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Bringing Maggie Home #1
Bringing Maggie Home
Decades of Loss, an Unsolved Mystery,
and a Rift Spanning Three Generations
Hazel DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.
Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who can’t understand her mother’s overprotectiveness and near paranoia. While Diane resents her mother’s inexplicable eccentricities, her daughter Meghan—a cold case agent—cherishes her grandmother’s lavish attention and affection.
When a traffic accident forces Meghan to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel’s painful secret, will Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family mystery and help both women recover all that’s been lost?
and a Rift Spanning Three Generations
Hazel DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.
Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who can’t understand her mother’s overprotectiveness and near paranoia. While Diane resents her mother’s inexplicable eccentricities, her daughter Meghan—a cold case agent—cherishes her grandmother’s lavish attention and affection.
When a traffic accident forces Meghan to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel’s painful secret, will Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family mystery and help both women recover all that’s been lost?
337 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2017
172 people are currently reading
1231 people want to read
About the author
Kim Vogel Sawyer
79 books1,208 followersAward-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher that someday people would check out her book in the library. The little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer's Return. Kim's titles now exceed 1.5 million copies and are available in six different languages. A former elementary school teacher, she now enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Kim's passion lies in writing stories that point the reader to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. When Kim isn't writing, you'll find her traveling with her retired military hubby, spoiling her granddarlings, petting the cats, quilting, or--as time allows--participating in community theater. You can learn more about Kim's writing and speaking ministries at her website, KimVogelSawyer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
July 7, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox
I've been a fan of Kim Vogel Sawyer's for a long time now. When I found out she was stepping into new-to-her territory with Bringing Maggie Home, I was immediately excited. It can sometimes be a rough transition for authors when they branch out into different genres from their normal ones, but with Ms. Sawyer's talent for storytelling, I had a feeling she'd knock it out of the park. I've been telling people about this book for weeks, even though I hadn't yet read it, and the feedback has been encouraging.
I'm here to let all of those people -- and anyone else who will listen -- that this book is a must-read novel that is certain to dig deep into your soul and emotions.
As always, Ms. Sawyer did a fantastic job creating complex characters that feel real and as if they could leap off the page and into my house for a dinner date. This time, though, the focus was not on a romance -- there was a hint of romance, so keep your eyes open for that. Instead, it was a raw and gritty yet amazing and realistic multi-generational story of the bonds between mothers and daughters and sisters. Sometimes these relationships get broken along the way, but it's in the mending of these bonds that mothers and daughters and sisters come to truly understand each other and become great friends. I particularly liked this quote: "What kind of mending might they be able to accomplish if they had six weeks together...?" That line gave me lots of hope for the characters that were butting heads like mountain goats jockeying for alpha-male status.
The story was intricate and unfolded like fitting together pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. At first, it didn't seem like a full picture would be formed by the tiny clusters that began to take shape. But patience prevailed and a beautiful portrait of hope and redemption revealed itself. Whatever you do, please do not skip ahead to find out early what happens. The journey discovered through each chapter is well worth every minute it takes to read. Ooh, I wish I could fully express the emotional impact of the book! I wept on more than one occasion, but then, I am a bit of a weeper. Still, I have to believe it was mostly -- if not in total -- due to the brilliant writing in Bringing Maggie Home.
One of the most impactful parts of this story was the faith thread. It was naturally infused throughout the pages, and I especially loved the plentiful amount of Bible verses that fit perfectly into the story where they were inserted. I got the good chills several times when reading these wonderful scenes when the characters discovered something about their faith. I love it when this happens when I read a good book!
There was also encouragement for singles who are still waiting on God to send that right-for-them person into their lives. Take a look at this tidbit: "He knew the biblical passages about not being unequally yoked, and he'd never forget his mom's admonition about dating -- 'Don't let yourself fall in love with a girl who doesn't love the Lord.'" And this one: "If he was meant to have a family someday, God would bring a faithful woman into his life." These lines lifted my heart and renewed my hope that God does indeed have amazing plans for my future, as it is told in Jeremiah 29:11. Holding onto hope through the challenges of life and the unknowns of our futures is one of the most precious parts of faith in God. I'm glad for every reminder to hold onto hope that I find in my daily life, and this book is definitely one of those.
Bringing Maggie Home is a book I'll be pre-ordering -- it comes out in early September 2017 -- and rereading several times in the coming years. It's a must-read, five-star keeper. Are you planning on reading it?
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, authors, and sites like Netgalley, Litfuse Publicity Group, and Blogging for Books. They do not require me to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I've been a fan of Kim Vogel Sawyer's for a long time now. When I found out she was stepping into new-to-her territory with Bringing Maggie Home, I was immediately excited. It can sometimes be a rough transition for authors when they branch out into different genres from their normal ones, but with Ms. Sawyer's talent for storytelling, I had a feeling she'd knock it out of the park. I've been telling people about this book for weeks, even though I hadn't yet read it, and the feedback has been encouraging.
I'm here to let all of those people -- and anyone else who will listen -- that this book is a must-read novel that is certain to dig deep into your soul and emotions.
As always, Ms. Sawyer did a fantastic job creating complex characters that feel real and as if they could leap off the page and into my house for a dinner date. This time, though, the focus was not on a romance -- there was a hint of romance, so keep your eyes open for that. Instead, it was a raw and gritty yet amazing and realistic multi-generational story of the bonds between mothers and daughters and sisters. Sometimes these relationships get broken along the way, but it's in the mending of these bonds that mothers and daughters and sisters come to truly understand each other and become great friends. I particularly liked this quote: "What kind of mending might they be able to accomplish if they had six weeks together...?" That line gave me lots of hope for the characters that were butting heads like mountain goats jockeying for alpha-male status.
The story was intricate and unfolded like fitting together pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. At first, it didn't seem like a full picture would be formed by the tiny clusters that began to take shape. But patience prevailed and a beautiful portrait of hope and redemption revealed itself. Whatever you do, please do not skip ahead to find out early what happens. The journey discovered through each chapter is well worth every minute it takes to read. Ooh, I wish I could fully express the emotional impact of the book! I wept on more than one occasion, but then, I am a bit of a weeper. Still, I have to believe it was mostly -- if not in total -- due to the brilliant writing in Bringing Maggie Home.
One of the most impactful parts of this story was the faith thread. It was naturally infused throughout the pages, and I especially loved the plentiful amount of Bible verses that fit perfectly into the story where they were inserted. I got the good chills several times when reading these wonderful scenes when the characters discovered something about their faith. I love it when this happens when I read a good book!
There was also encouragement for singles who are still waiting on God to send that right-for-them person into their lives. Take a look at this tidbit: "He knew the biblical passages about not being unequally yoked, and he'd never forget his mom's admonition about dating -- 'Don't let yourself fall in love with a girl who doesn't love the Lord.'" And this one: "If he was meant to have a family someday, God would bring a faithful woman into his life." These lines lifted my heart and renewed my hope that God does indeed have amazing plans for my future, as it is told in Jeremiah 29:11. Holding onto hope through the challenges of life and the unknowns of our futures is one of the most precious parts of faith in God. I'm glad for every reminder to hold onto hope that I find in my daily life, and this book is definitely one of those.
Bringing Maggie Home is a book I'll be pre-ordering -- it comes out in early September 2017 -- and rereading several times in the coming years. It's a must-read, five-star keeper. Are you planning on reading it?
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, authors, and sites like Netgalley, Litfuse Publicity Group, and Blogging for Books. They do not require me to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
August 25, 2017
New favorite! Preorder now! :)
Review later...
Review later...
September 4, 2018
Kim Vogel Sawyer is a new author to me, and I am so pleased to have discovered her. I enjoyed BRINGING MAGGIE HOME and appreciate the excellent writing with attention to details, which allows me to easily visualize the characters, setting, moods and understand what they are thinking.
I was quickly drawn into the lives of Hazel DeFord, her daughter Margaret Diane and granddaughter Meghan. There was tension in the family and initially my favourites were Hazel and Meghan, along with Meghan's work partner Sean.
Meghan, a cold case detective, was injured in a car accident and decided to spend her six weeks of recovery with her grandmother in Nevada. A huge life changing secret unfolds, opening up mystery dating back seventy years.
This is a story of family, love, secrets, forgiveness and second chances.
