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About the Book
When a well-to-do family asks Sallie Riehl to be their daughter’s nanny for the summer at their Cape May, New Jersey, vacation home, she jumps at the chance to broaden her horizons beyond the Lancaster County Amish community where she grew up. Sallie has long dreamed of seeing more of the world, but her parents are reluctant for her to put off baptism yet another summer, and the timing is unfortunate for Perry Zook, who has renewed interest in courting her.
Though she loves nannying, Sallie has free time on the weekends to enjoy the shore. It is there that she meets Kevin Kreider, a marine biology student who talks freely about all he’s learning and asks about her interests, unlike most of the guys she grew up with. Time with Kevin is invigorating, and Sallie realizes she’s never felt quite this alive around Perry. Then again, Kevin is Mennonite, not Amish.
Sallie tries to brush aside her growing feelings for Kevin, but she fears what her parents would think about her new friendship. Just as concerning, however, is Sallie’s realization that her time in Cape May is increasing her desire to see the world, challenging her plans for the future. Has she been too hasty with her promises, or will Sallie only find what her heart is longing for back home in Paradise Township?
My Perspective
I have loved Beverly Lewis books for a long time and was excited to have the opportunity to read another. First off, she always writes beautifully, but also keeps true to Amish behavior and traditions. I don’t have to question what she’s written because I know she checks with Amish friends for accuracy and realism.
This story was not your traditional Amish story. The main character struggles with traveling, seeing the world, but still stating that she’ll stay Amish and take baptismal classes once she’s travelled. I enjoyed the storyline and the writing, however I struggled with the way Sallie’s character seemed to be wishy washy in her thinking. One minute she was set to stay Amish and just enjoy this one experience and the next minute it seemed like she was going to leave. I would have liked it better had she just had one feeling more than the other through the whole book.
Overall the story was good, especially for Beverly Lewis fans. She did a great job in balancing the scenes between Sallie and Perry, and Sallie and Kevin. I did like how that love triangle worked out in the end. Here’s the important lesson we can learn from this book is if God is leading you to do something, it’s best to listen even if it goes against the norm surrounding you. He has a plan!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.