Voorjaarsbloesem

by Kim Vogel Sawyer, Bep Fontijn (Translator)

Amy Knackstedt verhuist met haar kinderen naar Kansas om te ontsnappen aan de speculaties rondom de voortijdige dood van haar man. Ze hoopt op een nieuw begin. Maar haar buurman, Tim Roper, vindt het niet fijn dat de mennonitische familie naast zijn appelboomgaard komt wonen. Hij heeft zijn geloof jaren geleden achter zich gelaten en wil er niet meer aan herinnerd worden. Maar als de paden van Amy en Tim elkaar kruisen, gebeurt er iets wat ze geen van beiden konden voorzien.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Amish, Amish Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Audiobook

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2012

About the author

Award-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.

Reviews

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where Hope Blossoms by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Genre: Mennonite, Christian Fiction
Characters:
Amy Knackstedt: Widow, just moved to Waverly, Kansas
Adriana, Parker, Bekah: Amy's children
Tim Roper: Amy's bitter widower neighbor

Sweet story of a Mennonite widow who received insurance money after her husband died, relocating her family to a new town to get away from memories and gossip over how her husband died. As she organizes the new farm house her children explore, coming across a very angry neighbor, Tim Roper, who caught the children "picking flowers for mommy" off of his apple trees.

In town they heard men teasing him about being an ex-Mennonite, and their curiosity is peaked. They also learn he had been married and had a child who were both killed.

Amy has a lot to deal with, and alone. Her teenage daughter, Bekah, seems unhappy and never has a smile anymore. Her son is slow and is teased, while the littlest is rambunctious, always hungry and doesn't know a stranger.

Tim's anger with God over his lot in life makes him resent his new neighbors. But little by little the children grow on him and it's clear there's a softening in his heart.

Very clean book and I saw nothing specifically in error with faith issues brought up. I love the fact that God is honored in Amy's home and she's constantly praying for His will and her acceptance of His will, whatever it may be.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful story with old-world vibes as a Mennonite widow and her children move in next door to the former-Mennonite widower farmer. It’s a slower-paced book and the romance is more back-burner, so it would be suitable for all ages. I loved the vibrancy of her children’s characters as well!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Hope Blossoms is a book that, while a slower-paced story, completely held my attention and I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm not typically a huge Amish fiction reader, but I'm so glad that I read this one.

I loved the characters and found the setting and storyline delightful. I like how Mr. Roper grew throughout the book - he was definitely my favorite character.

All in all, a great read and I recommend When Hope Blossoms to fans of the genre. It's a good one. :)

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I adored this book so much. It’s definitely a new favorite. One of Mrs. Sawyer’s best, for sure.

This story had a little bit of everything wrapped up in sweetness and charm. From apple orchards and rambunctious kiddos to droughts and tornados, there were plenty of plot points and adorable things and lots of tension of a few different kinds that kept me intrigued from beginning to end. It was, perhaps, the inclusion of a special needs child and the people who loved and cared for him that made this book extra wonderful.

The romance was mature and sweet. I really liked that it featured a widow and widower. That’s rarer in Christian fiction, which is often saturated with young adults or older teens falling in love. Don’t get me wrong. I adore those stories too. But it’s nice to see stories for the ones of us who are beyond our young adult years. Love doesn’t expire, y’all, and it’s refreshing to see that reflected in such a beautiful story.

I’ll be revisiting this book soon. It’s soooooooo good!

[R.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

*sighs with happiness, love, and everything mixed together*

Why did this have to be so good? I wanted it to go on and on and on! Everything about it just made me happy (as did all of Mrs. Sawyer's books I've read have done)!

The characters … <3 It would be a lie if I said I didn't like them all! Amy, Bekah, Parker, Adrianna, and Tim. They're just all so sweet and wonderful and …. I just love them! I love their relationships for each other.

-I liked how Bekah struggled with not wanting to be a Mennonite and gets it sorted in the end! She was really sweet! That part when the tornado comes was the best!
-Parker. <3 He was soooo sweet!
-Adrianna made me laugh! I loved her point blank questions and how she attached herself onto Tim (well, all the kids did!)
-Amy was a great mom! I don't know much else to say about her... she's great for Tim! ;)
-Tim! His emotions were so real and I could really feel them. I loved his character and personality and how he hung out with the kids!

