Brush of Angel's Wings by Ruth Reid ~ review

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 10, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595547894
• ISBN-13: 978-1595547897

About the book:

Rachel and Jordan's feelings for each other are hostile at first, but angelic intervention helps the two discover peace . . . and perhaps love.

The youngest and last unmarried of four sisters, Rachel Hartlzer spends most of her time helping with barn chores. Her role abruptly changes when her father hires Jordan Engles, the son he always wanted.

As Jordan takes on brotherly roles around the house, like escorting Rachel to the youth singing, the enmity between the two grows. Besides, Jordan has one foot in the "Englisch" world and is determined not to get involved with an Amish girl.

Neither realizes that God has sent an angel, Nathaniel, to help mend their hearts. The angel's intervention helps them find peace and healing in accepting God's will for their lives.

My take on this book:

Twenty year old Rachel Hartlzer feels like she is destined to become an old maid in her Amish community.She is the only sister left in her family not to be married, and marriage for her doesn't seem to be in the cards. She actually has been praying that a job as a school teacher might be the answer. At home on her dads farm she does most of the outside work, and finds that she enjoys it much more than sewing or cooking, but when her father hires Jordan Engles to help out things start to change and Rachel isn't sure she likes it. 

Jordan Engles mother was Amish but left the community, when she knows that she is dying she asks Jordan to return to her community and connect  with her family. To honor his mother's wishes he decides to make a quick trip to the community and plans on staying only for a short while. He takes a job working on the Hartlzer farm and sparks start to fly between him and Rachel, and he is determined not to become involved with her. Unbeknownst to them though God has another idea in mind!

I would consider this book Amish fiction with a twist, and the twist is the fact that there are two angels included in the story. Nathaniel, the good angel and an evil angel Tangus whom I would consider an instigator. I thought the characters were very well fleshed out, and I especially understood Jordan and his quest for tying to find his place in the world. Overall a pretty typical Amish storyline with the paranormal twist of angels added to the mix. While this book is the second in the Heaven on Earth series it can easily be read as a stand alone work. I will certainly be watching for more from this author.

rating 4/5

This book was provided by Booksneeze for review.