Blessings

BlessingsTrina wants to be a vet. She is Mennonite and does not have even a high school education. Her dreams threaten to break up her relationship with her boyfriend/future husband, her immediate family, and her fellowship (congregation). Can she convince them that becoming a vet will help the community? Coincidently, I read this after reading Dear to Me by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Both deal with young women who want to be vets. Brunstetter writes of the Amish. Sawyer writes of the Mennonites. Besides that point, the books are completely different, especially the endings. If you have read one, go ahead and read the other. I have read all of Sawyer's other books: Blessings, Bygones, and Beginnings. This is by far her best. I used to think of her as second to Brunstetter, the obvious benchmark in this niche. Sawyer has come into her own place. All of her books stand alone, but go buy them all. Sawyer is an author to watch!

This trilogy was a delightful read. I read all three books in a couple of days. I didn't want to put them down as Ms. Sawyer writes beautifully and holds the readers interest 'in captivity'. I recommend this trilogy to anyone who enjoys reading about the Mennonites or the Amish. Their culture is fascinating. Kim Vogel Sawyer is a very talented author.

Sawyer is a terrific writer and has a way of drawing you into the story so that you feel as if you know the characters. The book has a strong spiritual message regarding the importance of prayer. I've enjoyed this series and hope this book wasn't the end. I want to know what happens later, so I am hoping there is another book. Blessings was a pleasure to read.

In the third book of her Sommerfield Trilogy, Blessings, Kim Sawyer again draws us into the life and times of the people in this town. Trina has a dream of being a veterinarian, but it goes against everything her family and the Mennonite culture believes. Still, she plans toward fulfilling her goal. Every where she turns, obstacles block her path, but her love for Graham Ortmann gives her hope. Even though he doesn't at first approve of her ambitions, his love causes him to support her dreams. When all odds seem against her going to college, Trina finds help from her friend Beth. As people and events around Trina grow and change, Trina begins to believe her dream may come true. Her faith is tested through many trials and objections, but it takes a near tragedy for her heart to know the truth and what to do about the future. A great story of love and friendships, Blessings will bless your heart with its gentle story of hope

BLESSINGS, by Kim Vogel Sawyer Reviewed by Marion Kelley Bullock Trina Muller works in her mother's cafe in Sommerfeld. Outwardly cheerful, she harbors a secret desire to attend college and become a veterinarian. She dreams of taking over Doctor Groening's practice when he retires. But her parents would never approve her career. Trina can't believe God would give her the gift of healing sick and injured animals without allowing her to use it. Graham Ortmann loves Trina, but he's indignant when she shares her plans to attend college. She should be content to be a wife and mother. How could he marry a woman who won't follow the dictates of the Old Order Mennonite fellowship? After Trina begins her studies, a young veterinarian buys Dr. Groening's practice and Trina begins to doubt her calling. Other troubles pile up and Trina fears she'll never be able to achieve her dream. Not only will Trina Muller win your heart, but you'll also be able to reconnect with the other friends we met in Beginnings and Bygones. Kim's third book in the Sommerfeld trilogy is well worth the read.