I have almost all of Marta Perry's books. She is a really great writer.

This is the second book in the Keepers of the Promise series, and yes I loved the first book, but you can read this one by itself. We span decades while read this story, Amish in present day Lancaster Pennsylvania and the same place in 1953.

Life as usual does not run smoothly, but change is in the air in both time frames, and problems abound. The 1950s were a time before Amish had their own schools, and are being threated when they have their children leave school after the eighth grade. We have people being put in jail for their beliefs; you get the feeling that it becomes a war of wills. Both stories deal with family life, and after tragedy moving on with their lives.

We see people holding on to forgiving themselves; we find melding of the past lives with the present in the form of letters found in a much loved and used table.

We find our present day family trying to find peace between two brothers and the rest of the family, mostly the wife/mother of the older one. Struggles to bend the will of the other and find peace in decisions made on the spur of the moment.

I loved the comparisons of the lives, so different and yet so similar, I got lost in this book, and when it ended I wanted to keep on reading.

I received this book from the Author and was not required to give a positive review.

Excellent....Second one in a great series. Looking forward to the next one in series.

Every time I pick up a book by Marta Perry I wonder why I waited so long to read another of her books. They are definitely page turners. If you like heart warming and a deepening of a character's faith then Marta Perry is the author for you. Her books will always touch you. She will tug at your heart strings.

Judith Wegler does her best to heal the problems between her husband, Issac and his brother, Joseph. When her grandmother gives her an antique writing desk she discovers a hidden drawer with a stack of letters in it.

In 1953 Mattie Lapp worked to keep the Amish children from having to go to public schools. You will see how her struggles will help Judith with her faith and working to mend the rift between her husband and the youth that she has raised as her own son.

You are actually reading two stories in one. The struggles of both women will touch you. See how Mattie's life will encourage Judith and her life unfolds.

I received this book as an ARC from Marta Perry and read it in one sitting. She brings you into the story and you feel like you are in the character's place. I definitely give this book 5 stars and recommend it to anyone that wants a terrific read.

Two stories in one . In one Amish struggle to not have to send their children. to English schools when they enter High School. Takes an English Mother behind the scenes to under Amish Mother. Mothers do what is necessary to protect children. Second story a wife struggles to keep her. family together . She's married to one and raised other as a child. Both stories Mothers face. Highly recommends.