How does a man go back? How can a man go back and face his sick mother after leaving her so many years ago? How can a man go back and see old friends in his community, especially an Amish man? How can a man go back after the evil and stupid deed he had done?

After his good friend Saul contacted Aaron Ebersol to let him know that his mother had a stroke and is asking for him, Aaron quickly wrapped up his business affairs and returns to his home community in Paradise, Pennsylvania. Now that he is back in Paradise, he is nervous about approaching his family. After all, he had been away from his family for seventeen years and no one had ever replied to the many letters he sent back home. Dare he go and see his mother? Would she really welcome him? What about his older brother, his father, and the Amish community - how would they respond?

Noticing a strange man coming down for breakfast at the Bed and Breakfast where Linda Zook works part-time, Linda is surprised to see Aaron in Englisher clothes. She could tell he doesn't remember her and she is annoyed that he is so uncaring as to have waited a week before coming to see his ailing mother. Linda and Aaron's mother both worked at the Lancaster Grand Hotel and are very good friends. But, later in the day when Linda realizes how shook up Aaron is after seeing his mother, she is a little more understanding and supportive.

As Aaron gets a mixed reception on the family front, he decides to stay on at the Bed and Breakfast. Yet, that is not the only reason. He enjoys the pleasant company of Linda Zook and looks forward to seeing her when their paths cross. For her part, Linda sparkles under the attention from this handsome man and enjoys his smiles. But their worlds are different with many barriers. Some of their family members don't want them to spend time together. It is hopeless for her even to ponder what a future might look like. She is baptized and would never consider leaving her community and Aaron lives as an Englisher in a distant city and has his own business there. What can God's plan for her possibly be?

Amy Clipston is a highly regarded and respected writer of Amish and other inspirational works. A SIMPLE PRAYER is the fourth book in her The Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series based on the lives of women who work at this hotel. All the books in this series are completely readable on their own, yet are even more of delightful treat. Clipston's many fans are sure to relish this latest addition to the collection.

Having read many Amish stories by various writers, I am very impressed with the skill and talent in which Clipston weaves her stories. She brings incredible knowledge and research about the Amish and life in Lancaster County into A SIMPLE PRAYER; yet, it flows as naturally as a river in the thoughts and words of her characters. I especially appreciate Clipston's ability to really pull the reader into deep and heartfelt values and issues as the characters grapple with their feelings and thoughts. Right from the first page, I felt Aaron's pain and anxiety and just had to read on as the plot develops and different perspectives are reflected from the thoughts and comments of others. The dialogue sounds so authentic, it makes you feel as if you are right in the room watching and listening to what is happening.

To convey a sense of Amish speech, Clipston nicely sprinkles many common expressions into the dialogues between characters. To help readers fully understand these comments, A SIMPLE PRAYER is prefaced by a short glossary of Amish expressions which is very helpful as well as is the chart of the many characters in the series. Discussion questions are also included at the end which is very useful for individuals wanting to reflect on what they have just read or to use in a book club discussion.

A SIMPLE PRAYER is not a simple book, nor is it hard to read. Clipston has her characters dealing with strong issues, deep concerns and has them thinking about how they live their lives and practice their beliefs. For myself, even as I am reading the story and eager to find out what happens, it also makes me think about my own faith and my own challenges. I think many readers are sure to find inspiration and hope from A SIMPLE PRAYER as well and can enjoy this story on many levels. So, get your copy and enjoy A SIMPLE PRAYER! You will be glad you did!