Typical book of Beverly Lewis, you start to read and can't stop. I love the book. When you read this book you end up in the Amish country and can feel the pain and joy of the caracters of the people in this book.

Beverly Lewis is a favorite author of mine. In “The Road Home”, Ms. Lewis tells the tragic tale of the Schwartz family, who live in Michigan. They are an Amish family with ten children. Lena Rose is the oldest and has been a great help to her mother and a loving caretaker of her younger siblings. She has a beau in her community and is looking forward to a life with him. Then tragedy strikes when the Schwartz parents are killed in an accident. Lena Rose wants to keep them together, but the Amish bishops and common sense tell her that she cannot provide a living for all of them. They decide to place the children with other families in their Amish community, but Lena Rose is sent to distant cousins in Pennsylvania.

At first Lena Rose is inconsolable at losing her closeness with her many siblings. However, her new family is very loving and cares for her as their own daughter. Soon, she begins to fit in with that community and is even becoming enamored by a young man. She denies this to herself because she believes that she is committed to Hans back in Michigan. Finding out that he is courting another young woman back home gives her the freedom to move on with her life.

Her community in Michigan keeps trying to find her a job so that she can move back with her sisters and brothers and they finally succeed. She longs to go home, but what about Arden, her suitor from Pennsylvania? Maybe all will work out in the end.

THE ROAD HOME is the most recent in a long line of best selling Beverly Lewis novels. I've read all of her books to date, and like most fans of Amish fiction, hers was the first I read.



THE ROAD HOME is written mostly in Lena Rose's point of view with a few in other male points of view, such as her dad's cousin Harley, or an uncle. None of the points of views are from the hero, though this is more women's fiction than a true romance. Lena Rose's journey home is the focus. The romantic relationship is not necessary for the story line but it is tacked in there to satisfy readers who want a romantic angle. And I have to admit I did find myself skipping ahead to find mentions of said hero and read about their romance.



For those who like it sweet, there is no sexual tension so it should satisfy the most conservative of readers. And there is a lot of Amish information set in both Centreville, MI (which is near Indiana) and in Lancaster County. Ms. Lewis does mention the difference in dress styles, kapp styles and dialects so she did her research. It isn't dwelled on though.



If you are a huge fan of Amish fiction and Beverly Lewis or Wanda Brunstetter you will want to read THE ROAD HOME.



This book is a LOT more telling than showing, but the story does get through and despite the wall between the character and the reader I did grow to care of Lena Rose by the end of the book.



I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

Following the tragic and sudden death of her parents, there isn’t anyone in the community or their close by family that’s capable of taking in Lena Rose Schwartz and her nine siblings. There are enough family members and other homes in their small Amish community in Michigan for all of the Schwartz children, except for Lena Rose. One of her father’s cousins offers to give her a home, so she winds up moving all the way to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This is a scary prospect, as Lena Rose has never been so far away from home and her family before, or even met the relatives that she’s going to be living with. So, now she finds herself not only grieving her beloved parents but also her separation from her brothers and sisters, and the community that is her home. She’s always helped to take care of all of her brothers and sisters, but most especially, her youngest brother, six year old Chris. She doesn’t know how they’ll all manage in the face of the loss if their parents and the separation from each other. And, will she and her new beau, Hans Bontrager, manage to continue their relationship , with so many miles between them, until she finds a way to come home? Even while Lena Rose holds tight to her desires to move back home, she learns that her new community in Lancaster holds charms of its own, and that there are many wonderful people there, too. Will Lena Rose be willing to open her heart to new possibilities?

I’ve loved reading Beverly Lewis’s books for many years, now, and The Road Home was no exception. Once again Beverly has written a sweet story with characters that you can’t help but love and themes that really teach you more about God’s love. One of the main themes in this one was learning to trust in God’s plans for us, even when things aren’t going the way that we would want them to, even when things seem hopeless and we don’t understand why we’re going through our current circumstances. Often, we want to take charge and make things happen the way we want, but we need to put our lives and situations in God’s hands, trusting that when He says that “all things work together for good to them that love God”, He actually means ALL things. I know that’s something I struggle with. I want things to happen my way and want to make them do so. But, it’s when I let go of the reins and relinquish that desire for control, that God brings about fat better than anything that I could have planned for myself. And, the path that He’s used to get me there has helped me to grow in ways that I could have never imagined. And, this sweet story illustrates this perfectly. I really adore everything about this story, especially the sweet, wonderful people we meet. I truly hope that Beverly writes more stories with these same characters.

