Saving Gideon (A Clover Ridge Novel) by Amy Lillard

 Accidental Changes!

Book Description

Gideon Fisher wants one thing out of life -- to be left alone. This is not the Amish way, but he’s devastated after the death of his wife and son to the point of losing his faith. He buys a farm on the outskirts of the district and pulls away from his community. But when a freak spring snowstorm brings a beautiful Englisher to his farm, what choice does Gideon have but to let her in?

Dallas socialite Avery Ann Hamilton is intrigued by the Amish farmer who pulls her out of the snow and into his austere lifestyle. Poor little rich girl, Avery has just gone through (yet another) bad breakup. Every man she meets only wants her for her father’s money. All she has ever wanted is to be loved for herself. Avery soon discovers the Oklahoma Amish country is the perfect place to hide out and heal her broken heart.

But she finds a peace in those back roads that she’s never felt before. Now her life has purpose and meaning as she connects with God and those around her. And there’s something more as she begins to care for this man who needs both love and forgiveness.

Gideon never wanted to live again much less fall in love, but Avery finds her way into his heart, showing him the beauty of life and God’s greatness. Yet as the feelings between Avery and Gideon grow, can they overcome their dissimilar lifestyles, or will their sheer differences pull them apart?

Biography

I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son-a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels-not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

Favorite movies-(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.

My Review ~

Two very different worlds collide when an accident catapults Avery Ann Hamilton into Gideon Fisher's world. Avery has lived her entire life in a world of wealth and high society. After discovering her fiance in the arms of another woman, Avery became lost in a blizzard. Unable to see the road in front of her, she lost control of her car and crashed into a field in Amish country. Gideon has suffered unthinkable loss, the accidental drowning of his wife and young son. Leaving the farm he shared with his beloved family Gideon has sequestered himself from his Amish community, waiting and hoping for death to take him too. The sound of a car horn honking alerted him to the discovery of Avery, unconscious and slumped over her steering wheel. Gideon carefully removed her and her little dog from the wreckage, and brought them to the safety of his farm.

What will the Amish community think when they discover Gideon's young Englische house guest? Gideon is still consumed with grief and guilt, unable to move forward with his life. As Avery recuperates she has numerous questions regarding the Amish and their simple lifestyle, and begins to appreciate the peace and quiet of the farm. Can two very different people find peace and harmony with so many overwhelming differences?

Amy Lillard takes a very different approach in her Amish fiction novel, "Saving Gideon." Her characters are from opposite ends of the spectrum, one extreme to the other. Avery is transformed from a minimal faith life to a yearning for the love of God, and through the German bible, develops a strong faith. These charming characters are lovable and personable, yet stubborn and one is particularly resistant to change. The unlikely blending of an Amish man with a very Englische woman is questionable, but as the story develops, Avery begins to take part in the Amish ways and Gideon tries to ignore what he can, and tolerates what he can't.  I loved the story of Avery and Gideon, and highly recommend it! I'm looking forward to the sequel to see what is in store for Gideon's family!