Reckless Heart... a book review

by Amy Clipston

ISBN: 978-0-310-71984-7

Zondervan Publishing

YA fiction / Christian

Publisher description:

Lydia Bontrager's youngest sister is frighteningly ill, and as a good Amish daughter, it falls to Lydia to care for her siblings and keep the household running, in addition to working as a teacher's assistant and helping part time at her grandmother's bakery. Succumbing to stress, Lydia gives in to one wild night and returns home drunk.

The secret of that mistake leaves Lydia feeling even more restless and confused, especially when Joshua, the only boy she's ever loved, becomes increasingly distant. When a non-Amish boy moves in nearby, Lydia finds someone who understands her, but the community is convinced Lydia is becoming too reckless. With the pressures at home and her sister's worsening condition, a splintering relationship with Joshua, and her own growing questions over what is right, Lydia could lose everything that she's ever held close.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

I love reading about the Amish - their culture, community, and faith.  Reckless Heart did not disappoint!  Amy Clipston has penned a wonderful, heartfelt story inviting us, the readers, into the lives of Lydia and her family.

Although Reckless Heart is written toward the 'Young Adult' crowd, I had no problem relating to the emotional roller coaster Lydia (age 16) was on caring for her family in her mother's place.  And as a mother, I could only imagine the difficulties of raising and loving a chronically ill child as Lydia's mom did.  Amy so wonderfully crafted a novel showing the importance of family, following God's leading, and forgiveness into this book.  This novel has something for everyone... young and young-at-heart!

Click HERE to read Chapter 1!

I received a complimentary copy of Reckless Heart from Z Street Team and Zondervan Publishing for my honest review.

Blessings,

     Ellen