An Amish Cradle

An Amish Cradle is a four part novella made up of all the good parts of a normal Amish novel that we don't normally get to read. I really enjoyed this twist on the typical Amish story. It's not boy meets girl, but now that they're married and having a baby real life's problems are crashing in around them. The stories deal with step children, life after loss, special needs, and financial struggles. These novellas were so well written two of them were hard for me to read because they hit so close to home. The emotions portrayed were spot on.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves Amish fiction and wonders what happened after the wedding.

Faithful To Laura

I'm done reading Faithful To Laura by Kathleen Fuller. 

If I had to sum the book up in one word it would be... Betrayal.  Yep, betrayal.  Have you ever read an Amish book and thought it was full of several different kinds of betrayal?  Well this book most definitely has it.  If I were asked to give two words I would say betrayal and forgiveness.  For all the betrayal the main characters in the book face they all have the option to forgive those who have wronged them; given how they were wronged some would be VERY hard to get over. 

It all begins with Laura having a nightmare of a violent act committed against her at the hands of her fiancee.  He actually tried to murder her, but thankfully failed.  We learn of infidelity and a long lost relative showing up years after a child was orphaned.  There are some intense moments.

I must admit I was hoping for it to end with all the fuzzy rainbows and unicorns; I was a bit disappointed.  However, a book that begins with violence really can't switch to chocolates and bunnies.  It does have a good ending, but I won't spoil it for you.  I'm guessing another book is coming that just may wrap up this one.

I'm reviewing this book for Net Galley.

Faithful To Laura ~ Update #2

Oh scandal - scandal.  What a mighty web we weave.  I'm just over 50% into the book and so far many people have secrets, think they do or just spilled the beans and a lot of forgiveness will be in order.  Sometimes we can think we are perfect, the measuring stick for all; how prideful are we?  We are all sinners saved by grace.

I rode a recumbent bike this morning so I could read more of the book.  Well perhaps my desire not to kill myself on an elliptical played a big roll too. =)  However, tomorrow I'm doing a 5k so I won't be reading while "exercising".

Now I need to go see what's about to happen to Sawyer.

Just Started ~ Faithful To Laura

I just started reading Faithful To Laura by Kathleen Fuller and so far I like it.  Amish books can go through some peachy moments, but this one starts you off with violence.  Is it wrong that I like the different beginning?  Laura is an Amish girl who has been burned at the hands of someone who said they loved her.  How will this end???  I don't know.  If you want to find out before me then pick up your own copy of Faithful To Laura.

It's published by Thomas Nelson.

I'm reading this book and reviewing it on behalf of Net Galley.