Christmas in Bethel by Richard Paul Evans ~ a book review

 

This book begins with a story of physical abuse. Leigh “Beth” has suffered abuse at the hands of a family member.  She thinks about commiting suicide but after reading a certain book, she doesn’t.  Because of the abuse she also suffers from PTSD and other emotional issues.  She meets Lee in a coffee shop and immediately likes him. What she doesn’t know is that he is really the man who wrote the book that impacted her so much. He calls himself J.D. Harper.  Their relationship grows and she learns that like her, he and his brother faced abuse as well. 

This book contains a lot of witty dialog but is more intimate that what I expect from a book that some call Christian. 

While this book is set around Christmas time, I would not call it a typical Christmas story.  The topics of abuse, suicide, betrayal, and deception are not those that I expect in a Christmas story.  Of course, if you are not a fan of typical Christmas stories, this might be your cup of tea. As readers, we are all different and we all have different expectations. There is a surprising revelation that adds another dimension to the story.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Leigh Beth Stilton has never liked the holidays. After growing up in an unstable home, escaping an abusive marriage, and witnessing daily tragedies as an EMT, Leigh just can’t bring herself to care about Christmas cheer. In fact, she’s so convinced she’s not worth loving that one winter’s eve, she decides she can’t go on—until she comes across a book called Bethel and starts to read.

Leigh is unfamiliar with the author, J.D. Harper, but his words speak directly to her. She’s never felt so seen and understood, and this connection gives her the strength to carry on. She avidly reads every novel Harper has written, and when he comes to town for a book signing, she jumps at the opportunity to meet the writer who means so much to her.

In a twist of fate, Leigh runs into J.D. in a coffee shop, and the two immediately click. Before she knows it, she’s swept up in a whirlwind of fancy dinners, exciting travel, and the attention of the man whose work has been so meaningful to her. But she’s leery after a lifetime of pain and when she discovers that J.D. hasn’t been completely honest, her hopes are dashed. Can they find their way back to each other and can Leigh learn to trust her heart?”

If you are looking for a different kind of Christmas story, give this a try.

Go HERE to read an excerpt and learn about the author.

I received a complimentary *ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed  are my own

 

*A word about ARC books.   Advanced Reading Copies (ARCs) are a preview copy and are not a finished product. They may differ from the final published work and may include additional editing.

A Season for the Heart by J.M. Hochstetler

 

 

This story is set in 1945. The Germans have surrendered but the WW2 is still raging on other fronts.  Ellie, a young Mennonite woman, is planning to go to college and train to be a teacher. Her grandparents are Amish and her family still cling to some of the old ways.  The are pacifists and fighting in the war is frowned upon. Her friend, Jude, had enlisted and has returned home injured. He enlisted over his parent’s objections. His relationship with the community is strained because of his involvement in the armed forces.  Out of respect for his mother, he tries to blend in but he struggles with the restrictions of the Mennonite community.  Ellie, also pushes the boundaries of the rules by having close relationships with “English” friends. She secretly tries wearing makeup and shortened dresses.  She also had been engaged to Ted, a young Methodist who breaks their engagement when he goes away to college. Ellie has been helping Jude’s mother on their farm and wants to help him as well. She becomes close to Jude but is torn between him and Ted, who returns and tries to resume their relationship.

This story touches on the topics of religious prejudice, abuse and PTSD

This is not the type of story I usually read. It is much edgier and graphic than what I am accustomed to. There is an account of an attemped rape that was more graphic than what you would usually find in a book about the Amish and Mennonites.

This is also not a book you can hurry through.

I liked the amount of information there was about the Amish and particularly , the Mennonites.  I liked that the author draws upon their personal family history. It makes the story believable. It was interesting to see how the two communities live together but yet apart.

The author also touches on abuse in families and how PTSD affects Jude and his fellow returning soldiers.

If you are looking for the typical, sweet Amish romance, this is most likely not the story for you. However, if you like more intense and edgy stories you should give this a try.  This is not a fast read so settle in and get comfortable.

I give this my personal rating of 3 out of 5 stars. I really wanted to love this book.  That being said, it is a faith based story with several scripture quotes, which was welcomed. The story line of a Mennonite girl torn between different cultures was appealing to me, as was the setting of the WW2 era.  The topic of PTSD was very interesting although it wasn’t called that then.

Why would a young Mennonite man enlist in the armed forces, going against his religious upbringing?

Which man will win Ellie’s heart?  Does she ever realize her dream of being a teacher?

At this point in my reviews I usually include a link to the publisher’s website but I was unable to find one.  This was another reason for my 3 star rating. Other postings state that the publisher is Sheaf House Publishers. A search for the title on Amazon, NetGalley or Goodreads should give you more information.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed  are my own.

A word about ARC books.   Advanced Reading Copies (ARCs) are a preview copy and are not a finished product. They may differ from the final published work and may include additional editing.