Fields of Grace

Fields of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer, tells the story of obedient Mennonite wife, Lillian Vogt, who submits to the wishes of her husband, Reinholdt, and travels from her home in the Russian steppes to a remote homestead in 1870's Kansas. Reinholdt's unmarried step-brother, Eli, accompanies them and plays the role of uncle to their three sons. The difficult ocean passage leads to mind-numbing tragedy. In its aftermath, Lillian works to leave the past behind and create a new life on the wide-open prairie. The struggles toward manhood of Henrick, Lillian's oldest son, threaten her tenuous peace of mind and bring a whiplash of pain. Confronted with her own shortcomings, Lillian must choose what she will bring her family - bitterness or grace. Kim Vogel Sawyer gives her unique writing voice free rein, thus transcending the ordinary in this inspired tale. Rich sensory detail enlivens every scene and transports the reader. The vivid characters and conflicts resound with honesty. Drawn from its author's family history, Fields of Grace offers an intriguing glimpse of a past way of life.

This book was wonderful. I didn't want to put it down and I didn't want it to end. Especially enjoyable was the glimpse it gave into the immigrant experience shared by so many of our ancestors. I got a taste of the history of the German Mennonite colonies in Russia, the life on a ship coming to America and the settling of the plains of Kansas. So much rich heritage is within the pages of this book but the story is so compelling that you do not even realize how much historical information you are receiving until you sit savoring the whole experience at the end of the book. I'm going to be looking for more by this author. And maybe a sequel -- hint hint.

I don't very often say that I just LOVE a book. But this one I did. I will admit it started out a bit slow and I wondered if I would like it. But a couple of chapters in and I was hooked. The Vogt family leaves Russia for America so that their oldest son will avoid the military draft. During the six week boat trip tragedy strikes. Once they arrive in America they head to Kansas to buy some land. There they encounter more tragedy and some triumphs. This is a true love story. One that endures and grows over time. If you love books about Amish, Mennonites, early pioneers or just triumph over tragedy love stories then this book is for you.

I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of faith embarked on by the main characters of Kim Vogel Sawyer's latest work of fiction, Fields of Grace. In this book Reinhardt and Lillian Vogt as well as Reinhardt's brother Eli journey from the steppes of Russia to a new life in America - a decision made so that they won't have to compromise their Mennonite faith. Along the way, tragedy strikes the family and difficult decisions must be made. The faith of the family is solidly interwoven into the fabric of their lives, and when a crisis of faith comes for Lillian, the story remains believable and true to the character created. The characters are realistic - not perfect cookie cutter images of how Christians should be. Although this is a work of fiction I learned a bit more about religious and cultural heritage of a segment of immigrants to the midwest. Although the book has a firm conclusion I hope the author is planning a sequel to this story so that we can learn more of son Henrik's journey into adulthood and whether he will choose to remain true to his religious roots.

Fields of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer is ab-so-lute perfection ! When Reinhardt and Lillian Vogt decide to immigrate to America ,with their three sons and Reinhardt's adopted brother Eli, double tragedy strikes. Lillian and Eli are forced to marry, in order to be able to travel together. Eli is determined to fulfill his promise to take care of Lillian and her sons and see them safely to America. What Eli and Lillian don't expect is the feelings and affection they begin to have for one another, as they start to build their life together in the new world. Lillian begins to feel guilty for the feelings she has for Eli. Eli has never had a real family and is afraid he will eventually lose his new ready-made family. Eli and Lillian's strong faith in the Mennonite faith keeps them going. A wonderful book. My only complaint is that it was so good , I could not put it down, and read it in less than two days. I would love to see a sequel to this to catch up Henrik ,the oldest son to see how he fairs in love in America. Whoever does Kim's art work for her book covers does fantastic work also. Wonderful, and spirtually uplifting novel.