In The Parting: A Novel by Beverly Lewis, the first book in The Courtship of Nellie Fisher series, the bestselling author once again immerses readers in the world of the Amish with her familiar heartfelt storytelling. The story begins with Nellie Fisher, a young Amish woman who is still grieving the recent drowning death of her sister, Suzy. Though the pain is still fresh, Nellie finds comfort in the love and support of Caleb Yoder, who has expressed his desire to make her his wife. As their budding romance blossoms, Nellie begins to dream of their future together, and her small baked goods shop offers her a sense of peace and purpose.

However, life in her tight-knit Pennsylvania Amish community is changing, and these changes bring challenges that threaten to disrupt both her personal happiness and the harmony within her family. Tensions rise as new ideas and conflicts arise, with some members of the community, including Nellie’s father, starting to explore new theological concepts that go against Amish tradition, such as salvation by grace. Meanwhile, Rosanna King, another member of the community, faces her own struggles, as she is unable to have children but receives an unexpected promise of a baby from a woman with many children.

As the story unfolds, Lewis introduces other elements that build the foundation for the series, such as forbidden scriptures, unanswered questions about faith, and the tension between maintaining tradition and adapting to new beliefs. Amish dialect is used sparingly to enrich the setting, and though certain plot points, like an old journal or a promised child, may feel somewhat familiar, Lewis skillfully builds enough emotional and narrative tension to engage her readers.

While some Christian readers may have concerns about the portrayal of tragic events, like Suzy's death or a crop failure, being part of God's divine plan, the novel provides a gentle narrative style that emphasizes themes of faith, love, and resilience. For those unfamiliar with the Amish culture, the boundaries of Rumspringa (the period when some Amish teens explore the outside world) may be confusing, but for readers familiar with Lewis’s work, the story will feel like a comforting return to the beloved world of Amish fiction. Fans of the author can look forward to more heartfelt tales as the series continues to unfold.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers; First Edition (October 1, 2007)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 347 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 076420310X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764203107
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.25 inches
• Condition: Used-Good

Religious Romance, Amish Romance, Amish & Mennonite Fiction