The Atonement

The Atonement by Beverly Lewis is a new Amish fiction novel. Lucy Flaud is twenty-five years old and spends the majority of her time doing volunteer activities (a lot of them) around Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Lucy is trying to atone for a past mistake (is such a thing possible). Her father, Christian Flaud is grieving (after three years), but only his wife knows what he is truly grieving. Christian starts attending a local grief support group where he meets Dale Wyeth. Dale owns a local hardware store and is looking for a simpler life style (off the grid). Christian volunteers his assistance (to teach him) and Dale starts spending time around the Flaud farm. Slowly, Lucy gets to know Dale and they become friends. People are worried, though, that the friendship will lead to more. The family is experiencing some issues with the twins, Lettie and Faye. They are enjoying their rumspringa, but they are taking it too far (and the parents are afraid to step in for fear it will push the girls away from the Amish community). Lettie is also not helping matters by continually questioning Lucy (prying and causing trouble). How will things resolve for the Flaud family? When will Lucy learn that forgiveness does not come from deeds?

The Atonement is not my favorite Beverly Lewis book. It had a slower pace (the book went on way too long) that I did not enjoy. The Atonement had a good message (about forgiveness) and it is an easy to read novel. I just felt that it was lacking (not up to Beverly Lewis' usual standards). This will not, though, stop me from reading the next Beverly Lewis book (I have read all of her books). I give The Atonement 3.5 out of 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of The Atonement from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.