Today I’m reviewing Living in Harmony, the first book in the New Beginnings series, by Mary Ellis.
Here is a brief synopsis:
Living in Harmony is the first book in bestselling author Mary Ellis’s New Beginnings series. It’s about fresh starts and love…and how faith in God and His perfect plan for our lives provides us with the peace and joy we desire.
Amy King—young, engaged, and Amish—faces difficult challenges in her life when she suddenly loses both of her parents in a house fire.
Her fiancé, John Detweiler, persuades her and her sister Nora to leave Lancaster County and make a new beginning with him in Harmony, Maine, where he has relatives who can help the women in their time of need.
John’s brother Thomas and sister-in-law Sally readily open their home to the three newcomers. Wise beyond his years, Thomas, a minister in the district, refuses to marry Amy and John upon their arrival, suggesting instead a period of adjustment and counseling.
During this time Amy discovers an aunt who was shunned. She wishes to reconnect with her, but this puts a strain on her relationship with John.
Can John and Amy find a way to live in happily in Harmony before making a lifetime commitment to one another?
Don’t miss this endearing story of love and commitment! – Tweet this!
MY THOUGHTS:
Silly me — I was expecting a story similar to others I’ve read… I should have known better. Mary went a whole new direction with this series (and I’ve read more Amish fiction than anyone else I know).
In this first novel of the New Beginnings series, Amy King and her sister travel north with Amy’s soon-to-be husband, John Detweiler, after the death of her parents, to relocate in a new Amish community where John’s brother and his family is living.
Harmony, Maine sounds peaceful and content. No swarms of Englischers and easily affordable farm-land make it even more desirable. But one thing they weren’t counting on was a more strict Amish order. Amy and her sister are required to make many changes in their wardrobe — bright colors aren’t allowed, but they feel even more restricted when they learn that rumspringe, social outings and courting buggies are forbidden. How will Amy’s sister Nora find a husband?
John and Amy are also surprised that the bishop wants them to wait awhile before marrying; will all the changes draw them closer — or pull them apart?
See… I’m already involved with the characters — again. Mary creates such interesting characters and communities that I can see it all clearly in my mind. I especially liked getting to know Sally, John’s sister-in-law. She reminds me a lot of myself; trying so hard to fit in — and to bloom where she’s been planted.
If you enjoy Amish fiction, you’ll definitely want to read this series!
A refreshing story of true love amidst heartache… – Tweet this!
And don’t forget to click below to find out how you can enter Mary’s GIVEAWAY contest!
Mary Ellis Marathon | Giveaway!
God bless you!
Copyright © 2013-2015 DJ Mynatt
Tagged: Copyright © 2013-2015 DJ Mynatt, Goodreads, Living in Harmony, Mary Ellis, The New Beginnings series
Donna's BookShelf 
I do enjoy Amish Fiction 🙂 sounds like a book I’d like..
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Hello Donna and mary. This book has escaped me every time I tried to win it. I really love the cover. Will hope again. Thanks Maxie
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Maxie… you won! I emailed you but could never get a reply. If you will send me your address, I’ll have Mary Ellis send you a copy of “The Last Heiress”.
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