Wendy H. (donkeycheese) - , reviewed on 6/28/2013 + 1255 more book reviews

Bertha Reihl is determined to get her son home, one way or another. He hasn't been home since his wife died in a carriage accident; taking his new baby girl with him to live in Ohio. She writes a letter to Jonas explaining that she recently had female surgery and needs Bess to come stay with her while she recuperates.

Upon Bess's arrival, she is surprised to see her Grandma looking very well. Once Bertha explained her surgery was to her teeth, she put Bess to work right away helping her with her prize winning roses. She made her living selling them and making jam, and the extra hands were helpful. Bess didn't like it much until she met Billy Lapp, Bertha's helper. But even though Bess, young at fifteen, has her first crush, Billy is in love with another.

Lainey O'Toole used to live in Stoney Ridge until she was taken into foster care when her mother died. Her step father was a drunk and eventually shunned, but on her way to culinary school, her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge. God has something else in store for Lainey.

Lainey and Bess become quick friends, but Lainey is afraid that Bertha may tell Jonas a secret she has harbored for fifteen years, a secret that will affect many lives. When Jonas comes to town to bail his mother and daughter out of jail (I won't tell you why, I don't want to ruin the surprise) he runs into Lainey and is instantly smitten. But Lainey is an English girl and Jonas is looking for an Amish wife.

Two romances, a family of secrets, the strong love of God and faith lead the path of a poignant and heart-warming novel. I read it in one sitting, I couldn't stop turning the pages to see how the lives of these charming characters developed. Absolutely captivating and heart-warming.

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