April 15, 2014
Lauer ("A Simple Faith") returns to Halfway, the Amish town featured in the first book in the "Lancaster Crossroads" series. James Lapp is a farmer with a promising life and likely marriage to Rachel King until a car accident lands him in a wheelchair. Although Rachel stands by him, James knows he can never be the type of husband and provider he feels that she deserves, so he sets her free from their commitment. While supervising business on the farm, he finds a runaway English girl and helps her despite the community rules about "sticking to Plain folk." His father threatens to stop his physical therapy as punishment. James calls on his faith to help him heal, and through his prayers he realizes what blessings he has in his life--whether he can walk or not. VERDICT Lauer's fans and devotees of Amish fiction will not be disappointed by this stirring tale of faith and love, influenced by the parable of the Good Samaritan. Recommended for those who can't get enough of Beverly Lewis and Cindy Woodsmall.
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