Kimberly T. (HeartsongChica) reviewed on 2/10/2013

Vannetta Chapman is quickly becoming one of my favorite Amish fiction authors. A Home for Lydia is the second book in The Pebble Creek Amish series, and I enjoyed it even more than the first book. Gabe, Miriam, and Grace reappear in this story, and take pivotal roles in helping Aaron and Lydia grow their relationship. This is good, in that I like to hear more about past characters, and bad, because I felt they took some of the story's focus from Aaron and Lydia. I enjoy characters who turn their relationship from "enemies" to friends to more, as the story progresses, and this is what happens with Aaron and Lydia. Some of the early confrontations between these two had me giggling. They are both flawed, beautiful souls, with burdens they each have to shoulder.

Vannetta's descriptions of the cabins and surrounding area are so well-written that I felt peace seep into my being as I read. The cabins remind me of Fall Creek Falls in Tennessee, and brought fond memories back to me. Some authors' books lack description of the setting in order to focus on the characters involved, but Vannetta's books immerse me in locations I'm not likely to visit myself.

Vannetta is not afraid to tackle tough subjects in her books, such as illegal drug use in this story, and the conclusion is well done. It isn't contrived or too far from what the real life consequences would be. The Amish may have different ways of living their faith compared to us, but they do have many of the same problems in their communities as we do. I'm looking forward to the conclusion of The Amish of Pebble Creek series later this year.

With thanks to the author for my review copy.

You can buy A Home for Lydia at Amazon or Christianbook.

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