The Thorn

Beverly Lewis, noted and beloved author of Amish series is releasing her newest book, The Thorn, today.  Bethany House publishers provided me with a copy and asked me to review the book and I was thrilled as I have long enjoyed Lewis' books.

Rose Kauffman, a spirited young woman, has a close friendship with the bishop's foster son. Nick dresses Plain and works hard but stirs up plenty of trouble too. Rose's sister cautions her against becoming too involved, but Rose is being courted by a good, Amish fellow, so dismisses the warnings. Meanwhile, Rose keeps house for an English widower but is startled when he forbids her to ever go upstairs. What is the man hiding?


Rose's older sister, Hen, knows more than she should about falling for the wrong man. Unable to abandon her Amish ways, Hen is soon separated from her very modern husband. Mattie, their young daughter, must visit her father regularly, but Hen demands she wear Amish attire--and speak Pennsylvania Dutch, despite her husband's wishes. Will Hen be able to reestablish her place among the People she abandoned? And will she be able to convince Rose to steer clear of rogue neighbor Nick?

This book had some characters not often seen in Lewis' books.  Hen truly wrestles with wordly things once she has a child and sees the destruction it is creating in her daughter's life.  And the side story with the English widower and his "secret" is very interesting as well.  Lewis' main characters often struggle between lovers and this book is no different but what is different about this one is Rose Ann doesn't realize she is struggling until it's nearly too late and you see just how naive and pure her motives are.  I also appreciated seeing the human side of the Amish bishop and getting a glimpse into his life as he confides in his friend the struggles he faces with his foster son.  This first volume of the newest trilogy had me longing for more, just as every time I read a Beverly Lewis book.

This book was provided to me by Bethany House Publishers, all opinions and comments are mine.