The Proving

by Beverly Lewis

Having left the Amish life for the English world, Amanda Dienner is shocked when she learns that her mother has passed and left her Lancaster County's most popular Amish bed-and-breakfast. The catch is she has to run it herself for one year, acting as hostess. Amanda accepts the terms, but coming home to people she left behind won't be easy.

Genres: Amish, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction, Romance, Christian, Contemporary

352 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2017

About the author

Librarian 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."

Reviews

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, what a precious story! I have yet to read a Beverly Lewis book that I did not enjoy, and The Proving was no exception.

From the first pages, Mandy's story intrigued me. My mind filled with questions as to what had transpired between her and her twin sister, Arie (who was super sweet!), and why. Picking up hints along the way was pretty fun. :)

Catrina entered the story near the beginning of the book, and I was confused for awhile as to her purpose. Her sad backstory made me feel for her and pity her loss...so sad. I enjoyed her character then, but when she got to the B&B her attitude toward Mandy made me want to not like her. Thankfully, she changed though (or rather someone had a good influence on her...), and her story and romance was very precious!

I loved the setting of the book!! A book set at an Amish Bed&Breakfast in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania—which is being ran by the estranged daughter of the family? Yes, please! The mysterious vibe fit the setting very well too.

All of the characters were so real. Mandy, Arie, Josiah, Jerome, Betsy, Trina, Karl, Gavin, Yonnie... Karl, Arie, and Yonnie were definitely favorites of mine. ;)

My only complaint would be that the beginning of the book was rather slow. I wanted to find out what had happened and how it would all be resolved, but I wasn't that into it. Thankfully, I stuck with it and pushed on. What a lovely ending to the story! <3


**I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.**

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

About this book:

“Amanda Dienner hasn't seen her Old Order family in five years when she receives word that her mother has passed away and left her Lancaster County's most popular Amish bed-and-breakfast. Now an Englisher, Mandy is shocked: Her twin sister should have been the obvious choice! What's more, the inheritance comes with a catch: The farmhouse inn will only truly be hers if she is able to successfully run it for twelve consecutive months.
Mandy accepts the challenge even though it means returning to Gordonville and the painful memories she left behind at eighteen. Still, she's determined to prove she is more than capable of running the bed-and-breakfast, no matter that its loyal clientele are expecting an Amish hostess!
The inn isn't Mandy's sole test, however. Rubbing shoulders with her married twin sister reopens wounds that Mandy isn't ready to forgive. And an Englisher guest with a difficult past of her own just complicates matters.
Can Mandy fulfill the terms of her inheritance? Or will this year in Amish country prove a dreadful mistake?”


Series: As of now, no.


Spiritual Content- Psalm 85:10 at the beginning; Scriptures are mentioned, quoted, & remembered; Bible reading; Many Prayers & Blessings over food; Church going, hymns, & sermons (up to five times); Talks about God & His will; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; All about mentions of the Amish, their beliefs, leaving (or joining) the Amish church, different churches, church going, worshiping, songs/hymns, services/sermons, & bishops/deacons/ preachers; Many mentions of God; Many mentions of prayers, praying, prayer meetings, & blessings over food; Mentions of thanking God; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of Christians & faiths; Mentions of blessings & being blessed; A few mentions of the Lord’s resurrection & Easter; A few mentions of Christmas; A few mentions of baptism classes; A few mentions of Mennonites; A couple mentions of godsends; A couple mentions of miracles; A couple mentions of devotionals; A mention of events in the Bible; A mention of biblical names.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘crummy’; A tiny bit of eye rolling; Mentions of accidents & deaths; A few mentions of a drunk driver who caused a death; A few mentions of deceit; A couple mentions of gossip.


