The Atonement

A Must-Have Novel from the #1 Name in Amish Fiction

The 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?

This is a heart-warming story about love and forgiveness and being able to forgive one's self.  This is a gripping story about the struggles of a young Amish woman, Lucy, who made some bad choices in the past and appears to be unable to move past the consequences of those choices. Almost every relationship Lucy has is affected by her inability to get past her past. I felt that the different elements of forgiveness - forgiving the 'other person', forgiving yourself, and, most importantly, dealing with the 'wrongs' you feel God dealt you - were well-developed and very relate able.

I heartily recommend this book!

I received this complimentary book from Bethany House Publishing for review purposes.