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The Rhythm of Fractured Grace
Is Siobhan too far gone to respond to the song of a God who's calling her back to him?
When a new customer brings a badly damaged violin into Siobhan Walsh's shop, it is exactly the sort of challenge she craves. The man who brought it in is not. He's too close to the painful past that left her heart and her faith in shambles.
Matt Buchanan has had a rough start as the new worship pastor. A car accident on his way into town left him with a nearly totaled truck, and an heirloom violin in pieces. When he takes it to a repair shop, he's fascinated with the restoration process--and with the edgy, closed-off woman doing the work.
As their friendship deepens and turns into more, they both discover secrets that force them to face past wounds. And the history of the violin reveals more about their current problems than they could have ever expected.
On the nineteenth-century frontier, a gruesome tomahawk attack wiped out most of Deborah Caldwell's family. Her greatest solace after the tragedy is the music from her father's prized violin. Given her horrendous scars, she'd resigned herself to a spinster's life. But Levi Martinson's gentle love starts to chip away at her hardened heart, until devastating details about the attack are revealed, putting their love--and Deborah's shaky faith--to the ultimate test.
Full of forgiveness and the message that no one is too damaged for God's healing touch, the final book in the split-time Sedgwick County Chronicles will thrill fans of Rachel Hauck, Lisa Wingate, and Kristy Cambron.
When a new customer brings a badly damaged violin into Siobhan Walsh's shop, it is exactly the sort of challenge she craves. The man who brought it in is not. He's too close to the painful past that left her heart and her faith in shambles.
Matt Buchanan has had a rough start as the new worship pastor. A car accident on his way into town left him with a nearly totaled truck, and an heirloom violin in pieces. When he takes it to a repair shop, he's fascinated with the restoration process--and with the edgy, closed-off woman doing the work.
As their friendship deepens and turns into more, they both discover secrets that force them to face past wounds. And the history of the violin reveals more about their current problems than they could have ever expected.
On the nineteenth-century frontier, a gruesome tomahawk attack wiped out most of Deborah Caldwell's family. Her greatest solace after the tragedy is the music from her father's prized violin. Given her horrendous scars, she'd resigned herself to a spinster's life. But Levi Martinson's gentle love starts to chip away at her hardened heart, until devastating details about the attack are revealed, putting their love--and Deborah's shaky faith--to the ultimate test.
Full of forgiveness and the message that no one is too damaged for God's healing touch, the final book in the split-time Sedgwick County Chronicles will thrill fans of Rachel Hauck, Lisa Wingate, and Kristy Cambron.
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2024
9 people are currently reading
1197 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Wen
9 books198 followersAmanda Wen’s debut novel, Roots of Wood and Stone, released to both reader and critical acclaim, including a Christy Award nomination for First Novel. She also placed first in multiple contests, including the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity Contest, the 2017 Phoenix Rattler Contest, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions Contest, among others.
In addition to her writing, Amanda is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team, as well as serving as a choral accompanist. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Amanda currently lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat.
In addition to her writing, Amanda is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team, as well as serving as a choral accompanist. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Amanda currently lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 16, 2024
1876 and Current Day Wichita, Kansas
Beautiful story about forgiveness. And forgiveness for REALLY difficult things. I loved that one of the characters shared she prayed to God to want to want to forgive. In some situations, forgiveness is a process and not at all easy.
In the 19th Century thread, two sisters survived being scalped. Their lives were more difficult as a result - headaches, prone to head injuries, ridicule. They could choose to wallow in pity or forgive and get on with living.
In the current day thread, a young women is the prey of pastor with a sexual deviance issue. This certainly didn't inspire her to want to continue attending the pastor's church. Her faith in God also suffered.
The connection between the time periods is a violin. I loved how music played a key role in the novel.
Beautifully written!
My gratitude to the author and publisher for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Beautiful story about forgiveness. And forgiveness for REALLY difficult things. I loved that one of the characters shared she prayed to God to want to want to forgive. In some situations, forgiveness is a process and not at all easy.
In the 19th Century thread, two sisters survived being scalped. Their lives were more difficult as a result - headaches, prone to head injuries, ridicule. They could choose to wallow in pity or forgive and get on with living.
In the current day thread, a young women is the prey of pastor with a sexual deviance issue. This certainly didn't inspire her to want to continue attending the pastor's church. Her faith in God also suffered.
The connection between the time periods is a violin. I loved how music played a key role in the novel.
Beautifully written!
My gratitude to the author and publisher for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
February 23, 2024
A tender dual timeline story of healing, restoration and love.
A heart tugging story that digs deep, tenderly handling two unique and captivating stories of strong women a hundred years apart finding hope and healing through faith. An emotional read with likable characters, and an engaging plot. I liked how the author dealt with the difficult topic of abuse within the church in a real and honest way. I was equally captivated by both Siobhan and Deborah's stories, and enjoyed the strong themes of faith and restoration.
Levi and Matt are both patient and understanding, and I liked how they gave the women in their lives space to process things, but also were there by their sides. I adored Levi's tender and steady growing love for Deborah.
Highly recommend this stirring tale of faith, forgiveness and healing!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A heart tugging story that digs deep, tenderly handling two unique and captivating stories of strong women a hundred years apart finding hope and healing through faith. An emotional read with likable characters, and an engaging plot. I liked how the author dealt with the difficult topic of abuse within the church in a real and honest way. I was equally captivated by both Siobhan and Deborah's stories, and enjoyed the strong themes of faith and restoration.
Levi and Matt are both patient and understanding, and I liked how they gave the women in their lives space to process things, but also were there by their sides. I adored Levi's tender and steady growing love for Deborah.
Highly recommend this stirring tale of faith, forgiveness and healing!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 20, 2024
Wow! What an amazing Story! Loved it! This is a split timeline story. We have one story from the 1870s and one that is modern day. In the past story, we have Deborah, who was scalped at a young age and survived along with her sister. She doesn't think she will ever get married because of her head scars. But a marriage of convenience with Levi comes along and she finds she can fall in love after all. But when the past catches up with her, will she be able to forgive? In the modern-day story, Siobhan had a sexual relationship with the pastor at Pursuers church and is now an outsider and away from God and church people. She has a hard time trusting God and church after what happened. The pastor has had nothing happened to him. When the new worship pastor, Matt, meets Siobhan to have her fix his violin they get to know each other. He learns what happened to her and helps her to come back to the Lord. He also sees that the pastor has not changed and has to do something about it before there are more victims.
I really enjoyed these stories. They were very intense but so well done. So much trauma for these women. I really loved how much Christian content was in this book. The author tackled a tough subject and I believe did it very well. There is a strong message of forgiveness. And I loved how the characters learned to trust God again. Overall a great book and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content/Trigger Warnings: sexual abuse in the Church for the modern story, scalping trauma in the 1870s story
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed these stories. They were very intense but so well done. So much trauma for these women. I really loved how much Christian content was in this book. The author tackled a tough subject and I believe did it very well. There is a strong message of forgiveness. And I loved how the characters learned to trust God again. Overall a great book and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content/Trigger Warnings: sexual abuse in the Church for the modern story, scalping trauma in the 1870s story
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
May 13, 2024
Wow
Wow! This is my first book by this author and I just put the first book of this series on hold at the library! This book is wonderful!!!
It is so well-written and you immediately are drawn into the story. There were no slow spots in the story either. The cover is gorgeous too.
The characters were so relatable. The theme of forgiveness and grace to others really resonated with me. Everyone goes through suffering and painful times, but thank God he's good and working it out for good for those who believe in Him and Jesus.
Highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series!!
Thanks to Goodreads giveaway for this book!
Wow! This is my first book by this author and I just put the first book of this series on hold at the library! This book is wonderful!!!
It is so well-written and you immediately are drawn into the story. There were no slow spots in the story either. The cover is gorgeous too.
The characters were so relatable. The theme of forgiveness and grace to others really resonated with me. Everyone goes through suffering and painful times, but thank God he's good and working it out for good for those who believe in Him and Jesus.
Highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series!!
Thanks to Goodreads giveaway for this book!
January 20, 2024
“Broken instruments need to remember what they’re capable of,” he always said, “lest they forget their purpose in life and refuse to be fixed.”
_________
Siobhan Walsh is a young apprentice luthier at a quiet music shop when she meets Matt Buchanan who brings in his grandmother’s broken antique violin. The instrument is probably beyond repair but it’s sentimental to Matt and so Siobhan agrees to take the intricate project on. Thus begins a friendship between Siobhan and newcomer to town, Matt.
