Christy Distler

The Heart Knows the Way Home by Christy Distler is a sweet Plain story. I thought it was well-written with developed characters. Janna Carpenter and Luke Martin are both strong characters. I liked seeing them work through their issues and grow as individuals. Kayla and Joah were sweeties. I like how their friendship mirrored that of Janna and Luke as children. I enjoyed the setting of the Martin farm. It sounded beautiful and peaceful. It was interesting learning about the differences between Amish and Mennonite. I was not aware of the different levels of Mennonite (Old Order, Progressive, Wenger are the ones mentioned in the book). There is much discussion regarding head coverings for women. I like the scripture that was quoted and how it is the woman’s personal choice after much thought and prayer. I like how the romance developed between Janna and Luke. It was not something that was rushed into. There are obstacles that must be overcome before they can think about a romantic relationship. It was interesting to learn about the diseases that affect the Amish and Mennonite people. The author incorporated the Clinic for Special Children (CSC) into the book. This is a wonderful nonprofit medical facility in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. I enjoyed reading this charming story. I hope Christy Distler continues to write Plain fiction. My favorite phrase from The Heart Knows the Way Home is, “The wings do the flying, but the heart knows the way home.” The Heart Knows the Way Home is a special Plain tale about friends, family, and faith.… (meer)

The Heart Knows the Way Home by Christy Distler is a sweet Plain story. I thought it was well-written with developed characters. Janna Carpenter and Luke Martin are both strong characters. I liked seeing them work through their issues and grow as individuals. Kayla and Joah were sweeties. I like how their friendship mirrored that of Janna and Luke as children. I enjoyed the setting of the Martin farm. It sounded beautiful and peaceful. It was interesting learning about the differences between Amish and Mennonite. I was not aware of the different levels of Mennonite (Old Order, Progressive, Wenger are the ones mentioned in the book). There is much discussion regarding head coverings for women. I like the scripture that was quoted and how it is the woman’s personal choice after much thought and prayer. I like how the romance developed between Janna and Luke. It was not something that was rushed into. There are obstacles that must be overcome before they can think about a romantic relationship. It was interesting to learn about the diseases that affect the Amish and Mennonite people. The author incorporated the Clinic for Special Children (CSC) into the book. This is a wonderful nonprofit medical facility in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. I enjoyed reading this charming story. I hope Christy Distler continues to write Plain fiction. My favorite phrase from The Heart Knows the Way Home is, “The wings do the flying, but the heart knows the way home.” The Heart Knows the Way Home is a special Plain tale about friends, family, and faith.… (meer)

THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY HOME by Christy Distler

Janna and Luke grew up together, they loved each other, as only children can do, unconditionally, even though Janna was an Englischer and Luke was an Old Order Mennonite. Janna's mother was an alcoholic and drug addict. She didn't take care of Janna and left her at Luke's grandparent's house, until one day, they simply disappeared.

Years later, Janna and her young daughter Kayla have a run of hard luck and get taken in by Luke's family once again. Luke and his young son Joah readily accept the rekindled friendship of Janna and a new friend in Kayla.

Luke hires Janna to help him with his grandmother and to take Joah to his medical appointments. All the while his friends are telling him to stay away from her because she's probably a bad influence. But, Luke can't turn away because of the love they once shared.

Many thanks to #netgalley and #avodah for the complimentary copy of #theheartknowsthewayhome I was under no obligation to post a review.… (meer)