Sunday 30 June 2013

A Wedding for Julia by Vanetta Chapman


A Wedding for Julia, the third book in a romantic series from popular author Vannetta Chapman, takes a last look at the Amish community of Pebble Creek and the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.

Julia Beechy is so stunned, she can hardly breathe. Her mother's announcement that she must either marry or move from the family home upon her mother's imminent death catches Julia by surprise. How can she leave the only home she has ever known? What about her dream of opening her own Plain café?

When Caleb Zook offers support, comfort, and a solution, Julia is afraid to accept it. Can she marry someone she barely knows? Is it the right thing to do? Is this God's plan for her future?

Caleb thought his time for marrying was long past, but he feels a stirring in his heart he cannot shake for this beautiful, forlorn woman. Amid the circumstances of this life-altering decision, the people of Pebble Creek weather the worst storm to hit Wisconsin in the last hundred years. Where will Julia and Caleb be on the other side of it?

 

A Wedding for Julia is a peaceful and inspirational read; transporting the reader into a world, far removed from the hustle and bustle of our lives today. The book looks at the Amish way of life and some very modern problems facing one of the women in the community. Julia Beechy has hopes and dreams, just like any other woman in today’s world, but her Amish way of life brings those dreams crashing down, when she is faced with a terrible dilemma; Marry a man she hardly knows or loose the chance to open her own restaurant and fulfil a lifelong ambition . Added to this, Julia also has the death of her father and the future of her invalid mother to worry about. Life is anything but easy and straightforward for this young woman.

 

A Wedding for Julia brings together beautiful prose, inspirational scripture and lives which are touched by the Amish way of living. As a reader, I found that the book gave a great sense of stillness and calm to my day. I found myself wishing the book could never end, just so that I could stay in the peace and quiet of the story. Whilst reading the book, I found myself admiring Julia’s strength and courage, which is conveyed so beautifully upon each page. Julia has several issues in her life to deal with and with the help of her family, friends and God, she achieves so much.  

 

Alongside the characters of Julia and Caleb, we are introduced to extended family members and new members of the community, all who adjust to their time in Pebble Creek in different and interesting ways. Vannetta Chapman has created a beautiful community, with interesting characters and a book which is both thought-provoking and entertaining.  

 

If you enjoy books with an inspirational theme, detailed characterisation and in-depth story line, then A Wedding for Julia would be perfect for you. Ms Chapman possesses a great depth to her writing, which pulls the reader along and immerses them fully in the world she has created. With personal touches added at the end of the story by the author, A Wedding for Julia is a book about love, which has clearly been written with love. Rarely do we see anything crafted so well and with such devotion. A truly enjoyable read.
 
Honey Bee Reviews says; Put the kettle on and grab this book.
 
 
 About Vanetta.
The first thing you need to know about me is that I write Fiction full of GRACE.  Every plot is different. The characters change. Some of my books are mysteries, others are novellas, and some are romances. But they all are stories of light, hope, and truth. Stories that at least for a moment touch the deepest places in our heart.

Tales that whisper hope. That speak of family and community. That remind us of God and His love.

What do I write? If I had to reduce it to four words, I suppose I’d say I write Fiction full of GRACE.