Blog Tour: In a Grove of Maples by Jenny Knipfer

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for In a Grove of Maples by Jenny Knipfer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: In a Grove of Maples
Series: Sheltering Trees #1
Author: Jenny Knipfer
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: July 1, 2021
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction

In 1897 newly married Beryl and Edward Massart travel more than one thousand miles from Quebec to farm a plot of land in Wisconsin that they bought sight-unseen. An almost magical grove of maples on their property inspires them to dream of a real home built within the grove, not the tiny log cabin they’ve come to live in. 

Misunderstandings and tempers get the better of them when difficulties and troubles arise. Just months after they wed, Edward leaves pregnant Beryl in the midst of the coming winter to tend the farm and animals while he goes to be a teamster at a northern Wisconsin logging camp. 

Will Beryl and Edward walk into the future together to build their house of dreams in the grove of maples, or will their plans topple like a house of sticks when the winds of misunderstanding and disaster strike? 

Readers of Christian historical fiction, Historical fiction, Women’s fiction, and Christian historical romance will be endeared to this slice of late 19th-century farm life. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub | Google Books

 

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My Review 🧡

In a Grove of Maples was such a sweet and swift read!  There was nothing that made this novel a page turner, and yet I found myself gripped in the wonderful writing of Jenny Knipfer.  

Each chapter starts out with a diary entry a few weeks in the future, and the chapter takes you back to the present, giving light to the events that lead up to that particular diary entry.  At first, it threw me off, but once I got into the novel I could easily understand the pattern, and quite enjoyed seeing the future before it happened.  This is a unique style, one that I haven't seen in awhile, which gave In a Grove of Maples a refreshing feel, set apart from the typical troupe.

Very character driven, In a Grove of Maples takes you through the journey after Edward and Beryl say "I do," and leave their families to cleave to each other, and embark on a journey neither of them dreamed.  Showing the sweet, tender moments between the newlyweds, as well as the strife, this book shows the truer sides of marriage, both the good and the bad.  Being married 8 1/2 years myself, I saw glimpses of my early marriage, and there were moments when I was even examining my own self, thinking about the heartaches that I've went through during my own time with my husband.

I connected with the characters, and appreciated all the characters that supposed Beryl during such a difficult and trying time, especially Paul and Nola.  To have good neighbors is such a blessing!

In a Grove of Maples does have touches of faith throughout, but it is no way preachy.  It instead was a subtle nudge that shifts the focus of the story for brief moments, making the reader look inside themselves, examining their own faith, and then it is right back into the narrative.  I really appreciated those little whispers, and I know many will be blessed by this novel.

Seeing a love that is stronger that its circumstances is a testament of faith, and a motivation for all of us that are also sharing our lives with others.  Persevere through the day to day, cling to one another, bear each others burdens, and just watch what the Lord will do.

My Rating: ★★★★★

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MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Jenny Knipfer lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Ken, and their pet Yorkie, Ruby. She is also a mom and loves being a grandma. She enjoys many creative pursuits but finds writing the most fulfilling.

Spending many years as a librarian in a local public library, Jenny recently switched to using her skills as a floral designer in a retail flower shop. She is now retired from work due to disability. Her education background stems from psychology, music, and cultural missions. 

Jenny’s favorite place to relax is by the western shore of Lake Superior, where her novel series, By The Light of the Moon, is set. 

She deems a cup of tea and a good book an essential part of every day. When not writing, Jenny can be found reading, tending to her many houseplants, or piecing quilt blocks at her sewing machine. 

Her new historical fiction, four-part series entitled, Sheltering Trees, is set in the area Jenny grew up in, where she currently lives, and places along Minnesota’s Northern Shore, where she loves to visit. She is currently writing a four-part novella series entitled: Botanical Seasons.

CONNECT WITH JENNY: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 16, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 23, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book for JustRead Tours and read through Kindle Unlimited. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.