The Divine Proverb of Streusel (Christian Series Level II

by Sara Brunsvold

Shaken by her parents' divorce and discouraged by the growing chasm between herself and her serious boyfriend, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle's farm in a small Missouri hamlet. She'll spend the summer there, picking up the pieces of her shattered present so she can plan a better future. But what awaits her at the ancestral farm is a past she barely knows.Among her late grandmother's belongings, Nikki finds an old notebook filled with handwritten German recipes and wise sayings pulled from the book of Proverbs. With each recipe she makes, she invites locals to the family table to hear their stories about the town's history, her ancestors--and her estranged father.What started as a cathartic way to connect to her heritage soon becomes the means through which she learns how the women before her endured--with the help of their cooking prowess. Nikki realizes how delicious streusel with a healthy dollop of faith can serve as a guide to heal wounds of the past.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Family, Audiobook, Womens Fiction

500 pages, Library Binding

First published January 16, 2024

About the author

Sara Brunsvold is a Christy Award- and Carol Award-winning author who creates stories that speak hope and life. Her stories boldly engage modern issues through the lens of hope and unshakable faith. From the time she was a country girl spilling imagination onto notebook paper, she has believed in the power of story to shape a better world for us all.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Do you think we should look at people in light of their actions or in light of what they have suffered?”

Answer now and then revisit this question after reading Brunsvold’s book.

Let Sara Brunsvold show you how, when accompanied with prayer, each crumble of our lives, like that of a streusel, could fall into place as Great-Grandma Lena Schoenborn’s divine proverb of streusel predicted. She’ll also prompt you to enrich your understanding of the heritage you have - in every sense of the word.

Oh. My. Goodness.

To think that I set this book down several times with no intention of finishing it …. I would have missed such a special book; one that touched my heart and caused me to refocus.

Nikki Werner’s dad walked out on the family 4 months ago, forcing her mom to pack up and leave the home where she’d raised two daughters and lived for 29 years. Nikki’s anger and bitterness bubbled over into her personal life, causing her to retreat and stew in unforgiveness. After closing up her classroom for the summer, twenty-six-year-old Nikki heads to her grandparents’ farm in Eddner, Missouri. She hopes that being at the farmhouse where her grandma’s life was shaped, would give Nikki hope that hers could be too. Once she feels the connection to the women who’d labored in the small galley kitchen before her, she begins to heal. It all begins with finding Great Grandma Lena’s German cookbook. You’ll have to read to find out if the cookbook’s wisdom can encourage Nikki to reunite with her dad.

Nikki’s great-grandma’s recipes were assembled to teach her 13-year-old daughter, Ann (Nikki’s grandma), the practicals of life and remind her about her German heritage. Great-grandma Lena wanted to do what every parent wants to do - share the pieces of themselves that could help their child the most. Pages from this recipe book are interspersed throughout the story giving it structure and richness.

Topics covered:

✔️Anger ✔️bitterness ✔️noble role of marriage ✔️pressures of assimilation ✔️fostering empathy ✔️hearing love in our actions ✔️forgiveness ✔️loving the unlovable✔️healing past wounds ✔️and how to move forward

Great-Grandma’s guideposts that resonated with me:

✔️“Do the next thing.”
✔️“Consider what good you can bring to a place.”
✔️“You can either look at what you don’t have and learn, or you can look at what you do have and give thanks.”
✔️“Sometimes we have to look back to discern the way forward.”

Things I absolutely loved:

❤️the pages with the recipes, German wisdom, and relating scripture from Proverbs
❤️encouragement to live out the proverb of haschee
❤️Bruised apple wisdom
❤️Why we forgive
❤️challenges of midlife
❤️second chances
❤️intergenerational story featuring familial love between an uncle and his niece
❤️Letter between Nikki and her dad titled “What you should know”
❤️Gift from her dad
❤️chapter 34 and the crumb cake recipe

One of the important lessons was about moving forward. Nikki’s mom had to step forward into a reimagined future and Nikki had to step back into the past to connect with women who’d found a way through heartache and come out refined. Nikki realized that they’d uncovered secrets to which she sought answers as well and she was relying on their revelations. There’s so much of this we can apply to our own lives.

What a power-packed story! Don’t pass on this fantastic read, Christian fiction lovers.

I was gifted this copy by Revell and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the cusp of 3.5/4 star rating, personally, but I'll mark it as a four.

{This book could be triggering or potentially healing to those whose parents have divorced.}

About this book:

“Shaken by her parents' divorce and discouraged by the growing chasm between herself and her serious boyfriend, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle's farm in a small Missouri hamlet. She'll spend the summer there, picking up the pieces of her shattered present so she can plan a better future. But what awaits her at the ancestral farm is a past she barely knows.
Among her late grandmother's belongings, Nikki finds an old notebook filled with handwritten German recipes and wise sayings pulled from the book of Proverbs. With each recipe she makes, she invites locals to the family table to hear their stories about the town's history, her ancestors--and her estranged father.
What started as a cathartic way to connect to her heritage soon becomes the means through which she learns how the women before her endured--with the help of their cooking prowess. Nikki realizes how delicious streusel with a healthy dollop of faith can serve as a guide to heal wounds of the past.”