Sexual Content- a cheek kiss, and a barely-above-not-detailed kiss; A few touches (barely-above-not-detailed); A teeny, tiny bit of noticing; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & a couple kissing a lot; Mentions of liking a boy & being betrayed; Mentions of courting, dating, & dates; Mentions of flirting; A few mentions of honeymoons; A couple mentions of a man being out of line with a widowed woman; A couple mentions of blushes; A mention of a prairie romance book; Some love, falling in love, & the emotions (x2);
*Note: A few mentions of a wife that died during childbirth.

-Amanda “Mandy” Dienner, age 22-23
-Catrina “Trina” Sutton, age 25
P.O.V. switches between them (Prologue & Epilogue in Amanda’s 1st person POV)
342 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars
I wouldn’t say that this is the author’s best, but I did end up enjoying it.
At the beginning, since we don’t know what in the world happened between the twin sisters, Mandy’s reactions to Arie can come across mean and rude. But, then on the other hand, because we (the readers) are more likely to side with our main point of view character, all the other characters can come across rude to Mandy while taking Arie’s side, when they don’t know what happened between the sisters either. When it’s revealed what happened, I honestly wasn’t shocked as I expected something like that, but it still annoyed me on how it worked out for Mandy. After that, I really was on Mandy’s side. Maybe my opinion would had been different if we saw Arie’s POV or it was her story, but I think I would still feel for Mandy.
I liked Trina up until she got to the B&B, she felt/acted like a different person. She did grow on me, though, as the ending got closer and found her to be overall an interesting character.
It was an interesting story, though, and I enjoyed the butterfly parts. :)


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Bethany House) for this honest review.

[Amy Clipston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of faith, family, forgiveness, and new beginnings. Fans of Amish fiction will enjoy the authentic details of this fantastic story.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to get away and stay at the Butterfly Meadows B and B for a few weeks. Enjoy the plain life and slow down some. This was a very good story and I enjoyed all of the characters so much.
Lewis writes Amish fiction like no other Amish fiction writer. Her writing style is all her own and never a dull moment in the stories. I hope that you enjoy the twins story and the happy every after ending.
I do wish that the book had been a little bit longer I would love to know how Mandy and Karl's story ends.
I gave The Proving 5 stars. I HIGHLY recommend it. Fresh Amish Fiction!
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

[Imane · Rating 1 out of 5]

This has to be the most mind-numbingly insipid book I've ever read in my whole life.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Proving by Beverly Lewis takes Amanda Dienner back home to Gordonville, Pennsylvania. Amanda “Mandy” Dienner left home five years ago after discovering her twin sisters, Arie Mae, betrayal. Mandy has been living and working in Scott City, Kansas. One day she receives a certified letter from her older brother, Jerome telling her that her mother, Saloma passed away unexpectedly. Mandy learns that she has been left Butterfly Meadows, the families Amish bed-and-breakfast, to her. Mandy would have expected the B and B to be left to Arie Mae. The inheritance comes with the condition that Mandy run Butterfly Meadows at a profit for twelve consecutive months. Mandy returns home to take over the inn, but she is not prepared for the community’s and guests feelings about her non-Amish status. Will Mandy be able to handle the close proximity to her sister and her husband? Can Mandy find it in her heart to forgive and move on with her life?

The Proving is well-written, engaging, and has a nice easy flow. I liked the main characters and their stories. It was nice to follow their journey and see how they changed/developed. I only summarized Mandy’s portion of the story and her challenges (lack of cooking skills, not being Amish—when guests expect an Amish hostess, resentment). There is Catrina Sutton who signs up for a mystery vacation (hoping for beach destination) and ends up at Butterfly Meadows. Some of themes in The Proving are forgiveness, power of prayer, love, and letting God take the driver’s seat on your life’s journey (He is in control, not you). It is amazing what happens when you pray and believe. My rating for The Proving is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The story is somewhat predictable (romantic outcomes especially), but I enjoyed reading this pleasant Amish book. The Proving is a lovely, heartwarming novel that provides a delightful respite from reality (which we all desperately need at times).

