I really enjoyed this book. I've read about Ella Mae Zook in many of the Beverly Lewis' other books, but this one she is giving us a closer look with Ella Mae being a major character. This book gives us a look into her past as well as bringing in her great-niece, Clara, as another major character. I liked reading about their restoration of an old heirloom quilt. ( )

Another fantastic book by Beverly Lewis! It's everything an Amish fiction book should be! It's filled with vivid imagery that brings Hickory Hollow to life.

The characters are amazing! Of course, there's Ella Mae, a compassionate soul who reaches out to the hurting. Her timeless wisdom and peppermint tea soothe many hearts. Even though she's struggling herself, she still reaches out to others. Clara is an old soul. She has many feelings, and she's confused about them. A timely visit with her great aunt helps her sort out her life.

There's a sweet love story that delighted my heart! I'm so happy about the way the story ended! There's also a lot about faith in God. I'm thankful that Beverly Lewis includes this in all of her books! ( )

The Heirloom, by Beverly Lewis, is a beautifully written story of a young Amish lady, Clara, who visits her great aunt in another state and find a place and friends she does not want to leave. She is faced with the difficult decision to make, that of obeying her father and following her heart. When Clara is dealing with the loss of her mother and breaking it off with her boyfriends she goes to visit the aunt her mother loved so much. the aunt, Ella Mae is still grieving the loss of her husband and her children feel she should move.

I just loved reading this story. It is so easy to read and imagine the happenings. It touched my heart with the young lady and the elderly woman who both need each other at this particular time in their lives. I enjoyed how quickly Clara fit into the community and made friends. I especially enjoyed how the two women went about repairing the heirloom quilt. It is interesting to read how rules of the Amish community can so easily be changed. I appreciate the love Clara has for her family and how she will give up her happiness for them.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review. ( )

The Heirloom by Beverly Lewis is a special story that is a prequel to The Shunning. I thought the story was well-written and it had a good flow. The characters were developed and relatable. Katie Lapp is in the story, but The Heirloom focuses on Clara Bender and Ella Mae Zook. I liked both characters. Clara and Ella Mae may be decades apart in age, but they got along so well. The pair have a special relationship. I like how a family quilt that needed to be repaired played into the story. Ella Mae and Clara are quilters (another thing they have in common) and can repair quilts that need some love. I enjoyed the description of this family quilt. We get to see how the rules can differ from one Amish church district to the next. The differences can include the style of dress, the type of caps, gizmos allowed in courting buggies, scooters versus bicycles, and so on. Unfortunately, sometimes a bishop can be too strict which causes people to move. I can understand why Clara’s father is worried about Clara finding a beau and possibly settling down in such a strict district. I could understand Clara’s grief over the loss of her mother. She is having a hard time seeing someone come in and take her mother’s place in the house. It is hard losing a parent and you will continue to miss them every day. Ella Mae is dealing with the loss of her husband and her children are pushing her into doing something she is not ready to do. Ella Mae is a special woman who offered wise words, encouragement, and support. One of my favorite phrases from The Heirloom is, “God cares ’bout even the little things, she always said. Big or little, if they matter to you, dearie, they matter to Him.” The Heirloom has a sweet ending, but there is a detail or two that I wish had been different. This is a special Amish tale that deals with family, friendship, forgiveness, hope, grief, love, and faith. The Heirloom is a touching Amish tale with distressed daughter, loving letters, a family friend, a bouncing buggy, youth group gatherings, a bothered bishop, and a devoted God. ( )

I won this ARC as part of the Library Thing’s Early Review Program via NetGalley from publisher Bethany House. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review and received no compensation for writing this review.

This is my first time reading a book by Beverly Lewis and was blown away by this heartfelt/heart-wrenching story. The Heirloom is a prequel to a book called The Shunning which is now on my TBR list, as well as many others by this author. We are introduced to Ella Mae Zook first by letters to her niece and then in person when her great niece Clara Bender comes to stay with her who lives in Hickory Hollow, a more strict Amish community, against her father’s wishes. Together Ella Mae and Clara work on restoring a family heirloom quilt bonding them together helping them to heal from their grief. During Clara’s stay she meets Aaron, a young man from Hickory Hollow, and falls in love. Clara and Aaron want to marry but it will not be easy as there are many roadblocks for them to overcome. Will God help them through this difficult journey? Read this delightful story and have faith that all will be well in the end.

I highly recommend this inspirational story of strong family ties, values, and even stronger faith. ( )