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!