This is a fantastic book! It is beautifully written with great characters! The imagery really brought the book to life and the story line is unique. I liked the theme of music and how it brings joy and life. ( )

Another solid faith inspiring read from one of my all time favorite authors. It was interesting to be swept away into the historical setting of a Mennonite community made up of Russian immigrants. The song of this book was lyrical in it’s written word as well as the character of Gil. It is a story of second chances and has many points to ponder. I especially loved the children’s band and the patience Gil showed them. Ava was a breath of fresh air in her willingness to help others including her mother without complaint. It was a joy to watch her grow and come into her own as a woman. It was creative and quenched my thirst for something different. I hope there is a sequel with Joseph having his own story.
I won a copy of this book from a bookstore. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required. ( )

Still My Forever, by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a heart-warming Christian historical fiction story. This well-written story pulled me right into the story. It is an easy to read story with wonderful, caring characters. I appreciated the parts of the story of how helpful the people were. When the men’s band needed a new leader, Ava’s father took over. With Gilbert’s return, her father graciously hands the position over to Gilbert. Seeing a need, Gilbert also starts a boy’s band and enters them in a competition.

Not only is their a story of caring for others, this is a story that points out everything happens for a reason and God answers prays in unusual ways. This is very evident with the incident of one of the members of the men’s band. I enjoyed reading this story and seeing how the broken relationship between Gilbert and Ava gets restored. I especially enjoyed how Gilbert’s aunt and uncle try to help Gilbert understand about how they raised him.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review. ( )

Still My Forever is set in a Mennonite community in 1905 Falke, Kansas. Twenty-one year-old Ava Flaming lives with her parents, caring for her ailing mother, and nursing her own broken heart. Gil Baty, who was briefly Ava's fiance before moving to New York to pursue a career in music, has returned to Falke to nurse his wounded spirit. While I have no musical talent, and not a great amount of interest in music, I was enthralled by this story that is wrapped in music. I believe you will be as well.

Kim Vogel Sawyer has a way of making her characters matter to her readers, and in doing so she is also able to help her readers embrace her characters' life lessons, lessons easily applied to our daily lives, lessons that go down with a spoonful of sugar which is the enjoyment of a story well-told. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Still My Forever from WaterBrook via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. ( )

A heart tugging historical with a focus on family, faith and a sweet, tender romance.

Readers who enjoy a prairie town setting in the early 1900's will love this story set in Kansas. The kids are delightful as they get together to form a band under a hometown favorite son newly returned from New York. There are references to the prodigal son parable with a few twists. Looking for guidance in big decisions brings up the importance of prayer, as the main characters look for purpose in their lives and grow in faith through difficult circumstances.

A coming of age story with a lot of heart and faith, a clean romance with a satisfying conclusion. A good read for teens and up. It would be nice to revisit the town in another book. A stand alone read for now though.

4.5 stars

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.) ( )