Jennie Troyer has always handed over her problems to God and trusts in his protective care, even with all she experienced in her marriage and the death of her husband in a farming accident. She knows life would be so much easier if she remarries, but she would rather put up with her hardships than experience marriage again. Why are people so anxious to have her move on?
For his part, Nathan Walker, so enjoys stopping by Jennie's farm, enjoying a delicious home cooked meal, playing games with the children and enjoying the warmth and friendliness of Jennie's smile. Is he willing to give up his job and Mennonite faith to become Amish? Could Jenny give up her home and faith for him?
Meanwhile, shy Leo Graber could have won Jenny's heart in the past, but he didn't ask her and Atlee had quickly made his move. Leo's heart is filled with kindness but words do not come easy to him. Could he ever find the words to ask her again for a second chance?
BENEATH THE SUMMER SUN is the second book in Every Amish Seasons, a new series by the highly regarded Kelly Irvin, author of The Amish of Bee County novels and other books. I found BENEATH THE SUMMER SUN to be quite complete as a stand alone Amish romance and I am sure Irvin fans will delight in this latest heart and sun warming story about a widow with seven children who is rightfully worried about what marriage might bring.
Irwin has crafted a tender story about a widow being able to trust again and the choices she would need to make between two men, one skilled with words and one with few words. I particularly appreciated the way Irvin integrates in tough issues such as mental and physical abuse, teenage rebellion, and the children's experiences of loss and misunderstanding along with the ongoing effects they have on them and others.
With a background in journalism and public relations, Irvin's writing style is clear and flows so well, one just wants to read on and find out who, if any man, wins Jennie's heart and hand. I also found the discussion questions at the end of the book to be very thoughtful and I wished for a good discussion on them. Irvin has also threaded interesting dialogues on the religious split between the Amish and Mennischt on the issue of shunning or Meidung through the plotline in BENEATH THE SUMMER SUN.
Fans who enjoy Christian or Amish fiction, as well as those who believe in the power of love and God's plans for people, are sure to enjoy the interactions between the characters as they seek to find lost love and faith in God's plan. Check out what awaits you in BENEATH THE SUMMER SUN and look forward to see what Irvin has in store for you in the next season in this series!