Series: As of now, no, a stand-alone novel.


Spiritual Content- Prayers & Blessings over food; Many Scriptures are quoted, mentioned, thought about, & read; Bible reading (Wes); Wes & Aunt Emma are members of Lutheran churches; Church going, sermons, & singing; Many talks about God, Jesus, peace, forgiveness, & those in the Bible; 'H's are not capital when referring to God; On one Sunday, Wes struggles to pay attention to the sermon because of a woman; Nikki thinks of cooking and baking as “close to God as she might get” (because she’s creating); Many mentions of God, Jesus, His peace, & forgiveness; Mentions of prayers, praying, & giving thanks; Mentions of praying for “divine whacks” for certain people; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, & those and events in the Bible; Mentions of the Lutheran church, their services, synod congregations, church going, sermons, pastors/vicars, hymns, hymnals, & services; Mentions of the enemy using malice and bitterness; Mentions of Martin Luther & Dietrich Bonhoeffer (including a quote by the latter); A handful of mentions of Heaven; A handful of mentions of a Lutheran publishing house (Concordia); A few mentions of a portrait of Jesus at a church; A few mentions of devotionals; A few mentions of blessings & being Blessed; A few mentions of confirmation classes; A couple mentions of the Holy Spirit; A mention of Bible studies; A mention of seminary; A mention of Sunday school; A mention of a pastor making the sign of a cross; A mention of a cross charm;
*Note: Nikki goes to her grandmother’s gravestone to talk to her and fells silly doing so because she doesn’t think she can hear her, but says that she’s “murky on the theology of such things”; A teasing mention of expecting men to “evolve past” a gender flaw; A teasing mention of someone being called a “future teller” (the person responds that she is a “life liver or an experience haver”); A mention of hero worship; A mention of a superstition.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’ and an ‘oh my word’; A mention of a person’s name being “like a curse word”; Finding a friend’s body (from heatstroke, barely-above-not-detailed); Grief (for the death of a friend and son-like friend, & Nikki for her parent’s divorce); Nikki’s parents are recently divorced & a major focus of this book is Nikki’s hurt and bitterness towards her father for his actions (This is discussed and mentioned often as well as many bitter comments from Nikki towards him; Uncle Wes prays hard for his involvement in both his niece and brother’s lives and tries to talk with them both throughout the book; *Spoiler* The book ends with Nikki trying to forgive and reconnect with her father *End of Spoiler*; Wes tells a lie to someone (because he doesn’t want the person’s help) & quickly tries to make the lie true; Mentions of the Nazis, an execution, a concentration camp, wars, injuries/wounds, pain, prejudices (towards German-Americans); Mentions of deaths & grief (for a mother, a sister, parents for their a son, a friend, & what could have been/close relationships with others); Mentions of a divorce & the grief from those involved (Nikki, her mother, & sister); Mentions of a man’s unhealed hurt from his father’s words and actions & therefore hurting others with his own actions (including a shouting match, a missed swing; *Spoiler* Nikki’s father *End of Spoiler*); Mentions of an elderly family member falling & her injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of alcohol, people drinking at parties/celebrations, wine at communion, & a woman telling others not to tell her pastor that she had a beer; Mentions of a father spanking & “tanning the hide” of his sons when disobeying; A few mentions of the death of a farmer in a tractor rollover accident; A few mentions of a bully & a sibling punching the bully that was picking on his brother; A few mentions of lies, lying, & liars (including a woman telling one and saying she’ll ask for forgiveness later); A mention of a POW camp; A mention of rumors;
*Note: In high school, Uncle Wes recalls that he needed to “figure out who he was” without anyone’s expectations of him; An older woman comments that “marriage used to mean so much more than it does these days. People seem to throw it away like it’s a used paper towel.”; A few comments about an older sibling not being able to have a childhood like her young sister did; Mentions of a woman’s father not being around much because of his mental health (implied that he was living in a mental institution and she tried hard to love him where he was); Mentions of a western movie & country singers and songs (Shane, Alan Ladd Western, Reba McEntire, Neal McCoy, Alan Jackson, Luke Bryan, Bob Seger, & George Strait); Mentions of authors & books (classics, Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, & Harry Potter); Mentions of car brands; Mentions of brand names (Hostess, John Deere, Big Red gum, Juicy Fruit, Wrigley’s, Life cereal, Mary Janes, Hugo Boss cologne, & Mounds candy bars); A few mentions of baseball teams; A few mentions of stores (including Dollar General); A few mentions of Google; A mention of Rocky; A mention of Hallmark movies; A mention of Netflix; A mention of Facebook.


