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The River
When two sisters return home for a visit after leaving the Amish world, both are troubled by the secrets, and the people, they left behind. (religious fiction). Simultaneous.
403 pages, Hardcover
Published September 10, 2014
About the author
Beverly Lewis
258 books3,070 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
November 8, 2020
A touching story of family, forgiveness, and healing. Once readers start on the first page, they won't stop until they reach the end.
August 24, 2014
Tilly Barrows and Ruth Lantz are two formerly Amish sisters, who each left the community for different reasons. They are still plagued by unresolved issues when they are called back home by their eldest brother Melvin for their parent's anniversary.
Tilly is married and the mother of two twin girls, and she is nervous about facing their father again; she feels that she has never been good enough in his eyes, and that he blames her for the drowning death of her 5 year old sister Anna nine years ago.
Ruth is still unmarried, still smarting from a failed courtship with her first beau, Will Kauffman. When she sees him again, it stirs up old feelings, and she wonders if she should consider rejoining the community.
As Tilly and Ruth struggle to find redemption and forgiveness, Tilly learns a long buried family secret.
I really enjoyed this story; I have read quite a bit of Amish fiction, and Beverly Lewis is one of my favorite authors, and I think this is one of her best. What really made this one stand out for me was the fact that it was not a romance story like so many of this genre are, but instead the focus was on family relationships.
This book will not be released until September 2, 2014, but I received a free advance readers copy from Library Thing. The opinions expressed are entirely my own and I was not required to give it a good review, just an honest one.
Tilly is married and the mother of two twin girls, and she is nervous about facing their father again; she feels that she has never been good enough in his eyes, and that he blames her for the drowning death of her 5 year old sister Anna nine years ago.
Ruth is still unmarried, still smarting from a failed courtship with her first beau, Will Kauffman. When she sees him again, it stirs up old feelings, and she wonders if she should consider rejoining the community.
As Tilly and Ruth struggle to find redemption and forgiveness, Tilly learns a long buried family secret.
I really enjoyed this story; I have read quite a bit of Amish fiction, and Beverly Lewis is one of my favorite authors, and I think this is one of her best. What really made this one stand out for me was the fact that it was not a romance story like so many of this genre are, but instead the focus was on family relationships.
This book will not be released until September 2, 2014, but I received a free advance readers copy from Library Thing. The opinions expressed are entirely my own and I was not required to give it a good review, just an honest one.
January 27, 2015
I have read quite a few Amish books and many by Beverly Lewis. I have enjoyed reading most of her books but this one was a chore to finish. I kept hoping it would get better which is why I read it one night -- albeit with alot of breaks.
It's a story about 2 Amish sisters who turned English several years before. It takes place in 1977 but I don't know why the author chose to state that as there were only a couple of references to the 70's that I remember. The older sister, Tilly, doesn't have a good relationship with her father and harbors guilt over her youngest sister's death. The younger sister, Ruth, apparently left the Amish when her beau decided to join a "wild bunch of Jamborees" and therefore wasn't fit to marry. The back story of youngest sister Anna's death was barely touched on. All 3 stories were resolved at the end in the last couple of chapters but they were resolved so quickly I was asking myself, "Huh? What the heck just happened?"
Not sure why this book was called, "The River" as it had nothing to do with a river and I think only 2 visits were made to said river because no one wanted to talk about Anna's death. Since the body was never found I was hoping she would turn up alive at the end as that would've made the book worth reading and a much better ending.
It's a story about 2 Amish sisters who turned English several years before. It takes place in 1977 but I don't know why the author chose to state that as there were only a couple of references to the 70's that I remember. The older sister, Tilly, doesn't have a good relationship with her father and harbors guilt over her youngest sister's death. The younger sister, Ruth, apparently left the Amish when her beau decided to join a "wild bunch of Jamborees" and therefore wasn't fit to marry. The back story of youngest sister Anna's death was barely touched on. All 3 stories were resolved at the end in the last couple of chapters but they were resolved so quickly I was asking myself, "Huh? What the heck just happened?"
Not sure why this book was called, "The River" as it had nothing to do with a river and I think only 2 visits were made to said river because no one wanted to talk about Anna's death. Since the body was never found I was hoping she would turn up alive at the end as that would've made the book worth reading and a much better ending.
September 30, 2014
Boring. I had to force myself to continue reading so I could write review. I have read and enjoyed other Beverly Lewis books - this one, not so much.
