MY REVIEW:
I have not read the first book in the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy but the author included enough background in “Pennsylvania Patchwork” that it could easily stand alone. The title of this novel is quite appropriate because there are so many different things going on in it and so many characters from varied backgrounds.
First there is Holly Fisher, who was raised in Seattle by her single mother because her father never came home from the Vietnam war. After some of her mother’s secrets were revealed, Holly and Esther had moved to Pennsylvania to live with Esther’s mother Anna, an Amish widow who have never ceased to pray that her daughter would return home. When “Pennsylvania Patchwork” begins, Holly is engaged to a Mennonite veterinarian Zach and her mother is planning to be baptized in the Amish church and marry an Amish man. Grandmother Anna is thrilled to have them with her but her health and memory are quickly deteriorating.
That is where everything gets a little crazy. Holly and Zach’s relationship becomes strained when a woman from his past shows up with some strong accusations against him. An Amish man and a friend of Holly’s from Seattle also show an interest in marriage to Holly and the three men seem to find a reason to bicker quite often. Holly finds each of the men attractive in his own way and is thoroughly confused as to what she should do. Meanwhile an unexpected package shows up that complicates Esther’s life and her fiance must leave town to investigate some unanswered questions that could cancel the wedding.
On one hand, “Pennsylvania Patchwork” has lots of action and interaction between characters which kept the story moving right along. On the other hand, there was so much going on that I was not fully able to relate to the characters in the way I usually enjoy. I understood that Holly had very strong feelings for Zach but there was so little communication between them that I never grasped why they felt the way they did. This novel was definitely entertaining and easy to read but it left me with too many unanswered questions at the end. Hopefully the third installment will wrap everything up nicely.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Seattle native Holly Fisher is smitten by Lancaster County, its simplicity and her long lost relatives. In the sequel to bestselling Leaving Lancaster, Holly embraces the Amish culture, learning to slow down to see what – and who – really matters.
Meeting the family that her mother had kept hidden from her, Holly comes face to face with her real life and blood legacy. She also falls for the charming Zach, a handsome Mennonite veterinarian who is everything she’s ever wanted in a husband: confident, kind, successful, and authentic. And Zach proposes marriage. Is this too soon? Is this the right choice? Mother and Amish grandmother think she’s rushing into too much of a lifestyle change. Holly is in love with Zach and that precludes everything. Until she meets an attractive Amish man. And an old suitor shows up.
Pennyslvania Patchwork is the moving, richly told story of one woman’s heart, her faith and trust, and the choices she makes. Never easy, but one choice can change your destiny.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author Kate Lloyd is a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, PA, the inspiration for her novels. She is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. Kate and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest. Kate studied painting and sculpture in college. She’s worked a variety of jobs, including car salesman and restaurateur.
