Kathryn Spurgeon

"A Promise of Home" by Kathryn Spurgeon is a captivating work of historical fiction. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this fourth and final installment in the Promise series continues the narrative of Fremont, Sibyl, their children, and their extended family. To fully grasp the unfolding events and appreciate the characters, reading the entire series in chronological order is recommended.

Having often found ourselves stepping into new church environments due to our military background, my husband and I could wholeheartedly relate to Sibyl and Fremont's challenges as they navigated their new church community in Colorado. Our constant quest to contribute within these diverse congregations added resonance to their experiences.

The intricacies of Sibyl's relationship with her mother added depth to the storyline. Sibyl's unyielding efforts to bridge the gap between them were particularly endearing. While navigating the dynamics, I found myself favoring Fremont's parents over Sibyl's mother. The involvement of Fremont and Sibyl's children, along with their actions, seamlessly drew me further into the narrative.

For enthusiasts of historical fiction, "A Promise of Home" by Kathryn Spurgeon is a must-read. I encourage you to delve into this book, along with the preceding three installments, to fully immerse yourself in the world crafted by the author.

It's important to note that I received a complimentary copy of this book. However, I want to emphasize that this gift did not influence the opinions expressed in my review. All viewpoints shared are genuinely my own.… (lisätietoja)

I was sad to finish this family’s WWII saga, as I felt like I was invested in this family and all their joys, hurts, and struggles. I loved that it was the true stories of the authors grandparents and their resilience to keep on in faith no matter the circumstances. It is raw and real and has you weeping at the hurts they endured from family, the church, and difficulties of life, but rejoicing with their strength coming from God, His faithfulness because of their faithfulness, and at the birth of their children. Sadly they didn’t have a large support system but Fremont’s parents were a godsend and uplifting. I love the historical details and the way the author included tributes to the local fallen. An exceptional way to honor her grandparents legacy and take us along for the ride. I throughly enjoyed this entire series and recommend to others.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.… (lisätietoja)

God didn’t need her frantic work - He needed her to slow down and listen.

The saga continues taking the reader along as an extended family wends their way through WW2 and all that comes with it. Fremont and Sybil decide to leave Shawnee, OK for Colorado where they feel the Lord would have them go. Working in the munitions factory, Fremont doesn’t question what he ministry is, he just shares with everyone. Sybil, at home with the children, feels she is not serving the Lord.

From Colorado they migrate to New Mexico where they get involved with church planting and a small Native congregation. Still questioning what her mission is, Sybil is at home with young children. Finally returning to Shawnee, they feel they have reached home, but will Sybil finally realize what the Lord has for her to do?

An ebook was received through Memory House Publishing. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.… (lisätietoja)

The opening scene made me hurt for Sibyl and her husband Fremont. After losing everything in a fire they travel from Oklahoma to Colorado Springs. The treatment they receive at the new church was icy to say the least. Poor Sibyl has her hands full with little ones and a new baby on the way. She wants to be accepted from these ladies. I could see them sticking their noses in the air with judgment dripping from their mouths. Have you ever gone to a new church and felt unwelcome? I have and it is an awful feeling which made me never return to that church.

There is an abundant of information about WWII in the story which helps readers get a bigger picture of how families were affected. The women worried about their men being called up to serve or where they were going to be sent. So much chaos happened during this war and caused many to feel hopeless. I like that Sibyl wanted to help send care packages to the soldiers. However the church didn’t seem as invested in the program. It must have been lonely being away fighting a war and thinking no one cared.

The story delivers characters that I became invested in. I enjoyed following them as they endured hardships while keeping their faith strong. Fremont was such a hard worker. He worked long hours and still came home to help with chores around the house. With so many men joining the service, it put more work on the men who stayed behind.

I enjoyed reading how life was like during this turbulent time. I learned facts I didn’t know about and was intrigued by the sacrifices many made. Not only were families on rations such as gasoline, bread and flour but there were times supplies was scarce. The story reads like a movie and I could picture even the littlest details as the authors do a wonderful job of writing. It has been a pleasure to go back in time and read about this tine period. I couldn’t wait to see what Fremont and Sibyl would decide when an offer is made to them? Ministry has been a dream for a long time for them. Big decisions need to be made and I love how they prayed until they heard an answer from God.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (lisätietoja)