The story dragged on. The Ruth/Will story line had no guts - it too was boring, the whole book was boring!
And then to find out the real reason her father did not get along with her - I was like - wow really?! That is what you came up with? Really disappointing.
The story dragged on. The Ruth/Will story line had no guts - it too was boring, the whole book was boring!
And then to find out the real reason her father did not get along with her - I was like - wow really?! That is what you came up with? Really disappointing.
July 6, 2023
A touching story of forgiveness, finding one’s way, challenges and most of all love. This book was a great read and hard to put down I read it within 24hours it was so good!!!
Perhaps my favourite book of Beverly Lewis’s to date.
Perhaps my favourite book of Beverly Lewis’s to date.
December 6, 2017
I really liked this book it was very interesting and had a very good story line!
July 13, 2026
Why do I always read Beverly Lewis books in one sitting!? Another fantastic Amish romance by the Queen of Amish Fiction.
January 17, 2015
Originally published on my blog, ReadLove.
Sisters Tilly and Ruth each had different reasons for leaving their Amish community of Eden Valley. They weren't "expelled from Eden" or shunned. They left their home and their faith voluntarily. And they certainly never had any intention to return. So when they receive a letter from their brother inviting them back home for their parents' fortieth anniversary, they are reluctant to accept. Tilly, especially, isn't ready to go back and face the painful past she left behind. But when the sisters find that their father is seriously ailing, they grudgingly decide to make the trip back home. But what kind of trouble awaits in Eden Valley? And will they be able to face the painful memories of their past that still haunt them?
Beverly Lewis is prolific. Of the myriad books she's written, the majority have been titles that are part of a larger series. However, with The River she has written a standalone tale of two sisters who find that they can't move as independently into their futures as they had hoped without first coming to terms with their past.
I enjoyed getting to know Tilly and Ruth. Lewis does a wonderful job of painting a portrait of two sisters while lending each enough of her own spirit that readers get a good sense of them as separate individuals. The River is a nuanced, moving story that skillfully examines family relationships, guilt and shame, forgiveness, and acceptance. A little at a time, Lewis sheds light on the past and how it affects the present family dynamic, successfully allowing Tilly and Ruth (and her readers) to slowly reintegrate themselves into a now unfamiliar world. We are given ample time to get to know each of the women before going deeper into the past. This allows us a chance to connect with them so that we are invested enough to care about their feelings. Lewis does a great job of exploring family relationships and the difficulties and tensions therein. In fact, I would challenge you to read this book and not take stock of whatever animosities you may have been harboring. For I'm confident that in walking through Ruth's personal pain, you'll find healing for what ails your own heart. And for that reason alone, I heartily recommend The River.
Verdict: 4 of 5 Hearts. A Moving Story of Family and Forgiveness.
On the plus side, as a standalone novel The River is a good entry point into the work of Beverly Lewis. On the flip side, when you finish reading Tilly and Ruth's story, you'll be sorry that you'll not have another opportunity to visit with these special sisters.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I would like to thank Bethany House for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. 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.”
Sisters Tilly and Ruth each had different reasons for leaving their Amish community of Eden Valley. They weren't "expelled from Eden" or shunned. They left their home and their faith voluntarily. And they certainly never had any intention to return. So when they receive a letter from their brother inviting them back home for their parents' fortieth anniversary, they are reluctant to accept. Tilly, especially, isn't ready to go back and face the painful past she left behind. But when the sisters find that their father is seriously ailing, they grudgingly decide to make the trip back home. But what kind of trouble awaits in Eden Valley? And will they be able to face the painful memories of their past that still haunt them?
Beverly Lewis is prolific. Of the myriad books she's written, the majority have been titles that are part of a larger series. However, with The River she has written a standalone tale of two sisters who find that they can't move as independently into their futures as they had hoped without first coming to terms with their past.
I enjoyed getting to know Tilly and Ruth. Lewis does a wonderful job of painting a portrait of two sisters while lending each enough of her own spirit that readers get a good sense of them as separate individuals. The River is a nuanced, moving story that skillfully examines family relationships, guilt and shame, forgiveness, and acceptance. A little at a time, Lewis sheds light on the past and how it affects the present family dynamic, successfully allowing Tilly and Ruth (and her readers) to slowly reintegrate themselves into a now unfamiliar world. We are given ample time to get to know each of the women before going deeper into the past. This allows us a chance to connect with them so that we are invested enough to care about their feelings. Lewis does a great job of exploring family relationships and the difficulties and tensions therein. In fact, I would challenge you to read this book and not take stock of whatever animosities you may have been harboring. For I'm confident that in walking through Ruth's personal pain, you'll find healing for what ails your own heart. And for that reason alone, I heartily recommend The River.
