While many of us have our imperfections hidden on the inside, Lena feels burdened carrying hers on her face. How could anyone possibly be attracted to a girl with such a hideous birthmark? Lena is the local school teacher for the Amish children, and there is one particular boy who is making sure she knows how horrible she looks. When she begins being attacked and all her teaching methods questioned, Grey stands by her side. However, Grey also has his own issues trying to figure out why his wife has been so distant. When a young man takes matters into his own hands in an attempt to rid the community of it's "blemished" teacher, a tragedy occurs that turns all their lives upside down. I don't know what it's like to have a birthmark on my face, but I can only imagine how difficult it would be when trying to find a soul mate. Are they really in love with you or are they feeling sorry for you? That's a tough mental game to play over and over in your head, and takes a very strong person to overcome it. I really enjoyed watching Lena's humor as she tried to deal with some very difficult situations. At some points in the book, I thought, who does that to a teacher? And the sad thing is, there are really people like that in our world. Very sad, to say the least. But, Lena stood her ground and held her head high, and I admired that quality in her. And her motto, "Things can be cleaned and replaced. Great moments cannot afford to be lost." I LOVE THAT!!All I can say about this book is WOW! I can't believe it took me so long to get to reading this book. I normally can't stand a book with so much going on with so many characters, but Cindy did such a great job of interweaving everyone, that I quickly got past that and felt like I was a member in the community. At points I would be laughing hysterically not only because of the humor, but also because I enjoyed seeing the humorous side of the Amish. Then, the very next minute I found my heart breaking and as soon as I turned the page I was caught up in the minor suspense weaved throughout the book! What a brilliantly written book! DISCLOSURE: I was graciously provided a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Press via Blogging for Books to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. The Bridge of Peace is the second book in the Ada's House series and I would probably recommend reading this series in order. When I first started reading this I really wasn't in the mood to read it but I knew I needed to get it read to write my review. Well, I'm happy to say that it didn't take long before I was enjoying reading about Lena and Grey. I actually had a hard time putting it down. It was one of those books where you say to yourself, "one more chapter and then I'll go to bed." Before you know it you've said that to yourself about five times and still haven't gone to bed. I was happy to see a lot of the characters that I read about in the first book, The Hope of Refuge. We didn't just see them in passing but their story continued in this book which is why I think this is one of those series that needs to be read in order. I don't read that much Amish fiction but I really enjoy Cindy Woodsmall's books. The characters are great and you feel like you know them...you will laugh and cry with them. This is a great series that I would highly recommend.
What do You think about The Bridge Of Peace (2010)?
Good writing and good story. Like learning about another culture. Anita W ~ School
—paolammk
Great story. I always love a glimpse into the lives and ways of the Amish.
—hansie4u
LOVED this book and loving this Ada's House series.
—fadi
Sept. 2012 Great book which kept my interest.
—KronsUBC
