25 Book Reviews

Thursday, April 12, 2012

A New Amish Book by Mary Ellis

Living in Harmony (The New Beginnings Series)
 Living in Harmony by Mary Ellis
This is Amish fiction at its best. Mary Ellis uses a very different setting for her story. It is not the typical PA, Indiana or Ohio community. She has her characters move to Harmony, Maine, from Lancaster PA. In this move, a young couple who plans to wed, meet challenges and lifestyle changes that contrast dramatically from those in PA.  Amy and John  are not able to marry as they had planned. Amy's sister , Nora , who has moved with them , to be with John's brother and his wife, is frustrated - no rumspringa for her!! Not allowed in Maine.  The characters go through depths of despair- the girls have lost both parents in a fire and had had hopes to find happiness in Harmony. The last thing they found here was harmony and happiness. You find yourself crying and struggling with them . Mary has done a fantastic job of describing her characters. They become part of your family and you feel every emotion with them.
The plot is well developed with many twists and turns along the way. Just when I thought I had the story figured out , a new idea would appear. I could NOT put this book down.  Mary keeps you completely engrossed in her plot. Will John and Amy ever marry? A shunned aunt appears on the scene to complicate the plot . This becomes an integral part of the story. What will happen to Nora, the young sister? Will she stay in Maine, where she is extremely dissatisfied and unhappy? Can God meet all of their needs  and will they follow His plan? We are left hanging at the end of this book- Nora's future is in question. I sure hope Mary Ellis plans to continue this series. I HAVE to know what happens!!
Super book!!
EBook supplied by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. 

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