When Hannah refuses to forgive a terrible sin she becomes anathema–shunned. But the real question is, can she forgive herself?
Visitors come to Parke County, Indiana to enjoy the lush farms, to buy the Amish quilts, and to experience the peaceful ways of the Amish families who live there. But when a double murder rocks this quiet community, the Amish residents resolve to forgive even this unfathomable offense.
Hannah, however, finds forgiveness out of reach–both for the murderer and for herself. She harbors a secret shame: while the crime was committed in her own home, she was out meeting with her forbidden love, her English beau, Reece.
The elders of the community insist that Hannah must forgive her family’s killer or be shunned. When Hannah refuses, she runs away with Reece, leaving behind the only life she’s ever known.
Years later, Hannah must journey back to the place she no longer calls home. Can she find the forgiveness and belonging she so desperately desires?
-
Sexual Content - 1/5
1/5
-
Violence - 2/5
2/5
-
Language - 1/5
1/5
-
Drugs and Alcohol - 1/5
1/5
Summary
Overall The cover of Anathema states that it is an Amish, romantic mystery. That is a great summary of this wellcrafted story. Ms. Coble artfully wove numerous intriguing tidbits about the Amish lifestyle throughout her book educating her readers in a way that complimented the story rather than weighing it down. The story began with suspense from the first chapter and extended to the very last paragraph. Her characters were rich and varied; you couldn't help but keep reading in the hopes that she
would reveal more about themto get inside their heads and understand what was making them tick. And she delivered! Sometimes, as a reader, the plot is easy to figure out you know exactly where the story is heading. Not so much with this story; one surprise element after another kept me reading, unwilling to put the book down. After
having read several of Ms. Coble's novels, I would say that this is probably one of her best. Her strong biblical worldview is evident in her characters' dialogue, but not in such a way as to make the conversations didactic. If you like a good mystery, you will want to read this book. If you like Amish novels, you will want to read is book.
Violence Murder and attempted murder. Spousal abuse. Arson.