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Sommerfield Trilogy #2
Beginnings
Beth Quinn is struggling to find a place to belong in the Old Order Mennonite Community of Sommerfeld, Kansas. When she starts a business designing stained glass windows, two men-one a Mennonite, the other not-begin to vie for her attention. Andrew Braun, a member of the Sommerfeld fellowship, is dedicated to family and faith. Sean McCauley, the son of a successful businessman, may only be interested in Beth's talents. Will Beth look to her heavenly Father to fill the emptiness within, or will her desperate quest for love shatter more than one heart? Beginnings is book 2 in the Sommerfeld Trilogy. Other books in the trilogy include Bygones: Book 1 and Blessings: Book 3.
284 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
69 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Kim Vogel Sawyer
80 books1,209 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 45 reviews
April 9, 2021
In the first book of this series, Bygones, I wasn't sure I really liked Beth Quinn. Her widowed mother, who had left the Mennonite community to marry an outsider, had returned to Sommerfield to be the wife of her first love, Henry. Beth came too, but reluctantly, as the inheritor of a cafe belonging to a deceased aunt.
While she decides not to keep the cafe, she does decide to remain in Sommerfield and begin a new career as a stained glass artist. Selling the cafe (to an extended family member) gives her enough money to build a studio; she turns out to have a really good eye for stained glass, and she works hard at developing her skill and finding a niche for her art. But she doesn't feel like she really belongs anywhere. In the first book, Beth becomes a Christian, but she just isn't interested in becoming Mennonite. She doesn't even feel like she is close to her step-father, Henry.
Putting all of her energies into her art, she attracts the interest of a church construction company, who want her to make stained glass windows, but they extend a rather harsh contract. They want her to make a very large and detailed window, but if they aren't pleased with it, or if she doesn't finish on time, the company will not buy the window, leaving her with the entire expense of the project.
There are some good story lines in this book, and I grew to like Beth more and more during the story. And just as an aside, I'm guessing the author must have a cat, because she is good at describing the behavior of a kitten that Beth adopts.
I'm looking forward to the next installment of this series.
While she decides not to keep the cafe, she does decide to remain in Sommerfield and begin a new career as a stained glass artist. Selling the cafe (to an extended family member) gives her enough money to build a studio; she turns out to have a really good eye for stained glass, and she works hard at developing her skill and finding a niche for her art. But she doesn't feel like she really belongs anywhere. In the first book, Beth becomes a Christian, but she just isn't interested in becoming Mennonite. She doesn't even feel like she is close to her step-father, Henry.
Putting all of her energies into her art, she attracts the interest of a church construction company, who want her to make stained glass windows, but they extend a rather harsh contract. They want her to make a very large and detailed window, but if they aren't pleased with it, or if she doesn't finish on time, the company will not buy the window, leaving her with the entire expense of the project.
There are some good story lines in this book, and I grew to like Beth more and more during the story. And just as an aside, I'm guessing the author must have a cat, because she is good at describing the behavior of a kitten that Beth adopts.
I'm looking forward to the next installment of this series.
May 21, 2021
Current Day: Sommerfeld, Kansas
Characters:
Beth Quinn: 21 year old stain glass artist
Andrew Braun: Mennonite working for Beth as an assistant artist
Marie and Henry Braun: Beth's mom and step-dad
Sean McCauley: Co-owner of a church construction company
Trina Muller: Andrew's cousin
Winky: precocious cat
Beth doesn’t feel like she belongs.
When she was just out of her teens her mother and she inherited a cafe back in Kansas, in the same town where her mom grew up. The problem was it’s an Old Order Mennonite community, and her mom has decided to return to her roots. Although Beth has found a relationship with Christ, she can’t see herself fitting into the mold expected for women in that faith. So, she is in many ways an outsider trying to make her way as a stained glass artist.
Two men seek her attention, one as a perspective employer and the other is her employee. One is a Mennonite and the other is not. But she doesn’t have designs on either.
Fairly good story but the ending was abrupt and surprising.
Ah well, I’m determined to finish this series so I’m on to the third...
Characters:
Beth Quinn: 21 year old stain glass artist
Andrew Braun: Mennonite working for Beth as an assistant artist
Marie and Henry Braun: Beth's mom and step-dad
Sean McCauley: Co-owner of a church construction company
Trina Muller: Andrew's cousin
Winky: precocious cat
Beth doesn’t feel like she belongs.
