Home To Paradise by Barbara Cameron is a delightful Amish novel and I loved it. It is the third book in the coming Home series but can be read as a stand-alone.
There is the theme of fathers. Our earthly fathers may let us down but our heavenly father never will. The relationship we have with our own fathers may influence how we see God. "Sometimes he felt as if God had forgotten him." God never forgets us or ignores us even if it feels like it. There are father figures within the novel who do a better parenting job than blood fathers.
There is the difficult subject of domestic abuse. Abuse suffered as a child may have lasting effects into adulthood. There is a women's refuge within the book. Barbara Cameron shows how the women need love, empathy and time to heal. Mental health issues are complex. Our past can have an effect on our future as seen by the sufferers of PTSD in the story.
The novel shows the importance of animals to aid healing. There is a service dog in the story who helps in the healing process. Animals in general can produce a feeling of calm as they love unconditionally and we can tell them our hopes and dreams.
The Amish have a period in their youth called rumschpringe. The novel explores this difficult period where Amish and Englisch worlds collide and the youth must decide whether to join the church or not. For the Amish, church is important. It is not a building or an institution. It is more of a home where one is supported. "Home was church, and church was home."
There is a wonderful feeling of community. This is enhanced by having action set in the kitchen and around food. The reader feels included.
God's plans for our lives are the best choice we can make. "God's got a plan for all of us even when we can't see it." His plans are so much greater than our own. He is a God who loves us and wants the best for us. He knows our needs better than we know ourselves.
Within the novel the ladies are sewing quilts. This can be seen as a motif for our lives. Our lives are orchestrated by God, made up of scraps that when put together and viewed from a distance are beautiful. Our lives are planned. Our lives matter.
Home To Paradise wraps itself around the reader as one is immersed in the action. Escape for a few hours to Paradise... you will be glad you did.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.