5 stars!
This is a Christian Fiction Amish story that could be read and enjoyed during any time of the year, not just Christmas.
This book takes place in 1945, during World War II, when even the Amish had to use ration books as certain items including food were rationed to save for the war.
Many men, including the Amish, felt it their duty to voluntarily sign up to fight in this war/fight for our country in this war, very similar to most wars, even today. Although for WWII, many of the men, even the Amish, were drafted during this time. (This part is unlike our recent wars where the draft has not needed to be implemented.)
Rose's boyfriend, Jonathan, willingly signed up for this war on his own, and Rose had very mixed feelings about it. She didn't know if he would come back, or if he did would he be Amish or as an Englischer? Would the war change him? Rose no longer knew if she would be his bride, or not, or if she would have to consider becoming Englisch if he so chose that and still wanted to marry her. Would she be able to become an Englischer?
Rose had a lot of difficult feelings to deal with during such turbulent times.
This book even deals with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder when some of the soldiers returned home, in particular, Harold. It was not known by this name during the 1940's, but he is dealing with this on a daily basis, and most all of the Amish understand he is going through something emotional from the war. War has not changed at all during all these years, just some things have now been given official names. War is war, and personally I can't imagine fighting in one, or how I would feel after.
In addition, during this time, Rose finds out she is adopted, and now does not feel as if she is a 'real' Amish person, because to be Amish, wouldn't you have to be born into an Amish family? She wasn't. What about her real parents? Why did they give her away? How is her boyfriend, hopefully fiance', going to take this news? Will he still want to marry her after finding out she really isn't Amish after all?
Rose really wrestled with the idea that she 'feels' she is not a 'real' Amish person and really had to work out her feelings about this discovery. Is she Amish or isn't she? This is the very difficult question she must come to terms with, and with the help of others, too. This is not easy for Rose, and takes up a good part of this book as she goes through this harsh reality.
One of my favorite quotes from this book was:
"when God gives us more than we can handle it is also possible that a miracle will soon be walking our way. All we have to do is pray."
I found this book to be a quick, enjoyable, read that happens to take place during the holidays. I found this book to be very realistic especially as it relates to today, too. My opinion, Tricia Goyer CAN WRITE! I love reading her writing! I think you will enjoy it, too! I look forward to ALL of her books!
I received this book for FREE from the Publisher, Zondervan, and LitFuse Publicity in exchange to read and write a review about it. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but of my own honest opinion. "Free" means I was provided with ZERO MONIES to read this book nor to write this review, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading it. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html
Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
I was supposed to be a part of a blog tour for this book back in August with the author, Tricia Goyer, and LitFuse Publicity, but ended up losing two family members within two weeks of each other, and due to severe emotional distress, (wouldn't anyone feel this way given these circumstances.) I was unable to even contact LitFuse Publicity to inform them of what happened, or do much of anything. I didn't really get back to blogging, except for my one Sunday post until mid-November, nor did I care, given what had happened. I took one of the deaths VERY hard. After I recovered a little from that depression, I thought it would be nice to save the review of this book for the holidays, which is now!
I also ended up not receiving the books at first, and it got super close to the review date, so I purchased the Kindle version so I would have time to read the book, then I ended up with two of these books from the publisher! So, I think it only right to give these 2 books away as a Christmas present to you since I have the ebook version!
2 Winners - 1 hardcover to each winner - US Only - due to postage costs
How do I enter?
Good through Monday, January 6th at midnight!
Fill out the form below!
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Giveaway is OVER.
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
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