Sexual Content- Some Touches, Dancing, Embraces, Nearness, & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing (including Wes noticing a woman’s hips and lips, barely-above-not-detailed); a ‘babe’; Nikki’s father had an affair & married the other woman after divorcing her mother (*Spoilers* Her father says they weren’t happy and is now happier with his new wife; Nikki didn’t realize that her parents were unhappy and her mother shares that “the empty nest amplifies the gaps in a relationship. The gaps had become so much bigger than we realized. We had neglected too many things for too long. I tried to work on them, but it takes two.” *End of Spoilers*); Because of the hurt of her parents’ sudden divorce and father’s affair, Nikki worries about her own relationship with her boyfriend and it shakes her view of marriage and security; Nikki’s sister tells her that “Love is often confused with infatuation. I found [her husband] attractive, for sure…but the real way I knew was because I trusted him. With everything….I trusted him to see the worst of me, the ugliest pieces, and still choose me.”; When Nikki comments on marriage being “big enough to hurt you if you get it wrong”, another woman tells her that “Yes, I suppose that is true. But marriage is also big enough to be the most noble role you’ll ever have.”; *Spoiler* The book ends with Nikki and her boyfriend forgiving each other for their words and actions *End of Spoiler*; Mentions of dating, dances, break-ups, & a broken heart; A few mentions of an elopement (with a couple moving away first and then getting married); A couple mentions of complicated relationships; A mention of a kiss; Some love, falling/being in love, & the emotions (light);
*Note: Mentions of a calf having to be “cut” to become a steer (a few mentions of his wounds, but nothing else); A mention of underwear & sports bras; A mention of a man wearing only swim trunks.

-Nikki Werner, age 26
-(Uncle) Wesley “Wes” Werner
P.O.V. switches between them
336 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)

{This book could be triggering or potentially healing to those whose parents have divorced.}

This book is a slower pace than most books I read, so it took me a bit to get into it, but at the same time was such a comforting read in the way of the writing style. It’s easy to visualize different places and events in the book and I really like that.

My heart hurt for Nikki. With everything that she’s going through—the bitter heartbreak of her father’s affair and new marriage and then her questioning love with her serious boyfriend, I can’t blame her from running away. That said, I do wish she would have been honest and upfront with her boyfriend, because they’ve obviously been together a while and really do care for each other. I wish the ending was just a little bit longer for this reason alone because how it all worked out felt a little rushed. I do wish we could have seen more faith elements from Nikki’s point of view, as well, because personal faith moments (such as praying or reading the Bible) were mostly from Uncle Wes.

I’m pretty sure I have a great Aunt (or two ���) like Aunt Emma in this book, so she was easily my favorite character. Even though I’m not typically one for books with recipes and/or a food focus, I was curious about this book because of my own German heritage and actually recognized a couple of the recipes mentioned.

There’s a lot to unpack in this book. There’s so many wisdom-like nuggets thrown throughout it. It’s really a book I feel like you have to savior each chapter to understand hidden conversations and meanings, to be able to understand what Uncle Wes means when he thinks about history repeating itself. Does everything wrap up with a nice, neat little bow at the end of this book? No, not necessarily, but it’s realistic. There’s hope for the future at the end of this book and that’s what made it good.

I think I would say that I liked “The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip” just a touch more, but I still really enjoyed this one as well. I’ll definitely be watching out for any new books by this author in the future!



Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this honest review.

[Heather Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so thankful for authors and publishers still willing to put out fiction with strong faith messages woven all throughout the story. Nikki is completely unmoored after the divorce of her parents and abandonment by her father and miserable and bitter, ends up on her uncle's doorstep, looking for a place to belong and process. I loved the relationship between Nikki and her uncle, and his relationship with his aunt. So many relationships are woven together in this story, including even ancestors who have passed away; each one an opportunity to bless and learn, and each one an opportunity to push away and harm. Sometimes the characters get it right, and sometimes they don't. The author does a beautiful job setting the scene and sorting through all the layers of the different relationships. Although we wish that Nikki - and her uncle - would "wake up" a little sooner, the portrayal of the time and process it takes to come to places of understanding and forgiveness of one another is accurate.
The author doesn't miss the opportunity to be clear about what's missing in the equation and show the different ways that the love of our Father directs our choices and the steps we take.
Fans of Mrs. Kip and other thoughtful Christian women's fiction will find Divine Proverb just as well-crafted, filling an important niche on the Christian Fiction shelves.

I read an ARC provided by the publishers and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara was one of my favorite books of 2022 so I was SO excited to dive into Sara's next book! While it's hard to live up to my love for Mrs. Kip's story, this one was a solid contemporary Christian story with beautiful faith content throughout the story that I thoroughly enjoyed. In this story, we follow Nikki who is devastated from her parent's divorce. She doesn't know what to do with her life, relationship with Isaac or how to approach her father after his betrayal to her and her family.

