The Forbidden

April 28, 2008
Book two of Lewis's series is exactly the kind of predictable Amish novel her readers have come to expect: multiple character plot lines, romantic entanglements, tension within the religious community, and at least one tragedy. Here, Lewis continues the saga of Nellie Mae Fisher, whose Amish family embraces a "New Order" personal faith that defies the "Old Order" beliefs they've always held dear. Nellie hopes to marry Caleb Yoder, but because of her family's change of belief, Caleb's father forbids him to marry Nellie on pain of losing his inheritance. Lewis capably portrays the struggle Nellie feels between the attraction of her family's faith and the yearnings of her heart. Other plot threads continue: Nellie's sister Rhoda is drawn into the modern world and its promise of convenience, excitement and automobiles, while a couple who have been given a set of twins to raise discover that their burgeoning interest in the New Order faith causes the birth mother to have second thoughts about their fitness as adoptive parents. Lewis's readers seemingly can't get enough of her tales about Amish life, and this latest installment won't disappoint.