Sweet Sanctuary

Sweet Sanctuary #1

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Set in World War II New York, Sweet Sanctuary introduces Lydia Eldridge, her young son Nicky, and Dr. Micah Hatcher, a man from Lydia's past. Lydia is desperate to protect Nicky from his drug-addicted father. Leaning on Micah, who's hiding secrets of his own, they are seeking refuge and safety -- for themselves, for Nicky, and for those around them. But will they ever find it?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Fiction, Christian, Christian Historical Fiction

Audiobook

First published April 1, 2013

About the author

Award-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher that someday people would check out her book in the library. The little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer's Return. Kim's titles now exceed 1.5 million copies and are available in six different languages. A former elementary school teacher, she now enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Kim's passion lies in writing stories that point the reader to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. When Kim isn't writing, you'll find her traveling with her retired military hubby, spoiling her granddarlings, petting the cats, quilting, or--as time allows--participating in community theater. You can learn more about Kim's writing and speaking ministries at her website, KimVogelSawyer.com.

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story stars in 1944 when Dr Micah Hatcher receives a most disconcerting letter. More so because he knows the claims made cannot possibly be true. Micah makes the decision to leave his clinic in Queens and go to Boston and sort it out. There he encounters a sweet young child called Nicky, his mother Lydia who Micah knew was a nurse at Schofield Station Hospital where he was there. He also catches up with Lydia’s pigheaded, bombastic father. Micah and Lydia are attracted to each other but there are seemingly insurmountable problems. Micah has work to do in Queens, not just with the clinic but helping his brother to find homes for Jewish children being brought into the country.
Set during World War 2 it gives a bit different picture of America and conditions during that time, and that was interesting for this Aussie. The book also deals with issues like drug addiction and a man’s decision to try and sell his son for material gain. Despite these themes it is, a sweet read, although I did feel some situations felt a little contrived. However I was happy to keep reading as I liked Micah and Lydia. Lydia’s father annoyed me with his stubborn refusal to listen to opinions other than his own. The situation with Nick, the one involved in drugs seemed, even with God’s help, a little too easily resolved to me. Since this is a Christian book there are a fair amount of prayer and bible quotes mentioned, which even as a Christian I found a little preachy the further along it went. I’m not a great reader of Christian fiction so others may respond more positively to that aspect than I did.
Good characters are essential to any story. Lydia and Micah are certainly that and Nicky is an absolute sweetie. This was a book I picked up from the library purely because of the title and reading the first page. If you are a fan of Christian fiction you may really love this. I did still enjoy this easy read despite the few misgivings mentioned above.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 1944, and Dr. Micah Hatcher knows God’s plan for him is to serve the immigrant population of Queens, New York. So, when he receives a mysterious letter summoning him to Boston, confusion swirls in his mind. When he arrives in Boston and finds out about his friend Lydia’s trouble in providing a sanctuary for her son Nicky, he can’t help but get involved. As their lives intertwine, will they trust each other with their secrets? When their individual causes come into jeopardy, will they lean on God and accept the help He provides?

SWEET SANCTUARY, Kim Vogel Sawyer’s latest novel, is a ‘sweet’ story that takes place during World War II. The theme of protecting the innocent is woven throughout in such a way that grips the heart and makes you consider what more you can do in your own piece of the world. As Micah remembers his mom telling him in chapter one, “Son, whatever comes your way, the good Lord knew it was comin’ and has a solution in mind. Trust Him to guide you.” If we place our trust in God, He will reveal to us the ways in which we may help protect the innocent.

“Whatever the Lord willed for her, she was ready.” Those words from chapter 37 define the author of this lovely story. Kim Vogel Sawyer writes the plentiful tales that God places in her heart, much to her readers’ delight. Whether she takes us for a ride on the orphan trains (My Heart Remembers), shares the adventures of a singer on the plains of Kansas (Song of My Heart) or takes us to the big cities of New York and Boston (Sweet Sanctuary), Kim finds the way into our hearts with a few thousand words strung together. Her talent for dropping bombs on her readers in the form of twists and turns in the lives of her characters never disappoints me. She has quite a knack for frustrating me with the worst possible thing that could have happened in the story—and then causing me to blink back tears of joy when good finally prevails. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of reading any of Kim’s books, hurry to the bookstore! Her novels are well worth reading.

To discover more about Kim Vogel Sawyer and her novels, please visit:
www.kimvogelsawyer.com

First read: 4/30/13
Reread #1: 1/31/17

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and it grew harder to put it down after each chapter. What I liked best, other than the characters, was the twists. What I thought was going to happen next had a way of not happening at all. I also enjoyed that it was a home-front story.

