Review ~ The Amish Wanderer by Laura V Hilton

Paperback, 240 pages

Expected publication: February 7th 2017 by Whitaker House

Desperate for a Ticket Out
Bethany Weiss is ready to leave town. Tongues haven't stopped clacking in Jamesport, MO, since her daed, the bishop, was admitted to a mental hospital after hurting their small Amish community. But her sharpest wounds Bethany hides from prying eyes, quietly biding her time until she can take a chance at a new life away from Jamesport and away from God.

Searching for a Home
Silas Beiler was kicked out of his own family's home. Dogged by a rough childhood and a family who blames him for each new disaster, he begins hitchhiking across the country, sleeping in barns where he can, working for food when possible; headed for Pennsylvania, in the hope of some stability.

A Memory of Lemonade
When Bethany spies a man asleep in the hayloft, she first fears the return of an unwelcome suitor. But when it is Silas who turns and speaks, the memories flood back: a happy summer six years ago full of lemonade, long walks, and budding courtship. Now, however, those months of bliss seem naive and idyllic. Will their old love overcome new pain? Or will hurt and rejection continue to haunt their path?

 

: : :

 

About the Author

Laura Hilton graduated with a business degree from Ozarka Technical College in Melbourne, Arkansas. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, she is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the Web. Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura homeschools. The family makes their home in Arkansas. To learn more about Laura, read her reviews, and find out about her upcoming releases, readers may visit her blog at http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/.

Her previous book series with Whitaker House include:The Amish of Jamesport – The Post Card, Snow Globe, and The Birdhouse

The Amish of Webster County – Healing Love, Awakened Love, and Surrendered Love

The Amish of Seymour – Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (2012 Laurel Award winner, first place in the Amish Genre Clash), and Promised to Another.

: : :

My Thoughts

Hilton has a knack for Amish fiction that goes right to the heart. With masterful writing skills, she brought this reader front and center into the lives of the young and questioning, in The Amish Wanderer. 

While I wasn’t comfortable with one of the scenes, it was necessary to show the horror of what Bethany Weiss has been subjected to from a former beau. The scene was compelling and repelling at the same time. Thankfully, humor was injected at just the right moment to give this reader a break from such intense emotions.

Silas is a great guy! He’s wounded and has his struggles and doubts, but he’s the real deal. His character is probably my second favorite of any in Hilton’s stories.

I recommend this book to fans of Amish fiction. I was provided a paperback copy from the publisher and author for review purposes. No compensation has been received.