I enjoy Marta Perry's books, and some of her Amish stories
are also suspense stories, but SECOND CHANCE AMISH BRIDE is
a romance for those who want a little break from the
stressful life we lead today.
Caleb King is a dairy farmer
returning home to a newly built barn after a fire destroyed
the old one and injured his leg. He's temporarily in a
wheelchair and cast, so the community has rallied around to
help. Among them is a young woman called Jessie Miller.
Jessie has come from Ohio, on the bus, to make herself
useful in the kitchen. Food needs to be cooked and canned,
and Caleb's two children need care. Jessie is kin, since
her cousin Alice married Caleb - but Alice abandoned the
family for the outside world, then died. Seeing Jessie is a
harsh reminder. While Caleb isn't annoyed at the willing
young woman, he wants her on the bus back to Ohio soon.
Becky and Tim, his kinner, are also understandably upset by
all the changes.
Interestingly Jessie even has to sort out where to sit in
church. Mothers sit with small children and then young
women sit together; Jesse is older than many maids but
unwed, and escorting the children. Of course, she is
welcome, but some uncharitable tongues wag, proving that
even the best of us are only human. A three hour service
does seem hard on the kids though. A wood ramp has been
added for Caleb to enter the house in his wheelchair, but
he has to get used to moving in it, and a physical
therapist calls to help him strengthen his legs.
Amid all the farm work and handcrafts we find a determined
intention to forgive others, which is a tenet of the Amish
faith. As they forgive, so shall they be forgiven. Knowing
this and doing it are two different things. While the
romance is gentle and holds no major drama, this
contemplation is important. By examining the lives of
fiction characters we hold up a mirror to our own lives.
The characters each felt that their lives had stopped,
wound around the figure of Alice for so long. In her
absence they each have to learn to move - and love -
again. And that is another important message to take from
this inspirational romance SECOND CHANCE AMISH BRIDE by
Marta Perry. Life goes on. Enjoy the read.
Caring for her late cousin’s young kinder is Jessie Miller’s
duty—even if it means seeing their father again. Years ago,
she thought Caleb King might be her husband—until he met her
cousin and Jessie’s dream was cut short. Laid up with a
broken leg and a demanding dairy farm, Caleb needs her. But
Caleb wants no woman around...and no reminder of the wife
who abandoned her family before her death. Especially since
he fears Jessie will throw a wrench in his plan to remain a
single dad. She’s gentle and kind, and if Caleb isn’t
careful, she may be just what his little Amish family needs.
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