About this book:

“Four years after leaving town to make a name for himself as a composer, Gilbert Baty has returned temporarily to Falke, Kansas. Now, he's trying to keep everyone from learning the truth about his disastrous years in New York City. He hopes to start writing music again in Falke, but he can't help being distracted by Ava Flaming, the brown-eyed baker to whom he was briefly engaged before he ended things--and who still stirs feelings in him he knows he has no right to pursue.
Ava had thought she was past the loss of Gil Baty. But to her dismay, she's as drawn to him as ever. The situation only gets worse when Gil establishes a youth band in Falke, showing once more what a good man he is.
But when the band has a chance to compete in a statewide competition, Ava faces the prospect of heartbreak again. Could music take Gil away forever this time? Or might God be stirring in Ava's and Gil's hearts a new song that will draw them together for good?”


Series: As of now, no, a stand-alone novel.


Spiritual Content- Psalm 28:7 at the beginning; Scriptures are mentioned, quoted, read, & discussed; Prayers; Many, many talks about God, His will, His forgiveness, & God-given gifts; Talks about those in the Bible; 'H's are capital when referring to God; The town this is set in is a Mennonite community & all the characters are Mennonite; Going to church, a Bible study/meeting, & sermons; Ava struggles with wondering why God chooses a different pathway for His followers and if He really cares about her requests, thinking that He doesn’t answer in the way she wants (she wants to believe that God has a purpose in everything, about half-way through she starts changing in her thoughts about it all (positively)); Many, many mentions of God, His will, & God-given gifts; Many, many mentions of prayers, praying, prayer requests, & blessings over food; Many, many mentions of a church, church going, services, a reverend/clergymen, sermons, hymns, & worship; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, & those in the Bible; Mentions of Bible meetings/studies; Mentions of blessings & being blessed; A few mentions of eternity; A mention of an angel choirs; A mention of wooden crosses;
*Note: A mention of Gil using his baton the way a “story wizard practiced with a magic wand”.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: two forms of ‘dumb’; Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Fight, being hit and hitting back, pain, & injuries (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Joseph is very jealousy of Gil (*Spoiler* (view spoiler)); Ava tells a fib to Gil (at the beginning, to play down her feelings towards him); Mentions of fevers & deaths; Mentions of a fight, accidents (falling down stairs), injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, & a death (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of a fire; A few mentions of gambling (which is not approved of in the town); A couple mentions of a young girl being heartbroken when her cat died; A couple mentions of hunting falcons; A mention of a father who drank himself to death; A mention of children receiving a strapping when misbehaving;
*Note: Mentions of a baby that came too early, his passing, & his mother’s grieving over him (up to semi-detailed).


Sexual Content- a fingers-to-lips touch, a hand kiss, four forehead/top-of-the-head kisses, and a barely-above-not-detailed kiss; Recalling a kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to be kissed (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss & embrace someone (Gil towards Ava, but he does not because they are not betrothed); Touches, Embraces, Shivers, Hand holding, Nearness, & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing & Staring; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of blushes; Mentions of chaperones & not being alone with someone of the opposite gender; A couple mentions of flirting; A mention that Gil would be mortified if he accidently saw Ava in her sleeping clothes; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of a mother who died in labor.

-Ava Flaming, age 21
-Gilbert “Gil” Baty, age 22
P.O.V. switches between them & Joseph
Set in 1905
336 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars

I’ve never been a big fan of the “second chance relationship” trope (when a couple meets again after a while and they’re no longer a couple, but still attracted to each other). I typically feel jipped with that trope because I want to see their first falling in love and all the sweetness that comes with it, but I hate to see the couple break up—which is an important part of that trope. This book made it work so well.

I adored Ava’s caring for her parents and their relationship. They were focused-on God and His will and therefore their relationship were so supportive and healthy, which was just lovely to read. Her parents weren’t just there, they were a large part of the story with their wisdom and prayers and I loved that so much.

I felt a little frustrated with Ava towards the end and Joseph at the beginning, but it was still a very sweet read with a satisfying ending.

