My Review - A Wedding for Julia

A WEDDING FOR JULIA was a refreshing delight.

 

Julia Beechy is stunned to find out her deceased father and ailing mother had made a decision on her behalf.  Upon her mother’s death, if Julia is not married, she will have to move to live with other relatives and sell the family home.  Shocked, Julia feels betrayed and bewildered.  Her advanced age will make finding an appropriate suitor difficult.  But not only will she lose everything she’s ever known, her dream to open a café will be another casualty of her parent’s decision.

When Caleb Zook hears of Julia’s predicament, he offers a solution.  Though they are mere acquaintances, he proposes marriage to her.  Knowing his heart is ready to accept the beautiful Julia, he knows she has apprehensions and is only considering his proposal so she doesn’t have to abandon her dreams.

Together Julia and Caleb navigate the idiosyncrasies of marriage while caring for her mother, opening the café, and taking in a teenage relative who has rebelled against her parents.  Just as they find their rhythm, the town of Pebble Creek are hit with the worst storm since 1911.  As a tornado roars through town, Julia and Caleb find themselves apart and realizing how much they have come to love and depend on each other.  Their prayer . . . that they are able to weather the storm and get the opportunity to tell each other how they really feel.

I am not a fan of Amish themed books so when I received this book in the mail to review, I cringed.  I have long said there are only so many plots set in the Amish community.  But Vannetta Chapman has penned a fresh story with genuine characters.  Julia is warm and caring, Caleb is a quiet hero, and the added characters of Ada, Shannon, and the Englisch neighbors round out the story and give depth and delight to A WEDDING FOR JULIA.

Book provided for review purposes.