First, the main character, Lena, leaves home, separating herself from her siblings when her parents are killed tragically and the elders determine this is the best way to care for the family. Knowing, from Beverly herself, how the Amish value family, it is with great sadness that I see the elders split up this family, particularly when the youngest is just starting his first year of school. Lena goes far away, to far to return home even for the holidays, when there is a blizzard where she lives.

Then, the love of her life, the boy she left behind, eventually breaks contact with her, and Lena learns through her sister, that he has started seeing another Amish girl. The two of them break their relationship and each goes a separate way. In a year that is full of the worst suffering ever, this happens, too.

The story's dark themes are relieved by several characters in the book. Mimi, Tessa, and particularly James Zook, add dimension and depth to the story. Given the circumstances, the book tends to move slowly as Lena works her way through grief of her parents' passing, leaving her home and family, and her future being crushed. These characters give her strength through unconditional love, their acceptance and recognizing the value Lena brings to the community.

The book ends well and I truly miss reading about Lena. That's what Beverly Lewis does best, draws you in, develops her characters into wonderful people with good hearts, and seasons it all with scripture.

Rating 3.5 stars


Good things do come out of deep sorrow and great loss...at least in time.

Lena Rose left everything she knew behind upon the death of her parents. The eldest of all her siblings, it was decided for her to go to her cousin's home. Leaving Michigan and her way of life was surreal and difficult. She not only left behind her brothers and sisters but her beau who promised to write to her often while she was in Pennsylvania.

Adjusting to her new home, she found serving others healed her heart. There were opportunities that came like visiting homebound relatives and teaching a grandmother to read so that she may be able to read to her grandchildren. It is in these opportunities that God healed her heart. Still longing for home, she met a friend that found Lena conflicted in the area of the heart.

Thru confliction, loss, sorrow and friendships, Lena made a journey of what home really is. The relationships that are built on faithfulness and compassion.

A Special Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

Lewis is one of my favorite Amish novel writers. She does another great job in this one. If you like to read Amish type books, you will like this one. As in all of Beverly Lewis books, you meet lots of different people and get involved in their lives as well.

Lena Rose Schwartz is the eldest of 10 children. When she finds she must leave all she knows, even family, Will she be able to see all God has for her even in her trials. Lena is a sweet, loving, caring sister who only wants to keep her family together.

The Road Home by Beverly Lewis takes us back to August of 1977. Lena Rose Schwartz is eighteen years old and has been courting Hans Bontrager for two months. She lives with her parents and ten siblings in Centreville, Michigan on their farm. Lena is surprised when two police officers arrive in the afternoon to tell her that parents died in an accident on their way home. There is no one relative or nearby family that can take in all of the children, and they are not allowed to stay in their home. Homes are found for everyone except Lena. Harley and Mimi Stolzfus, her father’s second cousin, writes that they can use Lena’s assistance. Lena has never been away from hometown and she has raised her youngest brother, Chris since he was born. It also means leaving her beau, Hans. Lena helps her siblings settle into their new homes and then departs for Leacock Township, Pennsylvania with the hopes that the move is temporary. Mimi and Harley are welcoming to Lena. Mimi has been lonely since their daughter, Tessa married and moved away after a quick courtship. Lena misses her family back home, but her new home has its own enticements. Which path is the right one for one for Lena? She will need to have faith and wait to see what the Lord has in store for her.

