Monday, June 12, 2017

Amish Wanderer

GIVEAWAY

HILTON, LAURA V.
AMISH WANDERER

Desperate for a Ticket Out
Bethany Weiss is ready to leave town. Tongues haven't stopped clacking in Jamesport, MO, since her daed, the bishop, was admitted to a mental hospital after hurting their small Amish community. But her sharpest wounds Bethany hides from prying eyes, quietly biding her time until she can take a chance at a new life -- away from Jamesport and away from God.

Searching for a Home
Silas Beiler was kicked out of his own family's home. Dogged by a rough childhood and a family who blames him for each new disaster, he begins hitchhiking across the country, sleeping in barns where he can, working for  food when possible -- headed for Pennyslvania, in the hope of some stability.

A Memory of Lemonade
When Bethany spies a man asleep in the hayloft, she first fears the return of an unwelcome suitor. But when it is Silas who turns and speaks, the memories flood back: a happy summer six years ago full of lemonade, long walks, and budding courtship. Now, however, those months of bliss seem naive and idyllic. Will their old love overcome new pain? Or will hurt and rejection continue to haunt their path?

My Review:

Not your typical Amish love story. These are flawed characters struggling to overcome the emotional scars accumulated from a lifetime of dysfunction and abuse. It's gritty and harsh -- emotionally shattering in places -- but ultimately triumphant as both Bethany and Silas find their way to a full understanding of grace.

Bethany feels invisible -- especially to God. She lives to serve and submit and longs for escape. Deeply wounded, her behavior can sometimes be erratic as she flounders to make sense of her world. Silas has so much to offer but he holds back out of fear. These two made a connection when they were youngies attending singings. In fact, Silas used to single Bethany out...and then he and the rest of his family left the community. But now he's returned -- just passing through on his way to a new future. Hearts collide once again, only there are no guarantees that Bethany and Silas will be able to create something long lasting this time round either.

I don't want to say too much more about the plot, because there are things we learn about both hero and heroine that propel the plot along in surprising ways. The author digs deep into the psyche of both, successfully pulling me into their lives and making me feel a gamut of emotions that left me reeling. Tremendously touching, sensitive and ultimately hopeful.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Amish Wanderer, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please remember to add the title to the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 18 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!





36 comments:

  1. I have a couple of other books by Laura on my shelf and I'd really like to add this one to it. I love emotionally raw & touching stories, flawed characters, and the redeeming power of God's grace through it all! Ones that stick with me long after I've finished reading them :-)

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Then this is just the book for you! I need to read more of Laura Hilton's books!!! Good luck, Trixi.

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  2. I would love to read this book. It sounds really good!
    Thank you for the review and giveaway.

    melodybissonnette AT gmail DOT com

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  3. This is a wonderful book. Good luck everyone.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it too. I need to hunt down the books I've missed. Don't think I read any in the series before this one.

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  4. I'd love a chance to read this book! I absolutely love Amish fiction! This sounds like a great read for a teacher that is about to begin summer vacation!
    susanlulu(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Oh -- yes -- a hard-earned summer vacation too. Hope you get to catch up on your reading! Good luck, Susan.

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  5. I have not read any of her books. this sounds spell binding. I will have to put it on my reading list.
    quilting(dash)lady(at)Comcast(dot)net

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    1. I'll be looking out for more of Laura Hilton's books too. Good luck, Lori.

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  6. I'm excited to read anything by Laura V. Hilton. I do so want to read AMISH WANDERER from all I've heard about it. Thanks for the review and reaffirming that desire.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  7. This has been on my wishlist for a while. I haven't read anything by this author yet, but I really liked the cover and summary.
    Dianna

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    1. It's a different kind of Amish read and I loved it. Good luck, Dianna.

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  8. Sounds good. nice review. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom

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  9. Thanks for your great review of this book. It would be such a gift to win it!
    Thank you and Blessings!
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

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  10. We have Laura's books in the church library. Thanks for giving me the chance to win her book.
    Remember, you are welcome anytime to come and visit.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I'll definitely be visiting when it's not in the heat of summer, Janet! Bwahahahahaha! Good luck.

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  11. Love your reviews because you tell it like it is,good or bad characters here is no holding back with you and that's great. Love honest reviews! Laura's books are great reads, thank you for a chance to win this one!
    Cnnamongirl at aol dot com

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    1. Snicker -- yep, I don't hold back -- can't help myself. :-) Good luck, Deanne.

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  12. Looks like a great read. Thanks for sharing it with us and for the chance to win. :)
    iamabho (at) gmail (dot) com

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  13. I would love to read as my library doesn't have any of your books and won't order any this looks like it'll be a great read as it has flawed ppl such as myself!

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    1. boo hiss, that your library won't order any of Laura's books. Hope you get to read them sometime soon. Good luck, Jean.

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  14. This sounds very interesting! I would love to read it and find out the rest of the story. Thanks for the review and giveaway. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  15. Love your writing....would love to add this to my library.......

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  16. I'll be honest, this would be my first Laura Hilton book. Love the cover

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    1. It's an interesting cover, isn't it? Just like the book. Good luck, MT.

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  17. I haven't yet read a book authored by Hilton, but there are a few I've come across that seem so different than the typical Amish story. This being one of them. tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I need to read more of her books. I read an earlier series but nothing since then until The Amish Wanderer. Now I'm on a mission! Good luck, Terrill.

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