Deftly tempering the triumphs in tragedy with the joys of found family, Patterson’s second novel set in Paradise, a town in Pennsylvania’s Amish country (after Chasing Paradise), immerses readers in an inspirational love story. Mallory is a survivor of a horrifically abusive relationship, one stemming from her abandonment as a child and subsequent journey through the foster care system. Fleeing North Carolina from her abuser, she finds herself cushioned in the protective arms of people who only wish to help, despite not knowing anything about her situation. However, despite the offered generosity of her employer, fellow employees, and new friends, she finds it difficult to trust: “I’ve always had a hard time with trust…Sometimes it’s easier to believe lies, especially when there’s a picture that looks like proof.” That particularly applies to the enigmatic Eric, a young man who reminds her of the good in her past. Complicating her trust issues is Victoria, her employer’s niece, who sees Mallory as nothing more than a threat—and Eric as her own conquest. Filled with characters readers will both identify with and come to love, the novel closely examines the ripple effects of abuse and neglect not just on Mallory’s life, but on those around her. She’s aided by her burgeoning faith journey and the people who are placed in her path to serve as guides, friends, and examples. While a touch predictable, her relationship with Eric is still thrilling, especially as delicately laced foreshadowing urges readers to question what they know—and offers a delicious reward at the end of the emotional journey.
Hints of rich Amish culture thread through the otherwise English setting, blending the Plain sensibilities with more contemporary issues, while being wholly respectful of both. The occasional editing issue sneaks into the tale and may pull some readers out of the story. However, the novel’s overwhelmingly hopeful messages surrounding acceptance, faith, and second chances are sure to delight aficionados of light, clean, inspirational romance and have them eager for more.
Takeaway: Sparkling Amish romance with contemporary flair and faith.
Comparable Titles: Suzanne Woods Fisher, Kathleen Fuller.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
An inspirational novel about hard-won love finding its truth path.~Kirkus Reviews
Author has a gift for emotional description, that pulse-pounding realization that escape is needed, and the physical. Author also gives us rounded settings with plenty of sensory details to addrealism, and author brings our attention to some details that can berevealed,while others require our patience for well-crafted storystructure. Revelations are very authentic for aninjured, fearful character who must unspool slowly, and the author'sempathetic writing forms great logic in that.~Writers Digest
