Matters of the Heart is the second book in Kelly Irvin’s series, Amish Calling. Please take time to read the author’s words before you begin the book. They appear right after the “Amish glossary” which has more than the usual entries.
This series explores developmental as well as intellectual disabilities as seen from an Amish point of view. Ms. Irvin writes with a special feel for these things because, as she explains, “First know that I’m a Christian writer living with a disability.”
Key Characters:
— Declan Miller. Amish auctioneer. Hardworking, funny, and good-looking. Tells corny jokes. Like most people his age, he takes his health for granted.
–– Bethel King. young Amish woman. Smart, pretty, Healthy.
— The Miller family runs a successful auction business and Declan is great at the job.
— The King family is loving but two of Bethel’s brothers have a rare form of muscular dystrophy and her sister is beginning to show signs she may have it as well.
Declan & Bethel — their private thoughts:
— Declan has been attracted to Bethel since they were in school. But he is hesitant to say anything. Her family carries a devastating illness.
— Bethel made a promise to herself that her sibling would always come first. She also knows she also carries the gene and could pass it on to her children. Bethel has set aside marriage and a family are not possible for her.
AND THEN Declan’s world ceases as he knows it. And needs Bethel for compassion plus a realistic view of the future.
This book makes you feel something. Or it should. The story is poignant. Realistic. Sad. And wonderful. As Declan, Bethel, and their families face the medical and emotional challenges God’s love is beautifully handled by the author. Reading Matters of the Heart educated this reviewer on what it is like to handle a serious illness both as the person having it and for those who love them.
One might think this is a downer of a story. It isn’t. It *really* isn’t. It’s a special story told by one who has ‘walked the walk’. I highly recommend this book and appreciate the author even more for letting us gain a glimpse into this world.
I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of Matters of the Heart via NetGalley from the publisher, Zondervan Fiction | Zondervan. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Rating: 5 stars
Series: Amish Calling, #2
Cover: Pretty. Similar to book #1 which will make them eye-catching in a display.
Pages: Unknown at the time of review but probably about the same length as book #1 which was 382.
Publish Date: NetGalley has 10 July 2024; Amazon has 1 August 2024.
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