Verdict: 4 of 5 Hearts. A Moving Story of Family and Forgiveness.
On the plus side, as a standalone novel The River is a good entry point into the work of Beverly Lewis. On the flip side, when you finish reading Tilly and Ruth's story, you'll be sorry that you'll not have another opportunity to visit with these special sisters.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I would like to thank Bethany House for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. 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.”
August 28, 2014
Invited back to their Amish parents house to celebrate their anniversary, sisters Tilly and Ruthie are hesitant to go. Both left their Amish roots behind and are living as English. Ruthie is more willing to go but dreads the fact she may run into her old beau Will. Tilly doesn't want to return because of the strained relationship with her father and some of her brothers. She also faces the return to the river where her younger sister drowned years ago. Facing their fears the two return home to Eden Road and their Amish family.
I found this story to be a bit on the heavy side. There are many conflicts in the book that the sisters have to deal with. I felt that at times the story didn't really move at a quick enough pace for me. The sisters return home and stay for five days but it seemed while reading that they were there for much longer. I didn't really care for the two sisters. I don't think they were dimensional enough. They just fell flat and seemed too bland.
There was a bit of a suspense in the book that centers on Tilly and the relationship she has with her father. I guessed the reason for this conflict before it was revealed. It did take me awhile to guess what the reason was. I did like this aspect of the story in that there was something to keep me reading and guessing.
I wasn't overly thrilled with the Ruthie/Will storyline. There story didn't really spark any emotion or sympathy in me. I really didn't care if they got back together or not.
I know life and families can be full of conflict and pain but I prefer to read stories on the lighter side. This book was just a bit too depressing for me and I wasn't really satisfied with the ending.
I received a free, advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
I found this story to be a bit on the heavy side. There are many conflicts in the book that the sisters have to deal with. I felt that at times the story didn't really move at a quick enough pace for me. The sisters return home and stay for five days but it seemed while reading that they were there for much longer. I didn't really care for the two sisters. I don't think they were dimensional enough. They just fell flat and seemed too bland.
There was a bit of a suspense in the book that centers on Tilly and the relationship she has with her father. I guessed the reason for this conflict before it was revealed. It did take me awhile to guess what the reason was. I did like this aspect of the story in that there was something to keep me reading and guessing.
I wasn't overly thrilled with the Ruthie/Will storyline. There story didn't really spark any emotion or sympathy in me. I really didn't care if they got back together or not.
I know life and families can be full of conflict and pain but I prefer to read stories on the lighter side. This book was just a bit too depressing for me and I wasn't really satisfied with the ending.
I received a free, advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
May 2, 2015
With her trademark simple depth, Beverly Lewis has penned another beautiful novel that I can highly recommend. THE RIVER wove seamlessly together an exploration of very real-to-life family relationships, how the past affects our present choices, and the great redemption of the Cross of Jesus Christ.
Once you've read one Amish novel, you've read them all, right? :-) Not so with Beverly Lewis, thankfully! Though her characters often face very similar (superficially) decisions across the many books - usually, something to do with leaving/staying Amish, of course :-) - Lewis often incorporates a theme unique to that specific book/series. I love how she does this, because even though her heroines find themselves in such similar situations, they learn and grow in the different ways unique to their characters. Particularly insightful and touching in this novel was the relationship between Tilly and Lester, her father. Lewis brought me right into Tilly's feelings of yearning yet frustration that Lester would not treat her in the way he treated his other children. The revelation as to why? Well, that was surprising but not out-of-place.
At times, the story didn't move quickly, but it never dragged. The slower, moment-by-moment pace seemed entirely appropriate for this novel that takes place in 1970s Amish Eden Valley, set outside the fast-paced "English" world.
Fans of Lewis's
will love this new story of entangled family relationships. I personally loved it and would recommend it to ages 12+ due to some (necessary) thematic elements, including drowning.
