Review: The Last Bride by Beverly Lewis

Book Description:

Of her Old Order parents' five daughters, Tessie Miller is the last to marry. She has her heart set on Amishman Marcus King, but Tessie's father opposes the match.

Impetuously, Tessie and Marcus elope to the English world, then return to Hickory Hollow to live as singles, trusting they'll convince the Millers to give their love a chance over time. But when the unthinkable happens, Tessie faces the almost-certain censure of the People. Will she find a reason for hope in spite of her desperate plight?

My Review:

Sweet Tessie Ann! I just loved her. Such a gentle soul, who despite her one rash decision genuinely wanted to obey her parents and the church.

This is one of my favorite books by Beverly Lewis. I enjoyed the familiar setting of Hickory Hollow, and the look back into the lives of the minor recurring characters. There is a lot of depth to this book. Between the struggles of Tessie and her sister Mandy and a father who, in trying to prevent heartbreak, breaks the heart of his daughters there is much to be learned and appreciated.

As long time readers of Lewis have likely come to expect, there is beautiful look inside both Amish life and Amish faith. With a strong view of the sovereignty of God, I found this book to encourage me in my faith, too.

The story unfolds at just the right pace, and I loved seeing the soft romances unfold.

I would strongly recommend this book.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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The Last Bride by Bethany House Publishers

Review: The Secret Keeper

Book Description:

With her love for all things old-fashioned, Jennifer Burns has often been told she's an "old soul," but no one is prepared for the young woman's decision to set aside her modern life in favor of the Old Order Amish world. Yet Jenny does exactly that, adopting Plain dress and settling in with Samuel and Rebecca Lapp while she works as a mother's helper for the bishop's wife--a far cry from her former job as an x-ray technician.

The people of Hickory Hollow are curious about the beautiful young seeker among them, one handsome Amishman in particular. But he is not the only man vying for Jenny's affections, and Jenny faces many challenges in the Proving time the brethren have set for her...challenges of the heart, as well as the spirit.

Will Jenny's secrets keep her from the peace she longs for? Or will they lead the way home?

My Review:

I've really enjoyed Beverly Lewis' Amish fiction for a long time. I've read all of them, and have appreciated her recent Home to Hickory Hollow series, which this book is a part. This one is one of my favorites, if not number 1.

I loved the characters in this book, both the new ones and the familiar faces. I loved the story, with it's unique twist. It's not often that one reads of one seeking to join the Amish. In tackling this more challenging story line, Lewis really brings to life the themes of submission, humility, and obedience in Amish theology and day-to-day life. 

I also enjoyed reading more about Samuel and Rebecca Lapp, who will be familiar to long time Lewis readers. There was a great depth of character in Rebecca, and reading their continuing story with them as primary characters was a real treat. 

If you read The Shunning and the subsequent books in that series, you must read this book.

I must mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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The Secret Keeper by Bethany House Publishers

Review: The Guardian by Beverly Lewis

Book Description:

When schoolteacher Jodi Winfield goes for a morning run, the last thing she expects is to find a disheveled little girl all alone on the side of the Pennsylvania road, clad only in her undergarments, her chubby cheeks streaked with tears. Jodi takes the preschooler home with her, intending to find out where she belongs. But Jodi is mystified when no one seems to know of a missing child, and the girl herself is no help, since she can't speak a word of English. It's as if the child appeared out of nowhere.

As the days pass, Jodi becomes increasingly attached to the mysterious girl, yet she is no closer to learning her identity. Then an unexpected opportunity brings Jodi to Hickory Hollow--and into the cloistered world of the Lancaster Old Order Amish. Might the answers lie there?

My Review:

I very much enjoyed this book. It was all that I have come to expect from Beverly Lewis and more.

I loved the way the seeming tragedy of a missing child (Sarah) brings together these two women, both struggling with grief, each in their own way. Though their lives are so very different, these unusual circumstances bring them together in a very unique friendship.

As always, the reader gets a nice taste of Amish life and theology, as well as visits with old Hickory Hollow friends like the Wise Woman.

Though part of a series, this book could very easily be read as a stand-alone too.

* I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House.

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The Guardian by Bethany House Publishers