Amish Sweethearts

:::From the back cover:::
Their Two Worlds Couldn't Be Further Apart.
Can Anything Bridge the Divide Between Them?  
For years Zane Beck and his Amish neighbor Lila Lehman were the best of friends. But just as Zane gathered the courage to discover if their friendship could develop into something more, her controlling father arranged for her to be courted by their bishop's son. Zane, heartbroken and frustrated, joined the Army, running away from his shattered dreams.

The passing of time and the distance between Zane and Lila haven't been enough to halt their--now completely hidden--feelings for each other. Any hope for their love grows even more impossible though as Zane's service takes a dangerous turn when he's deployed to Afghanistan. Being on the front-line, confronted with the hard choices of war, has him questioning everything, including whether he can continue to serve or not. But all choices have consequences, and with Lila preparing to marry another, will these one-time sweethearts ever find the life together that they both still long for?

:::My Review:::
This is not your typical Amish romance book. This one steps outside of the box a little bit, and to be honest I was quite surprised by it. This book gives a little of everything, and will take you on a roller-coaster of emotions. It really has just about everything.

Lila is a young Amish girl who has lost her mother, lives with her father, and is the main caretaker of the family. Her sister Rose should be a help around the house but is more lazy than helpful. Lila takes care of the household, helps her father with chores when needed, and works outside of the home to help her family. She is courting an Amish man whom her father wants to see her married to. However, her heart belongs to her childhood Englisch friend who lives next door, Zane.

Zane is a young Englisch gentleman. His heart also belongs to Lila, but they come from two very different worlds. Lila is not willing to leave the Amish. Zane joins the military to get away from his heartbreak of seeing Lila with another man, and is sent on a rather intriguing journey with his Civil Affairs Unit. 
Can the two find a way to make their love work? How could two people from such very different worlds possibly come together?

I loved pretty much all the characters in this book even though I wanted so badly to reach through the pages and give them a good shake. Lila was by far my favorite character. She really had such a pure heart, and was willing to do whatever she could for anyone. However, she also had a stubborn side and wasn't focused on making herself happy. 

Zane is more stubborn than any of the characters in the book. He was tender hearted, but so frustrating I couldn't hardly take it. I just wished time and again he would pour his heart out to Lila instead of carry on.

Rose was my least favorite character. She was incredibly lazy, seemed overly jealous of Lila, and just got on my last nerve. However, I can see where this could lead to a book just about her which I would love to read. There could also be a book about Lila's brother Simon which I would love to read as well.

I was on the edge of my seat time and again while reading this book. There is just so much going on that you can't wait to find out what will happen next. The author does a fantastic job of leaving her readers wanting more. Everything was easy to imagine, and I appreciate that the story flowed so nicely without leaving me confused.

This is book two in this series, but you honestly can't tell. I haven't read book one, and this book does a great job as a stand alone book. I do have to say, though, after reading book two I want to go back and read one just because I fell in love with the characters.

It isn't often you find an Amish book where not only does the Amish girl fall in love with an Englisch boy, but there is suspense thrown in there with it. Zane joining the military definitely switched things up from your typical Amish romance book. I was left wanting to read more about Lila and Zane, but maybe in the future there will be more to their story. Until then I will just have to make do. 

I definitely recommend this book if you love Amish romance. More so if you like a little suspense thrown in. There are so many twists and turns to this book I don't see how anyone reading it could get bored at all.


My Rating:::  5  / 5 Stars
Goodreads Rating:::  4.43 / 5 Stars
Amazon Rating:::  4.5 / 5 Stars
Barnes & Noble Rating::: 4.6 / 5  Stars


If you are interested in this book check it out on Paperback, Kindle, Nook, or Audible.


:::Product Details:::

• Series: Neighbors of Lancaster County (Book 2)
• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 2, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764215248
• ISBN-13: 978-0764215247

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Whispering to Horses by Thomas Nye

Whispering to Horses was a wonderful book. I highly recommend it. I hope there will be either another novella or novel to follow this. I really want to see where things go because I was definitely left wanting more! Thomas Nye never ceases to fail me with his writing style, vivid characters, and how everything is brought to life before my very eyes! But before I go on here is a quick summary of this book.

~

::Taken from the back of the book::
An old fence separates a modern community from their Amish neighbors, until a little boy opens the gate and breaks down barriers between them. Main characters, Matt and Eli, find friendship, hope, and a future through a mutual need, which creates an opportunity for them to learn to understand each other. Eli and his little sisters will touch your heart by Whispering to Horses.

