My publisher shared this review by Kris Anderson while I was on a road trip to Berlin, Ohio. I love her thoughtful words about Book 2, An Unexpected Gift. Thanks, Kris, for taking the time to read my book and to write this review!
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2023An Unexpected Gift by Diane Craver is a touching Amish tale. While An Unexpected Gift can be read as a standalone (the author provides needed details for new readers), I suggest reading The Amish Mother’s Secret first. I thought An Unexpected Gift contained good writing with realistic characters. The characters from The Amish Mother's Secret return and some new ones are added. Somone has good news to share with the family, but the news could upset another. Another family member is struggling with a difficult decision. I like how the triplets along with their biological parents go out of their way to help someone in need. We get to learn about the Swartzentruber Amish. I like that the author explains some of the differences between Old Order and the Swartzentruber Amish. The story has English, Old Order Amish, and Swartzentruber Amish. The point-of-view switches between characters in each category. I did find it an information overload in the beginning as the author introduced the various characters and provided their background (it was so much at once). It became easier as I moved further into the story. An Unexpected Gift has faith, love, forgiveness, compassion, hope, and grace. We also see the importance of accepting a person and not judging them. All things are possible with God. I am looking forward to the next book in the Amish Adoption Series. There is a recipe for coconut cream pie at the end. An Unexpected Gift is an expressive story with a lost love, a surprising blessing, an unpredicted decision, disapproving parents, nuptial upheaval, and a gracious God.
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2023An Unexpected Gift by Diane Craver is a touching Amish tale. While An Unexpected Gift can be read as a standalone (the author provides needed details for new readers), I suggest reading The Amish Mother’s Secret first. I thought An Unexpected Gift contained good writing with realistic characters. The characters from The Amish Mother's Secret return and some new ones are added. Somone has good news to share with the family, but the news could upset another. Another family member is struggling with a difficult decision. I like how the triplets along with their biological parents go out of their way to help someone in need. We get to learn about the Swartzentruber Amish. I like that the author explains some of the differences between Old Order and the Swartzentruber Amish. The story has English, Old Order Amish, and Swartzentruber Amish. The point-of-view switches between characters in each category. I did find it an information overload in the beginning as the author introduced the various characters and provided their background (it was so much at once). It became easier as I moved further into the story. An Unexpected Gift has faith, love, forgiveness, compassion, hope, and grace. We also see the importance of accepting a person and not judging them. All things are possible with God. I am looking forward to the next book in the Amish Adoption Series. There is a recipe for coconut cream pie at the end. An Unexpected Gift is an expressive story with a lost love, a surprising blessing, an unpredicted decision, disapproving parents, nuptial upheaval, and a gracious God.
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