Rebecca's Rose by Jennifer Beckstrand

*In an effort to spread the word about my favorite type of book - inspirational romance - I occasionally share my recommendations for books in this genre.

Rebecca's Rose by Jennifer Beckstrand

What It's About:
When his widowed mother marries an outsider, Levi Cooper's family leaves the Amish community and Levi is raised Englisch. But Levi's world is shattered when the only father he knows divorces his mother and turns his back on the family. In his anger, Levi causes an accident that alters his life forever and sets him on the path of self-destruction. Does the pretty Amish girl from his old community hold the key to his heart and his redemption?

With her mother so ill, Rebecca Miller runs her household, cares for the small farm, and watches after her younger siblings while her father, unwilling to care for his wife, is absent for days at a time working out-of-town jobs. Even though she feels trapped in her dismal life, Rebecca is determined to fulfill the promise she made to a dying friend. Englischer Levi Cooper, with uncommon good looks and a mischievous glint in his eye, might be the boy who can help her do just that. But will his secrets tear them apart or will their growing attachment lead to the loss of everything she holds dear?

My Thoughts:
This is the first Amish book I've ever read and I quite enjoyed it! It was interesting learning about the Amish culture - this book takes place among the Wisconsin Amish. I really liked both Levi and Rebecca, and the romance between them is sweet and deep and wonderful. I also thought the conflict these two have to deal with is difficult yet poignant. This is the second of Jennifer's books, and although I haven't read the first, I didn't feel like I had to in order to "get" this story. It's a great read!  

Find it here on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.  

Joy Journal (Not sure what this is? Read last week's post here.)

• Made two chocolate pies for Thanksgiving!
• Found a good historical detail in my book research!
• Put up our Christmas tree as a family!

Have you read any Amish fiction? Do you have a favorite author of Amish fiction?

Out of the Norm

Right now I have four books on my nightstand that I've started, am half-way through or nearly finished. This is not normal for me. I typically have to read and complete one book before starting another, although sometimes I can do two, but four? :) And you'll notice none of these are my go-to genre - historical romances! Here they are:

Two of these books I'm reading (or re-reading in the case of Jane Austen Ruined My Life - it's my pick for next month) are for the book club I'm in. This month's book is Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy. I'd never heard of this one, but I've found it to be a really interesting read. It highlights a handful of US Senators through the ages and the critical decisions that required them to exercise courage, even at the cost of their careers and popularity.

That's what I love about being in a book club - I get to read things I wouldn't normally pick up. Take last month for example when we read the fantasy thriller Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Fantasy isn't often on my to-read list and thrillers never :), but I really enjoyed the book.

So in amongst all the historicals, I find it's nice now and then to try something completely different. Like the four above. Now to finish them!

Do you read one or more books at a time? What's your go-to genre? Are you in a book club - if so, what types of books do you read?