The Revelation

This book was one of Beverly Lewis best!! Once I started reading it I could hardly put it down until I finished it!! Then I was sorry I had finished it -- I wanted more!!

It's hard to find the words to explain how much I enjoyed this series and how it captured my attention and heart! It had a sort-of "Fiddler on the Roof" feeling, where Abram (and the Amish community) progressively relaxes its strict standards over the years without sacrificing their beliefs and traditions, beginning with the harsh shunning of Sadie and ending with the acceptance of the younger children becoming Mennonites and Abe's freer way of life. The Revelation doesn't stand on its own, but rather neatly ties together everything that was pending from the previous stories. Yes, new elements were introduced which could have been developed further (two examples: the revelation of, and subesquent relationship between, Leah and her natural father, and a more deeply detailed involvement into how Lyddie and Jake find happiness after it is revealed why they cannot stay together despite their strong love). Yet, it wasn't the author's purpose to expand this series into new directions but rather to provide closure to this lovely and often troubled family. After immersing myself into the lives of this family and community over the years through the previous 4 books, this purpose was very satisfyingly achieved. I couldn't help my tears from flowing as soulmates Leah and Jonas resumed their romance after 20 years of being unfairly kept apart by circumstances beyond their control. Their renewed courtship was very touching! I found the way they overcame the harsh punishment inflicated on Jonas to be too convenient, and it would have been more satisfying to have the younger and more understanding/compassionate Bishops and Preachers stand up to the unreasonable elder Bishop, especially after it was revealed why he was still intentionally keeping Leah and Jonas apart, but I suppose that isn't the Amish way. It also touched me very deeply how Leah orchestrated a solid reconciliation between the Mast and Ebersol families. This is a feel-good, inspirational series that gives insight into a lifestyle and culture that is kept quite private and is often misunderstood.

I thought that this book answered all those questions I have been holding onto since I finished Book 4. I am so glad to see all the sisters happy. Leah's relationship with Jonas has finally come to fruition and it's good to see her family so supportive of her even though she's waited so long to get married. I was also glad to see Hannah finally stable...she's been close to the deep end the last couple of books. It would be nice to see Beverly Lewis return to these characters at some point...I know she has a new series coming out in November. I can't wait!

What a nice ending to the terrific series of books by Lewis! The Revelation begins with Leah's long lost love, Jonas, coming back to Grasshopper Level and attempting to reunite with both his church and his never-forgotten love. Long-kept secrets must find their way into the open, old hostilities must be resolved, and new and old loves must be kindled. Lewis ties every thread up neatly, even if at times it does become a bit "preachy." Still, these characters have found a special place in my heart and will do so to anyone who reads these books. The character arcs over the series are believable and the situations they face must be overcome in ways that bring them to know themselves and God in new ways. Highly recommended.

Finally, the prayers of the Ebersol family are gracefully addressed in this conclusion to the series. Lewis leaves no loose ends in the grande finale where every secret is exposed and every question the reader has developed is finally answered. This book doesn't carry quite the same urgent feel as the others did, where previously we saw all of the characters trying their best to manage chaos and conflict by using their own will as they attempted to protect and save one another in the most imperfect of ways. Now it seems the Ebersols, Masts, and Schwartzes surrender themselves to allow God to handle their crises and answer their prayers in unforeseen ways. Ultimately, this is a lesson in faith and trusting God's perfect timing. It's also a very pleasurable read.