The Decision (The Amish Trilogy, Book 3)

A highly romantic book that is extremely touching, frequently funny, and easily re-read. The Decision is an exceptional book for contemporary romances. Although written in the first person, the descriptions are handled so well that the reader doesn't miss the other characters' view points. The heroine, Rose, is honest, sinful, repentant, and maturing. The "mystery" is only a small part of the book. The larger part is an understanding of the Amish, the grace and sovereignty of God, and the challenges of being a paraplegic(Jake). Difficult to put down; easy to re-read!

The first sentence of this book had me hooked, with each subsequent paragraph filling in more details of the "explosive" opening event, and drawing me further into the story. It was hard to put this book down. It contained action, romance, emotion, real people to whom I could relate, and a clear but non-preachy presentation of how God wants to relate to people. I'd like to see many more books by this author.

I just wanted to let readers know that The Decision was awarded the Holt Medallion as the best short inspirational romance of 1999. I'm honored to receive this award and pleased that the judges found The Decision worthy.Gayle Roper, author

In the conclusion to the series, THE DECISION, Cara's recently-vacated rooms are rented by Rose Martin, a young RN/EMT who has been the home health nurse for the recently injured Mary Zook. Rose has just seen her patient killed in a car bombing and it soon becomes evident that someone wants Rose dead as well. Several years previously Rose had saved Jake Zook's life in the accident in which he was paralyzed. She becomes Jake's friend but doesn't tell him she is the one who sat with him until the paramedics arrived. Jake thinks himself of not worthy of the love of his kind woman and resists any effort at a relationship. He feels particularly helpless when he's unable to protect Rose from whoever is stalking her. But Rose is harboring guilt of her own - she can't forgive herself for causing the death of her father and sister many years previously. Jake, who has left his Amish roots is not a believer at all, while Rose cannot wholly give her heart until she learns to forgive herself. Two subplots add depth to this story -- the first of an Amish teenager who has moved in with her grandparents after becoming pregnant and now lives there with her infant son who is very ill with heart problems. The second subplot deals with Esther, a young woman who has moved in with the Zook family to help out while Mary Zook recovers from injuries sustained in fall, and the Zook's son Elam - who is pining away for a woman he cannot have and is blind to the lovely Esther who loves him.For readers who like those wounded heroes, there isn't a better one than Jake Zook. What a wonderful couple Jake and Rose make - but will his belief that he is not worthy keep them from the happiness they deserve? This is one series I hated to see end - even after reading them one after another. I will definitely be on the look out for other books by this talented author.

I loved this book. The mystery wasn't that mysterious, but the love story was what made the book so good. I appreciated the way the hero, who was in wheelchair, was portrayed in a very positive manner. I would ask him to marry me if I could! The author also deals with the Amish in a very sensitive way that shows she respects them and their beliefs. The heroine was a feisty nurse, who wasn't afraid to fight for her man. It was a bit difficult to get used to the story being written in first person by the heroine, since that isn't the norm for most books and made it seem kind of old-fashioned at first, but it grew on me. I would love to read more books by this author and I know I will will re-read this book many times. The religious issues were handled in a straight-forward but not "preachy" way. Can't say enough good about this book!