The Bridesmaid (Home to Hickory Hollow, #2) by Beverly Lewis

May 25, 2013 Michelle Woods rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Joanna Kurtz, an Amish twenty-four year old, has been a bridesmaid three times, and is still single herself. Although love didn't find her at a younger age, she does find a dreamy romance with a young Amish man while they were both at Virginia Beach. They seem united from the very beginning but he is from another state. They write letters to each other and both hope for marriage in their future. But his father needs Eban to run the farm when he retires, and Joanna is expected to stay in her comm...more

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Apr 02, 2013 Rachelle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So, this book was a bit different from the normal Amish lit I've been devouring lately. It didn't feel quite as... Amish. In fact you could have told me they were pioneers and most of the plot would have made sense.

There are a few things with this book that don't sit well with me.

(view spoiler)...more So, this book was a bit different from the normal Amish lit I've been devouring lately. It didn't feel quite as... Amish. In fact you could have told me they were pioneers and most of the plot would have made sense.

There are a few things with this book that don't sit well with me.

(view spoiler)

The insanely frustrating part of this book was Joanna's sister. Ohhhh man what a little brat! I don't know that we're ever really given her age but I assume given that she is courting it must be old enough NOT to act like an impertinent two year old for the entire novel. Her behavior just didn't really make sense to me.

I've heard good things about Beverly Lewis, I'll definitely be giving more of her books a read, but this one was a bit of a let down. It didn't feel as fully developed as I would like. While the romance was adorable (and really that cuteness is what gives this book the three stars it gets from me) we never really get into the meat of anything. Joanna is hesitant to ask Eben about his family for all sorts of reasons stemming from not wanting to seem to forward. But then, as a result, we never really get to know him. He had a lot of potential too... I'd have liked to have known more.

Would I suggest this book? Yes, if you like light-hearted Amish romances, which is really the target audience for this book. However if you're inclined to read with a critical eye you may not enjoy it as much as you hope.(less)

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Feb 05, 2013 Beckie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

