a story that tugs at the heartstrings.

Room for Hope takes place during the Great Depression era in the small Kansas town of Buffalo Creek, 1936, and Kim conveys a vivid feel for what the times were truly like – from the economic insecurity, to the hobos in need of food, to the prejudice that can still be found today. Love for family is at the heart of this story, showing how Neva’s love expands and grows stronger after being blindsided by an unimaginable betrayal. Neva is portrayed realistically, with the same human tendencies to reject emotionally that I would probably have, so to walk beside her becomes even more rewarding.

Imagine the confusion and grief of three children who lost both of their parents and found themselves on “Aunt” Neva’s doorstep, just as Neva discovers her husband’s infidelity. Neva and her children, Bud and Belle, were thrown into a turmoil that felt so very real. Belle’s instant rapport with the children was touching, yet I could understand Bud’s denial and rejection. Sometimes it’s hard for me to connect with children in a story, but Walter’s other children – Charley, Cassie and Adeline – captured my heart, as did Belle and Bud.

The story is told from several different perspectives, which made it all the richer to me. Romance takes second place to relationships, which is as it should be. The character of Neva’s deceased husband, Walter, casts a long shadow throughout the novel. While it was clear that his children loved him and the townspeople respected him, I wish Kim could have revealed more about him personally and as a husband, although that in no way detracted from this moving story.

There are two very appealing male leads – Sheriff Caudel and Arthur Randall, owner of the emporium next to Neva’s mercantile – and I wasn’t sure how things would work out for the longest time. Both of these men had turned away from God and their spiritual journeys speak to all of us. Sheriff Caudel’s personal story begs for further development, so I really hope we see more of him.

I appreciated the strong faith theme and that the Gospel message is clearly presented, allowing us to draw inspiration from seeing faith lived out in the character’s lives. And I love the cover art because it speaks to the heart of this story, reflected in the quote from Isaiah that “He giveth power to the faint.” I was also touched by how, in a worship scene toward the end, Kim draws from the beloved hymn, All the Way My Savior Leads Me . . .


All the way my Savior leads me
What have I to ask beside
Can I doubt His tender mercy
Who through life has been my Guide

Gushing from the Rock before me
Lo! a spring of joy I see
This my song through endless ages
Jesus led me all the way

Highly recommended.


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Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling, award-winning author with more than one million copies of her books currently in print. Awards include the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

Sawyer lives in central Kansas, where she and her retired military husband, Don, run a bed-and-breakfast inn with the help of their feline companions. She savors time with her daughters and grandchildren.

Connect with Kim . . .

WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Thank you to Jessica Lamb at WaterBrook Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review – and also for the generous two-book giveaway.


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GIVEAWAY

Two winners will be drawn in this double-book giveaway. To enter, please click on this link and share my Facebook post, then leave a comment here. Do you have a favorite story or series by Kim?

I try to promote on social media, but the best way to keep up with my reviews and occasional giveaways is to subscribe by e-mail in the top right corner (no pressure intended).

BE SURE to leave your name and your email address in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing. E-mail required for entry. Contest ends at midnight PST on Tuesday, March 8. Winner will be chosen by random.org and contacted by e-mail.

Eligibility: US and CANADIAN residents

46 comments:

  1. I have, sadly, not read anything by Kim yet. But I would like to start!

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    1. Carrie, I know how much you read and can't believe you haven't gotten around to one of Kim's yet! On second thought, I do . . . because there's just not enough time to read all that we'd like. I believe this is one you'd enjoy. Thanks so much for stopping by, Carrie!

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  2. ack! forgot my email :) carriemschmidt (at) gmail (dot) com

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  3. I have only read one of her books and it was excellent. I'd love to win this one to own! sallydav45{at}gmail{dot} com Great giveaway!

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    1. Kim's written several books and this is my 4th one, Sally. All were excellent. Best wishes in the drawing.

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  4. You Are New to me Author! I look forward into knowing more.

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    1. I can definitely recommend Kim's books, Justina, especially if you enjoy historical fiction. Be sure to leave your email address for the drawing!

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  5. I've read several of her books and have enjoyed each one! This newest one sounds like such an awesome read!! Thanks for doing this giveaway! Have a Blessed day!
    swanphillips4(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Wenona, I think this makes the 4th book of Kim's that I've read and they've all been very good. Thank you so much for visiting today.

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  6. I have 3 of Kim's books and I would really like to add this one as it sounds so good. Thanks for the interview and a chance to win a copy. spotts06(at)comcast(dot)net

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    1. Stella, I think any reader would enjoy Room for Hope. Thanks for stopping by today.

