"'Dear Mr. Chupp' - with those three words, a pen-pal relationship is ignited and two lives are changed forever." (back cover)
Title: Written in LoveSeries: Amish Letters, Book 1
Author: Kathleen Fuller
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction
Release Date: March 14, 2017
Genre: Amish Contemporary Fiction
Genre: Amish Contemporary Fiction
When a postal error creates pen pals of two young Amish people, can they put behind their past mistakes to see the bright future God has written for them?
Jalon Chupp has a past he isn’t proud to claim. He’s worked hard to overcome his youthful mistakes, and he has recommitted himself to his faith. When he receives a sweet note included in a piece of misdirected mail, he can’t help but write back. Soon, the letters he receives from Phoebe are the highlights of his days, and with a hopeful heart, he suggests they meet in person.
Phoebe, too, looks forward to every single one of Jalon’s letters. Living with her overbearing aunt, Phoebe doesn’t have too much to look forward to. But when Jalon suggests they meet, she panics—although she has shared some of the deepest longings of her heart with him, she hasn’t been entirely truthful about her past. But when Jalon shows up at her aunt’s doorstep, everything is revealed. And she can only pray he’ll forgive her for holding back the truth.
In order to reach beyond the errors of their pasts, both Phoebe and Jalon must put their faith in something—or Someone—bigger than either of them
Jalon Chupp has a past he isn’t proud to claim. He’s worked hard to overcome his youthful mistakes, and he has recommitted himself to his faith. When he receives a sweet note included in a piece of misdirected mail, he can’t help but write back. Soon, the letters he receives from Phoebe are the highlights of his days, and with a hopeful heart, he suggests they meet in person.
Phoebe, too, looks forward to every single one of Jalon’s letters. Living with her overbearing aunt, Phoebe doesn’t have too much to look forward to. But when Jalon suggests they meet, she panics—although she has shared some of the deepest longings of her heart with him, she hasn’t been entirely truthful about her past. But when Jalon shows up at her aunt’s doorstep, everything is revealed. And she can only pray he’ll forgive her for holding back the truth.
In order to reach beyond the errors of their pasts, both Phoebe and Jalon must put their faith in something—or Someone—bigger than either of them
I loved how it starts with the letters between our main characters, Jalon and Phoebe. It's a refreshing way for readers to get immersed in the letters and how it all started. At first, I kind of wished it lasted a little longer, only because I felt like the love came too soon, but in truth, I think the love developed more when they finally met face to face.
"He turned and gazed at her for a long moment, and all the attraction she'd wanted to see in his eyes for so long was there and vulnerable. He brushed his fingertip against the lower part of her cheek, making her smile." (198)
Past mistakes can hinder a person's acceptance of others, and of themselves. I admire how Phoebe understood her mistakes, as well as the blessings that God provided from those mistakes. Both Phoebe and Jalon had a difficult journey that lead to their reliance on their faith. The message of looking in the heart, not a person's past failures or accomplishment brought those two together when they felt and read between the lines of truly finding out who they are as a person. When their encounters stretched beyond the help of the postal system, it was really nice to read how they try to work things out.
The story line of Phoebe's pastor and her aunt had my insides boiling with anger. Such hypocrites! And in truth, without those "villainous" roles, we might not understand or accept the contrast in change, repentance or forgiveness of the other characters. The whole plot, as well as the plots of all the characters were so well crafted, I didn't want it to end - though it was a satisfying end that provided closure for this chapter of the series. In all, a great story, a great cover and great set of characters you will fall in love with! I can't wait for the next one in the series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
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Thanks for the review. It just makes me want to read Written in Love all the more. :)
ReplyDeleteAwww. Thank you!that is awesome! I think you'll enjoy it!
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