Writing About The Amish: A Memoir by Beth Wiseman

 

About the book

WHY DOES EVERY BETH WISEMAN BOOK INCLUDE A RED SUITCASE?

This is one of the many questions answered by an author who has sold over two million books. Beth has penned more than forty books about the Plain People in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Indiana. In this collection of essays, Beth gives readers a glimpse into her personal life and shares experiences she's had while writing about the Amish.

INCLUDES PHOTOS, AMISH RECIPES, AND A "BONUS" SHORT STORY!

My thoughts:

Beth Wiseman has been one of must-read authors for several years so I was super excited when I found out she was writing this book.  As a long time fan of her work, I knew she thoroughly researched the Amish communities she has written about and in this book, she shares her experiences with her readers.  I love that she has a great deal of respect combined with genuine interest when approaching the communities she is writing about. 

The author writes with such warmth and humor that time flew by as I read page after page.  I appreciated the photos and recipes she shares and I was very appreciative of the bonus short, An Amish Adoption .   Writing about the Amish would make a great gift for the readers in your life from the young to the young at heart. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own. 

The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox

Book Description

When Ivy Rose returns to her hometown to oversee an estate sale, she soon discovers that her grandmother left behind more than trinkets and photo frames--she provided a path to the truth behind Ivy's adoption. Shocked, Ivy seeks clues to her past, but a key piece to the mystery is missing.

Twenty-four years earlier, Harvey James finds an abandoned newborn who gives him a sense of human connection for the first time in his life. His desire to care for the baby runs up against the stark fact that he is homeless. When he becomes entwined with two people seeking to help him find his way, Harvey knows he must keep the baby a secret or risk losing the only person he's ever loved.

In this dual-time story from debut novelist Amanda Cox, the truth--both the search for it and the desire to keep it from others--takes center stage as Ivy and Harvey grapple with love, loss, and letting go. 

My thoughts:

The Edge of Belonging is the heart-stirring, dual-time line debut novel penned by Amanda Cox. I loved every single thing about this book from beginning to end. I fell in love with the characters, they are caring, selfless and they came to life before my eyes as I read their story.

I should give a heads up and let readers know to have a box of tissue handy because you will probably shed a few tears as you go on the journey with Ivy Rose as she discovers the truth behind her adoption. In addition to Ivy Rose, I absolutely adored Harvey James and the other characters so lovingly crafted by this talented author.

Overall, I thought this was an impressive debut novel that is beautifully written and deserves more than a five-star rating. This is a must read in my opinion and will go on my keeper shelf.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are completely my own.

All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner

Book Description

When Annie Jacobson's brother Mike enlists as a medic in the Army in 1967, he hands her a piece of paper with the address of their long-estranged father. If anything should happen to him in Vietnam, Mike says, Annie must let their father know.

In Mike's absence, their father returns to face tragedy at home, adding an extra measure of complication to an already tense time. As they work toward healing and pray fervently for Mike's safety overseas, letter by letter the Jacobsons must find a way to pull together as a family, regardless of past hurts. In the tumult of this time, Annie and her family grapple with the tension of holding both hope and grief in the same hand, even as they learn to turn to the One who binds the wounds of the brokenhearted.

Author Susie Finkbeiner invites you into the Jacobson family's home and hearts during a time in which the chaos of the outside world touched their small community in ways they never imagined.

My thoughts:

Oh, I loved this book so much!  It's the kind of story where you are compelled to keep reading page after page not wanting to stop for one second.  So, I didn't!  I read this book in one day getting to know the Jacobson's who were a family I could easily imagine spending time with.

In this beautifully crafted story I celebrated the happy times and cried so hard during the bad times because the author made me feel the same emotions her characters felt.  Set during the Vietnam War this novel is about family, faith, forgiveness but most of all love.  A family who is all too familiar with war and the effects it has on their love ones leaving Annie, Mike, Joel and their mother on their own while the father faces his own demons.  The one character I wasn't sure I would like turned out to be one of my favorites and I can picture him and his diner in my mind.

The letters exchanged between Mike and his family during his deployment are poignant and I looked forward to reading each and every single one of them.  I don't know for sure but I imagine the author became emotional while composing them because they certainly got to me. I am in awe of the gift Ms. Finkbeiner possesses because she pulls me into her characters lives.  She makes me feel like I am in their home, their workplace or wherever she chooses to take me which is the reason she is one of my must read authors.  If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would.

If anyone is looking for a superbly written novel with unforgettable characters then I highly recommend All Manner of Things. This is one of my favorite books that I've read this year and I hope it will be one of yours.

I received a copy from the publisher but was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own. 

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