Quintessentially Quilly

About the Book:
A romance novel by an Amish writer, based on true experiences!

New love and even more questions enter Lizzie Glick’s life in When Strawberries Bloom, the second novel in this series written by an Amish writer and based on true life experiences.Lizzie’s dream of teaching school has finally come true. She loves the brand-new school building, the sound of the children singing, and the independence she has in the classroom. Even the occasionally unruly boys can’t ruin the excitement she feels each morning when she starts the school day.

But at home things are in turmoil again. What do Dat’s sudden health problems mean for the future of their farm? And what about Lizzie’s future? Emma and Mandy are so certain that Joshua and John are their perfect matches, but Lizzie doesn’t know what to think about Stephen and how he might fit into her life.What will Lizzie decide? Will she continue to teach school? Or will she give up that dream so that her wish for marriage and a family can come true?

About the Author:
Linda Byler is an active member of the Amish church. She writes about the culture and convictions of Amish society with accuracy, insight, compassion and candor. She reveals well rounded people with the same hopes and dreams and wants and needs as “Englishers”. The only difference between the cultures is the faith-based tenants used for measuring and meeting those needs.

My Thoughts:
When Strawberries Bloom is book 2 in the Lizzie Searches for Love Series. I reviewed book one, Running Around (And Such) here.  You’ll note that I was hoping this book would be better.  Alas. It was not.  In fact, it has taken me these many long weeks to finish it because I would keep putting it down and forgetting to pick it back up again.

Technically Ms. Byler’s writing is flawless.  And her prose, though simple and straight forward in nature, has some sparkling moments.  The problem with this story is that it isn’t a story yet.  Unlike the first book, the reader has very little reason to connect because too many of the scenes are narrative overviews rather than actual character interaction.  I know Linda Byler is a woman of God.  I know He wouldn’t let her work be in vain.  These stories will likely bless more people than I can imagine, but I will forever mourn that they didn’t get the audience they could have if Linda Byler had had a decent editor and better writing support.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from FSB Associates. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”