I LOVED Florene’s story! It was just as it should be!
The story begins with Florence being slapped and thrown out of the car, Zane speeding off and leaving her alone, freezing cold, in the middle of nowhere!
She’s awoken the next morning by a huge, burly man, in whose barn she found refuge from the freezing cold temperatures and the driving snow. Recognizing him as Gilead Kestler, she is relieved to know that she remembers him and his family. Gil recognizes Florene, too, and tells her she should stay with them as they wait for the blizzard to pass.
Even though Florene had left her Amish community, Burr Oak, in a headstrong rebellion against her sisters’ advice years ago, leaving behind her faith-based upbringing, she is glad to be surrounded by a family whose ways are so familiar, a way of life that comforts her. Gil’s mother, Almeda, welcomes Florene in and motheringly guides her and makes her feel she is providing help that they need.
But Florene has secrets she’d rather not discuss and a fear of what Zane will do to get her back. Florene is carrying Zane’s baby, which excites and terrifies her.
Eli and Nella, Gil’s brother and sister in law, also live in the home with their young colicky son Isaiah. Eli is my LEAST favorite character besides Zane, of course. Gil is a gentle giant, always seeking to do God’s will and do right by those around him, but he’s constantly teased by Eli for not being able to read, having been kicked out of school at a young age due to an unfortunate experience. Florene offers to help Gil learn to read and Gil jumps at the chance!
Eli and Nelly are constantly whining about their living conditions and continually throw a damper on any peaceful discussions between the family. They want more than what they currently have and seem to want everyone to be miserable with them.
Gil makes Florene feel safe, and she sees in him a different type of man than what she had seen in Zane. She longs to be at peace and feel loved, much as Gil does! Through long discussions and time spent working together, they begin to feel hope that things could be different for them both. Their fear and reluctance to be vulnerable make it hard for them to let go, but they are beginning to feel more and more like they have a chance to be more than just friends.
But just the snows begin to melt and a brighter days lie ahead, things start to fall apart. Both Gil AND Florene are confronted by circumstances that make the future frightening and uncertain. Will their budding relationship be able to survive the consequences of the events that unfold?