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a quaint little Amish B&B surrounded by beautiful butterflies and you have pictured Butterfly Meadows. Amanda Sue, Mandy as her family and friends call her, has been called back to her former Amish life to run the B&B after her mother suffered a stroke and died. The stipulation is that she must run the B&B for twelve months successfully. Mandy finds it hard to be so close to her twin sister and husband, the man Mandy thought she was going to marry. Can Mandy succeed? Will Mandy forgive her sister for the wrong she thought was done to her?

I know whenever I pick up a Beverly Lewis book I will have a sense of calm and peace as I am reading and The Proving was no exception. I enjoyed seeing Mandy grow as an adult and watching her learn the ways of her mom. Learning to pray over the guests and help them find the comfort of a quiet life to ease their troubled lives.

I think we could all learn to pray more and pray quietly. Lewis shows us where a prayerful life could lead us. It could lead us to the most unexpected but perfect place in our life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for an ARC in exchange for a review based on my own honest opinion.

[Catsandsnakes · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was torturous to read. Nothing happened, nothing was resolved, the romance sucked ass, and the writing was god awful to read. I wish I just reread the choice.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beverly Lewis has given us another page turning read, and heart-warming visit in Lancaster with an Amish family, and their forgiving love for one another.
Yes the main theme of this book is forgiveness, an easy thing to say, but hard to do, and yet a corner stone of faith. We also have a twin that ends up back in her home, and has to face her past, and those she feels wounded her. I found myself quickly lost in this story, and hoping what my mind was wishing would happen, and in most cases it did.
We know when we begin that it is a death that brings Mandy home, but will life and family get her to stay; she sure has to work cut out for her.
I would love to go and stay at this B & B, and see the butterflies!
I received this book through Bethany House Publisher’s Reviewer Program, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, having an Amish inn was certainly different. Beverly Lewis is having a new obsession where the people are leaving because of certain issues, then come back, resolve them and get baptized. Instead of the other way around, being baptized and then leaving and coming back. Or maybe it's always been this way, I don't know. I think it was good for what it was.

[RebekahAshleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Proving” was such a delightful book! I just really enjoyed it. A good part of the story took place in Gordonville, Pennsylvania, at an Amish Bed and Breakfast. I’ve actually been to Gordonville and have stayed in an Amish bed and breakfast, so this book was especially fun. There were even mentions of places that I have been to before, in Lancaster County, so that was fun.
I was expecting this book to be good, since I really like Beverly Lewis’ books, and it did not disappoint! The story was very well done and enjoyable, and I loved all the characters. It’s definitely a great book that I’d recommend and that I’ll be re-reading sometime. :)

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! As with all of the books I’ve read by Beverly Lewis, the pace was nice and slow. Set in an Amish inn the main character, Mandy, inherits from her mother. In the agreement, Mandy has to manage the inn for 12 full months before she rightly inherits the inn. The only problem is, it’s an Amish inn, and Mandy left her Amish family, lifestyle and community after a hurtful falling out with her twin sister Arie, during which time their mother took Aries side.

It’s a story full of redemption, and rich in Amish culture. I really loved the setting as well as how each character so well developed.

I did come away pretty bothered by something Mandy’s mother said to her never getting resolved in the book. I kept waiting for an explanation or understanding and it just never came, even when other transgressions were worked through and talked over. I think it’s something that will bother me every time I think about the book! However, I still really enjoyed the story and will of course continue to make my way through all of this authors writings as I thoroughly enjoy her stories that take me out of this busy world into a the quiet and plain life of the Amish.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE PROVING is Ms. Lewis's newest book and it is better than most of her recent ones. A unique twist on the Amish Bed and Breakfast theme, with Mandy fighting to keep her mama's inn afloat after firing her sister and losing all her help--except one. The Amish isn't accepting her back at all and refuse to let her find replacement help -- what will a girl do?

There are two stories running through the book, the other is about a woman named Trina who is cantankerous and running off at the mouth all the time -- lippy the book says. But she plays a key part in the story.

The women were both difficult and had something to prove. I did grow to like them but it was an uphill battle.