As their friendship grows, Siobhan learns Matt is the new worship pastor at the mega church in town and Matt learns Siobhan has been majorly scarred by the church in the past which has left Siobhan closed off and trying her best to bury her pain. Soon, they will both discover their pasts and future intertwine in the most dark and mysterious way. Can their new friendship endure the newfound secrets that have come to light? Will Matt and Siobhan have to end their relationship before they even got to explore what could have possibly been?
Deborah Caldwell lives in the early 1900’s on the frontier and lives with her sister and father ever since her mother and siblings were killed in a massacre. Even though her sister and Deborah are survivors, they bare an ugly scar atop their heads from the attack, a reminder everyday what was taken away from them. Deborah is given away in an arranged marriage to widow Levi Martinson and his tender ways start to help Deborah refocus on living again and her new family. However, when Levi’s brother comes to town, secrets come to light that rock Deborah’s world and send her into darkness once again. Can Deborah ever find peace again, knowing what she does about her new family?
Amanda Wen seamlessly weaves the present with the past into a captivating and powerful story. The characters in both settings have been victims of terrible crimes and are broken and struggling with their faith when we meet them in the story. Both women are given new opportunities for reconciliation and redemption but it isn’t easy, each one has a hard road to overcome to see their full worth in Jesus’ eyes. Grace, faith, forgiveness, and second chances are huge themes in this story. I love the countless analogies of a broken instrument being pieced back together to make joyful music to the Lord.
Content: sexual abuse within church, abuse of power and position. (I just want to note that the author did a phenomenal job tenderly and delicately addressing this issue in the church. This kind of story line really needed to be shared and acknowledged.) no language, closed door.
Thank you to to @netgalley @authoramandawen & @kregelpublications for this advanced readers copy!
_________
Siobhan Walsh is a young apprentice luthier at a quiet music shop when she meets Matt Buchanan who brings in his grandmother’s broken antique violin. The instrument is probably beyond repair but it’s sentimental to Matt and so Siobhan agrees to take the intricate project on. Thus begins a friendship between Siobhan and newcomer to town, Matt.
As their friendship grows, Siobhan learns Matt is the new worship pastor at the mega church in town and Matt learns Siobhan has been majorly scarred by the church in the past which has left Siobhan closed off and trying her best to bury her pain. Soon, they will both discover their pasts and future intertwine in the most dark and mysterious way. Can their new friendship endure the newfound secrets that have come to light? Will Matt and Siobhan have to end their relationship before they even got to explore what could have possibly been?
Deborah Caldwell lives in the early 1900’s on the frontier and lives with her sister and father ever since her mother and siblings were killed in a massacre. Even though her sister and Deborah are survivors, they bare an ugly scar atop their heads from the attack, a reminder everyday what was taken away from them. Deborah is given away in an arranged marriage to widow Levi Martinson and his tender ways start to help Deborah refocus on living again and her new family. However, when Levi’s brother comes to town, secrets come to light that rock Deborah’s world and send her into darkness once again. Can Deborah ever find peace again, knowing what she does about her new family?
Amanda Wen seamlessly weaves the present with the past into a captivating and powerful story. The characters in both settings have been victims of terrible crimes and are broken and struggling with their faith when we meet them in the story. Both women are given new opportunities for reconciliation and redemption but it isn’t easy, each one has a hard road to overcome to see their full worth in Jesus’ eyes. Grace, faith, forgiveness, and second chances are huge themes in this story. I love the countless analogies of a broken instrument being pieced back together to make joyful music to the Lord.
Content: sexual abuse within church, abuse of power and position. (I just want to note that the author did a phenomenal job tenderly and delicately addressing this issue in the church. This kind of story line really needed to be shared and acknowledged.) no language, closed door.
Thank you to to @netgalley @authoramandawen & @kregelpublications for this advanced readers copy!
March 3, 2024
Amanda Wen writes another beautiful book with the 3rd book in the Sedgwick County Chronicles.
This story of the healing power of true forgiveness was absolutely moving.
The book and story itself can stand on it's own, but since there are some spoilers for both books one and two contained within it, I definitely would recommend reading the series in order if you want to read all of them.
Siobhan Walsh who is the MC in the modern timeline of this book, half-sister Sloane was featured as the MC in book one.
Siobhan has deep, seething wounds from past church experiences and we get to see her work through them and come to peace with God and her wounds at the end of this book.
I loved how Deborah Caldwell the MC of the historical timeline tied in with Siobhan's and showed how she dealt with life after most of her family was killed in an attack - it had extra depth from it being based on a true history.
We see her also find healing throught out her part of the story and it all blended together splendidly.
This book was full of faith, love, forgiveness, and healing throught both the MC's storylines.
It was a very enjoyable read that I would recommend to fans of all genres of faith-based fiction, especially if you enjoy split-timeline stories.
***Thank you to the author and publisher for an advance e-copy of this novel through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to provide a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.***
This story of the healing power of true forgiveness was absolutely moving.
The book and story itself can stand on it's own, but since there are some spoilers for both books one and two contained within it, I definitely would recommend reading the series in order if you want to read all of them.
Siobhan Walsh who is the MC in the modern timeline of this book, half-sister Sloane was featured as the MC in book one.
Siobhan has deep, seething wounds from past church experiences and we get to see her work through them and come to peace with God and her wounds at the end of this book.
I loved how Deborah Caldwell the MC of the historical timeline tied in with Siobhan's and showed how she dealt with life after most of her family was killed in an attack - it had extra depth from it being based on a true history.
We see her also find healing throught out her part of the story and it all blended together splendidly.
This book was full of faith, love, forgiveness, and healing throught both the MC's storylines.
It was a very enjoyable read that I would recommend to fans of all genres of faith-based fiction, especially if you enjoy split-timeline stories.
***Thank you to the author and publisher for an advance e-copy of this novel through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to provide a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.***
February 18, 2024
*Soli Deo Gloria-To God be the glory.*
I am very fond of dual time stories and this one was great. I was more interested in the historical time period which was about Deborah, her family, Levi and his daughter, Nora. Fascinating was the fact that the 1876 part was based on the real ancestors of the author. I loved the relationship between Deborah and Levi which at the outset was a marriage of convenience. Levi was a caring and considerate man who let Deborah grow into grace.
Both timelines dealt with harsh realities, the need to rely on God and learn to forgive the seemingly unforgivable. *Forgiveness is an act of grace and a gift from God.*
I loved the way that a violin tied the two time periods together.
In the present day, Siobhan was a prodigal daughter. I really felt for her as she questioned God when she had sinned, fell away and was making her way back to trusting Him. And I liked the way Matt wanted to be instrumental in her seeing God’s goodness again.
This book pointed out the dangers that can lurk in any church when those in authority misuse the trust of vulnerable people. The author called attention to a hard truth that there are wolves masquerading as sheep even in churches. Every one of us are not above sinning. We all need Christ. *It’s about Jesus-Nothing more-nothing less.*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
I am very fond of dual time stories and this one was great. I was more interested in the historical time period which was about Deborah, her family, Levi and his daughter, Nora. Fascinating was the fact that the 1876 part was based on the real ancestors of the author. I loved the relationship between Deborah and Levi which at the outset was a marriage of convenience. Levi was a caring and considerate man who let Deborah grow into grace.
Both timelines dealt with harsh realities, the need to rely on God and learn to forgive the seemingly unforgivable. *Forgiveness is an act of grace and a gift from God.*
I loved the way that a violin tied the two time periods together.
In the present day, Siobhan was a prodigal daughter. I really felt for her as she questioned God when she had sinned, fell away and was making her way back to trusting Him. And I liked the way Matt wanted to be instrumental in her seeing God’s goodness again.
This book pointed out the dangers that can lurk in any church when those in authority misuse the trust of vulnerable people. The author called attention to a hard truth that there are wolves masquerading as sheep even in churches. Every one of us are not above sinning. We all need Christ. *It’s about Jesus-Nothing more-nothing less.*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
February 23, 2024
This is the third book in a series but, as with many of these kinds of trilogies, it can be read on its own and feel complete. Amanda Wen seemed to strike a real chord with me on this one with the church leadership aspect. As a pastor’s wife I have been privy to stories like this one in real life. I am sad to say that there is an ugly side to ministry because of the corruptness of some people’s hearts.
