Calm Before the Storm

The Storm #1

by Janice L. Dick

South Russia, 1914. The world is at war, and revolution threatens. Against this backdrop of fear and danger, three young people search for hope and love. Katarina Hildebrandt s tranquil life on her family's Crimean estate is about to change. Tutor Johann Sudermann has found true faith, but it will turn his life upside-down. Meanwhile, his friend Paul Gregorovich Tekanin, working for the revolution in St. Petersburg, finds it will demand his soul as well as his wit and strength. Will they find the faith to weather the coming storm.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Christian Fiction, Russia, Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

About the author

Janice writes both historical fiction and contemporary cozies. Her two historical trilogies are The Storm Series and In Search of Freedom Series. The contemporary books, three so far, are the Happenstance Chronicles.

Besides writing, Janice loves to teach and mentor, sharing with others in a mutually beneficial manner.

In 2016, she received the first Janette Oke Award, presented by Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship.

Janice lives on a farm on the Canadian prairies with her husband. They have three married children, their spouses, and eleven amazing grandkids.

Reviews

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Katya was the embodiment of a gentle and quiet spirit. Her peace and inner composure was very magnetic to Johann and admirable.
Johann in search of more to life came in contact with Hildebrandt family through a great act of providence. I loved how this family in so many ways moulded the man he became; in faith.
I really admired the way the Hildebrandt family took care of their neighbours during the Germmn/Russian War and shinning the love of Christ to people who hated them.

This wonderful historical book filled with a lot of rich history, family, love, friendships at a very difficult time of war in history. This book modelled how children of God should behave in this world especially when things are hard.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Candace West · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! The Calm Before the Storm is a spectacular story of young men and women dealing with troubling upheavals in their country. Whether a peasant or a wealthy landowner, no one is exempt from the storm clouds of war. Katarina and Johann must discover if their faith is strong enough to bring them through an angry, changing world. And ultimately, will their love stand the test?

Rich in imagery, Janice L. Dick paints a clear picture of Katarina and Johann's Russia in the turbulent times leading to World War I. She accurately follows the stories of several characters, all of them from different circumstances. I could feel the tension building as the story moved along. WEll DONE!

What I loved best of all was the spiritual depth of this novel. In recent years, it seems like Christian Fiction is watering down the spiritual aspect of God working through people's lives. Without being preachy, Janice shows how a very personal God is ever present to help His children during uncertain times. He isn't in the background.

So much of this book resonated with me because it parallels with today's events. And in so many ways, it serves as an encouragement. I can't wait to read the next book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All opinions are my own.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author. This time period is not one that I read about quite often. I was drawn to this book since I wrote a paper on the Women's Battalion of Death. (Which if you did not know, was a all female combat unit that was formed by a peasant) This book is well researched and a must read. i felt like I was getting a history lesson throughout the entire book. I did not realize that there were Russian Mennonites. However, this book gave us a peek into their lifestyle.

This book starts off a little confusing but after a chapter or two, you are able to follow along nicely. The author does a great job filling in family history. This book is set in 1914 in Russia. I love the way that the author writes the setting. The author has written characters that are relatable and likeable. I will be looking for the next book in the series.



