I have heard so many great things about this book and while there were a few things in this book that I don't agree with theologically, it was a story that kept me entertained and hooked to finish reading to see how it all would turn out. New to me author who I will be reading more of her books in the future.

“Stories are the universal heart language. They bring together what is scattered.”

Oh my goodness, y’all. The Divine Proverb of Streusel is such a richly told story. Sara Brunsvold’s way with words captured me from the very beginning and drew me indelibly to these characters and their poignant explorations of family and faith. There is so much I want to say about this gorgeous book, and I know already that my words will fail to do it justice.

I adored the plot elements through which Brunsvold elicits Nikki’s restorative work over the course of the summer – specifically, a seemingly innocuous notebook that turns out to be anything but ordinary and a handful of seemingly innocuous characters who turn out to be rather extraordinary themselves. There is so much to be unpacked around this notebook: the German heritage (and its historical trajectory), the spiritual insight as it relates to hospitality and the home, the recipes themselves (which honestly made me crave German food even though I’ve never liked it lol), and of course what she learns about herself and her family in the process. Perhaps what I craved more than the food was joining Nikki around that kitchen table, digging into her ancestry and the spiritual legacies left to her there. “Family history has a way of putting our own lives into perspective. None of us walk a path entirely of our own making.” It has been very illuminating for me personally to dig deeper into my genealogy and see how the paths my great-great-etc relatives took led directly or indirectly to the one I’m on in my own life. From Methodist church planters to coal miners to Baptist preachers to farmers to soldiers to Shakespeare and everything in between, I am grateful for their stories and how God used them to shape me too.

“Small towns were a trove of plot twists.” And oh what plot twists await in The Divine Proverb of Streusel! For starters, I absolutely loved Nikki’s Uncle Wes. It’s almost as much his story as it is Nikki’s, and I appreciated that while he is gentle and protective and loves the Lord, the author also gave him flaws. Flaws that need mending just as Nikki’s do … just as the farmhouse’s scuffs and wear-and-tear do too, a parallel that I found quite compelling. Wes at first glance appears to be the exact opposite of his brother (Nikki’s dad), and his quiet kindness is exactly what Nikki needs. There’s also a bit of romance with his story arc, and whew goodness I didn’t expect to swoon over him but there is a fantastic scene I can’t wait for you to discover that had me reaching for my fan. Another fave character in this book is Aunt Emma. What. A. Hoot. Her conversations with Wes and eventually with Nikki had me laughing out loud on several occasions, and she has some of the best lines in the book. I’m not even going to spoil anything for you beyond that – you just really need to meet her for herself!

Bottom Line: Life is messy, and The Divine Proverb of Streusel acknowledges this fact with profound grace and thoughtful insight. It’s a compelling story that never drifts into the cliché and is brave enough not to tie everything up with a perfect red bow. Oh don’t get me wrong – there IS resolution and it’s beautifully rendered, but we all know that some wounds cut especially deep and true healing takes time. There is great pain to be worked through on these pages, but there is also great joy to be found, great stories to tell, and great love to embrace. I fell in love with the characters – main and supporting – and I devoured every word as quickly as possible while also trying to savor them at the same time. I was captivated by the warmth that exuded from the author’s insightful and poetic writing voice, and any book she writes from now on will automatically go to the top of my TBR list.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

This was a very good novel. The characters have depth and are interesting. I would recommend this story to others.

This story spanned almost 100 years of history in a dual timeline narrative in which a broken woman looks for and receives healing through exploring the past. The story had depth and the characters, both present day and historical, were mesmerizing. It was a very enjoyable read with just the right pacing and a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommend this read to fans of dual timeline fiction.

Young teacher Nikki Werner is reeling after her parents' divorce. Feeling shaken, she turns to answers within her family tree and visits her grandparents' farm in northeastern Missouri. Though her grandparents have both been gone for years, her uncle Wes welcomes her and sets her up at the farmhouse.

As Nikki helps Uncle Wes go through their ancestors' belongings in preparation of renovating the old home, she's drawn to some German books and a notebook filled with recipes and wisdom that were clearly written with care. When Nikki chooses to spend her summer vacation on the farm, she decides to go recipe by recipe through the book, cooking and absorbing the proverbs of her mothers before her.

This story is full of small town, down home charm, as well as the intricacies of family relationships. As Nikki questions both her past and her future—after all, if her parents' marriage didn't survive, how could she think of entering the state of holy matrimony herself?—she is continually pointed to the Lord by Uncle Wes and others she meets.

I enjoyed this story, which while delving into deep topics is also gentle and calming. The writing style reminded me strongly of Cynthia Herron and her Welcome To Ruby series. My only small complaint about the book is that sometimes going no-contact with relatives really is the healthy and even loving thing to do. When it comes to dysfunctional families, each person must prayerfully decide what is the best course for themselves. If it's healthy for relationships to be restored, that is indeed cause for rejoicing, but it is not possible for everyone.

I'd recommend this for any fan of general or women's inspirational fiction.

