About the Book:
Naomi knows she should be excited about her upcoming wedding but she remains unmoved. Not only are her feelings for her fiance lackluster but she believes he may see her more as a servant than a partner. And he’s so controlling. Is it too late to back out of the marriage? While praying for God’s guidance, Naomi takes a break from her duties as a quilter and travels with her grandmother to Pinecraft, Florida. Along the way Naomi finds herself becoming attracted to Nick, their Englisch driver and friend, and the two begin to fall in love. The journey soon becomes one in which Naomi explores her most secret dream for love. But can she veer off the “safe” path she’d envisioned for her life to marry Nick?
About the Author:
Barbara Cameron is CBD, CBA and ECPA bestselling author of 35 books (including an exciting new series Stitches in Time for Abingdon Press) including fiction and nonfiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.
My Opinion:
I do enjoy my Amish fiction and this one takes on two topics unique within this genre – at least as far as the numerous books I have read – abuse within the Amish community and an outsider falling in love with a member of the Amish and trying to decide whether a relationship can exist.
Naomi is engaged to be married to a young man who caught her eye at first but is now becoming more and more controlling of her time, activities and friendships. He has even started getting violent with her, He is, of course always very sorry and he finds a way to place the blame on Naomi. Her grandmother is worried about her and finds a way for the two of them to go on a vacation to an Amish/Mennonite community in Florida. What Naomi’s grandmother doesn’t fully realize is that their driver, Nick has very strong feelings for Naomi.
While on vacation Naomi works through her feelings for her fiance and comes to a decision. A decision he doesn’t like. Naomi also finds support through a local group of abused women. This is where, I think the book fell down some. This could have been a moving and useful way to educate and explore this kind of psychological abuse by Ms Cameron barely brushes the surface. I appreciate that this is a light, romantic read but it could have been dealt with in a less throw away manner.
Naomi is a smart girl and she comes around to expressing that strength in an incredibly fast turnaround. She goes from mouse to lion in about 4 pages and this was not realistic and it made the ending feel rushed.
I did enjoy getting to know these women as they worked at their quilt shop – I’m sure the first book built some foundation and perhaps the next one with add even more to the development of the house of Naomi, her cousins and grandmother. I will look forward to it to find out.
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Disclosure: I received a copy of The Heart’s Journey from Pump Up Your Book Promotions gratis. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.