The whole story was wholesome and interesting. It’s a book that you feel like you’re basking in the warm sunshine when you read it, does that make sense? Many of the books I’ve read by this author have that same…element? Ambiance? Experience? It’s definitely a talent. You see the characters grow and fantastic faith content while reading a sweet story.


Link to review:



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Waterbrook Press) for this honest review.

This was a beautiful and sweet story.

Set in 1905 Kansas in a Mennonite community of Russia immigrants, this story tells of finding purpose. It's also a story of forgiveness and letting go of bitterness and jealousy.

Sawyer has the gift of creating characters that you fall in love with. Some many of the characters in this book were easy to love, dislike, and pity. The interactions between characters was strong and I found myself in tears as I learned the stories of different characters. I found myself laughing at the antics of the kids. This is a feel good story. But not necessarily an unrealistic happily ever after story as well. I appreciate how the author kept the story real.

This is truly an uplifting feel good story!

Disclaimer: I did receive this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Still my Forever by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a very sweet second chance historical romance that is set in 1905 Kansas in a Mennonite community of Russian immigrants. Our main characters of Gil and Ava were previously engaged but Gil had left to pursue his dreams and love for music in New York City. Gil has since returned to Kansas for the summer – will Ava and Gil rekindle their romance from the past? Does Gil have his priorities straight as he works to direct the town band? Will he stay in Kansas after the summer or head back to New York City?

This is a perfect story for music lovers! 4 stars. Gil is a composer who begins to direct the men’s band and establishes a youth band and soon realizes what means most to him in this beautiful small town. Ava really cared about her family and that was so great to see. Since the characters are in their early 20s, it was nice to see parents so involved in the story.

The faith content in this was also great, many prayers and verses discussed. I also loved the parts centered around the youth band – the children were adorable! It was so inspiring to see this sweet little band come to life and how happy the children were.

Overall, the romance was sweet, the ending was satisfying and uplifting, and I just really enjoy Kim Vogel Sawyer’s writing. Thank you to WaterBrook Press and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy for me to honestly read and review.

A Truly Beautiful Story

Not having read a historical fiction story in a very long time, I wasn't sure what to expect. But I must say that with Still My Forever, author Kim Vogel Sawyer has made me want to delve more into this genre. It was truly heartfelt and my heart immediately went out to Gil and his broken spirit. It had to be so difficult for him to return to Falke with broken dreams and to a difficult family situation. I wondered how he would get back to his music and to Ava.
As for Ava, I understood how hard it had to be for her. Taking care of her mom, the household and a host of other tasks had her putting her own needs on hold. However, Gil's return had her looking at things in a new light.

How these two forge ahead in their redeveloped friendship and relationship is a truly beautiful story. It was touching and inspiring as they sought God's will for their lives and the possibility of a renewed relationship. The story drew me into what the characters were going through and feeling, and this made the story that much more special. It is a beautiful story that is not to be missed, and I highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley. All comments and opinions are strictly my own.

Still My Forever is set in a Mennonite community in 1905 Falke, Kansas. Twenty-one year-old Ava Flaming lives with her parents, caring for her ailing mother, and nursing her own broken heart. Gil Baty, who was briefly Ava's fiance before moving to New York to pursue a career in music, has returned to Falke to nurse his wounded spirit. While I have no musical talent, and not a great amount of interest in music, I was enthralled by this story that is wrapped in music. I believe you will be as well.

Kim Vogel Sawyer has a way of making her characters matter to her readers, and in doing so she is also able to help her readers embrace her characters' life lessons, lessons easily applied to our daily lives, lessons that go down with a spoonful of sugar which is the enjoyment of a story well-told. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Still My Forever from WaterBrook via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

When I first started reading this title and realized it was Mennonite fiction I was not sure about continuing the story as this is not a genre I prefer. But knowing how much I enjoyed the author's writing from past books, I continued. I am so glad I did. It did not take long for the story and characters to sweep me away. The part where the title is explained is so sweet, The heroine's actions towards the end of the story did frustrate me but I was satisfied by the ending.

