Hills of Wheat is the second in Sarah Price's The Amish of Lancaster Series and is Sylvia Lapp's story. Sylvia's upbringing has been very sheltered. She's quiet, respectful, and obedient, to the point that she will do unpleasant tasks without murmuring or complaining.
That being said, now comes the but, which is this: but, what happens when a stranger comes into the picture?
If you think you can totally predict how the story unfolds, pretty sure you'd be wrong, unless you've read other reviews that contain "spoiler" information. First of all, props to the author for dealing with such a "controversial" topic. Yes, this is classified as a Christian romance. However, there are real issues out there that are taboo in the Christian realm, and one such topic is dealt with in the book.
Is it a touchy topic? For sure and for certain. Is it something that rarely happens in the Christian realm? No. Unless you are in denial, it happens a lot. Does that make it right? No. And here's the other but. But that doesn't mean we should sweep it all under the rug and not deal with it, as if in doing so it will go away.
I was not raised Amish, but my strict upbringing was based on religious beliefs as well as cultural beliefs and customs. I too was raised very sheltered and certain topics were never discussed. Ever. The same was the case with the friends I grew up with and went to church with. I totally get Sylvia. I understand where she's coming from and how she made the decisions that she made. I know many that took Sylvia's path. But, as you read the story, I would ask you to do so with an open mind and an open heart, because this aspect of the story is just one part. The main part is the spiritual journey that takes place from beginning to end. Sarah Price does an excellent job of letting us into Sylvia's thoughts, so that we can better understand why she does what she does.
As I said, props to the author for how she dealt with the topic. It's a beautiful and tender story. One of the messages in it is that we should not doubt God's ways. We know God has a plan, but we also know that we often stray from it. So He takes us through good and not so good in order to get us where we need to be, and to fulfill His plan, one of which is that none should perish, and Sarah brings the story full circle with that message.
Book quotes:
Rely on God. He will not lead you astray.
If she had ever doubted the way of the Lord, she knew that there was one lesson more that she needed. To doubt the Lord was to question His power and her own faith.