“Amish Country Crossroads” by Beverly Lewis
Recommended Age: 15-17+ (primarily for content
704 pages
Description: The lives and love of Philip Bradley and Rachel Yoder captivate readers again in this 3-in-1 edition of the popular series featuring The postcard, The crossroad, and Sanctuary
My Rating: 4/5
To start, for clarification (because I was confused at first), the first two books in this collection are in a series, but the last one, (<i>Sanctuary,</i>) is a stand-alone.
The Postcard and The Crossroad: These two books were so sweet! The story had me crying both sympathetic and happy tears! I absolutely loved the beginning of book 1 and the end of book 2. It was just so sweet how Lewis introduced this story and then tied everything together. I loved it so much that I wish there was a book 3! After the ending I wanted more of the characters. I wish I could have continued to see them grow instead of just the epilogue (even though that was a nice touch).
I do want to note, though, that there were some concerns as far as spiritual content (see that section below for further details). One of the many storylines in these 2 books surrounded “powwow doctors” or “faith healers.” Using types of hexes, these “doctors” claim to heal people of various things under the title of the Lord. In these stories, most of the Amish community supports these practices. I was, however, very pleased to read how some characters spoke out against this and allowed the gospel to be shared. That was truly a highlight of this book! Still, I would advise readers (and parents) to carefully read my “Spiritual Content” section below, using discernment for how you would like to proceed. (Clarification: Lewis does not advocate for these practices in any way. In fact, she created strong characters who oppose these wicked workings, combating them with the gospel of Christ.)
Sanctuary: Wow! I am so amazed! This book is fully engulfing from the beginning! I sat down to read and just kept reading! I love how Lewis uses the genre of suspense but in a way that is pleasing and honoring to the Lord! This book might be one of my new favorites of Lewis’s. The storyline is not overly predictable and there is INCREDIBLE character development! My only complaint (similar to the last) is that I just wanted more! I wish there was a book 2 that I could go grab. I want to see what God continued to do.
Notable Quotes:
“Fear is such an open door, ‘cause when we fear we’re believin’ the devil, whereas faith is believin’ in what God says.” (The Postcard)
“Those who endeavored to live in Christ could expect the unexpected. No accidents for a Christian. Even the smallest irritations turned out to reveal God’s marvelous intentions.” (Sanctuary)
“Our bodies need nourishment to survive, which proves the existence of food and water. We need oxygen to breathe, which proves the existence of air. We need light and warmth, which proves the sun exists. We desire to procreate, which proves the existence of sex. We get lonely simply because friendship and community exists. But even with all these physical and emotional needs satisfied, we
still feel unfulfilled. Why? Because we have a deeper spiritual need—a need for God. And that, my friend, proves the existence of a Creator.” (Sanctuary)
Things to be aware of in “Book Title”
(Note that the following points encompass all 3 books in this collection.)
Language:
- A mention of “crass remarks” (no elaboration)
- 2 “stupid”
- 2 forms of “dumb” or “dumbest” (one of which is quoted as a song lyric)
- “The voice spewed profanity.”
- “He whispered a curse.”
Violence:
Note: the majority of the content under this category is from
- Multiple characters die via car accidents.
- A woman has a miscarriage
- A character wishes to die.
- A character is stung by a wasp, resulting in an allergic reaction.
- A character flees for his/her life.
- A character is prepared to administer mace if in danger.
- A character handles a gun and drugs that have the ability to manipulate and even kill an individual.
- A couple of characters are suspected to have been murdered; others come very close
- A character throws a vase into a window, shattering both
Romantic Content:
- Speaking of a bed, a character refuses to “recall the love exchanged here.”
- Married couples exchange kisses on the lips
Spiritual Content:
As mentioned in my personal review above, there is quite a bit of spiritual content to be discussed. While there may be some questionable or concerning content, know the outcome is honoring to the Lord. I take one star away because I can see how in some instances these first 2 books could give someone the wrong impression considering the fact that the resolution or pushback is not immediately felt and therefore there is a period where this seems to be accepted. (-1 star) Sanctuary
- Powwow doctors” (also called “faith healers”) are mentioned. They use charms and herbal potions. “Such healers were believed to have been imparted gifts by the Holy Spirit and the holy angels.”
- Witchcraft is discussed.
- Diviners are mentioned.
- Hypnotics and psychotherapy is discussed.
- Hexes and bad omens are discussed.
- A character experiences a type of convulsions.
- A few characters claim to have had visions/dreams (one of which he/she hears from “an angel of the Lord”).
- A character claims to have “called up the spirits of darkness … enchantments.”
- “I sold out to the devil.”
- One mention of, “the gods do smile on me.”
Additional Notes:
- A character is described as “plump”
- A man admits that in a marriage, the leadership ought to be shared equally between the man and the woman.
- A character contemplates that life almost seems “pointless.”
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