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  7. Blessings by Vogel is one of my favorites.

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    1. Thanks for sharing, Joy. Blessings is on my TBR list. And be sure to leave your email for the drawing!

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  8. I have few of her books on my TBR list. I think I will put Room For Hope at the top of the list. fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com

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    1. Jan, all of Kim's later books that I've read have been different in a good way. Hope you enjoy this one.

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  9. When Grace Sings is my fav novel by Kim. I hope to read this one too! Thanks for the great review Carole! sandyluvsherkids(at)gmail(dot)come.

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    1. Sandy, so good to see you here!! I remember reading When Grace Sings and really enjoyed it also. The last few books I've read of Kim's have been somewhat different, in a way that I liked very much. Best wishes in the drawing, Miss Sandy!

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  10. The review was great. I always try to read every book that Kim writes. She has a unique way of grabbing a reader's attention. I would love to add this book to my collection. Thanks.
    Jhdwayne(at)peoplepc(dot)com
    Shared on Facebook

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    1. You've probably read many more of Kim's books than I have, Deana, but I totally agree with all you said. Good luck in the drawing!

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  11. This sounds like another great book by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I've read quite a few of her books. She's even met several times with my book club. One of my favorites is My Heart Remembers.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Pam, it's wonderful when an author is willing to reach out to a book club like that. I'm sure Kim is very special to you. I'm to the point that I'll read anything she writes. Thanks for sharing, Pam.

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  12. My favorite thus far has been Through the Deep Waters. I've read lots of great reviews about her latest novel. Thanks for the opportunity to win! showmetex(at)yahoo(dot)com.
    Staci

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    1. Staci, I haven't read Through the Deep Waters, so I'm making a note of it. For me, there's just something special about Kim's stories.

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  13. I really enjoy your books! Hoping to be a winner.

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  14. Carole, I have only ever read one book by Kim. I really enjoyed it though. I have always wanted to read another one.
    I shared this on my page! Thanks for the chance to win.
    amylsmithATbledsoeDOTnet

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    1. Amy, I haven't read all of Kim's books, but I think you'll really enjoy the last few that she wrote. There's something special about her stories and I love their spiritual depth.

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  15. I have only read a couple of Kim's books but I really enjoyed them. Thank you for this opportunity to win Room for Hope! I shared this on my FB page.

    Blessings,
    Lorraine
    lorrainealx (at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I've only read three of Kim's books so far, Lorraine, but I hope to not miss any more that she releases. So good to see you here and thanks for sharing.

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  16. Having never read anything by Kim Sawyer, this sounds great! Glad I stopped by :)
    Sarahsmithstorm@gmaildotcom

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    1. Sarah! So good to see you here. If you enjoy historicals, then I don't believe you will be disappointed in Kim's writing. They're fresh and different, at least the last few that I've read.

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  17. I have read several of Kim's books and they are excellent! I look forward to also reading this book! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!
    cagoar(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Cindy, and best wishes!

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  18. I have read some of her books and enjoyed them. Thanks for doing the giveaway. dixiegran@gmail.com

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  19. I have enjoyed all the books I've read by Kim. I look forward to reading Room for Hope. Thank you for this giveaway. Faithhope(at)Hotmail(dot)com

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  20. I Don't have any of her books as she is a new to me author! Would love to read it, sounds really good.

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  21. I always enjoy Kim's books as well as her facebook posts. My favourite book is "Echoes of Mercy". Looking forward to reading "Room for Hope". Love the cover! Thank you for including Canada in your giveaway :) khsa(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  22. I haven't read any of Kim's book yet, but look forward to reading "Room for Hope".
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  23. This book certainly tugs on my heart strings. I don't think I have read any of Kim's books yet, but this one attracts my attention. Please enter me in the giveaway.

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  24. song of my heart was the first book and favorite book of Kim's

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  25. I'm an avid reader, but Kim Vogel Sawyer is a new to me author. Room for Hope is definitely a spirit-filled book. What an emotional story! Thank you for an awesome review. alexaverde7(at)gmail(dot)com I'd love to win this book.

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  26. I have actually yet to ready an of Kim's books, but they are on my TBR pile. :D

    sydneyjames68[at]gmail[dot]com

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  27. Love Kim's books I have read quite a few. Love to win one and have already shared.

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  28. She is a new author to me. Would love to read this book. The theme really captured my heart.
    God Bless and than-u for thechance to win.

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