I received a free copy from Random House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Once again, another great novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer. The story was a fantastic lesson in trusting God to send the one your heart loves. We get to see Grace, and Theo, the young man pretending to be her new pastor, grow in faith together. I loved Grace, she never gave up. It is such a beautiful, sweet story rich in faith, with characters we can all relate to. ( )

Well, it’s another delightful historical novel from author Kim Vogel Sawyer, and I quite enjoyed Grace and the Preacher. The story unfolds with heartwarming ease as Grace Cristler hopes for a suitable husband and Theophil Garrison for escape. These characters feel authentic in experience and emotion, and their relationship develops with great romance and an inspiring emphasis on God’s grace.

Fans of historical romance—and of Kim Vogel Sawyer, in particular—definitely look out for Grace and the Preacher when it hits the stores in March. It’s a beautiful and entertaining read, and I recommend it.

Thanks to Blogging for Books, I received a complimentary copy of Grace and the Preacher and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

This author never disappoints me. I love how Grace and Theo get together. It was great getting to know Theo and Grace. Many of these characters learn to trust in God again or for the first time. I laughed and cried throughout this book. This was such a fun read. I received a copy of this book from blogging for books for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

Saturday, March 25, 2017
Grace and the Preacher by Kim Vogel Sawyer, © 2017

The townspeople are certain the young preacher's call to Fairland will fulfill postmistress Grace Cristler's longing of a home and hearth.

Grace's Uncle Philemon is retiring as the long-time minister of Fairland Gospel Church in this small Kansas prairie town in 1882. Grace and Reverend Rufus Dille have been corresponding and become endearing to each other across the miles. The young preacher's arrival is looked toward with anticipation.

Mrs. Kirby has opened her home as a boardinghouse with shelter and warmth of heart. Her Sammy-Cat has become a good inspector of character. He welcomes the new preacher, assuring his placement with confidence.

I loved the background story of each character, seeing their importance in their interaction with each other. Full of surprises, events in life can build or deteriorate the direction of a life. Theo Garrison and his cousin, Earl Boyd, find obstacles in their lives overcome with good when they are welcomely received by others. How we treat others does matter.

A Sunday afternoon picnic refreshes and brings thought and delightful certainty of care and direction. Mrs. Kirby, lovingly referred to as Aunt Bess, sets an example of hospitality and care for others that Grace is watchful of and hopes to become at ease with too. She begins to invite those at the boardinghouse home for meals she prepares. Her Uncle Philemon finds he enjoys the back and forth meal sharing as much as Grace. A new addition to their lives.

I liked the strength of the story and how reading the Bible changed the outlook of the people without external prompting. Putting God first cleared their decision-making for right living, knowing what they were to do. Offenses failed when not responded to in-kind.

This is an excellent story. Happenings caused heart reflection to be sorted out. This is a story for all times. God's grace and redemption; acceptance and love.

***Thank you, Blogging for Books, for having a print copy sent from the publisher. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.*** ( )

Title: Grace & The Preacher
Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer
Pages: 352
Year: 2017
Publisher: WaterBrook
My rating 4 out of 5 stars.
Romance, history, fiction and in a sense a couple of unusual characters…what a story! The female character is Grace who is postmistress and being pressured to settle for less than what her heart desires. Theo, with a past he regrets and can’t seem to get far enough away from, feels as though it’s right on his heels! Well, in one sense, it is as those who went to jail are bent on making him pay as they brand him a coward for failing to do one thing.
I have read a variety of Kim’s books and for the most part enjoyed them a lot; this one seemed to move a little slow at the beginning. The dragging out of the meeting between Grace and Theo caused me to lose interest at first. I knew they were the focus of the novel, but there was no suspense to keep me in the pages like her other novels.
I love historical fiction with a little romance but also with some action, adventure, mystery and/or just something to make the story pop off the page. Unfortunately, for me, this one just didn’t pop. I will still read other Kim Vogel Sawyer books because her novels always have a strong theme of faith throughout the story. I hope that the next novel the author presents has more action, adventure or mystery that helps me stay up to finish the book long into the night!
So, read the book as it does progress after some chapters. It might not seem slow at first to you like it did for me. While we wait to see what she presents next, read her other stories as they were very enjoyable!
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 it on my blog. Regardless, 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.” ( )