You really can't go wrong with Beverly Lewis. Will they be studying her in high school across the nation in 100 years? Probably not. But if you want to read a book that will make you happy and entertained, Beverly is your gal. "The Bridesmaid" is the latest novel in the Home to Hickory Hollow series. She will be releasing a new one next month. Bridesmaid is about Joanna, a wanna-be writer who is a serial bridesmaid and has no luck making it to the alter herself as a bride. Until Eben comes along...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Joanna Kurtz has been a bridesmaid several times, to the point her sister is questioning her about agreeing to serve for their cousin, in front of other people. How humiliating! A trip to attend her great uncle's funeral in Virginia brings her to meet Eben Troyer from Indiana, and begins a long distance letter writing campaign and romance. Hard times are ahead, it is hard to maintain a long distance relationship. A wedge between Joanna and her younger sister clouds her happiness. What is wrong w...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Yiya rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A young man and a young woman with hope of marriage; conflict between wants, traditions and needs; the quilting bees, the gardening, and the hard and spotless work in the kitchen; the Kapps, aprons and straw hats; the practically idyllic life in Hickory Hollow... All of it is in this book. And from this point of view, there is nothing new in this new Amish novel by Beverly Lewis. Actually, I would dare say that the situations depicted in the book are highly impossible. Alas! This is a fiction wo...more A young man and a young woman with hope of marriage; conflict between wants, traditions and needs; the quilting bees, the gardening, and the hard and spotless work in the kitchen; the Kapps, aprons and straw hats; the practically idyllic life in Hickory Hollow... All of it is in this book. And from this point of view, there is nothing new in this new Amish novel by Beverly Lewis. Actually, I would dare say that the situations depicted in the book are highly impossible. Alas! This is a fiction work after all and, despite all the expected features of a Beverly Lewis book, she manages to create a love story through which we see the characters deal with conflict in a beautiful manner (excepting for Cora Jane, the obnoxious brat) that only someone with a strong commitment to biblical principles would make us of. Mrs. Lewis summarizes it as follows: "...we're all here by design... that none of us is an accident in God's eyes. Our heavenly Father's hand is at work in all of our comings and goings - and in the choice of a life mate (p. 312)." That's the main beauty of this book.
The story revisits Joanna, the kind young woman who is introduced in "The Fiddler," the first book of this series. She has gone on with her life in Hickory Hollow, and the reader learns that she has been at the altar several times, always as a bridesmaid. Cora Jane reminds her that "three times a bridesmaid, never a bride," and Joanna can't help but think that some people already consider her to be a spinster at her age. However, she meets Eben when the family travels to another Amish community, and her whole outlook on her life shifts. Distance does not aid their relationship, which is also hindered by Joanna's commitment to her church, Eben's duty to his father's farm, and Cora Jane's (Joanna's younger sister) selfishness and inability to cope with change. The largest part of the book describes the hardships Joanna and Eben have to face to nurture their relationship from afar.
The end is farfetched and a bit too convenient but, despite my chuckles at the unlikeness of the odds, it didn't keep me from savoring the richness of conclusion, wrapped in the details of Amish culture - particularly quilts - that play an important part in the resolution of the story; Aunt Joanna's faith, the woman Joanna is named after, is remarkable and inspiring. Equally inspiring are the sacrifices Joanna and Eben are willing to make for each other, putting the other person before their own wants.
A part I really enjoyed was the prologue. It describes how Joanna and Eben met. It happens all in the beach, where there are many non-Amish people enjoying the sand, sea and sun. At one point, Joanna starts toying with the idea of letting her hair down, just to enjoy the breeze, but she "didn't want to add to the misconceptions far too many Englischers already had about us [the Amish people], some even from novels they'd read (page 9)." Being the utmost Amish writer, I could picture Mrs. Lewis getting a kick out of this line, as I did. I don't know how many accomplished people would be brave (and goofy) enough to let themselves joke with themselves the way she does, all the way to the end. Joanna likes writing, and I can picture a bit of Mrs. Lewis in her - rereading what she has written, pondering ways of choosing a better wording, having a binder with her drafts, finding inspiration in her friend's lives and even snuggling in bed with a notebook on her lap (p. 130-132, 206, among other references throughout the story). In short, this particular novel offers a deep insight into Beverly Lewis's as a woman and a writer.
I also enjoyed several references to other characters that live in Hickory Hollow. I won't mention how Mrs. Lewis uses this resource, but I will say that this book sparked my interest in reading some of her previous stories again, which I would gladly do anytime. This particular feature is not absent in "The Bridesmaid;" Mrs. Lewis has a way of writing in which she tells enough of the story to make a book interesting and enjoyable, while leaving enough slightly inconclusive to leave the reader wondering about the "what else," and she certainly delivers with each sequel.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who might be interested in Amish fiction. As any of her previous works, this book has clean vocabulary, good morals and godly principles. Furthermore, as with any couple getting to know each other in the way Joanna and Eden do, there is sexual tension, but it is coupled with respect, modesty and restraint. This can only be treasured in a time where the pace and values of today sadly seem to always tend in the opposite way.
I received a complimentary sample of this book from Bethany House Publishers, in exchange for an honest review. This has not biased my opinion on the book, nor on the author. (less)

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Dec 15, 2012 Carli rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: amish-romance

The Bridesmaid is the story of a young woman, Joanna Kurtz, who at 24 has yet to wed. Quite concerning in the Amish community. While traveling she meets Eben Troyer, an Amish man from another community. As is the custom he is caring for his family and his hopes of leaving to be with the women he loves are hinged solely on whether or not his brother will choose the Amish community or the English world.

I long to live in the Amish world, at least for a short period of time. The joy of hard work, a...more The Bridesmaid is the story of a young woman, Joanna Kurtz, who at 24 has yet to wed. Quite concerning in the Amish community. While traveling she meets Eben Troyer, an Amish man from another community. As is the custom he is caring for his family and his hopes of leaving to be with the women he loves are hinged solely on whether or not his brother will choose the Amish community or the English world.

I long to live in the Amish world, at least for a short period of time. The joy of hard work, a traditional life of cleaning and cooking, and free of electronic devices that beep in your ear. It all intrigues me so. Instead, I love losing myself in a wonderful Amish romance. Simple, pure, romantic, but yet oddly suspenseful as we wait to see if the young woman will get her man.

