Sometimes I Feel Like a Piece of Bologna

Fiction Friday: Patchwork Dreams

I confess. I enjoy Amish fiction, which has become one of the most popular genres of Christian fiction. So I was delighted to be invited to review Patchwork Dreams by Laura V. Hilton.

Patchwork Dreams is a simple story, with a twist I haven't seen in Amish fiction – a heroine who returns from her rumschpringe pregnant and unwed. Although Becky has confessed her sin and joined the church, she remains an outcast in the community. She has reconciled herself to live as a maidal in her parents’ home or be married to an older widower.

Then Jacob Miller comes to the family farm to help with chores for the summer. Unbeknownst to him, his father sent Jacob there to distance him from Susie, his sweetheart in Pennsylvania.

It’s little surprise that boy meets girl, kindling romantic sparks that neither seems capable of dealing with. The entire story chronicles the terrible communication between these two and the misunderstandings that ensue. Neither seems capable of clear, open, honest communication, resulting in a painfully predictable, formulaic plot. Lacking a subplot, the story soon became tedious. I found the characters annoying, wanting them to just say what they’re thinking! It’s a very simple love story. Quite readable. At times enjoyable. But not exceptional.

Labels: Amish, book review, fiction