The Bridge of Peace - Book Review

Book Synopsis:

Lena Kauffman is a young Old Order Amish schoolteacher who has dealt all her life with attention raised by a noticeable birthmark on her cheek. Having learned to move past the stares and whispers, Lena channels her zest for living into her love of teaching. But tensions mount as she is challenged to work with a rebellious young man and deal with several crises at the schoolhouse that threaten her other students. Her lack of submission and use of ideas that don’t line up with the Old Ways strengthen the school board’s case as they begin to believe that Lena is behind all the trouble.

One member of the school board, Grey Graber, feels trapped by his own stifling circumstances. His wife, Elsie, has shut him out of her life, and he doesn’t know how long he can continue to live as if nothing is wrong. As the two finally come to a place of working toward a better marriage, tragedy befalls their family.

Lena and Grey have been life-long friends, but their relationship begins to crumble amidst unsettling deceptions, propelling each of them to finally face their own secrets. Can they both find a way past their losses and discover the strength to build a new bridge?

My Review:

The Bridge of Peace, written by Cindy Woodsmall, is the second book in "The Hope of Refuge" series.  Although this second book in the series stands alone by itself, I think I would have gotten more from the characters and their lives if I would've read the first book.

I enjoy reading books focused around the Amish community and The Bridge of Peace was a pleasurable read.  It is a story of hope and forgiveness, but it also demonstrates struggles and battles between a teacher with a horrible birthmark, an Englisher trying to convert, and a couple with a handcapped child.  I look forward to reading the first book in the series to get a better sense of the characters and the third book in the series to see them develop.

I received book for review from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products.  Your opinions and results may differ.