Book Review: The Search

When worlds collide, can the truth set two young women free?

As a child caught up in a crisis, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision with far-reaching effects. Fifteen years later, when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge--the very town in which that decision was made--she is forced to face the past and discover how her decision has impacted so many.

Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm helping her intimidating grandmother Bertha recover from surgery. It doesn't take long for Bess to realize that her grandmother coaxed her to Stoney Ridge for an entirely different reason. But once Bess meets hired hand Billy Lapp, the summer starts to hold some promise.

Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.

Beautifully written, The Search is a skillfully woven story that takes you through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Immerse yourself in this heartwarming--and surprising--tale of young love, forgiveness, and healing.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Beth is an impressionable fifteen year old girl who is being sent to stay with her grandmother for the summer. Bertha, a force to be reckoned with, is a grandmother who had ulterior motives for sending for her granddaughter. Jonah is Beth's father, still grieving the loss of his wife Rebecca 15 years prior, and trying his best to raise Beth on his own. Lainey is the piece that pulls everyone together. Over the course of the summer, these lives will grow closer than any of them could ever have expected.

I loved the gentle and easy way I was drawn into this story. The characters were realistic and likeable, and I found myself lost in the simplicity of the Amish life.

I've been enjoying this series of books by author Suzanne Woods Fisher, however this one was a little different that her usual style. This story had drama and secrets and unexpected turns of events. I wish there had been a bit more build up to the more dramatic parts, but enjoyed them nonetheless.

I really liked the subtle references to characters from other books, as well. I liked having an answer to some of my "where are they now" questions.

The relationship between Jonah and Lainey was sweet and genuine, and I loved watching their love unfold. Beth's crush on Billy was cute, and I like how things turned out for them.

I loved everything about this book, to be honest. I find the Amish life to be refreshing and sweet and good.

If you are looking for a great weekend read and you enjoy reading about Amish life, then I highly recommend this book. You'll want to read the others in the series as well!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.