~

Matt was a character I found very frustrating at first. Mainly because he complained constantly of his beautiful surroundings, and took them for granted. He was very selfish with a cold heart for the longest time throughout the story. He had tons of land with lots of yard, but chose to complain about smelling manure from his Amish neighbors. 

My favorite character was Eli, the young Amish boy that lived on the other side of the fence from Matt. However, my heart broke for Eli. He had so much weight on his young shoulders and carried those burdens without complaint. He is a hard working young man who cares deeply for his family. A very admirable young man for sure.

Eli really helped melt the ice around Matt's heart. As the story progressed Eli seemed to bring out the best in Matt. Matt definitely redeemed himself in my eyes by the end. I can't give too much away because I don't want to spoil the surprise of the story, but I was honestly hooked and infatuated with ALL of the characters by story's end. Especially when it comes to Eli's mother Sony. I sense a story of her own, and I would love to see what the future holds for her. This story definitely leaves you craving more, and I highly recommend it if you love Amish stories. 

I could vividly picture every detail in this story, and just could not figure out how it would end. Honestly my mouth was even wide open when I reached the end because it's not an ending you could even begin to expect. That is all I will say on that because, as I said, I don't want to give too much away. It is a must read for sure!

There is also plenty details about the horses in this book so if you are a horse fan you won't be disappointed there either. This story definitely has it all, which is something I have never seen in a novella. The author wrote another fantastic book that will have you on a roller coaster of emotions, and leave you on the edge of your seat!


Get this book in ~ Print ~ Kindle ~ Nook ~


::Amazon Rating:: 5 Stars
::Goodreads Rating:: 5 Stars


::Product Details::

• Series: Amish Horses
• Paperback: 52 pages
• Publisher: Crosslink Publishing (November 2, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 163357041X
• ISBN-13: 978-1633570412

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Catbird Singing

I love, love, love, LOVED this book! I was so excited when I heard that book two came out in the Amish Horses series by Thomas Nye! The first one, Under the Heavens, left me wanting more so badly, and it definitely did not disappoint. Thomas Nye is by far one of my favorite authors, and I have fallen for his characters so much it's like they are real.

We catch back up with the main character, Lenny Gingerich. Lenny is an English kid who happens to come from an Amish family. He found himself and his roots a few summers past when visiting his father's family.
He was supposed to have came back to help on the farm, but never made it back getting caught up in college and time. Missing his Amish family he decides on his way home from college to pass through, but did not plan to stop. However, a storm takes place and causes Lenny some car trouble and even more unexpected situations take place causing Lenny to have to stay on with them after all. While trying to figure out where his life is headed, and waiting on his car to get fixed, Lenny stays on with his uncle Noah. He has some serious thinking to do on where his life is headed, and meets back up with Leah again. Leah is an Amish girl who Lenny was quite taken after the last time he spent time in the area. They were great friends and had a little romance going. We were left on the edge of our seats with these two in the first book! After two summers spent away when he promised to come back sooner, Leah is now cold towards Lenny. He can't help but feel like she is just not the same girl that she once was. He misses that girl and wants her back. But now a new girl pops up that also seems to be taken with Lenny! Not to mention an English kid named Justin that isn't making things very easy. Lenny was advised to not cause any trouble while he visited with his family, but trouble seems to find him regardless!

This is definitely a page turner! As always Thomas Nye has me hooked! I just did not want to put this book down! I am definitely left wanting more! I sure hope there is a book three to come in this series! I can't say more on that subject because I don't want to spoil anything by giving too much away. I definitely want you to feel the same suspense that I experienced while reading it. It is a very exciting book. Just when you think you know what is going to happen next you will find yourself surprised and on the edge of your seat. This book has a bit of everything, and I loved this book even more than the first! Lenny definitely matures in this book, but there is definitely more to see with him I think.
Even though this is book two in the series it can be read as a stand alone book. The author does a fantastic job of catching you up so you wouldn't feel lost at all if you haven't read the first book. Even so, I definitely encourage you to read the first book because it introduces many characters more in depth and it is a page turner just like this one.
It was nice to see Lenny back in the place where, in my own opinion, he belongs. He just fits so much better in his Amish life rather than his English life. Also seeing him working with horses again just felt so right. I loved that so many of the characters from book one were in this book as well. Plus there were new interesting characters, and lots of surprises.
I definitely rate this book five stars, and cannot express my love for it enough! So far this is my favorite book of the two in the series!