The Road Home contains good writing and lovely characters. Beverly Lewis is a descriptive writer. Her word imagery helps me to visualize the scenes and characters. There are good messages in the story. The importance of family, friendship and community for example. My favorite being that we must have faith in God and wait for him to reveal the path he has planned for our life (being patient can be difficult). Lena not only has to grieve for her parents but deal with leaving her siblings and the only home she has known. She then relocates to another state with people she has never met. When Lena is presented with a difficult choice, she must decide what to do (I do not want to say too much and spoil it for you). The Christian elements were nicely incorporated into the story (faith, prayer, God knows what is in your heart, trust in God, God’s will). I especially appreciate the message about using the talents/gifts God has given us to help others. The pace of the book was slow in places (those scenes would take me out of the story) and there is some repetitiveness (could have used editing to tighten up the story). The Road Home has an uplifting ending that put a smile on my face. I am giving The Road Home 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).

The Road Home Is another exciting book by Ms. Lewis - it is artistic, visual and full of Faith. This story is semi familiar to me. It is about a large family - and boy did I have a large family - but sadly this family was not as lucky. Why? Well that is something you have to find out for yourself. The eldest is the one trying her hardest, but unable to keep them together - or can she? Can she? That is something you have to find out for yourself as well. I tell you my heart was stuck in my throat with this book and my heart was broke in two. How do you feel at the end of the book? Complete or wanting more? Well now - that again is something you have to find out for yourself. But know Lena Rose and the other children rest in GOD's hands at all times.

The first book that I have ever read that made me cry within the first few pages. I loved the steadfast faith and unending faith of Lena Rose. Her love for her brothers and sisters shows a heart of gold and surprising end to the book that had me in tears again. One of the best books that I have read in a long time.

I love reading books by Beverly Lewis and this book is another fantastic one by her. Beverly Lewis brought to life this character, Lena Rose Schwartz. The book was one I couldn’t put down as I love reading about the Amish. Growing up near Pennsylvania as a young child, I have always been interested in reading about them. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and will want to read more about Lena and her family. I highly recommend this book for those of you who love any other of Beverly Lewis’ books.

I like to read Beverly Lewis books, and although I liked this book, it wasn't up to her usual standard in my opinion. The storyline was different than ones I've read lately. It dealt with the death and how it affects the loved ones. There wasn't anything wrong with the story, it just wasn't a page-turner or a book you cannot put down. It did get a little long in some places and I did skip a few paragraphs now and then. Overall, I did enjoy the book.

It was a Christian book, but not pushy. It dealt with the Amish faith and slightly explained differences within the faith from different areas. Would I recommend this book, yes. I did enjoy it. In full disclosure, I asked to read and review this book and was given an advanced reader copy ebook. This opinion is my own and is not affected by getting the book through netgalley.com.

After unexpectedly losing both her parents in a tragic accident, eighteen year old Lena Rose is having to leave her nine brothers and sisters in Michigan and live with family in Pennsylvania. She is mot heartbroken at leaving, Chris, the youngest in the family at 8 years old as she has helped raise him since he was born and their bond is as strong as a mom and son's bond. Lena Rose is also leaving her beau, Hans, behind and relying on a strong love to help her it alive long distance.

As she settles in with her Pennsylvania family she starts attending Singings with her new family. She meets Arden Mast, an eligible bachelor that wants to court Lena Rose. Will Lena Rose test the waters or will her love for Hans hold strong? Will she be able to find work back in Michigan to be closer to her family or will she stay in Pennsylvania?

Beverly Lewis is the quintessential Amish writer. She writes flawlessly with love and knowledge of the Amish community. Her stories are works of beauty.

In The Road Home you are transported back to 1977, before the internet and cell phones which the Amish usually don't rely anyway. Lena Rose had to depend on snail mail and the occasional long distance call home (emergency only) for word on her families health and well-being and the love letters from her beau. I could not imagine being that far from the only home I've ever known and not being to readily contact the ones I love. You truly do learn to not take your love ones for granted by having to wait so long in between contacts.

Lena Rose teaches the reader about loving others fully, patience, faith and making the best of the situation and place you are currently. No matter what is happening Lena Rose puts her complete faith in God and listens to his responses. I would love to be able to live my life without worry by putting everything in His hands. That is something I work harder at every day.

