The Atonement

The Atonement
Beverly Lewis

Book Summary: he mistakes of the past haunt Lucy Flaud, who years ago stopped attending the activities for courting-age young people in her hometown of Bird-in-Hand. Now twenty-five and solidly past the age of Amish courtship, Lucy has given up any hope of marriage, instead focusing her efforts on volunteering in both the Plain and fancy communities of Lancaster County. Yet no matter how hard Lucy strives, she feels uncertain that she'll ever find redemption. Dale Wyeth has a deep mistrust of modern-day "advances" and the dependency they create. The young Englisher's interest in living off the grid is fueled further when he meets Christian Flaud, Lucy's father. Dale appreciates the self-sufficient ways of the Old Order Amish, and Christian invites him to learn more about them by staying at the family farm. As Christian and Dale grow closer, developing a father-son rapport, Lucy begins to question what Dale's being there might mean for her. Could God be testing her? Or is it possible that even the most unworthy heart--and two people from very different walks of life--can somehow find a new beginning?

Review: I love Beverly Lewis and her books. I liked Lucy and felt great empathy for her. She had a multitude of reasons to be lost. Even though there were problems within the family with decisions and communication I found that all were tolerable to really likable. The tension about families moving to Colorado and those staying was unique. I find that the story flowed smoothly from beginning to end. I enjoyed the secondary characters, although I would have liked Tobe to have been in the story more. While his character was forth right, he was so likable and well written. Not perfect, but a true gem of a character.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bethany House for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Atonement by Beverly Lewis is a new Amish fiction novel. Lucy Flaud is twenty-five years old and spends the majority of her time doing volunteer activities (a lot of them) around Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Lucy is trying to atone for a past mistake (is such a thing possible). Her father, Christian Flaud is grieving (after three years), but only his wife knows what he is truly grieving. Christian starts attending a local grief support group where he meets Dale Wyeth. Dale owns a local hardware store and is looking for a simpler life style (off the grid). Christian volunteers his assistance (to teach him) and Dale starts spending time around the Flaud farm. Slowly, Lucy gets to know Dale and they become friends. People are worried, though, that the friendship will lead to more. The family is experiencing some issues with the twins, Lettie and Faye. They are enjoying their rumspringa, but they are taking it too far (and the parents are afraid to step in for fear it will push the girls away from the Amish community). Lettie is also not helping matters by continually questioning Lucy (prying and causing trouble). How will things resolve for the Flaud family? When will Lucy learn that forgiveness does not come from deeds?

The Atonement is not my favorite Beverly Lewis book. It had a slower pace (the book went on way too long) that I did not enjoy. The Atonement had a good message (about forgiveness) and it is an easy to read novel. I just felt that it was lacking (not up to Beverly Lewis’ usual standards). This will not, though, stop me from reading the next Beverly Lewis book (I have read all of her books). I give The Atonement 3.5 out of 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of The Atonement from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.