What a story the author has given us, one that affects many people, not always with the same illness, but we can put faces on this Amish family.

A young woman about to join her church and a longing for a family of her own, but with her limitations and days of non-movement, she is sure she will never wed and have her own family.

We also meet another woman who has given her heart to a man who is a widower and has a ready-made family, but she seems to put her wishes and desires aside to make his family happy.

I loved that we get to experience revival meetings, and our Amish girl is so in love with the Lord, and you want to be with her, but will her family and church allow her going to these meetings? Will she want to go out into the English world because of this?

This is a sweet read, and so many characters are brought to the fore front, and we get to meet and be with each of them and enjoy the time spent.

You will find this one a compelling page turner, and you won't regret spending time here!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House and was not required to give a positive review.

First Love is a wonderful Amish story. It takes place during the 1950's. The main character lives with her family. Her name is Maggie and she lives with a bad case of arthritis. Her mother dies before the story starts and her dad remarries within a year. The family goes through a real adjustment with a new mother . Maggie goes through lots of ups and downs to cope with her arthritis. It is tough to be Amish and have a health problem. She was invited by her Mennonite cousin to attend a tent meeting .Her father was not completely open to her attending these tent meetings. She went to get prayer for healing and also learned about a personal relationship with Jesus. The story is very inspiring. What will happen to Maggie with the challenges of arthritis in a Amish society? How will she overcome her challenges? This book is bound to be a huge success! Thank you to Baker House for letting me review this book and netgalley.

"Remember to seek the Healer and not the healing. Whether you're ever healed or not, Christ Jesus is by far the most important gift." (p 147)

Definitely my favourite Beverly Lewis novel to date. Maggie's health issues mirror my own so I was quick to connect with her struggle to understand God's purpose in it all as well as her frustration at not being able to do the things she used to. A coming-of-age story that includes an incredible faith journey. I love how the revival meetings plays a role in her spiritual awakening and how she applies that new knowledge into her life, blessing those she loves in the process. So sweet and hope-filled.

Lewis also tells the story from Maggie's stepmother's point of view. Rachel struggles to fit into her new husband's family. It isn't easy since the children are still grieving over their mam's recent death. She faces everything from wary reserve to open hostility as she attempts to draw close to them.

This is Beverly Lewis at her best. There's such a gentle quality to her stories even though they deal with the grim realities we all have to face in this life. Opening one of her books is like listening to a traditional storyteller. The words just flow and soothe and I can actually hear the distinctive voice of each character as if I'm right there. A heartwarming, inspirational novel that gives voice to those of us who live with physical challenges.

"Honestly, I have to remind myself that physical limitations can actually be helpful -- even liberatin' -- when my deepest longing is to follow close after Christ. It sure teaches me to pray without ceasing." (p 273)

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

good

This is a heartfelt sweet story about a Amish girl who has a debilitating chronic illness that limits her on the things she can do. Since her mid teens Maggie Esh has lived in almost constant pain that only seems to get worse as the years go by. She realizes her siblings will grow up, marry and leave home . Each will start their own lives and families but Maggie will never see her dreams come true. She wants nothing more than to live a normal life and do every day chores like her sisters do. Maggie doesnt think any man would ever want to marry her but she doesnt know that handsome Jimmy Beiler secretly wants to court her. She thinks he is only nice to her because of his kind compassionate nature.

The First Love is Maggie Eshs story . It takes place in Lancaster County Pennsylvania iand begins in 1952 and ends in the 1990s. Though Maggie lives in constant pain she is always thankfull for her many blessings and ever draws closer to her Lord and Savior. This is a book that I have wanted to read for some time. I was totally drawn in from the first chapter. I found the story to be sad but uplifting. It definitely had a beautiful ending. It was beautifully written by Author Beverly Lewis . It was very realistic and original. I loved every moment I spent with this book.

I recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction , Christian Fiction and fans of the Author.

I purchased my own copy from Christian Books . All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.