I received my copy of this book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Some novels that contain recipes read like a cookbook with a short story sprinkled through. The Divine Proverb of Streusel, happily, is not one of those books. I appreciated the focus on the different family relationships in the book, as well as the fact that the main character’s romantic relationship took a back seat to those family relationships. The book is a little more character-driven than I prefer, but the take-away of “Do the next thing” is proving to be something that I have been able to apply to my own life. Overall, a worthwhile read with a solid faith element.

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Not as compelling to me as Brunsvold’s debut, but good just the same. The story of family dynamics and coming to terms with what is rather than what is hoped for. Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of the novel.

I found this story to be quite tastefully written. Not a high level action story, no not at all. But rather, one that draws you in, and then keeps you intrigued as the story line is revealed, bit by bit.

I loved the characters. Down-to-earth. Home town. Realistic. Lots of hurts and pain from the past. Learning how to deal with it in the present. Relevant to almost anyone, I think.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the recipes scattered throughout. They make me want to try them, and I hope to, at least some of them, in the near future.

I liked the focus on appreciating what our ancestors have contributed to our lives, a fact that so many tend to forget in the present day and age.

There's a lot more I could talk about, but really, I would rather you go find a copy of this book and read it for yourself, so you can experience what I'm talking about.

This book is deep and rich. Complex family issues, deeply layered characters, beautiful, homey setting, and rich heritage mixed in. And of course, much more.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The story thrusts readers into a family that seems to be disintegrating and doesn’t shy away from tough questions and deep emotions. The characters struggle to find themselves and a place of “home.” Faith, family, and heritage all play prominent roles in this gripping tale that slowly works its way into your inner being. It begins as such an ordinary story that gradually becomes quite raw and vulnerable, just like real life. The novel shows how if we remain open, wait, and truly try, healing can come—even in relationships that appear hopeless. The book also contains wise advice penned by a grandmother along with her recipes for good food and for living. Another unforgettable drama from Sara Brunsvold, whose debut novel was one of the best I’ve read. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #TheDivineProverbofStreusel #NetGalley

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I took me a little while to get into this book, but it got much better from there.

I found this book surprisingly enjoyable! Like all Christian fiction it is a little on-the-nose, but the characters were endearing, and the plot was believable and well-paced. As a bonus food and cooking is a plot point, and there are mouth-watering recipes sprinkled throughout the text. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing a review copy of this sweet, gentle book.

Wow!! What a powerful story of love, hope, faith & redemption!! I knew as soon as I finished “The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip” that Sara Brunsvold would be a new favorite author of mine, and “The Divine Proverb of Streusel” solidified that fact👏🏼 I absolutely love Sara’s writing style and the rich characters & settings she creates in her stories!!

“The Divine Proverb of Streusel” centers around a broken family full of hurting, broken people who learn to forgive and find redemption in the Lord🙏🏻 The faith content was breath-taking and deeply thought-provoking. This is the kind of story that gives you pause and makes you re-evaluate areas of your life, yourself, and the relationships you have🥹🙏🏻🩷

What I loved most about this story were the journal entries/recipes/Proverbs that were woven throughout the story. Each of these entries contained such profound nuggets of wisdom that I found myself highlighting them left and right!!! Side note: this book definitely gave me a huuuuuge hankering for some German cuisine!! I hope to try my hand at some of these delicious recipes soon😍

Lastly, I just have to say that Aunt Emma was just the dearest, sweetest lady!! Her vibrancy and livelihood absolutely MADE this story🥰 I truly loved her to bits and pieces🩷

Overall, I highly enjoyed this story & found it to be deep and nourishing for my soul🙏🏻🩷

🚨TW: centers around a parental divorce
🚨CW: no language & just kisses!

Nikki Werner is still reeling from her parents' divorce when she discovers, via social media, that her father has unexpectedly remarried. She is also wondering whether her boyfriend Isaac is the right man for her. Since she is a teacher between school years, she goes to visit her Uncle Wes on his farm. There she discovers her grandmother's old recipes and she begins to slowly learn about her family history ... and the truths her grandmother's memory teaches through her recipes and wisdom.

I wanted to read this book because I was interested in the mention of recipes and family food history. The family's German heritage was also of interest to me.

The Divine Proverb of Streusel is a lovely read. Nikki deals with some hard issues and learns about the power of grace and forgiveness. Her wonderful grandmother, even in memory and old recipes and writing from the past, imparts strength and wisdom.

This novel is very well written. I cared about Sara and her family in general - especially Uncle Wes and Aunt Emma. There is a strong faith message through the book. I recommend this novel for fans of Christian fiction, women's fiction, and uplifting storytelling.

If you ever wonder about your family roots, this book will whet your appetite for more—more connection, more food, more healed relationships. Sprinkled throughout the moving story are some great German food recipes.. Recommended.

Books like Sara Brunsvold's The Divine Proverb of Streusel, which dish out culinary expertise blended with wisdom, are some of my favorites-since they often include recipes.