The epilogue was very moving and touching and gave closure to the story. I highly recommend this novel and look forward to reading more by Kim Vogel Sawyer. 5 shining stars
I was quickly drawn into the lives of Hazel DeFord, her daughter Margaret Diane and granddaughter Meghan. There was tension in the family and initially my favourites were Hazel and Meghan, along with Meghan's work partner Sean.
Meghan, a cold case detective, was injured in a car accident and decided to spend her six weeks of recovery with her grandmother in Nevada. A huge life changing secret unfolds, opening up mystery dating back seventy years.
This is a story of family, love, secrets, forgiveness and second chances.
The epilogue was very moving and touching and gave closure to the story. I highly recommend this novel and look forward to reading more by Kim Vogel Sawyer. 5 shining stars
August 26, 2017
A hint of mystery. A hint of intrigue. A hint of bitterness. A hint of romance. This seemed to be the perfect balance of all of that. What is best is that there was way more than a hint of faith and Christianity. From the first few chapters, characters with strong faith in God crossed the pages. It was truly a blessing to have it unashamedly crossing the pages. Sean. Hazel. Oh my, those characters were amazing! There was no doubt about how they viewed God and the Bible.
Now for the actual story. The whole relationship between Hazel, her daughter, and granddaughter, was amazingly real and a study of human nature and how one’s past, left unresolved, will affect their decisions—even when they do not realize it.
As I mentioned, the faith content was five-star. The Gospel was clearly presented, living by the Spirit clearly shown—yet there were also portions that were true such as a church being judgmental and turning people away from the church. So many things were covered in this book and were Biblically sound.
The romance was truly just a hint, and not at all emotionally driven. There was one scene of past events that I wouldn’t recommend younger readers reading (one of the characters had gotten pregnant out of wedlock and it highlights that a little yet doesn’t become explicit).
In conclusion, I enjoyed this read and happily place another Kim Vogel Sawyer book on my shelf.
*I received this book from Blogging for Books and happily provided my honest review*
Now for the actual story. The whole relationship between Hazel, her daughter, and granddaughter, was amazingly real and a study of human nature and how one’s past, left unresolved, will affect their decisions—even when they do not realize it.
As I mentioned, the faith content was five-star. The Gospel was clearly presented, living by the Spirit clearly shown—yet there were also portions that were true such as a church being judgmental and turning people away from the church. So many things were covered in this book and were Biblically sound.
The romance was truly just a hint, and not at all emotionally driven. There was one scene of past events that I wouldn’t recommend younger readers reading (one of the characters had gotten pregnant out of wedlock and it highlights that a little yet doesn’t become explicit).
In conclusion, I enjoyed this read and happily place another Kim Vogel Sawyer book on my shelf.
*I received this book from Blogging for Books and happily provided my honest review*
April 1, 2018
This is a good book.I love the generational relationships and message of God’s love. Love the cover too.
January 24, 2020
I enjoyed Kim Vogel Sawyer’s books since I discovered her and this one was no exception. Her stories are filled with characters you learn to love who with God’s help endures struggles and challenges. She is not afraid to bring a clear Christian message out in her stories.
This story about 3 generations of women, who due to events from the past and misunderstandings did not have great relationships took me as a reader on an emotional ride. The reconciliation between them was slow building and sweet and not without God’s help.
I loved Sean’s steady and solid support and influence in Meghan’s life. The love story between them is very subtle but there.
The reason for 3 stars - I was expecting more of a mystery focus with the title and finding Maggie, but felt that plot was in the background. My guess of what happened was correct as soon as a certain character were introduced in the beginning of the story and I felt the reveal of what happened was a bit anti-climatic.
This was still a great contemporary novel about breaking through hurts and misunderstandings and assumptions to truly understand why someone acts the way they do and also to give others the benefit of the doubt and a bit of grace.
This story about 3 generations of women, who due to events from the past and misunderstandings did not have great relationships took me as a reader on an emotional ride. The reconciliation between them was slow building and sweet and not without God’s help.
I loved Sean’s steady and solid support and influence in Meghan’s life. The love story between them is very subtle but there.
The reason for 3 stars - I was expecting more of a mystery focus with the title and finding Maggie, but felt that plot was in the background. My guess of what happened was correct as soon as a certain character were introduced in the beginning of the story and I felt the reveal of what happened was a bit anti-climatic.
This was still a great contemporary novel about breaking through hurts and misunderstandings and assumptions to truly understand why someone acts the way they do and also to give others the benefit of the doubt and a bit of grace.
August 29, 2017
This was such a fantastic and memorable read. I loved Hazel and sweet Meghan. I was sad and hurt and I wanted to stop reading this book. But I had to know what was going to happen next. I am here to tell you, YOU will love this book. You will be on the edge of your seat trying to find out what's going to happen next.
Sawyer always writes the best stories and they are all very different. But this one left me feeling like God's always got my back.
It will all turn out alright in the end.
I will say this, Maggie and Hazels story is one you may never forget. And you will reread it over and over,
I gave this book 5 star two times. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
Sawyer always writes the best stories and they are all very different. But this one left me feeling like God's always got my back.
It will all turn out alright in the end.
I will say this, Maggie and Hazels story is one you may never forget. And you will reread it over and over,
I gave this book 5 star two times. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
April 2, 2018
This is a sweet novel about three generations of women...Meghan, Diane and Hazel. From the title, one may assume the story is about finding Hazel's missing sister Maggie. While that is a part of the novel, it's much more about the strained relationship between the two sets of mothers and daughters.
October 23, 2017
About this book:
“Decades of Loss, an Unsolved Mystery,
and a Rift Spanning Three Generations
Hazel DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.
Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who can’t understand her mother’s overprotectiveness and near paranoia. While Diane resents her mother’s inexplicable eccentricities, her daughter Meghan—a cold case agent—cherishes her grandmother’s lavish attention and affection.
When a traffic accident forces Meghan to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel’s painful secret, will Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family mystery and help both women recover all that’s been lost?”
Series: As of now, no.
Spiritual Content- Psalm 13:12 at the beginning; Many Scriptures are quoted, read, remembered, & discussed; Prayers; Witnessing & being witnessed to; Church going, a Bible study, & a prayer group; Many talks about God, trusting Him, believing in Him, praying, peace, faiths, & blessings; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Meghan isn’t sure if God is real, but wonders and asks God for peace, *Two Spoilers* *End of Spoilers*; Many mentions of God; Many mentions of talking about God; Many mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of being saved; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of those in the Bible & discussing them; Mentions of Christians & faiths; Mentions of Bible studies, a prayer group, & prayer warriors; Mentions of churches/chapels, church going, services, worship, hymns/choirs, & pastors; Mentions of blessings; Mentions of Heaven; Mentions of sin & sinners; A few mentions of holidays; A couple mentions of mission trips; A couple mentions of religious people; A mention of praising the Lord; A mention of Sunday School; A mention of Biblical symbols;
*Note: Mentions of Margaret’s opinion on religion & the hypocritical stares and comments she got from churchgoers for being an unwed mother; Mentions of evil & evil people; A mention of being chased by the devil; A mention of joining a cult; A mention of karma.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, two ‘dumb’s, and six ‘stupid’s; A couple mentions of curses & swallowing a curse; A mention of receiving improper gestures; Some sarcasm & eye rolling; Jealousy; Remembering hateful words & bickering; Pain & Injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of a disappearance of a child, the aftermath, & what could have happened (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of other children hurt, abducted, & killed (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a man hit by a train & his death; Mentions of car accidents, deaths, & injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of the Great Depression & World War II; Mentions of passing out & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of strokes & illnesses (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of alcohol, drinking, alcoholics/drunks, & bars (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of drugs, drug users, & drug abuse; Mentions of gambling & casinos; Mentions of burglars, thieves, stealing, & being threatened; Mentions of burning a place to the ground; Mentions of the possibility of die bunnies & a snake after them; Mentions of lies & liars; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of throwing up; A few mentions of spankings; A few mentions of gossip; A couple mention of unsolved rapes and murders cases; A couple mentions of criminals in jail; A couple mentions of beatings; A couple mentions of cigars & smoking; A couple mentions of frat houses; A mention of coarse jokes; A mention of cheating on a test; A mention of animal waste;
*Note: Mentions of celebrities & old TV shows.
