In this close-knit Amish family, nothing is as perfect as it seems . . .
When Viola Keim starts working at a nearby Mennonite retirement home, she strikes up an unlikely friendship with resident Atle, whose only living relative, son Edward, is living as a missionary in Nicaragua. Viola understands the importance of mission work, but she can't imagine leaving her father in the hands of strangers. Even though her family is New Order Amish, it's not the Amish way, and though she doesn't know Ed, she judges him for abandoning his father.
But when Ed surprises his father with a visit, Viola and Ed both discover an attraction they never expected. Despite her feelings, choosing Ed would mean moving to a far-off country and leaving her family behind. She can't do that. Her twin sister, Elsie, is going blind and will need someone to care for her all her life. Her family is reeling with the recent discovery that her grandmother hid her past as an Englischer. Her father seems forgetful and distracted—and to be harboring some secrets of his own.
Does Viola dare leave them all behind and forge her own life? Or will family ties mean her one chance at love slips away?
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"The sweet story serves as a reminder that we must follow God's will and not be as worried about demands or expectations of others."
— Sandra (4 out of 5 stars)
“Readers will feel Viola’s struggles as she tries to do what is right for her family.”
— RT Book Reviews“An Amish community backdrop adds homespun sweetness, with a focus on simplicity and family that’s never heavy-handed…new readers will have no trouble starting the series here.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)“A pleasant read...will appeal to Gray’s many fans.”
— Library Journal“A whirlwind of emotions…”
— Destination Amish blog" Good story line. A little different from your typical Amish book. "
— Paula, 6/27/2013" Love the book. Can't wait to read next book "
— Dawn, 3/7/2013" Great story! And I have a signed copy! "
— Selena, 3/7/2013Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than eighty novels of romance fiction and mysteries that have been translated into multiple languages. She is a two-time HOLT Medallion winner and a recipient of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award.
Robynn Rodriguez is a longtime member of the resident acting company of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. In addition to her work at OSF, she has worked in theaters all over the United States and Europe. She lives in Ashland, Oregon, with her husband, Michael.