Nikki ends up going to stay with her Uncle Wes in the town her father grew up in. She ends up finding old recipes of her grandmother and learns so much of her German history within her family that she never knew about before.

I really enjoyed this one overall - while some parts were slow for me, I loved the faith elements, proverbs scriptures, recipes, characters and the forgiveness thread.

"It is not what I forgive, it's why I choose to do it that matters most. The why is Jesus." Amen.

This story has some tough topics discussed in depth for the divorce of parents but Sara handled it so well.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy to honestly read and review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really want to reread and make the recipes as I go!

From Endorsement:
In The Divine Proverb of Streusel, Sara Brunsvold pens a tale richly flavored with the wisdom of generations past that will leave readers hungry for simple times and simple truths. Brunsvold gently folds in life lessons discovered in both the strengths and weaknesses in the recipe of one’s lineage, leaving your heart full of goodness and grace as you turn the final page

[Chautona Havig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been praying for the author and this book since I heard of its existence. After such a runaway, knock-it-out-of-the-park novel as her debut (Mrs. Kip), I knew that people (including me) might (probably would) build up unrealistic expectations of it.

Could it pack the same punch?

It did. And yet... no, it didn't. Because this isn't the same kind of story. Brunsvold penned a beautiful, realistic, horrible picture of unforgiveness. Beautiful because the story is chock full of hope and love. Horrible because it's also chock full of hurt and humanity.

Beautiful because it's chock full of Jesus.

In Mrs. Kip, we started in a place of laughter (that opening scene is hilarious!) and worked through a beautiful life to a gut-wrenching sense of loss (that we knew was coming). There was hope in that one, too. Beautiful, faith-building hope.

This one does the opposite. We begin in a dark, ugly place, and despite all the doors opening to light-filled spaces, we keep plowing through the darkness until the light overpowers it. Or should I say "The Light." There couldn't have been a better last line than Brunsvold gives you in this one.

Step into The Divine Proverb of Streusel hungry for recipes to fill you--heart, mind, body, and soul.

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a GEM. Seriously, if you are struggling with forgiveness, read this book. It is such an encouragement and calls us out to forgive because "for we have been forgiven much".

I felt a connection to every character in this story.

The scene with Wes and Joyce was one of the most romantic I have ever read, and this isn't even a romance!!

Also, everyone needs an aunt Emma in their life.

My emotions were all over the place with this book and it had me thinking of areas where I needed to extend grace and forgiveness. A wonderful read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I can write a proper review of this book. The timing of this was perfect. It helped me deal with some heartbreak I was feeling as well as point me to Jesus. So many wonderful, amazing yet gentle reminders of what it means to be a child of God in a broken world where people do wrong and hurtful things out of the pain of their past.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful novel about forgiveness and family.

While this sophomore release didn't grab me as quickly as her debut, grab me it did. I loved the relationship with Nikki and her Uncle Wes. They learned a lot about each other and both grew as a result of their time together.

[Laura Robinson (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 ⭐️
Why did this book end? I honestly could have kept reading this book forever.

No cursing
No romance (well maybe like a SMALL part) but no kissing, nothing
Trigger warning: death

This story was just beautiful. There were times I left like I was reading a devotional- with the amount of wisdom that was shared from Nikki’s grandmother. This was good and deep.

The character development was just AMAZING. I even loved Aunt Emma, who was only introduced via email & phone-call. That’s how rich and great the characters were.

The story line developed so well. Nikki went through so much and worked through a lot in this book. I loved the willingness to say yes to hard things and press in when she didn’t understand why. And I just want to live on the farm and learn from grandma, too.

This is not my last book from this author. I will prob go and read every one of her books now.

Also. Side note. This is a Christian book. Prob one of the best I’ve read - laced with scripture, prayers and the people even went to church WEEKLY (I never see that in books!)

Thank you Sara Brunsvold for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Sherry Bendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing blend of food, dashes of faith, renewed friendships/relationships, some DIY restoration and a big dose of forgiveness, mixing it all together to create a delightful read.

There are several characters that I connected with in one way or another. I identified with Nikki and her struggle to forgive her father, although my situation was different, I still found and sometimes continue to, find it difficult to forgive those who have wronged my family.

One repetitive phrase that I latched onto from the story was "do the next thing" - when life gets roo hard or messy, I can do the next thing and trust God and His timing, just like Nikki did in this story. The element of faith was woven throughout this story in several of the characters lives. I greatly appreciated this aspect as well.

I really enjoy how the author develops her characters both in voice and description. I can hear their voices in my head helping to identify their ages and common experiences.

I liked the scenes that included Nikki making the new to her recipes from her heritage and in turn, gleaning the wisdom from both the preparation and the written word - or proverbs. I'm definitely going to be trying a few of them myself.

