The Road Home by Beverly Lewis

Lena Rose Schwartz hadn't planned to leave her Old Order community in Centerville, Michigan. But then, she could not have foreseen the accident that made her and her siblings orphans. After her parents' funeral, her younger brothers and sisters are farmed out to various nearby relatives. But when the deacon in charge of the arrangements tells her there aren't places enough for everyone, she agrees to go live with her father's second cousin and his family in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Beside the fact that Lena has never been more than a few miles from home, she's never met the family she will now be living with. But worse than that is the thought of being separated from her siblings. How will they manage without her to care for them--especially eight-year-old Chris? And what about Hannes Lehman, the beau she was sure would soon be asking her to marry him? It was true that he was not the man her father would have preferred for her. Maybe that was what the deacon was hinting at when he said "a fresh start might do you good."

It won't be forever, she consoles herself. I'll come back as soon as I can to take care of my family--and to make a home with Hannes. But doing so may prove far more complicated then she ever imagined.

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About The Author







Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."

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My Review

The premise of this story is so very sad, and yet accepted as it is what faith is based on, but leaving ten children as orphans and then seeing what happens to them is hard.
The author has focused on the oldest, a girl Lena Rose, and you will quickly grow to love and respect her, but what a hard road she is put on. She is required to leave her home and family in Michigan and go and live in Pennsylvania and we follow her in her journey.
I found myself quickly torn as to where I wanted her to end up, back in Michigan, or with the new life she has found, and the new people who have come to care so much about her.,
A really sweet read that will make you think and sure not want to walk in this girl’s shoes, or maybe you will, she is an inspiration.
Once you turn the final page you are going to be longing for more, and if only!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.