I enjoy Amish
fiction but had never read any novels by Beverly Lewis. After reading the description of the The
Heirloom, I wanted to read her newest book. I am so glad I did!
The
Heirloom tells the story
of Clara Bender and her great aunt Ella Mae Zook. Clara’s world has changed since her mother’s death
a year ago. In the months after her mother’s
passing, Clara had grown closer to her father.
But since he remarried a couple of months ago, things had changed and
home didn’t feel the same. At nineteen
years old, Clara knew that one day she would leave home. The prospects for a good match in her community
were not promising because eligible men about her age were not available.
While clearing out her
mother’s desk, Clara found letters her mom had exchanged with aunt Ella Mae. It seemed they had a very close relationship
and a deep connection. That got Clara to
thinking, perhaps she could go visit her great aunt in Pennsylvania for a
couple of weeks. Get to know her and
connect over their shared love for Clara’s mom.
Her dad is reluctant to let Clara go but relents with the understand that
she will be back in a couple of weeks. His
concern is that the Amish community in Hickory Creek is much stricter than the one in
First Light, Indiana. That was one of
the reasons they had moved.
I absolutely loved reading
The Heirloom. I enjoyed
the main characters Clara and Ella Mae and the people surrounding them. I found the storyline compelling and
moving. Clara’s grief was relatable and Ella
Mae was such a kind and caring person to all who were around her. Both characters were thoughtful, hardworking,
and other centered.
What I appreciated
the most about this book is the aspect of their Christian faith. It was part of their everyday life and
impacted how they lived. I have read other Amish fiction and have often thought
it seemed like faith based on works, instead of faith that bears the fruit of
repentance and good works. That part of
the Amish faith was explored in this book.
Not in a heavy-handed manner, but in thoughtful way. I appreciated that the Gospel of Christ was
clearly shared. It was enjoyable to see
young people building relationships that were pure.
The
Heirloom by Beverly
Lewis was so enjoyable. The characters
and relationships were well developed. This novel had a richness you don’t often find
in books. Not everything was sunshine
and flowers, there were some difficult subjects addressed. I was very moved by Clara and Ella Mae’s
story, and found myself grieved and wondering how the story would turn out. I trusted the author no matter if it had a
good ending or a sad ending, she handled the story and characters well.
I highly recommend The
Heirloom by Beverly Lewis.
It was enjoyable, rich, and thought provoking. So glad that I found this author whose work is new
to me and look forward to reading more of her books.
I would like to
thank Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to
read complimentary copy of The Heirloom by Beverly Lewis. I was under no obligation to give a favorable
review.
