The Wish by Beverly Lewis {Book Review}

~ Description

Leona Speicher got the "sister" she'd always dreamed of the day Gloria Gingerich and her family moved to Lancaster County Amish farmland. The Arkansas newcomers seem to be everything a devout Plain family should be, and Leona can't help comparing Gloria's engaging young parents to her own. 
Leona's cousin shows a romantic interest in Gloria around the same time as Gloria's older brother expresses his fondness for Leona--it seems likely the two young women will marry into each other's families, remaining close friends for life. Thus, Leona is shocked when the Gingeriches suddenly pack up and disappear after being expelled from the church for reasons no one will discuss. Despite Leona's pleas, Gloria goes with them, leaving more than one broken heart behind. 
When Gloria unexpectedly contacts Leona after a silence of several years, Leona makes up her mind to persuade her friend to return to Lancaster County and the Amish ways. Leona's new beau, the deacon's son, is alarmed when Leona decides to go after Gloria. Will Leona's dearest wish lead to her own undoing? 

~ My Rating

5 of 5 stars 

~ My Review

Ahh, this was such a satisfying read. :) I hadn't read any Amish fiction since...February? So it was great to be back in the world of Pennsylvania Dutch, horse drawn buggies, and simplistic living. I read the majority of it in three or four days, but if I hadn't had other things to keep up with I could have (and would have!) settled down and read it all at once. :) It had an engaging plot line, lovable characters, and an ending that allowed me to breathe a sigh of contentment and go to bed without a headful of questions. 

I know a lot of people think 'romance' when they hear Amish fiction, but this one really wasn't centered on that. Sure, there was mentions of a courtship and a sweet moment or two, but that was really all. :) 

> Leona was such a sweet, innocent girl! I enjoyed reading her POV and her loving concern for her friend Gloria made her so endearing. :) 

> Gloria was an interesting character. I wasn't sure what to make of her at first, but in the end I loved her too. :) Her struggle with what she wanted with her life was very realistic, and I appreciated how she didn't just wake up one morning and suddenly know what she was going to do – as seems to happen too often in books. 

> Tom was a super sweet guy character in the book. I loved he and Leona's courtship!! <3 And while I'm talking about Tom, I just have to mention Danny – Tom's younger, deaf brother. He was a minor character, only mentioned a handful of times, but I really enjoyed his parts. :) (By the way, I would totally love a sequel or a short spin-off story with him and Linda...just sayin'... ;)) 

> Orchard John... Oh goodness, where do I begin?! How he pined over *her* all those years shows how sincere his heart, and he was just such a great guy! I loved his name too. I mean, who doesn't want a cousin named Orchard John who takes walks with his girl and loans books? ;) 

And lastly, I just have to say that I loved the character of Dawdi Benuel. Such a sweet grandpa! <3 

Overall, this was an amazing book. I would heartily recommend it! :)

**I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.**