I loved the way Wen wove the past and the present together. I am always a sucker for history and genealogy and this incorporates it well. Siobhan, an instrument repair tech, is brought a very old violin and connects with her half sister, a researcher, to find out it’s story and how it came to belong to the owner, Matt.
I also love how Matt wrestles with his own role as a music minister and his heart for true praise and worship in a very “flashy” church. Without giving too much away, one of my favorite scenes in the book is a worship night at a local coffee shop. There is just nothing like true worship of Jesus. It was a beautiful moment.
I really enjoyed this book start to finish and hope to see more from Amanda Wen soon. She has a very engaging and comfortable writing style and I feel like I get to know her characters more deeply. I recommend this book wholeheartedly. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I loved the way Wen wove the past and the present together. I am always a sucker for history and genealogy and this incorporates it well. Siobhan, an instrument repair tech, is brought a very old violin and connects with her half sister, a researcher, to find out it’s story and how it came to belong to the owner, Matt.
I also love how Matt wrestles with his own role as a music minister and his heart for true praise and worship in a very “flashy” church. Without giving too much away, one of my favorite scenes in the book is a worship night at a local coffee shop. There is just nothing like true worship of Jesus. It was a beautiful moment.
I really enjoyed this book start to finish and hope to see more from Amanda Wen soon. She has a very engaging and comfortable writing style and I feel like I get to know her characters more deeply. I recommend this book wholeheartedly. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
February 20, 2024
Wow! I didn’t think I could like a book more than I already liked the first two books in Amanda Wen’s Sedgwick County Chronicles, that is, until I read The Rhythm of Fractured Grace. Another dual timeline novel set in modern day Wichita and the late 1800s Kansas frontier, this novel has powerful themes of forgiveness, identity, and worthiness in God. Modern day Siobhan has been damaged by the church. Manipulated and abused by a person in authority, then shunned by fellow church members, she keeps a low profile with her dyed hair and baggy plaid shirts. That is until Matt hobbles into her life on crutches holding a violin certainly damaged beyond repair. The second story centers on Deborah, a woman wounded physically and emotionally by an attack in her childhood. Both women feel less than, unworthy of love from man or God. I loved how the author used the old, broken violin as a bridge to the women’s stories and as a symbol of restoration. God is everywhere in the two women’s lives, though they either don’t see it or don’t want to. The men in their lives aid in the healing of their hearts, but it is God who works His will in their lives. I loved, loved, loved that!
With novels with two or more timelines, I generally like one story over the other, but in The Rhythm of Fractured Grace, I was immersed in both. The characterization is strong, the themes were relevant to my life, and I just did not want either story to end! This one is a highly recommended read!
Highly Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(Thanks to Kregel for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
With novels with two or more timelines, I generally like one story over the other, but in The Rhythm of Fractured Grace, I was immersed in both. The characterization is strong, the themes were relevant to my life, and I just did not want either story to end! This one is a highly recommended read!
Highly Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(Thanks to Kregel for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
March 3, 2024
Forgiveness comes in many forms and many ways...
Wow, I really wasn't expecting this story at all. To be honest, I fell in love with the Sedgwick County Chronicles after reading the first book, so, when I saw Amanda Wen's name on the cover and that The Rhythm Of Fractured Grace was part of that series, well, I decided to read it without checking out the blurb.
As I said, this story was quite unexpected but I'd love to stand up and cheer for Amanda Wen's bravery in taking on the very tough topic in the contemporary thread of The Rhythm Of Fractured Grace. I can't say too much for fear of giving things away but I can tell you that it is long past time for it to be addressed in fiction as well as in real life. I found the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and grace to be very well done and nicely handled. The reminder that we cannot and should not take on the internal guilt nor allow others to manipulate us into blame for sins that have been committed against us – not by us – will be good for and encourage any reader who has or is facing it in their own lives.
It's hard for me to believe that The Rhythm Of Fractured Grace is the final Sedgwick County Chronicles novel. I've come to enjoy Amanda Wen's split time storytelling that is faintly reminiscent of Jaime Jo Wright but without the creepy and eerie vibes, and the characters have come to feel like friends. It's no fun saying goodbye but The Sedgwick County Chronicles has been a good series and it is one that I would recommend to any split-time fiction fan...
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Wow, I really wasn't expecting this story at all. To be honest, I fell in love with the Sedgwick County Chronicles after reading the first book, so, when I saw Amanda Wen's name on the cover and that The Rhythm Of Fractured Grace was part of that series, well, I decided to read it without checking out the blurb.
As I said, this story was quite unexpected but I'd love to stand up and cheer for Amanda Wen's bravery in taking on the very tough topic in the contemporary thread of The Rhythm Of Fractured Grace. I can't say too much for fear of giving things away but I can tell you that it is long past time for it to be addressed in fiction as well as in real life. I found the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and grace to be very well done and nicely handled. The reminder that we cannot and should not take on the internal guilt nor allow others to manipulate us into blame for sins that have been committed against us – not by us – will be good for and encourage any reader who has or is facing it in their own lives.
It's hard for me to believe that The Rhythm Of Fractured Grace is the final Sedgwick County Chronicles novel. I've come to enjoy Amanda Wen's split time storytelling that is faintly reminiscent of Jaime Jo Wright but without the creepy and eerie vibes, and the characters have come to feel like friends. It's no fun saying goodbye but The Sedgwick County Chronicles has been a good series and it is one that I would recommend to any split-time fiction fan...
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
March 9, 2024
Siobhan Walsh is a young apprentice luthier at a quiet music shop when she meets Matt Buchanan who brings in his grandmother’s broken antique violin. The instrument is probably beyond repair but it’s sentimental to Matt and so Siobhan agrees to take the intricate project on. Thus begins a friendship between Siobhan and newcomer to town, Matt.
Siobhan learns Matt is the new worship pastor at the mega church in town and Matt learns Siobhan has been majorly scarred by the church in her past which has left Siobhan closed off and trying her best to bury her pain. Soon, they will both discover their pasts and future intertwine in the most dark ways. Can their new friendship endure the newfound secrets? Will Matt and Siobhan have to end their relationship before they even got to explore what could have possibly been?
Deborah Caldwell lives in the early 1900’s and lives with her sister and father ever since her mother and siblings were killed in a massacre. The sisters bare an ugly scar atop their heads, a reminder everyday what was taken away from them. Deborah is given away in an arranged marriage to widow Levi Martinson and his tender ways start to help Deborah refocus on her new family. However, when Levi’s brother comes to town, secrets come to light that send her into darkness once again. Can Deborah ever find peace again?
Amanda Wen seamlessly weaves the present with the past into a captivating and powerful story. The characters have been victims of terrible crimes and are broken and struggling with their faith when we meet them. Both given new opportunities for redemption but each has a hard, long road to see their full worth in Jesus’ eyes. Grace, forgiveness, and second chances are huge themes. I love the countless analogies of a broken instrument being pieced back together to make joyful music to the Lord.
Content: sexual abuse, abuse of power and position in the church. (I just want to note that the author did a phenomenal job tenderly and delicately addressing this issue. This kind of story line needed to be acknowledged.) no language, closed door.
Thank you to to @netgalley @authoramandawen for this advanced readers copy! Releases Feb 20, 2024!
Siobhan learns Matt is the new worship pastor at the mega church in town and Matt learns Siobhan has been majorly scarred by the church in her past which has left Siobhan closed off and trying her best to bury her pain. Soon, they will both discover their pasts and future intertwine in the most dark ways. Can their new friendship endure the newfound secrets? Will Matt and Siobhan have to end their relationship before they even got to explore what could have possibly been?
Deborah Caldwell lives in the early 1900’s and lives with her sister and father ever since her mother and siblings were killed in a massacre. The sisters bare an ugly scar atop their heads, a reminder everyday what was taken away from them. Deborah is given away in an arranged marriage to widow Levi Martinson and his tender ways start to help Deborah refocus on her new family. However, when Levi’s brother comes to town, secrets come to light that send her into darkness once again. Can Deborah ever find peace again?
Amanda Wen seamlessly weaves the present with the past into a captivating and powerful story. The characters have been victims of terrible crimes and are broken and struggling with their faith when we meet them. Both given new opportunities for redemption but each has a hard, long road to see their full worth in Jesus’ eyes. Grace, forgiveness, and second chances are huge themes. I love the countless analogies of a broken instrument being pieced back together to make joyful music to the Lord.
