Peasreads: The Heirloom

If there were a title for Queen of Amish Fiction, Beverly Lewis would be the reigning monarch. She has written many lovely books that depict Amish life. My favorite of hers would be The Daughters of Abram. When I got the opportunity to read Mrs. Lewis' latest book. I was excited. The Heirloom is the prequel to The Shunning. We finally get more of Ella Mae Hook, the amazing, strong, woman of conviction that is known as the "wise woman". We get more of her history and we meet her grandniece Clara Bender. 

The story revolves around these two women who are grieving for a loved one. Ella Mae, her husband. Clara Bender, her mother. Ella Mae's family is pressuring her to move out of her house and Ella Mae is not quite ready. Clara has come to visit Ella Mae after her father remarried not long after her mother had passed away. Her father is concerned that she will be visiting a more strict Amish church and he doesn't want Clara to forget that by grace we have been saved, that relationship with Christ is important. Eventually, Clara wants to stay with Ella Mae in Lancaster County, but her father forbids it. Can she trust God and be obedient to her father's wishes, even though her heart is leading her elsewhere?

Together the two women navigate grief and Amish living. Being available to be a blessing to others and serve others while trusting in God to hear their prayers and place them each where they belong.

If you know the characters from The Shunning, this is a great read to learn more about your favorite characters. Even if you haven't read The Shunning or watched the movies, this is a great read for Amish fiction fans. No one writes it better than Beverly Lewis.

 Description

This heartwarming prequel to The Shunning is a tender story of love, belonging, and the courage to move forward.

After her widowed father remarries, nineteen-year-old Clara Bender is no longer needed to help run his household. Marriage seems like her best hope of moving out, but there are few young men in her tiny Indiana Amish community. When she comes across letters from her mother's aunt Ella Mae Zook, she sets off to visit Lancaster County's Hickory Hollow to decide where her future lies.

Ella Mae is not quite ready to move from the farmhouse where she and her recently deceased husband spent over fifty happy years, but her children are eager to resettle her, making Clara's visit seem like an answer to prayer. The two women form a warm bond while restoring an heirloom wedding quilt and sharing their lives, with Ella Mae confiding about a tragedy from her courting years. Eventually, Ella Mae suggests Clara stay for the summer, allowing Ella Mae more time with her and giving Clara an opportunity to meet the area's eligible young men. But when the unexpected happens, will Clara find where her heart truly belongs?

Available Editions

EDITION Other Format

ISBN 9780764237560

PRICE $17.99 (USD)

PAGES 336

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I received this book from NetGalley for this review. I was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are on my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”