And really, I enjoyed this book more than A Life of Joy.
Reckless Heart follows Lydia, who's suddenly overwhelmed when her younger sister Ruth is diagnosed with Leukemia. She reacts by alternately trying to bear the weight of the household on her shoulders and what she perceives as "lashing out/being disrespectful" towards her dad (her mom is at the hospital with poor Ruth). At the same time, she has to make a career choice and deal with a friendship with an English boy, a friendship frowned upon by the community.
Personally, I think the two subplots weren't as well dealt with as the main plot. While I didn't always agree with Lydia's perception of herself, I could understand her and I was hoping along with her that Ruth would get better. Plus, the characterisation of this household in turmoil was very well done, and brought the characters to life.
On the other hand, I think that the weight of the main plot crowded out the subplot. There wasn't enough space given to each that they could develop and honestly, I thought that the whole "school-or-bakery" crisis was a non-event. It didn't feel like a crisis anyway. But, the friendship with Tristan (the "English" guy) had definite potential. In fact, he was my favourite character in the whole book, a nice Christian guy who goes beyond the discrimination against him. It was a stronger sub-plot, but again, the resolution felt like a non-event. Perhaps more time was needed to build up the tension before the resolution?
All in all, this is an enjoyable book. The speech felt a bit confused at times (sometimes I didn't understand the Amish words, and sometimes I felt like the characters were speaking exactly like modern teens), but it wasn't a very big impediment. I'd recommend it if you're looking for a fiction book centered around the Amish.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
Thank you for the review!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading it(:
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I cant wait to read your new book Amy. Thank you for using the gift that God has given to you. You are amazingly talented with writing. What a mighty God we serve!!!! Thank you, Patti Abresch
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I thought this was a wonderful book and being that it is intended for YA readers..it is especially thought provoking for that generation in terms of parental control, God's will, self will and self discipline...Perhaps lessons to be learned..or perhaps the thought provoking essence of reading the book would be enough...
ReplyDeleteThere were times where my desires were so different from Lydia, and the book made me pause to examine whether my opinions were Biblical. Isn't that wonderful!
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I haven't read it as yet but i will read it that is for sure. love your books. thank you again for being given the pleasure of your writtings. Karen at khsmith97217@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading Reckless Heart, absorbing might be a better word, Excellent book. Thank-you. Susan Plummer..Phoenix, Arizona
ReplyDeleteI don't know how everyone found my review (Goodreads?) but thanks for reading it. If you like Amish-centered stories, I hope you buy/borrow this book and read it!
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