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Sommerfield Trilogy #1
Bygones
Widower Marie Koeppler and her grown daughter Beth reluctantly return to the Mennonite community Marie abandoned twenty-three years ago. Soon after their arrival in Sommerfeld, a series of mysterious thefts raises the community's suspicions against the ""outsiders."" Can Marie prove their innocence, or will she be forced to flee once more? Henry Braun thought he'd gotten his love for Marie out of his system, but soon begins to wonder if she's stolen more than his heart. When it's all said and done, can Henry and Marie let bygones be bygones, or has their love been doomed from the start?
287 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
116 people are currently reading
954 people want to read
About the author
Kim Vogel Sawyer
80 books1,210 followersAward-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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
February 28, 2021
Really enjoyed this trip back to my Mennonite roots. The setting even takes place near where I lived for several years while going to college.
The Mennonite heritage is something I share with the author. Although she has written many different types of books, I always love it when her stories open a window into my heritage.
The Mennonite heritage is something I share with the author. Although she has written many different types of books, I always love it when her stories open a window into my heritage.
April 11, 2010
It's been over two decades since Marie Koeppler married Jep Quinn. Jep's world offered the young Mennonite girl an exciting new life - until his death left her a very young widow and a single mother.
Shunned by her Old Order Mennonite family and friends, Marie makes a life for herself and her daughter in the "outside" world. In the twenty-three years since she left Sommerfeld, Kansas, she has all but forgotten her roots. But then her old Mennonite beau shows up with shocking news: A beloved aunt has died, leaving her house and café to Marie's daughter, Beth. The stipulation: Beth must live three months in Sommerfeld in order to claim the inheritance.
When Marie reluctantly accompanies her daughter back to her childhood home, she's unprepared for the onslaught of emotions and memories that await her there. Before long, she's yearning for and finding the faith she lost so long ago, and - much to her daughter's dismay - reclaiming old habits, lifestyles, and maybe even an old love.
But then someone starts stealing from the Mennonites, and suspicion falls at the outsiders' door. Even Henry, who never quite healed from Marie's abandonment of their budding relationship so long ago, turns an accusing eye on her and Beth.
Sommerfeld is a community built on strict biblical principles and rigid tenets. It's populated by good people with preconceived and often misplaced suspicions of outsiders. Marie despairs of proving her innocence, and her sincerity in returning to the Mennonite faith. Can she and Henry overcome the obstacles and rekindle the embers of love? Can they all find a way to let bygones be bygones?
Kim Vogel Sawyer's Bygones is a fascinating look into the Mennonite world, seamlessly woven into a fascinating, completely believable storyline. It's a well-written tale of faith and hope, of forgiveness and love, and of human frailty and strength, all portrayed in characters so real they move and breathe. Definitely a winner!
Shunned by her Old Order Mennonite family and friends, Marie makes a life for herself and her daughter in the "outside" world. In the twenty-three years since she left Sommerfeld, Kansas, she has all but forgotten her roots. But then her old Mennonite beau shows up with shocking news: A beloved aunt has died, leaving her house and café to Marie's daughter, Beth. The stipulation: Beth must live three months in Sommerfeld in order to claim the inheritance.
When Marie reluctantly accompanies her daughter back to her childhood home, she's unprepared for the onslaught of emotions and memories that await her there. Before long, she's yearning for and finding the faith she lost so long ago, and - much to her daughter's dismay - reclaiming old habits, lifestyles, and maybe even an old love.
But then someone starts stealing from the Mennonites, and suspicion falls at the outsiders' door. Even Henry, who never quite healed from Marie's abandonment of their budding relationship so long ago, turns an accusing eye on her and Beth.
Sommerfeld is a community built on strict biblical principles and rigid tenets. It's populated by good people with preconceived and often misplaced suspicions of outsiders. Marie despairs of proving her innocence, and her sincerity in returning to the Mennonite faith. Can she and Henry overcome the obstacles and rekindle the embers of love? Can they all find a way to let bygones be bygones?
Kim Vogel Sawyer's Bygones is a fascinating look into the Mennonite world, seamlessly woven into a fascinating, completely believable storyline. It's a well-written tale of faith and hope, of forgiveness and love, and of human frailty and strength, all portrayed in characters so real they move and breathe. Definitely a winner!
August 28, 2010
This was my first time reading a book by Kim Vogel Sawyer and I loved it. I started reading it and couldn't put it down. It was very intriguing and kept my attention. I actually stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to finish the book! Awesome book!
April 22, 2023
It was an ok read, but so predictable. I have read a lot of Amish and Mennonite books, and this one was my least favorite.
