Autumn’s Promise: Seasons of Sugarcreek, Book Three
An English woman and an Amish man must struggle with how much to sacrifice for their love in Autumn’s Promise, the final book in the Seasons of Sugarcreek series by Shelley Shepard Gray. A poignant and unforgettable novel of love and faith , Autumn’s Promise concludes one remarkable fictional year in the real-life Amish town of Sugarcreek. Shelly Shepard Gray has joined the ranks of bestsellers Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and other masters of Christian romantic fiction who have focus
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A Fantastic Bittersweet Conclusion!,
Autumn’s Promise is beautifully done. We saw a lot of Lilly in Winter’s Awakening and Spring’s Renewal, and alot of Robert in Spring’s Renewal, as secondary characters, but this novel is created around their story. Lilly and Robert are from two VERY different worlds, one English and one Amish, but there’s sparks flying and one thing that they both share and what bonds them beyond a simple friendship: heartache. Both Lilly and Robert have been through the deepest, sorrowful heartache one could bear, and they can’t seem to let go of the past, nor can they deny the attraction they feel, despite the gossip spreading through Sugarcreek. Mixed with their heartache, the strength of family, trust and faith and a feeling of love is woven through out. These tender characters become your family, capture your heart completely and share their life’s lessons with the reader.
As you read Autumn’s Promise, you realize that this a bittersweet novel…you’re saying goodbye to fabulous friends and a feeling of peace and belonging. It’s a 5 star book that is full of lessons and is an outstanding conclusion to an incredibly penned Amish series. I highly recommend this to all Amish lovers and to those who’ve never read one, please start with Shelley’s amazing novels!
*This book was provided for review by Avon books and CFBA*
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|Why Shelley Shepard Gray is my favorite Amish author,
There’s sort of a Romeo/Juliet scenario that happens with how both families don’t want to encourage the relationship. Robert’s side condemns Lily for having been pregnant and the fact that she would never fit in the Amish where Lily’s family is worried that she will never be able to fit in. However the pair ignore the naysayers and continue their relationship even though they know that sooner or later, they will have to face reality and make a decision.
The story also deals with Caleb, an Amish teenager who is struggling with what he wants to do in life. He doesn’t know whether he wants to stay Amish or join the outside world. Unfortunately for him, at first all his experiences with the English world are not so good, as the teens he hang around with drink and smoke among other bad habits. He’s also afraid of telling his parents his feelings because he’s worried at how they would react to the confusion he’s facing. While probably not intended at all, this is the probably the closest scenario I can see to how a LGBT teenager in the Amish world would feel.
*SPOILER*
I was SO happy with the ending of the book. Seriously, if you have ever read any of my other reviews on Amish fiction, you know that one of my biggest complaints is how someone from the outside world will join the Amish to be with the person they love. And I hate that because it RARELY ever happens in real life. That is why I loved the ending of this book because it didn’t happen!
And this is why Shelley Shepard Gray is my favorite Amish author. I love her books because they are realistic, non preachy, and she allows the characters to act as they are without forcing them to change their personalities. The Amish are allowed simply to be Amish and those from the outside are allowed to stay as they are. The two sides mix together because they are neighbors but there is never any pressure to give up who you really are unless you truly want to. Even then, it’s ok to backtrack on your decision.
If you don’t read Amish fiction, you probably won’t understand my happiness over the ending of this book. However, if you do read Amish fiction and share my feelings, I think you will understand. I love Gray’s books and I will continue to read more of hers because I love her style of writing. Even though the subject matter is one I have issues with, she handles them in a way that makes me enjoy reading her books and always wanting more.
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|Wonderful Book!,
I love the stories where two seemingly very different people fall in love and Lilly and Robert were definitely very different and yet they were the same. Both went through so much in their very short lives (Lilly is 19 and Robert is 24) and you couldn’t help but root for them and hoped somehow, against the odds, they would find happiness. The ending of this book was most satisfying and didn’t end like I expected it too from having read so much Amish fiction in the past few years. I was pleased. While I didn’t really understand some aspects of the book I still loved the story and was so happy for Lilly finally getting what she deserved! If you’re looking for a quick summer read, I suggest this light Amish romance from Shelley Shepard Gray.
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