Thank you to the author and Just Read book tours for allowing me to read this story --- all thoughts are my own.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Calm Before the Storm by Janice L. Dick. It is the first in a trilogy; the following books are In the Eye of the Storm and Out of the Storm. It is an excellent portrayal of life for the Russian Mennonites before the Revolution. The Hildebrandt’s lived on an idyllic estate, Succoth, in the Crimea. Their mother died couple of years previously and the father, Heinrich hires a tutor, Johann Sudermann for his youngest children, Nicholai and Anna. The second daughter, Maria toys with the teacher’s heart leaving him heartbroken. He soon comes to his senses and turns to the eldest daughter, Katarina. The family soon starts to break up as they finally realize that they need to take their mentally disturbed son and brother, Peter to Bethany Institute where a wonderful nurse, Susannah Loewen provides him with excellent care. Maria chooses to live with friends in the Molotschna Colony where she can have more of an active social life. Johann eventually has to leave to help with alternative service in the Forestry and later sent to the war front as a medic. My favourite character was Katarina. She was a strong and caring individual, turning to the Lord for her needs. She tries to help the Russian peasants and soon learns that it is the Lord’s work and not her own. This book was an encouragement to me as a reminder that God is always with us through uncertain times. His Love is all sufficient. I would give it a rating of 4.5.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this excellent novel about the Hildebrant family and I was thoroughly engrossed the whole entire time. Time sure flew by! It was time for dinner before I knew it.
Janice L. Dick has a style all her own and a knack for excellent story telling that will keep you engrossed from page one!
I love history and this book had it all! There were many new things that I learned about the Mennonites and how they helped their neighbors in this unwanted war.
My heart went out to Peter especially. It has to be hard to care for someone in his condition. I imagine it does take it's toll on everyone involved and some of the decisions that were made in this book couldn't have been easy. In this respect, I can totally relate to that part of the book.
Maria is a harder character in my opinion to get to know but once you do, you've felt like you've made a friend for life. But, I really liked her sister Katarina.
Katarina is full of optimism, spunk, and I love her outlook on life and she's got what it takes to survive in those perilous times.
God is amazing! He is love, forgiveness all those things. He will take care of us if we want Him too. I love my Lord and Savior. Without Him I feel empty and unhappy. HE is the best friend anyone could ever want. I highly recommend Him!
I also highly recommend this novel!

Merged review:

Just finished reading this excellent novel about the Hildebrant family and I was thoroughly engrossed the whole entire time. Time sure flew by! It was time for dinner before I knew it.
Janice L. Dick has a style all her own and a knack for excellent story telling that will keep you engrossed from page one!
I love history and this book had it all! There were many new things that I learned about the Mennonites and how they helped their neighbors in this unwanted war.
My heart went out to Peter especially. It has to be hard to care for someone in his condition. I imagine it does take it's toll on everyone involved and some of the decisions that were made in this book couldn't have been easy. In this respect, I can totally relate to that part of the book.
Maria is a harder character in my opinion to get to know but once you do, you've felt like you've made a friend for life. But, I really liked her sister Katarina.
Katarina is full of optimism, spunk, and I love her outlook on life and she's got what it takes to survive in those perilous times.
God is amazing! He is love, forgiveness all those things. He will take care of us if we want Him too. I love my Lord and Savior. Without Him I feel empty and unhappy. HE is the best friend anyone could ever want. I highly recommend Him!
I also highly recommend this novel!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Calm Before the Storm by author Janice Dick is the first in The Storm Series.
Set in 1914, trouble is brewing; what the world doesn’t know yet, is that World War I is just around the corner.

Johann Suderman’s family expects he will stay on to work the family farm now that his first year of teaching is almost through; but young Suderman has no intention of staying, he feels called by something beyond the boundaries of the farm. His friend, Paul Gregorovich Tekanin, also has plans to explore the world beyond, but he is traveling in a northern direction, toward St Petersburg, to be a part of the revolution.

Unbeknownst to Johann Sudermann, a chance encounter with a stranded traveler leads to a future he never expected.

Katarina Hildebrandt, the oldest daughter of 4, has her hands full; following her mother’s unexpected death, Katarina is left in charge when father travels. This time when father returns, he brings a surprise for the younger children, a tutor.
Johann is stunned when he sees the palatial home of his benefactor, and soon finds himself ensconced in a suite of rooms bigger than than the farmhouse back home.

Tutoring promises to be a challenge, as the older two daughters, each with her own charms, seem to be at odds with each for reasons he doesn’t quite understand. The boys are as different as night and day; one is active and inquisitive while the other seems to be a bit slow.

As war comes ever closer, all of them must find their way through troubles none of them saw coming.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Just Read Tours and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.

