TITLE: Patchwork Dreams (The Amish of Seymour, Book 1)
AUTHOR: Laura V. Hilton
DATE: 2011
PUBLISHER: Whitaker House
STARS: *****
Ever since returning from her rumspringe pregnant and unwed, Becky Troyer has been a pariah in her Amish community in Missouri. Even after the young mother confesses her sin and rejoins the church, her peers continue to shun her, and she despairs the unlikelihood of marrying for love. It seems that her only hope is to eventually marry a widower with a family of his own.
Becky's world changes when Jacob Miller arrives at her family's farm with the understanding that he will help with chores during the summer and then return to Pennsylvania. What Jacob does not know is that his father, who disapproves of Jacob's sweetheart, Susie, sent him away as part of a plan to introduce new blood into the Amish community of Seymour. In addition to his work around the farm, Jacob undertakes the task of cheering up the lovely yet listless Becky, inviting her to various youth gatherings and offering her the only unconditional friendship she's known.
As their relationship grows, the two find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other. Will Becky and Jacob overcome their insecurities and self–doubts so that their love can grow, or will Jacob keep his pledge to Susie and turn his back on Becky, as so many others have done?
I fell in love with both Becky and Jacob within the first few pages of this story. Author Laura V. Hilton brings her characters to life with all its complexities. Becky carries the burden of her failure every moment of every day. She has knelt and confessed, but without real forgiveness from the community. As a result, she is bowed but not quite broken. I cheered for her when her back straightened and she stood up for herself.
Jacob was responsible for some of that courage as he challenged her to enjoy life again. Of course, his own problems interfere with his quest to bring a light to Becky’s eyes, with secrets and insecurity blocking their back-and-forth dance toward true love.
This story held me captive, and I thoroughly enjoyed my little visit with the Amish of Seymour. I look forward to reading the rest of this series. Patchwork Dreams earns five stars.
AUTHOR: Laura V. Hilton
DATE: 2011
PUBLISHER: Whitaker House
STARS: *****
Ever since returning from her rumspringe pregnant and unwed, Becky Troyer has been a pariah in her Amish community in Missouri. Even after the young mother confesses her sin and rejoins the church, her peers continue to shun her, and she despairs the unlikelihood of marrying for love. It seems that her only hope is to eventually marry a widower with a family of his own.
Becky's world changes when Jacob Miller arrives at her family's farm with the understanding that he will help with chores during the summer and then return to Pennsylvania. What Jacob does not know is that his father, who disapproves of Jacob's sweetheart, Susie, sent him away as part of a plan to introduce new blood into the Amish community of Seymour. In addition to his work around the farm, Jacob undertakes the task of cheering up the lovely yet listless Becky, inviting her to various youth gatherings and offering her the only unconditional friendship she's known.
As their relationship grows, the two find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other. Will Becky and Jacob overcome their insecurities and self–doubts so that their love can grow, or will Jacob keep his pledge to Susie and turn his back on Becky, as so many others have done?
I fell in love with both Becky and Jacob within the first few pages of this story. Author Laura V. Hilton brings her characters to life with all its complexities. Becky carries the burden of her failure every moment of every day. She has knelt and confessed, but without real forgiveness from the community. As a result, she is bowed but not quite broken. I cheered for her when her back straightened and she stood up for herself.
Jacob was responsible for some of that courage as he challenged her to enjoy life again. Of course, his own problems interfere with his quest to bring a light to Becky’s eyes, with secrets and insecurity blocking their back-and-forth dance toward true love.
This story held me captive, and I thoroughly enjoyed my little visit with the Amish of Seymour. I look forward to reading the rest of this series. Patchwork Dreams earns five stars.
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