I've always loved Beverly Lewis but I have to say that this particular book did not live up to the Beverly Lewis expectations. Normally, I sit down with one of her books and just devour it within a day. This one took me weeks to read. It's hard to pinpoint what was missing from her normal works but something just wasn't there.

Perhaps it was the lack of romance in the romantic novel. It was there but because of the nature of the courtship and the tone of the story I missed out on some of the traditional Amish courting rituals. What I did enjoy was a realistic view of siblings. Even within such a tight community that puts value on family above everything but God, not all things are unicorns and lollipops. Everyone has their fair share of family discord.

Joanna and Eben were terrific characters with a certain non-Amish quirkiness that helped bring the story to life. There were certain things regarding the Pastor that I found highly contradictory and did not go together at all.

While I enjoyed the book and considered it a good read, it was not one of Beverly Lewis' shining examples of work. Overall I'd give this book 3.5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.(less)

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Dec 12, 2012 Amada Chavez rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Bridesmaid is a great work of fiction! Beverly Lewis is a magnificent writer and I absolutely love Hickory Hollow. I felt truly close to Joanna in her times of mourning, happiness, betrayal, and forgiveness, and I am so happy that it was her character Beverly broadened. This is a wonderful book that will take you on a fun journey hop scotching from the beach, to the hollow, to Indiana, and back again! This is the second time I have had a "mind vacation" (if you will) in Hickory Hollow, and I...more

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Nov 07, 2012 Kristin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-reading-challenge, amish, christian-fiction

It's time to make a trip back to Hickory Hollow! If you're a fan of Ella Mae Zook from other novels written by this author then this is another chance to visit with her! I must admit that Ella Mae is the reason I look forward to these books so much!!!

About the Story:
In this book we go back to Hickory Hollow and into the home of Joanna Kurtz. Joanna’s story starts with the following phrase, “Three times a bridesmaid, never a bride.” and it really sums up the entire plot of the book. Eager to pro...more It's time to make a trip back to Hickory Hollow! If you're a fan of Ella Mae Zook from other novels written by this author then this is another chance to visit with her! I must admit that Ella Mae is the reason I look forward to these books so much!!!

About the Story:
In this book we go back to Hickory Hollow and into the home of Joanna Kurtz. Joanna’s story starts with the following phrase, “Three times a bridesmaid, never a bride.” and it really sums up the entire plot of the book. Eager to prove the old proverb wrong—Joanna is thrilled when she meets Eben Troyer and excited at the prospect of finding love. Like any good love story though—this love doesn’t come without trials. Eben is from a different state and the long distance relationship starts to take a toll on the budding romance. Further, the bishop has learned of Joanna’s writing fiction stories and her good standing in the church hangs in the balance—complicating any chance of a transfer of membership to another Amish church.

When I really enjoy a story I dislike revealing too much of the storyline, mostly because I want others to experience the pleasure themselves so I won’t go too in depth with this review. I really loved the characters in this book—more than The Fiddler. Joanna is just such a joy and I felt like this character was given a soul with true emotions and such a depth of realism to her that I felt I was reading about a real person. The words seemed to just jump off the pages and bring her to life! I also enjoyed reading about Cora Jane. The funny thing about Cora Jane is that my daughter and I were reading through the book at the same time and she would look up from her book to say, “Can you believe that girl?” Several minutes would pass and I would look up from my book and say, “Did she really just do that?” and my daughter would reply, “Who? Cora Jane?” When you have characters you can talk about in a story it means it is well written and possesses a depth that pulls you in and immerses you in the story.

Having said that—PICK THIS BOOK UP! You won’t be disappointed! If you’re reading for Ella Mae then be sure to comment below! Surely I am not the only die-hard Ella fan!

About the Author:
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.

Beverly's first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, The Heritage of Lancaster County, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author's maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly's work to be "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and offers "an insider's view of Amish life."

A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time with their family. They are also avid musicians and fiction "book worms."