[Jemima Madu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Calm before the storm has been an interesting read for me. It captured my attention from the beginning to the end. Although I am not familiar with the history of the time set, the book was well written as all characters were carried perfectly throughout.

My favorite here has to be Katya, with her simple ways and amazing love for her family and friends. Her character and absolute trust in God is something that caught my attention. I felt sorry for Maria in her self absolved world relying on her strength and the urge to control things around her.
Johann was a character that was quite relatable, growing up in a Christian society and thinking you're stand is right with God only to discover you need a stronger and personal relationship with God to actually get the right perspective. I loved his courage and stand in the war front helping to care for others and how the condition he found himself in drew him closer to God and helped him to grow in his faith.
The love interest developed quite slowly for me. With Johann briefly infatuated with Maria before finally realizing what true love and is virtues meant and finding that in Katya he had not only love but also friendship and companionship.
Janice in my honest opinion did an amazing job with the novel. I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in historical novels.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a very interesting book.  This is definitely not an area of history that I've ever studied.  WWI is not a war that I've delved into much before though I am reading more books that take place during this time period lately. 

This is the first of a series with I believe two books that follow.  It covers the Russian Mennonites which is an area that I also haven't studied.  I don't think I ever even really knew about the Mennonites having come from Russia during this time period.  Most of my studies on persecuted religions in this region follow the Jewish. 

Janice has a great way of telling a story that makes me think that I am part of the story and right there.  I felt that I could see the buildings and the people.  Some I loved and some I hated because of how silly they were and behaving badly.  I liked that this included some mental health as well.  That's an area a lot of people shy away from. 

Katarina and Johann were definitely my favorite characters. 

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story set in 1914, South Russia at the Succoth Estate in Crimea is an interesting setting. The historical aspects of the story were fascinating and paint the disparity of the war that affected even the wealthy whose future was also threatened. The Hildebrant's are a family of strong faith especially Katarina who took over the motherly role of her siblings. I admired her strength, courage, and unselfish desire to help those less fortunate.

The characters of the Hildebrandt family were very diverse but together as a family was strong. I enjoyed experiencing the youngest siblings grow up and how the family's values were instilled in them. The children's tutor, Johann was a caring man who took being a teacher very seriously and believed in God but struggled with his faith.

The book was a very emotional read and one that took me from smiles to tears. The romance in the story was beautifully written. The story was inspirational, courageous, filled with gratitude and lessons of true faith in the Lord. Highly recommended.

I was provided with an ARC copy of the book and voluntarily choose to review it.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I have known people from this background, so was interested for that reason. I found it quite accurate, based on other stories I have read about the Russian Mennonites and the Russian Revolution. It was quite a gripping story, and the author did an excellent job of weaving several threads together into one cohesive account. There were many layers in this story, and all worked together well. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel!
I received a free copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

[Janet Sketchley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family dynamics, faith, coming-of-age, and gentle romance, all set in the turbulent days leading up to the Russian Revolution.

From a haven-like estate in Crimea to impoverished rooms on the wrong side of town in St. Petersburg, from starving soldiers near the front lines of World War 1 to a private hospital for the mentally ill, and with other settings along the way, Calm Before the Storm evokes 1914-1916 Russia as experienced by the Hildebrandt family and their friends.

The Hildebrandts are Russian Mennonites, people of German heritage whose ties to this land only go back a hundred or so years. As the poorer classes grow more desperate for political reform, hostility also brews toward these “German” Russians.

Katarina Hidebrandt is a young woman who sees the best in everyone, yet she must acknowledge the growing tension and the sense that life is about to change. As her family separates and the young teacher she loves is sent to serve in the hopeless war effort, she learns to rely on her faith and to make what difference she can in her world.

What could be a depressingly heavy tale is instead told with a careful touch, beautiful descriptions, and traces of humour. The characters are honest in their questions and their choices, and somehow despite the pain they find hope (most of them).

