Synopsis
From bestselling authors in the Amish genre come four stories about reuniting with those you love.
Their True Home by Amy Clipston
When
Marlene Bawell moved from Bird-in-Hand ten years ago, she was in the
deepest of mourning for her mother. Now her family has moved back so her
father can seek employment after being laid off. To help save money,
Marlene works at the hardware store owned by Rudy Swarey’s father. She
knew Rudy growing up and had a secret crush on him, though he never
seemed to notice her. But just as a friendship between them begins to
blossom, her life is once again turned upside down. Will Marlene ever
have a chance to find her own true home?
A Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman
Ruth
and Gideon Beiler experienced one of life’s most tragic events. Unable
to get past their grief, the couple abandoned their Amish faith and went
in different directions, though neither could bear to formally dissolve
the marriage. When their loved ones reach out to them to come home for a
family reunion, Ruth has reason to believe that Gideon won’t be there.
Gideon also thinks that Ruth has declined the invitation. Family and
friends are rooting for them to reunite, but will it all be enough for
Ruth and Gideon to get past their grief and recapture a time when they
were in love and had a bright future ahead of them?
A Chance to Remember by Kathleen Fuller
Cevilla Schlabach, Birch Creek’s resident octogenarian matchmaker, is surprised when Richard, a man from her Englisch past,
arrives in Birch Creek for a visit. While he and Cevilla take several
walks down memory lane, they wonder what the future holds for them at
this stage of life—friendship, or the possibility of something else?
Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin
At
eighteen Hannah Kauffman made a terrible mistake. Her parents and
members of her Jamesport Amish community say they’ve forgiven her. But
she feels their eyes following her everywhere she goes with
eighteen-month-old Evie. Thaddeus, Evie’s father, escaped this fate by
running away from Jamesport. Now that Thaddeus is gone, Hannah’s old
friend Phillip is stepping up to be by her side. He has waited patiently
for Hannah to realize just how much he cares for her. But when Thaddeus
returns after two years, Hannah can’t deny the love she feels for him.
Does the fact that Phillip has waited patiently for her all this time
mean that she owes him something? Can she trust either one of them? Can
she trust herself? She has repented and been forgiven by the One who is
most important—her heavenly Father. But is she willing to risk making
more mistakes by opening herself up to love?
My Review
I enjoyed this collection of stories with a second chance at love theme. The circumstances that separated each couple were very different, but a range of emotions was present in each. Sadness, grief, and loneliness created a sharp contrast to the hopeful feelings that the reunions brought, with a blossoming of love not only for each other but for the Lord. The paths our lives take are not always clear, but trusting in God and His will is a strong tenant of the Amish faith. I was engaged as I read about the journeys of these characters and the heartbreak they endured and overcame with a renewed healing.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
