Publisher’s Description:
Five years after an unexpected pregnancy forces Lydia Byler to make difficult decisions, she is offered a job helping Birdie Miller manage her bed and breakfast in Pinecraft. Single, shunned, and desperate for a fresh start, Lydia agrees to relocate and reunites with the handsome Wesley Hochstetler.
Wesley has only ever had eyes for Lydia. Though their paths have crossed many times over the years, they never discussed the possibility of spending forever together. When she moves to town, he believes it’s God’s will for them to pursue a romantic relationship. But he doesn’t know about her pregnancy or the adoption that followed.
Inspired by a letter from the child’s adoptive parents, Lydia sews a pocket quilt for the boy. She learns he and his family will soon visit Pinecraft, and the burden of her secret becomes too much to bear. The truth comes to light, straining her bond with Wesley.
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My Review:
This sweet, well-written story touched my heart. The main character, Lydia, had suffered trauma in the past and it’s been difficult for her to find forgiveness and acceptance in her Amish community. Treated somewhat unfairly by her bishop, Lydia’s decision to move to the Amish community in Pinecraft, Florida, is her attempt to have a second chance at finding peace and acceptance in life. She also wants to see if it’s possible that her long-distance relationship with Wesley might develop into something deeper if they are living in the same community. When Lydia has an unexpected opportunity to get to know her young son that she gave up for adoption, it becomes a true test of the love that’s beginning to grow between she and Wesley.
This is a wonderful story that has themes of forgiveness, both forgiving yourself for past mistakes and forgiving others who have wronged you.
I also appreciated the reminder of our needing to give others grace in difficult situations in the same way that we ourselves have received grace from God.
Although this book is part of a series, it’s easy to read it as a stand-alone story. This whole series has been great, and I highly recommend any of the books by this author.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Inspiring Service Through Story
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laurie Stroup Smith is the author of The Pocket Quilt Series. While writing Amish fiction and contemporary romance, Laure strives to inspire readers to serve others. She writes full-time and lives with her husband and their two daughters in Cincinnati.
Newsletter: https://www.lauriestroupsmith.com/home/
Thank you for the review.