Title: Written in Love by Kathleen Fuller
Amish Letters Series Book One
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Contemporary, Christian (Amish), Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
When a postal error creates pen pals of two young Amish people, can they put behind their past mistakes to see the bright future God has written for them?
Jalon Chupp has a past he isn’t proud to claim. He’s worked hard to overcome his youthful mistakes, and he has recommitted himself to his faith. When he receives a sweet note included in a piece of misdirected mail, he can’t help but write back. Soon, the letters he receives from Phoebe are the highlights of his days, and with a hopeful heart, he suggests they meet in person.
Phoebe, too, looks forward to every single one of Jalon’s letters. Living with her overbearing aunt, Phoebe doesn’t have too much to look forward to. But when Jalon suggests they meet, she panics—although she has shared some of the deepest longings of her heart with him, she hasn’t been entirely truthful about her past. But when Jalon shows up at her aunt’s doorstep, everything is revealed. And she can only pray he’ll forgive her for holding back the truth.
In order to reach beyond the errors of their pasts, both Phoebe and Jalon must put their faith in something—or Someone—bigger than either of them could pen.
Review:
The first installment in the Amish Letters series, Written in Love by Kathleen Fuller is a sweet inspirational novel of redemption, grace and love.
A misdirected letter sets the stage for a surprising friendship between Phoebe Bontrager and Jalon Chupp. For Phoebe, letters from Jalon are one of the very few bright spots in her life. Living with her stern, judgmental great aunt, she must follow a strict set of rules and there is little joy to her days. Surprisingly, exchanging letters with Phoebe is a life-altering experience for Jalon and his future is looking very bright. Although Jalon and Phoebe feel as if they have gotten to know one another through their letters, neither of them have revealed their deepest, darkest secrets. Will their fledgling relationship survive when they finally meet face to face?
The oldest of eleven children, Phoebe went through a rebellious period and turned her back on her faith and her family. Now in her early twenties, she has finally settled down and she has come to terms with her past. With plenty of regrets over some of her decisions, Phoebe does not have any choice except to live with her unyielding Aunt Bertha. The situation is less than ideal which is why she eagerly awaits Jalon’s letters. Things are already tense between them when her aunt forces Phoebe to end her correspondence with Jalon.
Jalon made some very poor decisions when he was younger, but he has worked hard to overcome put his mistakes behind him. His faith is now strong and he has a good job that pays well. Jalon and his sister Leanna decided to remain on the family farm after his parents decided to move. An unexpected opportunity comes his way just as he is realizing his feelings for Phoebe run deeper than friendship which leads him to make an impetuous decision about his future. Jalon wonders if he made the right choice when Phoebe fails to reply to his last letter, but his concern for her well-being outweighs his doubts and he decides to pay her a visit.
Their first meeting immediately exposes Phoebe’s biggest secret and although things are rather awkward, Jalon has no qualms about rescuing her from the dreadful situation. Phoebe is grateful for his assistance but Jalon remains distant from her. The easy rapport from their letters is long gone and neither of them is willing to bridge the gap between them. Phoebe finally breaks the silence but Jalon’s unwillingness to confide in her when he is dealt a blow threatens to derail the progress they have been making. Just when it appears their relationship is finally on solid ground, a family emergency threatens to destroy their chance at happiness.
Written in Love by Kathleen Fuller is not the typical Amish romance. Jalon and Phoebe are flawed characters who have made serious missteps in their lives and both harbor many regrets for the pain their actions have caused to their families and their communities. Redemption, grace and faith are strong components of this wonderful romance and readers will love joining Jalon and Phoebe on their journey of healing. An absolutely outstanding beginning to the Amish Letters series that will fans eagerly anticipating the next release.