Sexual Content- a forehead kiss, and a not-detailed kiss; Some Touches & Embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); A Flashback to Margaret waking up in her boyfriend’s arms, telling him about the pregnancy, & his opinion of getting an abortion; 3 forms of ‘hot’; Mentions of pedophiles & sex trafficking; Mentions of intimacy, a man getting a girl pregnant, out-of-wedlock pregnancies, & unwed mothers (including Margaret, never any details, just hints); Mentions of abortions, the father wanting to get rid of the baby (Meghan), & missing periods; Mentions of an embraces & touches (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a prom & dates; Mentions of flirting; Mentions of blushes; A few mentions of a player & (sexually) being with only him (no details); A few mentions of a wife giving a teasing pinch to her husband’s bottom; A few mentions of kisses & kissing; A couple mentions of unsolved rapes and murders cases; A couple mentions of birth control; A mention of a person telling a couple to get a room; A mention of a rendezvous; A mention of a reputation being safe; A mention of a married couple kissing;
*Note: Mentions of child-birth, breast-feeding, & a bit of pain (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of when Margaret’s friends encouraged her to get an abortion; A couple mentions of a couple incapable of having biological children; A couple mentions of junior high girls showering after PE; A mention of hormones.
-Hazel Mae Blackwell-DeFord, age 79-80
-Margaret DeFord, age 47
-Meghan DeFord, age 27
-Sean Eagle (a couple handfuls of times)
P.O.V. switches between them
Goes back-and-forth mainly between 1943 and 2013 (but other times as well)
337 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
What an interesting and intriguing plot.
I’ll admit that I’m not normally a fan of books split in two different time periods (i.e. historical and contemporary), but I ended up really enjoying this one. As I’ve noticed with other books by Kim Vogel Sawyer, her (historical) writing style is so, for lack of a better word, well-done. I don’t know how to explain it, but I honestly can’t name other author that does historical books like she does.
The bickering and unrest between Hazel and Margaret did hurt my heart at times, though I completely understood why they acted the ways they did. I really like Meghan, but I’m still not sure how Sean stole the show in this novel…? ;)
For genre wise, I would say this book is more contemporary than historical (but not quite 50/50 either), but all throughout is the mystery of what happened to Maggie, and then there’s a small amount of romance with a ton of faith content. :)
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 (Multnomah) for this honest review.
“Decades of Loss, an Unsolved Mystery,
and a Rift Spanning Three Generations
Hazel DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.
Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who can’t understand her mother’s overprotectiveness and near paranoia. While Diane resents her mother’s inexplicable eccentricities, her daughter Meghan—a cold case agent—cherishes her grandmother’s lavish attention and affection.
When a traffic accident forces Meghan to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel’s painful secret, will Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family mystery and help both women recover all that’s been lost?”
Series: As of now, no.
Spiritual Content- Psalm 13:12 at the beginning; Many Scriptures are quoted, read, remembered, & discussed; Prayers; Witnessing & being witnessed to; Church going, a Bible study, & a prayer group; Many talks about God, trusting Him, believing in Him, praying, peace, faiths, & blessings; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Meghan isn’t sure if God is real, but wonders and asks God for peace, *Two Spoilers* *End of Spoilers*; Many mentions of God; Many mentions of talking about God; Many mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of being saved; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of those in the Bible & discussing them; Mentions of Christians & faiths; Mentions of Bible studies, a prayer group, & prayer warriors; Mentions of churches/chapels, church going, services, worship, hymns/choirs, & pastors; Mentions of blessings; Mentions of Heaven; Mentions of sin & sinners; A few mentions of holidays; A couple mentions of mission trips; A couple mentions of religious people; A mention of praising the Lord; A mention of Sunday School; A mention of Biblical symbols;
*Note: Mentions of Margaret’s opinion on religion & the hypocritical stares and comments she got from churchgoers for being an unwed mother; Mentions of evil & evil people; A mention of being chased by the devil; A mention of joining a cult; A mention of karma.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, two ‘dumb’s, and six ‘stupid’s; A couple mentions of curses & swallowing a curse; A mention of receiving improper gestures; Some sarcasm & eye rolling; Jealousy; Remembering hateful words & bickering; Pain & Injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of a disappearance of a child, the aftermath, & what could have happened (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of other children hurt, abducted, & killed (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a man hit by a train & his death; Mentions of car accidents, deaths, & injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of the Great Depression & World War II; Mentions of passing out & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of strokes & illnesses (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of alcohol, drinking, alcoholics/drunks, & bars (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of drugs, drug users, & drug abuse; Mentions of gambling & casinos; Mentions of burglars, thieves, stealing, & being threatened; Mentions of burning a place to the ground; Mentions of the possibility of die bunnies & a snake after them; Mentions of lies & liars; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of throwing up; A few mentions of spankings; A few mentions of gossip; A couple mention of unsolved rapes and murders cases; A couple mentions of criminals in jail; A couple mentions of beatings; A couple mentions of cigars & smoking; A couple mentions of frat houses; A mention of coarse jokes; A mention of cheating on a test; A mention of animal waste;
*Note: Mentions of celebrities & old TV shows.
Sexual Content- a forehead kiss, and a not-detailed kiss; Some Touches & Embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); A Flashback to Margaret waking up in her boyfriend’s arms, telling him about the pregnancy, & his opinion of getting an abortion; 3 forms of ‘hot’; Mentions of pedophiles & sex trafficking; Mentions of intimacy, a man getting a girl pregnant, out-of-wedlock pregnancies, & unwed mothers (including Margaret, never any details, just hints); Mentions of abortions, the father wanting to get rid of the baby (Meghan), & missing periods; Mentions of an embraces & touches (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a prom & dates; Mentions of flirting; Mentions of blushes; A few mentions of a player & (sexually) being with only him (no details); A few mentions of a wife giving a teasing pinch to her husband’s bottom; A few mentions of kisses & kissing; A couple mentions of unsolved rapes and murders cases; A couple mentions of birth control; A mention of a person telling a couple to get a room; A mention of a rendezvous; A mention of a reputation being safe; A mention of a married couple kissing;
*Note: Mentions of child-birth, breast-feeding, & a bit of pain (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of when Margaret’s friends encouraged her to get an abortion; A couple mentions of a couple incapable of having biological children; A couple mentions of junior high girls showering after PE; A mention of hormones.
-Hazel Mae Blackwell-DeFord, age 79-80
-Margaret DeFord, age 47
-Meghan DeFord, age 27
-Sean Eagle (a couple handfuls of times)
P.O.V. switches between them
Goes back-and-forth mainly between 1943 and 2013 (but other times as well)
337 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
What an interesting and intriguing plot.
I’ll admit that I’m not normally a fan of books split in two different time periods (i.e. historical and contemporary), but I ended up really enjoying this one. As I’ve noticed with other books by Kim Vogel Sawyer, her (historical) writing style is so, for lack of a better word, well-done. I don’t know how to explain it, but I honestly can’t name other author that does historical books like she does.
The bickering and unrest between Hazel and Margaret did hurt my heart at times, though I completely understood why they acted the ways they did. I really like Meghan, but I’m still not sure how Sean stole the show in this novel…? ;)
For genre wise, I would say this book is more contemporary than historical (but not quite 50/50 either), but all throughout is the mystery of what happened to Maggie, and then there’s a small amount of romance with a ton of faith content. :)
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 (Multnomah) for this honest review.
January 5, 2018
What a powerful page turning read, one that started so innocently with a berry picking trip, a trip that dictates the rest of their lives.
The Author has us walking in three different women’s shoes, Grandmother, Mother, and Daughter, and how one act affects each one through decades, and actually forms the person they are now.
Loved how faith played a part in this story, and could picture how the relationships of these relatives have evolved. The story itself is heartbreaking, and makes you think, yes it could have happened.
Can you imagine the guilt that the young ten-year-old Hazel Mae felt, and then her parents, that allowed the ten year old to have the responsibility of watching a three year old? Heart breaking as to what happens to this family, and shows that the things we say and do to the child form the adult they become.
You really don’t want to miss this one; it will keep you awake long into the night, and wonder how lives can be put back together.
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
The Author has us walking in three different women’s shoes, Grandmother, Mother, and Daughter, and how one act affects each one through decades, and actually forms the person they are now.
Loved how faith played a part in this story, and could picture how the relationships of these relatives have evolved. The story itself is heartbreaking, and makes you think, yes it could have happened.
