Reviewer: Trudy Smith
Title: The Parting - 1st in The Courtship of Nellie Fisher Series
Author: Beverly Lewis
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0310-7
Release Date: October 2007
Genre/Sub-genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance
Year/Setting: 1960s/Pennsylvania
Overall rating: 4.0
Sexual Content Rating: None
Language (Profanity/Slang) Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: None
Beverly's Website:
www.beverlylewis.com
The Fisher family each has their own way of grieving the unexpected death of their young, beloved sister and daughter, Suzy. It’s not helping this Amish family that rumors are flying Suzy had a "secret life" of dabbling in the English world. Nellie Mae, Suzy’s closest sister, is filled with guilt and despair as she knows nothing of Suzy’s "secret life".
Through this grieving, there is a bright spot for Nellie Mae, she’s turned the head of Caleb Yoder. She’s secretly like him for a long time and can’t believe the most handsome young man in their community has asked her to be his girl.
As time goes on their Amish community is changing. There are some who want to bring in farm equipment which is against their beliefs. Others, including Nellie Mae’s parents, are studying the Good Book on their own, reading scriptures they had never heard before. This is leading to their enlightening that God sent His only Son to save His children and give them eternal life. This idea of being "saved" is odd to Nellie Mae and she knows Caleb and his family are strongly against it being staunch in their "Old Ways".
These changes along with the rumors of Suzy’s "secret life" are dividing this Amish community as well as families and friends. What good can come of leaving the "Old Ways"? Will those that believe they are saved remain firm in their new-found beliefs? Will Caleb’s love for Nellie Mae be strong enough to stand against those who would pull them apart? How will God use Suzy’s "secret life" to heal the Fisher family as well as their community?
Though some of these questions are left unanswered, The Parting has a strong inspirational theme, that God sent His Son to save His children and give them eternal life. Beverly Lewis’ knowledge of the Amish is compelling and her writing makes the scenes come to life. Her characters have depth that will make you ponder the strength of your own beliefs.
Nellie Mae and Caleb’s story; their grieving, trials, temptations and their strong beliefs, create many emotions. The unanswered questions don’t deter from the motivating message so if you’re looking for a strong inspirational story that will pull at your heart, The Parting is the book for you. Eager for the answers, I look forward to the next book in the series.
Trudy
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