Litfuse Blog Tour Event: A Miracle of Hope (The Amish Wonders #1) by Ruth Reid

This is a special review for many reasons:  (1) this is the first Amish book I have reviewed on my blog, (2) the author's last name is Reid which was another reason I had to read this, and (3) this book dealt with spiritual wonders that will amaze you! 

Now without further ado, on with the review! 

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved reading A Miracle of Hope. There is a part of me that is still hesitant about Amish fiction, mainly because I rarely read them (in a year I read maybe less than five and that seems a lot for me). Yet, Reid's powerful writing force pulled me in, and I stayed up all night until I think 3 in the morning to finish this book. 

A Miracle of Hope deals with a lot of heavy stuff. First off, the main character Lindie Wyse is a young Amish woman pregnant out of wedlock. There is no indication of who the father is, Englischer or Amish, but nevertheless she needs to leave her safe haven (her home) for another one. Still, this pregnancy for Lindie is anything but a joyous journey for her and as a reader we later find out why. It's tough, but overtime the author does a fabulous job with showing healing and forgiveness that her character's go through and by the end of the story they seem more whole.

Next is Josiah Plank who comes into the picture because he is Lindie's answer to a new home, away from the gossip of her old home. Being a friend of Lindie's brother he accepts to take her in and marry her. Of course he is hesitant about it and promises a name only marriage. Josiah also has his secrets. He is a widower with an eight year old daughter named Hannah who is deaf and rarely if ever speaks to anyone. Plus, an illness he thought was conquered comes to haunt him again just when he was starting to get his life back on track. 

Heavy stuff I know! But it's all done really well so don't worry if you think this might be a depressing read! It's not I promise!!!

As I said before Reid has a beautiful way of developing her character's smoothly and naturally. I never felt rushed in this book, and the chemistry between Lindie and Josiah was done perfectly. 

There is also another element to this book that was quite different than any other books  I have read ever, I think. Reid adds in spiritual healing (I think that is the word I'm looking for?). Basically, one of the characters is given the gift of healing through God. Of course when used it is used through prayer. Still, at first I was like "this is interesting" but by the end of the book this gift not only helped others physically but it also helped them spiritually. It's pretty spectacular!

Being the first Amish book of the year for me I was really surprised! I might give more Amish books a try this year. How about you? Are you a fan of Amish fiction? 

Rating: 5 out of 5 bookshelves 
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group. 

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In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid