Inside this pastoral cover lies a powerful dual timeline novel that addresses very difficult and painful subjects handled remarkably well. Set in/near Wichita, Kansas, in 1876 and present day, the heroine in each story experienced past trauma intentionally caused by another person, and she's called to radical forgiveness.
The current plot, a "MeToo" situation involving a church pastor, is more raw and honest than most contemporary fiction I've read in quite some time. And the historic story made me love a marriage of convenience situation, which is usually my least favorite romance trope. In both, I appreciated the grief of the heroines and the gentle understanding of the heroes.
Just when I thought Ms. Wen had reached the depth of each story's conflict, she went deeper with great sensitivity and grace. I was deeply invested while reading this book and resented when real-life responsibilities pulled me away. I loved the Midwestern setting as a lifelong resident of the region.
Amanda Wen has been on my reading radar since her debut novel, Roots of Wood and Stone, was published in 2021, but due to so many books, too little time, The Rhythm of Fractured Grace is the first of her books I've read. I'm definitely planning to read the first two novels in the Sedgwick County Chronicles series as soon as possible.
Thank you to Kregel Publications for a complimentary review copy of this amazing novel. I was not required to write a positive review; all thoughts are my own.
The current plot, a "MeToo" situation involving a church pastor, is more raw and honest than most contemporary fiction I've read in quite some time. And the historic story made me love a marriage of convenience situation, which is usually my least favorite romance trope. In both, I appreciated the grief of the heroines and the gentle understanding of the heroes.
Just when I thought Ms. Wen had reached the depth of each story's conflict, she went deeper with great sensitivity and grace. I was deeply invested while reading this book and resented when real-life responsibilities pulled me away. I loved the Midwestern setting as a lifelong resident of the region.
Amanda Wen has been on my reading radar since her debut novel, Roots of Wood and Stone, was published in 2021, but due to so many books, too little time, The Rhythm of Fractured Grace is the first of her books I've read. I'm definitely planning to read the first two novels in the Sedgwick County Chronicles series as soon as possible.
Thank you to Kregel Publications for a complimentary review copy of this amazing novel. I was not required to write a positive review; all thoughts are my own.
