AN AMISH LOVE

I received a copy of AN AMISH LOVE, from Thomas Nelson. The book is comprised of three novellas concerning modern-day Amish couples. Each story is heartwarming, and quick, so the book is very fast paced. I read all 387 pages in one afternoon. The end of the book includes Amish recipes and a reading guide for each novella.

The first novella in the book is A MARRIAGE OF THE HEART by Kelly Long. The story involves young Abigail Kauffman, who makes up a story about Joseph Lambert kissing her. He has recently returned from the English world, and she hopes he’ll take her away from her father. Ever since her mother’s death when she was five, Abigail has not enjoyed her home life. Joseph, however, is interested in staying Amish, and putting behind his past, when he suffered drug addictions and lived on city streets. The two manage to make a happy life for themselves with her father. I loved this story, and found it very engaging. I wished it were longer.

The second novella in the book is WHAT THE HEART SEES by Kathleen Fuller. This story involves Ellie Chipp, who lost her eyesight in an automobile accident years before. Her friend, Christopher Miller, was so distraught by the accident because it took his sister’s life, that he left the Amish community, unable to forgive the car’s driver. He returns, hoping to finally set things straight, and strikes up a friendship with Ellie. The friendship blossoms into love, he forgives, and rejoins the community. I also loved this story.

The third novella is HEALING HEARTS by Beth Wiseman. Of the three, I disliked this one the most, although it was still good. Naaman Lapp returns to the community after being away, and hopes to make amends with his family. They have a hard time forgiving him for his absence, and feel as though he had abandoned them. I really could not get into this story the way I could with the others, but it was still enjoyable to read.