Kristina Anderson
A Love Made New by Kathleen Fuller is the third book in An Amish of Birch Creek series. Abigail Schrock has just returned home after being away for six weeks with Joanna, her injured sister. Joanna was injured in the same accident that killed their parents. Abigail is very excited to see her beau, Joel. She hurries over to his home and does not get the warm greeting she expected. Abigail fears it is because of her weight gain (she eats when unhappy or stressed). Joel has fallen for someone else while Abigail was away (helping Joanna with her rehab). Abigail is just heartbroken. Asa Bontrager runs into Abigail on her way home and tries to assist her, but she rebuffs him (repeatedly). Asa Bontrager moved to Birch Creek because he felt that God had led him to Birch Creek. He gave up everything in his old life when he relocated. God is now leading him to Abigail. Asa knows that he will have to take is slow and earn Abigail’s trust. It turns out that Abigail needs help learning to manage her accounts for her rug business. Asa happens to be very good with numbers and it the perfect person to teach her bookkeeping (Abigail does not even have a bank account). Can Abigail learn to trust again? Will she be able to forgiveness Joel and see it was the best thing that ever happened to her? Sol Troyer has changed his ways. God has slowly changed him (from being drunk, irresponsible, rude), but Sol has to prove himself to the members of his community. Sol now makes and sells birdhouses. He has a client that would like a painted birdhouse, and Irene is recommended for the position. Irene is not sure about spending time with Sol (because of his drinking and temper). But Irene is just the person to help Sol. Sol needs to know that he has been forgiven and is deserving of love (he does not feel worthy). Join Asa, Abigail, Irene, and Sol as they work through their issues in A Love Made New. A Love Made New is a sweet story. It was nice to revisit Birch Creek and get to know more about each of these characters. We also get updates on the people from the previous novels (Aden and Sadie as well as Joanna and Andrew). This is the third book in the series, and I recommend reading the previous books in An Amish of Birch Creek series. The author does update the readers in A Love Made New of what happened in the prior novels (A Reluctant Bride and An Unbroken Heart). I just think in order to understand the various characters and their situations, you need to read the first two books (personal opinion). I liked the messages in this book about God’s love and forgiveness. The ending is just lovely and heartwarming. I give A Love Made New 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I appreciate Ms. Fuller’s writing style. It is conversational which makes for an enjoyable and easy to read book. I look forward to reading the next book by Kathleen Fuller. I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
