Lydia's Hope

Starred review from April 29, 2013
Lydia Beachy, a young Amish wife and mother at the center of Perry’s first Lost Sisters of Pleasant Valley romance, lives a happy life of industry and spirituality with her husband, Adam, and their two sons. The tranquility is shattered when Adam loses his job and a secret from Lydia’s past threatens the harmony between husband and wife. With the love and support of their families, the pair navigate the complexities of growing together in love and faith. This beautifully written story is rich with cultural detail. Perry (Hide in Plain Sight) carefully balances the traditional life of the Amish with the contemporary world in an accessible, intriguing fashion, both highlighting differences and drawing parallels. Explanations of unfamiliar concepts are woven into the tapestry of the tale, allowing the whole to flow seamlessly. Strong characters are lovingly brought to life, illuminated with simplistic elegance.

June 15, 2013

Lydia Beachy was raised by her aunt and uncle after her parents were killed in an accident when Lydia was only an infant. When she learns that she has two sisters, one raised Amish and one raised English, Lydia sets out to find them. Meanwhile, her husband, Adam, has lost his job and the couple must draw on their faith to help them make the right choices. VERDICT As always, Perry shares the Amish culture in a manner that draws the reader in, with rich descriptions and even pacing, creating characters that readers want to see succeed.

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