When she was just out of her teens her mother and she inherited a cafe back in Kansas, in the same town where her mom grew up. The problem was it’s an Old Order Mennonite community, and her mom has decided to return to her roots. Although Beth has found a relationship with Christ, she can’t see herself fitting into the mold expected for women in that faith. So, she is in many ways an outsider trying to make her way as a stained glass artist.
Two men seek her attention, one as a perspective employer and the other is her employee. One is a Mennonite and the other is not. But she doesn’t have designs on either.
Fairly good story but the ending was abrupt and surprising.
Ah well, I’m determined to finish this series so I’m on to the third...
November 28, 2011
This book was even more enjoyable than the book Bygones, the first book in the Sommerfield Trilogy. The main character, Beth, is portrayed with much depth, especially in the emotional struggles she goes through trying to find her place in her mother's Mennonite family and community and in her quest to establish herself as a stained glass artist. This book shows strengths and weaknesses in family relationships but puts great emphasis on the importance of family in one's life. Beth's relationship with 2 men in her life adds another dimension to the story which is portrayed in a way that shows Beth's maturity and independence. As always, the reader is shown Christian values in one's personal life.
September 6, 2010
This book was given to me by my youngest daughter. I have not read the first book. The storyline was smooth sailing and the life that Beth Quinn came to know among the Mennenites of Sommerville, Kansas left her searching for a place to belong.
Being the adult child of a newly married woman who is expecting twin babies has left Beth with mixed feelings. Her mother found a new life, could she?
Beth is a very independent woman and the two men in her life seem to spark her indignation in more ways than one. God helps her find her dreams and helps her come to know happiness and security as only He can.
A good read.
Being the adult child of a newly married woman who is expecting twin babies has left Beth with mixed feelings. Her mother found a new life, could she?
Beth is a very independent woman and the two men in her life seem to spark her indignation in more ways than one. God helps her find her dreams and helps her come to know happiness and security as only He can.
A good read.
August 13, 2013
This was an overall good story, but I did not like the main character, Beth, at all. I didn't like how she always spoke to her employee, Andrew, very harshly. I stuck with the book because it wasn't very long. The ending was good. However, the author can make the main character independent without being so mean.
May 6, 2013
This second book in this series was better than the first. It actually ended differently than I thought it would! I love the unexpected.
February 23, 2018
The book was ok...not great, but contained interesting details about stained-glass art and did a nice job of creating the setting of a small Mennonite community. I thought it was unrealistic that no one in the community could figure out that there was a serious medical issue with one of the main characters. Did she never visit the doctor for prenatal checkups? The romance didn't really seem realistic to me either, but I can overlook that.
However, the plot line involving Andrew's dilemma of needing to be "out in the fields" was so ludicrous that it almost ruined the entire book for me. During late February and March there was much talk of his needing to be out in the fields working and/or harvesting the winter wheat. It's inconceivable to me that the author, who lives in Kansas, doesn't know that winter wheat would be harvested in June and July, during the hot summer. There is no reason to be working in winter wheat fields in late winter! It's so basic to the story and so wrong that I couldn't get past it. A bit of research would certainly have strengthened the story.
However, the plot line involving Andrew's dilemma of needing to be "out in the fields" was so ludicrous that it almost ruined the entire book for me. During late February and March there was much talk of his needing to be out in the fields working and/or harvesting the winter wheat. It's inconceivable to me that the author, who lives in Kansas, doesn't know that winter wheat would be harvested in June and July, during the hot summer. There is no reason to be working in winter wheat fields in late winter! It's so basic to the story and so wrong that I couldn't get past it. A bit of research would certainly have strengthened the story.
February 12, 2019
Beth has two very different guys who want her attention - Andrew, who is her employee and a Mennonite, and Sean, who is her potential employer, and is English (non-Mennonite). Both the religious aspect as well as the working together aspect make her hesitant to have a relationship with either of them.
Her mom is pregnant w/ twins and Beth is still struggling to fit in with her Mennonite family and community. The coming babies just make her feel more of an outsider. But a medical crisis shows her that she truly has found her home and her family.
The backdrop of the story is her growing stained glass business. I don't know anything about the crafting of stained glass so I found this part of the book to very interesting.
Can't wait for the sequel to see how things develop for everyone. I think I see a pending romance on the horizon!
Her mom is pregnant w/ twins and Beth is still struggling to fit in with her Mennonite family and community. The coming babies just make her feel more of an outsider. But a medical crisis shows her that she truly has found her home and her family.
The backdrop of the story is her growing stained glass business. I don't know anything about the crafting of stained glass so I found this part of the book to very interesting.
