By Amy Clipston
I feel so grateful to have been chosen to be part of Amy Clipston's Bakery Bunch!! Amy has been a favorite author for some time, writing the Amish genre, which just happens to be what I read most! So of course, I feel privileged to be able to review her new books. When this new novel arrived in my mailbox, I was SO excited!! I had read the three previous books in this series and could hardly wait to start the newest!
Linda is no stranger to hardship. She is the sole surviver of a buggy crash that left her a lonely orphan at the early age of four. Her uncle, Reuben, took her in to raise but it was not willingly gesture. He really had no use for a little girl and had no idea of how to deal with this child. Linda's greatest wish is to be worthy of someone's love! But due to past injuries with lasting effects as well as her embittered uncle' s demeaning attitude toward her, Linda's self worth has been destroyed.
Aaron Ebersol left the Amish community seventeen years ago. He felt that he could no longer handle the restrictions or the tension with his father. In spite of the fact that all his letters home were unanswered, Aaron put down roots in Missouri and experienced success in starting a business. He was truly making a life for himself. Was he happy??? Truely happy?? He didn't really think so. Upon recieving word that his mother had had a stroke, Aaron quickly packs up and returns to Paradise, PA. As he isn't sure of his family's reaction to his presence, he books a room at a local Bed and Breakfast. He is close enough to visit his mother but not living in a hostile environment. Then, a pleasant but complicated situation occurs. Linda works at this B and B. The two of them find that they have a lot in common, and get along very well.
BUT.... can Linda and Aaron both forgive the family members who have deceived and rejected them??? Can Aaron convince Linda that she is indeed worthy of his love? Will they allow God to lead them in the right direction??
These characters were realistic and believable. Linda's problems became mine! I felt every hurt, confused thought, and joy that she experienced. She was an easy person with whom to identify. That is what makes a good book!! I need to be able to take up residence inside the individual and community. This book certainly met this requirement . Aaron was a dear, kind individual, who I empathized with throughout the book. At times, I wanted to grab Uncle Reuben and give him a good shake!! Then, I had to step back and assure myself that these people were fictional!!!
The plot was well developed and progressed in a slow but steady pace. You had time to take in the events and think about the effects that sin has on our lives and how others can destroy us with their words and treatment. There were just enough twists and turns to to hold you captive within Paradise, until you reached the end of the book.
Amy Clipston has done her research well. The Amish Community is described with understanding of the faith and daily life. She is respectful yet understanding of the Plain People's problems. They are not exempt from the challenges in life. And they , like us, don't always deal with them in the way that God would have us.
A great read!! Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. It is a five star book!! Don't miss it.
The book was supplied by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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