"The Atonement"

Beverly Lewis' latest Amish novel, "The Atonement," is a sweet story of forgiveness, searching and love.  I was drawn in by the very first line in the book: "Fill up the empty places in your heart..."  This is what Lucy has written in her journal and yet years later she finds that she is still searching and looking to fill that void as she has been unable to forgive herself.  This book has the storyline of a love triangle and an Amish woman choosing between a love and life in her Amish community or one with an Englisher outside of her world.  However, this story is so much more than that as it is layers of rich storytelling and characters with depth as their pasts are shared and their current hurting and searching for more in their lives lead them on journeys and toward new relationships.  Dale and Toby each play important roles in Lucy's life and her journey toward forgiveness and moving on as well as helping her to discover her heart.  I have been a fan of Beverly's books ever since I began reading them as a teenager and I still eagerly await her next book; I highly recommend "The Atonement."

*Thanks to Bethany House Blogger Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*