About the book:
For years Marie Bachmann thought of herself as the “good” daughter. She was the most loving to their mother, the most dedicated to their Amish way of life. But when a Mennonite farmhand, Gordon Martin, shows interest in her she can’t help but be flattered–until her mother sends her off to Florida. While there, Marie begins spending time with bad-boy Eli Jacob, the bishop’s son from back home.
When Gordon shows up in Florida to volunteer in a homeless shelter, her life becomes even more complicated. At the same time her aunt begins telling her of a Civil War-era ancestor and the woman’s uncommon bravery . . . a story that begins to work at Marie’s heart.
Marie hopes returning home may simplify life, but Eli soon follows. As Marie grapples with whether she should court Eli or leave the church for Gordon, the story of Annie Bachmann shines a light on what God has for Marie’s future.
My thoughts:
Amish and Historical fiction with a dual time line! Why yes, I do love all three, especially when they’re as masterfully combined as they are in this novel. With the authors descriptive storytelling and her strong character development I quickly became caught up in the lives of Marie Bachmann in 2013 and Annie Bachmann in 1863.
Marie was difficult for me to like at first because I perceived her to be self-righteous but I soon realized that she wanted what other women her age and in her community wanted which is a husband and family of her own. She had been the perfect Amish daughter, never leaving her family unlike some of her siblings, helping out in her district when needed, but she still hadn’t received the marriage proposal she wanted.
I started to like Marie so much more when she went with her Aenti Suz to Pinecraft and learned more about her ancestor, Annie. I loved Annie from the moment I met her and wished that her story had been a stand alone because I loved the time period, her selflessness and her bravery. The author wrote both time lines so that they connected beautifully and I was more than satisfied with both of the protagonists stories and felt they were complete.
I want to mention the other element of this book that I liked and that is the Mennonite friends and neighbors we meet in Lancaster County and Pinecraft. There are several secondary characters that were interesting and I enjoyed getting to know them, too.
The other thing I can say about this must read book is that it will definitely be on my top ten favorites this year.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.
Two Girls and A Book 