Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
This book is set late 1800's with a Town Community in Kansas of most people who have immigrated from Russia. They are a Mennonite community. The book features 3 main characters, School Teacher Augusta, Widower with twin boys Konrad, and Martina who would dearly love a child.
The book starts with Marina's dream to start a community's Frauenverein (Benevolent society) to help widows and orphans. Her hope is to find an orphan who needs a home. Augusta can see that Konrad needs some help but do the others agree? Konrad also has his own problems he is praying about.
Martina is the character that can be quite harsh and can come across as brash and controlling but there is a reason for her thinking. The more we read the more we learn why she is how she is. I found I felt for her in so many ways.
Konrad is still grieving his wife who died in childbirth leaving him 3-year-old twins who are now 8. They are busy boys who do what boys do. He can see he needs help and comes up with a solution he hopes will be the answer to prayer
Augusta is a widow with an 11-year-old daughter and a school teacher. She has a heart for children and can see the twins need extra help.
Reading the 3 different points of view was interesting, it was clear who was who and it was good seeing what they were thinking. It really helped to understand the characters and what makes them tick. On the surface we see a person and may judge them as being brash or rude but…