The storyline was kind of cliché, but I loved it anyway!

The best thing about Kim Vogel Sawyer's books is the content! It's fabulous and it just makes me happy! The Spiritual content is very strong which I love!
(Note: There's one kiss at the end)

I recommend this to anyone! It's squeaky clean and whimsically fun! :D

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story of a Mennonite widow and her three children, one with special needs, who move to a new town after the death of her husband. Her neighbor ends up being a gruff ex-Mennonite, who runs an apple orchard, and is none too pleased to have a Mennonite family move in next door, especially one with young children who aren't phased by his gruffness.

Definitely clean and faith based, it's a story about grief, letting go, and moving forward. I really loved how much of a part all three of the children played in this story.

Last note-the audio narration was fantastic. If you like audio books, this is one I'd suggest listening to on audio.

[Demi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Should I have been reading this book? Probs not. But I picked it up at the local library in a book sale and knew that I had to try. It isn't my usual cup of tea but it was not horrible. It did not go so much into religion that I felt like I was being preached at. It was just a nice story that gave you cozy vibes and it was honestly just a distraction for everything else that was going on.

[Lynne Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kim Vogel Sawyer! She writes beautiful, faith filled stories that grab your heart and renew your faith. And this book is no exception.

I can honestly say I read this book in one day. I just couldn't wait to see how it all came out. Here you have a woman, Amy Knackstedt, a widow with 3 young children, who moves from her Mennonite community to start a new life amid questions regarding her husbands death. Was it an accident? Her children are adorable and will grab your heart. Bekah, the oldest, wants so much to be grown up and has conflicting feeling about her Mennonite upbringing, Parker, the 11 year old with disabilities stemming from an accident who just wants to be loved and accepted for who he is, and my favorite, Adrianna, affectionately known as "Adri". What a precocious 5 year old she is! You can't help but love her.

Enter into that the neighbor Tim Roper, who owns an orchard and has a thing about Mennonites. Being ex-Mennonite he wants nothing to do with them. He has demons of his own, having lost his wife and son in a tragic accident. Will the Knackstedt children soften his heart? Will Amy and her children bring up long ago buried feelings and emotions? Well, I guess you will have to read the book to find out!

This book is very easy to read and is what I call a light book. I loved this book for the way it makes the reader feel. I didn't feel stressed or burdened by this book. The whole way through it was a very positive read and I enjoyed it immensely. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a book that is not heavy on drama or anger but on forgiveness and redemption.

Well done Ms. Sawyer! I can't wait for the next book!

[Janie R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been awhile since I have read a book by Kim Vogel Sawyer, that I had forgotten how much I enjoy her writing! I had a hard time putting this book down! This story is about a Mennonite family struggling to survive after the loss of a family member. There is also another character in the story who is an ex-Mennonite, and his surmounting grieve over a loss has completely changed his life. Is there hope for him, in his faith,in loving others, in moving on and and feeling happy?
This story gives one a heartwarming and cozy feeling, where love and faith, family and friends, are so powerful to have the ability to transform a person, to the kind of being that person is supposed to be!
I highly recommend this book, thank you, Kim Vogel Sawyer, for a beautiful story!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light read that I enjoyed very much. Amy Knackstedt is a widow with 3 children, she leaves her community to begin a new life in Kansas after the death of her husband which was suspicious, unsure of whether is was an accident or suicide. Widower Tim Roper is a neighbor and wants nothing to do with them Amy and her children.

Amy's irresistable children befriend Tim and his heart softens. Loved the storyline, the characters, and the setting. A wonderful book!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Couldn't put it down! The writing was clean and expressed many similar Christian beliefs to my own religious values. The story was sweet and emotional and the characters were believable and sentimental. One of my new favourites. The title definitely suits it.

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and all the characters. The children were well developed characters
Love, faithfulness , the growth of the characters were really good .

