Made With Love by Tricia Goyer, Sherry Gore

 

Genre:Amish Fiction

Source: I own a copy

 I live four blocks from Pinecraft, and  I know Sherry Gore, one of the authors of this book.  She was not born into the Amish lifestyle like most. She chose to become Amish. A major difference when you visit the setting in this book, compared to most Amish fiction, is the location. Pinecraft has a small community of full-time residents. Once a year, the buses come in with Amish from up north. They have houses, apartments, and motorhomes for them to rent. Instead of horse and buggies, most of the Amish travel by two or three-wheeled bikes, or they walk. When Lovina’s family moves to Pinecraft, she finds an area that uses modern conveniences. Most, but not all, use electricity. Some of them have their own phones. They are very welcoming to outsiders.

I love a good Amish novel. What I liked about this one was how normal everyday life was. I’ve read some Amish novels where the romance is so strong, and that is what they wanted to focus on. This one focuses on the business of opening a pie shop, with the romance coming in naturally.

Lovina wants nothing more than to open a pie shop, where she can make and sell pies.  Her mother has heard rumors about the contractor’s previous behavior, and so she is not thrilled with her daughter’s relationship with him. You know how it is with mothers and their daughters. They scrutinize everything about their new boyfriend. One issue I can relate to is that someone made a comment about Lovina, and for years, she believed it. I work with teens and see the effect that one negative comment, especially from a relative, can have on that child’s life. Why do we believe things we are told that hurt us?

Some aspects of this book that resonated with me include learning to forgive yourself and letting the past go. It also focuses on reaching for and pursuing your dream, even when others are not fully behind you.  There are pie recipes at the back of the book. Overall, it is a great read. On a side note, if you decide to visit the real Pinecraft, in Sarasota, Florida and you want pie you must visit Yoder's Restaurant for the best Amish Pies.