When Gilbert asked her to marry him four years ago, Ava didn't realize that he planned to move immediately to NYC to become a respected composer. With Ava taking care of her family due to her mother's heart condition, Ava didn't feel like she could leave and they ended their engagement. Now Gilbert returns discouraged and at a crossroads in his life. Both of them are drawn towards each other, but are afraid to get their hearts broken again. His cousin Joseph isn't happy about his return and wants to court Ava. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I really like this sweet second chance romance set in a Russian immigrant Mennonite community. I loved how music was so important in their lives and how the townspeople recognized Gilbert's God-given talent.

I really enjoyed this book that Kim wrote! She put her heart and soul into it. Ava is a single Mennonite woman who helps care for her mother. Her Mom got very sick during a big sickness that took many from their community including her two brothers. Her Mom has not been the same since that sickness. She gets weak and tired very easily. Gilbert was Ava's beau, but he wanted to compose music and didn't feel he could do it in their small town so he left to go to New York City and Ava stayed to care for her mother. Four years later Gilbert comes home for the summer. He did not have much success in NY and was trying to figure out what to do if he should accept a teaching job in NY or if there was something else he could do. Gilbert takes over the men's band in Faulk, KS for the summer and starts a boys band and let them all know he was there only for the summer. Can he figure things out and not continue to pine away for Ava? Can Ava forgive him for leaving and find forgiveness and can they work things out? You must read more to find out. This is my honest opinion for my honest review. I received this book from Net Galley for my review.

What a sweet uplifting inspirational read! It will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next.
This is a great read that you don't want to miss. Loved it!
I received a complimentary copy from WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

My thoughts: STILL MY FOREVER is a sweet historical Mennonite romance which centers around family, community, and music. Ms. Sawyer has created a lovely community which the reader automatically feels a part of and characters to fall in love with. My only issue was the mom who was ill and bedbound except for when she didn't want to be and she was up and running. I didn't understand her. I did enjoy reading the book and hope there's another following about Joseph. don't miss STILL MY FOREVER. Recommended. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

This book was so good! I loved Ava's and Gils relationship. You can see their charecter growth very clearly which is good

Four years earlier, Gil left Falke to try to make a name for himself in the New York music scene - and Ava stayed behind to care for her parents. The heartache has never fully gone away, and when Gil returns to Falke for the summer, Ava is reminded of all she'd hoped for - and lost. Gil never achieved what he hoped for in New York, but he's not ready to give up yet. Meanwhile, he's in Falke for the summer, and finds a place for himself directing the town band - and starting a new boys' band. But as he spends more time around Ava, their families and the band, he begins to question his priorities. Should he really go back to New York, or is the work and family here more important? As Ava spends more time around Gil, she starts to question her motive for refusing to leave. Did she make the right decision - and if not, should she take this second chance that seems to be being given?

Priorities in life are always a difficult thing to manage, and this book definitely explores that. I did find that it took me a while to really get into the story, but once I did, I was hooked. Honestly, though, I suspect that I enjoyed watching Gil and Ava interacting with various family members and friends more than with each other. I particularly loved the way that various people stepped in to help Timmy - it was inspiring. I also appreciated the way that Joseph finally came to terms with Gil and their shared history - I didn't feel like I always understood where he was coming from earlier in the book, so it was nice to feel that he got to the point where he had peace about it all. All in all, an interesting read with a satisfying ending.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

This read began when Gilbert Baty comes home from NYC to Falke Kansas, not really having accomplished what he wanted to, but with hopes of going back?

Can you go home again, seems like it with this loving town, they seem to rally around this young man returning to their fold, if even for a little while. There are complications, and some feeling run very deep. He left a young woman that he loved behind!

This little town has had so much heartache, they have lost so many to a fever that went through their town a few years ago, including Gil's parents! Through all of this, the people of this town have a love of music, most come from a Mennonite community in Russia, and are all very close. Love how they all rally around those in need.

Through out the read there is the question of will Gil return to NY and what about Ava? Answers come along with answers to secrets long held. A really good read you don't want to miss!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Waterbrook Press, and was not required to give a positive review.

