Winter's Awakening by Shelley Shepard GrayMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I haven't read any Amish fiction in quite some time. This was a light, refreshing read. I read this book in a couple of settings.
This is the first book in the Seasons of Sugarcreek Series. We meet Joshua, a young Amish man trying to find his way in life; Gretta (love the name!), a young Amish lady who is anxiously awaiting a marriage proposal from Joshua; and Lilly, an Englishcher who moves to Sugar Creek with her family due to a "condition". I'm not sure that I like the complete story behind Lilly...it seems a little archaic at first but the more I think about her family's reason for moving and the involvement in the "condition" at hand, it makes a little more sense. In the end, I love how everything came together so well.
I believe that this book will please a variety of readers. Given that most of the characters are younger in age (less than 20) this book will appeal to a younger crowd. However, there are lessons in here that those of a more seasoned age would learn from as well. This isn't an overly "convert to Amish" book. I didn't find it preachy at all. I appreciate the differences pointed out between the Amish and the Englishchers in this book.
I have loved learning about the Amish and their simple ways. There are times when I feel that if I adopted some of the Amish ways (I would never become completely Amish as I do not believe in everything that they do) that might life might be a little more enjoyable. Of course, it would mean more work for me in some regards. I think I would have a greater appreciation for my Lord and my life in general if I didn't have some of the modern conveniences that I have now. When I was younger, I did have an opportunity to visit an Amish community. I really enjoyed it at the young age I was at the time (maybe 7 or 8?). I would love to go back and have some time to talk to the people in the community, eat in their cafe's and make purchases in their general stores. I would also love to learn to quilt from the Amish!
Overall, a great, lighthearted read! Highly recommended!
Be sure to visit these others on tour with this book. I have added links to their reviews.
Tuesday, February 2nd: Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Spot
Wednesday, February 3rd: Life In Review
Thursday, February 4th: Book Reviews by Bookluver81
Monday, February 8th: Books, Movies, and Chinese Food
Tuesday, February 9th: There’s a Book
Wednesday, February 10th: Café of Dreams
Thursday, February 11th: Sunflowers, Choclate and Little Boys
Tuesday, Febr
uary 16th: Creative MadnessThursday, February 18th: Woven By Words
Monday, February 22nd: My Own Little Corner of the World
Tuesday, February 23rd: Heart 2 Heart
Wednesday, February 24th: Overstuffed
Shelley Shepard Gray's website: http://www.shelleyshepardgray.
books written, who she writes for, along with a host of other wonderful little tidbits!!View all my reviews >>
Thank you to Trish and TLC Book Tours for a review copy of this book!
I'm glad you liked the book! I agree that learning to quilt from the Amish would be AWESOME. :) Thanks for being on the tour!
ReplyDeleteNice review! I tend to avoid Amish fiction because it seems like it's been so overdone (I think I got burned out on it really early), but this sounds nice! :)
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