A nice quick read of historical fiction about Mennonites settling in Kansas. The author did not make it easy for Lillian and her family to travel to America, but then there would not have been a good story and a blessed outcome in the end. ( )

An enjoyable read and will be looking for more Kim Sawyer books. A story of European pioneers and their trials and tribulations during their first year in the United States. I found it to be a light enjoyable read. ( )

If you like Christian historical fiction this is a great pic for you. The main characters must immigrate to America so their oldest son can avoid the military draft in Russia in the late 19th century. On their ocean voyage tragedy strikes and the wife must marry her brother in law in order for the family to be allowed to immigrate to America. I liked this book - it's not Nobel worthy literature, but then who expects that out of every book? I enjoyed it, learned a lot about the Mennonite faith, and really felt that I was in turn of the century Kansas. ( )

In 1872 Russia, Mennonites Reinhardt and Lillian Vogt fear their oldest son will be forced into military service, which is against their religious beliefs. Because of this, they decide to immigrate to America, where they will be free to practice their faith. Joining the couple and their three sons on the journey is Eli, Reinhardt’s adopted brother.

The journey that should have been the start of their new life ends in tragedy, however, when Lillian’s husband and youngest son die on the sea voyage. In order to protect Lillian and her surviving children, and to keep the family together in America, Eli offers to marry Lillian in a marriage of convenience, to which she agrees. But as the family settles on a homestead in Kansas, Eli’s feelings towards Lillian change from obligation to love.

Fields of Grace is a sweet, inspirational historical romance that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. The story of Mennonites immigrating to America for freedom of religion is an interesting one, and the message of faith, hope, and love in the face of tragedy is a positive and uplifting one. ( )

Fields of Grace is a sweet story about Lillian, a Mennonite woman and her journey of heartache and joy. This story was the first I have read by Kim Vogel Sawyer, and also my first book about the Mennonites. I think Kim Vogel Sawyer did a fabulous job of writing this story. From the great detail and descriptions to the wonderful story line and characters I felt I was right there and a part of Lillian's family. I think this book is also a wonderful example of how Christians deal with the pain they face in their lives, and they struggles the go through, and it was an inspiration and encouragement to see God's grace working in Lillian's life.

Story line:
Lillian, her husband Reinhardt, and their three sons travel to America with their "Onkel Eli", Reinhardt's adopted brother. They must leave their native country so their oldest son, Hendrik does not have to enlist in the military. On the ship to America, Lillian's husband and youngest son die, and Lillian is faced with many decisions. Before they reach America, Eli and Lillian are married, because it would be improper for them to continue to travel together. Lillian is still grieving for her husband, and Eli is grieving for his friend, but he is happy that he finally has a family, something he has always wanted, and prayed for many times. In America, Eli helps Lillian get settled and is a father to her two sons. Her oldest son Hendrik is rebellious and as they start their new life in America, Lillian and Eli worry over what will become of him. After some time Lillian and Eli start to fall for each other, but will they be able to tell each other? Will it last, or will their son Hendrik, get in the way of it all? ( )