The Judgement and The Mercy, books 2 and 3 of Beverly Lewis's "The Rose Trilogy"

RATING: 3 Stars (of 5)
Drama, drama, drama with the Kauffman family.  I was so excited to get this book and was thrilled to find both book 2 and 3 at the closer of the two libraries we visit each week.  However...I just struggled with it a little.  While it was interesting and kept me turning pages it was just so depressing!  Am I the only one who feels like trilogies that are really one long book seem to have a super downer of a book two?  It tugged at my heart and in general made me feel melancholy.  Of course, the writing was very well done and the characters developed...just not my favorite feeling to get while reading! It's an escape for me!







RATING: 3.5 Stars (of 5)

I was a little hesitant to read this after my experience with book two, but just had to know what happened to all these characters.  Getting through the first third of the book was a little difficult...another thing I've noticed about trilogies on book three is that they kind of drag along for awhile???  Maybe it's just me...Anyway, after the first third of the book things picked up AND started to get exciting and less depressing! In fact, I was pretty much thrilled with the way everything worked out in the end.  Not a life changing, knock me down sort of read, but a good one none the less. 

The Thorn, by Beverly Lewis..Book One of the Rose Trilogy

On a whim I picked this book up at our local library.  it has been several years since i have read any Beverly Lewis and I was concerned that it would not be an engaging as some of the books  have been reading lately . There was nothing to worry about...I loved it.

This story centers around two sisters.  Rose is the "good" Amish daughter, following the rules and loving the Lord while taking almost full time care of her invalid mother.  Hannah...Hen for short...ran off a few years ago to marry a handsome outsider.  A few years and a baby later, Hen is pretty positive she made the wrong choice in leaving.  But what to do now?  With a non believing, Amish disliking husband she is put into a hard spot.  Meanwhile, Rose is pulled between the two young men in her life.  Her loyalty to the Bishop's troublesome foster son is causing trouble with her beau, Silas.  How will this all work out??

I enjoyed this book from the very beginning.  Recently I had decided to only read at bedtime and nap-time so as to keep my mind focused on the work of my home.  Well...ahem...I did pretty well until the last quarter of the book when I found myself sneaking off to read it or fitting in a chapter before the timer on the stove went off!  I have already requested the next book in the series from the library.  Awesome writing, exciting story...hurry up library and get me number 2!