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.

*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. ( )

In a Grove of Maples by Jenny Knipfer is a book about what comes after the honeymoon. It’s not always pretty. There are disappointments, miscommunications, hurt feelings, and heartbreak, but there is also love. And love is stronger than all those previously mentioned things.

As Beryl and Edward move away from family to the wilds of Wisconsin, a small group of people come around this couple and support them. As Knipfer details the relationships between Beryl and the women in her new community, they become their own sort of family.

The descriptive settings in the book take you right there and the historical detail confirms the difficulties of life without our modern-day conveniences.

A portion of this book is told through Beryl’s journal entries, so there is some back and forth in the timeline (with four months between them), which was confusing at first but one I really settled into the story, I didn’t notice it as much. And it definitely didn’t detract from the story of holding onto faith through the hard times and fighting for a happy and contented life.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

In a Grove of Maples is book one in the Sheltering Trees series by Jenny Knipfer. This story takes place in Wisconsin in the late 1890’s and gives a nice glimpse into what life may have been for farmers during that time. This is my favorite genre to read and I especially love books based in the north central US. This story starts with Beryl and Edward getting married in Quebec and moving to Wisconsin to a farm his cousin helped them purchase sight unseen, far from family and friends. The story tells of the hard work and trials they had with the first year on their farm as well as the struggles with adjusting to married life.

I just love this book and can’t wait for the rest in the series. The writing is so clear it is easy to imagine the surroundings. It is also so honest and paints a picture of what life really is, rather than sugar coating it. I admire the strength Beryl had to take care of their farm while Edward worked away from home, especially while expecting a baby. This is a great story that shows the importance of neighbors caring for each other, especially when tragedy strikes and family is not around to help. I enjoyed reading Beryl’s journaling and how it triggered flashback to months earlier and events that happened that tells the story of love, grief, strength and endurance. I also enjoyed the parts that are told from Edwards point of view and the difficult decision he made to work away from home to help the family.

I received a complimentary ebook from the author, this is my honest review. ( )

“How young we were, unmarked by sorrow and grief, but life didn’t take long in acquainting us with them.”
First of all I truly love this beautiful cover and when I found out it was about Wisconsin where I lived for 11 years, I really wanted to read this historical book.
It is about the perils and hardships of a newly married couple who travel from home to the unknown wilderness of Wisconsin. I enjoyed this story gleaned from the history of the author. Beryl and Edward were patterned after her ancestors but much of the story was imagined as records were scarce. The author gave us a good account of how things might have been in 1897. It is set in a beautiful grove of maples.
While Beryl and Edward faced hardships, tragedy and disappointment, they learned through it all, to rely on God for their strength and learned to grow in their marriage even though they spent some early years apart.
This is my first book from Ms. Knipfer and I am intrigued by the possibility of further books in this series. This was a great start to a historical series.
*I received a complimentary ebook of this title from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* ( )

In a Grove of Maples is book one in the Sheltering Trees series by Jenny Knipfer. This story takes place in Wisconsin in the late 1890’s and gives a nice glimpse into what life may have been for farmers during that time. This is my favorite genre to read and I especially love books based in the north central US. This story starts with Beryl and Edward getting married in Quebec and moving to Wisconsin to a farm his cousin helped them purchase sight unseen, far from family and friends. The story tells of the hard work and trials they had with the first year on their farm as well as the struggles with adjusting to married life.

I just love this book and can’t wait for the rest in the series. The writing is so clear it is easy to imagine the surroundings. It is also so honest and paints a picture of what life really is, rather than sugar coating it. I admire the strength Beryl had to take care of their farm while Edward worked away from home, especially while expecting a baby. This is a great story that shows the importance of neighbors caring for each other, especially when tragedy strikes and family is not around to help. I enjoyed reading Beryl’s journaling and how it triggered flashback to months earlier and events that happened that tells the story of love, grief, strength and endurance. I also enjoyed the parts that are told from Edwards point of view and the difficult decision he made to work away from home to help the family.

I received a complimentary ebook from the author, this is my honest review. ( )