Content: sexual abuse, abuse of power and position in the church. (I just want to note that the author did a phenomenal job tenderly and delicately addressing this issue. This kind of story line needed to be acknowledged.) no language, closed door.
Thank you to to @netgalley @authoramandawen for this advanced readers copy! Releases Feb 20, 2024!
February 23, 2024
You know those books where you have to stop reading after each chapter just to let it soak in? This is one of those books. This isn't an easy book to read, but it's one of those that's an important one. This delves into abuse: spiritual, se*ual, emotional. And all by a church leader. It looks into forgiveness and what it means to forgive.
This book is an emotional roller coaster, and honestly helped confirm that some things from my own past were not ok. It is NOT an easy read, and it had me ugly crying at more than one point.
I love the family stories that Amanda has in her books. I adore learning about my own personal history, but I so wish I knew the stories behind that history. What were my ancestors like? How did they feel about their lives? Did they love the people they married, or were they arranged marriages? Things like this are discovered in her books. Though I'm not sure how I feel about reading about a Charity in the past tense...
This book could be read as a standalone, but you get more background if you read the series (this one's the third). I recommend the entire trilogy; each book is deep and well worth the read.
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
This book is an emotional roller coaster, and honestly helped confirm that some things from my own past were not ok. It is NOT an easy read, and it had me ugly crying at more than one point.
I love the family stories that Amanda has in her books. I adore learning about my own personal history, but I so wish I knew the stories behind that history. What were my ancestors like? How did they feel about their lives? Did they love the people they married, or were they arranged marriages? Things like this are discovered in her books. Though I'm not sure how I feel about reading about a Charity in the past tense...
This book could be read as a standalone, but you get more background if you read the series (this one's the third). I recommend the entire trilogy; each book is deep and well worth the read.
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
February 21, 2024
If ever there was a book title that fit the story on the pages, Amanda Wen’s The Rhythm of Fractured Grace is that title!
Wen tackles the difficult topic of abuse in the church in a compelling and refined way. I couldn’t help but root for Siobhan and Matt as they become friends, and he shows her he’s trustworthy. The two could have easily parted ways with all the conflict of Siobhan’s past experiences at the place where Matt has a new job.
And then there’s the historical thread of the story. While people can’t see Siobhan’s wounds, Deborah covers hers every day. And the wound on her head isn’t nearly as tragic as the ones in her heart.
The little bonus with The Rhythm of Fractured Grace is that those who have read the first two books in the series get to catch up with a few of those characters. At the same time, if you’re new to the author’s books, you will not be lost at all. And I think this book is the best of the series.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.
Wen tackles the difficult topic of abuse in the church in a compelling and refined way. I couldn’t help but root for Siobhan and Matt as they become friends, and he shows her he’s trustworthy. The two could have easily parted ways with all the conflict of Siobhan’s past experiences at the place where Matt has a new job.
And then there’s the historical thread of the story. While people can’t see Siobhan’s wounds, Deborah covers hers every day. And the wound on her head isn’t nearly as tragic as the ones in her heart.
The little bonus with The Rhythm of Fractured Grace is that those who have read the first two books in the series get to catch up with a few of those characters. At the same time, if you’re new to the author’s books, you will not be lost at all. And I think this book is the best of the series.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.
February 22, 2024
I have enjoyed the previous books in this series and looked forward to the return to Sedgewick County! This story can stand alone, though there are some mentions of the characters from the previous two books.
I love how the violin plays a part in both of the time lines! With being married to a violinist (and, all of my children playing the violin) I can appreciate the care and repairs that the violin goes through. I love how the author used it to tie together the two time lines.
The story is well written, with plenty going on between the two main characters, the one in the past and the one in the present. I thought that the author did a wonderful job of tackling some difficult subjects with grace. This is a wonderful addition to the series!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.
I love how the violin plays a part in both of the time lines! With being married to a violinist (and, all of my children playing the violin) I can appreciate the care and repairs that the violin goes through. I love how the author used it to tie together the two time lines.
The story is well written, with plenty going on between the two main characters, the one in the past and the one in the present. I thought that the author did a wonderful job of tackling some difficult subjects with grace. This is a wonderful addition to the series!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.
February 4, 2024
This story really hits your heart strings and I loved the storylines and characters. Matt has moved to a completely new state for a pastor position he couldn't pass up. He is lucky enough to reunite with a fatherlike mentor from his past who helped him get this new position at Pursuers. He has a badly damaged family violin that needs repair and quickly makes friends with the woman Siobhan at the local music shop. As the two slowly get to know each other, Matt's trust and belief in someone he has looked up to, and believed in is called into question until he starts seeing the signs for himself. One of the most hurtful things in life, is finding out someone is not who they made you believe they were and now Matt has to use his faith and trust in another to do the right thing so others cannot get hurt. Meanwhile Siobhan's faith and trust are also being tested while she repairs and researches the history of this mysterious violin. I really enjoyed the historical storyline that was woven throughout. As we are always reminded, God has a plan and often we forget that at times he has a lesson we need to learn on the way to where we need to be. I really loved this book and am looking forward to reading the others she has written. Thank you to the author, Netgalley and JustRead Book Tours for the complementary ebook and for being a part of the authors launch team. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
March 5, 2024
This was a beautiful tale of the healing power of love and of forgiveness. This is the 3rd book in the Sedgwick County Chronicles. Though the story itself can easily stand alone, there are some spoilers for books 1 & 2 in this story, so I would recommend reading the series in order if you plan to read them all (and I would heartily recommend all 3!). This book follows Siobhan Walsh in the modern timeline, whose half-sister Sloane was the main character in book 1. Siobhan, who has been deeply wounded by the church, finds herself drawn to the new worship pastor in town when he brings his grandmother's broken violin into the repair shop where Siobhan works. The history of the violin itself is also part of the story, which dates back to a family 150 years earlier and an attack that fractured not only the violin, but also the family at that time. This story speaks to the stories of pain and brokenness, anger with God and the healing power of forgiveness.
This story is mostly character driven, but there was enough of a plot-line to keep me steadily turning pages. I enjoyed delving deep into the lives of the characters and watching their growth and healing process. They were easy to like and relate to. I appreciated how God used the people around both Siobhan in the modern timeline (including Matt, her boss Ian, Sloane and her mom) and Deborah in the past timeline (including Levi, her friend Annabelle, her sister Elizabeth and her dad) to help both of these women to heal from their past hurts. Healing is a communal process and this book showed that full well. I loved how the past and present timelines wove together seamlessly to tell one big story and how the violin was both a part of both stories, but also had some healing of its own - and how the instrument became different/better after its repairs, making an apt comparison to the key members of the story. There was definitely some romance in both story lines, but the romance was not the main point - the healing of the relationship with God was. But I loved how the author used the love of a good man to aid in that process for both women as well. As you might be able to tell from the content of my review, this story was very "faith-heavy", but it was not preachy at all. I loved how the Grace of God was shown in the themes of love and forgiveness. All in all, this book gave me all the feels, and was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend to fans of all genres of Christian fiction. Special thanks to the author and publisher for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
This story is mostly character driven, but there was enough of a plot-line to keep me steadily turning pages. I enjoyed delving deep into the lives of the characters and watching their growth and healing process. They were easy to like and relate to. I appreciated how God used the people around both Siobhan in the modern timeline (including Matt, her boss Ian, Sloane and her mom) and Deborah in the past timeline (including Levi, her friend Annabelle, her sister Elizabeth and her dad) to help both of these women to heal from their past hurts. Healing is a communal process and this book showed that full well. I loved how the past and present timelines wove together seamlessly to tell one big story and how the violin was both a part of both stories, but also had some healing of its own - and how the instrument became different/better after its repairs, making an apt comparison to the key members of the story. There was definitely some romance in both story lines, but the romance was not the main point - the healing of the relationship with God was. But I loved how the author used the love of a good man to aid in that process for both women as well. As you might be able to tell from the content of my review, this story was very "faith-heavy", but it was not preachy at all. I loved how the Grace of God was shown in the themes of love and forgiveness. All in all, this book gave me all the feels, and was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend to fans of all genres of Christian fiction. Special thanks to the author and publisher for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
February 24, 2024
What a privilege to read and review Amanda Wen's upcoming release. I loved the author's first two books in the Sedgewick Chronicles series, and this one was no exception. Ms. Wen tackled a difficult subject but balanced the negative side of what can happen in a church with a heavy dose of God's grace and truth.