Once you've read one Amish novel, you've read them all, right? :-) Not so with Beverly Lewis, thankfully! Though her characters often face very similar (superficially) decisions across the many books - usually, something to do with leaving/staying Amish, of course :-) - Lewis often incorporates a theme unique to that specific book/series. I love how she does this, because even though her heroines find themselves in such similar situations, they learn and grow in the different ways unique to their characters. Particularly insightful and touching in this novel was the relationship between Tilly and Lester, her father. Lewis brought me right into Tilly's feelings of yearning yet frustration that Lester would not treat her in the way he treated his other children. The revelation as to why? Well, that was surprising but not out-of-place.
At times, the story didn't move quickly, but it never dragged. The slower, moment-by-moment pace seemed entirely appropriate for this novel that takes place in 1970s Amish Eden Valley, set outside the fast-paced "English" world.
Fans of Lewis's
will love this new story of entangled family relationships. I personally loved it and would recommend it to ages 12+ due to some (necessary) thematic elements, including drowning.
January 3, 2016
After a run of dystopian, fantasy and WWII books, I was looking forward to the change of pace offered in The River. The premise of two sisters who had left the Amish way returning to their hometown could've been rife with the challenges they faced trying to balance the two worlds. Instead it was a glancing stroke of the paintbrush in a very surface treatment.
Everything that happened was incredibly convenient, to both the characters and the plot line. I would've expected more conflict from Ruth while she was trying to decide whether or not to return to the Amish life. Instead a simple name slip from Will and, boom, choice made for her. If that's all it took, then why bother having her debate at all? Clearly she wasn't really weighing the pros and cons, or even contemplating what she would truly be giving up on a personal level. It was all very weak.
Tilly's story was at least more believable in her personal demons, though again the resolution was pretty easily obtained. But since the entire book lacked working through conflict, I guess it was par for the course.
Overall, nothing terribly grand, but an interesting peek (if only it had been more than that) into the conflict an Amish woman turned English must face when visiting home.
Everything that happened was incredibly convenient, to both the characters and the plot line. I would've expected more conflict from Ruth while she was trying to decide whether or not to return to the Amish life. Instead a simple name slip from Will and, boom, choice made for her. If that's all it took, then why bother having her debate at all? Clearly she wasn't really weighing the pros and cons, or even contemplating what she would truly be giving up on a personal level. It was all very weak.
Tilly's story was at least more believable in her personal demons, though again the resolution was pretty easily obtained. But since the entire book lacked working through conflict, I guess it was par for the course.
Overall, nothing terribly grand, but an interesting peek (if only it had been more than that) into the conflict an Amish woman turned English must face when visiting home.
April 1, 2023
This interesting story hit me on the heart level for many reasons. Familial estrangements are never easy, but they bring a lot of valid emotions that must be worked through. The delicate situation of rape, mentioned but not shown on-page, was handled very well and with grace. Drowning is an issue that is personal to me, and I thought this topic was written beautifully. The emotions coming off of that tragedy were spot-on, and I really connected well with this family because of what they had gone through.
Healing familial fractures is not an easy thing. I think Mrs. Lewis showed the truth of the matter, that healing broken relationships is tough, that sometimes those bridges cannot be mended except at great cost (if both/all parties are willing to put in the hard labor of patching and rebuilding together). This aspect of the story was amazing to watch unfold.
Content: tobacco
Healing familial fractures is not an easy thing. I think Mrs. Lewis showed the truth of the matter, that healing broken relationships is tough, that sometimes those bridges cannot be mended except at great cost (if both/all parties are willing to put in the hard labor of patching and rebuilding together). This aspect of the story was amazing to watch unfold.
Content: tobacco
December 26, 2017
Tilly and Ruth, two sisters left the Amish faith and became Englisch because of family relationship issues. They are invited to come home to celebrate their parents anniversary. With reluctance they agree to return to Lancaster County for the family event. Tilly is now married and has 2 children of her own and Ruth is still single. Tillie left because she had a distant relationship with her daed and her sister Anna died in a river accident that Tillie still feels she could have prevented. Ruth had a failed courtship with an Amish boy and left to be with Tillie.
Will returning home heal both Tillie and Ruth and bring forgiveness and acceptance they both yearn for?
Will returning home heal both Tillie and Ruth and bring forgiveness and acceptance they both yearn for?
