If you’re an avid reader of Christian fiction, particularly women’s fiction, the name Sara Brunsvold should be familiar to you.
I’ve followed the buzz surrounding Ms Brunsvold and her inspiring, thought-provoking debut, The Extraordinary Death of Mrs Kip, since its release in mid-2022. Her first novel has been on my “wanted” list long before it won a Carol Award last year, and I’m happy to report I purchased the audiobook last week!
Exciting as it is to have access to Mrs Kip’s story, I was thrilled when my request to read an advanced copy of Ms Brunsvold’s latest novel was approved (thank you, Revell and NetGalley!).
The Divine Proverb of Streusel is a brilliant, unexpected tale of family, faith, and the profound ways our choices impact others. This contemporary women’s fiction has it all: wonderful, relatable characters, the delights and realities of small town and farming life, a little romance, and “old-school” recipes from a bygone era with wisdom from ages past.
This novel revolves around Nikki Werner, a wounded daughter grappling with life’s mind-boggling twists and turns, and her uncle Wes, a farmer who accommodates his niece’s quest to understand the complexities of her present while discovering her German heritage.
I loved experiencing Nikki’s world, seeing things through her eyes… even in her moments of stubbornness. A journey riddled with confusion, grief and anger, there were more grey moments than happy times. But despite the downs, God’s light shone bright throughout, a reminder that life can bring pain, but God is with us through it all.
Wes was a wonderful, kind-hearted man and a great person to come alongside Nikki while she sought answers to life’s tough questions. His conversations with Aunt Emma amused me, as did his budding romance with a local townswoman.
Of course, fabulous fiction wouldn’t be what it is without the characters I wish to shake. While I read Nikki’s story and my frustration ebbed, I wondered if God ever feels like shouting from the sidelines, “Please rethink your choices!” or “Can’t you see what I see?”
Thank God for His mercy and grace.
The Divine Proverb of Streusel releases on 16 January 2024.
Until next time,
