A Gift of Grace

GIVEAWAY

CLIPSTON, AMY
A GIFT OF GRACE

When Rebecca Kauffman gains custody of her English nieces, "blended family" takes on a whole new meaning.

Rebecca Kauffman's tranquil Old Order Amish life is transformed when she suddenly becomes guardian to her two teenage nieces after her English sister and brother-in-law are killed in an automobile accident. Instant motherhood, after years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive a child of her own, is both a joy and a heartache. Rebecca struggles to give the teenage girls the guidance they need as well as fulfill her duties to Daniel as an Amish wife.

Rebellious Jessica is resistant to Amish ways and constantly in trouble with the community. Younger sister Lindsay is caught in the middle, and the strain between Daniel and Rebecca mounts as Jessica's rebellion escalates. Instead of the beautiful life she dreamed of creating for her nieces, Rebecca is frustrated by her new role and begins to question her place in the Amish coummunity, her marriage and her faith in God. Will she be able to reconcile differences in her home - or will the clash of cultures tear her world apart?

My Review:

published in 2009 but this is a new edition just out this year
I simply have not read enough Amy Clipston! Thankfully I'm able to play catch up courtesy of my well-stocked public library.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  

Romans 12:12

That's the refrain that echoes through this story as Rebecca clings to this scripture in the midst of her suddenly turbulent life. It was hard losing her sister to the English world years ago but harder still to lose her sister through death. And that results in a sudden ready-made family since her sister has appointed Rebecca guardian of Jessica and Lindsay. Talk about culture shock! Living an Amish lifestyle is a difficult transition for the teens -- especially outspoken Jessica.

Clipston explores the complication of living in relationship - within family,community and even with God. It's gut-wrenching and infuriating and even heartbreaking at times. But the rewards of living in relationship far outweigh the difficult challenges...if she can just get the balance right. A compelling emotional story that celebrates the joy...and trials...of living in relationship.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Gift of Grace, 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 . 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 for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 4 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!