It was hard to put this book down!   The three main characters, Dok Stolzfus, Bee and Annie were very different women in different seasons of life, but they were all “stuck” and resistant to change.  God used some very unexpected ways to open their eyes and move them forward.

Dok was a dedicated doctor in the Amish community of Stoney Ridge.  Her medical practice was filled with compassion and commitment.  She viewed house calls as essential and was concerned not only with her patient’s health but also their spiritual, physical and emotional needs.  As you can imagine she had a hectic life.  Dok was “stuck” in this cycle of activity and busyness, but it had become her comfort zone, her norm. So much so she had let marriage and husband take a back seat.  When a newborn baby left on the steps of her office, she could never dream he would open her life up to blessings she could not imagine.  

Bee Bennett lost her husband 18 months ago and is reeling with this heartbreaking change. In the midst of this struggle, she is diagnosed with breast cancer and must go through treatment.  So caught up in her grief she stubbornly refuses the help she needs for her horse farm.  Unexpectedly a fellow equestrian jumping competitor from thirty years ago shows up and offers to help.  One she felt cost her a gold medal by sabotaging her horse before her ride.  He does not take no for an answer and comes each day to care for the horses and take her to appointments.  She is angry at his intrusion but knows cannot make it without him.  Bee is stuck in grief and unforgiveness.  She never dreamed him coming back into her life would free her to live a new life.

Annie was a young woman, and receptionist in Dok’s office.  She was so painfully shy she could hardly look at anyone or speak to them.  She didn’t want to be “stuck” in this way, and she did try to overcome it.  Annie memorized scriptures, gave herself peptalks, and was very aware of her hinderance.  Saving a friend who had fallen in the ice opened her eyes to her desire to be an EMT.  The same incident brought romance into her life.

All three women experienced God healing them in unforeseen and surprising ways. A inspiring and entertaining read!

I received this book from Revell publishing in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions stated are my own.

Audrey is a young woman chasing the American dream, have all, do all, be all. Her life is stressed emotionally, financially, she discontented, and not happy. She feels that her big break is extremely near, then she receives a desperate plea from her great-Aunt Audrey for help.

Great-Uncle Dean has Alzheimer’s and Audrey must move them to an assisted living. This means preparing their lifetime home for sale plus caring for Dean. This is a daunting task all in its own, but Daisy and Dean are in their eighties. Audrey is caught in the middle. How can she tell them no? She makes plans to go for a couple of weeks to get everything accomplished.

Her return to Charity Falls, Oregon, is quite the departure from her life in California.  She is pleasantly surprised at the hidden treasures and delights of the small town. This forces her to slow down and look deeply inward and do some real soul searching, about her past, her future and what really matters in life. The true value of relationships, meeting the needs of others and so much more.

I was so impressed with the way Ms. Tosello expressed the deep emotions and thoughts of Audrey and Daisy. They were brought to life for me in a way I have never had an author do. Audrey is young, in the prime of life with so many choices and the future before her. Daisy is in her twilight years where most of her choices are being made by life.

I loved all the characters, but Daisy was my favorite.  Her faith in God was beautiful.  She had difficulties and suffered emotionally and physically but faced each trial with acceptance and courage.  Daisy inspired me with her focus on gratitude for what she had. There was even a part of the book I shared with some friends that were suffering. A beautiful, thought-provoking book. It touched me in a special way.

I received this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions stated are my own.