"An Amish Reunion"By: Beth Wiseman
Amy Clipston
Kathleen Fuller
Kelly Irvin
Synopsis:
Their True Home by Amy Clipston
When Marlene Bawell moved from Bird-in-Hand ten years ago, she was in the deepest of mourning for her mother. Now her family has moved back so her father can seek employment after being laid off. To help save money, Marlene works at the hardware store owned by Rudy Swarey’s father. She knew Rudy growing up and had a secret crush on him, though he never seemed to notice her. But just as a friendship between them begins to blossom, her life is once again turned upside down. Will Marlene ever have a chance to find her own true home?
A Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman
Ruth and Gideon Beiler experienced one of life’s most tragic events. Unable to get past their grief, the couple abandoned their Amish faith and went in different directions, though neither could bear to formally dissolve the marriage. When their loved ones reach out to them to come home for a family reunion, Ruth has reason to believe that Gideon won’t be there. Gideon also thinks that Ruth has declined the invitation. Family and friends are rooting for them to reunite, but will it all be enough for Ruth and Gideon to get past their grief and recapture a time when they were in love and had a bright future ahead of them?
A Chance to Remember by Kathleen Fuller
Cevilla Schlabach, Birch Creek’s resident octogenarian matchmaker, is surprised when Richard, a man from her Englisch past, arrives in Birch Creek for a visit. While he and Cevilla take several walks down memory lane, they wonder what the future holds for them at this stage of life—friendship, or the possibility of something else?
Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin
At eighteen Hannah Kauffman made a terrible mistake. Her parents and members of her Jamesport Amish community say they’ve forgiven her. But she feels their eyes following her everywhere she goes with eighteen-month-old Evie. Thaddeus, Evie’s father, escaped this fate by running away from Jamesport. Now that Thaddeus is gone, Hannah’s old friend Phillip is stepping up to be by her side. He has waited patiently for Hannah to realize just how much he cares for her. But when Thaddeus returns after two years, Hannah can’t deny the love she feels for him. Does the fact that Phillip has waited patiently for her all this time mean that she owes him something? Can she trust either one of them? Can she trust herself? She has repented and been forgiven by the One who is most important—her heavenly Father. But is she willing to risk making more mistakes by opening herself up to love?
My Thoughts:
If anyone has read my previous reviews, you already realize that one of my favorite genres is that of Amish Fiction. Although collections of novellas are not always my top pick of books to read,(only because I never want the tale to end), I have to admit when I saw the names of the authors who contributed to this collection, I knew this novel would be one that I would love!! All four of these stories involve reuniting with loved ones. Each author uses her own unique style to produce a story that keeps the reader engrossed from beginning to end of the book. It was a delight to reunite with some of the folks of past series as well as encounter new individuals, each coming with their own needs and challenges.
Each and every character is described in a vivid , realistic fashion, enabling the reader to easily identify with them, feeling every hurt as well as allowing one to experience their joy when their battles of life are successfully dealt with. Just a side note.... be ready with a box of tissues, as these dear people tug at your heartstrings. Sensitive subjects are addressed with care and understanding as these families deal with grief, as well as struggles to maintain faith and trust in self as well as others. The reader is left with a deep feeling of empathy and understanding of these day to day challenges, similar to what each of us has experienced. Lives were changed as these characters repaired hurting relationships through forgiveness and faith in a higher power.
The plot in each novella moved at a quick pace and each was full of unexpected twists and turns. The theme of forgiveness so much valued by the Amish faith shines loud and clear throughout these four tales. This is not an easy task as each family discovered. Although each story is a standalone , the common theme of forgiving in order to heal past hurts so that once can achieve reconciliation among family members ties them together. Even when we feel we are at our lowest , deepest moments, there is always hope, if we look above and follow God's plans. Peace within a family is so important to gain true happiness.
This is a book not to be missed!! These authors should be commended on their skill and talent of leaving a lasting impression on all readers. The importance of faith and forgiveness to achieve healing past hurts comes through loud and clear . I was left with the thought, "Can I do something to improve my own and my family's lives?" Of course, after reading this book, all readers will have the answer!
This book was a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at RachelHauck.com; Facebook: RachelHauck; Twitter: @RachelHauck; Instagram: @rachelhauc
When Mama Applegate spoke as if Everleigh were a guest rather than a family member, she embraced it with grace. Because at the end of the day, she was Rhett’s wife. She alone shared his dreams, his heart, his life.
