I grew up in a state that had many Amish people, so I was familiar with seeing them from an early age, in different situations. Some were more restrained, some were friendlier than others, but they always seemed to be at peace. I know now that their peace and contentment comes from a deep commitment to God and to their way of life. What's really nice about these stories is that religious faith is a natural part of the stories, and a natural part of the character's lives. It isn't intrusive as it tends to be sometimes in other books. Nobody hits anyone over the head and starts preaching at them, because that simply is not the Amish way. They speak of God and they think of Him often, and they pray, because they have a personal relationship with God. He is a natural part of their lives, and it's refreshing to see that treatment. We see that our characters are real women with real lives and real concerns, hopes, and dreams. The stories are simple and easy to relate to. I liked the fact that all three of the main characters appeared in each others' stories in supporting roles, although I would have enjoyed learning more about what happened to Miriam, the ugly duckling, after she began her romance with Seth, and I would like to know more about her sister Lydia who was widowed three years previously, and then meets the love of her life again. The stories are handled with sensitivity and respect for the Amish, which was really nice. Of all the characters, I was the most taken with Miriam, who grew up feeling ugly and unwanted after an embarrassing incident in her school days.
