Book Details:
Book Description:
Desperate for a Ticket Out
Bethany Weiss is ready to leave town. Tongues haven't stopped clacking in Jamesport, MO, since her daed, the bishop, was admitted to a mental hospital after hurting their small Amish community. But her sharpest wounds Bethany hides from prying eyes, quietly biding her time until she can take a chance at a new life away from Jamesport and away from God.
Searching for a Home
Silas Beiler was kicked out of his own family's home. Dogged by a rough childhood and a family who blames him for each new disaster, he begins hitchhiking across the country, sleeping in barns where he can, working for food when possible; headed for Pennsylvania, in the hope of some stability.
A Memory of Lemonade
When Bethany spies a man asleep in the hayloft, she first fears the return of an unwelcome suitor. But when it is Silas who turns and speaks, the memories flood back: a happy summer six years ago full of lemonade, long walks, and budding courtship. Now, however, those months of bliss seem naive and idyllic. Will their old love overcome new pain? Or will hurt and rejection continue to haunt their path?
My Thoughts: It will stay with you long after you've read it
Bethany Weiss wants out. Out of her house. Out of town. Away from the wagging tongues. Away from the problems. She just wants a fresh start. Her family has been through so much, but that’s not all. Bethany also carries the burden of her own share of personal “stuff” that she has to deal with. So, her solution to is to get out and get away, and that includes getting away from God.
Silas Beiler got out and got away. Away from his family. Away from their issues. And just like Bethany, Silas carries the burden of his own share of personal “stuff.” So, Silas’ solution was also to get out and get away. However, Silas differs from Bethany in that although he’s trying to get away from many things, God isn’t one of them.
Silas and Bethany’s story drew me in right from the first page. Author Laura V. Hilton’s writing has a way of doing that to the point that once you start, you won’t want to put it down until the last word is read. The author is also able to make you feel all of the emotions the characters are feeling, which draws you into the story that much more. Another element that will draw you in is the reality of the issues the characters dealt with. Each issue is a delicate one, and one that many authors will not even attempt to tackle. However, the author flawlessly tackled these sensitive issues with honesty, respect, and tact. All of this together makes Amish Wanderer a beautiful story of love, faith, trust, and forgiveness, that will stay with you long after you are finished reading it.
***** I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. This review reflects my personal opinions, and I received no compensation for it.
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Author Biography: Laura V. Hilton
Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.
Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area, with the first book, The Amish Firefighter, planned for April 2016.
She has indie published a Christmas novella, Christmas Mittens.
Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.
