Review: An Unbroken Heart by Kathleen Fuller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

One minute, Joanna Schrock was arguing with her parents, and the next, her parents’ lives were claimed in a hit-and-run buggy accident. Her body is broken, but her heart is in even deeper pain— after all, how do you cope with your parents’ deaths when your last words were spoken in anger?

After an extended stint in a physical rehabilitation center, Joanna re-enters her Amish life. But nothing is the same—not even her feelings for Andrew Beiler. Joanna has loved Andrew since the age of twelve, and her feelings have not changed throughout the years. She is thrilled when Andrew wants to get married, but she wonders whether it’s love he’s feeling, or pity. As the couple’s wedding date approaches, Joanna isn’t overcome with the deep joy she was hoping to feel; instead, she’s wracked with anxiety and guilt.

Joanna hears God whispering to her, Be strong and courageous, but she’s afraid that courage looks a lot like walking away from her dreams and into the plan of her Heavenly Father. If Joanna takes the first step toward healing, will it cost her everything she’s ever wanted? Or could God be changing the desires of her heart?

My Review

I enjoyed the continuing story of the Schrock family and the Birch Creek community. This book is written so it can be a stand alone, but the first book, A Reluctant Bride, is also excellent so I highly recommend reading it as well. An Unbroken Heart focuses on the aftermath of Joanna's accident- her physical rehabilitation and the emotional struggles she faces. Much of Andrew and Joanna's relationship is internal dialogue since they have a hard time opening up to each other. I didn't find much pleasure in their interactions for much of the book since Joanna is drawing away from him and he doesn't communicate well. I loved the support Joanna's sisters show her during her difficult trials. I felt like the family bond is one of the highlights of the novel. I could relate well to Joanna's coping method of repressing feelings, but the problem with that is all those emotions under pressure eventually release in an explosion. The author did a wonderful job building toward the climax and then showing Joanna turn to God's guidance in restoring peace in her life and her relationship with Andrew. The secondary plot of Andrew's absent father wasn't as intense or involved as the first book in the series, but I still had a great reading experience. I'm looking forward to Abigail's story in A Love Made New, releasing this September.

(Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Check out the other books in the Amish of Birch Creek series...

Book One: A Reluctant Bride
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing
Read my review here

Book Three: A Love Made New

Pre-order here