You can find out more about this author by visiting her website at http://www.beverlylewis.com/

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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Oct 01, 2012 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-books-read, inspirational-fiction

Good book. Joanna has just about given up on ever getting married. While in Virginia at a family funeral she meets Eben, a young Amish man from Indiana. They hit it off right away and start writing letters to each other. He makes a short trip to Pennsylvania to see her and express his interest in courting her. There is a problem in that he is currently stuck in Indiana helping his father while waiting to see if his younger brother will give up the English world and come home. They continue their...more Good book. Joanna has just about given up on ever getting married. While in Virginia at a family funeral she meets Eben, a young Amish man from Indiana. They hit it off right away and start writing letters to each other. He makes a short trip to Pennsylvania to see her and express his interest in courting her. There is a problem in that he is currently stuck in Indiana helping his father while waiting to see if his younger brother will give up the English world and come home. They continue their letters and phone calls until Eben finds out his brother has no intention of returning, at which point Eben reluctantly breaks things off with Joanna. Neither one is able to forget the other, though each attempts to move on with their lives. I liked both Joanna and Eben. Eben is caught between a rock and a hard place. He loves Joanna and wants to marry her. His greatest wish is to move to Pennsylvania to be with her, but he can't abandon his father. I felt really bad for him, though I think he would have done better to sit his father down and explain his wishes to him. Perhaps the resolution would have happened quicker that way. I found it odd that with all the letter writing they did, they apparently never compared their lives. I did find Eben to be a very sweet guy who really did love Joanna. I also liked the way he supported her writing. I liked Joanna also. She knew the saying about being a bridesmaid but never a bride and didn't let it stop her from celebrating with her friends. I loved the way she liked to write and the way her abilities added to the letters she wrote to Eben. She too was a good person, always helping others. She kept her writing secret, knowing that it was frowned on but feeling that it wasn't hurting anyone. She seemed to lack the confidence that the relationship between her and Eben would work out, and seemed to give up rather easily. I did like the way that the story of her great aunt's quilt finally gave her the courage to go after what she wanted. I liked most of the secondary characters except for Joanna's sister Cora. I thought she was an immature brat who was jealous of Joanna's good fortune. When she stole Joanna's notebook and gave it to the preacher I was furious with her. I couldn't believe she would be that nasty to her own sister. She seemed to grow up a little by the end of the book, but it would be a long time before I would ever trust her again. In the first book, Ella Mae the wise woman, was great. I didn't like her as well in this book, since she seemed to be telling Joanna that her relationship with Eben would not work. Overall, I did like the book and I look forward to the next one.(less)

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Sep 19, 2012 Coranne (The Best Books Ever) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I know I have mentioned this before, but I am a fan of Amish fiction now- I think it is pure fascination of how an entire community lives near me, and yet I have no idea how they live and get by on a daily basis.

The first book in this series was The Fiddler, and I reviewed it here on the blog a few months ago- Beverly Lewis seems to an expert at cranking books out very quickly- she has a large fan base that buys all of her books, so I suppose that is a good reason to keep putting out many books...more

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Sep 15, 2012 Louise rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-fiction

Story Description:

Baker Publishing Group|September 11, 2012|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-7642-0978-9

The Latest in Chart-Topping Amish Fiction from Beverly Lewis.

Twenty-four-year-old, Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amish woman is a closet writer with a longing to be published, something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna’s stories aren’t her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, un...more Story Description:

Baker Publishing Group|September 11, 2012|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-7642-0978-9

The Latest in Chart-Topping Amish Fiction from Beverly Lewis.

Twenty-four-year-old, Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amish woman is a closet writer with a longing to be published, something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna’s stories aren’t her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst to even her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare. Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amish man who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride – if he can ever leave his parents’ farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben’s hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?

My Review:

Twenty-four-year-old, Joanna Kurtz, has been in many weddings but never her own. Her seventeen-year-old sister, Cora Jane, had said “Three times a bridesmaid, never a bride” which sent ripples of longing through Joanna’s heart. Once again poor, Joanna has been asked to be in another wedding, that of her cousin Malinda’s. However, although Joanna yearns for love and marriage, she has given up on love and detested anyone’s pity.

