Seattle native Holly Fisher is smitten by Lancaster County, its simplicity and her long lost relatives. In the sequel to bestselling Leaving Lancaster, Holly embraces the Amish culture, learning to slow down to see what – and who – really matters.
Meeting the family that her mother had kept hidden from her, Holly comes face to face with her real life and blood legacy. She also falls for the charming Zach, a handsome Mennonite veterinarian who is everything she’s ever wanted in a husband: confident, kind, successful, and authentic. And Zach proposes marriage. Is this too soon? Is this the right choice? Mother and Amish grandmother think she’s rushing into too much of a lifestyle change. Holly is in love with Zach and that precludes everything. Until she meets an attractive Amish man. And an old suitor shows up.
Pennsylvania Patchwork is the moving, richly told story of one woman’s heart, her faith and trust, and the choices she makes. Never easy, but one choice can change your destiny.
Author Kate Lloyd is a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, PA, the inspiration for her novels. She is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. Kate and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest. Kate studied painting and sculpture in college. She’s worked a variety of jobs, including car salesman and restaurateur.
Pennsylvania Patchwork by Kate Lloyd
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
For the most part, I am one who absolutely adores Amish fiction. I have only been reading it for a few years, but there is something often quite charming and endearing about these books, and very rarely do I read one with which I cannot connect. In addition to this, it seems that Amish fiction is all the rage amongst authors. I think that it behooves a prospective Amish author to truly consider whether she can write a believable story that will draw readers into the simple, quaint Amish way of life.
As much as I wanted to like this story, I have to admit that almost from the beginning, I was rather turned off. It is true that I did not read the first book in the series, and possibly that was my issue. If you choose to read this series, make sure you start with the first book. I spent the first fifty pages or so trying to figure out who everyone was, and it was quite difficult. It was as easy as swimming against the current at times.
Now, don’t get me wrong. There are some pretty interesting moments in the book. It was clear that Kate Loyd had done her homework. She painted a splendid picture of Amish life and examined many issues surrounding the decision to convert to this way of life or not. And the trio of men who were pursuing Holly made me want to read to the end. I was also grateful to the allusions to Seattle and the beauty of Washington state. That is what first drew me to this book, as a matter of fact. I also appreciated the bit of mystery and intrigue the author inserted into the story.
I found the book rather vapid at times, and I did not like the ending at all. I am sure that true romantics out there would absolutely love the ending, but it just did not sit well with me. The author’s writing style was fine, but I just did not connect with the characters nor the story. I honestly felt that the Christian principles in the book lacked depth. In fact, I was horrified when one of the characters chose to conceal something she never should have. I realize that the author may be setting the stage for the next book, but I can only hope that she would have catastrophe in store for that character. I would have appreciated it much more if Kate Loyd had concentrated more on the faith of the characters. I wish this book could be more complimentary, but this book was more of a struggle than a delight. But realize that this is only my opinion, and my thoughts are possibly in the minority.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
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