The melding of two different timelines tied together by a violin in need of repair painted a heart-wrenching story of excruciating pain, loss, and grief but shined a spotlight on the power of true forgiveness and how unconditional love can help heal a wounded heart.
I highly recommend all three books in this series!
Thank you to the author and publisher for an advance e-copy of the book. I wasn't required to provide a review, and all thoughts are my own.
The melding of two different timelines tied together by a violin in need of repair painted a heart-wrenching story of excruciating pain, loss, and grief but shined a spotlight on the power of true forgiveness and how unconditional love can help heal a wounded heart.
I highly recommend all three books in this series!
Thank you to the author and publisher for an advance e-copy of the book. I wasn't required to provide a review, and all thoughts are my own.
February 4, 2024
Excellent! What an impressive dual timeline story of healing, forgiveness, and God's grace. Forgiving on our own is often completely impossible for difficult or traumatic experiences. Only with God's help can we begin to forgive, heal, and move forward. The Rhythm of Fractured Grace (a perfect title by the way) tells us two stories of brokenness tied together by a damaged violin in need of repair. Both stories keep us turning pages to see how they turn out and how they are connected.
"Broken instruments need to remember what they are capable of, lest they forget their purpose in life and refuse to be fixed."
Siobhan Walsh is a young apprentice luthier at the local music shop, when Matt Buchanan brings in his grandmother’s broken violin. Matt is the new worship pastor at the huge church in town, where Siobhan has a painful past that has left her broken, closed off to dating, and floundering in her faith.
A massacre on the frontier has left Deborah Caldwell and her sister alive and scarred. They live with their father and it's just the three of them since her mother and siblings were killed in that attack. Years later, in 1876, Deborah never expects to be married until a widower asks for her hand in an arranged marriage. Levi Martinson and his tender heart help Deborah on her path of healing until a surprise twist puts her to the ultimate test.
Author Amanda Wen handles difficult topics with grace and sensitivity. Readers will walk this authentic path of forgiveness and healing with the characters. I'm telling you, I could not put it down.
I love how the history of the violin unfolds with the help of her research-loving half-sister Sloane. I enjoyed seeing Sloane and other characters from the books Roots of Wood and Stone, and The Songs That Could Have Been from the Sedgwick County Chronicles. This story can totally be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the whole series!
I highly recommend The Rhythm of Fractured Grace by Amanda Wen. Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early e-copy. All opinions are my own.
I plan to purchase a copy for my keeper shelf with the rest of the series!
Please do read the authors notes and discover more about this story written from experience and history from her ancestors.
"Broken instruments need to remember what they are capable of, lest they forget their purpose in life and refuse to be fixed."
Siobhan Walsh is a young apprentice luthier at the local music shop, when Matt Buchanan brings in his grandmother’s broken violin. Matt is the new worship pastor at the huge church in town, where Siobhan has a painful past that has left her broken, closed off to dating, and floundering in her faith.
A massacre on the frontier has left Deborah Caldwell and her sister alive and scarred. They live with their father and it's just the three of them since her mother and siblings were killed in that attack. Years later, in 1876, Deborah never expects to be married until a widower asks for her hand in an arranged marriage. Levi Martinson and his tender heart help Deborah on her path of healing until a surprise twist puts her to the ultimate test.
Author Amanda Wen handles difficult topics with grace and sensitivity. Readers will walk this authentic path of forgiveness and healing with the characters. I'm telling you, I could not put it down.
I love how the history of the violin unfolds with the help of her research-loving half-sister Sloane. I enjoyed seeing Sloane and other characters from the books Roots of Wood and Stone, and The Songs That Could Have Been from the Sedgwick County Chronicles. This story can totally be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the whole series!
I highly recommend The Rhythm of Fractured Grace by Amanda Wen. Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early e-copy. All opinions are my own.
I plan to purchase a copy for my keeper shelf with the rest of the series!
Please do read the authors notes and discover more about this story written from experience and history from her ancestors.
March 8, 2024
Matt Buchanan couldn't be more excited about his new job as a worship pastor at Pursuer's Church. He's now working underneath his mentor, the man who led him to Christ. Everything about this is a dream come true.
An accident with his grandmother's violin causes him to seek out a local luthier. He doesn't play, but the violin holds sentimental value. Though worried the violin will never be playable, luthier Siobhan agrees to restore it as best she can as a keepsake.
As Matt and Siobhan get to know each other as friends, Matt doesn't understand why Siobhan is resistant to going to church. As he unravels her story, he discovers that she has been harmed by the church—specifically his church, his pastor. She was used, abused, and shamed. No wonder she's hesitant to have anything to do with God.
The second half of this split-time story weaves a tale from the author's own family history. Deborah Caldwell survived a scalping as a child, but her life has been forever marred not only by scars but by terrible headaches and awkward stares from those around her. Will she ever be able to feel at home with anyone besides her father and sister? What of finding love and establishing a home of her own? And when she comes face to face with one from the scalping party all those years ago, how could she even begin to think about forgiving him?
Siobhan wrestles with coming to terms with her past, Matt questions what to do with the knowledge that his mentor is a predator, and Deborah seeks a grace deeper than any she could have imagined. This novel takes a square look at abuse in the church and deep wounds of the soul.
Amanda Wen tackles all these topics with such grace. Your skin will crawl with the realistic portrayal of those who are wolves in sheep's clothing, and your heart will soar through the sweet romance. The themes of this novel are woven skillfully through every thread. I highly recommend The Rhythm of Fractured Grace and hope you will be as blessed by it as I was!
I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
An accident with his grandmother's violin causes him to seek out a local luthier. He doesn't play, but the violin holds sentimental value. Though worried the violin will never be playable, luthier Siobhan agrees to restore it as best she can as a keepsake.
As Matt and Siobhan get to know each other as friends, Matt doesn't understand why Siobhan is resistant to going to church. As he unravels her story, he discovers that she has been harmed by the church—specifically his church, his pastor. She was used, abused, and shamed. No wonder she's hesitant to have anything to do with God.
The second half of this split-time story weaves a tale from the author's own family history. Deborah Caldwell survived a scalping as a child, but her life has been forever marred not only by scars but by terrible headaches and awkward stares from those around her. Will she ever be able to feel at home with anyone besides her father and sister? What of finding love and establishing a home of her own? And when she comes face to face with one from the scalping party all those years ago, how could she even begin to think about forgiving him?
Siobhan wrestles with coming to terms with her past, Matt questions what to do with the knowledge that his mentor is a predator, and Deborah seeks a grace deeper than any she could have imagined. This novel takes a square look at abuse in the church and deep wounds of the soul.
Amanda Wen tackles all these topics with such grace. Your skin will crawl with the realistic portrayal of those who are wolves in sheep's clothing, and your heart will soar through the sweet romance. The themes of this novel are woven skillfully through every thread. I highly recommend The Rhythm of Fractured Grace and hope you will be as blessed by it as I was!
I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
October 18, 2024
Amanda Wen boldly confronts taboo topics in this excellent novel
Amanda Wen is an excellent storyteller. This is a duel timeline novel with a historical timeline in Kansas in the post civil war era and the modern timeline in Wichita revolving around worship leader Matt and Siobhan, who is hired to repair his heirloom violin. The violin has it's origin with the family in the historical timeline. Deborah was a victim of a violet attack as a child that left her scarred both physically and emotionally as an adult. She finds love with Levi and learns to forgive God and the unexpected perpetrator of the attack against her. In the modern timeline, Siobhan carries her emotional and spiritual scars after being taken advantage of by the charismatic pastor of the local megachurch. This is where the novel went from being just a really good story, to being something really special, memorable, and thought-provoking. The subject of sexual abuse, power abuse, and egomania, especially within evangelical megachurch circles, is not a topic typically approached in the realm of Christian Fiction and yet the hypocrisy of such events must be heartbreaking to Jesus. Wen dealt beautifully with this topic and subtopics of healing, forgiveness, scars, worship, family, and trust. This is a work of Christian fiction and Christian themes do play prominent roles. This is the third in a series and could function as a stand alone but really is best read in the order written or at least after having read book one. Characters from book one play supporting roles in both the modern and historical timeline of this novel. I am really enjoying Amanda Wen's blend of history and contemporary as well as her ability to highlight difficult topics to create truly unique and impactful stories.
