There are several books that release(d) in January, but I think this might have been my most anticipated one. Not only because I heard good things about it, but because the book blurb just hooked me from the very first time I read it. I needed more, and I’m so glad I was able to read it!
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About the Book
The Divine Proverb of Streusel Author Sara Brunsvold
Published by Baker Books
on January 16, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Christian / Contemporary, Fiction / Small Town & Rural, Fiction / Women
Pages: 336
Amazon | Goodreads | Baker Book HouseShaken by her parents' divorce and discouraged by the growing chasm between herself and her serious boyfriend, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle's farm in a small Missouri hamlet. She'll spend the summer there, picking up the pieces of her shattered present so she can plan a better future. But what awaits her at the ancestral farm is a past she barely knows.
Among her late grandmother's belongings, Nikki finds an old notebook filled with handwritten German recipes and wise sayings pulled from the book of Proverbs. With each recipe she makes, she invites locals to the family table to hear their stories about the town's history, her ancestors--and her estranged father.
What started as a cathartic way to connect to her heritage soon becomes the means through which she learns how the women before her endured--with the help of their cooking prowess. Nikki realizes how delicious streusel with a healthy dollop of faith can serve as a guide to heal wounds of the past.
My Perspective
Brunsvold pens a beautiful, poignant, faith filled novel that spoke straight to my heart, and if I’m honest – to my stomach. More on that later. There are so many layers to this story, in fact it’s almost like we get a few stories in one.
While Nikki’s character seemed a little, shall I say, immature at the beginning of the story, I had to remind myself of her age. I would have acted similar to that if I were her age, and that’s what really enhances her character arc for me. I don’t want to give away too much, but not only did Brunsvold do a work on this girl, the other characters did as well as the Lord. I so enjoyed reading the recipe book right along with her, each recipe not only making me long for my kitchen, it made me long for my bible. The truths tucked in the beginning of each recipe were inspirational, encouraging, and just what I needed. I have so many flags in this book that it almost matched the number of pages! These are lessons that will stay with me for years to come, and ones I will frequently look back at.
Then there’s Uncle Wes. We only get a snippet of his back story, but if you really take your time in reading the story, you see why he’s hesitant to love. He’s such a strong, tender, wise character. And there is one scene – oh my stars I cannot tell you about it because spoiler but it totally knocked my socks off. Those of you who have read the story know exactly what I am talking about. What I appreciate about Wes was his insight into everything that was going on. His gentle guidance, and his way with words. He is the epitome of what a hero should be.
But it doesn’t end there. Brunsvold saved her very best character as a secondary character. Aunt Emma not only provide nuggets of wisdom, she’s spunky, funny, and everything I want to be at her age. She was a delightful addition to this story. I almost wish there was more of her, but then that would take away from the rest of the story.
Not only does Brunsvold give us a beautiful story, she also gives us amazing recipes. I found myself salivating with each one, and I can say pretty confidently that I will be trying to make some of them. This was such a brilliant idea, and honestly it inspires me to make a little book of my own for my future grandchildren.
The Divine Proverb of Streusel is book that will inspire, teach, encourage, and fill readers with joy. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My Favorite Quotes
*** I have about a billion favorite quotes – the flags in my book are unreal. So I narrowed it down to my top five ***
Coffee could not compare to drinking in Scripture at sunrise.
Sometimes the best was to help was to getdirty by the mess.
Some things could only be understood when seen from the other side of a choice.
“Sometimes we have to look back to discern the way forward.”
…remind her of the God who never slept and who did his best work in the depths of splintered souls.
About the Author
Sara Brunsvold creates stories that speak hope, truth, and life. Influenced by humble women of God who find his fingerprints in the everyday, she does the same in her life and her storytelling. Sara’s recognitions include the 2020 ACFW Genesis Award for Contemporary Fiction. She lives with her family near Kansas City, Missouri, where she can often be spotted writing at a park or library. Learn more at www.sarabrunsvold.com.
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Wow! This book sounds amazing. Superb review. 😀
Sounds like a must read.