The story is written from two viewpoints—Gil’s and Ava’s. They used to engaged to be married before Gil left to pursue his dream of music in New York City and Ava stayed home in Kansas to care for her ailing mother. Licking his wounds from an unsuccessful time in NYC, Gil returns to his hometown for the summer. Ava is still single and caring for her parents. As they re-connect, we learn about the hurts in their lives and how they search for God’s calling. While home, Gil uses his musical skills to serve in the community. Ava wavers between accepting a marriage proposal from another man and taking over the bakery in town. A sweet story with a satisfying conclusion.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A sweet Mennonite story sweet in Kansas. I hasn't realized that music held such an important meaning for the Mennonites. Gilbert's heart for music and his encouragement to the band was a God given talent. As he struggled with his decision about the future it was encouraging to see him rely on God. Ava loved her parents and her care for her mother was commendable but perhaps a little misguided. Loved how the community cared and supported one another. Loved the ending.

always know I’m in for an enjoyable reading experience with Kim Vogel Sawyer! This one tugged at my heartstrings and kept me riveted throughout. Gil and Ava’s story kept me guessing; there were so many stumbling blocks in their lives keeping them from knowing what the future held, especially whether Gil was to return to New York to further his career. Gil was devoted to his music, and Ava was devoted to her parents. One of my favorite lines in this book is “She said she heard the soul of the music when you directed the men”.

With encouraging biblical messages subtly woven in, I found this to be a very uplifting and encouraging novel.

I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Publisher through NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a positive review.

Nice inspirational romance featuring an aspiring composer and conductor who returns to his hometown Mennonite community in Kansas after an unsuccessful stint in New York City. I enjoyed the interactions between all the characters., and the caring shown among the townspeople. I'm not sure this was a 100% accurate depiction of the community, as there was a fight scene that I think would have been a much bigger deal in a pacifist community. Still, an enjoyable historical romance.

This was a very interesting and refreshing read. I enjoyed how tight knit this small Mennonite community was and how they were all friendly and looking out for each other.
I was able to relate to Ava at her young age of 21 and feeling lonely. Ava dedicated most of her time taking care of her sick mother and had not been able to move on from her past heartache. I myself spend most of my time taking care of my grandparents so I understand how exhausting it may get. Ava had a great attitude about it and I could see how much love she had for her parents.
Gil was such a good character. He was an angel with his compassionate heart for the small town of Falke. He came back to his hometown feeling defeated by his failed musical endeavors but he was able to slowly gain his confidence again by helping the town’s youth grow in their own musical talents.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and how sweet it was. If you’re looking for a nice and peaceful read that makes you feel good inside, definitely read Still My Forever by Kim Vogel Sawyer.

Thank you to NetGalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for letting me read the advanced copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine alone.

I adore historical fiction and this story touched my heart in so many ways. Seeing Gil and Ava struggle to find their shared path to happiness was, at times, emotionally exhausting because I just wanted to shake them into seeing the options they had. But the story held perfect rhyme and reason and it was pieced together in harmony that sings to a person's soul.

Gil Baty returns to his Mennonite hometown in Kansas to consider his options after four years in New York City without success as a violinist, a conductor, or a composer. Finding that his childhood sweetheart and former fiancee Ava Flaming is still single is a surprise, as is being pulled into leading the local men’s band and starting a boys band soon after. But not everyone is happy to see him return, and a rival for Ava’s affections adds to the tensions between Gil and Ava, and to all of Gil’s efforts in town.

With Gil's future uncertain, could it be that God is calling him to stay in Kansas? Or is He calling Ava to follow Gil back to New York City? With an emphasis on prayer, though God does seem to give Ava the opposite of what she asks, this second chance romance includes themes of family, grief, and healing. Once again, in Still My Forever, author Kim Vogel Sawyer has crafted a touching and uplifting story centered around a musically gifted main character.

Recommended for those who enjoy Historical Romance with a strong faith element.

This review refers to a temporary digital galley I voluntarily read via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.