Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer, Book review & GIVEAWAY

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (April 1, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0764207891

Synopsis:


Lydia Eldredge longs to provide a sanctuary for her son, Nicky. But a constant threat comes from Nicky's drug-addicted father, who wants the boy and seems willing to do whatever it takes to get him.

Dr. Micah Hatcher serves the immigrant population in Queens, but under cover of darkness he provides another service that must not be discovered lest his and his brother's lives be in danger.

When Lydia and Micah's paths cross, they are suddenly wrapped up in each other's callings. Through unforeseen twists and turns, they seek a refuge of safety--for Nicky, for themselves, and for the needy people God unexpectedly puts in their lives.


My thoughts:

'Sweet Sanctuary' story is set against the 1940's home front of Boston, Massachusetts and Queens, N.Y. 
As a nurse Lydia was once powerfully attracted to Dr. Micah Hatcher at Shoffield AFB but he could never envision a future with someone who did not believe fully in God.  
They parted ways 5 years ago, she to return home and raise Nicky, her best friend's child. Nicky's Mum died in childbirth after begging Lydia to keep the sweet little boy out of harm's way as Nicky's father is a drug addict.

Now years later, Micah works in a clinic in Queens' poorest neighbourhood. There an influx of immigrants, many escaping Nazi occupied territories, need him now more than ever.  By day the clinic is open to all, at night it provides Micah the ideal opportunity to help his brother, a Minister now working behind enemy lines in war torn Russia.

When a lettre reaches Micah claiming he is Nicky's father, he travels to Boston to confront Lydia and her family. Meeting the sweet little boy reminds the young physician of his own life's loneliness but his duty lies elsewhere so until war is over, his life is in Queens. Before departing however he reminds Lydia that until the child is recognized legally as hers, she is in fact liable to the law.

In the meantime Nic Pantin knows someone is hiding his son and he haunts the midwife who delivered Nicky in hopes to locate his whereabouts. Nicky could be the answer to his needs for 'candy' and a new life.
   
When events take a dramatic turn and all might be lost, Micah's strong faith and Lydia's determination to keep the boy leads to an interesting twist in this story!

I always enjoy stories against the WW2 background, but it is not until I read Sarah Sundin's novels that I became better acquainted with US front line and home front. My first novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer, I was pleasantly surprised at the many historical facts she incorporated in 'Sweet Sanctuary'.  For me this is often the best part of a plot line right after charismatic protagonists and sub characters. 

A heartwarming Christian novel, Sweet Sanctuary gives readers and fans a realistic view of those challenging years and the sacrifice of so many in times of conflicts. 
Complete with just the right touch of wartime romance and a solid reminder that God is always with us, Sweet Sanctuary is a novel you will not want to miss!

5 stars!



About the Author:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of twenty-one novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy.

For more on this author visit her website (HERE) (Love her banner!)
Sign up for her Newsletter and check out her other novels including 'What Once Was Lost' to be released in Septembre 2013!
Kim's Prayer Room is sure to reach out to you as well!

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/KSawyer

To celebrate the release of  Sweet Sanctuary Kim Vogel Sawyer is giving away a Cupcake Club membership (monthly cupcake delivery!) from the amazing Magnolia Bakery in New York and hosting a Facebook Author Chat party {4/30}!

One "sweet" winner will receive:

• Cupcakes from NYC’s Magnolia Bakery delivered to your door every month. (Eat them all yourself or share!)
• Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer for you and four of your friends. (Start a book group — cupcakes and a "sweet" read!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 29th. Winner will be announced at the "Sweet Sanctuary" Author Chat Party on 4/30. Connect with Kim, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be fun giveaways - gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Sweet Sanctuary and join Kim on the evening of April 30th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!

I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.