::Product Details::

• Paperback: 332 pages
• Publisher: CrossLink Publishing (January 26, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1633570134
• ISBN-13: 978-1633570139

Check this book out!    ~Kindle~    ~Print~     ~Nook~

Check out Book 1 in the Amish Horses series Under The Heavens too!



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a BookCrash reviewer in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own!

Under the Heavens Book 1

Lenny is a lost teen who has lost himself. As he looks at himself in the mirror he finds he cannot even place many of his own features. Not knowing who his biological father is, and unable to form a past for himself he starts to become bitter and angry.
When Lenny's step-father's Amish Grandpa says it may be a good idea for Lenny to come spend a summer on their Amish Farm they agree. However, Lenny is reluctant to leave his modern city life he is accustomed to.
After a few hiccups on the farm Lenny soon finds that he doesn't mind a more simple life. Especially when Grandpa issues him the duty of being "horse boy" for the summer. Lenny finds himself excited and proud to be able to work with the big draft horses on the farm, and starts to connect with other members of his Amish family. He soon starts to leave some of his bitterness and anger behind.
A neighbor girl pops up at the edge of a field one day and Lenny finds himself instantly attracted to her. As their mini romance starts to form Lenny finds that the Amish life isn't the burden he expected. From moonlit buggy rides, to volleyball matches with friends, lanterns hanging from tree limbs, adventures with horses, and an unexpected non-Amish neighbor who causes a few hiccups in Lenny's summer adventure this book has a bit of everything.

I have to say that I enjoyed this book much more than expected. The author does a fantastic job of pulling you right in with the words to where it becomes hard to even put this book down. The main thing I loved about this book is that the author weaves the words in such a way to where you can picture almost everything you are reading. Everything is so descriptive it would be hard not to find yourself sucked right into this story. I felt so bad for Lenny throughout this whole novel. I could not imagine the feelings or emotions he was struggling with, but seeing the change in him after going to the Amish farm and finding God also was heart warming.
I do think that younger readers could benefit a lot from reading this book, but honestly I think all book lovers would enjoy this. I can't wait to read the other books in the series personally. I felt like this book has a little something of everything: humor, heart break, adventure, drama, romance, etc. And there is an incredible ending that honestly had me on the brink of tears. I just couldn't put it down if I wanted to. For a 400 page book I found this to be a rather quick read just because I couldn't put it down. The end of every chapter had me wanting more, and each page turn had me anticipating the adventures I would find on the next page.
I learned a lot from this book not only about the Amish but about buggy and draft horses as well. I really enjoyed the whole experience of reading this book, and highly recommend it to any reader out there interested in Amish or those of you with a love for horses.


::More info about the book::

• Paperback: 412 pages
• Publisher: CrossLink Publishing (December 3, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1936746794
• ISBN-13: 978-1936746798

::Purchase this book::

Paperback     Kindle     Nook

And guess what else? If your big on your e-reader the book is only $2.99 for both Kindle and Nook right now. That is a FANTASTIC deal for this book and I urge you to take advantage of it while it lasts so you can take part in this exciting adventure. If you do decide to take the plunge and read this come back or send me an email and let me know what you thought of this book. Particularly your feelings on the ending. :)

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a BookCrash reviewer in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

The Promise Box Review

Series: Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors (Book 2)

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Zondervan (May 21, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0310335124

ISBN-13: 978-0310335122

This book was highly intriguing. I had no idea what would happen next, and I was left guessing at the end of each chapter. I could not wait to see how things would end up!
Lydia Wyse leaves her Amish roots and comes back to bury her mother. Once back her Amish roots call to her and she yearns to know God, and return to her community. As a book editor, her publisher sees the opportunity for a new book...one all about Amish life. So in order for Lydia to stay she must write a book on the Amish.
While in West Kootenai, Montana, where single Amish men stay for six months and leave as grooms, Lydia meets Gideon Hooley. As Lydia and Gideon fight against their childhood they also find themselves with sparks flying between them. However, they both have much to work through. Lydia is just not sure if she is able to choose between her life as a book editor, and Amish life. As both want to forget the hurt of the past and move forward with their futures it had me on the edge of my seat to see if they would end up together or not.
I must say this book was just wonderful. Each character is highly unpredictable, especially Lydia and Gideon. Trying to overcome your past hurts can be extremely difficult but it has to be done in order to move on with the future. Getting back on the right path with God can be the first step in finding what you are looking for and the author did a fantastic job of reminding all of us of just that fact. I highly recommend this book. It was very realistic with emotions, descriptions, and I felt like I was right there with the characters. It definitely pulled me in, and I can't wait to read the other books in the series. This is the second book of the series Seven Brides for Seven Bachlors but I have not read the first one either. I was in no way lost and this does great as a stand alone book. I will definitely go back and read the first one however to get a greater depth of the other characters, and will look forward in more to come after this!




Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksneeze in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Goodbye To Yesterday ~Book Review

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books (February 5, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1616260858
• ISBN-13: 978-1616260859

::Description::
As a young married couple Luke and Meredith start off happily enough. But when Luke loses his job it causes them both to argue. Living off their savings and unsure of their financial future they become more withdrawn from one another. Their relationship starts to hurt even though their love for one another is deep. The stress of their situation becomes palpable despite their faith. When Luke is offered to take over his uncle's business he is eager to jump in and start learning the trade, but Meredith is overcome with negative feelings. Not only does she not want to be separated from Luke she suspects she may be pregnant. Afraid to tell Luke of her situation while in their financial hole she tries to think of other reasons why he should not make the long journey. What if he doesn't learn the trade well, and they lose their investment? With Luke having to get a bus in the middle of winter, what if the weather is too bad? But despite all her negative feelings and worries Meredith tries her best to tamp them down. She wants to support her husband, and just the thought of getting back to work has already improved Luke's moods. He is just trying to provide as he was raised to do, and if Meredith keeps him from his newest dream would he ever forgive her? Are her bad feelings just an emotional obstacle at the thought of being apart from Luke or are they a forewarning of something terrible to come?


::My Thoughts::
I do greatly enjoy Amish fiction. Particularly Amish Romance. However I felt a bit whip-lashed reading this book. It seemed to skip around quite often abruptly changing from one character's viewpoint to another, or one place to another. I also felt that certain parts of the book spent more time explaining trivial events. It isn't a big deal breaker though as I still found myself swept up in the story. I really connected with Meredith's character, she is definitely an admirable woman. You can see right away that she is a strong Amish woman with such devoted love for her husband. She is caring and does her best as a wife. She does seem to burden a lot of troubles that she shouldn't deal with alone, but she does it purely out of care. Despite all her reservations about Luke leaving she puts all her trust and faith in God not wanting to squelch her husband's opportunity.
This book definitely is not without intrigue which kept me riveted, as well. The characters are all very interesting in their own way, and the circumstances surrounding Luke leaving Meredith to travel to his uncles business leaves you wondering what will happen next.
Everything about this book is modern and believable. I found myself swept up in Luke and Meredith's world picturing everything perfectly.
As it is only part 1 of 6 this book a very short read and I for one cannot wait to read part 2. The author does a fantastic job of leaving you wanting for more at the end, and I can't wait to delve into the rest of the story. I was so frustrated by the ending, but in a good way. The cliffhanger was so intriguing and mysterious that I can't stop imagining all the scenarios that could possibly happen. I can tell already that this book will have my imagination working in overdrive, which is a sure sign of a good story.


::A short video::

This book is available in   Paperback   Kindle   Nook   Audio, CD, Audiobook   Audible



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Courting Cate Book Review

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0764210319

ISBN-13: 978-0764210310

::Description taken from the back of the book::
In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!
But the sisters' wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor--until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.
Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate's hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play?


::My Thoughts::
I really enjoyed this book. This was such an enjoyable novel I just didn't want it to end. I loved how Cate isn't an ordinary Amish woman that is wise to all the tasks of cooking, acting, etc. It makes her that much more unique and lovable. I love how she has such a passion for reading, and how her father's love for her is so great he doesn't stamp that passion down. He has her best interests at heart which makes him just as lovable. Although he demands she get married before her younger sister can, he just doesn't want her to miss out on the family life. Realizing her father was just trying to make sure she had a happy future, and that he wasn't going to change his mind she decides she must try again at courting. Considering she told off all the suitable Amish men that had courted her in the past Cate is afraid her little sister will never have a chance at marriage. Accepting her father's decision and moving forward with their plans she does put herself out there once again, albeit uncomfortably.
I was a little disappointed at the circumstances of Pete and Cate considering he did seem more interested in Betsy at first. While not the typical Amish romance novel where a couple courts forever and finds love this was one of a thrust together circumstance. There are sparks here and there between Pete and Cate which the reader can see almost from the beginning even if the sparks are a bit small. It builds the anticipation of the reader to what the future holds for these two characters, and from the get-go you can tell something is bound to come about.
I didn't much care for Betsy, Cate's younger sister, and thought her incredibly spoiled. She seemed too self-centered, and was very surprising for an Amish woman. She seemed to enjoy playing many of the eligible bachelors that courted her, and was just very unsure of whom she wanted as a suitor. Cate's love for her regardless of her spoiled attitude was very heart-warming, and just goes to show how lovable Cate really is despite her fiery temper.
I felt all in all this book was a wonderful read, and I wish I could have seen further how Cate and Pete's future would fold out. It definitely left me wanting more.


