This exciting new series from beloved author of Amish romance Shelley Shepard Gray delves into the workings of three generations of an Amish family, where nothing is as perfect as it seems.
Aaron and Lovinia Keim have been cornerstones of the community for years. They live in the Dawdi House and their middle son, Peter manages the farm and main house with his grown son, Roman, and twin daughters, Viola and Elsie.
Viola has recently started a job at the Mennonite retirement home. She strikes up an unlikely friendship with Atle Beachy, whose only living relative, a son, Ed, is off living as a missionary in Nicaragua. While Viola understands the importance of mission work, she can’t imagine leaving her father in the hands of strangers. It’s not the Amish way, and even though she doesn’t know Ed, she doesn’t like him for how he’s abandoned his father. But when Ed surprises his father with a visit he falls for Viola and is determined to start courting her.
Even though Viola can’t deny she feels the attraction too, she has no time to focus on her feelings. Her own family has begun to crumble. When the family is cleaning out the attic, they come across a photograph of her grandmother—as an Englisher! Viola’s father Peter seems to be taking these newly uncovered secrets the hardest. As she turns to Ed for comfort, Viola realizes she has two choices: Marry Ed and go to wherever he is sent, or stay home and try to hold her family together.
Industry Reviews
"...stirs readers' hearts with an inspiring story of captivating characters." -- author Sherry Gore
"a pleasant read...will appeal to Gray's many fans." -- Library Journal
"...a whirlwind of emotions..." -- Destination Amish blog
Lovable characters and a good story, full of romance and suspense...a must read. -- Library Journal for THE SEARCH
"Will appeal to fans of Amish inspirational fiction." -- Library Journal
"Shelley Shepard Gray writes with honesty, tenderness and depth. Her characters are admirable, richly-layered and impossible to forget long after the story is done." -- Jillian Hart
"An Amish community backdrop adds homespun sweetness, with a focus on simplicity and family that's never heavy-handed...new readers will have no trouble starting the series here." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)