The protagonist of the tale is Nikki Werner, who is still in shock over her parents' divorce. She finds herself at her Uncle Wes's farm as she attempts to make sense of her life. The narrative finds its rhythm once she gets to the farm.

I cherished how important faith was to the story. The handwritten devotions from Proverbs and the depression-era recipes that Nikki discovers from her German immigrant grandmother transform her life, and I venture to guess that they will change the lives of some readers as well.

The juxtaposition of Nikki's life and her grandmother's is richly illustrated in the tale. Because of the author's deft illustration, the reader is left with a lasting memory and a desire to try the recipes.

The story is peopled with some wonderful characters, like Aunt Emma, and some characters who, for whatever reason, get lost in the process, like Nikki's schoolteacher friend. All of them, nevertheless, were significant in Nikki's life.

I was so excited to get an advanced copy of The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold, because I really enjoyed her debut book, The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kipp. Although The Divine Proverb of Streusel fell just short of the bar set by her remarkable debut novel, I found it to be a “delicious” read, especially the poignant moments of the latter part. Reading this book was an intriguing, rewarding experience.

I received a review copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group/Revell through NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

This book wasn’t my favorite. I couldn’t get into the story. I enjoyed the recipes and the concept of the book but it took me a while to read this book because nothing stuck out enough for me to remember to read it. I didn’t dislike it enough to not finish the book but I felt like the book wasn’t plot-driven enough and the characters weren’t relatable enough for me to get invested in the book.

Nikki's father left her mother, married within three months of the divorce being final, and now wants back into Nikki's life. With all the upheaval in Nikki's life, she decided to leave town for a few days to get her thoughts in order and get her head on straight. The place she runs to is her uncle's house and finds refuge as well as meaning and purpose to her life. She offers to help her uncle refurbish his old farmhouse that has been in the family for many generations and with the summer off from her teaching job, she's got the time to do the work to help her uncle out. In working with him, she finds a notebook full of her great-grandmother's recipes, along with some words of wisdom great-grandmother found along the way. In choosing recipes to try and reading the wisdom that each recipe holds, Nikki comes to find that forgiving is a great burden reliever and healer for her soul. In learning this, she passes the wisdom on to her Uncle Wes.

The romances in this story are secondary to the depth of spiritual knowledge included, and secondary to the plot development itself. Sara Brunsvold has woven a depth into this book that makes it hard to read, but that is not a bad thing, Sometimes hard is exactly what is needed by the reader. It is far more rewarding because there is so much more substance to this novel.

This is a five star book with two thumbs up and a homemade streusel for dessert.

Revell Publishing provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Wonderful book from cover to cover! I already have a chain of three book buddies lined up who will love this book as much as I have. I’ll share it with a “Must read!” exclamation. The title captures the imagination and it delivers a story with so much heart. It’s quite a feat when an author can make a relative who died years ago standout as a main character. Grandma Anna fits into the plot as seamlessly as her granddaughter, Nikki and Anna’s two sons, Wes and Chris.
I started using sticky tags to bookmark stellar sentences. The prose is lyrical and nuggets of wisdom crafted by the author are scattered throughout. The recipes, recipe notes, and companion Bible verses from Proverbs make the plot sing.
I haven't read Sarah Brunsvold's debut novel, but I’m interested. This newest release is a superb example of Contemporary Christian fiction. So many readers will relate to her storyline and they will be encouraged and lifted by the characters' growth and changes. I appreciate how directly the author dealt with the shunning of all things German during WWII. Her accurate portrayal of farm life and rural small towns add to the story.  

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, Revell in exchange for my honest review.

#TheDivineProverbOfStreusel!

Another great story by this author. The way she writes just keeps me turning the pages. There is so much to enjoy in this book and I love the healing aspects of this story. If you haven’t read it I recommend you do.
Thanks for the advanced copy

After hearing nothing but glittering reviews for Ms Brunsvold's debut, "The Extraordinary Death of Mrs Kip," I jumped on the chance to read her latest, "The Divine Proverb of Streusel." Although this was slower than I am used to and took me a while to get into, it ultimately fed me like 'chicken soup for the soul.'

I devour a complex family dynamic and whew, this defititely checked that box. Nikki, whose father just left their family and married another woman. Uncle Wes, who came back to his home farm after his stint in the military. The grandparents who had a rocky marriage and hidden secrets themselves. The mysterious family history concerning a recipe book and old pictures. Each layer of generational issues whispered into the present; a lesson for all families. Even though the end did not end with everyone hugging and making up, I thought it was the most accurate, sensitive, and hopeful ending.

Growing up in the kitchen with mom, cooking and baking, I loved the emphasis on the ministry of food. It really does a person and a community wonders to come around one another and serve each other through physical acts of love.

While reading, I highlighted so many passages that spoke powerfully on the topics of healing, forgiveness, community, and spiritual nourishment, particularly from Aunt Emma and Great-Grandma Lena's recipe book. What a beautiful, encouraging, and convicting message for everyone that has faced and is facing betrayal, heartbreak, grief, bitterness, and anger. Basically, a book for humanity.