Book Review: The Waiting

She was waiting for love--and found it in the most unexpected place.

Jorie King's life is on hold. She has been waiting for Ben Zook to return to Lancaster County. Waiting for him to settle down and join the church. Waiting to marry him.

But when news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie is devastated. She finds unlikely comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. Friendship ripens into love, and two broken hearts plan for a life filled with the promise of a fresh beginning--until their worlds are turned upside down.

With her realistic characters whose weaknesses develop into strengths, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers a reading experience that rises above the others. You will love growing in spirit with these complex people living the simple life as The Waiting transports you into a world where things aren't as simple as they seem.

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I fell in love with this book right from the first few pages.

Jorie is a schoolteacher, determined to teach her students everything they need to know to pass an important test in the Spring. She is in love with Ben, certain that once he returns home from the war he will be ready to marry her.

Caleb is a father, and raising his younger brother in the wake of his parents' deaths. He is a pillar in his community, looked up to and respected by all.

When tragedy befalls both Jorie and Caleb, they slowly begin to fall in love with one another. I found myself rooting for them, excited for their future. But just as they are set to begin a life together there is a shocking turn of events. I was quickly flipping the pages to see how the story would play out.

This is a gentle love story with the Amish life as a beautiful backdrop. I adore everything I have learned about the Amish, and am completely in love with their gentle and simple way of life.

The author is wonderfully gifted in how she creates realistic and likeable characters. Each character is developed so well that you can almost hear them when they speak, and picture them in real life. I love a book that sucks me in like this one did.

If you're looking for a great read, I can't recommend this one strongly enough. It's just lovely.