Book Review–The Bridesmaid

The Bridesmaid is the second book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series. The story centers around an Amish man and woman who for different reasons are not yet married. Both approaching their mid-twenties, they are considered past their marriage prime by their families and peers. They meet after a chance encounter on a trip to the shore and develop a strong attraction to each other. However, they live in different towns and their potential marriage hinges on an unlikely scenario.

I liked how this book focuses on a different theme than many Amish fiction novels – the difficulties and stigma that “older” unmarried Amish people face. I also liked how the author had their relationship develop based on correspondence; it created a unique element to the story.

Like most Amish fiction novels, the ending was not a surprise. However, the author did a good job of inserting plot twists and turns that make you think, “Well maybe…” In general, I think Beverly Lewis does this well in all of her novels.

Hickory Hollow, the setting for the book, is a more progressive Amish community in some ways, but still very traditional in others. I found it interesting when the main character, Joanna, described what Amish amenities her community does and doesn’t use, such as indoor bathrooms.

In this series, the books are not chronological, but they do take place in the same Pennsylvania town. It doesn’t appear that the characters overlap either; just the town. I read this book prior to the first book in the series, and did not find myself missing parts of the plot.

Overall, this was not my favorite Beverly Lewis book, but it was an enjoyable read with a plot that kept me wanting to ready “just one more chapter” at a time.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.