Just to whet your appetite, there are a couple quotes that I'd like to share. There are so many that I appreciated, but here are two that especially spoke to me.
"Family history has a way of putting our own lives into perspective. None of us walk a path entirely of our own making".
" We can trust that contentment can be ours regardless of our circumstances. "

I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy redemptive stories filled with nuggets of faith and truth.

I was gifted an e-arc of this book from Revell & NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It is not what I forgive, it’s why I choose to do it that matters most. The why is Jesus.” - Aunt Emma, The Divine Proverb of Struesell

This is a story about forgiveness and doing “the next best thing,” when all you can do is leave the impossible to God.

There are some hard hitting topics (aftermath of adultery/ death/ family dynamics.) But I believe the author did a great job handling them. It was filled with a lot of truth. The additions of the recipes and proverbs were insightful and well done. I particularly enjoyed the characters of Uncle Wes and Joyce.

The book is slow-moving and it personally took a while to get into the story, but by the end I was rooting for these characters.

I Enjoyed it!

[Rebecca (booksandbreggs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, that was absolutely beautiful. I think that I just might've found an all-time favorite book. And yes, in January, a favorite book of 2024, almost surely!
My heart... I ugly cried at the end of this book. Nikki was such a great character. I also loved Uncle Wes, Joyce, and Aunt Emma, who is a hoot. The Little Women quote, the gift from Dad at the end... perfection.
Read this book!! You won't be sorry.
5+/5 stars...well-deserved stars.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki Werner has just found out her father has remarried via her step-mother on social media. Just as she is trying to absorb the news her Dad has divorced her mom. This kind of rocks her world and she doesn’t know how to tell her boyfriend, Isaac who is confused by Nikki’s obvious omission. She doesn’t know if she loves Isaac or if it’s just infatuation. She is angry and confused about how to react to this situation. So she goes to Eddner where her Uncle Wes lives and her father grew up.

Her uncle is welcoming, allowing her to stay for the summer while she helps out at the farm. Her father would like to see her for Father’s Day but she isn't interested in seeing him any time soon. There are some things that Nikki doesn’t know about her father that may help her to better understand who her father is and the decisions he has made for better or worse.

She discovers old recipes of her grandmother and she starts making them, and in turn, learns of her German ancestry and her family that her father didn’t share with her.

I really enjoyed The Divine Proverb of Streusel and though it’s not like Sara Brunvold’s previous, The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip, it’s rich in the depth of the story and characters. She delved into the pain of divorce on adult children, and its aftermath but looked at that pain as being redeeming. Nikki learns about her grandmother whom she only saw during Christmases, and her Uncle Wes whom she didn’t know either. I really connected with this aspect of not knowing one side of your family because of the pain that one of your parents experienced with them. This was about what the value of family had and still has. It was about a daughter trying to understand her father and being able to verbalize the pain she felt because of his actions. It was also one of reconciling these hurts and receiving the healing she needed and wanted. Excellent!

My gratitude to Netgalley and Revell. All opinions expressed are mine and honest.

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Revell Fiction and NetGalley for this gifted book!*
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Title: The Divine Proverb of Streusel
Author: Sara Brunsvold
Genre: Christian Fiction/Women’s Fiction
Publisher: Revell

Synopsis: “Sometimes we have to look back to discern the way forward.” Nikki Werner’s life is falling apart. With her dad’s recent leaving and his sudden remarriage, she leaves her mom, boyfriend, and home searching for answers. When she unexpectedly arrives at her uncle’s doorstep, she finds herself renovating her great grandmother’s farmhouse and revealing the secrets of her family’s past. Through a handwritten cookbook, old family history, and newfound friendship, Nikki begins to discover that it takes time, learning, and faith to put everything back together. And like the process that cooking is, sometimes the path to healing and true forgiveness take some effort too.

Analysis: With messages of family, faith, and forgiveness, Sara Brunsvold brings a beautiful character-driven story that is sure to leave an impact on your heart. While it’s not a fast-paced novel, you’ll find that the writing style is beautiful and sprinkled with recipes and proverbs. (I could share a million quotes!) The small town feel and family connections drive you deep into the hearts of Nikki, her uncle, and others in the community. I love how relatable the characters are. And they deal with struggles that many families face today: broken relationships, divorce, and fear. You’ll laugh with these characters, cry with them, and ultimately experience the joy of forgiveness that only Jesus can bring.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content Rating: Clean

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Gretchen Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was like a deliciously satisfying meal.

(Full review coming soon!)

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a healing read. It was my first book by Brunsvold. I will say it is very well written and I felt all the feels. Chapter thirty-four had a recipe for Crumb cake, and I had to make it. This is a must-read friends.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Stories are the universal heart language. They bring together what is scattered.”

Oh my goodness, y’all. The Divine Proverb of Streusel is such a richly told story. Sara Brunsvold’s way with words captured me from the very beginning and drew me indelibly to these characters and their poignant explorations of family and faith. There is so much I want to say about this gorgeous book, and I know already that my words will fail to do it justice.