February 24, 2018
A very pleasing, yet different, Amish story, The River leads the reader on a journey dealing with guilt, forgiveness, how secrets affect relationships, discernment, and how our relationship with God may lead us in a different direction than someone else. When two sisters, Ruth and Tilly, decide to go back to visit the Amish community they left years ago, they attend their parents anniversary celebration not knowing the lasting effect it will have on both of their lives. I recommend this one highly.
November 21, 2019
While not the worse Beverly Lewis book it wasn't the best either. Felt repetitive at times and I could see how it would be a CHORE for some to attempt to the read the entire thing but overall a quick read with and interesting plot. I think the ending concerning their sister could have been better and at times it was TOO predictable.
May 28, 2017
There was one I read a couple months ago that I thought was terrible, but this one beat that one. There's too many plot lines and little development of any of them. Then when you get to the end you're just staring at the twist like "What? Where did that come from?" Def not my favorite.
September 24, 2014
Wonderful book about forgiveness for yourself as well as others....also a reminder to look beyond a persons actions into their heart....you may be surprised at the heartache they carry
March 8, 2015
Really enjoyed this book something a little different as I do enjoy reading about the Amish way of life, thought the ending was predictable, but would still recommend!
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June 11, 2015IMO, this book is not an example of Beverly Lewis' better writing. I was a little disappointed in the first half of the book, but it did get better after that.
January 7, 2019
Kind of slow
I usually rip through her books. This one was slow going for me. The plot was cumbersome until the very end.
I usually rip through her books. This one was slow going for me. The plot was cumbersome until the very end.
November 20, 2017
***SPOILERS AHEAD!***
It is really hard for me to give one of my favorite author's books such a low rating, but I just could not get into this book. For one thing I really didn't connect with the characters, which is pretty important. Another thing was the date. This book supposedly took place in 1977, but there was nothing in it, except maybe Tilly's car, to connect the story to the 70's. It could have just as easily taken place last year. I like romance in my books (personal preference) and this one had very little. I was hoping maybe Ruth would get back together with Will, but that didn't work out for what seemed like a dumb reason to me. And while Ruth demanded an explanation from Will, she never gave him a chance to explain anything. There is also mention of Jim Montgomery, a guy from Ruth's church, but you never meet him. The reader is told how wonderful he is, but there is nothing to connect the reader to him. While Ruth was trying to decide if she would continue being English or return to her Amish roots, I felt that Tilly was pushing her to stay English with her which I thought was pretty selfish. The best part for me was the ending where several family members came to terms with Anna's death as well as reconciled with each other. Both Tilly and Ruth grew a lot by returning home for a bit and Mrs. Lewis did a good job of showing their journeys. I also liked seeing Tilly and her father work through things to form a good relationship. I still love Beverly Lewis' books and will continue to read them as long as she writes them. This one just wasn't my favorite of hers.
It is really hard for me to give one of my favorite author's books such a low rating, but I just could not get into this book. For one thing I really didn't connect with the characters, which is pretty important. Another thing was the date. This book supposedly took place in 1977, but there was nothing in it, except maybe Tilly's car, to connect the story to the 70's. It could have just as easily taken place last year. I like romance in my books (personal preference) and this one had very little. I was hoping maybe Ruth would get back together with Will, but that didn't work out for what seemed like a dumb reason to me. And while Ruth demanded an explanation from Will, she never gave him a chance to explain anything. There is also mention of Jim Montgomery, a guy from Ruth's church, but you never meet him. The reader is told how wonderful he is, but there is nothing to connect the reader to him. While Ruth was trying to decide if she would continue being English or return to her Amish roots, I felt that Tilly was pushing her to stay English with her which I thought was pretty selfish. The best part for me was the ending where several family members came to terms with Anna's death as well as reconciled with each other. Both Tilly and Ruth grew a lot by returning home for a bit and Mrs. Lewis did a good job of showing their journeys. I also liked seeing Tilly and her father work through things to form a good relationship. I still love Beverly Lewis' books and will continue to read them as long as she writes them. This one just wasn't my favorite of hers.
December 12, 2021
Mooi, traag verlopend boek. Net niet te traag.
Twee vrouwen, twee zussen ook, die uit hun 'Englische' leven teruggaan naar hun geboortegrond. De ene heeft het verlies van haar kleine zusje nooit goed kunnen verwerken. De ander is na een verbroken verloving naar haar oudste zus is gevlucht.
