Reviewed by: Ceil Carey, Co-president of ECLA and long time book discussion leader

Introduction

Title: The atonement

Author: Beverly Lewis

Publisher: Bethany House

Publication Date: 2016

Format: Paperback

Length: 321 pages

OVERVIEW

Lucy Flaud has made some serious mistakes in her young life when she was engaged to an Englischer and considering leaving the Amish life. All that is behind her now and at 25, she feels marriage and a family are not for her, even when her longtime friend Tobe asks to court her. Who would want such a tainted woman? Who could forgive her when she cannot forgive herself?

Lucy fills her days with volunteer work at the food pantry, hospice, really anywhere she feels she makes a difference. But all these good works are simply ways to keep her from thinking too deeply about her past — and her future. At a local grief meeting that her father is attending, Lucy meets a young Englisch man interested in Amish ways. Her father is “showing him the ropes” but he is very interested in Lucy’s volunteer work. Is he also interested in Lucy as more than a friend? Will she make the same mistake? Or is she ready to move ahead spiritually and forgive herself?

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

4

Suggested Audience

Amish fiction fans, particularly teens and women.

Christian Impact

The main theme of this book is God’s forgiveness and forgiving ourselves.

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