Another captivating story by Kim that keeps you so totally enthralled that you never want to put it down. Even at the end of the book, I didn't want it to end. But will just patiently await book #3 in the trilogy.

This contemporary story covers so many areas of the Mennonite culture as they are seen by the "worldly" Englishers. I grew up in an area similar to Arborville, so it seems even more like home to me. But anyone who enjoys this genre will especially enjoy the story. Kim has such a way to keep a story going but always in a wholesome, Christian way.

Probably my favourite book by Kim Vogel Sawyer -- and that's saying something since I missed Book 1 in the Zimmeran Restoration Trilogy! Sawyer does an excellent job of infusing the pertinent bits from the first book into this one so there's no confusion. Mind you, my curiosity is piqued and I can't go without reading When Mercy Rains so look for it in a retro Saturday sometime soon.

This is the kind of emotional roller coaster ride I love to read. The author tells the story through multiple viewpoints and that creates a sense of urgency to the read. I could see how everyone interconnects and anticipating the fallout when that happens is pure torturous delight! And fallout did happen, but the author wisely left some for Book 3. So while there is a satisfying resolution to a few threads, she's left her readers eagerly anticipating the grand finale for the rest. And she's done that in such a way that the reader doesn't feel robbed. I hate abrupt cliffhanger endings and this isn't one. She leaves each character solidly planted on the right path so I feel I can leave them untended until September! (When Love Returns release date.)

I think Briley's story made the most impact on me. I really did not like him at first (and he opens the book!) The kind of guy who is too good looking for his own good -- and worse -- knows it! And he's out to prove himself regardless of who he has to step on to do that. Sawyer slowly unravels layers of Briley's past and allows readers a peek at festering hurts that have never healed. My heart couldn't help but soften towards the guy. And I loved how his heart softened after getting to know the Old Order Mennonites community in Arborville.

So many twists and turns. Emotional conflict that left me on tenterhooks for the entire read. Captivating. Exciting. Riveting. But most of all -- hopeful.

Anna Grace Braun is the adopted daughter of a couple in Sommerfield who comes to Arborville Kansas with her fiance. She stays at the charming B and B named Grace Notes which is run by Alexa Zimmerman from Book 1 in the Zimmerman Restoration trilogy. They and many other have lots to learn about God's grace and showing that grace to others.

This book is a love story on so many levels--family love, romantic love, and God's love for us all. And there are several surprises for the reader as well as for the characters.

There is a tender salvation scene that brought tears to my eyes. God can save even the most unlikely characters--just like in real life!

Wow! The story line continues with Alexa starting a bed and breakfast business inside her grandmothers home while her mother returned to Indiana. Now with weather getting colder having guests is a major concern for Alexa as she strikes out to prove her calling. In Chicago a reporter is attempting to finagle his boss into letting him visit the small community of Plain people with the hopes of digging up dirt on the inhabitants. What the Briley the reporter didnt expect was that the very need of his heart was going to be exposed.

When I read book one in the series titles When Mercy Rains, I was hooked and couldnt wait for the next installment to be published. Now that I just finished book two it is hard to wait until the third and final novel is released! In this story more of Lexas past is revealed along with learning who really can meet and exceed her hearts desires.

The relationships between various characters keep the pages turning long into the night for me like this book. The issues of adoption and parents making mistakes and when learning redeeming the relationship affected which encourages readers with hope when at last the turn the final page. Kim Vogel Sawyers novels grapple with some tough issues and bring a Christ like view of the issues pointing to Him being the ultimate source for everything we need, want or desire.

Restoration is an excellent subtitle to the tales and show readers that with Christ all things are possible! I hope you will dive into When Mercy Rains and When Grace Sings so that like me you can eagerly look forward to the third book of the series to see how the author ties loose ends in the book together. For those like me who arent major fans of Amish or Mennonite novels I hope you read this series at it focuses more on the various situations and internal wrestling going on than on making the plain people appear more than what they are, people.

It all started in 'When Mercy Rains', and the story of Alexa Zimmerman continues in 'When Grace Sings', as she runs a bed-and-breakfast in her newly discovered Grandma's house in quiet Arborville, Along comes a hotshot reporter from Chicago, Briley Forrester, determined to dig up some dirt on the Old Order Mennonite community in Arborville. Instead he meets and is transformed by the God of all grace.

It all gets a bit messy when Alexa's cousin Anna-Grace Braun turns up. There is a great deal of mystery and the resolution is amazing. Kim Vogel Sawyer does her usual excellent job of weaving spiritual lessons into a great story. I know you'll enjoy it, but make sure you read the series in order.