Along Wooded Paths by Tricia Goyer

Along Wooded Paths: A Novel by Tricia Goyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MOM'S REVIEW:

This second "Big Sky Novel" continues the story of Marianna Sommer, an Amish girl who relocated from Indianna to remote Montana with her family. While working with and receiving help from the Englisch (non-Amish), Marianna grows in her walk with God. She learns that the Amish are not the only ones that are special to God. Marianna's heart is torn between two men that she cares deeply for - an Amish man that she grew up with in Indianna and a very friendly Englischer who has taught her much since her move to Montana.

This book gives great insight into the thoughts and teachings of the Amish and the difficulties involved in living a set-apart life in the midst of a modern world. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the next one!

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This review copy was provided by B&H Publishing but the opinion expressed is my own.

Double Take by Melody Carlson

Double Take: A Novel by Melody Carlson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

It's a familiar storyline with a new twist as NYC collides with rural Pennsylvania. The characters are likeable and fun and seem to deal with issues that most of your average teen girls also have to work through. I personally enjoyed the comparison of the life of the rich versus the life of the Amish from a teen girl's perspective.

Double Take was a fun book to read in a few hours of down time. It also has a neat message about the blessings of living life simply no matter what your life is - rich, poor, Amish, or English. I would recommend this for any 13-year-old and up to read as a great "beach book". However, I was disappointed in the weakness of the scriptural and gospel message. There was really nothing that set this book aside to make it clearly a Christian book except for mentioning God and "experiencing Him" a few times. My advice is to read and enjoy, just make sure it's not the only book your teen girl is reading this summer.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

It's spring break of her senior year and Madison Van Buren is fed up. Stressed over Ivy League pressure, her parents' marital problems, and her boyfriend's neglect, Madison gets in her car and drives west. Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Anna Bronner wants to escape the so-called simple life--which for her consists of caring for younger siblings, sewing, cooking, and gardening--and she's well aware that her future will simply be more of the same with a man she doesn't love. Suddenly, worlds collide when Madison and Anna meet in a small town, realize they look uncannily similar, and decide the grass is definitely greener on the other side. Readers will love this funny and provocative tale of switching places from bestselling author Melody Carlson. As they get a glimpse into two very different worlds, they may find themselves happy to be just who they are, where they are.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer

Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MOM'S REVIEW:

I loved the different perspective that Tricia brought to this book about the Amish. She takes you to a newer Amish settlement in western Montanna where the Amish and "Englisch" intermingle on a daily basis. That is very different and frightening for the family in this story as they come from an Indianna settlement that is very closed and rigid. They have known God as a judge and not as a God who truly loves them and is interested in a personal relationship with them.

Being more familiar with the Lancaster Amish, this was an eye opener for me; and I hope Tricia continues the story of the Sommers family.

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This review copy was provided by B&H Publishing but the opinion is purely my own.

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Choice is not your typical Amish novel. It's better.

A young Amish girl, Carrie Weaver, has a choice to make that will change her life: run away and become English or become a member of the Amish church. Among the twisting and turning story line are two steady characters who are firmly rooted in their relationship with God and shine brightly to those around them. Meanwhile, the lives of others are being tossed around as they search for purpose in the trials of life.

Suzanne Woods Fisher has authored a book that will draw you into the world of the Amish and the simple, yet hard life they live. The Choice is surprisingly filled with much humor and the ending is nothing like what you expect as you begin the chapters of the book. Yet despite the disappointment and grief, you witness through the pages of print the incredible plans of God and His overwhelming provision.

After living among the Amish just two counties away from Lancaster, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It was more than just nicely packaged fiction, the story seemed real and the characters came alive on the pages. It touched my heart and had me crying; but it also had me celebrating and laughing. The Choice was encouraging and in many ways a gave good reminders for my own life. I look forward to reading/listening to more in the Lancaster County Secrets series.

This audio version was smooth and easy to listen to thanks to the high quality of Oasis Audio!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio but the opinion expressed is my own.

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Lydia’s Charm by Wanda Brunstetter

Lydia's Charm by Wanda Brunstetter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Some say Amish Fiction books all blend together - but I say this one stands apart! I loved listening to this wonderfully read audio version of Wanda Brunstetter's Lydia's Charm.

The story overall was a great mix of "classic love story" with unexpected twists. Some of these twists were wonderful surprises and others were so shocking that I was in tears as I listened. I felt connected to all the characters in one way or another and even fell in love with the "unlovable" ones.

Not only was the story deep and real - beyond a feel-good romance - but it also dealt with such probing topics such as grief and prejudice. It was a longer book but with short, easy-reading (or easy-listening) chapters that kept you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what was next.

I would highly recommend this book in print form or audio version. The audio version was smooth to listen to and I enjoyed hearing the dutch words rather then attempting to read them myself! If you are looking for a heart-warming novel that will also challenge your soul while making you both cry and laugh - Lydia's Charm is the perfect book!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Lydia King is suddenly a widow and moves her son and herself to Charm, Ohio, to be close to her mother and help with her grandfather. But is her heart ready for romance when gifts begin appearing on her porch from a mysterious source? Menno Troyer, a furniture store owner, is also recently widowed and the father of four energetic boys. He has come to realize that, though he doesn’t think he’s ready to love again, his sons need a mother. Levi Stutzman, another newcomer to the area, is the only one in his family not handicapped by dwarfism, and he has dedicated his life to caring for them. Though determined never to marry, he is always willing to be of help to others. Will the anonymous gifts left for Lydia bring her hope for a new life? And when tragedy befalls her yet again, will the mysterious gift giver
be there to support her?

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio and the opinion expressed is that of my own. You can buy your own copy of this great book at OasisAudio.com.

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