Review: An Amish Love

ISBN #: 978-1-59554-875-7

Page Count: 381

Copyright: 2010

Summaries:

(Taken from back cover)

Healing Hearts by Beth Wiseman

He left to find himself.  She found her way without him.  Now Levina and Naaman Lapp are together again, feeling miles apart.  Although coming home was the right thing to do, Naaman must regain the trust and respect of his wife who, in his absence, has learned to trust God like never before.  Could it be that their prior years together have simply been a preface to a greater love than they have ever known?

A Marriage of the Heart by Kelly Long

Abigail Kauffman is looking for a way out; Joseph Lambert is seeking a way in.  Since her mother's death, Abby has lived alone with her father and longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home.  Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community.  Only after they find themselves suddenly married to each other do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.

What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller

When Ellie Chupp loses her sight in an accident - and then her boyfriend shortly after that - she believes love will never be in her future.  But Christopher Miller has returned home, five years after fleeing from the tragedy that broke his heart.  When Ellie and Chris meet again, sparks fly.  Could true love be a matter of seeing with new eyes?

My Review:

Cover

The Amish women's kapp laying slightly over top of the Amish men's wide-brimmed hat seems so sweet and romantic.  The simple, but charming, photograph is a subtle portrayal of the quietness of Amish relationships.

Plots & Characters

In Healing Hearts, Levina is of a stronger character than I could be.  With her husband gone for almost a year and then suddenly, he's back ... that would take a spiritually big person to be able to forgive.  I don't know that I could do it.  I did appreciate the fact that Ms. Wiseman made Levina a more assertive person in the Lapp family.  Seeing Naaman shocked at such forwardness from his wife served him right.  Did he not expect Levina to change during his 11-month absence?

A Marriage of the Heart was sweet and humorous.  Abigail got what she wanted and then some.  There's a reason why people quote "You'd better be careful what you ask for!"  =)  Joseph and Abigail were a wonderful and spirited couple.  I would have loved for them to be real so I could get to know them and befriend them.

Last, but certainly not least, is What the Heart Sees.  I love the fact that Ellie is blind, but not vulnerable or weak.  She has her own booming business even!  I related to her independence and stubbornness.  Christopher knew just how to handle her without being overprotective.  He saw how capable Ellie was and allowed her to be her own person.  The two were a great match for each other.

Overall

It's nice, now and then, to read a book (or books in this case) that is simple yet satisfying.  An Amish Love brings together three different stories involving the same Amish community.  And, even though they're in the same collection, each of these stories can stand on its own.  I adored this collection for its simplicity, nostalgia and sweetness.  This would be the perfect book to read while soaking in a tub or lounging on your favorite chair.