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?