Can't wait for the sequel to see how things develop for everyone. I think I see a pending romance on the horizon!
May 2, 2024
I am enjoying little details about the Old Order Mennonite that I haven't picked up from other books I've read.
I also disagree with their ideas more--not that anyone asked me. But I don't believe a God who gave us these brains and talents would want us to restrict ourselves to the point of not using our gifts--the Parable of the Talents clearly shows this.
I certainly understand the desire to protect our loved ones from sin, but burying ourselves in the dirt could even be seen as a flaw...again, as in the same parable.
Now, having said all this, I enjoyed the book because of what I learned and how I was challenged...but if you're not in the mood for those things, maybe not. The romance isn't that compelling.
I also disagree with their ideas more--not that anyone asked me. But I don't believe a God who gave us these brains and talents would want us to restrict ourselves to the point of not using our gifts--the Parable of the Talents clearly shows this.
I certainly understand the desire to protect our loved ones from sin, but burying ourselves in the dirt could even be seen as a flaw...again, as in the same parable.
Now, having said all this, I enjoyed the book because of what I learned and how I was challenged...but if you're not in the mood for those things, maybe not. The romance isn't that compelling.
June 29, 2018
"Beginnings" by Kim Vogel Sawyer is not the beginning of this young ladies story; however, it is the continuation of her families tale from the first novel in this trilogy. Having moved away from everything that she has known, this young woman is determined to have a future in this different sort of town.
Ms. Sawyer has done it again, interloping a modern society in the less popular Amish society. Just because someone might not understand them, that does not give reason to not get to know them. In "Beginnings," many individuals can relate to the feelings and emotions are displayed within this novel. I recommend this series for they are very relatable.
Ms. Sawyer has done it again, interloping a modern society in the less popular Amish society. Just because someone might not understand them, that does not give reason to not get to know them. In "Beginnings," many individuals can relate to the feelings and emotions are displayed within this novel. I recommend this series for they are very relatable.
April 7, 2018
A different idea for a plot--quite interesting. The characters for the most part were well-written and believable. The Sean character was, IMHO, too naive for his age and his level of management in his father's company which mAde him unbelievable. That was a -.5 stars. Another star lost due to the ending being unfulfilled. And another -.5 stars for a couple formatting errors and weak word choices..
January 14, 2020
Beginnings
(Sommerfield Trilogy #2)
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Book two of the Sommerfield Trilogy picks up after Bygones ends. Beth finds herself learning what is of more importance. Andrew finds himself trying to find out what he wants. Sean McCauley wants to consider a personal relationship with Beth. With lots of prayer they will all find their way.
Book three will be read soon.
Thanks to Kim Vogel Sawyer for a nice clean read.
(Sommerfield Trilogy #2)
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Book two of the Sommerfield Trilogy picks up after Bygones ends. Beth finds herself learning what is of more importance. Andrew finds himself trying to find out what he wants. Sean McCauley wants to consider a personal relationship with Beth. With lots of prayer they will all find their way.
Book three will be read soon.
Thanks to Kim Vogel Sawyer for a nice clean read.
June 30, 2019
This was my first Christian fiction book outside of the Mandie Collection by Louis Gladys Leppard (which I highly recommend as well). This book was AMAZING. I loved it and I know in the future other Christian fiction, especially by Kim Vogel Sawyer, will be by me.
September 21, 2019
Beginnings (Sommerfeld Trilogy Book 2)
Beginnings is the second book in the Sommerfeld Trilogy. I enjoyed this one much more than the first book. If you aren’t into series, I think Beginnings could be enjoyed as a stand alone novel. And I’m off to read the final book.......
Beginnings is the second book in the Sommerfeld Trilogy. I enjoyed this one much more than the first book. If you aren’t into series, I think Beginnings could be enjoyed as a stand alone novel. And I’m off to read the final book.......
March 20, 2017
Great read
Another great book by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I enjoyed reading book number two in this series. As usual this author doesn't disappoint.
Another great book by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I enjoyed reading book number two in this series. As usual this author doesn't disappoint.
May 23, 2018
Really enjoyed
I enjoyed reading book 2 in the series. The story was continued flawlessly but general enough that you could follow if you hadn’t read the first book. Nicely done.
I enjoyed reading book 2 in the series. The story was continued flawlessly but general enough that you could follow if you hadn’t read the first book. Nicely done.
June 26, 2018
A good story about artists, one Mennonite and one not, and how they came to understand that they were not compatible.
January 16, 2019
Second book in a trilogy. This one was a bit draggy, in parts and not as informative about the religion. It was still a good Christian novel and well written.