Omdat hun vader er heel slecht aan toe is, besluiten ze toch gehoor te geven aan het dringende verzoek van hun oudste broer en voor het 40-jarig huwelijksfeest van hun ouders.
Dat gaat allemaal niet zonder slag of stoot. In de kamer van het verdronken zusje blijkt niets veranderd te zijn. De oude liefde van de jongere zus komt weer opdagen en probeert haar opnieuw voor zich te winnen. De oudste zus maakt zich daar ernstig zorgen over. Dan heb je nog de zoons van de oudste broer die mateloos geïnteresseerd zijn in de auto van de oudste zus. Zal dat hen uiteindelijk ook naar de buitenwereld weten te krijgen?
Tegen het einde komen er voor mij toch verrassende dingen naar boven. Ik had het kunnen zien aankomen. Maar ja, ik heb een rijke fantasie en had een aantal mogelijkheden bedacht waaruit ik niet kon kiezen.
Twee vrouwen, twee zussen ook, die uit hun 'Englische' leven teruggaan naar hun geboortegrond. De ene heeft het verlies van haar kleine zusje nooit goed kunnen verwerken. De ander is na een verbroken verloving naar haar oudste zus is gevlucht.
Omdat hun vader er heel slecht aan toe is, besluiten ze toch gehoor te geven aan het dringende verzoek van hun oudste broer en voor het 40-jarig huwelijksfeest van hun ouders.
Dat gaat allemaal niet zonder slag of stoot. In de kamer van het verdronken zusje blijkt niets veranderd te zijn. De oude liefde van de jongere zus komt weer opdagen en probeert haar opnieuw voor zich te winnen. De oudste zus maakt zich daar ernstig zorgen over. Dan heb je nog de zoons van de oudste broer die mateloos geïnteresseerd zijn in de auto van de oudste zus. Zal dat hen uiteindelijk ook naar de buitenwereld weten te krijgen?
Tegen het einde komen er voor mij toch verrassende dingen naar boven. Ik had het kunnen zien aankomen. Maar ja, ik heb een rijke fantasie en had een aantal mogelijkheden bedacht waaruit ik niet kon kiezen.
September 11, 2017
She looked once more at the dreaded river. Since Anna’s death, it had been such a barrier…a place and a moment she could not seem to move past.
A line I can’t move beyond…
The River
Tilly and Ruth, two formerly Amish sisters, are plagued by unresolved relationships when they reluctantly return to Lancaster County for their parents’ landmark wedding anniversary. Since departing their Plain upbringing, Tilly has married an Englisher, but Ruth remains single and hasn’t entirely forgotten her failed courtship with her Amish beau.
Past meets present as Tilly and Ruth yearn for acceptance and redemption. Can they face the future in the light of a past they can’t undo?
I recommend this book to young adults.
I really enjoyed this story with all of its twists and turns. This book is a stand alone which is quite different for the author and though she did a great job jumping in and creating great characters I wish there were more in the series. These two sisters were intriguing and endearing characters.
I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
A line I can’t move beyond…
The River
Tilly and Ruth, two formerly Amish sisters, are plagued by unresolved relationships when they reluctantly return to Lancaster County for their parents’ landmark wedding anniversary. Since departing their Plain upbringing, Tilly has married an Englisher, but Ruth remains single and hasn’t entirely forgotten her failed courtship with her Amish beau.
Past meets present as Tilly and Ruth yearn for acceptance and redemption. Can they face the future in the light of a past they can’t undo?
I recommend this book to young adults.
I really enjoyed this story with all of its twists and turns. This book is a stand alone which is quite different for the author and though she did a great job jumping in and creating great characters I wish there were more in the series. These two sisters were intriguing and endearing characters.
I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
August 14, 2025
To be honest I was a slight bit let down by this book after reading the love letters and the photograph but overall still a cute and fun Amish read.
Firstly, as in all Beverly Lewis's book I love the character dynamics and family settings. It so cute and communal seeing how they all help each other when the parents got problems. I can feel the pain of Ruthie and especially Tilly with returning back...... I've been in similar situations so I have lots of sympathy.
The dynamics changing between Tilly and her family after her sister's death in the river and gorgeous and emotional to see. The only character I wasn't a fan of was Will (for obvious reasons) and I did find the romance in this book a little disappointing.