Amanda Wen is an excellent storyteller. This is a duel timeline novel with a historical timeline in Kansas in the post civil war era and the modern timeline in Wichita revolving around worship leader Matt and Siobhan, who is hired to repair his heirloom violin. The violin has it's origin with the family in the historical timeline. Deborah was a victim of a violet attack as a child that left her scarred both physically and emotionally as an adult. She finds love with Levi and learns to forgive God and the unexpected perpetrator of the attack against her. In the modern timeline, Siobhan carries her emotional and spiritual scars after being taken advantage of by the charismatic pastor of the local megachurch. This is where the novel went from being just a really good story, to being something really special, memorable, and thought-provoking. The subject of sexual abuse, power abuse, and egomania, especially within evangelical megachurch circles, is not a topic typically approached in the realm of Christian Fiction and yet the hypocrisy of such events must be heartbreaking to Jesus. Wen dealt beautifully with this topic and subtopics of healing, forgiveness, scars, worship, family, and trust. This is a work of Christian fiction and Christian themes do play prominent roles. This is the third in a series and could function as a stand alone but really is best read in the order written or at least after having read book one. Characters from book one play supporting roles in both the modern and historical timeline of this novel. I am really enjoying Amanda Wen's blend of history and contemporary as well as her ability to highlight difficult topics to create truly unique and impactful stories.
March 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! This was my first book by this author and while it’s part of a series I did not feel I was missing anything in starting out with this one. The story dealt with some very culturally relevant topics and while there were some parts that seemed to work out a little to easily or were a little far fetched I continually found myself thinking about it and wanting to read just one more page. It is a Christian historical fiction/romance book with biblical allusions and themes but they were weaved in well with the story and didn’t feel over the top so I would recommend it to non-Christians as well. I loved Siobhan’s character and the story made me think several times of how some of the things she had to work through were applicable to my own life. I would highly recommend and can’t wait to read the other books!
January 24, 2024
This was such a page turner! I loved both of the stories & the characters that are within this duel time line book. Some difficult topics were presented & discussed so well, and I think that’s why I read it in two days! This is the third book in Amanda’s wonderful Sedgwick County Chronicles. I really enjoyed those books as well. It was fun to revisit some of those characters when they popped up in this storyline too. This story is historical fiction, and present day church issues wrapped up in a beautiful story of forgiveness & redemption.
April 7, 2024
Absolutely wonderful. Before reading this, I highly recommend reading the previous two books in the series: Roots of Wood and Stone & The Songs That Could Have Been. This can be read as a stand alone but it will be more meaningful if you know the other characters' back stories.
Content considerations: scalping, pastoral sexual abuse, church hurt
Content considerations: scalping, pastoral sexual abuse, church hurt
February 23, 2024
I just have to say how beautifully written this book is. It seems that I am once again at a loss for the right words to describe the journey I have just taken through a new Wen story.
This gritty, dual-time story weaves effortlessly together while dealing with the hard topic of church abuse coupled with coercive authority. The historical thread describes a physical attack (not graphic) that leaves deep emotional scars, insecurity and bitterness. Both accounts speak to restoration and forgiveness.
Wen has again crafted characters that are resilient, contemplative and just trying to find the life after the enormous hurt. She does this in a respectful way, all the while echoing that we are all broken people that need Jesus.
This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also purchased a print copy of this book.
This gritty, dual-time story weaves effortlessly together while dealing with the hard topic of church abuse coupled with coercive authority. The historical thread describes a physical attack (not graphic) that leaves deep emotional scars, insecurity and bitterness. Both accounts speak to restoration and forgiveness.
Wen has again crafted characters that are resilient, contemplative and just trying to find the life after the enormous hurt. She does this in a respectful way, all the while echoing that we are all broken people that need Jesus.
This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also purchased a print copy of this book.
November 9, 2024
#BookReviewFriday
#2024readingchallenge
#32featuresmusic
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 32 Features Music
Book: The Rhythm of Fractured Grace (Sedgwick County Chronicles #3)
Author: Amanda Wen
Four stars for this one, I have enjoyed every one of the Sedgwick County Chronicles! It's a wonderful series. I chose this book for this category, because music features heavily in the story line.
In fact, worship music connects the main characters. Siobhan, had lost her will to make praise music, due to her loss of faith in the church.
Although I enjoyed this story, it is definitely the least enjoyable of the series. Books 1 and 2 were easy five stars.
That said, while enjoyable, Matt, Siobhan and even the story line in this entry didn't really grab me.
I'm glad Mrs. Wen is tackling tough topics like church hurt, it is necessary and needed, however this particular example didn't land for me.
I like that Siobhan took responsibility for her role, but without giving spoilers, I wasn't limpressed with the way just about any one handled the situation.
In book two, the past story line was my favorite, while it was educational here, I didn't really connect with those characters either.
Overall I highly recommend this series and I recommend this book and author.
Check out my reading challenge
https://www.facebook.com/share/3WYas3...
#2024readingchallenge
#32featuresmusic
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 32 Features Music
Book: The Rhythm of Fractured Grace (Sedgwick County Chronicles #3)
Author: Amanda Wen
Four stars for this one, I have enjoyed every one of the Sedgwick County Chronicles! It's a wonderful series. I chose this book for this category, because music features heavily in the story line.
In fact, worship music connects the main characters. Siobhan, had lost her will to make praise music, due to her loss of faith in the church.
Although I enjoyed this story, it is definitely the least enjoyable of the series. Books 1 and 2 were easy five stars.
That said, while enjoyable, Matt, Siobhan and even the story line in this entry didn't really grab me.
I'm glad Mrs. Wen is tackling tough topics like church hurt, it is necessary and needed, however this particular example didn't land for me.
I like that Siobhan took responsibility for her role, but without giving spoilers, I wasn't limpressed with the way just about any one handled the situation.
In book two, the past story line was my favorite, while it was educational here, I didn't really connect with those characters either.
Overall I highly recommend this series and I recommend this book and author.
Check out my reading challenge
https://www.facebook.com/share/3WYas3...
February 19, 2024
I am a big fan of Amanda Wen’s work and have read every single book she has published! When I found out that Ms. Wen’s latest release, The Rhythm of Fractured Grace was coming out I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it! The Rhythm of Fractured Grace is the third book in the Sedgwick County Chronicles series and is a split time novel set in Kansas during the 1870s and present day. The story revolves around Deborah, a woman who bares scars and trauma from a scalping and Levi, a widower with a young daughter, who are in an arranged marriage in the 1870s and in present day, Siobhan, who struggles with hurt and trauma from the Church and Matt who strikes up a friendship with Siobhan, who unbeknownst to both Matt and Siobhan has accepted a job as the new worship leader at the church who caused Siobhan so much pain. Everything is going along well for all parties until Deborah finds out her long lost brother-in-law who recently returns is the primary one who caused Deborah scars and Matt starts noticing the toxic environment at the church that helped cultivate Siobhan’s pain. Using a violin as a catalyst, the scars both seen and unseen cause both Deborah and Siobhan’s stories to be intertwined and allow the balm of True Healing Love to sooth their scars.
Ms. Wen does not disappoint when crafting a beautiful story without glossing over truths of struggle of what happens or has happened in life, but allows Christ’s Love and Grace to fill the cracks, holding the Story together. I love that Ms. Wen is not afraid to tell stories and truth that most author’s shy away from, but faced them head on in Deborah and Siobhan’s personal stories. I love that Wen also crafts equally strong men in Levi and Matt to be Deborah and Siobhan’s counterparts. I also love how Levi loves Deborah regardless of what she has been through and how Matt loves Siobhan unconditionally despite everything she has been through. I appreciate how Ms. Wen allows and writes Siobhan’s story to involve church wrongs and hurt head on and still emphasizes in a gentle and hopeful way not to give up on God, letting people know that there is still good, faithful churches and people out there who do stand up for what’s right. I appreciated the ups and downs of The Rhythm of Fractured Grace and that the Author was able to give all of the characters closure for the story’s purposes, but at the same time both the characters and the readers know their journey is just beginning. If you are looking for powerful read full of Grace, Forgiveness, and Truth then I highly recommend The Rhythm of Fractured Grace by Amanda Wen!
Have you read The Rhythm of Fractured Grace? What did you think of the book? What other books have you read by Amanda Wen?
Thank you to Amanda Wen for letting me be a part of The Rhythm of Fractured Grace Launch Team and Erin for giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on Amazon, Goodreads, and my blog Leslie's Library Escape.