I felt that the faith message began as rather simplistic/surface and that turned me off at first. The characters seemed to say things they ought to without tangible motivations. However, it deepened toward the end and grew more relevant.

And I have to say...the cover is gorgeous, but what's up with '80s style dress? It kept throwing me off. The cut of her pants and his coat is definitely not 50s.

[Jesseca Wheaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was different then I expected, since it was set here in American during WWII, but I enjoyed it all the same!
And the ending! Oh, I loved it. It was just so amazing! I totally wasn't expecting some of the plot twists in the book. I totally wasn't not expecting Nicky's dad to get off drugs. I figured it would be the more predictable he-gets-put-in-jail-and-she-gets-Nicky story line. I loved how the author showed the struggle Nicky's dad went to, and how with Jesus you can be victorious!
But yeah, all in all it was a sweet book and a worthwhile read!

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book because it is set during WW2. Surprisingly, but not in a bad way, I found that the focus wasn't so much on the wartime. In a way I liked this because you see normal life carried out during a difficult time in history. Yet, at the same time, the hero-Micah-is helping smuggle Jewish children into America. Julia and Micah worked together as doctor and nurse during Pearl Harbor. Now a couple years later they meet again. He helps her protect Nicky from his drug-addicted father, and when the unexpected happens Julia isn't sure how to handle the situation (I won't give it away :)).

I thought the ending was pretting predictable, but the whole story in itself was so wonderful and sweet that it didn't sway my liking for Sweet Sanctuary. If Nicky or Justina weren't in it I know the story wouldn't have had the same sweet, down to earth feel about it. I did feel a bit annoyed with Micah's thoughts of kissing Julia (rather in passing), and toward the end there are a couple slightly detailed kisses. But none of this shadowed my thoughts about this book. Kim Vogel Sawyer has a way of writing stories, with Christian lessons wrapped up inside them that just makes me feel so happy.

[Marian Baay · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sweet Sanctuary” is a sweet and hopeful story about the people in a little boy’s life. Nicky’s mom is a single mother. Nicky’s grandfather is looking for a daddy for Nicky, but there is another – a real – daddy out there. Who is he? Why are they hiding Nicky from him?

Nicky’s mom – Lydia – unexpectedly meets again the man she was in love with three years ago. That man is Dr. Micah Hatcher. He would make a great dad for Nicky, but what is God’s plan?

As we read about Lydia’s and Micah’s life and unravel the secrets about Nicky’s parentage, we inevitably fall in love with the characters in this story.
The author gives some nice twists to the story that keeps you turning the pages until you can take a deep and satisfying breath at the last page.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical romance books.

[Amanda Tero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has an intriguing storyline with a few interesting twists and turns. There is a strong Christian thread and a sweet romance.

I think it was just my reading mood, but I felt like everything always worked out too perfectly instead of realistically. Which makes it the ideal read for someone who wants an endearing story with happy endings.

[The Literary Maidens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bethany's Review ::

I have read two of Kim's other books {My Heart Remembers and In Every Heartbeat and owning two others that I've yet to read} and loved them so very much. So when I got the opportunity to review Kim's newest novel Sweet Sanctuary I was very excited as I knew I wouldn't be disappointed, and I most certainly wasn't! This sweet novel was a nice slow paced read that really focused on children which I loved since this is not a common novel theme nowadays. So I'm just sayin' that Nicky is my favorite character. :D I loved all the parts with him and "Micah-my-friend!". They were so cute!

This story was about Lydia Eldridge and her "son" Nicky who is really her best friend's son, and ever since she died shortly after Nicky's birth, Lydia has treated Nicky as if he was her own flesh-and-blood. But complications soon arise when Nicky's biological father, Nic who is on drugs and is in no position to care for his son whom he has barely met since he was born.

Micah is a doctor for immigrants who cannot afford doctor bills at his own clinic in Queen's New York. After re-meeting Lydia whom he originally met at school, he gets involved in helping Lydia with her complex situation when Nic comes and tries to take Nicky, and Lydia helps with Micah's top secret jobs. As the story unfolds, it displays a delightful picture of true love for children in more ways than one, and a deep protecting of those who are unable to protect themselves {This story is set in the WWII era and has some involvement with Jews during Hitler's ruling} and shows that true Love never fails.

