Publication date March 28,2023 Bethany House Publisher Print length 425 pages
About The Book
Ivy Zimmerman is successfully navigating her life as a young Mennonite woman, one generation removed from her parents’ Old Order Amish upbringing. But when her parents are killed in a tragic accident, Ivy’s way of life is upended. As she deals with her grief, her younger sisters’ needs, the relationship with her boyfriend, and her Dawdi and Mammi’s strict rules, Ivy finds solace in both an upcoming trip to Germany for an international Mennonite youth gathering and in her great-great-aunt’s story about Clare Simons, another young woman who visited Germany in the late 1930s.
As Ivy grows suspicious that her parents’ deaths weren’t, in fact, an accident, she gains courage from what she learns of Clare’s time in pre-World War II Germany. With the encouragement and inspiration of the women who have gone before her, Ivy seeks justice for her parents, her sisters, and herself. –This text refers to the paperback edition.
My Thoughts
This is very different from any Amish/Mennonite book I have ever read. And right there I applaud this because with so many books out there it’s truly hard to stand out and be an original, but this book succeeds. I have read every Amish book that the author has put out and am very impressed. I have not read her contemporary books yet, but I am looking forward to doing so.
This book interestingly enough takes place during two time periods modern times and late 1930’s.
Anyone who has read enough of my reviews knows how appreciative I am of a very well researched book that I also learn things from. This book fits those criteria.
2014- Ivy Zimmerman, a young Mennonite woman is adjusting to life without her parents after a fatal car accident. She’s also a carer for her younger sisters’ needs and coping with the strictness of Dawdi and Mammi’s strict rules. She’s also trying to figure out if she feels comfortable continuing her relationship with her boyfriend.
To leave behind some stress she is looking forward to an upcoming trip to Germany for an international Mennonite youth gathering.
1930’s Germany- We find out about a family member’s story that happened during WWII. We also read some history of the Anabaptists, their persecution and the things they have gone through during this time period. The German’s quest to find the “perfect people” led to a lot of disgraceful experiments and eugenics. Though this is hard to read about it is an important thing to talk about and not forget. The book has many topics for discussion which adds to its interest. The flow between time periods is an easy transition. We see strong women in both time periods.
There is a revelation of the truth, and it adds a vulnerability to this character which makes the book even more realistic.
There are ups and downs and many surprises in this story. I loved this story and kept me reading. My husband also read this story and enjoyed it as much as I did.
Make sure to read the author’s notes at the back of the book, informative and interesting.
Pub Date 28 Mar 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
The Giveaway
The author is generously giving one copy away. Sorry, USA residents only due to postage costs. Starts 3/31 ends 4/7 2023.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2f42aca11/?
The Author
Leslie Gould is the best-selling and award-winning author of over forty novels. She loves research, traveling, and church history. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon and have four grown children and one grandchild. http://www.lesliegould.com/
Thank you for stopping in today. Have a wonderful day and good luck.
Vegan Book Blogger 