Arms of Love

Title: ARMS OF LOVE

Author: Kelly Long

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

April 2012

ISBN: 978-1401684969

Genre: historical/Amish

Adam Wyse loves Lena Yoder. He plans to marry her, and per tradition take her home to his father’s house. But when he goes to visit, her mother insists on talking with him, and claims she’s going to die with childbirth, but she will not die without his promise that he’ll release Lena until he is established and free from his father. Adam reluctantly promises, but figures that Lena’s mother is delusional and she truly won’t die, so they’d be able to resolve this issue and he’d marry Lena as planned.

But Lena’s mother dies that night, leaving Lena as sole caregiver to her younger siblings and a newborn babe, Faith. Adam sends a wet-nurse for her, but then pushes Lena away, so he can go in search of freedom and keep his promise to her mother.

The Patriots and British are both pillaging land and goods for the sake of the Revolutionary war. A simple walk in the woods can result in death. Lena is forced to turn to Adam’s brother, Isaac, for support, as Adam’s search for freedom may keep them apart permanently.

ARMS OF LOVE is the first book in Ms. Long’s Amish Beginnings series. I had this novel on my wish list for ages, hoping for a chance to review it. I've been a fan of Ms. Long’s contemporary Amish stories, and love the way she writes. I hoped that I’d feel the same about this book.

That wasn't exactly the case. The story begins with the death that seems to be mandatory in most historical novels. The writing is stilted, there is more telling than showing, and some of the writing is passive. I was unable to connect with the characters the way I hoped and had to struggle to keep reading.

I know that some die-hard fans of Amish fiction just eat up anything Amish and the historical setting of the Revolutionary war might appeal to the historical crowd, so this book might appeal to some. I’d recommend reading a sample chapter before you make your decision whether you like it or not. Discussion questions and a Bible study based on the novel, ARMS OF LOVE is included at the end of the book. $15.99. 320 pages.