As well as providing a fascinating glimpse into this period of history, the novel resonates particularly well with the brooding uncertainty of 2020. Katarina’s struggles in the face of unwanted change and trouble can help readers who are feeling the same concerns even if our situations are different.

It’s not a preachy story, but Katarina’s and others’ examples of living out their faith give us clues we may take to heart. I feel a bit better-equipped to face my own doubts when they sneak up on me again.

Some favourite lines:

The Juschanlee River wandered westward over the Russian steppes, collecting little villages on its meandering way... (Chapter 1)

“The air is so clean and clear, like it’s been washed and left to dry in the sun.” (Johann, in Chapter 5)

“In political crises people cease to view others as people, and instead consider them merely a means toward an end or, in this case, an obstacle to a desired end.” (Heinrich, Chapter 6… timely, no?)

“Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is in God’s hands. No regrets, no worries. I can put all my energies into this day.” (Katarina, Chapter 8, but this peace was not easily won)

Calm Before the Storm is book 1 in Janice L. Dick’s Storm series. Book 2, Eye of the Storm, is expected to release in December 2020. The series was originally published by Herald Press and is now out of print. I’m glad to see new editions being released in print and ebooks as part of The Mosaic Collection.

[Advance review copy provided by the author. My opinions are my own.]

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is new to me, and I didn’t know what to expect from this book; however, I can honestly say it is one of the best books I have read this year set in the World War 1 era. This peek into the lives of Russian Mennonites before the Bolshevik Revolution is enlightening and intriguing. The author’s flowing, expressive prose is rich with descriptive language, vivid sensory imagery, and attention to detail which bring the story to life. The captivating, compelling characters (main and secondary) drew me into the story and stole my heart! I especially love Katarina and her “deep faith that strengthened her and which she embraced with such commitment.” I also love this descriptive quote: “Her unremarkable looks concealed extraordinary courage and compassion.” Exceptionally well-crafted and easy-to-follow multiple story-lines are expertly woven together. Real-life historical characters and events are seamlessly woven into the fictional story. The faith element is strong, and spiritual insights abound as a natural part of the characters lives. Sweet romance and bits of humor lighten the load of the poignant story. This book provides a riveting glance into this period of history but is also reflective of the uncertainty of the present age. Two of my favorite quotes are very applicable today:
“People reject God over and over again…but when things go wrong they blame it all on Him. I don’t know how He puts up with us sometimes!” (Katarina Hildebrandt)
“Fear and uncertainty cause people to act against what they know is best.” (Heinrich Hildebrandt)
I thoroughly enjoyed this touching book and highly recommend it especially for lovers of Christian historical romance. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.

I received a complimentary e-book copy of this book but am under no obligation to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novel based on some of the author's ancestor's experiences in the Mennonite colonies in Russia before the Russian Revolution. (This is the author's first novel so I am not sure how it is book 2 in a series.)

[Christine Goodnough · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy historical fiction set in Europe during an explosive era, this intriguing story is well written and well researched. Exciting, at times quite tense, this is the story of a Christian family before and during the Great War and Russian Revolution.

The Russian peasants, freed from slavery some time before this story begins, received no land or help from their government. When the 1900s began, severe poverty and hunger had made them desperate, the Tzar's government was imploding and a political cyclone was stirring. This book is the first in a three-part series that takes us through these times, told from the perspectives of three different main characters.

The Hildebrandts were one of many families in the prosperous Mennonite communities, living the good life on a beautiful estate, scarcely feeling the winds of change before the Great War started. Since her own mother died, sixteen-year-old, Katarina, has stepped into a motherly role in their home. Johann Sudermann, hired to tutor the younger children, is immediately enthralled by the lovely daughter, Mika. But when the war began he and other conscientious objectors reported to work camps and many, like Johann, were sent to the medical corps to work with wounded soldiers.

