Monday, August 22, 2016

Return to Paradise

GIVEAWAY

CAMERON, BARBARA
RETURN TO PARADISE

Twelve months ago, David Stoltzfus left the Amish community in Paradise, Pennsylvania—and encouraged his siblings to follow—after their father became overly stern and even abusive with them. Escaping to a new life in the Englisch world was the only way to keep one another safe. But it was not without sacrifice. When David left his father’s house and community, he also left behind Lavina Zook, the woman he planned to wed.

Lavina hasn’t forgiven David for abandoning her, but when David’s father is diagnosed with cancer, she believes she might be the only one to lure him back to make peace . . . before it’s too late. Still, forgiveness isn’t easy. Even if she can get David to return, she’s not sure he will forgive his father. And she’s not sure she can forgive David, either.


My Review:

A promising beginning to Barbara Cameron's new Coming Home series. Full of angst and heartache, these characters are in for struggles of epic proportion which serves to make this a truly absorbing read.

In an interesting twist, it's David who faces abuse at home. Feeling trapped by the narrow restrictions of his Amish community he can't see any way out except...well...out into the Englisch world. And there he lives in a kind of no man's land -- not quite Amish and not quite Englisch -- feeling as displaced as any refugee.

Lavina bears the burden of David's rejection. It is the ultimate betrayal and she is left to face the community alone. She's spent a year coming to grips with her new reality -- chasing away all the happy memories she and David once shared. It's been a hard journey but she hopes the end is in sight. And then David comes home and all those feelings she thought she'd buried come swirling to the surface again.

Complicated doesn't begin to describe their renewed relationship. They both must battle bitterness and blame before they can open their hearts to the freedom forgiveness brings. Cameron does an amazing job of digging deep into the psyche of both hero and heroine. I didn't just read this book -- I felt my way through it. And she's nicely set up the next two books...at least I hope I'm right about that and who the heroes and heroines will be. :-)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Return to Paradise please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 28 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

24 comments:

  1. This book sounds really interesting. I can't wait to read it. Thank you for the chance to win a copy. :)

    melodybissonnette AT gmail DOT com

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  2. Haven't had a chance to read any of her books yet. Nice review. cheetahthecat1986(at)gmail(dot)com.

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  3. Great! Another great series to look forward to!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. I love getting in on the beginning of a good series. Good luck, rubynreba.

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  4. I'm an avid Amish reader - this sounds like a good one! Thanks for the chance to win! Have a Blessed day!
    swanphillips4(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. I love Amish books as well and Barbara Cameron is a great author. Good luck, Wenona.

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  5. Stories with the kind of depth this sounds like it has is very appealing to me, but you already know that!!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Yes -- I think we pretty much like the same reading material. :-) Good luck, Trixi.

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  6. This sounds like a great Amish fiction book. I haven't read any of Barbara's books yet but I'm looking forward to reading this one. Thanks for this giveaway! d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

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    1. This is a great place to start because it's the first of a new series. Good luck, Donna.

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  7. "Return to Paradise" sounds like a great start to a new series. I really enjoy reading Amish fiction and would like to read the book.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I can't get enough Amish fiction! I'm behind with some of my favourite authors but I'm trying to make headway! Good luck, Dianne.

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  8. I love Barbara's books! 😀 This series is definitely going on my TBR list, though I usually wait until I can read the three books in a row. I might have to break with tradition on this one.
    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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    1. I never have enough patience to wait until the whole series is out to start reading! Good luck, Diane.

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  9. I've read one other book by Barbara Cameron, and enjoyed it. I think I'd like this one, especially knowing that it will be a series.
    Dianna

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    1. Yes, a series -- especially one centered around a family like this one is -- gives a reader a chance to really get to know the characters. Good luck, Dianna.

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  10. TY for the chance to win. I love Amish books. God bless.

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  11. I would love to read this one, for sure! Thank you for the opportunity, Kav.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  12. Love Amish books, thank you for the chance to win a copy of this one.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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