Review: The Love Letters

The Love Letters by Beverly Lewis is a stand alone novel filled with much more than the typical love story. It had so much depth, and I took a lot away from this book. This is by far the best book I've read from Beverly Lewis. I loved that it was more than a love story. In fact, that played a very minor roll. This book is about loss, regrets, and sacrificing your desires to help someone else.

Marlena Wenger's parents asked her to go stay with her Mennonite grandmother for the summer since her grandpa just died. Going brings up lots of memories of her older sister, Luella who left the church to marry an Englishcer and of her beloved grandfather. Not long after arriving, Marlena hears some bad news. Luella was severely injured in a car wreck, and her 5 month old daughter, Angela, is being brought to Marlena. Shocked and overwhelmed, Marlena does her best to not only take care of the baby but also her grandmother. Wishing her beau was here, Marlena struggles to take everything in.
Will Luella be alright?

I loved this story! Marlena had to figure out what she believed. Should she go against the Ordnung and her beau, or should she embrace them both but not listen to the yearning of her heart to live for Jesus?

There were a couple quotes that I loved from this book, too. Here are my two favorites:

"...it's less important to seek after miracles than it is to hunger after the miracle-giver."
"Wise folk never reject the possibility of miracles."

The first one is so true! It can be busy to focus on the miracle and forget the One who did the miracle! Not be awed by the miracle itself, but awed by Jesus who performed it. It was explained and reiterated so well throughout the whole story even though there wasn't a miracle in the book. haha It was still a good reminder, though. :-)

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves fiction. If you aren't into Amish fiction, please try this book anyway. You won't regret it!

I was given this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: The Secret Keeper

The Secret Keeper by Beverly Lewis is the fourth in the Home to Hickory Hollow series. Each book in this series can stand alone. :-) I loved the premise of this story! I loved the premise of this story, but because of the main character it rates a 3.5 to me. :-)

Jennifer Burns has never felt like she fit in with her family. She has been intrigued with the Amish way of life for years and decides to leave her modern life behind and become Amish. During her Proving time, Jenny stays with Samuel and Rebecca Lapp where she works hard to become a submissive, humble woman like all the other women in the Hollow.

Rebecca Lapp has been visiting her shunned daughter, Katie. When Jenny finds out, Rebecca begs her to keep the secret for her. Jenny is uncertain what to do. She doesn't want to betray Rebecca, but she will fail her Proving if she keeps the secret from the Bishop. Will she ever become Amish?

I loved revisiting the Lapp family and getting to see glimpses of Katie and her children. Plus, I loved the ending. There was finally some closure for them all! :-) I also liked the lessons that Jenny learned along the way. In fact, the ending was what made me like Jenny! I struggled with her at first. It wasn't till about halfway through the book that I slowly started to like her. haha Overall, it was a good read. :-)

I was given this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.