Ehh, this was just missing something. I don’t care about any of the characters. I would happily give this to my past 13-year-old-self if I could though. ( )

I finished this last night and really enjoyed it---for two reasons. 1---it was a great story with a believable plot line, likable characters, and a happy ending. 2---it was refreshing to see Beverly Lewis back in the game. The last two I read by her were highly disappointing with weird coincidental plot lines and holes in the story that left me frustrated.

One thing I enjoyed, as I do with many of her stories, is that Lewis makes it possible for me to get so wrapped up in the culture of the Amish that I don't realize what time period the story is actually taking place. Besides the reference to Omar wanting to vote for Reagan, you'd never know whether this took place in 1894 or 1984.

I've got her newest novel sitting on my desk to start sometime soon. After this redeeming book, I can get excited about it now! ( )

3.5 stars (rating shown may vary depending on site).

I've read Beverly Lewis before and usually enjoy her books. This book focuses on the Esch family--mostly on 3 sisters: Frona, Eva, and Lily.

The parents have died and now, their youngest brother, Menno wants to move his family in to the house--and only one of the sisters can stay on with them. Lily decides to leave the Amish community (without telling her family) which causes her sisters, particularly Eva, much grief.

Alfred has designs to court Eva but then decides to go learn woodworking at a relative's in Wisconsin. Eva meets Jed when he comes to learn at the local buggymaker's shop. Their is attraction there but his visit ends in miscommunication when Eva discovers he's been carrying around a picture of the missing Lily--a picture that he found on the bus on his ride to the community.

So the book is somewhat an Amish romance, but it is also about the grass looking greener on the other side not always being true. ( )

Beverly Lewis is an amazing author! There is never that moment that you are holding the book and wondering if you should read it. It's more like how can I shift my schedule so that I can start reading it right away. A warm family story with the angst of the young on the edge of spreading their wings. ( )

I was interested in reading this book, because of the cover and title. I know Amish don't usually take photographs, so there had to be a good story behind, and I wasn't disappointed. ( )