Book Review - Leaving Lancaster by Kate Lloyd

Leaving Lancaster is written by Kate Lloyd and published by David C. Cook.

This is a bit of a different twist on the Amish stories that have been so popular in recent years. Holly Fisher is a grown woman living with her mother, Esther. Her father, Samuel, was declared missing in action during the Vietnam war when Holly was but a baby.  Esther and Samuel had left the Amish community to live among the "English"  and had not looked back.

Esther and Holly have obvious conflicts stemming from secrets kept, a biggie being the fact that Holly's grandmother (Esther's mother) is not dead as Holly had been told. Not only is she alive, but she is Amish as well. Holly and Esther go back to Esther's family in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania for what they surmise will be a short stay. However, Holly finds herself more and more drawn to the simple lifestyle of the People while Esther battles inner turmoil. In the end, they find more than they had thought they were seeking.

While I found the storyline to be a compelling one, I didn't think that it kept me riveted to its pages. I found the shifting voice (Holly's point of view is written in the first person while Esther's is written in the third person) a bit distracting. That aside, the plot is good but maybe a little predictable. The theme of forgiveness is strong and heartening.

I enjoyed reading this book, but I didn't absolutely love it. It's just okay with me.