I received a copy of this book from Bethany House publishers in exchange for an honest review. I am a little biased when it comes to Beverly Lewis' books because her book, The Shunning was the very first Amish fiction book I read. I have been hooked ever since. Even better, I was thrilled to see characters from that book in this one.
This book is about Jenny Burns who has had a love for a simpler lifestyle ever since she can remember. She struggles because her own family can't understand her heart's desires. However, after starting a friendship with a young Amish woman, Marnie, Jenny makes up her mind to sell all her belongings and move to the heart of Lancaster County to attempt to become Amish herself.
Jenny is welcomed into the home of Rebecca and Samuel Lapp to start her Proving time, the time in which she will learn the Amish ways. Jenny's hope is that eventually she can be baptized into the Amish church and officially join the community of Hickory Hollow.
The problem is that just like with anything else, nothing is as easy as it seems. As one character in the book points out, no community is perfect. Jenny struggles with fitting in and finds that learning the Old Ways are harder than she anticipated.
Jenny's journey continues to the point of where she has to make a decision. She feels that she can't live up to all that is expected of a typical Amish woman. Will she return to her old lifestyle? Will she be able to make it through her proving period?
I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen to Jenny and the family and friends she grows attached to while in Hickory Hollow. There was just one end that was left untied at the end, in my opinion and it had to do with Jenny's ex boyfriend.
However, overall, I enjoyed this book and if you are a Beverly Lewis fan or just an Amish fiction fan, you will enjoy it, too. Thanks again to Bethany House.
