The Bishop's Son 

The Amish of Bee County

Paperback, ebook, hardcover

September 29, 2015

by Kelly Irvin 

• 368 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan 
• ISBN-13: 978-0310339540

Two men offer Leila two very different futures. Will she choose with her heart or with her faith?

Leila Lantz has been in love with Jesse Glick from the day she first saw him at his father’s store, but she can’t make sense of his intentions. One day he wants to come courting, the next he seems to be putting distance between them.

Jesse may be the bishop’s son, but his faith has been wavering of late. If he is so unsure, is it fair to give Leila false hope for a future he doubts he can provide?

Then there’s Will, Jesse’s cousin. He has been trying to keep his feelings for Leila a secret, but he also knows Jesse is wrestling with his faith. Would declaring his feelings for Leila be in her best interest or simply serving his own selfish desires?

Leila knows she can choose Will and be secure in her own future. But when her heart speaks, it’s Jesse’s name she hears. When will God make His will known to her? Could leaving everything she knows—even her own faith—be a part of God’s plan?

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading this story, getting to know Will, Jesse, and Leila, not to mention seeing more of the other characters in the first book in the series, The Beekeeper's Son. Fans will enjoy this book, learning more about the Amish settlement in the heat of southern Texas. Jesse is struggling with his faith, but still I identified with him. Leila was a sweet heroine, willing to help out with her family by taking care of Englischer's babies.  If you like Amish fiction, or Kelly Irvin's books, you'll want to read THE BISHOP'S SON. 

The story was well-written and engaging. I liked this one the best in the series, as I could identify with these characters and cared for them.  It was still a quiet, slow book, one that could easily be put down and read slowly. Not one that I buzz through in a rush because I can't put it down.  Recommended.