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Pockets of PromiseBy Laurie Stroup Smith
Amish Contemporary Romance, Christian
Paperback & ebook, 200 Pages
April 30th 2020 by Vinspire Publishing
Summary
A young Amish woman—torn between two worlds and two men—travels to Pinecraft, where she receives wisdom and guidance through secret letters tucked into the pockets of a special quilt.
Mariah Mast’s best friend Josiah Weaver has concentrated his efforts on providing for their future together, but on her eighteenth birthday, Mariah finds herself edging away from Josiah and her faith. An encounter with police, a misunderstanding of intentions, and hurt feelings compound her confusion. Her grandmother sends her to stay with an aunt in Pinecraft and gives her a pocket quilt with handwritten messages tucked inside.
Thrilled to have her help at the bed and breakfast, Aunt Birdie introduces Mariah to a group of new friends, including Luke Yoder, a young Amish man who works for his father’s construction company. Spending time with him opens up a new world for Mariah. Her grandmother’s words of wisdom offer guidance as she makes a decision that will have lasting consequences for those she loves. Will she find fulfillment in Florida? Or does her heart belong in Holmes County?
My Review
POCKETS OF PROMISE is a sweet coming-of-age story where one girl faces an uncertain future and must try to figure out which path is right for her. It's a story full of family, friendship, faith, and romance. Recommended to Amish and Christian romance fans.
I think most of us can relate with having to grow up and make choices that directly influence our future... such as what we really believe, what to major in for college, who to marry... I felt it was easy to relate to Mariah in this way. We are also all tempted and all test the waters a bit to see what we like or don't like. For Mariah who has always lived at home and only known one thing her entire life, she needed a bit of freedom to see if that's also what she wanted for the rest of her life. It's a big decision. I felt like this story was portrayed her journey well as she tried to figure out her heart and which life was best and right for her.
I liked all the characters in this story. Mariah's family and friends all had roles to play in her story. I did get frustrated with Josiah who came across as a bit controlling. I wanted him to discuss things more with Mariah and for there to be a stronger connection between them in the story. I felt his character could have been fleshed out more. Luke felt a bit more real because he's on the page more. Both were good men, one with his future mostly secured and one still trying to figure out his dreams. The romance was sweet and heartwarming, which I enjoyed.
I thought the letters from Mariah's grandmother were sweet and heartfelt. It was an interesting aspect of this story that added a strong faith element, but one that didn't feel preachy. I'd love to be able to share equally perfect wisdom with my own daughter. I can already see how this quilt will play a part in future stories.
In the end, was it what I wished for? Overall, I enjoyed this story. There were some areas that could have been developed more, but it was a sweet, faith-filled, romance that was a delight to read.
Content: Some references to underage drinking, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
While writing Amish fiction and contemporary romance, Laurie Stroup Smith strives to connect readers with friends and family through her stories while inspiring her audience to serve others. She was named a Finalist in the 2017 ACFW First Impressions Contest and a Semi-Finalist in the 2018 and 2019 ACFW Genesis Contests. She has been interviewed by Loveland Magazine.
Before writing, Laurie earned a bachelor’s degree in both athletic training and exercise science and later obtained her master’s degree in health promotion and education. She now writes full time and lives with her husband and their two daughters in Cincinnati. For a week or two each summer, they enjoy discovering new adventures along the western coast of Michigan.
Tour Schedule
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Tour-Wide Giveaway
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