The Thorn by Beverly Lewis

From the back cover:

Two Amish sisters divided by one sister's impulsive marriage to an outsider.

Hen longs for the Old Ways she left behind...

Rose is unsure of her own heart--devoted to the bishop's rebellious foster son, yet courted by another.

The Thorn by Beverly Lewis is first in The Rose Trilogy. I have read many of Beverly Lewis's books; her captivating tales of Amish life are simply enjoyable. As a side note, it interests me to no end that there is a sudden uproar in all things Amish in the Christian fiction world. I must admit that Beverly Lewis is the only author I have dared to read when it comes to the Amish. Perhaps the others are just as good, but I refuse to divide my alliance.

This is one of Lewis's best. I assumed that I would be able to deduce the ending by at least the halfway point, as is usually the case with this type of fiction, but, hard as I tried, I could not decide how the story would wrap up. The ending was quite a surprise to me. The back cover, which I posted above, leaves the reader gasping and wondering and assuming. Don't make assumptions about this book, though, because you will most likely end up wrong. (Oh well, we all need a bit more humility.)

The front cover of The Thorn appeals to me. Knowing a bit about the Amish, I think the view of Rose with her Kapp on and her hair flying around is like a sign, a message. Amish ladies always keep their hair securely fashioned in a knot or bun, according to Beverly Lewis, but Rose's hair just can't seem to stay put. Foreshadowing, anyone?

I am often worried that I will pick up one of these Amish tales and read the same story that I read in the last book. But Beverly Lewis didn't mess this one up. The Thorn is an exciting, though-provoking book that touches on family values, loyalty, and friendship. You don't have to be Amish to learn a lesson from this one.