The Promise of an Angel by Ruth Reid

 

"All Judith Fischer ever wanted is to marry within her community and raise a family. She longs for the day when her parents will allow Levi Plank to officially court her.  

But on the day Judith suspects Levi will ask her parent's permission, her younger brother Samuel has an accident under her charge.  Rushing to Samuel's aid, Judith spies a strange man helping him; a man she later believes was an angel.

When she shares her conviction with her family and close friends, she is shocked to find that no one believes her, including Levi."

I love reading Christian Fiction about the Amish!  However, I was a little leery starting this book, I wasn't sure what to expect with the "angel" angle.  I didn't know if it would be a book I would enjoy, or one that would leave me wishing I had never started it.

From the beginning, the author draws you in with the story of Judith and Levi.  Two young kids growing up in the Amish world, one having experienced "rumshpringe", the running around period before being baptized.  Levi has had many worldly experiences, and that has Judith a little concerned.  She is finally turning 19, the age her parents set for her to begin dating, Levi can now court her.  But, will he constantly compare her to the "english" girls he has dated?

Ever since Judith saw the angel, Tobias, her sister Martha has been stirring up trouble.  The community is worried that Judith is not mentally right.  Have her storytelling ways taken a turn for the worse?  How can she make up stories about an Angel and tell them to others?  They fear she is not only causing trouble for herself, but leading others to sin as well.  Instead of being a support to the family, Martha takes every chance she gets to make life difficult for Judith.  Will the 2 sisters ever mend their relationship?

The one bright light in Judith's life is Andrew, or Bishop Junior as Levi calls him.  He is Levi's cousin, but they are nothing alike.  His quiet ways have allowed a true friendship to blossom with Judith, he may be the only one who believes her angel sighting stories.  But with his father, the Bishop, forbidding any contact between them, can Andrew and Judith find their way?

I was beyond happy with the conclusion of this book!  I was not disappointed in my readings, would give this book 5 stars!  It is a must read for Christian Fiction lovers!

I received this book for free from Booksneeze and was not required to post a positive review.