Can you imagine the guilt that the young ten-year-old Hazel Mae felt, and then her parents, that allowed the ten year old to have the responsibility of watching a three year old? Heart breaking as to what happens to this family, and shows that the things we say and do to the child form the adult they become.
You really don’t want to miss this one; it will keep you awake long into the night, and wonder how lives can be put back together.
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
September 9, 2017
Fair warning: this book has left me so happy and joyfully speechless that there is no possible way this review will come anywhere even close to doing this incredible book justice!
This is my first time reading a book by Kim Vogel Sawyer and I can tell you right now that it will not be my last! I adored this book from page one on, it is a very deep and emotional read, my emotions were invested in this story from the get go! It isn't often that I read a book where I find myself thinking about the characters even when I'm not reading, this is exactly what happened to me while reading Bringing Maggie Home! I did not want to put it down because I just had to see what would happen next! I love that this story features three generations of Deford family women, I loved getting all three of their stories, I think I related a little more to Meghan probably just because of my age but all three of their stories touched my heart and won't let go! The way God used all the decades of hurt in this family to bring His plan for them to fruition will bring tears to your eyes, it left me with an even deeper sense of awe at how amazing our God is! I don't think it would be possible to read this story and not be moved and changed by it, this book touched my heart in more ways than I can even begin to express, and it challenged and strengthened my faith, something only the very best books can do! There was not a moment of this book that I didn't absolutely love, it's not often that I feel a novel was too short but in this case I did simply because I did not want to say goodbye to these characters, I have my fingers crossed that there will someday be a sequel!
It is not possible to put into words just how amazing this book is, but just know that this one is a must read and I anticipate reading it many times in the future, it's that good!
Highly recommend, everyone should read this one!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. No review required. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
This is my first time reading a book by Kim Vogel Sawyer and I can tell you right now that it will not be my last! I adored this book from page one on, it is a very deep and emotional read, my emotions were invested in this story from the get go! It isn't often that I read a book where I find myself thinking about the characters even when I'm not reading, this is exactly what happened to me while reading Bringing Maggie Home! I did not want to put it down because I just had to see what would happen next! I love that this story features three generations of Deford family women, I loved getting all three of their stories, I think I related a little more to Meghan probably just because of my age but all three of their stories touched my heart and won't let go! The way God used all the decades of hurt in this family to bring His plan for them to fruition will bring tears to your eyes, it left me with an even deeper sense of awe at how amazing our God is! I don't think it would be possible to read this story and not be moved and changed by it, this book touched my heart in more ways than I can even begin to express, and it challenged and strengthened my faith, something only the very best books can do! There was not a moment of this book that I didn't absolutely love, it's not often that I feel a novel was too short but in this case I did simply because I did not want to say goodbye to these characters, I have my fingers crossed that there will someday be a sequel!
It is not possible to put into words just how amazing this book is, but just know that this one is a must read and I anticipate reading it many times in the future, it's that good!
Highly recommend, everyone should read this one!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. No review required. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
October 2, 2017
After reading so many wonderful reviews of this book, I was delighted to get my hands on it and read it myself. I enjoyed it. It took a little more effort to read as I had to keep switching from point of view, to point of view and the names would change (Grandma and Mom, to Mom and Meghan, or some other combination), but once I got the characters in my head, it was easier.
The switching back and forth between time periods took a bit to get used to, but it was also fun.
I really liked Meghan, and watching her spiritual journey though the story. And Sean was great too. I was thankful that the bit of romance was just that, a bit, and it was all sweet and clean with no kisses!
Then there was the mystery from 70 years ago. When it really began to be looked into, it only took one mention of someone's name for my brain to go spinning. I set the book aside to do something else and before I came back, I was pretty sure I knew how it happened. I was right. No more need be said.
The ending was sweet and I wanted to keep reading, but at the same time, was satisfied by it.
The one thing that left me a little confused, is the fact that the beginning takes place in 1943, yet it feels, sounds like and people act like it's in the middle of the 1930s. There is no mention of a war going on (until much, much later), or shortages of things, people being in the military, or anything. While it didn't affect the story much, it did seem a little odd.
I did enjoy this story and wouldn't mind reading it again.
The switching back and forth between time periods took a bit to get used to, but it was also fun.
I really liked Meghan, and watching her spiritual journey though the story. And Sean was great too. I was thankful that the bit of romance was just that, a bit, and it was all sweet and clean with no kisses!
Then there was the mystery from 70 years ago. When it really began to be looked into, it only took one mention of someone's name for my brain to go spinning. I set the book aside to do something else and before I came back, I was pretty sure I knew how it happened. I was right. No more need be said.
The ending was sweet and I wanted to keep reading, but at the same time, was satisfied by it.
The one thing that left me a little confused, is the fact that the beginning takes place in 1943, yet it feels, sounds like and people act like it's in the middle of the 1930s. There is no mention of a war going on (until much, much later), or shortages of things, people being in the military, or anything. While it didn't affect the story much, it did seem a little odd.
I did enjoy this story and wouldn't mind reading it again.
October 2, 2017
Why I Choose this Book:
I've read other books by the author that I've greatly enjoyed, therefore I wanted to read this one of hers.
What I Thought about this Book:
I'm sorry folks, but this book was just not my cup of tea.... It has 90% 5-star ratings on Amazon, so obviously, I'm a minority here, and that's totally fine. I'm glad a lot of people enjoy it that much, and hopefully y'all will, too. I didn't have anything specifically wrong with this book, it just felt really long for the amount of info it had.
I have a feeling I would have really liked this book if it were about half of the length. I get that the author was creating a laid-back, peaceful type book with a lot of slow scenes, character building, and background. To me, there was just too much of that, though.
The three main characters - one for each generation - were each unique and had a different voice. I didn't connect (or particularly like) any of them though.
The book was well written, and the plot all came together at the end, it just didn't hold my interest.
Conclusion:
I can't recall anything big that I disagreed with or disliked.
Rating:
I’m giving Bringing Maggie Home 3 out of 5 stars, and 3 out of 10
*I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review
I've read other books by the author that I've greatly enjoyed, therefore I wanted to read this one of hers.
What I Thought about this Book:
I'm sorry folks, but this book was just not my cup of tea.... It has 90% 5-star ratings on Amazon, so obviously, I'm a minority here, and that's totally fine. I'm glad a lot of people enjoy it that much, and hopefully y'all will, too. I didn't have anything specifically wrong with this book, it just felt really long for the amount of info it had.
I have a feeling I would have really liked this book if it were about half of the length. I get that the author was creating a laid-back, peaceful type book with a lot of slow scenes, character building, and background. To me, there was just too much of that, though.
The three main characters - one for each generation - were each unique and had a different voice. I didn't connect (or particularly like) any of them though.
The book was well written, and the plot all came together at the end, it just didn't hold my interest.
Conclusion:
I can't recall anything big that I disagreed with or disliked.
Rating:
I’m giving Bringing Maggie Home 3 out of 5 stars, and 3 out of 10
*I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review
September 13, 2017
This novel was so intriguing, so captivating, that it made me do something that I haven’t done in quite a long time…it made me stay up into the wee hours of the morning reading it!!! That’s right. I could not set this book down and go to sleep. I had to find out what really happened in the past to Hazel Mae’s sister! And even though I was so very tired the next day (which is why I don’t usually stay up late reading anymore) I was happy I did, because this book was worth it!
These characters were very interesting and there are quite a few flashbacks to the past, which I enjoyed a lot. The author switched between the three generations of DeFord women showing things from their perspectives in rotating chapters. This took a little getting used to at first. I had to keep reminding myself which woman’s viewpoint I was reading through. But, once I got that straight, I appreciated seeing how each woman viewed things.
This story really grabbed me. There was a very, very light romance flowing through it, however, that is not the main objective of this novel. The family relationship, letting go of animosity, realizing who God really is, and solving the mystery of Maggie’s disappearance propelled the story line and made this a book I truly enjoyed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
These characters were very interesting and there are quite a few flashbacks to the past, which I enjoyed a lot. The author switched between the three generations of DeFord women showing things from their perspectives in rotating chapters. This took a little getting used to at first. I had to keep reminding myself which woman’s viewpoint I was reading through. But, once I got that straight, I appreciated seeing how each woman viewed things.
