Even Amish fiction writers can succumb to the "romantic formula" for writing novels. Laurie Stroup Smith did that, but every line she wrote only added to the story, and it wasn't just a trite use of a common trope.
Dixie and Gideon have been exchanging letters for two years, since they met while his family was on vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. Every letter drew them closer together, so that when Dixie had an opportunity to go to Holmes County to see Gideon, she jumped at the chance.
Gideon is an auctioneer who is having troubles with his voice. After seeing a doctor, he finds that he has a cyst on his vocal cords and needs surgery. When the surgery creates scar tissue and puts paid to his career, Gideon dives deep into his own misery and shuts Dixie out. It comes to the point that Dixie no longer feels welcome and decides to go back home.
So the formula is boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back. That is exactly what happened through the pages of this book. But like I said earlier, the author has done a masterful job in making the the formula work, because she explores the emotions, disappointments, and the very human reactions to situations beyond the characters control. It makes the book very readable and enjoyable.
Four Stars
Vinspire Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
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