Ms. Wen does not disappoint when crafting a beautiful story without glossing over truths of struggle of what happens or has happened in life, but allows Christ’s Love and Grace to fill the cracks, holding the Story together. I love that Ms. Wen is not afraid to tell stories and truth that most author’s shy away from, but faced them head on in Deborah and Siobhan’s personal stories. I love that Wen also crafts equally strong men in Levi and Matt to be Deborah and Siobhan’s counterparts. I also love how Levi loves Deborah regardless of what she has been through and how Matt loves Siobhan unconditionally despite everything she has been through. I appreciate how Ms. Wen allows and writes Siobhan’s story to involve church wrongs and hurt head on and still emphasizes in a gentle and hopeful way not to give up on God, letting people know that there is still good, faithful churches and people out there who do stand up for what’s right. I appreciated the ups and downs of The Rhythm of Fractured Grace and that the Author was able to give all of the characters closure for the story’s purposes, but at the same time both the characters and the readers know their journey is just beginning. If you are looking for powerful read full of Grace, Forgiveness, and Truth then I highly recommend The Rhythm of Fractured Grace by Amanda Wen!
Have you read The Rhythm of Fractured Grace? What did you think of the book? What other books have you read by Amanda Wen?
Thank you to Amanda Wen for letting me be a part of The Rhythm of Fractured Grace Launch Team and Erin for giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on Amazon, Goodreads, and my blog Leslie's Library Escape.
July 9, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ + (5+ stars)
Read: March 31, 2024
Format: paperback
Challenge Prompt: EOW’s prompt of, “Anything I choose” for the “read anytime in 2024” option
Book #33 of 2024: WOW!!!!! I don’t even know what to write! Eeek!!! Forgive my onset of many words off the cuff….
I listened to the first two books on audio after the second was released. I couldn’t wait for the audiobook to release this time and I wanted the set in paperback anyway. It was hard enough to wait over a month from the release of this one until I read it today, Resurrection Sunday.
As with the other two books, I heartily give 5+ stars! The author had me immersed from early on. The books are all split-time and each is so different. Yet there are strong commonalities of mystery, a little romance, history, love of family, the awesome love of God, healing, and HOPE.
Current day: Siobhan (sha-von) is a hurting person doing her level best to cope and move on after a heartless betrayal as a victim of grooming and abuse. Matt is a man who got his life on track thanks to great influences of family, and a man named Trace, whom he looks up to. What he learns from Siobhan, after developing a friendship with her, has him reeling and searching for the truth.
In the historical part of this book, we learn of a father and two daughters who survived a scalping. The rest of the family sadly perished. Deborah, the older of the two, struggles with her scars, inside and out, years later. She marries a widower to help him with his daughter, feeling it is the closest she will ever come to a marriage of love. A huge secret later comes out after a devastating loss. She feels she cannot let go of her anger or forgive.
Learning how the present and past intertwine is done so well. I thoroughly enjoyed both timelines and it felt seamless going back and forth from one to the other. I don’t want to say more than that so that I don’t spoil anything for future readers.
As a person who has been a singer my entire life, I really enjoyed the part that music played in both timelines. Learning about violin repair was quite fascinating as well.
I strongly encourage all three books be read-and in order-to get the absolute most out of this series. I would encourage readers to take in the Author’s Note at the end of this book.
This will always be one of my most favourite series ever. The message of the God’s love is beautiful. I cannot wait to read whatever the author writes in the future. I hope there are many, many more novels to come!
Read: March 31, 2024
Format: paperback
Challenge Prompt: EOW’s prompt of, “Anything I choose” for the “read anytime in 2024” option
Book #33 of 2024: WOW!!!!! I don’t even know what to write! Eeek!!! Forgive my onset of many words off the cuff….
I listened to the first two books on audio after the second was released. I couldn’t wait for the audiobook to release this time and I wanted the set in paperback anyway. It was hard enough to wait over a month from the release of this one until I read it today, Resurrection Sunday.
As with the other two books, I heartily give 5+ stars! The author had me immersed from early on. The books are all split-time and each is so different. Yet there are strong commonalities of mystery, a little romance, history, love of family, the awesome love of God, healing, and HOPE.
Current day: Siobhan (sha-von) is a hurting person doing her level best to cope and move on after a heartless betrayal as a victim of grooming and abuse. Matt is a man who got his life on track thanks to great influences of family, and a man named Trace, whom he looks up to. What he learns from Siobhan, after developing a friendship with her, has him reeling and searching for the truth.
In the historical part of this book, we learn of a father and two daughters who survived a scalping. The rest of the family sadly perished. Deborah, the older of the two, struggles with her scars, inside and out, years later. She marries a widower to help him with his daughter, feeling it is the closest she will ever come to a marriage of love. A huge secret later comes out after a devastating loss. She feels she cannot let go of her anger or forgive.
Learning how the present and past intertwine is done so well. I thoroughly enjoyed both timelines and it felt seamless going back and forth from one to the other. I don’t want to say more than that so that I don’t spoil anything for future readers.
As a person who has been a singer my entire life, I really enjoyed the part that music played in both timelines. Learning about violin repair was quite fascinating as well.
I strongly encourage all three books be read-and in order-to get the absolute most out of this series. I would encourage readers to take in the Author’s Note at the end of this book.
This will always be one of my most favourite series ever. The message of the God’s love is beautiful. I cannot wait to read whatever the author writes in the future. I hope there are many, many more novels to come!
February 22, 2024
In the modern day, Siobhan Walsh is a woman who has been deeply hurt by the church, to the point that she wants no part of it. In 1876, Deborah Caldwell is a woman who has been ravaged by a vicious attack, yet she somehow survived. Their stories cross when Matt Buchanan, himself pretty seriously injured in a car accident, brings a broken violin, only valuable for what it means to him, to the repair shop where Siobhan works.
I do love a good dual-timeline story, and Amanda Wen gives us a fantastic one! (It was so good, I sat down, got sucked in, and read it in about two hours!) Deborah struggles with the idea that she will never find love, never be a wife and mother. When Levi Martinson needs a mother for his daughter and asks for Deborah’s hand, at first she balks, longing for a marriage of more than convenience. She questions why God let her survive the attack if this was all He had in mind for the rest of her life. Siobhan used to sing, play the violin, pour her heart out in worship as part of a large church’s worship team. But the actions of one person drove her away, and she’s farther from God than she’s ever been, wondering where He went.
Both Siobhan and Deborah are damaged, Deborah physically, Siobhan emotionally. Both must find courage they don’t think they have. When Deborah learns that her attacker was not a Sioux Indian, as she’d always believed, but someone much closer, she must decide whether she will allow God to help her forgive. Siobhan’s past experience has left her shying away not only from God, but from the idea of a relationship with anyone. When she starts feeling things for Matt that she swore never to let herself feel again, she is faced with a choice: cut Matt off and walk away, or face her past in order to move into a future with him?
The story deals sensitively with a timely topic in its treatment of abuse of power and position within the church. Siobhan left her church and her faith because no one believed her when she tried to tell the truth. She wasn’t the one responsible for putting butts in the pews and winning souls to Christ, so her version of the story clearly carried less weight. My heart just hurt for her, and for anyone who’s been in that position in real life.
The violin reaches across the years to connect Deborah’s and Siobhan’s stories. As Siobhan works to restore the damage to the violin, so we see God work in both women’s lives to restore faith, dignity, and hope. It made me think of kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery using lacquer mixed with gold, silver, or platinum powder. Matt even noticed at one point in the book that Siobhan looked different. He was able to see a physical change in her after God mended her emotional and spiritual wounds. The broken, made beautiful.
Faith is a central component of the book, but it never feels heavy-handed. This is no fire and brimstone “repent or die” story. Rather, God draws both Deborah and Siobhan back to Himself with tender love and concern for them, and He works through their weakness to give them strength to do the hard things they are faced with. What a gorgeous picture of redemption and God’s unfailing love!
Thanks to JustRead Publicity Tours and NetGalley for an advance copy. I am reviewing this book voluntarily. All opinions are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
I do love a good dual-timeline story, and Amanda Wen gives us a fantastic one! (It was so good, I sat down, got sucked in, and read it in about two hours!) Deborah struggles with the idea that she will never find love, never be a wife and mother. When Levi Martinson needs a mother for his daughter and asks for Deborah’s hand, at first she balks, longing for a marriage of more than convenience. She questions why God let her survive the attack if this was all He had in mind for the rest of her life. Siobhan used to sing, play the violin, pour her heart out in worship as part of a large church’s worship team. But the actions of one person drove her away, and she’s farther from God than she’s ever been, wondering where He went.
