Roots of Wood and Stone is a feel-good inspirational romance perfect for fans of Christian fiction.
Book Title: Roots of Wood and Stone by Amanda Wen
Category: Adult Fiction, 304 pages
Genre: Christian Romance/Dual timeline
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release dates: February 2, 2021
Content Rating: PG (themes of parental abandonment)
Book Description:
This historic home holds the keys to their destiny . . .and their hearts
Abandoned at birth, her family roots a mystery, historical museum curator Sloane Kelley has dedicated her life to making sure others know theirs. When a donor drops off a dusty old satchel, she doesn't expect much from the common artifact . . .until she finds real treasure inside: a nineteenth-century diary. Now she's on the hunt to find out more.
Garrett Anderson just wanted to clean out his grandmother's historic but tumbledown farmhouse before selling it to fund her medical care. With her advancing Alzheimer's, he can't afford to be sentimental about the family home. But his carefully ordered plan runs up against two formidable obstacles: Sloane, who's fallen in love with both the diaries and the house, and his own heart, which is irresistibly drawn to Sloane.
A century and a half earlier, motherless Annabelle Collins embarks with her aunt and uncle on the adventure of a lifetime: settling the prairies of Sedgwick County, Kansas. The diaries she left behind paint a portrait of life, loss, and love--and a God who faithfully carries her through it all. Paging through the diaries together takes Sloane and Garrett on a journey they never could have planned, which will change them in ways they never imagined.
This warm, beautifully written split-time novel will resonate with readers looking for stories that reveal the beauty of God's plan for our lives, and how our actions ripple for generations.
My Review:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani
This Christian romance novel is a heartwarming tale about searching for one's roots, family memories and the importance of belonging. Sloane Kelley meets Garrett Anderson when he drops off an old satchel at the museum where she works. In it Sloane finds a diary written by Annabelle Collins in the 19th century. Sloane begins to read the diary and is intrigued to learn more about this woman. The diary and several others are found in the farmhouse belonging to Garrett's grandmother. As Sloane and Garrett spend time together trying to piece together who exactly Annabelle is, her life story helps them to understand what is important in their lives.
There is a dual timeline in this book, which I very much enjoy in novels, although the historical part about Annabelle was made up of snippets of scenes of her life from childhood to widowhood, rather than a full-fledged story, which was fine. I enjoyed Sloane and Garrett's story and how they were brought together.
This was a slow burn romance, clean and sweet. It was an enjoyable and satisfying read. I enjoyed reading the author's note about how she based some of her characters on her ancestors and the memoir written by her great great grandfather. What a rich heritage. This theme of looking at or learning of the lives of our past family members came out strong in the novel, one that I love in books.
Praise for Roots of Wood and Stone:
—Joanna Davidson Politano, author of The Love Note
“A moving, enchanting story of love and loss. Amanda Wen takes readers on an adventure that weaves past and present together in a beautiful tapestry of skillful storytelling. I was blown away by this book and its timeless message.”
—Heidi Chiavaroli, Carol Award–winning author of Freedom’s Ring and The Tea Chest
Buy the Book:
About the Author:
Wen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and regularly contributes author interviews for their Fiction Finder feature. She also frequently interviews authors for her blog and is a contributor to the God Is Love blog. Her debut novel, Roots of Wood and Stone, releases from Kregel Publications on February 2, 2021.
In addition to her writing, Wen is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team. She serves as a choral accompanist as well. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Wen lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat.
To find Amanda Wen’s blog and short stories, visit www.amandawen.com. Readers can also follower her on Facebook (@AuthorAmandaWen), Twitter (@AuthorAmandaWen), and Instagram (@authoramandawen).
Enter the Giveaway!
Ends Feb 28, 2021
Roots and Stone sounds captivating and fascinating. Thank you for this lovely feature and giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThere are times when a book like this is just what I want.
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