Now I'm just going to start by saying that I adored this book for a bunch of different reasons. As I was reading it I was thinking to myself "I'm so glad I own this book, because it's one I would want to own is I didn't already!" I loved how the whole story revolved around Lydia and Micah doing everything within their power to protect Nicky him a safe, loving childhood. This really stuck out to me since children are kind of looked down upon in culture now since they get in the way of people's selfishness. I love how Kim embarked this journey of showing that children do matter, and that it's through the faith of children that the Lord tells us we should be like to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I really felt a deep compassion and genuine love for Lydia and Micah as I saw they selflessly give themselves for children and it made the story all the more enjoyable for me to read.

The story-line was most excellent and involved several parts that I totally did not see coming. At times I felt it was a bit slow, but all that the story was about was worth it. I especially loved the ending!!! {Sweet-heart! *Insert knowing look to those that have read this book ;)*} One of my favorite twists in the story was Nic's "part", and I wish I could go into detail, but if I do I'm sure I'll ruin the story with a bunch of spoilers. So we shall let it suffice to say that I loved the Christian impact in the story and how Christ was a part of the characters lives and not just something they claimed to believe in. I loved how they proved that they knew and loved Jesus by their actions, and the fruit of this blossomed into a reproducing of "seeds" so to speak.

The only thing I found odd with this book is that I didn't really quite understand why it's title is Sweet Sanctuary. While it possible pertains to the children's sanctuary, and most likely that is why it is called that, I didn't really feel like the title was perfect for the story. But of course that's a minor detail and overall I was very impressed with the story and would very highly recommend it! It's a sweet Christ-centered romance that doesn't overdo the romance part or get out of hand. It was a nice balance between a romance and a novel about children without one overdoing the other. It's a heart-felt story set in the WWII time period with a sweet story of two people fighting for the protection of children, and filled with many sweet little details that make up a very admirable read.

N o t e : : I'd like to sincerely thank Kim Vogel Sawyer and the publishers, Bethany House for the opportunity to receive a free copy of Sweet Sanctuary to read and review. All thoughts are my own and I was not paid to do this review.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having only read one or two other books by Kim Vogel Sawyer, I am not really familiar with her writing. I wanted to read Sweet Sanctuary because it seemed like something I would enjoy and I wanted to read more from this author. I am glad I decided to read this book because I found a very sweet story indeed.

The book begins with Micah Hatcher, a doctor who is caring for the immigrant population in Queens, receiving a letter claiming that he is the father of a child. Knowing this to be a misunderstanding, Micah goes to clear the issue up with a woman, Lydia, from his past. Lydia opens up to Micah about her son, Nicky, and how she is trying to save him from his drug-addicted father. A man who will stop at nothing to get his son back.
Micah feels drawn to Lydia and Nicky. What started out as a mission to clear things up, ended up stealing his heart and putting him into a complicated situation where he decides to do what he can to help these two people out.

You’ll be sucked right into this story. You’ll fall in love with Nicky and you’ll root for whatever can be done to put him in a safe situation. My heart tore for little Nicky as he is so young, he doesn’t understand what is happening most of the time.
This book is a great reminder that there is hope and redemption for everyone. I really enjoyed this book and was very satisfied with how everything turned out.

I received a free ecopy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.

Leah B.
Must Love Books
mustlovereading.wordpress.com

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia Eldridge is willing to do almost anything to keep her young son out of the clutches of his drug-addicted father. When her father tries to help her out by involving a college from her past, Lydia is reacquainted with Dr. Micah Hatcher. Micah arrives in Boston to set the record straight. Yet once there, he finds himself captivated by Nicky and his mother. Offering another solution to the problem, Micah returns to New York and his work among the immigrants. A search sends Lydia to New York where her path crosses Micah's again. She sees his work with the immigrants as well as the "packages" he receives on occasion. As the pair struggle to find a way that will allow Nicky to remain with those who love him, they realize that their callings are joining together as well - including Micah's secret calling. Will they learn to trust God in everything including the fates of Nicky and the immigrants?

I'm pretty sure that this was the first book I've read by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I loved the setting - WWII. There were times it took me a bit to get into the story, but a lot of that has to do with my not being in a reading mood. I think Nicky was my favorite character in the whole book. He's got such a cheerful personality and outlook on life. The other characters were well written, and I enjoyed them.

I received this book for free from Bethany House for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommend to fans of Renee Ryan, Janette Oke, Lauraine Snelling, Tracie Peterson, Beverly Lewis, WWII

Rating - 4 stars

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I might have found a new World War II historical favorite. Known for her prairie romances, Sawyer has taken a step into a new direction and I completely love it. The novel takes the reader into the heart of the war, the lives it touched and hurt. But it plays more as a backdrop instead for the foreplay of the story and that in and of itself gives the novel a different flavor from similar titles in its genre.

