Sunday, July 11, 2010

My Review of Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long

Here's the description of the book from Thomas Nelson: "When Sarah realizes that she has fallen in love with an Englisch doctor, she must choose between her family and her forbidden love.

Deep in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, shy Sarah King is happiest when working in her vibrant Amish kitchen garden, but new family responsibilities lead her into the confusing world of the Englisch.

Sarah finds her life turned around when she encounters the community’s new Englisch veterinarian, Grant Williams. His blue-gold eyes and his obvious concern for her people attract her immediately. Sarah seeks solace and direction from the Lord as she creates a quilt pattern which details her struggle between two worlds.

The Lord is guiding Sarah to follow His will, but will she listen?"

My Rating: Fall/Spring

My Review:

Sarah is a shy, kind Amish girl whose biggest challenge at the beginning of the novel is finding the courage to run her family’s stand, where they sell produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items. But when a handsome Englisch veterinarian becomes her closest neighbor, Sarah’s life becomes more complicated—but also more vibrant.

For most of the book, I found myself really enjoying the story However, I had two issues with the book, namely the romance and the ending. In reference to the romance, I felt that Grant might have been too forward and forceful, especially because Sarah is Amish and her world is more strict and set apart than Grant’s world. This is not to say that I didn’t enjoy the romance. By no means! I just wasn’t sure if Grant was being fair to Sarah at first.

As for the ending, I’ll just say that I found it to be a bit unbelievable. I’m not sure what exactly I wanted, but I don’t think I was completely satisfied with what came about. The realistic elements of the story seemed to be somewhat lost at the end.

Besides those two issues, I loved the symbolism and beautiful imagery of Sarah’s garden and her quilt! I found this to be a pleasurable, rather quick read, and I look forward to the next book in this series!

*With thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

8 comments:

Julia M. Reffner said...

Yes, yes. I had very similiar issues with the book as I posted in my review. I also liked the gardening and found myself getting interested in heirloom gardening.

I have a feeling from reading your reviews we share pretty similiar beliefs.

I enjoyed the pictures of your vacation. I think you look a lot like your mother.

Kav said...

Very interesting ladies. I was just going to comment that I had read a similiar review on Julia's blog. Of course, now I want to read it so I can see for myself. And I love the idea of heirloom gardening.

Julia M. Reffner said...

Kav, I'm thinking of trying to do this next spring, of course this will be my first garden period...so we'll see how it goes but it seems like a neat hobby!

Amber Holcomb said...

Julia,

I remember you saying that you had issues with the ending--and I confess that your comment had me intrigued! ;) But I don't know if how it worked out was what I was expecting... In any case, I hope it's OK that our reviews sound similar! I think I just agreed with your comment the other day. :)

I hope the gardening goes well for you, and thanks for the comment about the pictures! I tend to think I look more like my dad (facial features, etc.), so it's interesting to have someone say I look like my mom! :D (Usually my sister gets that compliment!)

~Amber

Amber Holcomb said...

Kav,

Yes, after reading Julia's comment on my blog the other day, I also wanted to know how it ended! ;) Hope you enjoy it when you read it! I'm curious to hear your thoughts on it.

~Amber

Julia M. Reffner said...

Absolutely, its fine that it was similiar :). I more meant I think we have similiar beliefs in general, I believe, from reading your blog. You remind me of myself a while back as a Christian college English major who is looking to find God's plan for their life. Hope you don't mind my saying that :)

Amber Holcomb said...

Julia,

Oh, not at all! I think that's so sweet. :) It does sound like we have both similar beliefs and a similar background (well, I guess it's the present time in my case!). I'm so glad that you read my blog, and thank you for taking the time to leave such great comments!

~Amber

Julia M. Reffner said...

Amber,

Thank you for sharing from your heart...and you're welcome :)