Maggie is celebrating a significant birthday. Her 65th birthday brings on the memories of her past and her first love. Do not be deceived, this is not the first love between two people but discovering the love of God. Maggie remembers the difficult years that she lost her mother, her father remarrying, the family adjusting, and her health issues that kept her from being useful. She would lament, what use could she be to a husband and as a mother. When her cousin invites her the tent revival, she discovers God's love and it leads her to read her bible.

Ms. Lewis based her novel on the tent revivals of the 1950's that were held in Lancaster County. The story is really about faith. The type of faith that does not have all the answers, that you can't see, but trust in the goodness of what God has done and is doing. It is becoming aware of your need of the Lord. I really appreciate these stories of faith because it is our story too.

A special thank you to Bethany House and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

I have been reading Beverly Lewis' books for many years. I enjoyed this one as well especially about the tent revival, as my grandmother and great aunt talked about when they used to attend them. This gave me a little more insight into their history with tent revivals.

This story is about Maggie and her crippling illness as well as her family and all their struggles. Their strong faith and support of each other is what carries them through.

I received a digital copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

In The First Love Maggie longs to be like the other girls in the way of courting. With changes happening in her life she struggles but with the help of a revival meeting she changes her way of thinking.

I absolutely loved this book! Of course, with it being Amish, that is my favorite genre. You feel for Maggie, who turns 18 during this book, who has a debilitating illness. With her using a cane because of this illness, she feels as if no boy would want the added responsibility of taking care of her and she is unable to be the vibrant woman that a man would want.

She then goes to a Mennonite tent revival and gets turned on to Jesus. She is now reading her Bible all the time. She hears about healing and wants that more than anything. Will she get her healing? Will she fall in love and be a wife to someone special? You will need to read it yourself to get those answers.

It's the summer of 1951, and Maggie Esh is in need of some hope. Sweet-spirited and uncommonly pretty despite struggling with chronic illness, she is used to being treated kindly by the young men of her Old Order Amish church district. Yet Maggie wishes she were more like other courting-age girls so she could live a normal, healthy life.

To make matters more complicated, Dat has recently remarried, less than a year after her mother died. And while her stepmother is kind, Rachel is much younger than Mamm, and she simply doesn't understand Maggie or her illness the way Mamm did.

When tent revival meetings come to the area, Maggie is curious, and the words of the Mennonite preacher challenge her to reconsider what she knows about faith. Can she learn to trust God even when hope seems a distant dream?

Beverly Marie Jones (Lewis) was born in the heart of Amish country—Lancaster, Pennsylvania. At the tender age of nine, she began writing short stories and poetry. Prior to that, she made up lyrics to the "little fingers" piano pieces she learned, at the age of five.

"My mother saved everything I wrote, even the stories I dreamed up during my grade school years," Beverly says. One such tale is semi-autobiographical, about a young girl whose parents can no longer afford to give her piano lessons. The manuscript was 77 pages long and titled "She Shall Have Music," penned under the shade of a lone willow tree. "Reading, writing, and playing piano have been top three on my list of favorite things," she says.

Not until her own children were well into middle school did Beverly seek to publish her work, first in magazines such as Highlights for Children, Dolphin Log, and Guideposts for Kids. Her first book followed in 1993—Mountain Bikes and Garbanzo Beans—presently retitled Big Bad Beans (book #22 in the popular Cul-de-Sac Kids series of chapter books—see list of Bev's children's books).

The First Love became available for purchase September 4, 2018.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from NetGalley for this review.

The First Love by Beverly Lewis takes us to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It is the summer of 1998 when Maggie’s reminiscing takes her back in time to June of 1951. Maggie misses her mother every day and it is hard to see her father move on so quickly. Joseph, Maggie’s father, married Rachel just seven months after his wife’s death. Maggie has suffered from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since she was eleven and the debilitating pain keeps her confined to bed many days. Maggie longs to be like the other women in her community, but she does not believe any man would want to be burdened by her. Maggie could talk to her mother about her concerns and she misses her warm, understanding presence. A tent revival meeting is coming to the area for six weeks and Maggie asks permission to attend. The minister’s messages are meaningful and have Maggie thinking about God and his saving grace. The future is filled with possibilities and hope. Join Maggie on her journey in The First Love.