A beloved household favorite, Sawyer keeps the reader engaged in her latest title. Typical sweet romance with spurts of humor and combed with genuine concern for what will come of these characters. Some non-Christian readers might find the theology overt and cliché, but as a Christian fan I very much liked how God and His perfect plans were woven through the story.

The kids stole the show that is for sure. Nic is definitely a hard character to like, but I liked what became of him through the story. Misunderstandings abound in romance, it’s enough to make the hopeless romantic (and the realist) in me roll my eyes, but it provided a bit of comic relief toward the end of a serious story. And the ending…aw, definitely a sweet one.

I’ll be adding this title to my collection and most likely enjoying it again in the future. Loved the change in direction from the norm; well done!

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse Publicity for my copy to review.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes place during WWII, normally not a time period I read about. I have read other books by this author but they have all been Amish books. It was an alright book. I must say I do prefer her Amish books to this time period though. I did enjoy seeing a main character finding God though and coming clean for his son so he could give him the best possible life. I kept reading it because I wanted to see what happened to the child. I'm just glad this wasn't the first book I read by this author or I may not have read any more.

[JoJo Sutis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watch my YouTube review here http://youtu.be/upIw2cMp8wY

[Charity U]

Love the cover...vaguely reminds me of Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin.

[R.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww this book!!

I had mixed feelings at the beginning because I didn't like Lydia as much as wanted to. She seemed to independent for my liking, but as I continued reading, I started liking her more, especially when she and Micah started liking each other! <3 I also wish she could have worn skirts more ... all her outfits were trousers and blouses! But other than that, she was a really sweet girl! I love her relationship with Nicky!

And speaking of Nicky, he was a doll!! <3 Ms. Sawyer described him really well and I could picture him perfectly! His personality is hilarious!

Although Lydia's father drove me a little crazy, I still felt bad for him and I knew something good would happen with him! I wasn't disappointed! Lydia's mother was really sweet ... I loved her!

Oh Micah... *grins cheekily* I'm sorry to say, I don't picture him or Lydia like the couple on the front cover, but I have my own pictures of them that I won't be able to describe!
Micah was great! I love what he did, helping his brother with the "packages" and all that! I wish his brother could have come in more, but I guess it's for the reader to imagine what happened to him! Anyway, Micah was pretty great and I love that name. Seriously. The ending of this book made me keep smiling over and over ... because .... Justine! <3 She's adorable. That's all.

Okay, Nic's point of view was incredible! Since he's an addict of morphine, it was interesting and horrible seeing how much he wanted that stuff and how it was such a huge part of his life. And it was horrible seeing it tear his life apart! Wow.

Content:
There were several hugs. Some kisses - a few of them were slightly detailed, but not in a really uncomfortable way. Nic's a morphine addict so there are scenes when he's buying it, along with before and after effects of him taking it and trying to get off of it. There's a mention of a guy wanting his wife to "empty her wound" but that was before he wanted to do right - it didn't actually happen. There's also mentions of the war and what the German's are doing to Jewish families, but it's not very detailed.

Overall, I loved this book! I love the spiritual content in this and how the characters learn to lean on God for heal and trust Him to get them through hard situations! Kim Vogel Sawyer is a favourite author of mine and I've loved every book I've read by her! I'd definitely re-read this sometime, and even grab a copy of the new edition for myself!!

Highly recommended!