Find this book in::   Paperback   eBook   Kindle   Nook   Hardcover-Large Print


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Marriage of the Heart by Kelly Long ~ Book Review

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; November 6, 2012
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1401687563
ISBN-13: 978-1401687564

I don't typically get into novellas. But on the rare chance I will find one that catches my eye. I have nothing personal against them, but I get so invested in the characters, story, etc., and then before I know it the whole thing is over leaving me wanting more.
But because I LOVE all things Amish I decided to give this one a try.
This book is filled with romance, forgiveness, appreciation, deceit, secret adventures, etc.
The first story, A Perfect Secret, follows two lifelong friends and intended's as Rose discovers a secret about Luke that makes her question whether she ever knew him in the first place. Faith is placed in God to come to a conclusion and we are taken on some adventures along the way.
The second story, Christmas Cradles, follows Anna Stolis who goes to help her Aunt by taking over her midwife duties. One baby is even born in a stable just like a very special Christmas past. This story is very uplifting as the characters not only find self-discovery but happiness.
The third story, A Marriage of the Heart, follows two very different Amish characters. When Abigail felt ignored by Joseph she lied about him making inappropriate moves on her. Her lie resulted in a marriage that neither of them wanted. Just as Abigail is looking for a way out Joseph wants in the community so he moves into her home, with her father. Sparks fly between them, and the passion is undeniable although at times they both try to fight it.

I enjoyed all the stories, although I must admit, A Marriage of the Heart was my favorite. It was perhaps due to the fact I felt it was a bit edgier and more exciting than the others. At the end of the book I was wanting more of each story as is typical when I get into a good novella. I would recommend it on the fact that the stories are uplifting, romantic, and faith discovering. Each character grows rapidly in a short amount of time and all for the better. Even though I didn't like a couple of the endings I was pleased with the book all around. Kelly Long does a great job at keeping the reader excited and letting you almost feel the characters emotions.


Available in:   Print   Kindle   Audible Audio Edition   Nook   Audio CD



Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for review purposes. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis - Book Review

::A bit about the book::
Amelia Devries feels trapped in the life handed to her by her parents. A talented violinist with the world's possibilities at her fingertips Amelia finds herself no longer happy in her profession. Even though music is her life's passion she just doesn't feel as if she belongs. However not willing to let down her parents she continues in her violinist journey playing the fiddle secretly on the side.
One night driving back from a secret fiddling fest she gets stuck outside a remote cabin with a flat tire.
So enters in Michael Hostetler an Amish man who craves learning and loves English ways. After disappointing his parents and community by not joining church he takes time away in the remote cabin in the woods. He is quite surprised at the English beauty who arrives on his doorstep with car trouble and a knack for music. They quickly form a bond and have very much in common when it comes to life's struggles and the understanding of being forcibly rooted into family's expectations.
Feelings between these two charismatic characters start to unfold as they uphold each other in faith and life choices. However each one comes from a very different world from the other, and they will soon realize that being together could be next to impossible. Wanting to satisfy their families while satisfying themselves could be much more of a struggle than each of these characters are up for. And they each have very big choices ahead of them...and to find out more I urge you to read the book!

::My Thoughts::
As you all know I am a huge fan of Beverly Lewis and her Amish novels. I have quite a few of them in my collection, and I imagine I will be reading many more to come.
With this book however, it was a bit harder for me to get through. It didn't pull me in right away, and I didn't really get into the novel until around the middle. I loved the characters, I loved the story, but I felt like all the events took so very long to unfold which seemed to drag the novel a bit. Mainly between Amelia and Michael, sometimes the feelings between these two sizzled and at the same time they fizzled. I felt like neither one was making as much of an effort that you would expect between two people who are romantically interested in each other. However there are many parts of the novel that make up for the stale air between these two. It did leave things unpredictable, and you will find it hard to predict whether these two end up together or not. I certainly was on the fence and couldn't predict which way things would go. It was all I could do not to skip ahead just to find out how these two vivid characters would end up! The mystery of how this novel would unfold kept me reading until the end.
I wish some more background could have been given on some of the characters such as with Joanna Kurtz and Ella Mae (the wise woman). Of course the author quite possibly is saving those characters for another novel (hopefully!) and if that is the case I will pick up a copy upon it's release. As with all of the other novels by Beverly Lewis I find myself immersed in the other character's lives as well as the main characters!
Despite the few things I didn't like, I wasn't disappointed in this novel, and I still found it quite enjoyable. I would recommend it because the faith is so deeply rooted in this story you can't help but admire every one of the character's personal faith in God.
My favorite character was Ella Mae and I wish there could have been more of her in the novel. She seems so real, and so very much the wise woman! She is spunky, faith loving, and oh so very honest. She welcomes all in such a way that I don't think this character could do anything to be shunned despite her age.



