Book Description from Book Bub:
“Leisel Bachmann left her Amish roots and beloved sisters to pursue a career in medicine without a second thought. She has an Englisch boyfriend, Nick Jordan, and dreams of a new life–but those dreams come crashing down when her sister Marie is diagnosed with cancer.
Soon nothing is going as she planned–not her state boards, not her first nursing job, and certainly not her relationship with Nick. As she becomes increasingly discouraged, her aunt shares the story of Leisel’s grandfather during World War II and the struggle he faced between returning to Lancaster or being with the woman he loved.
Peace and a vision for the future are difficult to find, and when Nick leaves Pennsylvania for a completely new life, Leisel is faced with impossible choices. Will she stay in Lancaster, close to her family and the traditions of her past? Or learn from her grandfather’s story and embrace a life of love and service in an uncertain future?”
My Review:
There’s much to love in this new book by Leslie Gould. The Bachmann family sisters were raised in a traditional Amish family, but all three have chosen different paths. This story focuses on Leisel. She’s left her Amish roots to become a registered nurse and is making marriage plans with her English boyfriend. Nothing goes quite as planned for Leisel, especially after her sister begins to undergo treatment for cancer. Leisel decides that she needs to return home to take care of her sister. A conflict comes between Leisel and her fiancé, and leaves Leisel feeling as if she does not belong in either the Amish or English worlds. Her Aunt Suz begins to share with Leisel the story of her Amish uncle as he served as an ambulance driver in World War II. As Leisel hears his story, she begins to view her own life from a very different point of view.
This is a “split time” romance that works very well. I loved the story of Joe and Martha’s romance in World War II. It was sweet and compelling and fit together perfectly with Leisel’s situation. It’s a good story of facing family expectations; honoring traditional roles; yet having the faith to follow the path that God has specifically chosen for you. The overriding theme is of God’s guidance in our lives, and the unusual ways He may lead us.
This is a sweet and clean book that incorporates the best of faith, hope, and love. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.