"The Last Bride" by Beverly Lewis

The Last Bride (Apr. 1, 2014) by Beverly Lewis.

For Amish couple Tessie Ann Miller and Marcus King, love knows no bounds, even though her father forbids her to marry Marcus. Though they know it to be unseemly in the eyes of the Amish and perceived as a rebellious act, they secretly elope and marry in the English world. They live as singles, being sneaky to find time to be a married couple. Tessie looks forward to the day when Marcus declares that they can tell their Amish community of Hickory Hollow that they are wed. But that day never comes. On top of that, Tessie is shouldered with knowledge which she wants to keep to herself, but will eventually become known whether she wants it to or not. Because, soon enough, it’ll show.

            Levi Smucker is a right good fellow. And Tessie Ann has held a special place in his heart of late, or so it seems from the attention he’s been giving her. Also, Tessie’s dad approves of the match. Has Levi taken an interest in Tessie out of personal interest or is he being prodded in her direction by one Ammon Miller? Not that it matters, really, since Tessie feels she can never love another. Besides, soon the grapevine will include Tessie, and surely that will scare away any potential suitors. Won’t it?

            Tessie’s sister, Mandy Yoder, has worries of her own. Married to Sylvan, it would have been expected that they’d already have started a family. And yet. Mandy is still not in the family way. It churns her insides and hurts her heart to see other young Amishwomen with child. And what of Sylvan? They do not talk much. He was not her first beau; Sylvan was her dad’s choice, and she followed his wishes. But where is the love? And why does Mandy feel so stifled in their quiet house?

            The “unthinkable” events are predictable, but that doesn’t mean the book is mundane. Quite the opposite, in fact, if you consider the thread that Lewis weaves through the story. The main character, Tessie Ann, finds herself in a plight that is technically acceptable, but she doesn’t have any proof for the People and is therefore seen as sinful by them. To read as her character tests the limits of her emotions and her strength of character is fascinating and heart-wrenching. The story is full of the faithful and compassionate, but it isn’t without the strict and unyielding.

            This contemporary Christian fiction story is another winner from Lewis. Despite the roiling and the turmoil, Lewis manages to write in an almost soothing way. Perhaps because you know there will be a nice ending and definitely because she’s an excellent writer. And, as a random aside, one of my favorite characters in all of these books is the Wise Woman, Ella Mae Zook. I want her character to be around, like, forever, because she is that awesome!

Other titles in the Home to Hickory Hollow series:

            Book One: The Fiddler

            Book Two: The Bridesmaid

            Book Three: The Guardian

            Book Four: The Secret Keeper