I was also a bit disappointed with the ending as thought it would turn in another direction, but overall still a good read.
Firstly, as in all Beverly Lewis's book I love the character dynamics and family settings. It so cute and communal seeing how they all help each other when the parents got problems. I can feel the pain of Ruthie and especially Tilly with returning back...... I've been in similar situations so I have lots of sympathy.
The dynamics changing between Tilly and her family after her sister's death in the river and gorgeous and emotional to see. The only character I wasn't a fan of was Will (for obvious reasons) and I did find the romance in this book a little disappointing.
I was also a bit disappointed with the ending as thought it would turn in another direction, but overall still a good read.
September 4, 2022
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Another Phenomenal Amish Fiction Novel by Beverly!!
This was a re-read for me as well as for a Prompt in Bookish Jeopardy so i already knew i'd love this one as i did when i read it the first time in 2017.
The Characters are still so enjoyable to read about. Ruthie and Tilly are still my favorites. I still love their background story on how they left the Amish Life and returned back for their parents anniversary party after the unexpected death of their 5 year old sister, Anna.
The Setting was so beautifully described which made me feel like i was really in Lancaster County while reading especially since i visited that area a few years ago with My Parents while on vacation.
Can't wait to read more by Beverly in the future!!
Review:
Another Phenomenal Amish Fiction Novel by Beverly!!
This was a re-read for me as well as for a Prompt in Bookish Jeopardy so i already knew i'd love this one as i did when i read it the first time in 2017.
The Characters are still so enjoyable to read about. Ruthie and Tilly are still my favorites. I still love their background story on how they left the Amish Life and returned back for their parents anniversary party after the unexpected death of their 5 year old sister, Anna.
The Setting was so beautifully described which made me feel like i was really in Lancaster County while reading especially since i visited that area a few years ago with My Parents while on vacation.
Can't wait to read more by Beverly in the future!!
January 5, 2021
This was an average read. It's supposed to be more about the relationships between the people with there not being much action and drama. I'm fine with that kind of book but this one didn't really do it for me. The book just felt like a whole lot of nothing happened. I had guessed the reveal about Tilly, and Ruth's drama with Will was kind of silly as well. I felt like despite praying about it she just kind of made up her mind in a moment. I think she made the right decision, but still.
I don't really recommend this one as there are better books out there.
I don't really recommend this one as there are better books out there.
July 30, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Beverly Lewis's writing is really relaxing to read and the stories are entertaining, while still incorporating inspiring messages.
I really loved that thos particular book focuses more on the family relationships instead of a romantic plot. I enjoyed getting to know the characters family history a d watch them work through the differences they've had over the years.
Overall, a very sweet story.
I really loved that thos particular book focuses more on the family relationships instead of a romantic plot. I enjoyed getting to know the characters family history a d watch them work through the differences they've had over the years.
Overall, a very sweet story.
October 12, 2020
I always love Beverly Lewis' Amish books... and of course The River did not disappoint me.
Two Amish sisters, Tilly and Ruth, left their Plain life and became English years ago.
Tilly is married with twin girls and Ruth is seeing a young man from her new church... but when one of their brothers invite them to their parents special wedding anniversary celebration back in Lancaster... they both remember the reasons they left and are not sure if they want to return.
Two Amish sisters, Tilly and Ruth, left their Plain life and became English years ago.
Tilly is married with twin girls and Ruth is seeing a young man from her new church... but when one of their brothers invite them to their parents special wedding anniversary celebration back in Lancaster... they both remember the reasons they left and are not sure if they want to return.
April 17, 2019
A sweet and simple story with sweet and simple people. Easy reading, well-drawn characters, and a smooth, charming narrative. Definitely a breezy-day-at-the-beach kind of book. There's also a nice little twist at the end that you will never see coming. All in all, this is a heartfelt, surprisingly honest look at the mysterious lives of the Amish people ~ and the secrets they bear in silence.
September 12, 2019
2019 August Readathon Challenge #4 Can't touch this - Read a book from untouched genre.
as I was compiling my TBR for the August challenge, someone offered me a bunch of ARC's, so when I saw this in the group, I figured I would try an Amish romance, since they seem to have a following. Not my cuppa.
as I was compiling my TBR for the August challenge, someone offered me a bunch of ARC's, so when I saw this in the group, I figured I would try an Amish romance, since they seem to have a following. Not my cuppa.
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