An Angel by Her Side by Ruth Reid ~ review

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595547908
• ISBN-13: 978-1595547903

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This book is also available as an e-book.

Publication Date: January 1, 2013 | Series: A Heaven On Earth Novel

Katie has lived through tragedy and heartache. But with the angel Elias by her side, the best years of her life are just ahead.

When Katie Bender’s fiancé died in a tragic accident, so did her hope of finding love. Though heartbroken, Katie is also practical. In the years since the accident she has discovered her gift for teaching. But when a tornado destroys her small Amish settlement, including the schoolhouse, Katie doesn’t know how she will provide for herself.

Seth Stutzman arrived in Hope Falls days before the storm. And when he helps usher Katie and the children to safety, sparks fly. But Seth is only in town to help his brother, Amos, get back on his feet following the death of his wife. He can’t afford to have feelings for Katie.

Rebuilding the community is a huge task, and soon, Katie and Seth are working side by side. As they privately wrestle with their feelings for each other, another silent—and ultimate—battle for their hearts rages unseen.

Sworn to protect what God has ordained, the mighty angel Elias appears to them as a mysterious visitor. And with his guidance, Katie and Seth find the courage to take the first small steps toward the life, and love, they were destined for.

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My take on this book:

Katie Bender has known her share of grief, after the death of her fiance, she wonders if she will ever marry and have children of her own.  She has devoted her life to her job of a schoolteacher in her tiny Amish community of Hope Falls. When a  storm blows thru, it's Seth Stutzman who helps get Katie and the children to safety. Seth is in Hope Falls to help his brother Amos, who isn't handling the death of his wife very well. It will take plenty of work to rebuild all that the storm has damaged, and as Katie and Seth work together, they are drawn together, but there are unseen forces at work, a true battle of good verses evil. Will Katie and Seth find happiness together?

The addition of an angel and a demon in this Amish fiction story puts a unique spin on the story. I enjoyed the community of Hope Falls, and  watching the community pull together in the midst of tragedy. The characters of Katie and Seth pulled me in, and while I was pretty certain that I knew how their story would end I enjoyed watching their feelings develop and their story ultimately unfold. 

While this is the third book in A Heaven on Earth novel it can be read as a stand alone work, but if your looking for a unique twist to Amish fiction your probably going to want to read the entire series. The Pennsylvania Dutch Glossary that's included makes it easy to understand the "Amish" dialogue. Fans of inspirational  romance with an Amish cast of characters will certainly enjoy this book, I know I did!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.