Review of Kelly Long's Arms of Love

Arms of Love
By Kelly Long
(Thomas Nelson, 2012)

This is the first Amish colonial I have seen. I applaud Kelly for tackling this time frame, which is a favorite of mine as the Founder of the Colonial American Christian Writers group, of which Kelly is a member.

 

Bibliotherapy: This book is full of more bibliotherapy uses than any other book I have read so far this year. We have loss of spouse, loss of parent, war, depression, PTSD, murder, love thine enemy/ friendships among enemies, child abuse, and sibling rivalry. For those of us with mental health backgrounds, there is a character whose behavior is consistent with Asperger’s.  Whew, I had to take a break after writing all that!  So, as you can imagine this is not a typical Kelly Long book. These colonial Amish characters are quite angsty and the story fairly dark. This book feels as though Kelly poured herself into it during a difficult time. Thus, the emotion on the page is very real.

Kelly is an amazing romance writer and her characters well developed. I really enjoyed the mature couple romance and I appreciate that Kelly gave us a realistic courtship. I’ve heard too many criticisms of short courtships after the death of a spouse. For this time frame and setting it makes sense. The hero and heroine are perfect for each other.

There is a strong spiritual thread and great explanations of the early Amish society and life.

Caution: I am one of those people who do not want to read violence on the page. While much of the abuse, etc., is kept off the page, there was some.

I read this review as a download through NetGalley via Thomas Nelson Publishers.  I am not required to post a positive review.  My opinions are my own. 


GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a copy of this book or any of Kelly Long's books this week.  Leave a comment to have a chance to win one of her many wonderful Amish books!