review 1: I read this book in a day and a half because I was so drawn in by the characters and I wanted to know what had happened to Lindie. I loved how the author could make me feel as if I was there with the characters and I also could understand why the characters would do the things that they did. There has been only 2 other books that have brought me to tears and this will be the third one. There are so many points in this book that I wanted to cry and that tears did gather in my eyes. I loved this book and I can't wait to read the books that will come in this series. review 2: Ruth Reid is the author of The Heaven on Earth series. This book, A Miracle of Hope begins her Amish Wonders Series. She starts the book with a glossary of terms, helpful if you, like me ... moreare not familiar with the Amish way of speaking. Ruth is a pharmacist, living in Florida with her family. She, during her college years in Michigan, had cause to visit Amish farms and draws from this experience while writing her novels. In A Miracle of Hope the message of redeeming love, hope beyond all human imagination and restoration of body and soul are put before the reader. Lindie Wyse is living "a marred life". She has a secret, has been shunned by her own community and the consequences are about to become quite evident over the next few months as she must now face an arranged marriage with ready made family and fit into a small Amish community far from the comfort and weather of her past Amish home. She will face many challenges, not the least of Josiah's deaf daughter Hannah who has other difficulties as well. She will become an instant mother, wife and housefrau. Lindie learns she was not the only contender for Josiah's heart. Also, we know a small community will know our business and get up in it long before we open our mouths. This intimate setting is key to the story as closeness also means acceptance and belonging. Lindie will find this and a deeper faith through trial. I trust I've interested you in this book, not told you all. You will find love, miracles, hope and blessing in these pages. I enjoyed this book immensely as it is not my usual reading. It was a quick read and a blessing spiritually for me. It took me out of my daily difficulties into a world of the past and brought back lovely memories of my childhood as I too lived near Mennonite communities and still have works made by them in my home. It reminds me my life could be so much more difficult culturally. I see their faith as a simple faith, trusting God for all they are and have. It reminds me that is a good place to be, centered on Christ alone for all I have and all I will be. It's this message of hope I believe Ruth Reid wants to get across and she does so in this book. I will be looking for her earlier works. We all need a little comfort and hope don't we? less
