Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Where Willows Grow - A Book Review

Kim Vogel Sawyer has hit another winning home run with her novel, Where Willows Grow. The time period is 1936, and her main characters Anna Mae and Harley Phipps, a farmer and his wife, struggle to keep their farm afloat in the midst of the depression and the terrible drought that afflicted the mid-west during those awful years.

As Where Willows Grow opens, Anna Mae realizes she is pregnant with their third child. Though she loves her other two children, Dorothy and Marjorie, this is not the time to bring another mouth into the world to feed. Harley loves their farm but knows if he hadn't married Annie, the farm would have never been his. The knowledge of another child is a burden. Both of them know that they will love the new child, but will they be able to care for him or her properly?

The drought and depression have strained the Phipps' relationship. Harley feels the only way he can continue to provide for his family is to leave the farm, temporarily, to take on work across Kansas at a construction site. He shocks Anna Mae when he tells her of his plan. She's afraid Harley is leaving his family for good.

Throughout the book, Anna Mae has to rely on her belief in God and His promises to provide for all those who lean on him to get her through the lonely days and nights without Harley. But what does Harley have to rely on? His steadfast refusal to give his life to Jesus has left him to his own devices. Is it the final wedge that will split their marriage apart - permanently?

Much is written and discussed about voice in writing. Kim's voice will become more apparent as you read each new book. Her writing voice is an extension of her own deep beliefs. Where Willows Grow is a tender tale of love and determination. And if you are lucky enough to know the author in person, as I am, you can hear the words in her own soft, gentle speaking voice as you read them. But don't take that as a weakness. Behind those quietly spoken words there is steel. Kim Vogel Sawyer believes deeply in the message she writes in her novels. I challenge you to read one and not be touched.

Kim Vogel Sawyer won first place for her long historical, Waiting For Summer's Return, at the ACFW Conference on September 22. It is a wonderful book, which I reviewed earlier (see August 30, 2006 post). She deserved the win. Her gratitude was evident in her acceptance speech and the tears that flowed. Those tears were real, from her heart. My joy was such that when she won, I cried with her. I cried again near the end of Where Willows Grow.

kmparis

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