[Victoria (TheMennomilistReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very close to giving up on this book even by 200 pages in. I think I was expecting more of a build up of a growing fondness between Tim and Amy, but it took a REALLY long time. However, as I continued on in reading this, I ended up breezing through the rest of the book within an hour. I cried and cried while reading the last two chapters that I couldn't even see what I was reading most of the time and had to keep wiping my eyes. It is has been some time since I cried like that while reading a book. This book was very well written, I just wish that it had more romantic notions in it.

Here's what the story is about:
Amy has moved to a new town. She is an Old Order Mennonite widow with three children. Her husband died a few years earlier. Her neighbor, Tim, is a former Old Order Mennonite who is not too happy about the neighbors he now has. The children keep coming into his life and their family as a whole reminds him of the family he lost and his father he rebelled against. If I tell you anything more, it would ruin this story.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, sweet, SWEET! Brilliantly crafted, Sawyer delivers a story that brings hope from despair — a theme that aptly matches the title. Amazingly tight plotting blends three life experiences into one incredibly moving conclusion. Sawyer is a gifted storyteller.

Told from three POVs — Amy’s, Tim’s and Beckah’s (Amy’s 13-year-old daughter) — their diverse take on life and circumstances propel the story along at the perfect pace. I’m still marveling at how various story strands meshed together, building to one of the best feel-good endings I’ve ever read. Just LOVED this book so much.

And yes it is a Mennonite story — but it’s so much more as well with themes that will attract and satisfy even non-Amish/non-Mennonite fans. Themes like searching for a fresh start, finding ones faith, staying true to that faith no matter what, coping with grief, and learning to accept help from others in times of need. When Hope Blossoms is a wonderful celebration of the hope Christ can bring into every life.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/08/21/w...

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well written Mennonite romance novel with good character development. I enjoyed Amy's 3 kids in particular; it can be difficult to make children sound like children, so I have noticed that oftentimes authors will rarely bring them into the forefront even with Amish and Mennonite novels where large families are the norm, and it can get kind of funny to me when say 7 children will be given names in the main family in the book and then they rarely say a word in the whole book. But all that to say that Sawyer did a great job of bringing the kids into the spotlight, and they were obviously kids, mistakes and all. Anyway, I really loved this novel and am glad I grabbed it off the shelf at the library.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Hope Blossoms was a deeply heartfelt story. There are so many angles of heartbreak and heartache. The characters have a lot to work through. However, the example of steady faith shown through the trials is admirable. There are a lot of intense moments in the book, and the ending scene with the storm was extremely enthralling. Because all of these emotional struggles are so intense throughout the book, the ending when resolution comes about is that much more powerful. The ending, especially the part with Tim's parents, had me crying and my heart soaring with joy. The depth of emotion portrayed was excellent, taking an otherwise average tale to new heights.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy and her family are Mennonites. Amy's husband falls to his death from a grain elevator. The neighbors wonder if it is guilt or if it is suicide. Because of all this Amy and her three children move to Weaverly, Kansas where no one knows them. As Amy's family begins to heal so does her nearest neighbor, an apple farm grower and ex-Mennonite.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Knackstedt has lost her spouse in an accident. She starts a new life in a different mennonite community. Tim Roper isn't too pleased to have a mennonite neighbor, since he left the mennonites himself. circumstances throw them together.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Such a good storyline. I read part of it and listened to part of it as an audiobook. I thought reading it myself was better, the audiobook narrator read kind of fast and it was easy to get lost.

[Lorraine Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

[Tammy Niederhauser · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Mary K. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. I learned about what being Mennonite means so it was okay.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, but I think there were inaccuracies of the Mennonite faith. They are called "old order" but they are still very much modern. It's not a hinderance to enjoying the story though.

[Tracy Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing was definitely my favorite part not only when Tim reunited with his family but when Beckha made both the album and the Beautiful memory quilt for Tim

[Danielle Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Mennonite book. Loved the story line and development of the story line.

[Marie Buccellato · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry to say this but it was extremely slow & boring!!

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mooi geschreven, goed doordacht.

[Linda Derr]

Beautiful story of love and forgiveness.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational romance.

[Edra Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Hope Blossoms

This is a refreshing book of personal growth in faith and having an open heart. I recommend it and I am so glad I read it.