There are several cameos of Johann's childhood Russian friend, Paul Tekanin, as he goes to St Petersburg and joins those who support Lenin's communist dream. Excerpts from Paul's life give readers a picture of the deplorable state of affairs in St Petersburg with the monk Rasputin pulling the strings.

The author has done a lot of research for this story and interweaves it with an accurate account of day-to-day life in the Mennonite communities of that era. Readers can feel their security and prosperity and their fears as they sense the looming collapse of their world. Through it all our main characters, Katarina & Johann, trust God and do what they must.

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year is 1914. All is idyllic on the Hildebrandt’s Succoth estate in Crimea—but for the death of mother. This has left the well-to-do Hildebrandt family (father Heinrich, children Katarina [16], Maria [14], Peter, Nicholas, and Anna) wifeless, motherless, and without a teacher. Enter Johann Suderman, a young teacher from the Mennonite Molotschna Colony, whom Heinrich soon employs to tutor the youngest children.

The beginning of World War I together with growing tensions between the land-wealthy Mennonites and their poor Russian neighbours heightens suspense and brings a sense of foreboding. Through Johann’s Russian friend Paul Tekanin we see Bolshevism and the revolutionary movement take root. The Hildebrandt’s and Johann’s connections of family and friends in the Molotschna Colony make us privy to premonitions of change coming there as well.

A blossoming romance, that ripens like the sweet fruit of the Succoth orchard, ramps up emotional interest. Watching characters flesh out gradations of spiritual faith, from rote religion to a deeply personal relationship with God, challenges us to examine where we are in the practice of the faith we claim to have.

Calm Before the Storm is beautifully written. Characters are believable and sympathetic (even the not-so-favourite ones). Dick does a great job of placing us in the setting with masterful broad-brush descriptions of the landscape to fine-painted details of cottage and barn. I could all but taste the familiar foods—the zwieback, rollkuchen, borscht, and cracklings of my youth—which load the tables of these forefathers and foremothers.

Calm Before the Storm is a wonderful read for any lover of historical fiction and a must-read for the student of Mennonite history. I can’t wait for the release of Book 2, Eye of the Storm, hopefully later this year.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book, a first from this author and I have to say that I am very impressed with the amount of detail it contains about this turbulent time in Russian history. Ms. Dick has done a tremendous amount of research to be able to give us a story mixed with her imagination that truly comes to life through its characters and different places I believe throughout Russia. The main family, the Hildebrandt's are Mennonite and live fairly far apart from the many Mennonite colonies in the area. I totally loved the character of Katarina she is such a sweet young woman full of the love, grace and compassion from our Heavenly Father. You will also love the rest of the family and come to know their school teacher as he faces many trials and tribulation. This story is telling us of the changes that were taking place in Russia, the calm before the storm, that took place before the Revolution took place. I look forward to reading the next book in the series that will bring our characters, that feel like friends, into a very difficult time in history.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion of a book I enjoyed and await the next one not so patiently! Lol

[Sheri Hathaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Jan Dick introduces several characters living in Russia before and into the beginning of WWI. Her skillful writing makes each personality real and we travel along with them, watching them live their lives, thus gaining an understanding of early 20th century Mennonite life. There are many characters but I didn't find it difficult to keep them straight. Like weaving a fabric, each character moves in and out of each other's lives to complete the whole picture. There are four groups: the Hildebrandt family who live in wealth in their Succoth estate, the Molotschna colony where Susannah, Johann and Paul grew up but must leave to discover their life's calling, the group of men called into service for the Forstei at the Eastern Front, and last but not least, members of the resistance in Petrograd who follow Lenin's teaching. I had only minimal knowledge of Mennonite life in Russia before reading this book but was educated as well as entertained by these stories of family, church life, the love stories and the political intrigue.