September 6, 2023
I had no idea that there are or were Mennonites that were so old order that they live like the Amish. Very interesting story. I absolutely enjoyed it.
August 27, 2008
i THOUGHT this was my first book by this author, but apparently, i'd read something of her's MANY "moons" ago, and had just forgotten her name. will NOT be forgetting it now!
i am enjoying this series. for one thing, i used to spend quite a bit of time up in Lancaster, in among the Amish, when i was younger. this book doesn't take place there, but ... has me remembering those days, and the good times i had there then.
this book also had me, once again, wishing for MUCH simpler times! don't think i could give up my electric appliances voluntarily, BUT ... there is MUCH about the Amish and the Mennonite that i admire, and respect, and ...
lastly, i like the fact that this books shows that no matter what our culture, or our skin color, or ... that basically, people are all alike. we have MANY the same problems and situations and good points and ... also, liked the fact that this book shows how life really does NOT always have a fairy tale ending, but ... you can STILL live a good life, and one of peace and contentment and ...
i am enjoying this series. for one thing, i used to spend quite a bit of time up in Lancaster, in among the Amish, when i was younger. this book doesn't take place there, but ... has me remembering those days, and the good times i had there then.
this book also had me, once again, wishing for MUCH simpler times! don't think i could give up my electric appliances voluntarily, BUT ... there is MUCH about the Amish and the Mennonite that i admire, and respect, and ...
lastly, i like the fact that this books shows that no matter what our culture, or our skin color, or ... that basically, people are all alike. we have MANY the same problems and situations and good points and ... also, liked the fact that this book shows how life really does NOT always have a fairy tale ending, but ... you can STILL live a good life, and one of peace and contentment and ...
March 6, 2008
This is going to be a great series. The town really comes to life. I really enjoyed this book.
September 21, 2019
Loved this book. I didn't want to put it down. Loved the characters, they were so believable. Can't wait to read book 2!
January 9, 2020
Bygones
(Sommerfield Trilogy #1)
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
When Beth inherits her great aunt's house and cafe, she is required to return to her mother's Mennonite hometown. Marie hadn't been home since her husband died and her father sent her away. Marie had left to marry a non believer.
Beth is a self centered young woman that wants her own way. Marie wants to restore her faith. She meets with her childhood sweetheart Henry. The feelings are still there for him.
When thefts began happening the people think Beth is responsible. Did she do it, or was someone else guilty. When Marie is found with the stolen goods, she refuses to say anything.
Will the truth come out or will they have to return to Wyoming?
Book 2 in this trilogy will be read soon.
(Sommerfield Trilogy #1)
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
When Beth inherits her great aunt's house and cafe, she is required to return to her mother's Mennonite hometown. Marie hadn't been home since her husband died and her father sent her away. Marie had left to marry a non believer.
Beth is a self centered young woman that wants her own way. Marie wants to restore her faith. She meets with her childhood sweetheart Henry. The feelings are still there for him.
When thefts began happening the people think Beth is responsible. Did she do it, or was someone else guilty. When Marie is found with the stolen goods, she refuses to say anything.
Will the truth come out or will they have to return to Wyoming?
Book 2 in this trilogy will be read soon.
June 29, 2018
I have actually had "Bygones" for a while, but I never picked it up to give it a chance for thinking it was something that it was not. Upon giving it a chance, I actually found that this novel held a powerful story for forgiveness and hopefulness that is hard to come by in today's society as a whole.
Kim Vogel Sawyer writes an interesting tale, one that is full of twists and turns that can take one by surprise if not already anticipating them. In this story, you will find a mother and daughter, faithfully seeking what is rightfully theirs while also trying to find heritage that had once been lost. In this book, one can find: second chances, hope, love, and God's unrelenting mercy.
Kim Vogel Sawyer writes an interesting tale, one that is full of twists and turns that can take one by surprise if not already anticipating them. In this story, you will find a mother and daughter, faithfully seeking what is rightfully theirs while also trying to find heritage that had once been lost. In this book, one can find: second chances, hope, love, and God's unrelenting mercy.
April 29, 2024
I have a love-confused relationship with books about the Mennonites and/or Amish. I find them fascinating and admirable as a group of people, confusing when I think about the theology of their faith.
I disagree heartily with the idea of shunning family members who stray from the fold, but appreciate the sincere embrace of one's Christian faith. This is actually a key aspect of the story, and not just my struggle with the concept.
Not that anyone need care about my opinion, but I don't get how a God who created this multi-colored, vibrant world would want us to steer away from the beauty in us and around us, just saying.
I disagree heartily with the idea of shunning family members who stray from the fold, but appreciate the sincere embrace of one's Christian faith. This is actually a key aspect of the story, and not just my struggle with the concept.
