The Road Home

(#2 Apple Creek Dreams Series)

By Patrick E. Craig

The Key To Understanding...

Description

Jenny Springer is the local historian for the Amish community in Apple Creek, Ohio. As a child, Jenny was rescued from a terrible snowstorm, and when no trace of her parents could be found, the Springer family adopted her. Since then she has had a burning desire in her heart to find out who she really is. When a drifter, Jonathan Hershberger, comes to town looking for his own roots, Jenny gets serious in her search for her long lost parents. As she opens doors to her past, she finds the truly surprising answer to her deepest questions. Meanwhile, as Jonathan discovers the true story of his own heritage, his growing love for Jenny causes him to re-examine his lifelong atheism. In doing so he discovers his need for a real home, a family, and a relationship with God.

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.deepershopping.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

Biography

Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. He spent the next twenty-six years as a worship leader, pastor, and seminar speaker in churches and at retreats, seminars, and conferences all across the Western United States. After ministering for a number of years in music and worship to a circuit of small churches in Northern California, he is now concentrating on writing and publishing both fiction and non-fiction books.

Patrick can be found at http://www.patrickecraig.com/ 

and https://www.facebook.com/PatrickECraig?fref=ts

My Review ~

Two young adults searching for something missing in their lives meet under unusual circumstances. As their paths cross Jenny and Johnny become acquainted and discover they have a common bond, the need to find out who they are as individuals. Adopted and raised Amish by Reuben and Jerusha Springer, Jenny has an insatiable curiosity about her past, who her biological parents were and how she ended up trapped in a car in a blizzard in Apple Creek, Ohio when she was only four years old. 

Johnny Hershberger is a hippie escaping a drug deal gone bad. He escapes pursuit by the drug dealers through traveling off the beaten path in Amish country, Ohio. Noticing an Amish family working the fields near Apple Creek, Johnny stops to watch, and the scene brings him to tears. The sight is surreal as he recalls a recent dream. A strong feeling of familiarity affects his emotions, bringing more questions to the surface. 

Repairing a badly damaged Rose of Sharon quilt is Jerusha's way of coping through difficult circumstances. As she makes repairs to the quilt she prays, and God speaks to her as she stitches. The quilt is a testament of life. God's deep and peaceful voice spoke to Jerusha as she kept her mind and hands busy. "I have things to show you, Jerusha - things that will help Jenny, but they will help you also. All of your life, you have been in My hand, and yet you still don't understand Me. The quilt is the key to understanding."

The second book in the Apple Creek Dreams series, the story of Jerusha and Reuben Springer continues, focusing on their adopted daughter, Jenny. This story is told with depth and detail, delivering a beautiful story of the love of family and the love of God. Jenny and Johnny's search for that missing link in their lives is a strong element in this installment of the series. Jerusha's Rose of Sharon quilt becomes a pivotal part of the story, as the quilt represents life in all its shapes and forms. 

Patrick E. Craig writes with brilliance and incredible insight, enveloping the reader in rich details and familiar emotions through his picturesque narrative. The Road Home kept me engrossed and left me with the comfort of being embraced by Jerusha's quilt. I highly recommend this book! It's a journey through broken and shattered lives, and exposure to life in its deepest, darkest moments, ultimately bringing peace through its spiritual revelations and restoration.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author through Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.