Both Siobhan and Deborah are damaged, Deborah physically, Siobhan emotionally. Both must find courage they don’t think they have. When Deborah learns that her attacker was not a Sioux Indian, as she’d always believed, but someone much closer, she must decide whether she will allow God to help her forgive. Siobhan’s past experience has left her shying away not only from God, but from the idea of a relationship with anyone. When she starts feeling things for Matt that she swore never to let herself feel again, she is faced with a choice: cut Matt off and walk away, or face her past in order to move into a future with him?
The story deals sensitively with a timely topic in its treatment of abuse of power and position within the church. Siobhan left her church and her faith because no one believed her when she tried to tell the truth. She wasn’t the one responsible for putting butts in the pews and winning souls to Christ, so her version of the story clearly carried less weight. My heart just hurt for her, and for anyone who’s been in that position in real life.
The violin reaches across the years to connect Deborah’s and Siobhan’s stories. As Siobhan works to restore the damage to the violin, so we see God work in both women’s lives to restore faith, dignity, and hope. It made me think of kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery using lacquer mixed with gold, silver, or platinum powder. Matt even noticed at one point in the book that Siobhan looked different. He was able to see a physical change in her after God mended her emotional and spiritual wounds. The broken, made beautiful.
Faith is a central component of the book, but it never feels heavy-handed. This is no fire and brimstone “repent or die” story. Rather, God draws both Deborah and Siobhan back to Himself with tender love and concern for them, and He works through their weakness to give them strength to do the hard things they are faced with. What a gorgeous picture of redemption and God’s unfailing love!
Thanks to JustRead Publicity Tours and NetGalley for an advance copy. I am reviewing this book voluntarily. All opinions are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
February 20, 2024
Dual Timeline books are fast becoming a favorite with me. The Rhythm of Fractured Grace by Amanda Wen is Book 3 in the Sedgwick County Chronicles series. I have been enjoying this series from Book 1 and I have been awaiting the release of Book 3.
Siobhan is an apprentice at a Music Store in town. She really loves her job and when Matt Buchanan brings in an Heirloom Violin for repair, she is really excited. Siobhan really enjoys figuring out the tough repairs. Matt Buchanan is new in town and the New Worship Pastor of the church in town. Siobhan was once a part of that Church, but the Church broke her heart and challenged her faith and her faith is still not right with God. Matt is intrigued by the way Siobhan goes about fixing the Violin and he is also intrigued by Siobhan herself. The 2 begin a friendship and they soon realize that they both have hurts and secrets from their past. The story goes back to the mid 1800's and focuses on Deborah Caldwell. She lost her mom and a couple of siblings in an attack with a Tomahawk. She lives with her Dad and sister and she finds comfort in the music from her Dad's prized Violin. Deborah has always believed she would never marry due to the scars from the attack, then Levi Martinson comes along. Levi is a widower and they have been set up for an arranged marriage. Levi seems to be breaking down the walls that Deborah has until news of the attack come up and can put their relationship through challenges. Will Matt be able to help Siobhan come back to her faith? Will there be a relationship between the pair? Will Deborah open up her heart to Levi? Will their relationship withstand the challenges?
The storyline really captured my attention from the first chapter. Siobhan and Matt's story deals with some current events within the Church. The author does a wonderful job at addressing the issues with sensitivity and grace. I LOVE how the 2 met and that their friendship helped each other grow and start recovering from negative pasts. Deborah and Levi's story also dealt with sensitive topic, but with grace. I really LOVE that the Violin connects the Past with the Future and they story behind that is so strong. The book is one about Forgiveness, Faith and LOVE. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy the Dual Timeline and Historical Fiction. WONDERFUL BOOK!
Siobhan is an apprentice at a Music Store in town. She really loves her job and when Matt Buchanan brings in an Heirloom Violin for repair, she is really excited. Siobhan really enjoys figuring out the tough repairs. Matt Buchanan is new in town and the New Worship Pastor of the church in town. Siobhan was once a part of that Church, but the Church broke her heart and challenged her faith and her faith is still not right with God. Matt is intrigued by the way Siobhan goes about fixing the Violin and he is also intrigued by Siobhan herself. The 2 begin a friendship and they soon realize that they both have hurts and secrets from their past. The story goes back to the mid 1800's and focuses on Deborah Caldwell. She lost her mom and a couple of siblings in an attack with a Tomahawk. She lives with her Dad and sister and she finds comfort in the music from her Dad's prized Violin. Deborah has always believed she would never marry due to the scars from the attack, then Levi Martinson comes along. Levi is a widower and they have been set up for an arranged marriage. Levi seems to be breaking down the walls that Deborah has until news of the attack come up and can put their relationship through challenges. Will Matt be able to help Siobhan come back to her faith? Will there be a relationship between the pair? Will Deborah open up her heart to Levi? Will their relationship withstand the challenges?
The storyline really captured my attention from the first chapter. Siobhan and Matt's story deals with some current events within the Church. The author does a wonderful job at addressing the issues with sensitivity and grace. I LOVE how the 2 met and that their friendship helped each other grow and start recovering from negative pasts. Deborah and Levi's story also dealt with sensitive topic, but with grace. I really LOVE that the Violin connects the Past with the Future and they story behind that is so strong. The book is one about Forgiveness, Faith and LOVE. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy the Dual Timeline and Historical Fiction. WONDERFUL BOOK!
May 13, 2024
Well…this story was unexpected — in a very good way! You know how you go into a book thinking you know where it’s heading only to be catapulted in a completely different direction? That’s this novel. Plus, I felt like there was no way to predict what was really going to happen in either timeline. Mind boggling good at every turn!
Emotional! Compelling! Jaw-dropping revelations! Faith-stirring! The kind of read that makes you examine your own relationship with the Lord and highlights some toxic aspects of church culture.
Tons of thought provoking quotes. This one from Chapter Two took on a whole new meaning as the story progressed. “It’s the Lord who got you here. And it’s the Lord who’ll equip you to do what he’s so clearly called and gifted you to do.” You could spend a whole book club meeting just talking about that quote, who said it, who it was said to, how it affected their relationship, how God ultimately worked His will around them, the foreshadowing…and…oy…so much I want to say but can’t without spoilers!
So, dual timelines with the kind of gentle, persistent, genuinely kind, heroes that made me want to weep! Not just because of their true, steadfast natures, but because of the traumas both heroines endured. Gut-wrenching and infuriating — this was such an emotional read for me!
“Forgiveness is an act of grace and a gift from God.”
Simple enough statement until you’ve journeyed with Siobhan and Deborah through these pages. And then…another wow…what women of faith! And what a struggle to get there. Loved how relatable that was. (And what a perfect tie-in the title is!)
Okay, I feel like I’m rambling a bit. Mostly because there’s tons I want to say, but can’t because of spoilers. If you’re looking for a ‘meaty’, discussion promoting book for your next book club, look no further. ‘Fragments of Fractured Grace’ could keep you talking for months!
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/05/13/r...
Emotional! Compelling! Jaw-dropping revelations! Faith-stirring! The kind of read that makes you examine your own relationship with the Lord and highlights some toxic aspects of church culture.
Tons of thought provoking quotes. This one from Chapter Two took on a whole new meaning as the story progressed. “It’s the Lord who got you here. And it’s the Lord who’ll equip you to do what he’s so clearly called and gifted you to do.” You could spend a whole book club meeting just talking about that quote, who said it, who it was said to, how it affected their relationship, how God ultimately worked His will around them, the foreshadowing…and…oy…so much I want to say but can’t without spoilers!
So, dual timelines with the kind of gentle, persistent, genuinely kind, heroes that made me want to weep! Not just because of their true, steadfast natures, but because of the traumas both heroines endured. Gut-wrenching and infuriating — this was such an emotional read for me!
“Forgiveness is an act of grace and a gift from God.”
Simple enough statement until you’ve journeyed with Siobhan and Deborah through these pages. And then…another wow…what women of faith! And what a struggle to get there. Loved how relatable that was. (And what a perfect tie-in the title is!)
Okay, I feel like I’m rambling a bit. Mostly because there’s tons I want to say, but can’t because of spoilers. If you’re looking for a ‘meaty’, discussion promoting book for your next book club, look no further. ‘Fragments of Fractured Grace’ could keep you talking for months!
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/05/13/r...
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