While sitting in the sand at Virginia Beach where she was attending a family funeral, Joanna meets, Eben Troyer from Indiana. Joanna was from Pennsylvania. She was shocked when, Eben sought her out to introduce himself and then asked her to walk with him to the fishing pier. Joanna politely agreed and Eben offered his hand to help her up out of the sand. She was only going to be in Virginia Beach for three days and soon their time together ended with the exchange of addresses. Eben and Joanna communicated but it was her secret as she carefully hid his letters in her hope chest. She wasn’t quite ready to divulge the fact to anyone, including her family, that she had a boyfriend.

Eben is totally smitten with Joanna and wants to make her his bride but circumstances beyond his control make it impossible to leave his parent’s farm. Although, Eben and Joanna communicate by letter will Joanna ever become the bride she so desperately wants to be? And, it’s Eben she wants to marry!

Beverly Lewis’s The Bridesmaid is a beautiful, engaging story of love, hope, faithfulness, and a hard lesson in keeping secrets. I was so enamoured with this story that I read it in one sitting and I’ll definitely be recommending this book to all my friends.

Book #3 of the ‘Home to Hickory Hollow’ series titled “The Guardian” will be available on April 2, 2013.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
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Sep 14, 2012 Clockstein Lockstein rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis is the second book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series about a quiet Amish community in Pennsylvania. Joanna Kurtz was introduced in the first book, The Fiddler, as an imaginative and sweet Amish woman. In this book, she becomes more fully rounded as a woman well past the age most Amish women are married, and friends and family are starting to consider her a Maidel, old maid. Joanna has always sought refuge in her secret writings, stories that she writes in journ...more

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Sep 12, 2012 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: amish-historical-romance-fiction, chick-literature, christian-fiction, christian-inspirational-fiction, christian-teen-fiction, contemporary-fiction, romance-fiction

Joanna Kurtz isn't getting any younger and it seems like her only request lately is to be a bridesmaid for someone else's wedding. Now that she's 24, she feels like that's all she will ever be. It doesn't help that all her friends are getting married or that they are currently seeing someone that more than likely they will marry in the future, but not Joanna. She doesn't even have any one who seems to be interested.

So she finds enjoyment in the only thing that she can, and that's writing in her...more Joanna Kurtz isn't getting any younger and it seems like her only request lately is to be a bridesmaid for someone else's wedding. Now that she's 24, she feels like that's all she will ever be. It doesn't help that all her friends are getting married or that they are currently seeing someone that more than likely they will marry in the future, but not Joanna. She doesn't even have any one who seems to be interested.

So she finds enjoyment in the only thing that she can, and that's writing in her journal. Whether she is using it as a diary or adding to her collection of fictional stories, she finds it gives her an outlet of something to keep her mind occupied until God changes that. When she meets a young Amish man, Eben Troyer during a trip to the beach, they immediately connect. He has a love for photography and hers is writing. However they are both from different states and it means courting for both of them could pose an issue. Eben is the only remaining male son in his family, after his brother left to follow after some English pursuits. While they await his hopeful return someday, Eben's father is relying on him to help out around the farm in Indiana.

Joanna lives in Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania and has always longed to marry and raise a family here. For now, her only consolation is to spend time writing letters to Eben until God either answers their prayers to send the prodigal son home to Indiana to help out with the family farm or shows them another path for their future.

In the latest novel in the Home to Hickory Hollow series by Beverly Lewis, The Bridesmaid is the second addition to this delightful community of Amish residents. You can feel the pain and loneliness of Joanna when even her younger sister Cora Jane seems to mock her as always being a bridesmaid and never a bride. Will she always remain single or will God make a path known for her? Why does it seem like Cora Jane can't seem to be happy for her even when she announces that Eben is coming for a visit? You'll have to pick up a copy of The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis and find out.

