The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold is going to be one of my favorite books of 2024. I know we aren’t that far into the year, but when you read a book that touches you this deeply, you know the story isn’t going to leave your mind or your heart any time soon.

Things I love about Sara’s writing and this story in particular:
She reveals the best and worst in her characters through godly wisdom and the trials of life, being honest about pain as well as healing.
Her characters are incredibly genuine and vivid. They could be people in your hometown, or they could resonate most with you. But they always hold an element of familiarity, like you’re visiting long-time friends.
A deep faith is woven through her stories. It doesn’t sit in the background or the foreground, it ebbs and flows along with the characters' growth. I absolutely love a Christian fiction novel that challenges my faith and makes me ask questions of my own heart. And Sara does this beautifully.
The recipes combined with the proverbs. This is a mouthwatering read, folks! But it’s sprinkled with wisdom and love. Be prepared to start buying multiple packs of butter, and enjoy learning about Nikki’s German heritage.
Joyce. What a mature heart for God. What a woman of grace, and I’m not just speaking of her poise. Her self-sacrificing love for others, and the way she didn’t just speak goodness but consistently did good for those around her was truly inspiring.
The location! I’m from a little town in NW MO, and I felt the peace of the farmhouse to my core.
There are so many things I could say about this book, but the easiest to express is this: buy it and read it!! You’ll want to get copies for your friends, too.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

After her world is shaken up, Nikki Werner goes in search of her roots in The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold. And this is a search where you want to tag along.

While readers get Nikki’s and Wes’s points of view, there are so many more stories happening in this book. Stories of rising above or rooting around in bitterness, stories of the past, and stories that are being written as you read along.

Over two months, Nikki learns not only about her grandmothers, but about baking, community, family, and trust. She’s been hurt, as have the people who have gone before her. Through a notebook she finds at her grandmother’s farmhouse full of recipes, Nikki grows in her faith, in her character, and in her relationships.

And then there’s Wes. A quiet and stand-up man of wisdom and counsel who maybe holds himself back a little bit too (which really, just made him a flawed human).
Brunsvold’s sophomore novel is filled with emotions, healing, and family history.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I really liked how the author used her own life experiences as inspiration for this book, and the authenticity of the emotions of the characters shines through despite it being a fictional novel. I think the author did a great job of deep diving into the complex thoughts and feelings a person faces when their parents get divorced, but she also sprinkles fun humor and recipes in the book that lightens the tone a bit. This story made me laugh and it made me cry and I loved how I felt like I got to know Nikki so well. And Uncle Wes quickly became my favorite character with his genuine kindness. The information Nikki gleans about her family history is interesting, and the tidbits of wisdom she discovers are applicable to readers’ lives. Overall, I enjoyed this story and recommend it to those who like contemporary fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ( )

I've been a huge fan of author Sara Brunsvold ever since I discovered her first book, and this one is every bit as good!

This is the story of Nikki, a young woman who needs a major reset in her life. She decides to spend the summer at her grandparents' farmhouse, where she finds an old recipe book filled with advice about great food as well as life. The novel deals with Nikki's summer, the new people she meets, and the things she learns about her family, her past, and herself.

There is absolutely nothing NOT to love about this book! Nikki is a great character, and the reader learns a lot about her over the course of the story. We become acquainted with her backstory, as well as her current struggles and personality. She's very detailed and realistic, and I found all of her actions and motivations believable.

This is way more than just a good story, though. There's a lot of good messages about compassion, the power of forgiveness, the importance of letting go of past hurts, and faith. I enjoyed watching Nikki learn these things as she works her way through an old German recipe book. And yes, there ARE plenty of recipes that you can try along with her!

In addition to enjoying the story, I came away with a lot of things to think about more deeply. This book has so many important themes and lessons. It would make a great choice for your book club!

5 stars. ( )

I enjoyed reading this book a lot. I loved how the author weaved the various scriptures with Nikki's Grandma's recipe book. Reading this book felt like reading one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. It gives a comforting feeling.

I appreciated that when Nikki needed to rediscover herself with her past in order to move on with her future that she found it with her Uncle Wes. So many books that I read, it is the aunt or grandma that is the one that helps the main character. It was nice to have a male influence helping Nikki with her dad leaving her when she was younger.

Wes and Joyce's romance blooming was a sweet one. All of the featured recipes made me hungry. I will be trying them all. ( )