A Dream of Home {Book Review}

A Dream of Home {Book Review}

 

When I was at the library the other day, I was unable to find the newest book in another series I was reading. The librarian suggested a new (to me) author named Amy Clipston. She writes mostly Amish fiction which I enjoy, so I read the book A Dream of Home, the 3rd book in the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series.

When she moves to Amish country to find peace and healing, Madeleine finds a special community—and a special man—who pull her out of her solitude and into a new life.

Moving to Pennsylvania wasn’t in Madeleine’s original plans. She should still be in California and should have married her pilot fiancé a year ago—but death has a way of changing everything. Now the former Air Force flight nurse is living alone in Paradise, Pennsylvania, and working as a maid at the Lancaster Grand Hotel. She isn’t exactly a widow . . . but she sure feels like one.

Saul Beiler isn’t exactly a widower . . . but his wife is long gone. His eleven-year-old daughter, Emma, doesn’t know that her mother fled the Amish community—and married another man—but she does know that her dat is lonely, and that a pretty young maedel just moved in next door. Madeleine’s numb heart begins to thaw as she spends more time with the innocent and ever optimistic Emma. The stronger her friendship grows with the young girl, the more intrigued Madeleine grows about the humble, strong man raising her on his own.

But even as a strange attraction pulls Saul and Madeleine across a stark cultural divide, they—and everybody around them—have to wonder: What could they possibly have in common besides heartache? Will love allow Madeleine to finally find the home she’s been dreaming of all along?

So I haven’t read the previous 2 books in the series, but I don’t feel like I had any major missing pieces of the story. The author gave enough insight into current situations to explain what I assume happened in previous books. I hate starting in the middle like I did, but I like that I didn’t feel lost.

This is a story about two different worlds, separated by a single property line. I quickly began hoping the couple would each get past their own “issues” and see they could find a way to be together! I won’t give away the ending of course but it certainly didn’t wind up the way I thought it would.

The book was a great read, especially if you enjoy Amish fiction and history. I felt like I could see the scenes play out in my head and even hear some of the Pennsylvania Dutch words as the characters used them in the dialog. Plus, there are a few side stories and events to really round out the book.

I would definitely suggest getting a copy of A Dream of Home on Amazon today, plus I’ll be heading back for the rest of the series to see what I missed!

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