I have read all of Beverly Lewis’s books and was looking forward to reading The First Love. I found The First Love to a slow paced story, though, it does pick up slightly in the second half. There are numerous characters in The First Love and it is hard to keep them all straight. Maggie comes from a large family with aunts, cousins, siblings plus there are her friends, the tent revival preacher, and so many more. There are two intertwining storylines in the book. At times, though, the book was disjointed (lacked a good flow). There is Maggie’s storyline plus her family adjusting to a new stepmother. I could understand what Maggie was going through with her painful disease. The pain gets to a person and affects their mood as well as outlook on life. It can be difficult to get up and do things during the day. I thought the author dealt with the topic respectfully and realistically. The ending wrapped up too quickly and felt unrealistic. It seemed the author had reached her word limit and quickly wrapped up Maggie’s story. The Christian elements are predominant. Relevant scripture verses are sprinkled throughout the story that help Maggie on her faith journey. We are also reminded the importance of prayer (anywhere and anytime), God’s grace, leaving our worries with God, reading the Bible, and having faith. I liked to see Maggie grow in her faith and become closer to God. I am giving The First Love 3 out of 5 stars. While this is not my favorite book by Beverly Lewis, I am still a fan of her work who looks forward to her next story.

Packed full of emotion and Biblical truth, this latest novel by Beverly Lewis explores young Maggie’s struggle with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis as she comes of age. The First Love also reveals Maggie’s family’s struggle to accept their father’s new wife, less than a year after their beloved Mamm dies.
The reason I enjoyed the book was that it helped me see life from the perspective of people who have had a very different experience than myself.
Lewis carefully brings out the details of a disease like Maggie’s. Life is never predictable, health-wise, from day-to-day. Others may or may not understand the inability of one with RA to do tasks one day that they could do the day before. Bad health can make a romantic future uncertain. I learned to love Maggie and was especially glad when she takes a risk that changes her life.
I also really enjoyed the wisdom of Aunt Nellie. I am fortunate to have a godly person in my life with that kind of wisdom.
The camp meetings are an integral part of the narrative, yet I was torn, wondering if there was a way to get this most important message across without being preachy. It felt like the book was only a vehicle for the message at that point.
On to more positive. Having survived my own kids’ teenage years, I can identify just a pinch with Rachel who feels she is desperately trying to find her place in her stepchildren's lives, let alone hearts. What a tough journey she undertakes, so courageously!
Quotables I loved:
Aunt Nellie’s goal: “Her goal is to make one person smile every single day.” Definitely one of my goals.
“God won’t guide his footsteps unless he’s willin’ to move his feet.” God works best in those willing to obey.
And lastly, a prayer for my adult children. “I pray you never disdain prayer. It’s the simplest way you can serve our Lord, and suffering won’t hold you from it...”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own and no review was required.

Beverly Lewis is a master storyteller and I’ve enjoyed many of her books. I think this is one of her best yet. I loved the character of Maggie. Her sensitive heart and yearning to grow spiritually made this a compelling story. I appreciated the historical research that went into this book. I don’t think I’ve ever read an Amish story that included the Mennonite revivals and this added a great deal to of interest and depth to the story. I also appreciated that the author presented Rachel, who was Maggie’s stepmother, in such a positive light. This was an inspiring and encouraging story. The ending was perfection. Bravo to Beverly Lewis for giving us such a wonderful book! As always, I look forward to reading the next one.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

1951: It's a summer of change and acceptance. Maggie is learning to deal with her chronic illness and help her younger siblings accept their new stepmom. A Mennonite tent revival has set up in town and Maggie attends at the urging of her Mennonite cousins. Will the meetings bring her closer to accepting her illness and accepting her stepmom or will the meetings take her away from her Amish faith?

I knew very little about Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis until reading Maggie's story. JRA sounds absolutely terrible not to know day to day when you wake up on how you are going to feel and if you are going to be able to move or not.

