Thursday, December 13, 2018

The First Love

GIVEAWAY
LEWIS, BEVERLY
THE FIRST LOVE

Jah, that was undeniably a difficult time, one that opened my eyes in countless ways. And my heart, most of all. It was a season of sorrow and searching, of questions and answers. It was the summer of my first love.

It's the summer of 1951, and Maggie Esh is in need of some hope. Sweet-spirited and uncommonly pretty despite struggling with illness, she is used to being treated kindly by the young men of her Old Order Amish church district. Yet Maggie wishes she were more like other courting-age girls so she could live a normal, healthy life. When tent revival meetings come to the area, the words of the preacher cause her to reconsider what she knows about faith. Can she learn to trust God even when hope seems a distant dream!

My Review:
"Remember to seek the Healer and not the healing. Whether you're ever healed or not, Christ Jesus is by far the most important gift." (p 147)

Definitely my favourite Beverly Lewis novel to date. Maggie's health issues mirror my own so I was quick to connect with her struggle to understand God's purpose in it all as well as her frustration at not being able to do the things she used to. A coming-of-age story that includes an incredible faith journey. I love how the revival meetings plays a role in her spiritual awakening and how she applies that new knowledge into her life, blessing those she loves in the process. So sweet and hope-filled.

Lewis also tells the story from Maggie's stepmother's point of view. Rachel struggles to fit into her new husband's family. It isn't easy since the children are still grieving over their mam's recent death. She faces everything from wary reserve to open hostility as she attempts to draw close to them.

This is Beverly Lewis at her best. There's such a gentle quality to her stories even though they deal with the grim realities we all have to face in this life. Opening one of her books is like listening to a traditional storyteller. The words just flow and soothe and I can actually hear the distinctive voice of each character as if I'm right there. A heartwarming, inspirational novel that gives voice to those of us who live with physical challenges.

"Honestly, I have to remind myself that physical limitations can actually be helpful -- even liberatin' -- when my deepest longing is to follow close after Christ. It sure teaches me to pray without ceasing." (p 273)

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The First Love, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 16  2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

32 comments:

  1. Love Beverly Lewis books! Looking forward to this one.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She's an icon when it comes to Amish Fiction. Good luck, rubynreba.

      Delete
  2. Beverly Lewis was the first author to introduce me to Amish fiction and I've been hooked ever since. She's special to me and anything she writes is automatically on my must-read list.

    I have not had the chance to read this one but I most definitely want to, thanks for the chance to win a copy Kav!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm a fan too. Funny, I was posting my reviews on Amazon and noticed some one star reviews. A few readers were iffy about this book and I'm posting it's my favourite of hers. Book beauty is truly in the eye of the reader. :-) Good luck, Trixi.

      Delete
    2. I've had that happen to me too. Books I've often found to be the best, others rated it as one stars or ones I've rated one star others have raved about it. I just recently couldn't finish a book because I basically hated the heroine and couldn't get over her no matter how hard I tried, while others thought it was the top read for 2018. I always wonder how that can be but as you said, book beauty is in the eye of the beholder :-)

      Delete
  3. She was my first intro to amish fiction. The Guardian is my favorite of her's I think it always will be but looking forward to finding this at the library. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She has so many great books to choose from. Good luck, Kim!

      Delete
  4. Thank you for sharing, Kav! I would love to read this one. mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love to read an Amish book so now and then. This sounds like one I would certainly enjoy. I think I can relate to Maggie's health issues as well.

    mbaaij at hetnet dot nl

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It brings a different perspective to the story. Good luck, Marian.

      Delete
  6. I love Beverly Lewis books. Fingers crossed. Thank you for the chance.
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Another thing we can book twin over. :-) Good luck, Lucy!

      Delete
  7. I don’t believe I’ve read a Beverly Lewis book, but I think this would be a good place to start. Thanks for the review, Kav.

    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, yes, an awesome place to start. Good luck, Pam.

      Delete
  8. I've read lots of her older books 📚
    I haven't read any of her books 📚 for awhile though
    Thanks for sharing this book with us and for the chance to win 😍🍯🐝😍
    iamabho AT gmail DOT com 💖😘💖

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She's had a long and fruitful writing career. Good luck, Linda.

      Delete
    2. Yes I did really enjoy the ones that I did read
      Thanks again

      Delete
  9. I'm a Beverly Lewis fan and haven't read this one. Thanks, Kav! ksucindy(at)excite(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love Beverly's books, thank you for the chance to win a copy of "The First Love".

    wfnren at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Beverly Lewis is like a nurturing mother in her writings; so soothing, yet plain and honest in her explanation of life and its trials and blessings combined. Thank you for this review. I would love to win! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beautifully said, Kathleen. I totally agree. Good luck!

      Delete
  12. I don't read much Amish fiction, but Beverly Lewis was one of the first in the genre, and definitely the best!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  13. My mother in law just loves Beverly Lewis. I haven't heard of this book before.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am behind reading your reviews but am trying to catch up - close cousin had cancer surgery early this week and is progressing satisfactorily. Trying to escape back into books for a few minutes for relaxation. I always think of Beverly Lewis as the matriarch of the Amish genre. This sounds good! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So sorry to hear that your cousin has cancer, CC. Thankful that the surgery went well. Prayers for strength and recovery.

      Love this notion -- "Beverly Lewis as the matriarch of the Amish genre." How cool is that? Good luck, CC!

      Delete