I am so happy to see March and spring. I'm a winter girl at heart, but frankly I'm happy to see this past winter just go. The only good thing that came out of being sick is I got to do lots of extra reading (when you sit at doctors for 2 plus hours you'd better have entertainment!).
I was so excited to read An Amish Cradle. This is a great book by four very talented writers with four very different short stories.
My son insisted my daughter "model" the book. Just like my life the women in these stories had their lives change with the arrival of a new little one. And things just don't always go as planned, like my "photo shoot". As you can see someone was not quite enthusiastic about it!
In His Father's Arm's by Beth Wiseman leads off the stories in the book. Ruth Anne has spent her whole life just wanting to be a mama. When her son is born with Down syndrome her life is turned upside down. Having two special needs kids I really connected with Ruth Anne. I think I cried through a good part of the story. Ruth Anne struggles to find peace and a place for her and her child. She meets unexpected friends along the way and finds strength she didn't know she had. Beth Wiseman did an amazing job with this story and I would have to say this is my favorite one she has written.
A Son for Always by Amy Clipston is the second story. Carolyn became pregnant out of wedlock with her first child, Benjamin. She has worked hard her whole life to make sure that he is supported. When she married Joshua and they found out she was expecting she is very unsure that her husband has room in his heart for her first son. She worries and worries because that is what moms do. I loved how this story showed that even in the Amish world they still have problems and are not perfect people. The characters were easy to relate to and a really great read!
A Heart Full of Love by Kathleen Fuller comes next. Ellie became blind in an accident many years ago. When she becomes pregnant her mom, who is already incredibly hovering, kicks into high gear. She insists her daughter can't handle twins and moves in. The tensions rise and it becomes a battle ground. I rooted for Ellie when she stood up for herself. But finding out the reason why her mom couldn't cut the apron strings was heartbreaking. Another home run in this book.
An Unexpected Blessing by Vannetta Chapman is the last short story in the book. Etta thought she was finished having children, but God had other plans. She finds herself pregnant at 42. She is missing her son David, who has left the community and also worried about the future of her farm. Will she ever find peace and be reunited with her son? This story was a great end to a really good book.
An Amish Cradle was a fantastic read with four very talented writers. Pick up, or check out this book! You'll be glad you did!
