- Paperback: 352 pages
- Publisher: Howard Books; Original edition (April 3, 2012)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1451660308
- ISBN-13: 978-1451660302
Grace Connor, a military nurse formerly stationed in Afghanistan, hopes that moving to a farm in rural Ohio will help her recover from the ravages of war.
My take on this book:
Grace Connor, a military nurse is debating whether to reenlist for another tour of duty when she gets an email from her seventeen year old sister Becky stating that she needs help with their grandmother Elizabeth back home in Ohio. Grace returns to her grandmothers farm, but finds that adjusting to regular life isn't so easy, but hopes a slower way of life will help. When their next door neighbor(who happens to be Amish) Levi Troyer shows up on their doorstep stating that there has been a shooting at his house Grace rushes to help, and while Levi's stepdad is dead, Grace is able to help save the life of Levi's mother an her unborn child. Levi and his family belong to the Swartzentruber sect one of the strictest there is, and Levi wonders about some of the rules his bishop dictates. A strong attraction to Grace has him evaluating his life even more but he knows if he follows his heart he will not only be lost to his family but will be destined for hell. Meanwhile Grace feels a deep attraction for Levi but knows it can never be. How can she continue to live on her grandmother's farm with him so close by? Will Grace and Levi follow their hearts or fight the attraction between them?
I can easily say this is one of the best Amish fiction novels I have ever read. Sure there is a bit of romance, but there is so many more layers to this story. First of all you have a shooting and murder take place within the first pages of the story. Second we get a very realistic look at the Swartzentruber way of life. Normally when I read an Amish novel the lifestyle is portrayed so idealistically that you feel as if they never have any problems, the lifestyle seems almost perfect. Not so with this story instead the author gives us an honest look at the harsh way of life this Amish Order lives. For most of the story my heart ached for Levi, I felt so sorry for him. The plot in this story moved along at a very brisk pace with plenty going on. There was a bit of mystery woven together with a bit of suspense to round out the story quite well.The author provided a few plot twists that made for a great ending. I for one couldn't put this story down, and because of this story found myself researching the Swartzentruber Amish. Overall a great Amish fiction story that wasn't your typical Amish fiction fare at all. I found the faith based messages woven into the story to be done very well, and actually loved the way that the author allowed Levi to describe his love for Grace, it was just wonderful! On a scale of one to five i would give this book a six because it's just that good!
I would say if your tired of reading the same old stories in Amish fiction then your going to want to read this one because the author provides a fresh, realistic perspective on the Amish storyline!
A complimentary e-copy of this book was provided by Netgalley for review purposes.
Levi Troyer finds his pacifist beliefs challenged when he discovers his stepfather has been killed and his mother wounded by an unknown intruder. Levi and Grace are thrown together when she comes to his family’s rescue and saves his mother’s life. A deep attraction develops—even though a relationship between them is strictly forbidden.
Levi belongs to the most conservative and isolated of all Amish sects—the Swartzentruber Amish. Even before meeting Grace, Levi had begun to question some of their teachings. He has considered leaving, but knows he will be banned forever from contact with his younger siblings and widowed mother—who need him to survive. He is torn between his love for Grace and his responsibility to his family.
Grace considers leaving her beloved farm and reenlisting rather than continuing to live near the man she loves but cannot have. Levi must confront the Bann if he pursues Grace. And a murderer must be caught. When lifelong allegiances are tested, can love and justice prevail?
Grace Connor, a military nurse is debating whether to reenlist for another tour of duty when she gets an email from her seventeen year old sister Becky stating that she needs help with their grandmother Elizabeth back home in Ohio. Grace returns to her grandmothers farm, but finds that adjusting to regular life isn't so easy, but hopes a slower way of life will help. When their next door neighbor(who happens to be Amish) Levi Troyer shows up on their doorstep stating that there has been a shooting at his house Grace rushes to help, and while Levi's stepdad is dead, Grace is able to help save the life of Levi's mother an her unborn child. Levi and his family belong to the Swartzentruber sect one of the strictest there is, and Levi wonders about some of the rules his bishop dictates. A strong attraction to Grace has him evaluating his life even more but he knows if he follows his heart he will not only be lost to his family but will be destined for hell. Meanwhile Grace feels a deep attraction for Levi but knows it can never be. How can she continue to live on her grandmother's farm with him so close by? Will Grace and Levi follow their hearts or fight the attraction between them?
I can easily say this is one of the best Amish fiction novels I have ever read. Sure there is a bit of romance, but there is so many more layers to this story. First of all you have a shooting and murder take place within the first pages of the story. Second we get a very realistic look at the Swartzentruber way of life. Normally when I read an Amish novel the lifestyle is portrayed so idealistically that you feel as if they never have any problems, the lifestyle seems almost perfect. Not so with this story instead the author gives us an honest look at the harsh way of life this Amish Order lives. For most of the story my heart ached for Levi, I felt so sorry for him. The plot in this story moved along at a very brisk pace with plenty going on. There was a bit of mystery woven together with a bit of suspense to round out the story quite well.The author provided a few plot twists that made for a great ending. I for one couldn't put this story down, and because of this story found myself researching the Swartzentruber Amish. Overall a great Amish fiction story that wasn't your typical Amish fiction fare at all. I found the faith based messages woven into the story to be done very well, and actually loved the way that the author allowed Levi to describe his love for Grace, it was just wonderful! On a scale of one to five i would give this book a six because it's just that good!
I would say if your tired of reading the same old stories in Amish fiction then your going to want to read this one because the author provides a fresh, realistic perspective on the Amish storyline!
A complimentary e-copy of this book was provided by Netgalley for review purposes.
It looks like a lovely book. And it comes highly recommended...even better! :)
ReplyDeleteJoanne, Thanks so much for dropping by. This was the first time reading anything by this author for me and I was totally blown away with her storytelling and how she had the ability to make me want to learn so much more about the Amish sect she was writing about. Hope you get a chance to read the book. Have a fantastic day!
ReplyDeletejust a quick comment , I have not read this author before but from your review I think I would like to, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this story.
ReplyDeletePaula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)