"When Hope Blossoms" by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a book that I must have read shortly after it came out last year, and for the last few weeks the story has been haunting me, but couldn't remember the name or author. Today I found "When Hope Blossoms" at the library and read the blurb on the back, I knew that it was the book I was looking for, so I had to get it to re-read it.I love the book the second time around as much as I did the first time around. The whole reflecting of ones life, forgiveness, and loving of your neighbor is something that just touched my spirit. Maybe with my desire the last few weeks for this book, I am being told something which I will need to think and pray about.Even the second time around I found myself laughing, crying and fearful in different scenes, even knowing how it was all going to end. That says a lot I think about how well a book is written, when you can feel those things even after the second reading.Amy Knackstedt is a woman who is searching for a completely fresh start for her and her three kids after loosing her husband. She is strong in her faith and thankful for everything even after all the trials in her life. Amy is also a gentle spirit that can't be broken, but she had her weak moments as well.Tim Roper is a man who is on the run from his past, a man who is also hurting in a big way. Tim has been hiding for so long, that now too many things are hitting him, what is going to happen to him and his future.There is so much that happens in this book without being too crammed. It kept moving steadily throughout with one question always there in the background but never quite sure exactly what the question is. Truly the self reflecting that happens in the book is something that maybe we don't all experience to this level but we go through it at some level which made the one or ones doing the self reflecting that much more endearing to me. Oh who am I kidding all of the characters are endearing. They were written in such a way that I could picture how each one looks, their mannerisms and even a little of the way they speak.The acts of the Mennonite fellowship and Amy along with her family show what is truly means what loving thy neighbor means. Even when hurtful words were spoken towards them or their helping hands slapped, they kept reaching out to their fellow neighbors.This is a well written emotionally charged romance book, that I would recommend to anyone. I always enjoy kicking back with a cup of coffee and reading a Kim Vogel Sawyer book, knowing I will get an old-fashioned read and a happy ending, but with a twist of realism that I can either relate to or that will make me think in a new, hopeful direction. I suppose that WHEN HOPE BLOSSOMS might at first seem like an expected story in the Mennonite category, but it only takes a few pages to see that Kim doesn't want to give readers just any categorical romance in the Amish and Mennonite genre. With themes of grief, widowhood, special needs children, and families trying to forge the best life they know how and sometimes failing, this book is a tender testament to Kim's faith. An inspiring book that will bring hope to anyone who struggles with God's plan for their life.
