I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation was received for sharing this review and all opinions are my own.
Published by Thorndike Press on 2014
Source: BookLook Bloggers
Genres: Amish & Mennonite, Christian, Fiction, General
Pages: 493
CBA Bestselling AuthorsIn Beth Wiseman's "Always Beautiful," Becky Byler is eighteen, overweight, and overwhelmed. Close to taking her own life, Becky begs God for a miracle. "Always His Providence" by Ruth Reid finds widow Rosa Hostetler with one month to pay her taxes before the county auctions her farm, and too proud to admit she needs help. In "Always in My Heart" by Mary Ellis, Hope Bowman believes God is punishing her for giving up her firstborn son when she was a teenager.
How I enjoy the novels like this!
It breaks the monotony of a single author from time to time and allows you to see individual stories within a larger story.
I think it gives a bit of character depth that isn’t achieved by a single author.
This was a quick read and I enjoyed it very much. I’m pleased to have this book in my collection of Amish fiction!
About The Story
Always in My Heart by Mary Ellis:
Hope Bowman believes that God is punishing her for giving up the son she had as a teen. She carries grief and anger in her heart for being forced to give him away and also for not being allowed to share this event with her husband. He is understandably upset that she never told him of this child or the events surrounding the birth. God must make a work in the hearts of this family and bring them peace.
Always His Providence by Ruth Reid:
I think this was actually my favorite story out of the three. Rosa Hostetler is in danger of losing her home. As a young widow, she has trouble accepting the fact that she is actually a widow and is rather stubborn about letting the church know as she feels that she shouldn’t use the widow’s fund to help her pay her bills.
Her husband passed away and asked his close friend to watch out for Rosa. She is hesitant to open her heart to him—especially if she loses her home and has to move to her aunt’s house in another district.
These characters just came to life to me and I nearly wish that this tale had been a full-size novel!
Always Beautiful by Beth Wiseman
This story addressed an issue that plagues a lot of young women—worry about their weight. Becky feels that no one will love her because she’s a bit on the heavy side. She takes drastic measures and begins cutting out entire meals to shed pounds.
The truth is though, there are two young men who are both smitten with her—just the way she is!
Becky has to learn to love herself before she can ever accept the love of others. An important lesson for any young lady!
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About Beth Wiseman
Award-winning, bestselling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but she has also written several successful contemporary novels, set primarily in her beloved Texas, including Need You Now and The House that Love Built. Both have received glowing reviews. Beth’s The Promise is inspired by a true story.
About Ruth Reid
Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She’s a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children.
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