I applaud Lewis for her positive stepmom portrayal. So many times we read stories of a terrible stepmom who hates her step kids. Being a stepmom myself it made my heart sing to see the stepmom as loving and trying to keep their mom's memory alive. Yes, there are hard times but with love and patience hard times can be overcome.

My favorite story line was Maggie's spiritual awakening. The thirst for understanding and believing was beautiful. There were a lot of biblical stories mentioned that I was not completely familiar with and has made me interested to read more of my Bible.

Lewis has written another story that reminds you of the beauty in the world.

I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

This is a new read for me, different from my usual books and a new author to me. This story is set back in 1951 when Maggie Esh is trobled due to her illness and is in need of some hope to get her thru each day. The storyline grabs your attention which is good.It was an interesting read.

It's the summer of 1951 and Maggie Esh finds herself in need of hope. She's sweet-spirited and unusually pretty, despite struggling with the pain that goes along with rheumatoid arthritis. All of the young men in her Old Order Amish church district treat her with kindness, especially Jimmy Beiler. But, she's unable to consider that this could be anything more than pity and that Jimmy could actually be interested in courting someone with her chronic illness. She longs to be strong and healthy like the other girls she knows of courting age so she can live a more normal, healthy life. To make her life even more complicated, her father has recently remarried, despite it being less than a year since her mother passed away. Her stepmother is very kind, but Rachel is much younger than her mother was and she doesn't seem to understand Maggie or her illness the way her mother did. When a tent revival comes to the area, Maggie is curious and attends a few meetings with her Mennonite cousins. There, the preacher challenges her to think more about her faith and her understanding of Scripture, healing, and her relationship with Jesus.

Beverly Lewis's books were the first Amish novels that I'd ever read. Through them, I've learned a lot about the Amish culture. I really find their way of life interesting. And Lewis has an incredible talent as a storyteller. I love the way she describes the landscapes of the Pennsylvania Amish country. She uses such vibrant language that it's almost like I can see the places she's describing. And she always manages to create characters that you can't help but love and relate to. Her stories never fail to challenge and enhance my faith. And her books only seem to get better through the years. The First Love is no exception to either of these and I dearly hope that she writes more books set in this community as I'd love to revisit the characters from this community.

I'd like to thank Beverly Lewis, Bethany House Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with an electronic copy of this sweet story. I understand that receiving the book in this manner does not obligate me to leave a positive review and all opinions expressed within this review are entirely my own.

The First Love is yet another great read by Beverly Lewis. She never fails to write a fabulous Amish tale and this one does not disappoint. I enjoyed Maggie and Esh's story of love, hope and inspiration. I loved the plot line and I found it to be unique, as well as, heartwarming.
I give The First Love a well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for those who love faith filled Amish fiction.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Very sweet book about a girl's first love. Opens in 1998 but quickly reflects back on life in 1951 as a very ill young lady decides that she's never going to marry and force someone else to live with her debilitating rheumatoid arthritis. Also talks about an evangelistic tent meeting and how that influenced people in the Amish community. Beverly Lewis has such a sweet and genuine writing style. She pulls you into her character's lives, makes you fall in love with the characters and ache when they ache and rejoice when they rejoice. Fantastic book from a favorite author!

Beverly Lewis gave the most adorable Amish romance story with The First Love great faith and super perfect romance!

I have read everything Beverly Lewus has written. I love Amish genre because they are clean and I love the simple, peaceful lifestyle of the Amish. I love that this book is not typical Amish themes. It addresses different issues than what we usually find. I loved the story development and the characters have become friends. Will be anxiously awaiting the next book by my favorite author.
Thank you netgalley for gifting me with a copy of this book. The opinions in this review are entirely mine

4.5 stars

“When tent revival meetings come to the area, Maggie is curious, and the words of the Mennonite preacher challenge her to reconsider what she knows about faith. Can she learn to trust God even when hope seems a distant dream? “

Beverly Lewis did it again! The First Love is by far my favorite book Lewis has ever written! Maggie suffers from arthritis and all she wants is to be normal and to court like other girls her age. She discovers a longing for Jesus when she attends a tent revival. The struggles and questioning Maggie goes through wondering about healing, faith and potential marriage and children is indeed something many women can relate too. I know I did!