This is women's fiction and not romance, though there is a hint on one toward the end of the book. It is more the story of two women on the path to finding out who they really are and making amends with those they hurt. The romance with Trina is more defined and spelled out more than even the possibility of one for Mandy.

I received a copy of this book free. All opinions are my own.

[Penny Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the bomb.com!! Nuff said.

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story with a wonderful insight into Amish life.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness is not about forgetting the past, it is about moving forward.

Amanda Dienner five years ago abruptly left her Amish home in Lancaster County. Leaving her twin sister and her widowed mother to run a Bed and Breakfast that the family acquired after the death of her father. Amanda is living in Kansas, working with a young couple as a florist. When hard times forces the couple to let Amanda go, she must find work or move to where she can make a living. Within weeks of still searching for a job, she receives a letter from her brother informing her the death of mother and the inheritance of the B&B. There are stipulations with the inheritance and that being she must run it for a year- A proving of herself and after a year, she can sell it. Amanda is with anxiety in seeing her sister and being received by the Amish community. The hurt and betrayal she had endured by her own twin sister and the misunderstanding she had with her mother. She must decide if she can go back without her heart in it.

She does go back and the development of the plot and her character is helped with those that come into Amanda's life. The clientele of the inn that loved Amanda's mother and the Amish way, the young woman who is candid with Amanda regarding her standing with the Amish and her own sister whom she fired day one arriving to take over the B & B. In the proving, she comes to find what is important and what is worth fighting for. That forgiveness is a process that must be dealt with for healing. The process gives the reader tears and hope! Loved this one

A Special Thank You to Bethany House Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Tiffany Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amanda Dienner hasn't seen her Old Order Amish family in five years. Having lived as Anna English er that entire time, she's understandably surprised to receive word that not only has her mother passed away, but she's left her Lancaster County's most popular bed and breakfast. Mandy is definitely shocked. Her twin, who has been helping to run the inn seems a far more obvious choice. But, for Mandy to take ownership, there is a stipulation, she must run the inn for a year and keep it profitable. She accepts the challenge, even though it means facing the painful memories she left at 18. She's determined to show that she's up for the challenge, even if the guests are expecting to see an Amish hostess! Running the inn isn't Mandy's only test, however, she's also going to be facing her estranged twin and dealing with an Englisher guest who has her own challenging past. Can Mandy fulfill the terms of her inheritance?

This was a beautiful story of forgiveness and second chances, even if I did get frustrated with Mandy at times. Mandy, like so many of us, wanted so badly to hold onto the hurts of the past, even though they were really only holding her back. I really enjoyed watching the friendship between Trina and Mandy grow, as well as the relationship with Gavin. I love how sweet the relationship between Arie Mae and Mandy was, once they gave it a chance. The story ended with such promise. I hope that in further books that take place in Lancaster County, we learn what happens to Mandy and Arie Mae.

[Bekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book quite a bit! I'll go ahead and delve into my review of it.

What I Liked: The setting of this book was moved into seamlessly. I really enjoyed getting a look into the main character's life and heart. Amanda's predicament is very understandable and as she goes back into her Amish world to take over her family's Amish bed and breakfast, old issues arise. Amanda's feelings toward her sister, Arie Mae, were very, very realistic. While I didn't agree with some of her actions, the pain and anger that Amanda was feeling towards her twin was shown very well and I greatly enjoyed seeing how the struggle was worked out through the book.

What I Didn't Like: The secondary character, Catrina, was a bit confusing to me at the first. I didn't picture her as bold and snarky as she turned out to be a few chapter into the book. When I was first introduced to her, she seemed all sweetness, but it was kind of a shock to me as I had her personality pegged wrong. Perhaps it's just me, but it seems like she had a change in personality, but that's just my very humble opinion.

I give this book 3/5 stars for a pleasant story that I greatly enjoyed.

