Book Review: Brush Of Angels Wings

Author: Ruth Reid
Title: Brush Of Angels Wings
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publish Date: April 10, 2012
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: NetGalley
Book Blurb: He doesn’t plan to stay Amish. She doesn’t have a plan. Then an angel draws their hearts toward God . . . and each other. A buggy-racing champion, a hardworking field-hand, and a terrible cook, Rachel Hartzler does not fit her Amish community’s standards for an eligible bride. Hurt by their rejection and still grieving the loss of her brother, Rachel is ready for change. She’s not, however, ready for Jordan Engles. Rachel’s father hired him to help tend the fields so Rachel can learn to cook and sew, thus increasing her chances of finding a husband. She can’t understand why her father doesn’t want her help and blames Jordan for trying to replace her beloved brother. Jordan plans for his time on the Michigan farm to be short. Before his mother passed away, he promised her he'd give her Amish roots a chance. Upon her death, uncertain about what else to do, he came to stay with his Uncle Isaac in Hope Falls. He's curious why his mother left the community she obviously loved. But it doesn't take Jordan long to conclude that the strict lifestyle and the three hour church services are not for him. But there isn’t just human interaction at play. Nathaniel, an angel of God, sees the potential in Jordan and Rachel’s hearts from heaven’s perspective. His goal is to shepherd them toward the path of healing and love. When tragedy strikes, then strikes again, this angelic being is sent to guide them toward the healing and abundant life promised in God’s Word – if only they will listen.


Review: Ruth Reid is one of my favorite authors in the Amish fiction genre. She manages to create the drama that seems to go along with these books, but somehow manage to bring about a happy ending. In this story Rachel is still grieving the loss of her brother, she is indirectly responsible for an accident that injures her as well as one other personal tragedy. She manages to have a love/hate thing going on with Jordan. Then there are the angels, the heavenly angel and the angel from that other place. Both are using their influence on Rachel and Jordan. Rachel was a character that is a bit hard to like at first. She's stubborn and nasty. (the result of the angel and devil on her shoulder kind of thing). Both Rachel and Jordan have some growing to do before they can find happiness. Rachel more so than Jordan. Rachel's shortcomings were a little too typical. She can't cook, therefore she can't find a husband. As I read, it seemed more like she had the attention span of a fruit fly which was why she failed at cooking. And when it came to the pie that Jordan ate early on, that failure was a deliberate mistake. The accidents and losses are what brings the two together and help them grow. I like that Jordan left the community for awhile to get to know his father. I would have liked more of a relationship to have developed between the two..and it would have been nice to learn more about his mother, Gracie. You only get bits and pieces about her. This book has so much sadness. If you are one that is brought to tears easily, you'll be crying many times while reading this book. I know I was, especially when Sadie has her baby and the events that follow. I really enjoyed this book. I loved the exchanges with the angels too. This series is unique in this genre. I can't wait for the next book.


Rating: 4 flowers

Book Review: The Promise Of An Angel

Author: Ruth Reid
Title: The Promise Of An Angel
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publish Date: May 31, 2011
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Interrupting the ordered routine of the Mecosta County Amish settlement, an angelic visitor awakens Judith to a new faith.

All Judith Fischer ever wanted is to marry within her community and raise a family. She longs for the day when her parents will allow Levi Plank to officially court her.

But on the day Judith suspects Levi will ask her parent's permission, her younger brother Samuel has an accident under her charge. Rushing to Samuel's aid, Judith spies a strange man helping him; a man she later believes was an angel.

When she shares her conviction with her family and close friends, she is shocked to find that no one believes her, including Levi. In the days following the accident, the angel visits Judith with information that may guide her down the path of faith, should she choose to follow.

As her community slowly distances themselves, only one person is willing to stand up for her―the bishop's son, Andrew Lapp. But can he convince the settlement to listen to her? With a show of faith that flies in the face of her conservative upbringing, can Judith hold strong to the promise that there are even greater things in store for those who believe in God's miracles?

Review: This is a different twist to the typical Amish novel.  Angels aren't usually part of Amish novels and it gave the story a different focus.

There are some things that are predictable. A jealous sister, religious strife, two suitors....and the Amish woman torn apart by all of it. The angel really adds some spice, even though this story would have been just as powerful if it had been written as typical Amish fiction.

The issues surrounding Samuel's injury are enough to tug at the hardest heart.

Tobias, the angel, helped steer Judith and Andrew down their chosen path, allowing them to find it in their hearts to forgive and love, though in Judith's case, the forgiveness had to be a hard thing. She suffered much betrayal from her sister, Martha. It couldn't be easy for her to give forgiveness.

That's where the book is a bit farfetched. If someone had done the things that Martha and Levi had done, I can't imagine anyone forgiving them so easily, and that includes parents. These two, were definitely not nice.

Most Amish novels read like Harlequins. If you've read one, you've read them all, but they are addictive and they are good for an afternoon of light reading. This one is no different, and it was an easy fun book to spend the day with.

The Promise Of An Angel is part of a new series called "Heaven On Earth." The next book is out in 2012, and I look forward to reading it.

Rating: 3 flowers