This story really grabbed me. There was a very, very light romance flowing through it, however, that is not the main objective of this novel. The family relationship, letting go of animosity, realizing who God really is, and solving the mystery of Maggie’s disappearance propelled the story line and made this a book I truly enjoyed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
May 31, 2020
Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Years: 1943 through current day
Location: Arkansas and Las Vegas
Main Characters:
Hazel Mae Blackwell, aka Hazel DeFord: 80 year old who has always felt guilt over losing her 3 year old sister
Diane DeFord: Hazel's daughter, always resented her mother for her over-protectiveness
Meghan DeFord: Hazel's granddaughter, cold case investigator
Sean Eagle: Meghan's detective partner
The story is told in third person from the perspective of three generations: Grandmother, daughter and granddaughter, Hazel, Diane and Meghan. Scenes switch from 70 years in the past, to 1960s and also to present, depending which character is spotlighted. Long ago memories of Hazel's childhood tragedy, then Diane's history as Hazel's only child, then Meghan's history as a fatherless only-child, all construct a compelling story I could hardly put down.
Synopsis for my benefit, also a spoiler:
I read a story a few months ago by Lisa Wingate about missing children. This was somewhat similar, but both done differently. Wingate's story was following the lives of the lost (stolen) children. This book's focus was on the remaining, guilt ridden, sad family members of the lost (stolen) child. Both VERY good.
I looked back on the books I've read by Kim Vogel Sawyer and I can honestly say this was my favorite. Loved the way Meghan's detective partner, Sean, and her grandmother expressed their faith genuinely and without reservation. There was no doubt from the events they all lived through in those few weeks that Meghan and her mother had to face their ignorance of, or resistance to Jesus. Well done gospel stories. Well deserved 4.5 stars which I've rounded up to 5-stars
Years: 1943 through current day
Location: Arkansas and Las Vegas
Main Characters:
Hazel Mae Blackwell, aka Hazel DeFord: 80 year old who has always felt guilt over losing her 3 year old sister
Diane DeFord: Hazel's daughter, always resented her mother for her over-protectiveness
Meghan DeFord: Hazel's granddaughter, cold case investigator
Sean Eagle: Meghan's detective partner
The story is told in third person from the perspective of three generations: Grandmother, daughter and granddaughter, Hazel, Diane and Meghan. Scenes switch from 70 years in the past, to 1960s and also to present, depending which character is spotlighted. Long ago memories of Hazel's childhood tragedy, then Diane's history as Hazel's only child, then Meghan's history as a fatherless only-child, all construct a compelling story I could hardly put down.
Synopsis for my benefit, also a spoiler:
I read a story a few months ago by Lisa Wingate about missing children. This was somewhat similar, but both done differently. Wingate's story was following the lives of the lost (stolen) children. This book's focus was on the remaining, guilt ridden, sad family members of the lost (stolen) child. Both VERY good.
I looked back on the books I've read by Kim Vogel Sawyer and I can honestly say this was my favorite. Loved the way Meghan's detective partner, Sean, and her grandmother expressed their faith genuinely and without reservation. There was no doubt from the events they all lived through in those few weeks that Meghan and her mother had to face their ignorance of, or resistance to Jesus. Well done gospel stories. Well deserved 4.5 stars which I've rounded up to 5-stars
August 19, 2017
I decided to read this book because of the mystery surrounding a sister losing her sister. This is most definitely Sawyer's best book to date. Her writing in this novel was fresh and unique from her other books. This book will hook you in from page one as we flip back and forth past and present time. Sawyer also did a splendid job in writing from three perspectives AND adding the past and present chapters. The thing I loved about this book, aside from the mystery is the relationship between grandmother, mother, and daughter. This book portrays so much about real life relationships between a family and their past and how so many hurts have shaped who they are today, good and bad. The only thing that I felt perhaps could have been a little stronger was the reveal at the end on the mystery part of the story. I felt it was perhaps a little too easy but otherwise well written! This is a wonderful book and one I encourage grandmothers, mothers, and daughters to read!
Five stars.
Releases September 5th!
"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free. All opinions are my own."
October 19, 2017
The author has written an exceptional story of multigenerational conflict, past hurts, present anger, and faith in God that heals and saves.
Did I like all the characters? No. I particularly took a dislike to Diane who is the middle person in this three generational story. The actual cause for her personality is the result of what happened in the fourth generation back.
Written with scene jumps between 1943, the present time, and anywhere in between and in varying voices, the reader had to pay close attention to who was speaking and in what period.
Ms. Sawyer added an interesting twist to this involved story of conflicting family and conflicting generations. She wove a decades old mystery into the pages resolving it at the end in what would prove mind boggling in real life.
The story is filled with faith through the thoughts and conversations of Hazel and Sean who are both very strong Christians.
And just who is "Maggie"? In action, she is a very minor character. In reality, she is the thread woven through the pages as cause and effect and joyful solution.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
Did I like all the characters? No. I particularly took a dislike to Diane who is the middle person in this three generational story. The actual cause for her personality is the result of what happened in the fourth generation back.
Written with scene jumps between 1943, the present time, and anywhere in between and in varying voices, the reader had to pay close attention to who was speaking and in what period.
Ms. Sawyer added an interesting twist to this involved story of conflicting family and conflicting generations. She wove a decades old mystery into the pages resolving it at the end in what would prove mind boggling in real life.
The story is filled with faith through the thoughts and conversations of Hazel and Sean who are both very strong Christians.
And just who is "Maggie"? In action, she is a very minor character. In reality, she is the thread woven through the pages as cause and effect and joyful solution.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
January 16, 2018
A timeless story that explores the ripple effect a tragedy causes across generations. It's a rich, multi-layered tapestry of emotion that really made an impact on me. Told from the multiple view points of Hazel (grandmother), Diane (daughter) and Meghan (granddaughter) with the occasional flashback, it really illustrates the power a parent's words and actions hold. And how they shape the future generations beyond the moment they are said or done. This was an eyeopening read for me.
I adored Hazel. Closing in on eighty, we get the benefit of her memories first so it's easy to see how the disappearance of her sister shaped the rest of her life. But since she's buried that secret for decades, her daughter and granddaughter don't have the same insight the reader does and that makes family dynamics complicated. Especially between Hazel and her daughter.
True confession: Diane irked me from the very start. My least favourite character, I was bordering on hostile for most of the read. But Sawyer does an exceptional job of weaving a tale of grace and forgiveness and the patience it takes to live both truthfully so that was a huge takeaway lesson for me. :-)
Meghan is easy to love. She's has a unique relationship with her grandmother and it's that bond that catapults these three women onto a journey of discovery and healing.
One of my favourite quotes from the book is courtesy of Hazel -- a woman of faith paired with a wry sense of humour. "God, not to be irreverent, but sometimes I wonder if You listen to me at all." (p. 52) I can totally relate to that sentiment and might be guilty of saying the same thing from time to time. :-) Unfortunately, Diane has had a very different experience with religion which has left her contemptuous of anything to do with faith while Meghan is quietly questioning thanks to the gentle but direct encouragement of a friend. Loved the insights that come from the realistic mix of characters at different stages of their faith journey.
A page-turning family drama with the hint of romance and plenty of mystery.
I adored Hazel. Closing in on eighty, we get the benefit of her memories first so it's easy to see how the disappearance of her sister shaped the rest of her life. But since she's buried that secret for decades, her daughter and granddaughter don't have the same insight the reader does and that makes family dynamics complicated. Especially between Hazel and her daughter.
True confession: Diane irked me from the very start. My least favourite character, I was bordering on hostile for most of the read. But Sawyer does an exceptional job of weaving a tale of grace and forgiveness and the patience it takes to live both truthfully so that was a huge takeaway lesson for me. :-)
Meghan is easy to love. She's has a unique relationship with her grandmother and it's that bond that catapults these three women onto a journey of discovery and healing.
One of my favourite quotes from the book is courtesy of Hazel -- a woman of faith paired with a wry sense of humour. "God, not to be irreverent, but sometimes I wonder if You listen to me at all." (p. 52) I can totally relate to that sentiment and might be guilty of saying the same thing from time to time. :-) Unfortunately, Diane has had a very different experience with religion which has left her contemptuous of anything to do with faith while Meghan is quietly questioning thanks to the gentle but direct encouragement of a friend. Loved the insights that come from the realistic mix of characters at different stages of their faith journey.