I adored the plot elements through which Brunsvold elicits Nikki’s restorative work over the course of the summer – specifically, a seemingly innocuous notebook that turns out to be anything but ordinary and a handful of seemingly innocuous characters who turn out to be rather extraordinary themselves. There is so much to be unpacked around this notebook: the German heritage (and its historical trajectory), the spiritual insight as it relates to hospitality and the home, the recipes themselves (which honestly made me crave German food even though I’ve never liked it lol), and of course what she learns about herself and her family in the process. Perhaps what I craved more than the food was joining Nikki around that kitchen table, digging into her ancestry and the spiritual legacies left to her there. “Family history has a way of putting our own lives into perspective. None of us walk a path entirely of our own making.” It has been very illuminating for me personally to dig deeper into my genealogy and see how the paths my great-great-etc relatives took led directly or indirectly to the one I’m on in my own life. From Methodist church planters to coal miners to Baptist preachers to farmers to soldiers to Shakespeare and everything in between, I am grateful for their stories and how God used them to shape me too.

“Small towns were a trove of plot twists.” And oh what plot twists await in The Divine Proverb of Streusel! For starters, I absolutely loved Nikki’s Uncle Wes. It’s almost as much his story as it is Nikki’s, and I appreciated that while he is gentle and protective and loves the Lord, the author also gave him flaws. Flaws that need mending just as Nikki’s do … just as the farmhouse’s scuffs and wear-and-tear do too, a parallel that I found quite compelling. Wes at first glance appears to be the exact opposite of his brother (Nikki’s dad), and his quiet kindness is exactly what Nikki needs. There’s also a bit of romance with his story arc, and whew goodness I didn’t expect to swoon over him but there is a fantastic scene I can’t wait for you to discover that had me reaching for my fan. Another fave character in this book is Aunt Emma. What. A. Hoot. Her conversations with Wes and eventually with Nikki had me laughing out loud on several occasions, and she has some of the best lines in the book. I’m not even going to spoil anything for you beyond that – you just really need to meet her for herself!

Bottom Line: Life is messy, and The Divine Proverb of Streusel acknowledges this fact with profound grace and thoughtful insight. It’s a compelling story that never drifts into the cliché and is brave enough not to tie everything up with a perfect red bow. Oh don’t get me wrong – there IS resolution and it’s beautifully rendered, but we all know that some wounds cut especially deep and true healing takes time. There is great pain to be worked through on these pages, but there is also great joy to be found, great stories to tell, and great love to embrace. I fell in love with the characters – main and supporting – and I devoured every word as quickly as possible while also trying to savor them at the same time. I was captivated by the warmth that exuded from the author’s insightful and poetic writing voice, and any book she writes from now on will automatically go to the top of my TBR list.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Kremena Koleva · Rating 5 out of 5]

" Мирът имаше аромат. Беше топъл и златист, срещан на места като кухня във ферма с дъбова маса, обляна в слънчева светлина. "

Някои книги смирават твърде разпръснатия дух. Карат ни да се вгледаме в най - близкото до нас - семейството - и да открием защо сме такива, каквито сме.
The Divine Proverb of Streusel ме върна доста назад в годините, когато бях малка и за мен беше форма на игра да помагам на баба в готвенето. В плевенето в градината не бях чак такъв запален участник, но в кухнята бях възможно по - често. И докато се приготвяха гозбите получавах бонус истории от миналото й. За училището й по време на румънската окупация на Южна Добруджа. За това как е била отделена от своята сестра - близначка, за да бъде осиновена от своите чичо и чинка. Защото родните й мама и татко са имали повече деца, отколкото им е било лесно да отглеждат.
И сега в компанията на тази сърдечна и духовна книга, от позицията на възрастта си мога да призная, че кълбото се е завъртяло. И доста от събитията от живота на моята баба са се повторили в моя. И като характер нося нейните черти, нейните преоритети, умения и цели. За мен е огромна чест!
Толкова бях съпричастна със случващото се с героите! Спомнях си собственото си примирие с неща, за които някога тръгвах на кръстоносен поход. Моментите на връщане към корените. Ясното осъзнаване, че колкото и да искам да водя борби, някои неща и хора просто ще са такива, каквито са.
И по - добре да насоча енергията си към следващото нещо - дома, уюта, гостоприемството, приятелството и любовта към най - важните хора. Както споделих с една приятелка, четейки редовете в една от главите в The Divine Proverb of Streusel, осъзнах как гостуването в нейния дом винаги ме изпълва с удовлетворение и ме зарежда с настроение и вяра. Че нещата по - често ще се случват както аз ги проектирам в ума и сърцето си.
Благодарна съм , че срещнах романа на Sara Brunsvold ! При това в тези чудесни дни на ранната пролет. Които ме доближават до сезона на сюжета. И ми дадоха нов повод да си спомня защо обичам времето в кухнята. И защо съм това, което съм !