Sit back and relax and enjoy your time with a gentler community that leaves you with a smile on your face and in your heart.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Another good read from Christian fiction author Beverly Lewis!

Such a lovely, touching story by Beverly Lewis. The book begins with great sadness but ends with great hope. I loved all the characters, but especially the main character, Lena. Her love for and her desire to find a way to reunite with her orphaned brothers and sisters, even if it meant putting aside her all plans for her life, was the main theme throughout the book. Beverly Lewis is a master storyteller. This story is filled with faith, hope, and love. I was cheering for Lena all throughout the story and loved the ending. I’ll be reading this book again.

I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion about this book.

The premise of this story is so very sad, and yet accepted as it is what faith is based on, but leaving ten children as orphans and then seeing what happens to them is hard.
The author has focused on the oldest, a girl Lena Rose, and you will quickly grow to love and respect her, but what a hard road she is put on. She is required to leave her home and family in Michigan and go and live in Pennsylvania and we follow her in her journey.
I found myself quickly torn as to where I wanted her to end up, back in Michigan, or with the new life she has found, and the new people who have come to care so much about her.,
A really sweet read that will make you think and sure not want to walk in this girl’s shoes, or maybe you will, she is an inspiration.
Once you turn the final page you are going to be longing for more, and if only!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Beverly Lewis did not disappoint with this story. Lena and her 9 siblings lose their parents in a tragic accident. Lena being the oldest is too young to take responsibility for her siblings. Thus they are separated and she is devastated to be separated from them. She must choose to sulk or make her family proud by doing the best she can. Beverly Lewis gives her characters depth and allows the reader to be there alongside them.

THE ROAD HOME by BEVERLEY LEWIS is a charming love story that takes place between Amish communities in Centreville, Michigan and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
When Lena Rose's parents are killed in an accident leaving ten children, of whom she is the oldest, they have to be split up as there is no one who can take them all in. The young ones all find places in Centreville, but Lena Rose is invited to stay in Pennsylvania with her cousins Harley and Mimi until a job is found for her in Centreville. She is very sad leaving her brothers and sisters, especially little Chris, who she has virtually raised.
The simple enjoyment of life, the loyalty and strong family values amongst the Amish are well brought out in the story, and we also see the goodness of God towards those who trust Him. We see that home really is wherever our loved ones are.

This is my all time favorite book by Beverly Lewis! From start to finish, this book had my undivided attention. I didn’t answer the phone or allow any outside interference to interrupt my time with Lena Rose Schwartz.

The story is as beautifully written as I’ve come to expect from the author, but more importantly, the characters had heart, making them seem so real to me. My heart broke for Lena Rose as she had to say goodbye to her younger siblings after their parents died in an accident. They were a large family and there was not any one family that could accommodate all of the children, so they all must go to families that can care for them.

Lena Rose is sent far away from her brothers and sisters, grandparents and community to Lancaster County, Pa. She also leaves behind the young man who she’s planning to marry. What I loved about Lena Rose was her ability to fit in with her new community and helping her aunt and uncle that so kindly provided her with a home. It was always her plan to return to Michigan, which helped ease her homesickness.

As she became more engaged with the youth and started attending singings’, various gatherings and church, she becomes more attached to the community and her new friends. I was so excited when she finally had the opportunity to go home, even though I was just as conflicted as she was when it was time to leave. I loved that this isn’t necessarily all about romantic entanglements, although there are a couple of those, but it’s more about family and home. I respected that Lena Rose kept her promise to stay in touch with her siblings, while honoring her commitments to her new-found family, friends and having faith that it would all work out in the end.
I teared up a few times while reading this, but I was smiling at the glorious ending.

I received a copy through Netgalley and have given my honest opinion.

A sweet but sad story. I loved getting to know Lena and watching her grow spiritually as she dealt with her parent's deaths and relocation of all her siblings. Lena had such a sweet, giving spirit that can encourage all. I'm hoping there will be more books forthcoming so we can read more about the other siblings. Highly recommended!