The second installment of An Amish Letters Novel is one which does an excellent job on the subject of forgiveness and trust. I found the story to be emotional and well written. The author takes a subject that is hard for many and walks characters gently through the steps with compassion and understanding. One of the hardest things I've found is to forgive and trust. It has been a stumbling block in my walk with God. After reading this story, I find myself feeling at peace knowing what I must do to be free from the bondage that has held me back for so long.
I want to start with the character Roman because I can relate to him so well. Having grown up in a home where there was no love was very difficult for me. I resented my parents and it hurt to know I was never wanted. Roman has decided he should leave the Amish and start over somewhere else. . He didn't have a good childhood and I think the hurt of having parents that never showed any affection was very difficult for him and his brother. It was nice to know that their grandmother stepped in and showed them that they were loved and wanted. When Roman receives a letter from his grandmother, he finds his life changed forever. She had one last wish and wanted Roman to promise to fulfill it. Can you imagine how hard it was for Roman to go home and face his brother?
Leanna is a great character who is very smart , has a keen eye for working on mechanical things like engines and other things. It is not an ideal job for a woman among the Amish but I loved how the author showed how Leanna could do the work with no problem. She is happy at her job until gossip starts up about her. We hear it spoke of many times at church, but gossip seems to get hold of people and before you know it, it is spread like wildfire. What people forget is that gossip can be hurtful and can destroy a person. I thought the author did a wonderful job showing readers how gossip can change an innocent person's life.
There are some very heartbreaking moments in the story that will test Barbara and Daniel's faith. I loved the moments they shared as they grew closer during a tragedy. Can Roman find his way back to his brother and reconcile? Will the brothers be able to forgive each other and theirselves? Do Roman and Leanna find a way to start more than a friendship between them? Don't miss this beautiful story of redemption, trust , faith and forgiveness.
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.
