The Thorn by Beverly Lewis Review

Beverly Lewis is one of my favourite authors. Her intensive knowledge of the Amish people and lifestyle make her stories come alive. Every time I finish one of her books, I reconsider the lifestyle I have chosen for my family. And although I don't want to be Amish, there is a big part of me that yearns for even a bit of their simple, homespun lifestyle.

Needless to say, when I picked up one of her newer works, The Thorn, I was a goner. This book is definitely one of her best and I can't wait to read the rest in the series.


The Story

The Thorn is a story of Rose Ann Kauffman and her sister, Hen (or Hannah). Two different women with two vastly different lives. One married an Englischer and turned her back on the old ways. The other is a dutiful young amish woman who follows all the rules and tries her best to please her parents. Hen, after having a baby 4 years ago, has started to long for the ways of her past. She realizes the mistake she made by turning her back on her roots and longs to draw her daughter in to the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle. Her husband, however, has no time or thought for religion, faith, or her roots. Rose is confused and unsure of her own heart. She is devoted to her best friend and yet courted by another. This is a story of family, tradition, faith, love, and the great battle between following your heart and doing what is right.

My Thoughts

I LOVED the storyline. Interesting, enlightening, a beautiful story that kept me guessing and wondering and hoping and dreaming. This book is a keeper, a library builder, a rainy day reader, a great gift for any woman, young or old. This is a book to remember, and I can't wait to read the next one!

For more information on the book, The Thorn, check out DeeperShopping.com

**I received a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishers

Review: The Telling

The Telling is the final book in the Seasons of Grace series by Beverly Lewis. And I must admit to being a bit disappointed. There were no real revelations in this book. All of the conclusions to which Lewis so capably ties off were ones that I had already come to in my head. By the second book, I knew exactly what was going to happen and who was who. However, there still remains a bit of satisfaction through watching the characters dilemmas being solved. There is no doubt that this book still, even with its predictability, far surpasses most Christian fiction on the market today. However after the first two books, the third almost wasn't necessary. I think this would have been a stronger series if it were only two books therefore not allowing the reader sufficient time to draw their own conclusions.

For more information on the book, The Telling, or to purchase your own favourite Christian Fiction, check out DeeperShopping.com

*I received a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishers

Review: The Missing

The Missing by Beverly Lewis is book two in her "Seasons of Grace" series. The book takes you on a journey into Amish country following the unique story of Grace Byler. The secret plaguing the Byler family begins to come to the surface as new relationships are formed and the plot "thickens" further. My only critique of this book is that by the end, I knew how the series would finish as it was a bit predictable. However, the characters are endearing and the storyline interesting. This is a book you won't want to put down! I would strongly suggest reading The Secret before beginning this book as you will have a better understanding of the characters and general plot. 

For more information on the book The Missing or to purchase your favourite Christian fiction, check out DeeperShopping.com

*I received a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishers

Review: The Secret by Beverly Lewis

Beverly Lewis is an author that has never ceased to engage me. Her's is the type of narrative that draws you into the story. Her characters are believable and well developed and you can tell that she does her research. One of America's top bestsellers, Beverly Lewis often writes her stories based on the Amish people and their simple lifestyle cannot help but endear you to them.

The Secret, book one in the Seasons of Grace series, is the story of Grace Byler. Grace is a typical young woman of the Amish community. However, her mother is often unhappy and obviously very troubled as to why, no one knows. The story focuses on Grace as the primary character, however you are also privileged to walk in the shoes of both her mother and her father throughout. The book is impeccably written and perfectly timed. It never skips or jumps through the timeline and neither does it drag. Thus you are pulled along at a lively pace as you are introduced to the plot and various characters along the way.

Who this book is good for: This book is perfect for anyone who loves Christian fiction, but more specifically towards women, I highly doubt most men would be eager to read an Amish romance novel! It is the ideal gift for an older daughter, or a mother, or sister. Any woman who has time to read will enjoy the drama presented in this story.

This book feels like historical fiction simply because of the way the Amish people live. You feel as though you are going back in time to farmhouses and no electricity and horse-pulled wagons. It makes you want to get up and bake bread from scratch, walk along the countryside and smell the intoxicating scent of apple pie. It makes you almost wish you could give up all your modern conveniences for the simplicity and elegance of the Amish lifestyle. Almost... but not quite :)

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers.

For more information on The Secret or to purchase your favourite Christian fiction, check out DeeperShopping.com.