The Bridesmaid ~ A Book Review

Today, I'm reviewing The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis

 

Synopsis: Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amishwoman is a closet writer with a longing to be published something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna's stories aren't her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare.

Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben's hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?

My Review: A few months ago, I was able to review the prequel to this book, The Fiddler.  It was not my favorite of Beverly Lewis novels, but I was still looking forward to this one since I knew it would be focused on Joanna, an Amish girl from the first book.  I was not disappointed.  The Bridesmaid is a delightful book.  I loved both of the main characters, Joanna and Eben.  Their love story was believable and fun to watch develop.  I felt their frustrations as they tried to respect their parents and their church, but Joanna and Eben's determination to be together would prevail.  I highly recommend this book for those that love Amish literature, but I think the storyline is strong enough to pull in even those that don't normally read about the Amish.  Excellent book.

 In exchange for my honest review, I received a copy of the book from Bethany House