Title: Steadfast Mercy by Ruth Reid
Amish Mercies Series Book Three
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
She’d told herself she’d never go back home. But that was before the accident—before life changed forever.
After the tragic death of her parents, Jonica Muller must return to the Amish community she left in shame. Tasked with settling her father’s estate, she plans to keep her visit as brief as possible so she can return to start a life with Ephraim, a widower who has offered her and her five-year-old son the stability of a family.
But Jonica’s childhood home in Posen, Michigan, won’t let her go so quickly. Her father’s sister, Aenti Edna, is showing signs of a slipping mind. To Jonica’s alarm, Edna’s begun entertaining a mysterious redheaded Englischer who has unclear intentions toward the aging woman and the Mullers’ property.
Caleb is a young farmer working Edna’s land, trying to hide his own secret shame from his family and his girlfriend, Darleen. But when Jonica asks him to come to Edna’s aid, she unwittingly sets events in motion that change everyone’s ability to live in the shadows of their lives.
Steadfast Mercy is a tender love story at the intersection of heartbreak, forgiveness, and grace.
Review:
Steadfast Mercy by Ruth Reid is a heartfelt Amish romance of healing, forgiveness and love. Although this newest release is the third novel in the Amish Mercies series, it can be read as a standalone.
Jonica Muller and her 5 year old son Stephen return to her hometown of Posen, MI following the heartrending deaths of her parents. Her Aenti Edna lives in the family home but she would like to sell the farm and move in with her sister. Jonica is dismayed to learn her Aenti has befriended Mr. Jordan an Englischer and she has also allowed Caleb Schulmann to plant his crops in her fields. Jonica remains suspicious of Mr. Jordan and she tries to avoid Caleb as much as possible. Meanwhile, hoping to evade gossip, Jonica tries to keep her return secret from the rest of the community but a health emergency with Stephen means going into town. With news of her presence beginning to become known, will Jonica remain in Posen?
Jonica is still living with regret and shame from her choices years earlier. She also feels guilty about her parents’untimely deaths. Jonica is a good mom but she misses her own mother’s quiet support. She is worried about Aenti Edna’s memory lapses but Jonica remains conflicted about her plans for the future. Unexpectedly turning to Caleb for assistance, Jonica knows she feels more for him than friendship.
Caleb is no stranger to guilt since he blames himself for his brother’s death. With a new career change, he is desperately trying to win his strict father’s approval. Caleb enjoys spending time with Jonica and Stephen but she keeps him at arms’ length. She is also very reluctant to reveal any information about herself or Stephen. Just as they are growing closer, outside forces and misunderstandings threaten to derail their budding romance.
Steadfast Mercy is a delightful Amish romance with an appealing cast of characters and well-developed storyline. Caleb and Jonica are wonderful characters whose struggles with their past mistake are relatable. With a touch of otherworldly assistance and unshakable faith, Ruth Reid brings this charming romance to a heartwarming conclusion. Old and new fans of the Amish Mercies series are sure to enjoy this latest installment.
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