I've read almost all of Lewis' books for adults---been reading them for about 20 years now---and this is the first time I've given such a low rating. It makes me sad to do so, but it's true---this story, and the few before it, were just "ok".

Lewis' writing style has changed over the years. This two-books-a-year thing has definitely affected the quality of her stories. They're still good---but they're rarely beautiful anymore. They're much too rushed---too much telling and not enough showing. Very little character building---which makes me question the humanity of her characters. Why do they not show deep emotion---even if just in private?

This story, especially the beginning chapters, moved way too quickly for me. This made it difficult to feel the very heavy emotions that I should have felt at the tragedy that hits this family. Lena spends the next 200ish pages asking herself the same questions over and over and the last couple chapters asking herself a different set of questions, ad nauseam. I'm thinking of the series Lewis wrote 10 or 12 years ago with the girl who ended up being pregnant---it was like 5 books long and the characters were well-fleshed out. I couldn't WAIT for the next book to come out to see what happened. The last few of hers I've read, I was little surprised to find the endings turned out just exactly as I knew they would the moment the basic stories were established.

I know these matters are usually all in the hands of editors and agents---so applicable parties, take note! Authors should become more endearing over time, their works deeper and more impactful. Lewis is clearly the most knowledgeable and talented Amish fiction writer out there. Please halt the Harlequin train and let her write the deep and insightful works she's capable of. We miss the originals!

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57899

Good story, sadness at the beginning with an very good ending
Another outstanding book by Lewis ( )

The Road Home was my first Beverly Lewis book. So I don’t have anything to compare it to. I think if you are a fan, you will like this book. I like the way her character development, but found the story dragging a little in the beginning. The story picked up in the middle and was an nice easy read. The story was sweet, and full of innocence, love and family. When Lena Rose’s when her parents unexpectedly died, she was separated from her siblings. She had to learn to cope with not being able to help them and find ways to bide her time until she could come home at last. You can’t help but hope things turn out well. I liked the ending with its little twist. ( )

Sometimes location is a big draw for a book. I will read anything Beverly Lewis writes, but I was tickled pink to see that the novel starts out in Centerville, MI!! This is a place not far from me, and I looked for nuggets of familiarity. I was happy to see that the covered bridge, unusual for this area, merits a mention.

I was also happy to see the inclusion of the “Blizzard of ‘78.” Possibly mistimed to fit the story, the blizzard is infamous around these parts for its ferocity and unusual intensity, even here in Michigan.

Lewis has a warm, welcoming writing style that pulls the reader into the story and makes her/him feel part of the family or community described.

It can be easy to adopt the attitudes of those around you. Indeed, immersed in the world of Lena and her family, I first felt love; then heart-wrenching sadness; a strong yearning for loved ones, and desperation borne of that love.

I loved the way that Lena decides, miserable as she is, to “bloom where she is planted.” She has such a positive effect on others around her, even though her heart is breaking inside.

In her own gentle way, Lewis weaves her faith message seamlessly throughout the book. It never seems forced, only natural, presented in small, tasteful bites.
...”Lena wondered if she ought to pray about something so minor. Cousin Mimi likely would. She talks to God about practically everything...”

If you like Christian Amish stories recounted by one of the best, pick up your own copy of Beverly Lewis’s The Road Home. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinions, given voluntarily, for which I am entirely responsible. Also, I am not related to the author. ( )