 |
| amazon.com |
Rating: 4 out of 5
Back Cover: Leona Speicher got the "sister" she always dreamed of the day Gloria Gingerich and her family move to Lancaster County. The Arkansas newcomers seem to be the answer to Leona's prayers-until Gloria's father is expelled from their Old Order Amish church for reasons no once will discuss. Much to Leona's dismay, the Gingeriches suddenly pack up and disappear. Then, after a silence of several years, Gloria unexpectedly contacts Leona, who makes up her mind to go after her friend. Yet Leona's fiancé- the deacon's son-is alarmed. Will Leona's dearest wish lead to her own undoing?
I would first say that I am drawn to the Amish lifestyle and love the writing of Beverly Lewis. So when her new book was offered to read and review, I was excited to get my hands on it. Even though, I enjoy books by Beverly Lewis, this was the first book that I had a hard time getting into despite my excitement to read. It started off slow but once the story evolved, it picked up and I was eager to read to see how it finished. I felt very drawn to the characters and became the outside friend of Gloria and Leona.
A while ago, I started asking myself what can I get out of a book, once I am finished reading it. After I finished this book, I asked that same question and I figured that I learned about friendships. Gloria and Leona were best friends and connected to each other despite differences in their family and the way that they were raised. Even though both grew up in the Amish church, their family had different ways of living. Both girls didn't allow their family differences to interfere with their friendship. I thought about the friendships or lack there of in today's society. I have noticed that when there is a difference in opinion, religion, color, race, etc, relationships and friendships are destroyed. I have seen people end life long friendships over this election, and it saddens me.
When Leona found out the real reason of Gloria's family leaving their church, Leona could have ended their friendship. Even when she found out that they left the Amish faith and became "English", she could have ended their friendship. But all in all, Leona prayed earnestly for her friend. I thought about us as Christians, if we would pray for our friends how our relationships would change.
Beverly Lewis has a way sharing the gospel without you feeling like you are being preached to. I enjoyed this book despite that slow beginning and I would recommend this to anyone.
I received this book from Bethany House publications solely for a honest review of the book. This review is based solely on my honest opinion and was only compensated with a free copy of the book.