I received a copy of the Bridesmaid compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. I've been a huge fan of Beverly Lewis' Amish novels and I couldn't wait to read this one. As someone who sees others around her getting married and then being labeled as an Old Maid, you can sympathize with Joanna when all her prospects seem to be empty until she meets Eben. Not only is he interested but he can relate to her artistic talents as well, despite what others may think. The only issue is how they can get together when faced with seemingly impossible odds that seem to constantly keep pushing them apart. That's the beauty of Beverly's stories is she makes her characters so likeable, you find yourself rooting for them all the way. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait for the next novel in this series!(less)

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Jan 04, 2013 Gretchen rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: no one.

Recommended to Gretchen by: Amazon

Shelves: fiction-christian, reading-challenge-2013

This book was absolutely awful and I could not be more disappointed in the author. The entire plot line seemed contrived and rushed, which was probably the case since I imagine the Lewis is under a certain amount of pressure to produce as quickly as possible. The editor should be ashamed of him/herself for letting this hit the shelves, though. The characters had no depth, the backstory was ridiculously shallow, the storyline itself is something that has been done and done and done to death, and...more

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Nov 21, 2012 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: amish-fiction, bethany-house, christian-fiction, inspirational, review-books, romance, christian-romance

Beverly Lewis, one of the top names in Amish fiction has done it again – enter into Hickory Hollow and follow up with some old beloved characters and new ones. I really enjoyed Joanna’s story as her struggles with her sister’s superstitions and her own inner struggle to want to know love but isn’t sure it’s attainable for her like it is for others. Joanna wants to be everything to everyone and like such she must eventually let someone down but of course as we all know, God is always at work and...more

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Nov 14, 2012 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

(full post at http://unpunctuatedlife.com/2012/11/b...)

I knew of the Amish fiction genre but have always mentally scoffed at it (despite my love of Nicholas Sparks). But when I saw this book by Beverly Lewis, “the queen of the bonnet book,” available to review, I thought, “Why not give it a shot?”

The Bridesmaid follows the story of 24-year-old Joanna Kurtz, an old maid by Plain standards, who has been three times a bridesmaid but never a bride. As you might hope, she meets a man, Eben, but he li...more (full post at http://unpunctuatedlife.com/2012/11/b...)

I knew of the Amish fiction genre but have always mentally scoffed at it (despite my love of Nicholas Sparks). But when I saw this book by Beverly Lewis, “the queen of the bonnet book,” available to review, I thought, “Why not give it a shot?”

The Bridesmaid follows the story of 24-year-old Joanna Kurtz, an old maid by Plain standards, who has been three times a bridesmaid but never a bride. As you might hope, she meets a man, Eben, but he lives in a different state–a big deal for people whose lives are dictated by the Ordnung of their bishop. They struggle through a long-distance relationship, but much hinges on the return of Eben’s brother, who appears to have chosen the English (that is, non-Amish) world over his farm heritage. The book takes soft twists and turns. The romance, obviously, is understated, which was somewhat refreshing. The novel paints a picture of Amish family life that comes across as idyllic when compared with the hustle and bustle and noise most of us face. I really wanted to sit down to dinner with the Kurtz family at their weathered farmhouse table and dig into their hearty, delicious-sounding food!

I don’t know how realistic the Amish details are, but I have to admit there is something fascinating about being a fly on the wall of a different culture. However, I wondered the whole time what the Amish community would think of these books. I doubt they’re hiding under the covers reading them, but who knows! Unfortunately the dialect that Lewis uses throughout was a stumbling block to my enjoyment of the book. Presumably the dialogue is “really” happening in Pennsylvania Dutch, but the book is obviously written in English. Lewis throws in a German phrase or two as if to add to the authenticity, and there’s the odd colloquial English word or phrase too. I had trouble taking the “ya”s and “ain’t”s seriously for some reason. Although, I think I may just be adopting the word “ferhoodled” for my own use. (Feelin’ ferhoodled today, ain’t ya?)

All in all the book was enjoyable enough. It was pretty light and fluffy but mostly satisfying. I was engaged enough to find Joanna’s sister quite annoying but not enough to be moved when the romantic conclusion finally came about. It was pat and rather predictable, and I don’t think I’m a convert to the Amish fiction way. I can understand, though, why so many women have bought into the genre–it’s good old romantic escapism, and I can’t blame them for enjoying it!(less)

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Nov 06, 2012 Heidi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bethany-house

I have absolutely fallen in love with Amish fiction thanks to Beverly Lewis. This is the second book that I had the opportunity to read, thanks to Bethany House Publishers, from this author and I am so glad that I did!

