A Son’s Vow by Shelley Shepard Gray Book Review

 

Shelley Shepard Gray’s first book in her Charmed Amish Life series is set in the quaint Amish village of Charm, Ohio, and tells the stories of the Kinsinger siblings who are each struggling to find both forgiveness and love in the face of tragedy.

Three months ago, everything changed for Darla Kurtz and her family. Darla’s father was responsible for a terrible fire at Charm’s lumber mill which killed five Amish men. And though he, too, lost his life, the town of Charm hasn’t looked at her family the same since. Even Lukas Kinsinger—with whom Darla used to have a close friendship.

Now her brother’s anger at the town is spilling over onto Darla, and she has the bruises to prove it. The accident already cost five lives, but if something doesn’t change soon, Darla fears it will cost her—and her family—even more.

Lukas Kinsinger wants to mourn the loss of his father, but he can hardly find the time to breathe. Suddenly the head of his father’s lumber mill and responsible for taking care of his three siblings, he’s feeling the pressure. He has also never felt more alone—especially with the new tension between he and Darla. But when he learns of her troubles at home, Lukas knows he can’t simply stand by and watch. Someone has to help her before another tragedy occurs.

As Lukas and Darla attempt to repair their families, they discover something deeper than friendship growing between them. But will Lukas and Darla’s love be accepted after so much loss? Or will the pain of the past overcome any chance of future happiness?

My Thoughts:

I have to say that I had a hard time putting this novel down. Thanks to a day that was schedule free I was able to read it from cover to cover in a few hours. The plot and characters grabbed my attention from the first page. What a heartfelt novel that digs into your heart.

I love that this author steps out of the box of the typical Amish Fiction writer. In this particular book she deals with physical abuse, anger, and deep grief. Also, the love of family, friends, and community and the healing we can bring if we can forgive one another no matter how much we hurt.

The characters are very realistic and likable. A very emotional journey for all the characters that was truly complex stories of each character that lost a loved one. Shelley weaved the different characters together and their unique situations in a way that was heartfelt. I can’t wait for the next novel in this series. 

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Litfuse Publicity Group has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. In no way was I asked to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.