Christy J. (southernsassygirl) reviewed Listening to Love (Amish Journey, Bk 2) on + 180 more book reviews
Listening to Love is the second book in Beth Wiseman's An Amish Journey series, and it follows the story of Natalie and Lucas. Natalie is an English girl that we met in the first book, and she is a close friend of Levi and Mary. Lucas is Levi's brother, and the four of them meet every Friday night at Levi and Mary's house for dinner and fellowship. Natalie is drawn to Lucas because of his deep understanding of God and His Word, but they are starting to feel something more than friendship which worries everyone around them.
Eventually, these feelings do develop into something more, and then this story becomes one where you wonder which one is going to adapt to the other person's world and lifestyle. There are a few times when their feelings almost run ahead of themselves because they long to be together, long to get married, but everything moves more quickly than they are prepared for.
There were times during this period in their relationship that I almost stopped reading! The pace was just so rushed! I know it was done purposefully so that Natalie and Lucas could both realize that they needed to stop and take a breath, butâ¦.mercy, it's a little bit of a roller coaster!
This story was not just about Natalie and Lucas. Natalie's mother also needed some TLC after a horrible divorce left her bitter and spiteful. A new job (which she desperately needed) gave her life some direction, but something about her new employer doesn't sit right. She was in for a surprise that she didn't expect, and this made for an excellent twist to this otherwise ordinary Amish story.
I truly love Beth Wiseman's books! Every single one is different from the one before it, even if they are all set in the Amish culture. This one had an ending I didn't expect, and made me anxious to read the last book in the series â A Beautiful Arrangement. It's already sitting on my TBR stack, waiting for its turn.
Eventually, these feelings do develop into something more, and then this story becomes one where you wonder which one is going to adapt to the other person's world and lifestyle. There are a few times when their feelings almost run ahead of themselves because they long to be together, long to get married, but everything moves more quickly than they are prepared for.
There were times during this period in their relationship that I almost stopped reading! The pace was just so rushed! I know it was done purposefully so that Natalie and Lucas could both realize that they needed to stop and take a breath, butâ¦.mercy, it's a little bit of a roller coaster!
This story was not just about Natalie and Lucas. Natalie's mother also needed some TLC after a horrible divorce left her bitter and spiteful. A new job (which she desperately needed) gave her life some direction, but something about her new employer doesn't sit right. She was in for a surprise that she didn't expect, and this made for an excellent twist to this otherwise ordinary Amish story.
I truly love Beth Wiseman's books! Every single one is different from the one before it, even if they are all set in the Amish culture. This one had an ending I didn't expect, and made me anxious to read the last book in the series â A Beautiful Arrangement. It's already sitting on my TBR stack, waiting for its turn.
I enjoyed listening to this book by Beth Wiseman. This Amish story had a few twists that surprised me! Highly recommended!
Listening to Love is the second An Amish Journey Novel. It can be read on its own if you have not read Hearts in Harmony. I thought Listening to Love is well-written with developed characters and steady pacing. Natalie Collins loves animals and is pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine thanks to Mary and Levi Shetler. They sold the beautiful piano they inherited from Adeline and gave the money to her. There is a problem, though, preventing her from moving forward. She cannot give shots and the sight of blood sickens her. Natalie has developed a relationship with God thanks to Lucas. He has become her close friend. They meet each week at the library plus they have lunch dates and talk on the phone each evening. People do not understand that a man and woman can just be friends. Lucas has yet to be baptized, but he has never dreamed of leaving the Amish. As Lucas spends more time with Natalie, his feelings for her change. I could feel the struggle in Lucas and Natalie as well as their developing love. I like that each of them has a close relationship with God. Natalie's mother, Cecelia is having a hard time after her divorce. She has gone through her divorce settlement, maxed out her credit cards and her mortgage is behind. Cecelia has been getting money from Natalie, but that is her college fund. After attending a housewarming party at Mary and Levi's, she gets a job with Moses Schwartz, the Shetler's neighbor. Cecelia's dream job soon turns into a nightmare that disrupts the lives of those around her. I liked this addition to the story as it gave the story added depth and interest. I enjoyed seeing the changes in the characters as the story progressed especially in Cecelia and Helen. My favorite phrase is âListen to God and follow His lead.â Listening to Love is an absorbing story about family, faith, friendship, and love.
