My Thoughts

Author Kim Vogel Sawyer has written a poignant tale of life in Atlanta, Georgia during the 1890’s.  Filled with history, family, friends, and faith this is a beautiful story.  It captured my attention quickly and held it until the end.

In the beginning of the book, Laurel Millard is ambushed by her six siblings and told “Someone will need to care for Mama into her dotage, and we believe the right person is you.”  Not a care is given that this beautiful eighteen year old is in the stage of her life where she should be courting and thinking about a family of her own.

The characters, four main ones, are well described and come to life on the pages.  It is easy to become engaged with them and their lives.  The story has been well planned and researched.  Attention has been given to historical accuracy.  I learned about the 1895 Atlanta Cotton Exposition and silk weaving.  I love learning things from books I read for entertainment. The language, customs, and dress were all well done and took me to the time period and place of the novel.

It is important that a Christian novel has an inspirational message and makes mention of  God.  This book does not disappoint.  It clearly gives glory to God and discusses His direction for our lives.

This is a delightful book.  It is filled with issues that are current today such as loyalty, hope, marriage, family, friendship, romance, racism, and envy.  The romance is a bit light but sweet.  The story touched my heart and pulled on my emotions.

I highly recommend this amazing Christian historical fiction book.  It has Discussion Questions for in-depth and group study.  I gladly give it a 5 star rating.  A copy was provided by the publisher but these are my own honest thoughts.

About the Book

Paperback, 352 pages

Published April 2nd 2019                      

Waterbrook Press

For readers who love a heartwarming romance and a rich historical setting comes a tale of a young woman with a heavy burden, the International Cotton Exposition, and the pursuit of true love.

Eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard, youngest of seven children, is expected to stay home and “take care of Mama” by her older siblings, but Laurel has dreams of starting her own family. Operating a silk loom at the Atlanta Exposition will give her the chance to capture the heart of a man wealthy enough to take care of Laurel and any children she might bear, as well as her mother.

Langdon Rochester’s parents have given him an ultimatum: settle down with a wife or lose his family inheritance. At the Exposition, Langdon meets Laurel. Marrying her would satisfy his parents’s command, she would look lovely on his arm for social events, and in her besotted state, he believes she would overlook him continuing pursuing rowdy adventures with his unmarried buddies. Langdon decides to woo Laurel. Willie Sharp is not well-off and must take on an extra job at the Atlanta Exposition as a security guard. When mischief-makers cause trouble in the Women’s Building, Willie is put in charge of keeping the building secure. He enjoys visiting with Laurel, who seems like the little sister he never had, but his feelings for Laurel change to something much deeper. Can Willie convince Laurel that he can give her better life–even with so little to offer?

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 language. 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.