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amanda left her Amish community five years ago, upset when she catches her twin sister embracing the boy Amanda always dreamed of marrying. But now, she is headed back to her homestead, with some misgivings. Her mother has died and left Amanda her Bed-and-Breakfast inn but with the stipulation that to inherit it, she must run it for a year and make profit. But Amanda is not welcomed back as the prodigal daughter returning. She, as well as the Amish community, must come to an understanding of what her return really means. An interesting concept, this tale is not a typical Amish story, and the varied characters in a somewhat unusual setting makes for an entertaining read.

[Sarah Rhomberg]

This is a heartbreaking book, but the kind that breaks you in a good way.

"The Proving" is written from two perspectives and is slightly different from most of the other Beverly Lewis books I've read. I didn't love the second perspective (Trina) at first, but I did warm up to her in the end. In general, the characters were unique.

The whole book plays around something that happened between two sisters (twins), but the reader doesn't find out what it is until the very end.

It was a good reminder to love your siblings, forgive, and that situations look different from different perspectives.

[Sarah Coller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one ok but thought it would be better without the introduction of Trina's story---or at least a differently written one. It was introduced choppily and her rudeness was a little over the top. The banter between them seemed unrealistic, as did Mandy's response to it---especially since Trina is no more blunt than many of Lewis' other Amish characters.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this story. I liked Mandy, and Trina was okay, but I did not like Arie. I liked the bits involving the butterflies. The ending was okay; the MCs each got a happy ending.

[☘Tara Sheehan☘ · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a well-read fan of Beverly Lewis then you walk into her novels knowing what to expect. Of course it’ll be centered on the Amish way of life, there will be some kind of heartbreak that needs resolving through Christian principles, there will be bold statements about God and/or prayers and if you can find the silence to listen you might learn something.

Lewis uses her talent for descriptive and metaphorical language to create vivid images so you can actually feel like you’ve been to Amish country. Even if you’ve never read a Lewis book it’ll be easy to get used to her use of the particular language and dialect her Amish characters use thanks to her detailed context. She paints their way of life as something beautiful and full rather than lacking as you might believe since they aren’t held together through social media, video games, comic movies or our warring political parties. She creates a world that even the tech and Starbucks addicts can envy even just a little.

Lewis tried something new in this novel compared to most of her other ones by using an Inn as the setting and it worked very well because it provided a chance to see more of how the Amish and ‘English’ might interact and what each other’s expectations might be. The way it was described you felt like you were walking through the rooms and meadows outdoors, made me wish I could make a reservation.

Typical for Lewis the family dynamics involved that she spun through her well-developed characters was both dramatic and heartwarming at once. At times I felt irritated with the choices being made but once you understand the full story and how each character viewed their part in it you can see how very logical and realistic their actions were.

The nice thing about a Lewis novel is no matter what goes on you’re guaranteed a good ending so the plot, dialogue and characters can just whisk you away from whatever stressful reality you may be dealing with to one where peaceful endings are just around the turn of the page.

[Alicia Ruggieri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can always count on Beverly Lewis books to provide a heartwarming story. Though I prefer Lewis’ series to her standalones, I’ve found that even her standalone novels – which can appear simple at times – even predictable – always give a carefuly-wrought message interwoven seamlessly into the storyline.
And her newest novel, the standalone The Proving was no different in this regard. Mandy’s mishaps as she tries to run a B & B singlehandedly at times – all in an effort to spite her sister and prove that she is capable of succeeding independently – were funny enough at times to make me chuckle and smile, and her justifiable hurt feelings over the wrong done to her was depicted so well that I as a reader could definitely sympathize with her anger and grudge.
What I really loved was the way that the author took a situation that was “unfixable” – literally, there was nothing, aside from the death of one of the parties that could undo the wrong that had been done – and showed that God can make something very good from great wrong – can redeem it, in fact, and shower it with His blessings – as long as we forgive.
While this wasn’t my favorite Beverly Lewis novel – her Abram’s Daughters series takes that prize 🙂 – The Proving is still well-worth reading for Amish fiction fans and for anyone who loves a well-told, heartwarming tale.