Not that anyone need care about my opinion, but I don't get how a God who created this multi-colored, vibrant world would want us to steer away from the beauty in us and around us, just saying.
March 9, 2018
Beth had never seen the woman she was named after, and now left a house and cafe, debt free to her. Three months, to stay there, her mother a widow had done without so she would have..Her boyfriend reminds her of the store with antique furniture, she wants. This would give her a chance to buy and money to open a store. Seemed liked a win win situation. What about her mother, 23 years, she hasn’t been back, to see family, or her first love.
A good plot, with some twists to it, and one is wondering will she be welcome back, or will they try to get her to leave again.
A good plot, with some twists to it, and one is wondering will she be welcome back, or will they try to get her to leave again.
July 29, 2018
I hate rating Kim Vogel Sawyer so low, but I kept wanting to stop reading this book altogether. For the first three quarters of the book, Beth was such an insufferable brat that you wondered how it was possible that a Christian had raised her.
But, in the last quarter of the book, she redeemed herself and the story finally started flowing.
There were many positive aspects to this story if you’re willing to keep reading.
But, in the last quarter of the book, she redeemed herself and the story finally started flowing.
There were many positive aspects to this story if you’re willing to keep reading.
January 7, 2024
I was given this book by a friend and used it as a buffer between two more serious books. At first I lumped it into the category of every other Amish type fiction I have read (not that great), but I came to really enjoy most of the characters. I did not like the Beth character at all pretty much right up to the end, but I did find myself wondering how her story would play out. Should I read the next book to find out?
October 8, 2017
I rather liked this book. I've read several books where characters come back to the community they left years before (maybe escaped is a better word). This one had a twist though. It was an inheritance her daughter received which had the stipulation of at least a 3 month stay to see if they wanted to keep the cafe they inherited.
Of course there's a long lost love involved.
Worth a read.
Of course there's a long lost love involved.
Worth a read.
October 17, 2019
A touching story
I think Bygones is a wonderful book! Marie left the man that loved her for another in her youth. 20 years later they are back together for another reason. Along the way she finds her relationship with God again, and a family that turned their back on her. Looking forward to read the next book in this trilogy! Kim Vogel Sawyer is a fantastic author!
I think Bygones is a wonderful book! Marie left the man that loved her for another in her youth. 20 years later they are back together for another reason. Along the way she finds her relationship with God again, and a family that turned their back on her. Looking forward to read the next book in this trilogy! Kim Vogel Sawyer is a fantastic author!
August 16, 2025
This is a new author to me. The book was well written and had wonderful characters in the book.
Once you started to read the book you didn't want to stop reading. As you didn't know what was going to happen next. I defiantly would recommend this book to everyone. Can't wait to read more books from this author (Kim Vogel Sawyer).
Once you started to read the book you didn't want to stop reading. As you didn't know what was going to happen next. I defiantly would recommend this book to everyone. Can't wait to read more books from this author (Kim Vogel Sawyer).
September 18, 2019
Bygones (Sommerfeld Trilogy Book 1)
Bygones is the first book in The Sommerfeld Trilogy. I found it a tad slow, but it picked up in the last third of the book. It’s a good story, clean, and has a good ending.
Bygones is the first book in The Sommerfeld Trilogy. I found it a tad slow, but it picked up in the last third of the book. It’s a good story, clean, and has a good ending.
January 7, 2020
I really liked the book. I think Beth’s self-centeredness is spot on for young adults. I would have given it 5 stars but Beth’s coming to God just didn’t feel real to me. I know this is a work of fiction but the rest of it seemed plausible.
March 23, 2020
The plot was refreshing and interesting. I will read the rest of the series. I'm not really a fan of the glut of Amish and Mennonite fiction Christian publishers have dumped on the market but this was enjoyable.
May 17, 2018
Good read
January 15, 2019
This was a nice Christian novel about the Mennonite faith. It was well written and informative. I learned a lot about the religion and I enjoyed the basic underlying romance.
January 26, 2019
Sweet, but predictable, story. Estranged daughter returns to repair things w/ her family and rekindles her first love. Side story w/ her daughter, her boyfriend, and their faith.
March 6, 2019
Ok read.
Read
May 2, 2021Very enjoyable!
August 26, 2021
Mennonite
November 17, 2022
Enjoyable easy read, but kind of expected it to end the way it did.
January 27, 2023
This is a sweet story, well written, and highly recommended for those who enjoy reading inspirational fiction.
For me, it was a little too predictable.
For me, it was a little too predictable.
June 3, 2023
Great read. Can't wait to read the next one.
August 3, 2023
Loved the story. Want to read more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews