The Bound Heart : The Everstone Chronicles, book 2 by Dawn Crandall

I have just finished reading The Bound Heart, book 2 in the Everstone  Chronicles by Dawn Crandall. I stand in awe at the growth I have seen in Mrs. Crandalls's writing. Lawry and Meredyth are well developed and engaging. The addition of Wynn just added charm to the story. Lawry, loves Merit as he calls her, with all his heart. I almost felt as though his character's love for Merit, represents Christ's love for us. He is willing to love and forgive her no matter what. If I had to give this book a theme, I would say redemption is the word that comes to mind. Now that is not to say this book is 'preachy', far from it. The story is that Meredyth feels bound to marry Vance Everstone, even though he has been in Europe for many years. Lawry has been out west setting up an orphanage. Lawry comes home to Bar Harbor and begins to gently woo Meredyth. All seems settled when Vance sends word that he has married a French woman. This book is full of romance and sigh worthy kisses, but also has strife and heartache. Join Lawry and Meredyth for the turn of the century New England social season!
I loved Lawry and Meredyth's story and eagerly await the 3rd book in the Everstone Chronicles...A Captive Impostor due out February 2 2015.
I was given this book by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Simple Hope by Rosalind Lauer

Rachel King is so grateful that she and James were among the survivors of a van accident. But James is bitter that he didn't walk away, and perhaps never would walk again. How can he care for his families orchards or for a wife. So he decides to set Rachel free. Rachel is not willing to release James from his promise to marry he, in fact she is sure they can live in town and she will support them with her paintings, and never have to milk a cow again, an added bonus. Now James dad is refusing to allow him to receive the treatment he needs, because it would involve spending more time with the English. Add in an Englisher runaway hiding out in James orchard and you have a wonderful good read.
A Simple Hope is book 2 in Rosalind Lauer's Lancaster Crossover novels. It is really nice to also have a chance to visit with old friends from her Seasons of Lancaster trilogy. I find Lauer's books to be entertaining and thoroughly engrossing. I am eagerly awaiting A Simple Charity due out October 28.

Wonderful Lonesome

Olivia Newport tells the story of Abigail Weaver and Willem Peters in Wonderful Lonesome. Based on an actual Colorado Amish settlement in the early 1900s, Wonderful Lonesome is quite different than most of the Amish fiction in the market today. I would say it is more like Dale Cramer's Daughter' Of Caleb Bender trilogy than Lewis' or Brunstetter's works.
Abbie is a single woman who does the housekeeping and baking for the widowers and bachelors in her small community. With only 12 households and no minister the community must decide how to proceed. Should they continue to look for a minister? Should they disband and go back east? Or should they surrender their beliefs and join the Mennonite church? To complicate matters the county is experiencing a serious drought. Each family will have to decide what "Gotte's wille" is for them. Willem would like for Abby to marry him, but she will not join with him in exploring the Mennonite faith.
This book makes one think about what is most important, faith, family or community. The decisions each family makes affect all of the other's lives. I believe anyone interested in the Amish or in Historical fiction would enjoy this book.
 I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to offer a favorable review.