Parting

Beverly Lewis has a true gift for writing. Other authors may try to imitate and capitalize on her success of writing of the Amish, but their quality does not come close. Endearing characters that feel like longtime friends, heart wrenching plots all with a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel, and with God's help. I cried and laughed and anticipated with these characters. Anyone would truly love these novels and all her others, too. Beverly is a woman of God and it shows in her stories. I have read the others and was so disappointed. Nothing compares to Beverly, once you have read hers you will never be able to stomach the rest. You won't be able to put these books down!

For me this was an important book. I had no prior knowledge concerning the Amish position on reading the bible. I had assumed that since they have given up the earthly world to embrace the plain world, they also read the word. I learned through the message of this book that the Amish do not read the word for themselves. The bishop's interpretation of the word is what they believe. Reuben's discovery of the word as he read the key to everlasting life is not through good works, but by embracing his belief in Jesus as the savior. As Reuben cherishes and rejoices the word, his fears and woes dissapate. He becomes born again of the spirit. Reuben's love for his wife takes a new direction, as does his love for his children. He cries for the first time as he hears the truth for the first time; Jesus died for us, for our sins. He learns about forgiveness and the power of individual prayer. Reuben wanted to share his love for others by sharing the word with all his family and friends. He and Manny want to start a bible study focusing on the books of the new testement. The bishop does not support their efforts. So the parting. Reading the bible for themselves becomes the parting of the Amish community. There are those who received the grace of God through their reading, and those who continue to join the bishop's Sunday services. So the tension throughout the community begins. I am anxiously awaiting for the second book in this series. I am awaiting to see where Ms. Lewis takes this thread. How the Amish resolve this critical threat to their old beliefs in the old world.

What a great book! I was never bored or confused with this one. Beverly Lewis has truly out done herself this time. I really believe her books are blessed by God, because each time I read them I feel closer to Him myself. I can't wait till the next one comes out!!

Beverly Lewis never lets the reader down. Within a few pages, the reader is drawn into the times, places and events of the book. The characters become as real as if the reader were there experiencing the joys, sorrows and adventures of the characters in the book. Another outstanding addition to my large collection of Beverly Lewis books.

Nellie Fischer is an Amish girl who is still getting over the recent death of her sister. Troubled by the unknown circumstances surrounding her death, Nellie tries to focus on her relationship with Caleb Yoder and the possibility of a future with him. Meanwhile her father has found a new belief, one that goes against the very traditions of the Old Order Amish. By becoming a believer in Christ along with his family, he faces the punishment of being shunned by the community. This affects Nellie's and Caleb's relationship as their fathers are on different sides of this debate. I was really excited when I heard that this book was coming out. First I love Beverly Lewis so of course I was thrilled that she had a new book on the way. But more important was the subject matter of the book. I have always wondered what exactly is the faith of the Amish based on? In one of my past reviews of Lewis's books, I questioned if the Amish are indeed really Christians. They seem to think that accepting Jesus is grounds for shunning. Seeing as how popular the Amish culture is lately, I want to know exactly what they believe in. So I was interested to see that this very subject would be the basis for this new series. And Lewis' came through and answered my questions with this first book. The narrative is very easy to follow, rich in detail. I could picture the characters going throughout their daily lives. I wish I could visit Nellie May's store and buy some baked goods for myself. There are some subplots that seem confusing such as Rosanna and the babies that don't seem to tie into the story at the moment. I was more interested to find out more about the circumstances surrounding Suzy's death and the way the church was going to handle the new wave of believers. I'm looking forward to continuing the rest of this series. If you're a Lewis fan you will not be disappointed.