The Road Home

Title: The Road Home
Author: Beverly Lewis
Series: Stand-Alone
Genre: Amish Fiction
Publishing Date: April 3, 2018

About the Book:
Sent from Michigan to Pennsylvania following the tragic death of her Amish parents, Lena Rose Schwartz grieves her loss and the separation from her nine siblings. Beside the fact that Lena has never been so far from home, she hasn’t met the family she will now be living with. But worse than that is having to live apart from her close-knit brothers and sisters. How will they manage without her to care for them–especially six-year-old Chris? And will her new beau, Hans Bontrager, continue to court her despite the many miles between them?

Yet even as Lena Rose holds on to hope for a reunion with those she loves most, she discovers that Lancaster holds charms of its own. Is she willing to open her heart to new possibilities?

Review:
Ready for the latest by Beverly Lewis? If you’re looking for a book that you can enjoy without leaving you an emotional puddle, then this is a great choice. I often read emotional stories that involve the need for tissues, so I also often need books I call “pick-me-ups,” and Beverly Lewis is great for that. Although the siblings in this story are facing the heartache of losing their parents and being separated from each other, they aren’t surrounded by gloom. The characters have a hopeful outlook on life and a peace that God will work out whatever situations they face. Even when facing difficulty, they thank God for His goodness and provision for them. It’s both encouraging and convicting!

Lena lost more than just her parents following their unexpected and tragic accident. The oldest of ten siblings and unable to maintain the family farm on her own, she and her siblings were divided up amongst the homes that could spare room for them. Lena was the only one would have to journey away from her community, staying with family she doesn’t know in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. When separation is added to loss, it certainly adds to the heartache. My heart broke for Lena and her siblings.

Even though Lena was waiting and hoping that she could find a job in her home community and return, it didn’t stop her from living life in her new surroundings. She made friends and was willing to lend a hand to help those around her in whatever ways she was capable. I especially loved seeing her help Rebekah, a grandmother, so that she could read in English to her grandchildren. Literacy is something that can be taken for granted nowadays, but it can truly hold excitement for those without it.

There were parts of the book that felt “monotonous” to me, and I wished there was a bit more excitement, but overall the book was an enjoyable read. Beverly Lewis is known for writing good, clean, lighthearted Amish fiction and this book fits right in with that category. Although well-known for writing series, this book is a stand-alone and ends peacefully without a cliffhanger.

*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing Group in hopes of an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Rating: 

Age Appropriateness: Beverly Lewis books are easy recommendations for younger readers who want to read books that are “more grown up.” The Road Home is written for adults, but the content is perfectly suitable for younger readers. As long as they could handle the reading level it’s a perfectly safe recommendation.