[Marta Aldrighetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

March 1914, Crimea
Mennonite have lived in Crimea since 1786, invited by Empress Catherine II.
"Your people are like oil in water, they do not mix with the Russian people"
"The Priviledgium granted my people 65 dessiantine of land per family as well as religious and civic freedom and expemtion from
military service. We have no wish nor reason to assimilate, but that doesn't mean we don't consider Mother Russia our homeland."
"And she granted her own people nothing!"
"You do not always know what is outside your gate. Be careful, Sudermann, things change."
One day a news about a man killed someone goes around.
Russia, Austria/Hungary and German are not happy, then.. another bad news: the war!
"Those of us German descent: Mennonites, Lutherans, Catholics, Jews. We are all under suspiction, since Russia is fighting against Germany in this despicable war."
In the villages all are suspicious, in danger, anger, fear, starve, tears, sad for their love ones.
Interesting story about 1°WW, seeing with the eyes and feeling of Crimea people, that help understand history more.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find it refreshing to sometimes read a book about topics which I have little or no prior knowledge. Calm Before the Storm is one of those books. Janice L. Dick has taken several topics I previously knew little about and combined them into an enjoyable narrative - the Russian front of World War I, the Bolshevik Revolution, and German Mennonites living in Russia. I did a little research and Dick’s narrative accurately portrays what I learned. She has given these topics a human face. The relationships of the characters in this story seem very real - there are characters the readers will come to love and characters the reader will be tempted to shake their head at and say I don’t understand you.I can’t wait to read book two in The Storm series when it comes out later this year.
While Calm Before the Storm is adult historical fiction, it could find a place in a k-12 Christian school library. I think high schoolers might enjoy it.
I received a complimentary e-copy as a member of the Mosaic Collections’ launch team. This is my honest review.

[Anne-Marie Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this story. I find history engrossing and found the characters and the circumstances very relatable. One could not help but love Katya, and upon understanding Maria more, at least learn to better accept her and the motivation for her behavior. I was originally annoyed with Johann’s blind devotion to Maria -- so typical of males being blinded by outward beauty and totally unaware of inner character and grace. What gripped me most was the repetitious and unmistakable story of man’s striving for and abuse of power at tremendous cost to their fellow man. This is especially concerning for me in our current political atmosphere where history is often unknown or ignored and the idealism of our youth is taken advantage of. An excellent book to read, ponder upon, learn from, and use as a springboard for further investigation into past and present socialistic societies.

[Linore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a competently written and well-researched tale of love and loss during the tumultuous days of pre-revolution Russia. In an almost eerie way, there are echoes of the social unrest we see happening now, including the way the powers behind the uprising always cloak their real motives and intentions behind false claims of helping “the people,” while gaining help from those whom it will soon enslave. There’s a sweet love story here amid the period drama and details, and Ms. Dick knows how to utilize a deft metaphor, appealing to the senses in descriptive details that are never overdone. History buffs and those who enjoy sweet romance will enjoy this book.

[JudyAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janice L. Dick has written a moving and warm novel set in the Crimea during the times around World War I. Characters have to learn to live with new conditions they never dreamed would happen to them. Faith is tested, found and allowed to flourish with young and old.

I've read books by this author before, always enjoying them. This new venture into historical fiction is a great success and I highly recommend it to you.

[Margaret Lawton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book that helped me understand a little bit of the history of the Russian Revolution in the early 1900's. This book also was a good look at what it truly means to come to one's own faith in Christ instead or relying on the traditions of the church. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but have freely chosen to offer my own thoughts and opinions.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book with lots of Russian history. Though it felt in places that the history was what drove the book and not the characters. I liked the characters. I recommend this book for those who love history.

[Linda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written story of the Mennonites in Russia before the revolution. Great history interwoven with a wonderful real life family whose life was dramatically changed.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely riveting ❣️I can hardly wait for the next book ❣️

If I could give an infinite number of stars, I would😏

Definitely one of my all-time favourites❣️❣️❣️

[Margaret Fast · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Jody Bjarnason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good!

[Lorna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Slow moving but I enjoyed the Russian Mennonite history lesson.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much and am looking forward to the rest of the series!