A page-turning family drama with the hint of romance and plenty of mystery.
October 3, 2021
A very compelling story with three generations of family trying to reconcile after years of broken relationships and resentments while trying to solve a decades old mystery. I enjoyed this read. It was full of twists and turns and a great ending.
September 11, 2017
Bringing Maggie Home was a very good read. It was sad and happy, suspenseful and humorous. It is a story of how childhood wounds can scar long into adulthood and affect generations to come. It is also a story of the power of forgiveness and the hope of redemption. It reminds us of the need for grace with each other, but most of all from God.
I really enjoyed each of the four main characters in this book: 80 year old Hazel, her daughter Diane, Diane's daughter Meghan, and Meghan's detective partner Sean. Different sections of each chapter are told through the eyes of one these characters, which I love. It's so interesting to see the events of the book unfold with the various perspectives of these characters.
The book is part mystery, part love story, and contains some interesting twists and turns. I'm sure anyone who enjoys a well-written contemporary Christian fiction book will love it! I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed each of the four main characters in this book: 80 year old Hazel, her daughter Diane, Diane's daughter Meghan, and Meghan's detective partner Sean. Different sections of each chapter are told through the eyes of one these characters, which I love. It's so interesting to see the events of the book unfold with the various perspectives of these characters.
The book is part mystery, part love story, and contains some interesting twists and turns. I'm sure anyone who enjoys a well-written contemporary Christian fiction book will love it! I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
February 5, 2024
I have to admit that I put off reading this book for a while, because it seemed like such a sad topic. I’m so glad I picked it up again, because although there was some sadness, I also found myself angry, a bit frightened, worried, but ultimately rejoicing! That, I believe is the mark of a good story— the writers ability to make the reader “feel.”
After a berry-picking errand with her sister, precious little girl is lost to her family and presumed dead. 70 years later, the sister has never forgotten nor has she talked about it until a visit with her daughter, and a granddaughter (a cold case detective recovering from an auto accident). All of these women have to work through their own strained (a nice word for it) relationships with each other to find Maggie. This is a story of loss and guilt, but also restoration and redemption and is definitely worth the read.
After a berry-picking errand with her sister, precious little girl is lost to her family and presumed dead. 70 years later, the sister has never forgotten nor has she talked about it until a visit with her daughter, and a granddaughter (a cold case detective recovering from an auto accident). All of these women have to work through their own strained (a nice word for it) relationships with each other to find Maggie. This is a story of loss and guilt, but also restoration and redemption and is definitely worth the read.
July 1, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
Of course, picking it up, I thought I'd enjoy it, but I figured the story would really focus on the investigation. Actually, it didn't! Obviously, Maggie's disappearance plays a big part in the story, but the book revolves mostly around the daughter, mother and grandmother relationship.
I really appreciated the charactes' growth throughout the story. I really felt pulled into their family and loved getting to know each one a little better with each chapter.
I highly recommend this book and am now looking forward to dive into the sequel (which has only just come out)!
Of course, picking it up, I thought I'd enjoy it, but I figured the story would really focus on the investigation. Actually, it didn't! Obviously, Maggie's disappearance plays a big part in the story, but the book revolves mostly around the daughter, mother and grandmother relationship.
I really appreciated the charactes' growth throughout the story. I really felt pulled into their family and loved getting to know each one a little better with each chapter.
I highly recommend this book and am now looking forward to dive into the sequel (which has only just come out)!
January 26, 2025
Not my favorite by this author. It had a good ending, but I didn’t like the antagonistic way that Diane interacted with her mother. It made her seem like a whiny teen instead of a woman in her 40s-50s. She was just a snot for most of the book and while I understood why she was the way she was, it did ruin my reading experience a bit. This book was a bit different for this author in that there was a slight mystery element which was resolved pretty quickly and easily (especially considering how cold the case was) but I still liked seeing the pieces come together.
June 9, 2018
A present day story about three generations of women (Grandma, mom, and granddaughter/daughter) interacting and learning why each of them acts certain ways. The story behind each of their behaviors and reactions in certain circumstances becomes clear and helps each of them understand and accept each other.
It had a great little mystery to keep the story alive and interesting!
It had a great little mystery to keep the story alive and interesting!
September 20, 2017
“ It only takes one generation of neglecting God to turn a faithful family into a faithless one.” - Bringing Maggie Home - Kim Vogel Sawyer
Losing a child is probably one of the hardest things to deal with in life. For the parents, it seem unbelievable and impossible to try to move forward, but for one little girl, Hazel Mae, she would carry the burden of how she destroyed her family for seventy years and it would create ripples that would affect every relationship after that one. When her mom told her to take her 3 year old sister, Maggie with her to pick blackberries for a pie she was making for her daddy's birthday, she never imagined what would happen. When she went to scare off a snake that was ready to kill a family of baby bunnies for a moment, when she turned back around Maggie went missing. Even after all the searching only a handful of clues remained. A ribbon that was in her hair that day caught high in the branch of a tree, the birthday doll she received left right when Hazel had left her, and a shoe near a creek.
Some believed that Maggie fell into a rapidly moving creek that day. Others said a band of gypsies had taken her as they were run out of town. But Hazel believed that none of those answered the questions she held locked away in her heart. Now with her daughter Margaret Diane and her granddaughter Meghan, three generations of women will uncover the secrets that Hazel has been holding onto and perhaps find resolution as they work together to discover what happened to Maggie that fateful day, but also answering years of questions for both Margaret Diane and Meghan how her actions over the years are laid bare for them to see the many why's they couldn't understand until the pieces begin to fit together.
I received Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers and Litfuse Publicity. I really enjoyed this novel as readers get to understand how the actions of one person can have a life long affect on those that come after them. This is more than a family torn apart by the years but also leads to discovery, hope and reconciliation as they work together in hopes of finding the answers that will do more than heal them of their past hurts. A reader's discussion guide is found at the conclusion of this book that would be great for book clubs to enjoy. The novel toggles not only from past to present, but also between the different perspectives of the three women as they slowly unravel the past and work their way to a future none of them were looking for. Part mystery, part suspense, part historical, you won't want to put this one down until you too find the answers of what happened to Maggie that fateful day. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
Losing a child is probably one of the hardest things to deal with in life. For the parents, it seem unbelievable and impossible to try to move forward, but for one little girl, Hazel Mae, she would carry the burden of how she destroyed her family for seventy years and it would create ripples that would affect every relationship after that one. When her mom told her to take her 3 year old sister, Maggie with her to pick blackberries for a pie she was making for her daddy's birthday, she never imagined what would happen. When she went to scare off a snake that was ready to kill a family of baby bunnies for a moment, when she turned back around Maggie went missing. Even after all the searching only a handful of clues remained. A ribbon that was in her hair that day caught high in the branch of a tree, the birthday doll she received left right when Hazel had left her, and a shoe near a creek.
Some believed that Maggie fell into a rapidly moving creek that day. Others said a band of gypsies had taken her as they were run out of town. But Hazel believed that none of those answered the questions she held locked away in her heart. Now with her daughter Margaret Diane and her granddaughter Meghan, three generations of women will uncover the secrets that Hazel has been holding onto and perhaps find resolution as they work together to discover what happened to Maggie that fateful day, but also answering years of questions for both Margaret Diane and Meghan how her actions over the years are laid bare for them to see the many why's they couldn't understand until the pieces begin to fit together.
I received Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers and Litfuse Publicity. I really enjoyed this novel as readers get to understand how the actions of one person can have a life long affect on those that come after them. This is more than a family torn apart by the years but also leads to discovery, hope and reconciliation as they work together in hopes of finding the answers that will do more than heal them of their past hurts. A reader's discussion guide is found at the conclusion of this book that would be great for book clubs to enjoy. The novel toggles not only from past to present, but also between the different perspectives of the three women as they slowly unravel the past and work their way to a future none of them were looking for. Part mystery, part suspense, part historical, you won't want to put this one down until you too find the answers of what happened to Maggie that fateful day. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
October 25, 2017
It is a wonderful, wonderful thing to read a book as powerfully written as this one. I have read Kim Vogel Sawyer's books for years and thought I had a favorite. I was wrong. THIS one if my favorite.
