In 1985, Old Order Amish couple Celeste and Vin Lantz have been married for six years. Vin is a carpenter by trade but an artist in his heart. He is especially captivated by drawing portraits, which the Amish consider idolatry. Knowing they could be shunned, Celeste is shocked to discover that Vin has secretly been sketching her and their sons. When she confronts Vin, they argue and Vin storms off . . . and seems to disappear, leaving Celeste to wonder if he chose his art over his family.
When he leaves the house that night, Vin seeks peace on his favorite mountain overlook. But he takes a fall and wakes to find himself injured and lost. Vin soon realizes just how far he has traveled―not only in distance but back in time, to 1822 Ohio, a place that provides the freedom he craved but where he is separated from his beloved wife and children. Vin is saved by the kindness of strangers and gradually learns to survive and even to use his skills to help his new friends in this unfamiliar time and place. But all the while he prays desperately for God to return him to his family, before Celeste makes a new life without him.
My thoughts:
Finally, a unique Amish novel. Something as a fan of this genre I have been waiting for and the authors certainly delivered.
Vin and Celeste Lantz are my
new favorite couple, their story is compelling, heart wrenching and kept me reading
as fast as I possibly could. In 1985,
Celeste discovers a hidden sketch pad, Vin has been warned repeatedly to stop drawing
anyone with their faces showing.
When Celeste confronts him,
he goes to his favorite place to think.
After he falls and wakes up in 1822, Ohio, he embarks on a journey to
find his way back home to Celeste and their two sons. What a journey it is as
he encounters situations, he has only read about in history books, meanwhile,
Celeste is wondering where he is and if he will return to their family and
community.
I had a lot of admiration and respect for Celeste
as she determinedly kept the woodshop open to support herself and have
something to pass down to her children. My heart went out to Vin, the people he
met and helped in his travels.
The two timelines were seamlessly
woven together, there was never any confusion as to where each of the characters
were located and the struggles they faced.
Rich in history combined with the beautifully crafted story makes this
novel a must read.
My thanks to the publisher and
Netgalley for the copy of this book. All
opinions are my own.
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