The Wounded Heart...Review

About the book:
When a business offer turns into something more personal, Amelia is torn between what logic tells her is right, and the desire of her heart.

A widow with two small children, Amelia Beiler is struggling to make ends meet. She is running her late husband's business, but it's not what she was raised to do, which is run a home. When she gets an offer for the business from Eli Fischer, she's only too relieved to consider it-especially when it looks like Eli's interest might include more than just the shop. But when she begins to experience strange physical symptoms and is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it's difficult not to question God's will. If she pursues the treatment she believes in, she risks going under the bann. But how can she allow Eli to court her when she can't promise him a future?

Includes instructions to make the quilt block featured in the novel.

Amelia Beiler never wanted to be a business owner, but after her husband's death, she finds herself running a pallet business.  When a medical diagnosis stuns her world, she is faced with the choice of pursuing a controversial treatment or submitting herself to the decisions and will of her religious leaders.  Amelia realizes that she must find out for herself if God's will for her is the same as that of her ministers.

While I very much enjoyed this novel, I admit to being frustrated at the men in Amelia's congregation.  I understand roles and I understand that men and women have different roles in families and in religious communities.  But, the utter disregard these men had for Amelia's well being and instead only being concerned about their congregation was a bit frustrating.  Of course, the story is resolved and resolved well, but at times, I really struggled with the attitudes.  Attitudes that I can only assume are correct, given my limited understanding of the Amish.  I respect their faith, but I can't begin to understand it.

I liked Amelia's spunk and her desire to do what was right not only for herself but right in the eyes of God.

A Wounded Heart is first in a trilogy about three friends. Amish communities are close-knit by nature, and here Adina Senft explores the relationships between three young women, each with her own heartache and struggles.  As Carrie and Emma stand by and support Amelia, they must face their own heartaches, both of which will be discovered in future books, and as much as I hate waiting for sequels, I look forward to learning their stories.

Thanks to Sarah at FaithWords for the opportunity to review this book.  You can learn more Adina Senft here. You can purchase your own copy here.

Read 9/11

* * * *
4/5 Stars

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