"The Road Home" by Beverly Lewis
Series: not included in any series
Pages: 316
My Ratings: 3 stars
Goodread ratings: 4.38 stars
Back of the Book:
As the sun began to rise, Lena Rose leaned against the cool pane of the bus window and gazed out at the familiar landscape of her life. I'm leaving my family and everything I know behind. She sighed, trying to keep her composure. Grieving the death of her Amish parents and the separation from her nine close-knit siblings, Lena Rose Schwartz consoles herself that her new life in Lancaster County won't be forever. Surely someday soon she will return to her beloved Michigan settlement, including her beau. But even as she holds on to hope for a reunion with those she loves most, she discovers that Lancaster holds charms of its own. Will she find the courage to open her heart to other possibilities?
My Thoughts:
Amish fiction is one of my favorite genres to read. I long to escape the reality of city life at times to find myself in the Amish country life. So accepting to read Beverly Lewis's book was a no brainer. Despite Amish fiction being a favorite to read, I was slightly disappointed with this read. I enjoy reading many books written by Beverly Lewis, however I felt as though this book and several of her recent books that were written, has been her best. Even though the storyline was great and encouraging, I had a hard time starting this book. Honestly, I had to set the book down twice because I felt bored. Even though the story begins with a tragedy, it didn't inspire me to read on. Maybe it was because of one of my own moods, or a lack of desire to read, however I couldn't get past the first few chapters.
Even though I had a hard time starting this book, once I got over the hump, I was able to finish the book. Due to the family in the story having a tragedy, their faith kept them going with life, which held my interest in finding out what will happen at the end of the story. The message that repeats throughout the story is "to have faith and trust in God". The main character Lena, goes through a series of friendships and trust issues that stem from the tragedy in her family. Her feelings about life are relatable and understandable. The Amish faith and their way of life is often viewed as having it all together and full of faith. As "Englishers" (what the Amish call us), we look to them as examples of being devoted to their faith. To see Lena in the story struggle with her faith in the story is an encouragement to those whom may find themselves trying to come to grips with tragedies that happen in their lives.
Despite the low rating and a slow start to the book, it was an easy and fun read. There is limited Amish dialect to pronounce in the story and the story is easy to follow. This book is considered Christian fiction, which includes Bible scriptures, prayers, and Christian views on life. The is romance among some of the characters in the story, but it is limited to kissing, hand holding, courtships, and dating.
Would I read another Amish fiction book again? YES! Would I read another Beverly Lewis book again? YES!! However I prefer her book series since I can understand and follow the characters in the story.
This review is based on my honest opinion and was not monetary compensated for my review, and because of my hones review I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers.