Decades of loss, an unsolved mystery and a rift spanning three generations. Hazel DeFord is 80 years old, with one daughter who apparently has no love for her at all anymore, and one granddaughter whom she rarely sees. Hazel was blackberry picking with her 3 year old sister Maggie in 1943 when Maggie vanished. That one event has colored many lives and caused much heartache. Hazel overprotected her daughter Diane, who felt trapped all her life by her mother's possessiveness. Then in turn, Diane allowed her daughter Meghan too much freedom.
A traffic accident injures Meghan and she decides to recuperate at her grandmother Hazel's home in Nevada. She arrives, only to find her mother there. She believes it's only because her mother hates for her to spend time with her grandmother. Meghan will have to act as a buffer between the two women who are headstrong and contentious. It will not be a peaceful recovery. A week into her recovery, Meghan and her mother discover a huge secret Hazel has been keeping that has governed her entire life. Meghan is a cold case detective and she determines that she will solve this family mystery.
This is a powerful story of three women whose lives have been changed and damaged by secrets. The story is told from all three of their viewpoints and goes back and forth between 1943 and the present. Sawyer handles this with great finesse. Her characters have been created with great depth and their hurts and joys creep into the reader's heart. All three of these women have been affected deeply by Hazel's losing her sister Maggie 70 years ago.
God's perfect timing is one theme running through this story. All of us want our prayers answered as soon as the last word leaves our mouths, but sometimes, in fact, most of the time, that is not how God works in our behalf. But He does promise to work things out for our good.
This story is so deep and rich and completely unforgettable. It will sit proudly on my book shelf for many years to come, destined to be read again. Sawyer weaves the lives of these three women like the threads of a fine tapestry. I wept through most of the last of the book! I thoroughly loved this book!!
Decades of loss, an unsolved mystery and a rift spanning three generations. Hazel DeFord is 80 years old, with one daughter who apparently has no love for her at all anymore, and one granddaughter whom she rarely sees. Hazel was blackberry picking with her 3 year old sister Maggie in 1943 when Maggie vanished. That one event has colored many lives and caused much heartache. Hazel overprotected her daughter Diane, who felt trapped all her life by her mother's possessiveness. Then in turn, Diane allowed her daughter Meghan too much freedom.
A traffic accident injures Meghan and she decides to recuperate at her grandmother Hazel's home in Nevada. She arrives, only to find her mother there. She believes it's only because her mother hates for her to spend time with her grandmother. Meghan will have to act as a buffer between the two women who are headstrong and contentious. It will not be a peaceful recovery. A week into her recovery, Meghan and her mother discover a huge secret Hazel has been keeping that has governed her entire life. Meghan is a cold case detective and she determines that she will solve this family mystery.
This is a powerful story of three women whose lives have been changed and damaged by secrets. The story is told from all three of their viewpoints and goes back and forth between 1943 and the present. Sawyer handles this with great finesse. Her characters have been created with great depth and their hurts and joys creep into the reader's heart. All three of these women have been affected deeply by Hazel's losing her sister Maggie 70 years ago.
God's perfect timing is one theme running through this story. All of us want our prayers answered as soon as the last word leaves our mouths, but sometimes, in fact, most of the time, that is not how God works in our behalf. But He does promise to work things out for our good.
This story is so deep and rich and completely unforgettable. It will sit proudly on my book shelf for many years to come, destined to be read again. Sawyer weaves the lives of these three women like the threads of a fine tapestry. I wept through most of the last of the book! I thoroughly loved this book!!
October 3, 2017
Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a delightful Christian novel about the power of love and loss. It moves backwards and forwards seventy years from 1943. It is a read that really impacted me and my emotions. The reader 'sees' life through the eyes of three generations, at various stages throughout their lives.
The novel shows how a loss has the power to affect a family throughout the years, as the events ripples outwards. The pain that a small girl experiences then dictates how she runs her life and has a knock on effect for the generations to follow.
Alternative ways of parenting are revealed in the novel as each generation is determined to parent better than the one before.
God is over the whole novel. He is the perfect parent and yet His children wander from Him. "It took only one generation of neglecting God to turn a faithful family into a faithless one." God never abandons us but waits and longs for our return.
There is power in prayer. "God doesn't sleep. He's listening." God is available twenty four hours a day. He is always just a prayer away. God always answers but in His way and His timing. "God... I sometimes wonder if you listen to me at all."
It is important to know our ultimate destination. If we know God and we know we are going to heaven then we know that death is not the end. It is a temporary parting, however painful.
There are the themes of guilt and forgiveness. Sometimes we sail through life and then our guilt catches up with us. As we draw ever closer to God, so He will open our eyes to our wrong doings. We need to both give and receive forgiveness. Holding a grudge will destroy us. Forgiveness is freeing.
Memories are powerful. They have the ability to either haunt our sleep or bring us sweet dreams.
Objects have the power to send us back to a moment in time.
Bringing Maggie Home was an emotional read. The characters were all uniquely drawn but lodged in my heart. A wonderful plotline had me hooked from the start. A mystery to be solved had my heart racing. A love that both bound together and split the generations apart but a love that remained long after the novel had ended.
A perfectly delightful read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The novel shows how a loss has the power to affect a family throughout the years, as the events ripples outwards. The pain that a small girl experiences then dictates how she runs her life and has a knock on effect for the generations to follow.
Alternative ways of parenting are revealed in the novel as each generation is determined to parent better than the one before.
God is over the whole novel. He is the perfect parent and yet His children wander from Him. "It took only one generation of neglecting God to turn a faithful family into a faithless one." God never abandons us but waits and longs for our return.
There is power in prayer. "God doesn't sleep. He's listening." God is available twenty four hours a day. He is always just a prayer away. God always answers but in His way and His timing. "God... I sometimes wonder if you listen to me at all."
It is important to know our ultimate destination. If we know God and we know we are going to heaven then we know that death is not the end. It is a temporary parting, however painful.
There are the themes of guilt and forgiveness. Sometimes we sail through life and then our guilt catches up with us. As we draw ever closer to God, so He will open our eyes to our wrong doings. We need to both give and receive forgiveness. Holding a grudge will destroy us. Forgiveness is freeing.
Memories are powerful. They have the ability to either haunt our sleep or bring us sweet dreams.
Objects have the power to send us back to a moment in time.
Bringing Maggie Home was an emotional read. The characters were all uniquely drawn but lodged in my heart. A wonderful plotline had me hooked from the start. A mystery to be solved had my heart racing. A love that both bound together and split the generations apart but a love that remained long after the novel had ended.
A perfectly delightful read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
October 13, 2017
Bringing Maggie Home was a heart wrenching read that shows how one horrid act can devastate a family and generations later. Starting off with every parent’s worst nightmare ten year old Hazel and her 3 year old sister go out blackberry picking. An innocent enough afternoon turns into a nightmare when little Maggie goes missing. For seventy years Hazel has not spoken of her sister.
There was so much emotion in this story. We have three generations of women: Hazel, now turning 80, her daughter Diane, and granddaughter Meghan. All three of these women are strong and stubborn and hold on to certain skewed viewpoints from their childhoods. Diane felt her mother Hazel was too overprotective where Meghan felt that her mother, Diane, did not love her enough nor was as affectionate like her grandmother. Hazel just wanted to protect Diane and not lose her as her sister was lost. And Diane wanted Meghan to stand on her own and not be smothered as she felt she was.
Even though this story touched on a very sad and scary topic, devastating people’s lives, I cannot express enough how much this story affected me to love a little more and let go of things that do not matter. Hug my family a little tighter and thank God for them every day, many times a day. More than anything this book just showed me how all our perceptions right or wrong can affect those we love the most. That forgiveness is best and guilt and shame can ruin and cause death.
In regards to Maggie’s disappearance, Meghan just happens to be a cold case detective so this book takes us on the trail with Meghan and her partner Sean as they pick up this cold case and search for what really happened that day and where did Maggie go. I needed to know along with the characters. All in all this was a satisfying read.
I received a copy of this novel for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
There was so much emotion in this story. We have three generations of women: Hazel, now turning 80, her daughter Diane, and granddaughter Meghan. All three of these women are strong and stubborn and hold on to certain skewed viewpoints from their childhoods. Diane felt her mother Hazel was too overprotective where Meghan felt that her mother, Diane, did not love her enough nor was as affectionate like her grandmother. Hazel just wanted to protect Diane and not lose her as her sister was lost. And Diane wanted Meghan to stand on her own and not be smothered as she felt she was.
