Book Review: Upon a Spring Breeze by Kelly Irvin, Every Amish Season, Book 1

“No one knows until she sets foot on our road how she will react. We all like to think we’ll be strong. We have faith. We believe. Then that unthinkable thing happens and we’re tested.” (34)

Title: Upon a Spring Breeze
Series: Every Amish Season, Book 1
Author: Kelly Irvin

Publisher: Zondervan Fiction

Release Date: March 28, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Amish Fiction

After a devastating winter, a spring breeze promises more than new flowers.… It promises a new chance at love.

Bess Weaver, twenty and expecting her first child, is in the kitchen making stew for her beloved mann, Caleb, one minute, and the next she’s burying him after a tragic accident. Facing life as a young widow, Bess finds comfort only in tending the garden at an Englisch-owned bed and breakfast—even as she doubts that new growth could ever come after such a long winter.

Aidan tries to repress his guilt over his best friend Caleb’s death and his long-standing feelings for Bess by working harder than ever. But as he spends time with the young son his friend left behind, he seems to be growing closer to the boy’s beautiful mother as well.

When a close-knit group of widows in her Amish community step in to help Bess find her way back to hope, she begins to wonder if Gott has a future for her after all. Will she ever believe that life can still hold joy and the possibility of love?

Upon a Spring Breeze by Kelly Irvin is the first of her Every Amish Season series, as well as my first full novel of the author's. And I can tell you, it won't be my last. The imagery of a devastating and tragic winter ends, and when Spring arrives, new life blooms stir readers' hearts.

“Take joy in this . . . as hard as it is, seek the joy in it. There is the joy in the pain.” (57)

Bess, only 20 years old, but already encounter one of life's most grievance. I truly felt her pain, and though her time at the B&B wasn't my favorite part, Bess' journey to acceptance, and opening her eyes and heart to another love was indeed well crafted. Aidan's guilt and patience was yet another journey that propel readers to turn the pages. I was indeed rooting for him - his resilience to what trial comes his way, and his heart to bring smiles to those he care about. Then we have the widows, each character bringing something different to the story, as well as insight to Bess and readers. A well rounded set of characters for sure. With themes of grief, friendship, patience and love, Upon a Spring Breeze starts off a new series beautifully.

“You are honed by the fire, your character refined. These are the plans He has for you.” (313)

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.

For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.

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BOOK 2 in the EVERY AMISH SEASON series

Kelly Irvin is the author of The Beekeeper’s Son, the critically acclaimed first novel of the Amish of Bee County series. Kelly is also the author of several Amish series including the Bliss Creek Amish series, the New Hope Amish series, and the Amish of Bee County series. The Kansas native is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Journalism. She has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years, including ten years as a newspaper reporter, mostly in Texas-Mexico border towns. She has worked in public relations for the City of San Antonio for twenty years. Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-seven years. They have two young adult children, two cats, and a tank full of fish. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories and read books by her favorite authors.

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