In 1936 Spencer, Kansas, Anna Mae Phipps is struggling with the Depression, the drought, and a husband whose actions she can't understand. When Anna finds out that she is pregnant with their third child, her husband announces that he is leaving to build a castle.in Kansas. After days go by with no word from either one of them, each wonder if this is the beginning of the end of their marriage. Can their love conquer all, or is something else working to destroy their relationship? "Where Willows Grow" is a story that takes readers on a journey of struggles caused by lack and the promise of what hope, endurance, and love can bring. Kim Vogel Sawyer, softcover, 348 pages.

Her heart aches for his return... but is the distance between them measured by more than miles? Anna Mae isn't sure her husband is being completely honest about his job with the Works Progress Administration. They're building a castle? In Kansas? Harley promised he'd be at the worksite only long enough to earn enough cash to keep their farm. But the money hasn't arrived, and Anna Mae fears Harley may be gone for good. Harley Phipps has never been a man in need of luxuries, but he wants to do right by his wife and two little girls. He was about to lose all he'd worked for if he didn't do something--there was no way he could pass up the government job, even if it meant leaving his family for a while. Anna Mae was awful mad when he sold the mules, packed his bag, and headed out. If only she'd send him a short note to let him know she and the girls are all right...

Kim Vogel Sawyer is fond of C words such as children, cats, and chocolate. Besides her first novel, Waiting for Summer's Return, she's been published in Guideposts and several other magazines and anthologies. In her spare time she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas.

Acclaimed author, Kim Vogel Sawyer, has written another great book: Where Willows Grow, a historical novel set in 1936 Kansas.

Spencer, Kansas is experiencing a severe drought. The Phipps’ farm is in trouble. The crops have failed and there is no money. Harley Phipps, the farmer, realizes the only way to feed his family and earn money for the upcoming taxes is to leave home and take a job with the Works Progress Administration. Harley’s wife, Anna Mae, lets him know she is not happy with his decision. She allows her temper to get the best of her and refuses to say good-bye as he walks away from the farm.

Months pass and the money and letters Harley promised to send do not materialize. The Phipps’ friend Jack comes daily to help with chores, to take Anna Mae and the children to church, and to take them on other outings. The due date for the taxes has come and gone, food is scarce, and Jack is pressuring Anna Mae to leave Harley and marry him. Only with God’s continual presence will Anna Mae make it through the tough times.

The character-driven story is superb. Each character is well portrayed, living on in the minds of readers who feel like a part of the story. The setting in Where Willows Grow is well crafted, becoming another character in the story. The author allows the reader to work alongside Harley at the construction site, to sit under the cooling protective branches of the weeping willow, and to look at the drought-ridden land through the eyes of Anna Mae.

Where Willows Grow is a gentle reminder that like the willow’s roots which grow deep to find its source of water, each one of us must have our faith root grow deep to find our life source, God. I definitely would recommend this book to any reader. – Victoria H. Borgman, Christian Book Previews.com

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Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer
Located in: Kansas
Submitted: June 27, 2006

    Tell us a little about yourself.  I grew up in Kansas, a bashful little girl who found her friends in books. I'm now a still- pretty-bashful adult who sometimes finds her friends in books :o). I have a family I adore-- my husband, three daughters, and three grandsons mean everything to me. We are active in our church, and I enjoy participating in community theatre when time allows.

    What was your motivation behind this project?  Most of my projects choose me rather than the other way around. Our church has a hay rack ride and bonfire every October at the farm of one of our members. In 2004, the hay rack ride took us past an abandoned farmhouse and barn. It was dusk, with lots of shadows, and as we went by, I got this "zing" of awareness. I knew a story was hiding there. So that evening, at home, I just listened to my heart, and the story slowly came to life. I hope Anna Mae and Harley's story will be a blessing to others who have encountered hardship that was not of their own making.

    What do you hope folks will gain from this project?  Let's face it, sometimes life just isn't easy. That was certainly the case for farm families during the Depression. They battled dust storms, drought, falling prices for their crops... It was a very difficult time. Yet, despite what life throws in our pathway, we can access a Source of Strength that can help us triumph over any earthly difficulty. That Source, of course, is God.

    Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists?  My biggest influence is God, who placed the desire to write in me from the moments of my conception. My parents and a handful of teachers encouraged my writing, and fellow authors from American Christian Fiction Writers have expressed their belief in me. All of these influences have assisted me in my writing journey.

    Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know:  I love to hear from readers. Please feel free to contact me through my website: www.kimvogelsawyer.com -- and may God bless you as you journey with Him!

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