[Laura Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Beverly Lewis win in The Proving. Beverly never fails or provide us with a compelling story with accuracy and compassion.
Amanda Dienner left the Amish after she saw her sister, Arie Mae, kissing her beau, Joshua, and her mother sided with Arie Mae. She'd never intended to leave, but after five years she's adapted and doesn't feel like she can return.
Her mother dies and leaves her Bed and Breakfast to Amanda with stipulations. She accepts the challenge, plans on working the inn for the required year then selling it and returning to the outside world. She still feels betrayed by her sister, who lives next door with Joshua who helps with repair work and upkeep of the inn.
Karl Lantz a neighbor, is a widower and single father that helps out with the horses. Yonnie, Karl's son grows fond of Amanda as does Karl.
Will Amanda forgive Arie Mae and Joshua? Will she let go of the resentment for being all but shunned by her family and the community? Will she let herself love Karl and Yonnie and stay?
I received a free copy from Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group. No review, positive or otherwise, was required – all opinions are my own.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to Beverly' s books and again she didn't disappoint!!
I really love her books because they bring me peace and leaves me thinking long after the book is done.
I also love reading about the Amish lifestyle and knowing that they're human just like us. But, yet they're not like us. They are in the world but not of it like we are.
I liked how Mandy had to learn her lesson the hard way. I am like that too.
Sometimes the Lord sends people thro our lives good or bad depending on how the circumstances are. I believe that Tricia was a blessing to Mandy. Even though it took Mandy a while to realize it.
It also takes a while to forgive others even tho I can understand Mandys plight. A rather silly one in my opinion but oh well.
I enjoyed it so much!! I would consider this a reread in the near future!!
I strongly recommend this book.
Compliment of the Lexington, Kentucky public Library

[Andrea Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things I’ve enjoyed about the Beverly Lewis books I’ve been reading lately is how the Amish and Englisch have worked together or helped each other. This particular book showed that well too, and that aspect made it an especial joy to read.

The cover of this book is beautiful. I love the items on the tray! They go really well together, and the model’s facial expression is perfect for the story.

The idea of inheriting a bed and breakfast is amazing. I wish! (That dream ranks up there with inheriting a bookshop to me.) This aspect was well infused into the story, and I was glad to see that it wasn’t all smooth sailing but that it felt organic and not dramatized for the sake of the story.

I adored the sibling relationships in this book. They began as broken, but from the beginning I was able to see the hope for reconciliation for Amanda and her siblings. This felt so realistic to me, and this thread was one of the highlights of this story for me.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Proving is the newest release Beverly Lewis. I absolutely loved it. I would have to say it is probably my favorite written by her. I enjoyed all of the characters, especially, Trina. She had grown so much throughout the story. I, also, found myself wondering how one goes about staying in an Amish bed and breakfast. I would love to stay at Butterfly Meadows, as long as, Mandy is not cooking!

The Proving is a sweet and heartwarming story of learning to let go and forgive. Great read!

5 plus stars.

I personally purchased this book brand new. This really is one hundred percent my honest opinion.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This newest book by author Beverly Lewis is a stand-alone and if you enjoy Amish fiction it’s a must read! This book won’t disappoint you. Very descriptive, you’ll want to visit the B&B, because it simply feels like a real place.


Obviously, since Amanda has returned to her Old Order family as an Englisher, there is a lot of tension in this story. Just when you think something may be resolved, another twist is thrown in. It really does keep the pages turning!

Through the story is the overriding theme of the need to forgive and move ahead in life. Taking time in the Word and prayer is stressed in such a beautiful way that you will be encouraged to make time for these things. As always, I look forward to Mrs. Lewis’ next book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading Beverly Lewis for years; in fact, my grandmother and I shared her books with each other before donating them to our church library.

The Proving is a wonderful story. Kind of reminds me of one of Steven Curtis Chapman’s early hits that referred to “finding ones place in this world”.