Kara G. reviewed on 7/8/2013 + 82 more book reviews

On the back cover: Just As Hope Runs out the Door, Love Softly Peeks In

My Comments
What a precious book! A Wedding for Julia is the third book in this series, which is proof that the number 3 is a great number and that Chapman saved the very best for last (cant you tell already that I loved this read). Its been 6 months since Julias father passed away when her mom, Ada, reveals the news that she must marry or move away to live with distant relatives. Julia is horrified and devastated at this news, she has been devoted to her parents for most of her life and has no desire to move away but she has no idea what choice she has.

Enter Caleb..he has lived in the area for one year, is a hard worker, and has been praying for a companion because he has too much freedom and it has become lonesome for him. Then he has a simple encounter with Julia where he learns of her dilemma and everything seems to fall in place after that.

There is nothing rushed, unrealistic or shocking about this story. Caleb has his flaws, but he doesnt treat Julia with sympathy or criticism regarding her situation. In fact, he immediately grows attached to Ada and fits right into the harmonious picture they have as a family. I was also deeply touched to see the characters from the previous two books jump right in to help Julia plan her wedding like its the most natural thing to do without overstepping their limits or pressuring the bride to be.

Julia has no misunderstanding about the commitment shes entering into and she doesnt do so lightly. She seeks God with her whole heart as does Caleb. They communicate every concern to one another with respect and Caleb proves himself even before the vows have been taken. I admired his patience and his heart regarding Julias doubts and wants her to be comfortable with him in every area. He is a true leader, gentleman, and God fearing man that comes through for Julia, understands her, and supports her. I understood so much of what Julia experiences, although I didnt relate to the cooking part of her character, and I was pleased with her maturity and faith throughout the book.

My two favorite parts of the book are Ada and the Elliott family neighbors. Ada is aging quickly in the story, but has rock solid faith and understanding at all times. She brings more peace, safety, and support than I ever thought possible. The Elliott family are Englischers who have moved from Chicago to find a simpler lifestyle and they end up being Julia and Calebs neighbors. Their two daughters, elder son, and adorable dog enhance the story perfectly. They also bring healing and restoration effortlessly to Sharon, Calebs cousin who comes to stay with them. Between Adas scripture comments and the joy of the Elliott family: Caleb and Julia find a wonderful haven and family environment with Ada and Sharon that proves how blessed they are throughout the story.

When the storm hits at the end, I felt every bit of it! Any adversity Chapman writes about in this book only enhances the story as the characters overcome it. There is so much love, community support, tenderness, friendship, miracles, humor and healing in the plot but everything was balanced perfectly! This book really is hard to put down and the reader experiences every bit of Julias journey as if you were there with her. This book illustrates in such depth that learning to trust someone happens as you love them and God carefully guides that love when the time is right. You do not have to be a fan of Amish fiction to enjoy this book or relate to its characters. And even though this book is the third in the Pebble Creek Amish Series, its definitely a stand alone. It took me longer to read than usual but I was grateful not to rush through it so I could enjoy this wonderful community of Pebble Creek at its finest moment. I highly recommend this book to new and regular readers of Vannetta Chapman, it will give you hope and be an enhancement for all booklovers. The book also includes discussion questions, glossary, and recipes (the cinnamon flop cake sounds wonderful).

I want to thank the author and publisher for the free review copy I received, I was not required to write a positive review.

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