The Amish Bride

GIVEAWAY

CLARK, MINDY STARNS
GOULD, LESLIE
THE AMISH BRIDE

Ella Bayer and Ezra Gundy are in love and hope to marry someday, but she is a young Mennonite woman while he is an Amish man. Though both Plain, one of them will have to forsake what they believe to embrace another way of life.

Hoping some distance will cool the relationship, Ezra's family sends him to work at an Amish dairy farm in Indiana. But Ella disregards what her family wants and follows Ezra. In short order she finds a place to live, a job in a bakery, and an unexpected but budding friendship with a handsome Amish farmhand, Luke. When a family tragedy forces Ella back to Pennsylvania, she must face all she's been running away from. And once she has made peace with those around her, she has an important decision to make: Whose Amish bride will she become--Ezra's or Luke's?

My Review:

Enthralling. I already knew Ella since this is the third in the Women of Lancaster series so I was thrilled to read a whole book dedicated to her. However, this one reads well as a standalone too. There are some connections you won't get right away, but it won't ruin the story for you. 

The Amish Bride is one of the best character growth arc novels I've read. The authors do a wonderful and believable job of taking Ella from a somewhat self-absorbed, stubborn seventeen year old to a young woman of maturity and faith. Just loved reading her journey. And I was on her side right from the very beginning -- even when she was at her most teenage angstish! 

The inspirational thread really touched me. In fact, it helped an old hurt in my life heal. Perhaps that's why I felt such a connection with Ella's story -- why I rallied with her no matter what she said or did. I got the girl. And living parts of her life were like living parts of mine. God bless the authors for bringing me resolution even as they gave it to Ella.

There's a hint of mystery from generations past -- a plot twist these authors excel at. Loved the added depth it gave the story. The Amish Bride is very much a multi-generational tale as well. There's a rich legacy of family within the pages of this book. A family that isn't always perfect and doesn't have all the answers but draws together despite their differences when times are tough. An all round uplifting and inspiring story.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Amish Bride, 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 September 30 2012. Offer open to international readers.