The Wish

The Plain community in Lancaster County, Penn. is the setting of this uplifting and contemporary Amish romance from veteran Lewis. When the Gingerichs moves to Lancaster County, Leona Speicher meets Gloria Gingerich, the lone girl in a family of boys, and feels her wishes for a companion and confidant have been granted. With the girls as close as any sisters could be, the possibility arises that each may marry into the other’s family. But when Gloria’s father is expelled from the church, the family suddenly disappears from Leona’s life without a goodbye or a forwarding address. Three years later, Leona receives a disturbing letter from Gloria and decides to go to Arkansas in an effort to help her friend. When Gloria returns to Pennsylvania with Leona, it soon becomes evident that Gloria is torn between the peace she finds in the Plain life and her commitment to her family. The girls mature in lessons of love, friendship, faith, and even unanswered prayers, providing thought-provoking insights through a simple Amish story of friendship and abiding devotion. With graceful style and attention to detail, Lewis (The Atonement) once again crafts an easy read for first-timers and a certain favorite for her faithful fans. (Sept.)