322 pages; Bethany House Publishers
Description from Goodreads..com:
“Lena Rose Schwartz hadn’t planned to leave her Old Order community in Centerville, Michigan. But then, she could not have foreseen the accident that made her and her siblings orphans. After her parents’ funeral, her younger brothers and sisters are farmed out to various nearby relatives. But when the deacon in charge of the arrangements tells her there aren’t places enough for everyone, she agrees to go live with her father’s second cousin and his family in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Beside the fact that Lena has never been more than a few miles from home, she’s never met the family she will now be living with. But worse than that is the thought of being separated from her siblings. How will they manage without her to care for them–especially eight-year-old Chris? And what about Hannes Lehman, the beau she was sure would soon be asking her to marry him? It was true that he was not the man her father would have preferred for her. Maybe that was what the deacon was hinting at when he said “a fresh start might do you good.”
It won’t be forever, she consoles herself. I’ll come back as soon as I can to take care of my family–and to make a home with Hannes. But doing so may prove far more complicated then she ever imagined.”
My review:
Such a lovely, touching story by Beverly Lewis. The book begins with great sadness but ends with great hope. I loved all the characters, but especially the main character, Lena. Her love for and her desire to find a way to reunite with her orphaned brothers and sisters, even if it meant putting aside her all plans for her life, was the main theme throughout the book. Beverly Lewis is a master storyteller. This story is filled with faith, hope, and love. I was cheering for Lena all throughout the story and loved the ending. I’ll be reading this book again. This is now my favorite book by Beverly Lewis.
I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion about this book.
can’t wait to read this one!
I would love to read this book.