I adore Amish fiction and Beverly Lewis’ books in particular. It truly amazes me, how she continually comes up with new subject matter within the parameters of her genre. I highly recommend this book. I believe almost any woman would enjoy this book as it touches on so many human emotions and frailties. I just so wish this was the first of a series instead of a stand-alone book!


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #NetGalley #TheFirstLove #BethanyHouse

Beverly Lewis is always one of my favorite authors of Amish stories. When she writes them, it truly feels authentic, and you get drawn into the beautifully described scenery and traditions surrounding the Amish community. This story follows Maggie Esh back in the 1950 revival tent meetings we've probably all read about in our history books or even seen firsthand. Lewis's characters are always so relatable, even when they're nothing like you. I loved Maggie's spirit and her perseverance in overcoming the obstacles life had set in her way. And just when you think the story is going to go one way romance-wise, you're quickly surprised by it changing completely! Pleasantly so? Well, you'll have to read it to find that out!

One of the reasons I selected this book is because it addressed some topics that I have not seen in Amish romances or stories. These topics include the remarriage of a parent who is widowed, and how the children react to this new family. Another topic was dealing with a disability. I thought the plot bogged down at times and I wished it would move forward, as it seemed a bit tedious. However, it is worth a read.

I received this book for free from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

A story of faith and the power of God’s love.
The First Love by Beverly Lewis introduces us to young, Maggie Esh. Maggie has suffered many years from rheumatic arthritis and most days she lives with such pain that she cannot go about her daily activities. In the summer of 1951, a tent revival comes to her town. Her Mennonite cousins invite her to attend and reluctantly she goes. Maggie is drawn to the meetings as she comes away with questions and a longing to read her Bible. As she reads more and more, she is enlightened and begins to find healing in many ways.
Lewis doesn’t disappoint in this new book. She writes with passion and in a way that the reader is easily transported into the world of her book. It was no different with this book. Maggie was easy to relate to and support in her struggle and journey to find a deeper relationship with the Lord.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from netgalley.com and Bethany House in return for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was inspired after reading The First Love by Beverly Lewis. Maggie is such a wonderful young woman. She doesn't wish to be defined by her illness although she could be if she weren't so determined to be thought of as whole. Her faith is strong yet when she is offered a chance to attend the tent revival meetings there is a turning point. Her Old Order Amish faith is accustomed to silent prayer, not the exuberant prayer she encounters. It is intriguing and she is led to learn more about prayers for healing. Once she begins to seek healing scriptures she is surprised at who reveals their own discoveries of faith and healing. When she begins to feel stronger it is a wonder...did her faith heal her or was it the new herbal supplements that were recommended she try?

Maggie is one of my favorite Beverly Lewis characters. She is pivot-able in this story not just because of her health issues but because she is a magnet for her family. They are drawn to her for her wisdom. In our story she celebrates her 18th birthday but she is mature beyond her years. She is patient to her elderly aunt, kind to her stepmother, while acting as a buffer between her and the other children. She listens first and offers advice only when it is sought. She is a glue that bonds deep. I appreciate how her family respected her and helped her on her bad days with patience and love. I think we have all had a Maggie in our life. I recommend this story for those who enjoy a story rich with faith, hope and love. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Fiction in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

The First Love is a beautiful story.
It's not a story that grabs you right a way but if you know Beverly Lewis then you know that it's going to be good. This story didn't disappoint. Maggie Esh is in a lot of pain and doesn't like to have pity, She has tried different remedied that haven't worked and has given up trying medicine. She doesn't even want to go to singing's anymore because why would anyone want to be saddled with a cripple fore a wife?
She ends up going with her Mennonite cousins to a tent revival that last many weeks and discovers a few things. She starts spending more time in the bible herself and praying more.
It ended up being a wonderful book that I really could not put down. Loved every minute of it.