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a whole lot more than I thought I would after reading the description on the back of the book. The back of the book made me think it was going to be a depressing story about a drug addicted father chasing after the woman he used to love and their son and that Micah has a secret mission that could be absolutely anything. A better description of the story would have been: When Lydia's friend Eleanor dies she places her son in Lydia's care to escape the threat of his drug-addicted father. Terrified of Nicky's father finding out where he is hiding, Lydia is determined to do everything she can to keep Nicky safe. Dr. Micah Hatcher faithfully serves the immigrant population of New York. But under the cover of darkness, his real mission beings as he does his part to aid in the war effort. When Micah and Lydia are pushed together again after many years apart, can they find hope, love, and safety amid the turmoil and uncertainty? Something like that would have pulled me in more than the description on the back did. The actual description makes it sound like a totally different book from what it actually is. Regardless of that, once I started reading it, I really enjoyed all of the WWII elements, the suspense of keeping Nicky safe, the medical drama, and the journey to faith. The romantic drama was a little drawn out. There didn't need to be so many uncertain comments. The acceptance of faith by her father at the end brought tears to my eyes. It was an interesting story that was so much more than was described on the cover.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the closing days of WWII, former Army nurse Lydia Eldredge has encountered a problem. A friend fleeing from an abusive boyfriend died after having his child, but not before she gave the little boy to Lydia to raise. Although four-year-0ld Nicky has never been formally adopted, Lydia is the only mother he has ever known. Both of them now live with Lydia's parents in Boston.
Unfortunately, the drug-addicted boyfriend has resurfaced in search of the boy, who he wants to sell to a wealthy family in order to fund his out-of-control habit. Desperate to save Nicky's life, the rather controlling grandfather pulls a name out of Lydia's past - Dr. Micah Hatcher, the doctor she worked with in the Army - and accuses him of being Nicky's father and tries to badger him into marrying Lydia and adopting Nicky.
But Micah hates lies and deception, and will not be a willing participant in this parade of untruths. He counsels that they pray about the situation and see what God has in mind for all of them. Micah staffs a clinic for immigrants in NYC, and has his own side gig, smuggling Jewish orphans into the states and finding homes for them.
The answers they find could have only come from God; the unsolvable problems begin to be worked out as the characters learn trust in God. They are not easy answers; they involve suffering and sacrifice and having faith even when things look black.
I was impressed with this story. The author didn't present faith as something pat and easy - her characters had to step back from the answers they desired and wait on God's answers.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sweet Sanctuary" was a really wonderful read. I've read several books by Kim Vogel Sawyer before and she did not disappoint me so far; not that I was expecting her to do so. She has her own style in writing and I find it quite enjoyable. Maybe not the most gripping one, but definitely one that makes me pick up a book that has her name on it.

About the book:

I will not write a synopsis since it can be found when you search for the book.

I really like the dynamic of the characters in this book. Even if it is a romantic one, the romance isn't the main focus. In this book the author addresses real issues and she handles them firmly, but at the same time in a delicate manner.
Although a bit sudden (in my opinion), the romance has a good pace and is very well-fitted at the end of the book.
The historical part is nicely covered and I have to say that the Author's Note at the end of the book is a lovely final touch to the story.

Conclusion: It was a great book to start the year with. Even though it's been a while since I've read a book by Kim Vogel Sawyer, I'll be looking forward to read more from her this year.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

O poveste emotionanta despre dragoste si credinta.
Actiunea este redata in 1944, in timpul celui de-al Doileq Razboi Mondial.
Dr. Mica Hatcher, aflat in misiunea Domnului ajuta imigrantii la clinica lui din Queens, New York. In momentul in care primeste o scrisoare misterioasa sa mearga in Boston, confunzia se asterne in sufletul lui.
Ajuns acolo, scrisoarea il duce la prietena lui, Lidia, mirandu-se cat de mult s-a schimbat aceasta. Faptul ca l-a luat pe Nicky, fiul prietenei celei mai bune, aceasta murind la putin timp dupa nasterea lui, Lidia i-a luat locul de mama pentru Nicky. Mica, fiind impresionat de toate acestea, el crezand-o o fetita aroganta, vazand schimbarea ei, l-a miscat, incepand sa se indragosteasca de ea.
Dar oare pot avea incredere unul in celalalt cu secretele lor?

[Beverly Knudsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a WWII era book that also deals with some more modern issues. It covers substance abuse, adoption, long distance relationships, and family complexities. The author does an excellent job of handling these issues with class and a Christian perspective.I definitely recommend this book and author. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book definitely was different from my exceptions and what I thought it was about from reading the description. Sweet Sanctuary was still overall a good book. I enjoyed the unexpected parts in this book. Sweet Sanctuary is a great quick Christian read.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this sweet story by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I have read others by her but have not enjoyed them nearly as much. Everything doesn't have to work out exactly as we want them to but sometimes they work out better.

[Fernanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a cheesy book. Yes, its a Christian book so it's going to be cheesy, but my goodness.
Look, if a good cheesy Christian book is what you're looking for then this is it. Trust me, there are other good solid Christian authors/ stories out there.

[Meryl C. Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed

Another enjoyable read. Loved the compassion for others displayed in this story. All humanity regardless of race and culture is important.

[AlegnaB † · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4

[J Messinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would definitely recommend this book if you are a teen or an adult as a teen I have really enjoyed this book hope you do to.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story amount layered characters. Well written and a great read.

[Lisette · Rating 4 out of 5]

8.5

[Linea Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book

[Doreen Nicolet]

Didn't like.