Review of The Postcard (Amish of Jamesport Book 1) by Laura V. Hilton

Every time I pick up a Laura V. Hilton book, I tell myself, "One chapter and that's it," but it never works out that way. Her books grab my attention within the first paragraphs, and I end up being unable to put the book down until I've finished it. The Postcard is no exception to this rule. It grabbed me from the start, and sure enough, I didn't stop until I'd read the entire book.

The Postcard is unique in that David and Rachel's story began way before they ever met. This happened when David suffered a buggy accident. During his recovery time, he and Rachel began corresponding through letters and postcards. As they continued corresponding, Rachel told David about her community, including the fact that they use closed buggies. So, David, whose accident involved an open buggy, decides to move to Rachel's community in search of a fresh start and perhaps, much to Rachel's surprise, something more. And thus begins the story of David and Rachel. 

I love the way the author offers just enough background on the characters to let you fill in any blanks, yet it doesn't overshadow what's happening in the present. David and Rachel's feelings for each other would seem to have developed quickly. But, in light of how long they've been communicating with each other, it's really not too soon, not rushed, and is totally understandable and believable. However, there is one problem. Both David and Rachel have their share of baggage which causes stumbling blocks in their blossoming relationship. 

The Postcard is a story of redemption, forgiveness, new beginnings, faith, love, and a little humor thrown in for good measure. The author captures your attention from the first page of the book. Once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down until you've read the entire book. The characters in the story are real people facing real issues, so much so, that the reader can easily put him/herself in their place and feel what they are feeling and experiencing. The ability to immediately grab your attention and create believable characters that make you feel what they're feeling and experiencing is the mark of a great writer, and Laura V. Hilton is just that. She is a master at hitting that mark, and she's definitely hit it with The Postcard.

*****I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and viewpoints are my own.*****