By Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long
Published by Thomas Nelson
Published by Thomas Nelson
When I originally selected this book through the Book Sneeze program I wasn't sure what to expect. Would these three stories take place in the same community? Would I be able to connect with the characters? Would the stories keep me interested? The simple answer is yes. Yes the stories took place in the same Amish community. Yes I was able to connect with the characters and imagine the environment, the people, the language. Yes the stories kept me interested. The three authors did an amazing job.
A Marriage of the Heart by Kelly Long
Abigail tells her father a lie but he too is keeping something from his daughter. What happens next is a quick wedding to a confused and shocked Joseph Lambert. Why? What happened that Mr. Kauffman was forcing this marriage to happen? What was Joseph's story? Why, after being gone from the church and community for so long, had he returned? What is Mr. Kauffman hiding? Can these two people who do not know each other fall in love and become happy in this marriage? Does Abigail still want to leave the Amish community?
It was wonderful to see Abigail and Joseph's relationship grow and a fathers heart soften. Abigail growth in this story was amazing to see. Didn't know how to cook, quilt or be that Amish housewife. After all she had no one to teach her. Or so she thought. Joseph learned that he had a woman whom he could trust and that would be there for him when he struggled. Joseph also learned that he needed to help his wife remember to play like a child from time to time, especially since her childhood was taken from her with the loss of her mother. Mr Kauffman, well he learned that he had to come clean with his daughter. He had to let her grow and become the woman she would.
What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller
Ellie, a young woman who five years earlier lost her vision due to head trauma, has a great business going. Ellie's Jellies is a hit with the community! This is just what she needs to take her mind off the recurring nightmares and the memories of her friend. Christopher has been in the bann for 5 years now. He left shortly after things happened due to the accident when the woman he loved died. Sarah Lynne and Isaiah were soon to be married although Christopher did not know his sister was marrying. Imagine his surprise when he returns to the community and discovers this news. Isaiah, the man he blames for losing Caroline. Was Christopher returning to the church and community? Could he forgive Isaiah for what happened? Could he move forward? What was this feeling he had for Ellie? Was Ellie feeling the same way? Through many conversations, something was happening between the two. Ellie was trying to help Christopher realize that he needed to move forward and return to the church. He needed to forgive Isaiah and accept him as family. It wasn't that simple for him though. Ellie was also struggling with things from the past. She had a secret but didn't know if she should tell. Isaiah was the only other person who knew. What should she do? Then there was her feelings for Chris. She knew she wouldn't act on them though and she would push him away. After all who wants a blind woman? Certainly not Chris.
This story is about forgiveness and love. Allowing yourself to forgive those have hurt you and that you have hurt. Allowing yourself to feel the emotions. Allowing yourself to move forward and start new. It comes down to remembering that we are all worthy of love, understanding and forgiveness.
Healing Hearts by Beth Wiseman
Levina and Naaman have been married for 30 years and have 5 children. Up until they became empty nesters they had been happy and knew their roles in life. However once the last child was married and left, something changed. Naaman up and left for a year. Why did he leave? What did his wife think about this? Now though, Naaman is back and is intent on fixing his marriage. Levina is hesitant to accept her husband being home again as she is afraid he will just up and leave again. What does their future hold? Does she even know this man anymore? Does she even know herself anymore? All is going fine in their lives and things are starting to look great but then a sheriff comes to town looking for Naaman. Why? Immediately gossip starts and Naaman's own children are left wondering what their father did. One thing though, Naaman doesn't know this man is in town and has no clue of the gossip. Who is this sheriff and what does he want with Naaman? Will his newly rekindled romance with his wife be in jeopardy? Will he leave Levina again?
This story of Levina and Naaman could be any of us as we age. After children leave the home will we will know our spouse? Will we know our role? Will there still be that spark? I can only pray that the answer is yes.
Would I recommend these novellas? Absolutely! Well that is if you like a good love story with interesting characters. Don't let the Amish aspect of the story push you away from this book. There is a lot to be learned from these stories and I believe they are universal regardless of the type of community that you live in. The book was a pretty quick read with each story being approximately 125 pages. I'll be honest with you. I was so engrossed in this book that I read it in one sitting. Yes, from 9pm until 2:30am I was busy reading, picturing the characters, and wondering what was next. Pick up the book. Chances are you'll enjoy it!
Thank you Book Sneeze for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection:I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