This book is available in:::
::Paperback::   ::Hardcover::   ::Large Print::   ::Kindle::   ::Nook::


I rated this book 4 stars on Goodreads


More book info::

• Paperback: 326 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (April 10, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764209779
• ISBN-13: 978-0764209772

DISCLAIMER: I was provided this book for free through Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. Opinions expressed are mine alone.

When The Soul Mends Book Review

Paperback: 354 pages

Publisher: WaterBrook Press (September 16, 2008)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1400072948

At the very young age of 17 Hannah Lapp finds herself in the midst of a terrifying and unfortunate incident.
Her entire community and even her loved ones choose to shun her without listening to her entire story. Hannah has no choice but to flee the Plain life and live among the Englischers. While there she finds a love that accepts her how she is and prompts her to heal. Just as she is becoming accustomed to an Englischer life she receives a letter from her sister begging her to return home.
Hannah acquiesces and returns to her former home of Owl’s Perch. While there she realizes that her sister is in dire need of medical help before she hurts herself or someone else.
Even though Hannah herself is studying to become a nurse, the problem lies within getting her parents to see the light that her sister needs help. Deeply rooted in their plain ways, and with Hannah’s shady past they are reluctant to listen to her. Hannah has no choice but to work side by side with her ex fiancé Paul to get her family and community to see reason when it comes to her sister’s well being.
Struggling between the call of her Plain roots while trying to maintain an Englischer lifestyle Hannah feels torn as to how to please everyone around her while trying to please herself. Most of all Hannah struggles with the pain of her past and trying to forgive the ones who wronged her.
This book is a wonderful story of healing and forgiveness. It truly touched my heart, and just goes to show that there is a side to everyone’s story. Before you can truly heal yourself and forgive others you owe it to try to uncover as many details as possible. This makes moving on much easier.
I love how even though this is book three in the Sisters of The Quilt series it would make a great stand alone book. This covers all the main details that you may have missed in the first two.
Hannah is such a captivating character! I never knew what kind of mood she would be in, what she would say next, and her actions were a complete mystery. Just when I thought I had her all figured out she would surprise me.
While the story is mainly centered on Hannah and her struggles other characters shine as well in the story light. There is her deeply troubled sister who needs as much help and compassion as she can get. There is Hannah’s ex fiancé Paul who loves Hannah so much and so dearly that he finds it troubling to just let go. There are many other characters as well.
The story flows so well, and is filled with much mystery and suspense. I could not wait to see how everything would unfold with all the characters. What I really liked is the epilogue did a fantastic job of making sure it covered all the characters. Usually I am disappointed when it comes to the epilogue because it leaves a few characters out that I wondered about. But as usual Cindy Woodsmall delivered another fantastic book!

Want to see my star rating of this book on Goodreads? CLICK HERE
Interested in purchasing this book? Available on eBook or Paperback.
If you check into it feel free to come back here and comment on how you liked it. :) Enjoy.
　

Disclaimer:
Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

A Deal For You!

I have a special treat for all my readers who enjoy Amish fiction.
Remember my book review of Cindy Woodsmall's book The Christmas Singing?
Here's a bit more about that book:

Here's a peek at the first chapter:

The Christmas Singing (Chapter 1 Excerpt)


If you like it, and trust me it is a FANTASTIC read, Waterbrook Multnomah is offering 30% off PLUS FREE SHIPPING on The Christmas Singing (and any other title) to the readers of Mommy's Musings. Just visit their website @ http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/
Readers need to use the promo code: CHRISTMAS11 at checkout. The coupon code expires on December 20th, 2011 so hurry on over and get started! Makes for a fantastic Christmas gift!


Happy Holidays!


Sincerely,
Tori