"The Atonement"By Beverly Lewis
Synopsis: (From back cover)
The mistakes of the past haunt Lucy Flaud, who years ago stopped attending the activities for courting-age young people in her hometown of Bird-in-Hand. Now twenty-five and solidly past the age of Amish courtship, Lucy has given up any hope of marriage, instead focusing her efforts on volunteering in both the Plain and fancy communities of Lancaster County. Yet no matter how hard Lucy strives, she feels uncertain that she'll ever find redemption.
Dale Wyeth has a deep mistrust of modern-day "advances" and the dependency they create. The young Englisher's interest in living off the grid is fueled further when he meets Christian Flaud, Lucy's father. Dale appreciates the self-sufficient ways of the Old Order Amish, and Christian invites him to learn more about them by staying at the family farm.
As Christian and Dale grow closer, developing a father-son rapport, Lucy begins to question what Dale's being there might mean for her. Could God be testing her? Or is it possible that even the most unworthy heart--and two people from very different walks of life--can somehow find a new beginning?
My Thoughts:
Beverly Lewis just happens to be the author who first introduced me to the Amish Fiction Genre, before it ever became popular. She is a master storyteller who relates her tales with a great understanding and knowledge of the Plain People. Her books are full of realistic information about the Amish communities, the people and their way of life. The Amish have problems as you and I do, and Beverly manages to relate in a sensitive accurate manner how they deal with them .
The story started out at a somewhat slow pace, however, I felt that this was needed so that the reader could completely understand and get to know the characters and their deep secrets hidden in past lives. Each person became very real to me as I could easily identify with them . I felt their every hurt, challenge, disappointment as well as their joys. The theme of forgiveness. as well as working through grief and all of its hurts and challenges run throughout the story, involving each of the main characters. Lucy's relationship with her father was a delicate subject to describe but Beverly does so with grace and sensitivity. God's forgiveness is portrayed as one that is easier to accept than forgiving oneself. So very true!!
The setting had me breathing the fresh country air of the Amish Community. I could picture the well kept farms and family occasions. I was in Lancaster County in spirit, although not in body.
The plot, once the first few chapters have been read, moves steadily and with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader glue to the page. The conclusion shows us very clearly how powerful love and redemption are , and the importance of both.
A great book! No surprise to fans of Beverly Lewis!
This book was provided by Bethany House, and Graf-Martin Communications , in exchange for a fair and honest review. Available now at your local booksellers.
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