* „Дните ни са твърде мимолетни, за да ги губим в страх.“
* " Не можеш да говориш с някого, чието единствено намерение е да бъде чут. "
* " Можете или да погледнете това, което нямате, и да копнеете, или можете да погледнете това, което имате, и да благодарите. "

[Carrie Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book. The characters walk through struggles that so many people have--forgiving those who are closest to us for the hurts they've caused us. Taking chances when our hearts are on the line and learning from those in our past. Nikki's summer at her uncle's farm was such a time of healing and growth for both of them, and it was such a great reminder of how we can sometimes serve as a help to those around us, even when we think we are the ones needing the help. The recipes mixed throughout were such a nice surprise (I may just have to try a few) and the side characters were so enjoyable. I'm rooting for Aunt Emma to have a book of her own! Bravo Sara on a lovely sophomore novel.

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sara Brunsvold's characters and Faith in her stories. She brings to life tough topics of life and mixes it with hope and Jesus.

I really loved the relationships in this story, the Uncle/Niece relationship and the sweet romance that was in the background of the story. My favorite quite in the book was "Joyce, may I have every dance?" If you know, you know. If a guy asked me that, I would be his forever. That line had me in tears, and loved that whole romantic scene.

A story of struggling family relationships and finding your way back home, you just have to trust me and pick up this book.

*thank you to Baker Publishing for a copy of this book to read and review, all thoughts are my own.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up liking this better than I thought I would based on the opening because I liked the people plus the cooking part wasn't over the top (ie, it wasn't all about food.) I personally think the title is the weakest part of this book because it's not all about streusel and there isn't just one life's lesson/insight for that entire book. Who knows what goes on in the mind of editors who have the final say in these? It's catchy, but makes little sense.

Nikki is hurt and angry when she learns her recently divorced father has remarried via a post her father's new wife has made on social media so she ends up driving to her paternal grandmother's farm to stay for a couple of days (her uncle lives in a second house on the property) and ends up staying for two months. We see three POVs, hers and her uncles' as traditional ones, but also her aunt's via emails. Nikki's aunt plus another woman in this book are strong women who each play important roles during her time working through her hurt and anger.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh... this book was a warm hug-or maybe a warm meal made with love.

Overwhelmed by her parents' divorce, her dad's remarriage, and uncertainty about the future in her own romantic relationship, Nikki seeks quiet and refuge in the home where her grandmother used to live, which is now owned by her Uncle Wes. Over the course of a summer, she walks a path of healing through family ties, hard work, and the power of forgiveness.

What I loved about this book is that it portrayed characters with deep faith that felt authentic to real life. They were not perfect, but allowed ancient truth to influence the situations they found themselves in, even deeply painful situations. They modelled traits to aspire to: patience, hard work, rootedness, courage to say hard things, forgiveness, community, and caring for others. Though slow at times, the narrative also unfolded in a way that felt real. Although there is certainly a time for a good page-turner, I enjoyed the slower pace which reflected the pace of healing taking place on the pages.

I also loved the recipes and German heritage portrayed! It would be fun to try a recipe or two in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and Revell for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

"Family roots pulled on every human heart, no matter how broken."

"No matter how far from ease, a wise woman's heart is betrothed to gratitude."

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You can either look at what you don’t have and yearn, or you can look at what you have and give thanks.”
“Work-the next thing-and butter conspired to heal all wounds.”
This was a fabulous book with so much packed within its pages: wonderful old German recipes along with sage advice and spiritual lessons.
I connected with the story because it authentically depicted the Lutheran faith and my German roots. The story was well plotted and paced. Nikki was a young woman who had experienced heartache and grew with the example of her Uncle Wes at the old family farm through the renovation of her ancestral farmhouse. She also gained spiritual insight from her Great Aunt Emma through emails as well as from a journal/recipe book written by her great grandmother.
Everything about this beautifully written book was special.
“Stories are the universal heart language. They bring together what is scattered.” “Seems family history is one of the most intimate object lessons we can receive.”
A fitting follow up to her debut novel. I want to read more from Sara Brunsvold.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

[Cathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Brunsvold definitely succeeded with her sophomore novel. This was a heart-warming, inspiring story of forgiveness, faith over fear, and family.

Every character has a crucial role, but I adored Joyce. It was like she was truly designed by God and modeled by Grandma Ann to be Wes’ help-mate (like with the meal for the workers). She had such wise words to Nikki in their cooking sessions.

As someone who has dealt with father issues, this kneaded my heart a little at times. Things said between characters were good reminders for myself. From the first line to that last line, yeah, I had tears. She had discovered things about what made him who he was and it was like she was meeting him anew. Oh, here I tear-up again.

I liked the subplot of Nikki renovating the farmhouse because it mirrored how she was updating her own life in these feelings of everything being demolished. God is the most amazing Healer of all hurts!