Joanna had given up on getting married or everyone else around her had given up on her. "Once a Bridesmaid, never a bride!" was a common quote and theme throughout the book. Joanna met Eben Troyer and they both hit it off immediately. The wrench was that he lived in another state a...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Betsy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

Beverly Lewis is the only Amish fiction writer that I read, and since I was in high school I have read all of her books. The "Abram's Daughters" series will always be my favorite, but I liked "The Bridesmaid" (more than I thought I would). It doesn't really matter if you've read the first book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series, as it is only vaguely referenced (there is actually more reference to Katie Lapp from "The Shunning" (her very first series of books). So even though this is part of a...more

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Nov 08, 2012 Paula-O rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Series Home to Hickory Hollow by Beverly Lewis "The Bridemaid"

This book tells the story of Joanna -seems she is always a Bridesmaid and never "The Bride" , getting older and feeling she will soon be an old maid. this story starts out at Virginia beach where the family has gathered for a wedding and once again Joanna is a Bridemaid.
As she sits on the sand near the ocean feeling the winds blowing and watching the waves crashing to the shore she spies an amish young man walking along the shore, he...more Series Home to Hickory Hollow by Beverly Lewis "The Bridemaid"

This book tells the story of Joanna -seems she is always a Bridesmaid and never "The Bride" , getting older and feeling she will soon be an old maid. this story starts out at Virginia beach where the family has gathered for a wedding and once again Joanna is a Bridemaid.
As she sits on the sand near the ocean feeling the winds blowing and watching the waves crashing to the shore she spies an amish young man walking along the shore, he soon notices her sitting and looking so lonely that he stops to talk awhile. Her first time to meet him and soon they seem like old friends.
Eben Troyer is from Shipshewana, Indiana and though they like one another it seems nothing can come from this friendship or can it?

Joanna has a sister Cora Jane and they had always been close but now another seems to take her place and the sisters drift apart making Cora Jane angry and hurt... I have grown up with 5 sisters myself and I can see where this would hurt their relationship.

When Eban returns home he asked to be able to write Joanna and possibly think of his moving to her area in Hickory Hollow when he is able to-you see his brother left their community and is living English now and Eban prays for his brothers return to help their aging parents so he can leave himself.

Do you think a relationship can flourish when two young people live in different states but feel so drawn to one another? I had doubts about this as I read the pages but did so want Joanna to have the ever lasting love of a good man. Eban Troyer was a good man and felt the need to help his parents though he yearned to pursue his relationship with Joanna.

The story tells of a great aunt who had same name as Joanna and you will find a healing for the family in finding an old wedding ring quilt that had been languishing in an attic forgotton for many years that now will bring a peace to her descendents. I enjoyed reading this part of the story and feel you will too.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing for an honest review, thank you for letting me read this story...
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Nov 06, 2012 Kame rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: amish

4 stars

The Bridesmaid is the second novel in Beverly Lewis’ Hickory Hollow series. Joanna Kurtz is 24 years old, and still a Maidel, but she longs for someone she would love with all her heart. While away from the community at Virginia Beach at a funeral she meets Eben Troyer. Eben is from Shipshewana, Indiana and is there for the funeral as well. They spend three fantastic days together talking and walking along the beach. At the end of their trip Eben asks permission to write Joanna, who eager...more

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Jun 01, 2013 Janet C. rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: amish-fiction

I have been reading Beverly Lewis for several years. This last series has left me "flat". They are very slow moving and although I am interested in knowing more about the Amish culture I find I am disillusioned by this series. Joanna Kurtz has been always the bridesmaid in weddings...never the bride. She meets Eben on a trip to Virginia Beach. He lives in Ohio..she in Pennsylvania. Eben ends up being Joanna's real love story. I think what bothered me about this series is the change over of Amish...more

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Dec 15, 2012 Tammi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: beverly-lewis, book-review, amish-mennonite, christian-fiction, christian-romance, read-in-2012

The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis

The Bridesmaid is the second novel in the Hickory Hollow series by Beverly Lewis. I have read most every book written by Beverly Lewis and so far have not yet been disappointed.