Even though this story touched on a very sad and scary topic, devastating people’s lives, I cannot express enough how much this story affected me to love a little more and let go of things that do not matter. Hug my family a little tighter and thank God for them every day, many times a day. More than anything this book just showed me how all our perceptions right or wrong can affect those we love the most. That forgiveness is best and guilt and shame can ruin and cause death.
In regards to Maggie’s disappearance, Meghan just happens to be a cold case detective so this book takes us on the trail with Meghan and her partner Sean as they pick up this cold case and search for what really happened that day and where did Maggie go. I needed to know along with the characters. All in all this was a satisfying read.
I received a copy of this novel for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
October 19, 2017
Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/2gSc5qu
Bringing Maggie Home is a creative masterpiece. Captivating, poignant, riveting, suspenseful, spiritual … I could keep going, but all the adjectives I might come up with barely scratch the surface of what you’ll find within these pages. There’s a complexity in this character-driven, multi-layered story. I don’t cry easily, but experienced several tearful moments while reading – joyful tears for the most part.
Maggie is actually a minor character, yet her presence is felt on every page as a 70-year-old secret casts its shadow over three generations of women. Flashbacks to 1943 and the ensuing years are skillfully woven throughout, providing insight and understanding. The relationship between Hazel and granddaughter Meghan is precious, but it’s the dysfunctional mother/daughter relationship of Hazel and Diane that drives the story emotionally.
Best of all is that readers will see Jesus in this story as Sawyer’s characters exhibit faith in action – not a perfect faith, but a realistic one that struggles as it grows. Romance is secondary, but I loved the chemistry and bond of friendship between Meghan and her cold-case partner, Sean. So many elements turned my emotions every which way – the heartbreak of loss, misunderstood motives, sharing of faith, redemptive scenes, and the joy of coming home. I found these words of Sean to Meghan such a moving reminder of all that Jesus is to us …
“While I’m here on earth, I have a constant companion so I’m never alone. When I’m not sure what to do, He’s my guide. When I’m weak, He strengthens me. When I’m frustrated, He calms me. I can’t imagine living without Him, and I can’t imagine eternity separated from Him.”
Bringing Maggie Home is an uplifting story that lives on in my heart. “Best of the best” for me. Highly recommended.
I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Bringing Maggie Home is a creative masterpiece. Captivating, poignant, riveting, suspenseful, spiritual … I could keep going, but all the adjectives I might come up with barely scratch the surface of what you’ll find within these pages. There’s a complexity in this character-driven, multi-layered story. I don’t cry easily, but experienced several tearful moments while reading – joyful tears for the most part.
Maggie is actually a minor character, yet her presence is felt on every page as a 70-year-old secret casts its shadow over three generations of women. Flashbacks to 1943 and the ensuing years are skillfully woven throughout, providing insight and understanding. The relationship between Hazel and granddaughter Meghan is precious, but it’s the dysfunctional mother/daughter relationship of Hazel and Diane that drives the story emotionally.
Best of all is that readers will see Jesus in this story as Sawyer’s characters exhibit faith in action – not a perfect faith, but a realistic one that struggles as it grows. Romance is secondary, but I loved the chemistry and bond of friendship between Meghan and her cold-case partner, Sean. So many elements turned my emotions every which way – the heartbreak of loss, misunderstood motives, sharing of faith, redemptive scenes, and the joy of coming home. I found these words of Sean to Meghan such a moving reminder of all that Jesus is to us …
“While I’m here on earth, I have a constant companion so I’m never alone. When I’m not sure what to do, He’s my guide. When I’m weak, He strengthens me. When I’m frustrated, He calms me. I can’t imagine living without Him, and I can’t imagine eternity separated from Him.”
Bringing Maggie Home is an uplifting story that lives on in my heart. “Best of the best” for me. Highly recommended.
I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
September 9, 2017
Friday, September 8, 2017
Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer, © 2017
My Review:
This story is different from previous writings by this author. It centers around an event kept hidden from earlier times in 1943 Arkansas, still affecting responses in a family now in the present contemporary time. When an unsolved mystery is revealed, hope arises of resolving family conflict spreading throughout the pages to mend their relationship. I forge forward in their journey, hoping this will be so! Nothing sadder than to lose those closest to you ~ a gifting actually to cherish.
Meddling did not seem to fit in, as three generations are unable to form an alliance between themselves without taking two sides against one. The daughter has been feeling the granddaughter got more attention from the mother than she herself had received while growing up. In fact such a dismal comparison, she thought she saw why she was so determined to leave home earlier than planned by either of them. The past not reckoned with, dissolved any hope for a relationship beyond what had been experienced previously....
Meghan DeFord looked so forward to spending time in Nevada with her beloved grandmother, Hazel Blackwell DeFord. Many happy memories of earlier stays seemed just what was needed to rest and heal physically from traffic accident injuries. Surprisingly, her emotionally absent mother, Diane DeFord, appears out of nowhere it seemed, encouraging plans to stay a spell as she brings not one but four dogs with her. Meghan quickly finds a referee is needed as one or the other seems to find barbs to spread into conversations. Reverting to past actions, the whirlwind seems to shatter a welcomed relief Meghan had envisioned.
I am reminded of a quote by Elisabeth Elliot Gren that certainly applied to this scenario:
"Then I heard a tape which said it was a lie of the enemy to believe that some event that had happened would prevent something else from ever happening. As if a mistake you or someone else made would forever prevent God's will for your life."
--Quest for Love, 240
As I read on, I see an inkling of an exposure of light and truth seeping in from those around them. Darkness cannot remain when exposed to God's love infiltrating a cycle of negative repetition; habits that have enfolded hearts unable to see a way of escape. Slow changes begin, as the sadness and despondency of the past are unveiled. Secrets revealed and talked about, help them to see the possibility of the past not dominating the future and present of their lives.
This is a strong story of hope speaking into their lives as they begin to hear and dislodge the hold of the past. The characters reflect on their individual memories as growing trust and confidence surface.
***Thank you, author Kim Vogel Sawyer, and WaterBrook for sending a print pre-copy to me. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer, © 2017
My Review:
This story is different from previous writings by this author. It centers around an event kept hidden from earlier times in 1943 Arkansas, still affecting responses in a family now in the present contemporary time. When an unsolved mystery is revealed, hope arises of resolving family conflict spreading throughout the pages to mend their relationship. I forge forward in their journey, hoping this will be so! Nothing sadder than to lose those closest to you ~ a gifting actually to cherish.
Meddling did not seem to fit in, as three generations are unable to form an alliance between themselves without taking two sides against one. The daughter has been feeling the granddaughter got more attention from the mother than she herself had received while growing up. In fact such a dismal comparison, she thought she saw why she was so determined to leave home earlier than planned by either of them. The past not reckoned with, dissolved any hope for a relationship beyond what had been experienced previously....
Meghan DeFord looked so forward to spending time in Nevada with her beloved grandmother, Hazel Blackwell DeFord. Many happy memories of earlier stays seemed just what was needed to rest and heal physically from traffic accident injuries. Surprisingly, her emotionally absent mother, Diane DeFord, appears out of nowhere it seemed, encouraging plans to stay a spell as she brings not one but four dogs with her. Meghan quickly finds a referee is needed as one or the other seems to find barbs to spread into conversations. Reverting to past actions, the whirlwind seems to shatter a welcomed relief Meghan had envisioned.
I am reminded of a quote by Elisabeth Elliot Gren that certainly applied to this scenario:
"Then I heard a tape which said it was a lie of the enemy to believe that some event that had happened would prevent something else from ever happening. As if a mistake you or someone else made would forever prevent God's will for your life."
--Quest for Love, 240
As I read on, I see an inkling of an exposure of light and truth seeping in from those around them. Darkness cannot remain when exposed to God's love infiltrating a cycle of negative repetition; habits that have enfolded hearts unable to see a way of escape. Slow changes begin, as the sadness and despondency of the past are unveiled. Secrets revealed and talked about, help them to see the possibility of the past not dominating the future and present of their lives.
This is a strong story of hope speaking into their lives as they begin to hear and dislodge the hold of the past. The characters reflect on their individual memories as growing trust and confidence surface.
***Thank you, author Kim Vogel Sawyer, and WaterBrook for sending a print pre-copy to me. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
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