This book is so worth the 5 stars. I highlighted all through my copy and I only hope my review shows the books depth. Thank you, Sara, for writing this beautiful story.

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Book. Gutted. Me. It had my emotions roiling from the first sentence. I've tried to write a coherent review, but I've got nothing, so here's the beet I can do:

It's emotional, heartbreaking, maddening, infuriating, and inspiring.

It's a beautiful story of finding your place in a family you barely knew. Of finding your legacy. Your roots. Your heritage.

That's all the words I have. This story is heartbreakingly beautiful.

[Christine Indorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fabulous. The story of forgiveness. Forgiveness of family, which can be almost be impossible. The author did such an excellent job showing God’s gift of forgiveness and why we need to do so. This book was just beautiful and had me in tears towards the end. I highly recommend and want to read more from this author. She is amazing!!!!!!!

[Deena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Brunsvold has done it again. She's crafted an exquisite novel that has left me undone and then carefully put me back together again.

Every woman is affected by her relationship with her father. He has a far greater impact on her life than I believe he can comprehend. I know my own dad greatly influenced everything about me, and in ways completely different than how my mom influenced me.

Everything about Nikki is impacted by her broken relationship with her father. Watching her story unfold brought thoughts and emotions to the surface that have been submerged for over two decades. Our brokenness came from different directions (my parents never divorced) but I could feel right along with her the hurt and disappointment.

But God stepped in.

Don't you just love that about Him?

Nikki's story is our story. And her journey can be our journey. We just need to open the book and take a risk, just as she does.

My thanks to the publisher for my advance copy. My review has not been solicited. All opinions are true and my own.

[Joanne | wellreadcoffeeaddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip - honestly, a top read for me that year and still at the top of my favourite books ever - so when I heard Sara was writing another book, it was needless to say I was thrilled.

This book could be quite difficult for some to read, as it deals a young woman struggling after her parents' divorce. While slow-moving, this one focuses strongly on character and relationships. I really loved how much of an impact faith played into the story. Personal preference or not, many books have been missing the mark for me lately because of this factor, and I definitely enjoyed how Sara pointed both her characters and us, the readers, back to the Father for healing. There's enough voices out there telling us to heal ourselves; we need strong voices telling us it's impossible on our own.

As I mentioned, it was slow-moving and that's why I rated it 4 instead of 5 stars. I read this in a period of time where I was pretty distracted, so that did affect my reading experience. All in all, I'm so thankful for authors like Sara to show us that it is possible to write compelling, countercultural stories with the focus on Christ.

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to feast on The Divine Proverb of Streusel, where Sara Brunsvold serves up a literary banquet that’s equal parts heartwarming and soul-stirring. Imagine a recipe that expertly combines the flavors of family, faith, and culinary wonders. This isn’t your average read – it’s a flavorful exploration of life’s twists and turns. Brunsvold throws a dash of realness, a pinch of anger, stirs in a teaspoon of bitterness, and generously folds substantial portions of faith in the mix. The result is a narrative that’s as delicious as it is profound, leaving readers satisfied yet craving the next chapter.

The protagonist, Nikki Werner, embarks on a soul-searching journey to her uncle's farm, seeking solace from the wounds inflicted by her parents' divorce. What we encounter is a beautifully crafted narrative that delves into Nikki's rediscovery of her German heritage through the pages of her great-grandmother Lena's cookbook.

The inclusion of German recipes and Scripture-based wisdom and application adds a life-changing layer to the story, making it a feast for the senses. The book cleverly intertwines the practicalities of life, the noble role of marriage, and the pressures of assimilation, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.

What truly sets this book apart is its nuanced exploration of forgiveness, healing, and the power of second chances. The characters, especially Uncle Wes and Aunt Emma, are well-developed and serve as pillars of faith and wisdom, helping to guide Nikki through her journey of reconciliation, self-discovery, and living out one’s faith.

The Divine Proverb of Streusel resonates with profound life lessons, urging readers to "do the next thing" and consider the good they can bring to those around them and ultimately the world using God’s Word as the beacon in the darkness. The themes of moving forward, looking back for discernment, and the transformative nature of forgiveness are wonderfully interwoven into the narrative.

Sara Brunsvold's storytelling expertise shines through, capturing the essence of familial love, intergenerational connections, and the wisdom found in God’s Word. The inclusion of the crumb cake recipe in Chapter 34 is a delightful touch that adds a perfect ending to this power-packed story.

In a literary landscape often filled with predictable plots, The Divine Proverb of Streusel stands out as a refreshing and original work. Christian fiction lovers, in particular, will find this book a true treasure, and Sara Brunsvold has certainly earned her place on the radar of readers seeking meaningful and uplifting narratives. Don't miss out on this fantastic read that seamlessly blends heartache, healing, faith, love, and hope.

I received an eARC of The Divine Proverb of Streusel from the publisher, Revell, via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on this story’s outstanding content, ensuring transparency and reliability.