The Bridesmaid revisits Joanna Kurtz, the kind young woman who befriended Amelia Devries in The Fiddler, which is the first book of this series. I enjoyed reading Joanna's story, as well as getting caught up with some of the other characters who I've previously met in other books that have b...more

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Jan 25, 2013 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-read

The Bridesmaid, by Beverly Lewis, is a wonderful book of love and hope for Joanna Kurtz. She has been a bridesmaid several times, and is now in her mid-twenties. The whispers have started that she will end up an unmarried woman, unfortunately seemingly led by her younger sister Cora. She meets a wonderful man, Eben, and believes he is the one. The problem is that he belongs to another Amish church in another state.

This book is a really wonderful love story. It has a lot of depth of the character...more

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Aug 21, 2012 Beth Withers rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I've read most of Lewis's novels, and this one is about like the others. It's fairly predictable - within the first few pages, I knew what the ending would most likely be. Still, I enjoyed the journey to get there. The characters are likable, and I found myself caring about what happened to them. (Except for one. One of the main characters was someone I never did develop a liking for, and I think the author means us to.) There is some insight into the Amish culture, but no more than I picked up...more

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Jan 29, 2013 Kristy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was pretty good. Learning about the Amish way of life is pretty interesting, although I would have to admit I would have been "shunned" before I even started! You learn that the Amish people have feelings and they are not just a cult, or a group of people that think the rest of society defies religion or God. Joanna teaches us that while she makes a few mistakes along the way. Her sister Cora Jane is like every other little sister I have known. The typical younger sibiling who thrives...more

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Sep 15, 2012 Maureen Timerman rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

I have read all of Beverly Lewis's books I can get my hands on. This is another sweet Amish story. Joanna Kurtz has been a bridesmaid several times, and her sister Cora Jane is always reminding her. Joanna at 24 is almost considered a old maid.
Eben Troyer from Shipshewana, Indiana and Joanna from Hickory Hollow, PA have a chance meeting on a beach in VA. Guess not to far fetched considering they are all there to pay their respects to her Uncle who has passed...he is an Amish Bishop.
Eben and Joan...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Afton rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

There are a few Amish fiction stories that I've really enjoyed. For some reason this one was dull and not very engaging, in my opinion. I read the first half and then skipped to the last two chapters and finished it off - just to enjoy the predictable ending. I understood everything I had missed within just a couple of paragraphs and I saved myself pages and pages of the same old thing. There really was not much going on and there was so little character development that I didn't fully understan...more

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Oct 17, 2012 Andrea rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm not sure what it is lately about some of my previous favorite Christian/Inspirational fiction authors, but they're not working for me at the moment! I find the characters flat and not dimensional, and the plot lines way more contrived and not really very well put forth, described, or resolved in realistic ways. I know that a decent amount of Christian fiction has always been this way...but Karen Kingsbury and Beverly Lewis are among two authors I have enjoyed for 10+ years since high school....more

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Dec 06, 2012 J rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Read while sailing home from England on the Queen Mary 2 ... such a nice break from life on the ship and other liberal environments! The story isn’t revolutionary, but it is comforting.

It took a while to figure out how this one fit in with Home to Hickory Hollow #1. Side characters from that book become the main characters in this story. Some of the timing was parallel with the first book, just from a different character’s storyline. It was a bit disorienting.

I hope the next book explains what...more

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Aug 07, 2012 Mayda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: amish, christian, romance

This is a gentle tale about a gentle people. Joanna Kurtz is 24 years old, and is still unmarried with no serious prospects. Her younger sister warns her that there is truth to fear behind the old saying “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride,” but Joanna ignores her warning and accepts yet another request to be a bridesmaid. This leads to bad feelings between the formerly close sisters. During an out-of-town visit to attend a funeral, Joanna meets Eben, a single Amish man, and an attraction on bot...more

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The Bridesmaid (Home to Hickory Hollow #2)

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