March 27, 2019
Good read!
January 10, 2020
This trilogy is losing stars. I am having a hard time with balancing Beth’s new found faith and her continual e everything should be about her. But I did like the story line.
June 16, 2020
Book #2 of The Sommerfield Trilogy was largely like the first following the daughter of the main character in that book. Easy read.
April 15, 2021
Started in the middle of the series but it wasn’t hard to catch up. Sweet story if not a little predictable.
June 12, 2021
Good book
June 26, 2023
Loved how everything came together at the end, and Beth's personal and spiritual growth along the way. Sometimes focusing on something other than yourself and desires bring unexpected blessings.
September 14, 2024
very good book
February 17, 2017
good series
January 1, 2015
In this second book of the Sommerfeld series, Beth Quinn has just opened up her own stain glass design studio, in the town of Sommerfeld, on some of the property left to her by her aunt. Her mother Marie has returned to her Old Order Mennonite faith and is very happy. Beth tolerates the Mennonite culture, but does not embrace it, and struggles with a sense of feeling as if she does not belong.
While dealing with the complications of getting her business off the ground, she also has two men vying for her attention; Andrew, who is her only employee and Mennonite, and Sean, who is a partner with his father in a construction company that builds churches, and has commissioned Beth to build a window for one of the new buildings. If you have read the first book of the series, Bygones, then you also know that Beth has trust issues with men, further complicating matters.
I really enjoyed this one. While it works as a stand alone story, I still recommend reading the first book, Bygones, first, to give you a deeper understanding of Beth's character and what drives her to make the decisions she does. Her mother Marie's story, featured in Bygones, is also continued in this book.
As a crafter (though not of stained glass art), I really appreciated that the author did her research into how stained glass windows are made and wove that into the story, it really added an authenticity to it.
While dealing with the complications of getting her business off the ground, she also has two men vying for her attention; Andrew, who is her only employee and Mennonite, and Sean, who is a partner with his father in a construction company that builds churches, and has commissioned Beth to build a window for one of the new buildings. If you have read the first book of the series, Bygones, then you also know that Beth has trust issues with men, further complicating matters.
I really enjoyed this one. While it works as a stand alone story, I still recommend reading the first book, Bygones, first, to give you a deeper understanding of Beth's character and what drives her to make the decisions she does. Her mother Marie's story, featured in Bygones, is also continued in this book.
As a crafter (though not of stained glass art), I really appreciated that the author did her research into how stained glass windows are made and wove that into the story, it really added an authenticity to it.
July 12, 2014
Beth Quinn left the city to live among the Old Order Mennonites in the small town of Sommerfield, Kansas after her mother returned to Sommerfield twenty years after being away. Her mom married, embraced her roots and Beth moved to be near her mom. However Beth is struggling. She feels she is living among strangers and does not belong. On top of that, Beth has her own business and this does not fit with the community's ideal for women.
Beth has two men vying for her attention. She is torn between a desire for independence and a longing to have someone she can trust and depend on. How can she reconcile her old life with the new one and her new Christian faith?
This was Book two in the trilogy and not as good as Book 1.
Beth has two men vying for her attention. She is torn between a desire for independence and a longing to have someone she can trust and depend on. How can she reconcile her old life with the new one and her new Christian faith?
This was Book two in the trilogy and not as good as Book 1.
July 4, 2016
Beth Quinn left the city with her widowed mother to find a whole family of Mennonite relatives she had never met. Her mom easily took up the religion she was raised in and remarried, leaving Beth to feel like an outsider in the tight-knit community. With a small inheritance Beth opens a stained glass studio and options begin to come in, not only from two different customers, but from two different men. Will she choose Sean, the worldly suitor whose father is a church designer, or Andrew, the Mennonite farmer-turned-artist working with her? Or will a past relationship cause her to remain single?
August 27, 2008
once again, w/ this novel, we see that life does NOT always have positive outcomes, but ...
and, we see that as different as we (people of different backgrounds/cultures/religions/... ) are from each other, at least when it comes to our "heart", we (same as above) are more alike than we probably would like to admit. we CAN, if we truly want to, live and coincide together in a positive manner.
it's amazing what GOD can do, especially if/when we let Him!!!
and, we see that as different as we (people of different backgrounds/cultures/religions/... ) are from each other, at least when it comes to our "heart", we (same as above) are more alike than we probably would like to admit. we CAN, if we truly want to, live and coincide together in a positive manner.
it's amazing what GOD can do, especially if/when we let Him!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews