The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis, Book review

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
ISBN-13: 978-0764209789

Synopsis:

Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amishwoman is a closet writer with a longing to be published something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna's stories aren't her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare.

Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben's hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?

My thoughts:

It is said that Beverly Lewis gave birth to the Amish genre in 1997 with 'The Shunning' so it will come to no surprise that  her name is practically a household name! She is enduring and continually delights her readers with yet another wonderful story. 'The Bridesmaid' is no exception! The novel brings such clear imagery you will find yourself acutely a part of the plot!

As an avid reader and an Amish genre aficionado, I found Joanna and Eben's story enticed any yearning for dreaming. Theirs is surely a match made in Heaven! 
There is a decided attraction to learn yet another facet of Amish life and Beverly Lewis is sure to pen a lesson or two about faith and living amongst the Amish community (and Englisher!). 
Inviting plots, attractive characters (and sub characters!) and the chance of reflecting on hopes and aspirations will delight as always. 
Her warm heart stories are always amazing! They also make a perfect gift for anyone, young or old,  on your list this Holiday Season!

Second novel in the Hickory Hollow series, 'The Bridesmaid' tells us of a Pennsylvania alt Maidel who unbeknown to her family and community loves to write make believe stories. Joanna's attraction to Eben Troyer is warmly reciprocated but there is a glitch in their burgeoning courtship: Eben is needed on the family farm in Indiana whilst Joanna has vowed to remain part of her congregation leaving them with no choice but to part ways. 

With a lot of faith and a little help from an almost forgotten letter written by her namesake, Joanna finds that God listens and there are many blessings in her future after all.

5 Stars as I found this story truly a joy!

About the Author:

'I've had my nose in a book, for as long as I remember. When I was about 9 years old, I started writing my own stories. By sixth grade, I'd hand-written a 66-page semi-autobiographical book titled, "She Shall Have Music."

After I was married and our three children were in middle school, I began submitting articles and short fiction to various magazines.

My first book (Holly's First Love) was published in May 1993, the start of a 14-book series for pre-teen girls. Soon after, my first chapter book was published for 7-10-year-old readers ("Big Bad Beans") which later became part of my 24-book series, The Cul-de-Sac Kids. I wrote another long-running series for girls, titled "SummerHill Secrets," which was set very close to Neffsville, PA, where I grew up--near the heart of Amish country.'

For additional information including trailers, excerpts and more, see Beverly's website (here).

I received this book free from BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.