Book Details:
Title: The Warmth of Sunshine
Series: Amish Blessings Book 2
Author: Kelly Irvin
Publisher: Zondervan
Pages: 380
Release Date: July 5, 2022
Book Description:
Abigail’s Amish life has always followed a certain path . . . until an Englisch woman disrupts all she’s known to be true.
Growing up Amish, Abigail Bontrager often felt like a square peg in a round hole. Her pie crusts always turned out tough. Her stitches always ran crooked. She was clumsy. Not ideal for an aspiring Amish wife and mother, but her faith and love of her family, which are so much more important, are solid. Plus, her relationship with the attractive and kindhearted Owen Kurtz is moving in the right direction.
Owen is part dreamer, part entrepreneur. His friendship with Abigail has gradually blossomed into a sweet and loving courtship. Inspired by the hope of a future with the girl of his dreams, he decides to take the next step in building a business of his own—in the promising new industry of growing sunflowers.
When an outsider claiming to be Abigail’s birth mother abruptly enters her life, Abigail’s world comes crashing down. Confused and upset, she is determined to discover who she really is. Her journey of discovery leads to the possibilities of a new life waiting for her in the Englisch world. But is this new life really worth giving up everything and everyone she’s known? How can Abigail and Owen follow their hearts—and God’s plan—when these new paths now lead them into the unknown?
In this second book in the Amish Blessings series, bestselling and award-winning romance novelist Kelly Irvin shares an inspiring story of following your heart while trusting God to lead you into your future.
Kelly Irvin is a bestselling, award-winning author of over twenty novels and stories. A retired public relations professional, Kelly lives with her husband, Tim, in San Antonio. They have two children, three grandchildren, and two ornery cats. Visit her online at https://www.kellyirvin.com/; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly_irvin/; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kelly.Irvin.Author/.
My Thoughts: Square Peg
Abigail Bontrager has always felt a little out of place. Having grown up Amish, she's always felt that there are things she should be better at, such as making a great pie crust. However, that does not have any affect on her faith, her love of family, or her blossoming relationship with Owen Kurtz. Owen also has a strong faith and love of family. As his relationship with Abigail continues to blossom and as he looks toward a future with her, Owen works toward beginning a business of growing sunflowers. All seems to be going in the right direction until an outsider claiming to be Abigail's birth mother completely shatters everything.
First of all, I have to say props to Ms. Irvin for how well she dealt with this sensitive topic. I can only imagine what it would be like to find out that your parents are not your biological parents. It brings in a slew of questions, a whole new family to get to know, and in this case, an entirely different culture, faith and way of life. That had to be very difficult, not just for Abigail, but also for her family and Owen. However, Ms. Irvin flawlessly handled the topic.
Abigail's walk in the English world had some happy moments, but also challenging and sad moments. While she tried new things in her new environment, she would ask herself so many questions about everything. Heather, her bio mom, and Eric, her bio dad, sometimes said things that were encouraging to her, but other times, they came across as not wanting her to continue to follow her faith. This made Abigail feel even more like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole. Such a difficult walk for Abigail and for Owen as he waited for Abigail's return.
Another thing I have to say is that I struggled with this story, not because there was anything wrong with it, but because I had a very close personal connection to it. Through the years I've witnessed many baptized church members completely walk away from the faith and their belief in God. Having seen that and made me feel so much more connected to Abigail's story, and that was painful. That being said, the author took the topic and wove it into a beautiful story.
I can say so much more about this wonderful story, but the only real way to appreciate Abigail and Owen's story is to read it for yourself. Just be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster and enjoy the ride.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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