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Roots of Wood And Stone, the debut novel by Amanda Wen, was on my TBR shelf way too long. I finally read this excellent novel with my book club — we were blown away by just how good it is! It’s dual timeline tells the story of Annabelle (beginning in the mid-1860s) and modern-day Sloane. Both struggle with identity and abandonment. They become connected when Sloane discovers diaries written from Annabelle’s childhood through her adulthood. What is revealed is a faith that survives and thrives through the hard things of life. Wen does a wonderful job of making weaving both stories together.

There’s a lot to like about Roots of Wood And Stone. The characters are complex and true-to-life and offer the reader insights into their own stories. The history of the settling of Wichita and its environs was fascinating, and Wen adds wonderful details to bring it to life. Spiritual truths are woven naturally through the narrative, and I loved that Annabelle’s diaries continued to speak across the generations. And did I mention not one, but two great romances? I loved that the love stories developed naturally, with obstacles to be overcome for sure, but in very realistic ways.

This novel provided a wealth of topics to discuss — my book club talked and talked. There was so much to unpack. There’s a handy discussion guide in the back of the book to get the conversation going. We all loved this book — it was declared one of the best books we have read in a long time. Plus there’s a sequel! Everyone is excited about that! So grab some book buddies and get to reading!

Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased the Kindle version of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

I absolutely loved this story! I find many Christian novels are predictable romances but this one was very different. It was so much more than a romance and it kept me on my toes guessing what would happen next. It was beautifully crafted and I could hardly put it down. The story had me repeatedly surprised as it moved forward and I literally gasped out loud at one point. I think I startled my son. LOL

There were several topics covered in this one like a loved one with Alzheimer's and a character who was adopted and struggling to find her place and her roots. There was a beautiful historical aspect in the form of diaries. God's hand could be seen throughout the story as characters struggled to find the right decisions for their lives and the lives of their family members. It was a great read.... I highly recommend this one! I cannot wait for Amanda Wen's second in this series! ( )

Roots of Wood and Stone by Amanda Wen contained all my favorite story elements: emotional depth, perfectly paced character development, and swirling romance. The characters in this beautiful story experience loss and brokenness with genuine sorrow; yet, the novel is not a heavy read. By the time I got a few chapters in, Sloane and her story had me captivated to the point I read through most of the book one Sunday afternoon. Sloane rates as my favorite character, but Jack is another favorite because he’s so honest and raw about his struggles. I loved the authenticity to the characters and their journeys.

I appreciated the themes in Roots of Wood and Stone. Perhaps the most poignant for me was about finding redemption even when restoration isn’t possible. I’ll leave a favorite quote here: “Though painful, Papa’s abandonment had led her here. To Jack. To this hard, messy, wonderful adventure of a life. The Lord had indeed wrought beauty for her life’s most bitter moments.”

Roots of Wood and Stone, Amanda Wen’s debut novel and first in the Sedgwick County Chronicles series, surpassed my expectations. Reading this story was time well-spent. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy Christian fiction with romance and depth. 4.5 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. ( )

Headline News: Amanda Wen composed a Top 2021 Debut Christian Romance called Roots of Wood and Stone!

What a delightful dual time Amanda Wen penned for those of us who love Mysterious Christian Romances. Both the historical 1800s story of Annabelle and Jack and the contemporary one of Sloane and Garrett had me totally entranced from beginning to end. The two timelines are connected by diaries written by Annabel which Sloane and Garrett find while organizing the estate of Garrett’s grandmother.

A friend asked me, who is your favorite character? Honestly I could not pick one as they were all so exceptionally alive, which is not an easy feat. Amanda even gave us a villain, who I know you are not supposed to like, but since he was so much a part of the climax of the story, I could not really dislike him. Why you ask? You will have to read Roots of Wood and Stone to find out.

Emotionally, Roots of Wood and Stone has everything. From jaw-dropping sensational banter between the characters of both timelines that had me smiling and laughing-out-loud at times to sobbing tears at others. Amanda keeps it real as I too felt the heartache the family struggled with their grandmother’s progression of Alzheimer's disease in the current timeline.

Loved the eye-opening message we all need to remember: Trust God with your plans for your life. Do not try to do it yourself, as his plans are the foremost.

I, for one, found the title as intriguing as the story itself, and I cannot wait to read her next book.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel Publications for Interviews & Reviews. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own. ( )