The Road Home book review

In her latest book, The Road Home, Beverly Lewis provides us with yet another peek into the lives of the Amish. Through her sweet and endearing characters, her vivid depictions of the scenevery and settings, and her accurate portrayal of Amish daily life, Ms. Lewis opens a door that is usually closed to the average person.

The Road Home is a standalone novel set partly in the area of Lancaster County that Beverly Lewis fans are so familiar with, and partly in an Amish settlement in Michigan. It follows the story of Lena Rose, a young woman whose family is rocked by sudden and unexpected tragedy: the death of both of her parents. During this time when what she and her siblings want most is to be together and console each other, they are given the terrible news that no one family will be able to take in all 10 of the siblings. Most of the children find homes with neighbors, friends, and family in their Michigan community, but the only home open to Lena Rose is in far away Lancaster County! Will the siblings be able to maintain their bond across all those miles? And will Lena Rose ever be able to come home again?

I was truly touched by Lena Rose's story. I loved watching her slowly bloom in her new environment. As someone who has had to move away from family and friends, I understand her pain and sadness. The way that Beverly Lewis portrayed it, the sadness mixed with home and trust in the Lord, was just so accurate! I would truly recommend this beautiful, hope-filled story!

(I received this book free from Bethany House publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.)

The House on Foster Hill book review

I chose to read The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright on a whim- the cover looked cool and the description sounded interesting. But I did not have high expectations. I have been disappointed by one too many so-called Christian "suspense" novels over the years that ended up having plots that fell flat and characters that I just couldn't get attached to. But Ms. Wright's book totally entranced me. I couldn't put it down! The plot twists and turns and draws you in, and the characters are human, flawed, and lovable, and easy to relate to.

The story follows two women who lived their lives 100 years apart, but end up having more in common than anyone could have guessed. From the time when Ivy Thorpe lived in the shadow of the abandoned house on Foster Hill, to the present day as Kaine attempts to renovate the house and make it a home, Foster Hill House has seemed to be filled with nothing but evil. Is it possible for Kaine to overcome the past and forge a hope-filled new future? Or will her new start end up being just a continuation of everything she moved here to escape from? You'll just have to read the book- I'm not going to give you any hints! I would definitely recommend picking up this dual mystery and giving it a read!

I received this book free from Bethany House publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.